Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
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Bernard Woolley
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Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
The first in an ocasional series of short accounts of British ships that just might have been able to serve in the Falklands War. Some of the stories are connected. Others may exist in their own universe.
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Bernard Woolley
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- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:06 pm
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HMS Bulwark (R08)
HMS Bulwark (R08)
Motto: “Under thy wings I will trust”
Commissioned: 4 November 1954
Displacement: 22,000 tons standard, 27,000 tons full load
Length: 737.75 ft (224.87 m)
Beam: 123 ft (37 m)
Draught: 27.8 ft (8.5 m)
Propulsion: 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph)
Range: 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Complement: 850 (+ 200 Naval Air Squadron + 800 Royal Marine Commandos)
Aircraft Carried: As a commando carrier: Up to 16 Westland Wessex HU.5 of helicopters of 845 or 848 Naval Air Squadron.
Armament: 12x 40mm Bofors (4x2, 4x1)
Notes: By late March 1982, the ‘Rusty B’, as HMS Bulwark had been nicknamed was in the process of de-storing in preparation of reducing to reserve and eventual disposal. Her last major deployment had been for Exercise Teamwork 80 off Norway. In the preceding time she had been under refit to repair the damage from two minor fires (one in 1979, the other in 1980). A vigilant crew and a prompt damage control response had caught the fires early and prevented why might have been serious damage. When the Falklands Crisis blew up, the process of reducing her to reserve was cancelled and her crew recalled. Embarking fifteen Wessex HU.5 of No. 845 Naval Air Squadron, the marines of 45 Commando, gunners of 7 (Sphinx) Battery Royal Artillery, along with their L118 105mm Light Guns, plus some other ‘odds and sods’ from 3 Commando Brigade, Bulwark left Portsmouth shortly after the main carrier group and the initial group of amphibious ships led by HMS Fearless (L10). But before the remaining amphibious ships, including HMS Intrepid (L11).
The presence of Bulwark allowed additional equipment and personnel to be added to 3 Commando Brigade. For example, all of B Squadron, The Blues & Royals was attached to the brigade, rather than the planned two troops. Moreover, T Battery (Shah Sujah's Troop) Royal Artillery 12 Air Defence Regiment was able to bring its full establishment of support vehicles, including the testing and calibration equipment for its Rapier missiles. Something that would prove crucial later on.
On 21st May, while the ships of Combined Task Group 317.0 entered Falkland Sound, heading for San Carlos Waters, fourteen of 845 NAS’ Wessex helicopters (one was unserviceable), started landing the ‘Booties’ of 45 Commando on high ground. 45 was able to establish an initial defensive perimeter while the main amphibious landings were underway. Members of Zulu Company intercepted some Argentinean troops from 25th Infantry Regiment, retreating from Fanning Head after being engaged by the SBS. Preventing them from engaging two Gazelle AH.1 from 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, which passed by shortly afterwords.
With the beachhead secure, Bulwark would detach twelve of her Wessex helicopters to San Carlos, where they would soon become invaluable. The ‘Rusty B’ would return to the carrier group, to act as a third flight deck. She would embark six Sea King HAS.2 from 824 NAS, which would take on both ASW and Vertical Replenishment duties alongside the four remaining Wessex.
25 May was Argentina’s National Day and would see a major attach on the Task Force, leading by the end of the day to the loss of HMS Coventry (D118) in Falkland Sound. Two Exocet armed Super Etendards would also mount and attack on the Carrier Group. Bulwark had spent the day assisting SS Atlantic Conveyor in readying her load of helicopters (six Wessex helicopters from 848 Naval Air Squadron, four RAF Chinook HC.1s from No. 18 Squadron RAF and a single Lynx HAS.2 from 815 NAS) for deployment ashore. While Atlantic Conveyor had waited for nightfall to enter Falkland Sound to unload her other cargo, Bulwark had closed with the islands, allowing her to fly off some of the additional helicopters. While others launched directly from the RO-RO container ship, using the carrier as a stop-off point. By the time the warning of ‘Handbrake’ was sounded, and ‘Air Raid Warning Red’ declared, ‘Rusty B’ had returned to the carrier group. She had taken up position close to Atlantic Conveyor and was using some of her Wessex and Sea King to distribute some stores from the container ship to other vessels in the group.
