The Yompers: With 45 Commando in the Falklands War

Description

'Yomping' was revealed by the journalist Charles Laurence in 1982 as the word which the Royal Marines used to describe carrying heavy loads long distances on foot. Given the intense public interest in the dramatic events then unfolding in the South Atlantic, it caught on and is now in common usage. The Yompers is the first account to be written by a company commander who fought in the Falklands War. Called to action from their beds early on 2 April 1982, the author along with the rest of 45 Commando Royal Marines, sailed 8,000 miles to play a key role in the recovery of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation. Lacking helicopters and short of food, they 'yomped' in appalling weather carrying overloaded rucksacks, across ground which threatened to break legs and ankles at every step. Despite extreme hardship, their morale and training ensured they remained a cohesive fighting-fit body of men. They went on to fight the crucial night battle for Two Sisters, the twin 1,000 foot high peaks which were keys to the defensive positions around Stanley. The author paints an illuminating picture of the Royal Marines Commandos at war. Gritty and moving, and at moments wryly amusing, The Yompers provides penetrating, original first-hand insights into wider aspects of the Falklands War as well as conflict in general. AUTHOR: Ian Gariner served a full career ion the Royal Marines retiring as a Brigadier. Since then he has written two books, In the Service of the Sultan and The Flatpack Bombers. 16 pp b/w plates

Ian Gardiner served a full career in the Royal Marines retiring as a Brigadier. Since then he has written two books (In the Service of the Sultan has sold over 12,000 copies and The Flatpack Bombers). He lives in Edinburgh and is a defence consultant.

This wise, beautifully written book has many excellent photographs. Highly recommended. - The Naval Review Ian Gardiner provides a vivid insight into the conflict and not just into strategy, tactics and the actual fighting. What are most revealing are the human touches - the small things that made life miserable or bearable. In his book Ian Gardiner paints a fascinating picture of the Royal Marines at a pivitol point in their history. This is an excellently written volume which I strongly recommend. - Warship World A cerebral Scot who retired as a brigadier, the author is as brilliant at explaining the strategic complexities of the campaign as he is at allowing the reader to experience what it really felt like to be invloved in an unending battle with the elements and against an enemy whose will needed to be broken if the war was to be won. He is generous in his praise of other units, where praise is due, but never shirks from criticism where it is needed. This book maintains the extremely high standards of detail, interest and readability that the author achieved in his first two books. - Guards Magazine