Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Voice Of The Falklands Recalls Invasion

The Voice Of The Falklands Recalls Invasion

Thirty years ago this week Argentinian forces attacked the Falkland Islands, starting a war which would last 74 days and claim more than 1000 lives on both sides. On the night of the invasion radio broadcaster Patrick Watts was ordered by the islands' governor to stay on air and keep residents informed about what was happening. "At around two o'clock the Governor Rex Hunt called me and said all attempts to stop the Argentines invading the Falklands had failed and we can expect them by dawn," Patrick said. "Those words hit me hard and I started to shake pretty hard." But he continued broadcasting. As the assault started worried islanders called in relaying what they could see - tanks, troops and the Argentinian flag flying. But Patrick remembers one caller in particular, who said: "I can see the stars." Patrick told him: "For goodness sake don't stay outside. Get inside." The man responded: "No, I am looking through the roof. There is a hole in the roof." Patrick smiles at th! e memory now but admits to being scared. A shot of cognac helped him through and steeled him for the moment he had been expecting. At around 9am on April 2, 1982, he heard the thud of boots in the corridor outside his studio. Six Argentinian soldiers entered the room and pointed their guns at his back. It was then, over the airwaves he uttered arguably the most potent words of his career. Patrick said: "I barked 'Stop that racket'. They were shouting and smoking, and I told them to shut up, put the ...





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