As fate would have it, despite firing chaff, one of the two Exocet missiles, resolutely locked on to Bulwark and would not be seduced. However, the carrier’s luck had not completely run out. Her port 40mm Bofors mounts had opened fire as the missile had been spotted closing at speed. Bulwark got lucky, just before the missile struck her side, one of the hundreds of 40mm shells fired clipped the Exocet’s tail. The missile pitched up and exploded. Fragments spattered her steel side and tore across the flight-deck. The crew of the aftmost twin Bofors mount were killed in the explosion and ten other members of her crew would die on the flight deck, either killed by missile fragments, or in the explosions and fire caused by the destruction of three Wessex and a single Sea King helicopter. As one of the helicopters had been on a deck lift, descending into the hangar for maintenance, the fire would spread to the aft hangar.
The tough construction of Bulwark and her well-trained crew would save her from serious damage. However, it would take three hours to extinguish the fires on the flight deck and aft hangar. Even while on fire, ‘Rusty B’ would remain at least partially operational, helicopters taking off and landing on her forward deck. Argentina would be quick to claim that Bulwark had been sunk (and many Argentineans still do). However, the Royal Navy would release a series of photographs on 26 May showing a damaged, but very much intact and operational ‘Rusty B’. During the night of 25-26 May, largely unnoticed in all the hubbub around Bulwark, Atlantic Conveyor would enter San Carlos Waters, and start unloading her vital supplies. She would remain there for several days, becoming a temporary helicopter operating base. HMS Sheathbill, the Forward Operating Base ashore for Sea Harriers and Harriers would open shortly after her arrival.
On 28-29th May, the availability of additional helicopters would prove crucial in the attack on Goose Green by 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and 42 Commando. The Wessex and Sea King HC.4 helicopters allowed a full battery of six Light Guns to be deployed. Two troops from the Blues and Royals were also attached to the task force, which was commanded by Brigadier Julian Thompson himself. Even with the additional firepower provided by the full howitzer battery, plus Naval Gunfire support from HMS Tiger and HMS Arrow, the fighting was fierce. Leading to fifty British casualties, with the ten dead including Lt. Colonel H Jones of 2 Para. The Argentinean garrison of over 1,160, would suffer around 55 dead and 145 wounded. Their final surrender came as 2 Para, supported by the Scorpions and Scimitars of The Blues and Royals, mounted an attack towards Goose Green itself. Meanwhile Wessex helicopters from 845 NAS and Sea King HAS.2 (which had their ASW gear stripped) from 824 NAS, escorted by missile armed Scout AH.1s, landed Juliet and Kilo Companies, 42 Commando in the Argentinean rear.
Between 30 May and the Argentinean surrender on 7 June the additional helicopters brought by HMS Bulwark and SS Atlantic Conveyor would allow the British land forces to largely remain air mobile. However, there was still only enough air lift to move either 3 Commando, or 5 Infantry Brigade, but not both simultaneously. The ‘Booties’ and Paras were still occasionally required to ‘Yomp’ or ‘Tab’ respectfully when helicopters were not available. The overall land commander, Major General Jeremy Moore, had taken the pragmatic approach to give priority for helicopter support to combat support units, and the army infantry battalions who proved less able to march over the rough Falklands terrain. Although, in general both 1st Battalion, The Queens Own Highlanders and 1st Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, would prove almost as tough as the Marines and Paras.
The availability of helicopters would also mean that one of the war’s tragedies was prevented from being far worse. After effectively high-jacking one of the Chinooks (ZA718 ‘Bravo November’), 2 Para had established a forward position at Bluff Cove and Fitzroy. 5 Infantry Brigade’s commander, Brigadier Tony Wilson, was able to convince a reluctant Major General Moore, to commit to a second southern prong, which would be led by Wilson brigade. Helicopters were diverted from 3 Commando Brigade to deploy 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. 63 Squadron, RAF Regiment were also quickly deployed with their Rapier missiles. The army had already proven how deadly that system could be. Unfortunately, not all troops, or much of their heavy equipment could be moved by air and two Landing Ship Logistics, RFA Sir Tristram (L3505) and RFA Sir Galahad (L3005) were deployed to Port Pleasant on 1st June, carrying engineers of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, and members of 16 Field Ambulance, RAMC. Plus, some troops from the Wesh Guards who had been left behind for various reasons.
