Brigadier Julian Thompson
Commander, 3 Commando Brigade
"We shall have to yomp. The Chinooks are gone."
Biography
Julian Howard Aldridge Thompson was born in 1934 and served a distinguished career in the Royal Marines, rising to command 3 Commando Brigade — Britain's specialist amphibious assault force. When the Falklands crisis broke, Thompson's brigade became the core of the land force. He was responsible for planning and executing the San Carlos landings and the subsequent advance across East Falkland. His relationship with his superiors was occasionally tense: he faced pressure from London to attack before he felt ready, and he was briefly in danger of being superseded when Major General Jeremy Moore arrived in the theatre. Thompson's methodical approach to the land campaign — consolidating the beachhead, resolving the logistic picture, then advancing — was vindicated by events. After the loss of the Chinook helicopters aboard Atlantic Conveyor, his marines famously 'yomped' (marched) across the island carrying everything on their backs. Thompson commanded forces at Goose Green, the Mount battles, and the final assault on Stanley. After the war, he wrote prolifically about military history and the Falklands campaign in particular, and became a respected commentator on British defence. He was knighted for his services.
Did you know?
Thompson's marines so perfected 'yomping' — the marines' term for a long march with full kit — that the word entered the British dictionary as a result of the Falklands War.
Key Battles
San Carlos Landings ('Bomb Alley')
United Kingdom victoryMay 21, 1982 · 150 total casualties
The San Carlos landings established the bridgehead that made the entire land campaign possible. Argentine air power inflicted serious losses but could not prevent the build-up of forces on shore — a failure that proved decisive.
Battle of Goose Green
United Kingdom victoryMay 28–29, 1982 · 80 total casualties
Goose Green was the war's defining land battle and a crucial morale victory for Britain at a politically sensitive moment. H Jones's death — and his VC — became the most iconic individual story of the conflict, debated by military historians ever since.
Battle of Mount Longdon
United Kingdom victoryJune 11–12, 1982 · 130 total casualties
Mount Longdon was the bloodiest single engagement for British forces in the war and demonstrated the ferocity of Argentine resistance when defending prepared positions. Its capture opened the eastern approach to Stanley.
Battle of Mount Tumbledown
United Kingdom victoryJune 13–14, 1982 · 100 total casualties
The fall of Tumbledown and William effectively ended organised Argentine resistance. With British forces on the high ground overlooking Stanley, General Menéndez faced no viable option but surrender.
Fall of Stanley — Argentine Surrender
United Kingdom victoryJune 14, 1982 · 5 total casualties
The surrender ended the war and triggered immediate political consequences in Buenos Aires, where Galtieri resigned within days and Argentina's path back to democracy accelerated. In London, Thatcher's political standing transformed from embattled to triumphant.
Life Journey
Timeline
1934
🌅 Birth
Born in Ranchi, British India
1952
📚 Education
Began Royal Marines officer training
May 21, 1982
⚔️ Battle
Commanded San Carlos landings
June 14, 1982
⚔️ Battle
Entered Stanley after Argentine surrender
1983
🕊️ Postwar
Awarded CB for Falklands service