At approximately 1400 hours local, five A-4Bs of Grupo 5 would mount an attack on the anchorage. Both LSL were hit badly, with heavy casualties aboard Sir Galahad especially. The RAF Regiment gunners had been caught flat footed due to a technical failure but were able to get two fire units operational in time to shoot down two of the Skyhawks as they exited the area. Thirty British servicemen were still killed in this attack and the subsequent one that would sink LCU Foxtrot-4 in in Choiseul Sound.
To make a point, on 8 June, Bulwark would take up position close off Stanley, to act as a helicopter base. At least that was the official reason. Positioning her close in shore was also, in part, to prove that the ‘Rusty B’ had not been sunk. Ships taking Argentinean PoWs back to Argentina made sure that they sailed close by the carrier.
Bulwark would remain on station for just over a month before returning to the UK. Service in the South Atlantic, combined with the damage from the Exocet had taken their toll. The carrier was almost immediately reduced to unmaintained reserve. She was finally listed for disposal in April 1983 and some materials were removed from her to be used as potential spares for HMS Hermes (R12). Bulwark would be towed to Cairnryan for scrapping in April 1984, almost two years after adding the battle honour ‘Falklands 1982’ to her
Motto: “Under thy wings I will trust”
Commissioned: 4 November 1954
Displacement: 22,000 tons standard, 27,000 tons full load
Length: 737.75 ft (224.87 m)
Beam: 123 ft (37 m)
Draught: 27.8 ft (8.5 m)
Propulsion: 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph)
Range: 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Complement: 850 (+ 200 Naval Air Squadron + 800 Royal Marine Commandos)
Aircraft Carried: As a commando carrier: Up to 16 Westland Wessex HU.5 of helicopters of 845 or 848 Naval Air Squadron.
Armament: 12x 40mm Bofors (4x2, 4x1)
Notes: By late March 1982, the ‘Rusty B’, as HMS Bulwark had been nicknamed was in the process of de-storing in preparation of reducing to reserve and eventual disposal. Her last major deployment had been for Exercise Teamwork 80 off Norway. In the preceding time she had been under refit to repair the damage from two minor fires (one in 1979, the other in 1980). A vigilant crew and a prompt damage control response had caught the fires early and prevented why might have been serious damage. When the Falklands Crisis blew up, the process of reducing her to reserve was cancelled and her crew recalled. Embarking fifteen Wessex HU.5 of No. 845 Naval Air Squadron, the marines of 45 Commando, gunners of 7 (Sphinx) Battery Royal Artillery, along with their L118 105mm Light Guns, plus some other ‘odds and sods’ from 3 Commando Brigade, Bulwark left Portsmouth shortly after the main carrier group and the initial group of amphibious ships led by HMS Fearless (L10). But before the remaining amphibious ships, including HMS Intrepid (L11).
The presence of Bulwark allowed additional equipment and personnel to be added to 3 Commando Brigade. For example, all of B Squadron, The Blues & Royals was attached to the brigade, rather than the planned two troops. Moreover, T Battery (Shah Sujah's Troop) Royal Artillery 12 Air Defence Regiment was able to bring its full establishment of support vehicles, including the testing and calibration equipment for its Rapier missiles. Something that would prove crucial later on.
On 21st May, while the ships of Combined Task Group 317.0 entered Falkland Sound, heading for San Carlos Waters, fourteen of 845 NAS’ Wessex helicopters (one was unserviceable), started landing the ‘Booties’ of 45 Commando on high ground. 45 was able to establish an initial defensive perimeter while the main amphibious landings were underway. Members of Zulu Company intercepted some Argentinean troops from 25th Infantry Regiment, retreating from Fanning Head after being engaged by the SBS. Preventing them from engaging two Gazelle AH.1 from 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron, which passed by shortly afterwords.
With the beachhead secure, Bulwark would detach twelve of her Wessex helicopters to San Carlos, where they would soon become invaluable. The ‘Rusty B’ would return to the carrier group, to act as a third flight deck. She would embark six Sea King HAS.2 from 824 NAS, which would take on both ASW and Vertical Replenishment duties alongside the four remaining Wessex.
25 May was Argentina’s National Day and would see a major attach on the Task Force, leading by the end of the day to the loss of HMS Coventry (D118) in Falkland Sound. Two Exocet armed Super Etendards would also mount and attack on the Carrier Group. Bulwark had spent the day assisting SS Atlantic Conveyor in readying her load of helicopters (six Wessex helicopters from 848 Naval Air Squadron, four RAF Chinook HC.1s from No. 18 Squadron RAF and a single Lynx HAS.2 from 815 NAS) for deployment ashore. While Atlantic Conveyor had waited for nightfall to enter Falkland Sound to unload her other cargo, Bulwark had closed with the islands, allowing her to fly off some of the additional helicopters. While others launched directly from the RO-RO container ship, using the carrier as a stop-off point. By the time the warning of ‘Handbrake’ was sounded, and ‘Air Raid Warning Red’ declared, ‘Rusty B’ had returned to the carrier group. She had taken up position close to Atlantic Conveyor and was using some of her Wessex and Sea King to distribute some stores from the container ship to other vessels in the group.
As fate would have it, despite firing chaff, one of the two Exocet missiles, resolutely locked on to Bulwark and would not be seduced. However, the carrier’s luck had not completely run out. Her port 40mm Bofors mounts had opened fire as the missile had been spotted closing at speed. Bulwark got lucky, just before the missile struck her side, one of the hundreds of 40mm shells fired clipped the Exocet’s tail. The missile pitched up and exploded. Fragments spattered her steel side and tore across the flight-deck. The crew of the aftmost twin Bofors mount were killed in the explosion and ten other members of her crew would die on the flight deck, either killed by missile fragments, or in the explosions and fire caused by the destruction of three Wessex and a single Sea King helicopter. As one of the helicopters had been on a deck lift, descending into the hangar for maintenance, the fire would spread to the aft hangar.
The tough construction of Bulwark and her well-trained crew would save her from serious damage. However, it would take three hours to extinguish the fires on the flight deck and aft hangar. Even while on fire, ‘Rusty B’ would remain at least partially operational, helicopters taking off and landing on her forward deck. Argentina would be quick to claim that Bulwark had been sunk (and many Argentineans still do). However, the Royal Navy would release a series of photographs on 26 May showing a damaged, but very much intact and operational ‘Rusty B’. During the night of 25-26 May, largely unnoticed in all the hubbub around Bulwark, Atlantic Conveyor would enter San Carlos Waters, and start unloading her vital supplies. She would remain there for several days, becoming a temporary helicopter operating base. HMS Sheathbill, the Forward Operating Base ashore for Sea Harriers and Harriers would open shortly after her arrival.
On 28-29th May, the availability of additional helicopters would prove crucial in the attack on Goose Green by 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and 42 Commando. The Wessex and Sea King HC.4 helicopters allowed a full battery of six Light Guns to be deployed. Two troops from the Blues and Royals were also attached to the task force, which was commanded by Brigadier Julian Thompson himself. Even with the additional firepower provided by the full howitzer battery, plus Naval Gunfire support from HMS Tiger and HMS Arrow, the fighting was fierce. Leading to fifty British casualties, with the ten dead including Lt. Colonel H Jones of 2 Para. The Argentinean garrison of over 1,160, would suffer around 55 dead and 145 wounded. Their final surrender came as 2 Para, supported by the Scorpions and Scimitars of The Blues and Royals, mounted an attack towards Goose Green itself. Meanwhile Wessex helicopters from 845 NAS and Sea King HAS.2 (which had their ASW gear stripped) from 824 NAS, escorted by missile armed Scout AH.1s, landed Juliet and Kilo Companies, 42 Commando in the Argentinean rear.
Between 30 May and the Argentinean surrender on 7 June the additional helicopters brought by HMS Bulwark and SS Atlantic Conveyor would allow the British land forces to largely remain air mobile. However, there was still only enough air lift to move either 3 Commando, or 5 Infantry Brigade, but not both simultaneously. The ‘Booties’ and Paras were still occasionally required to ‘Yomp’ or ‘Tab’ respectfully when helicopters were not available. The overall land commander, Major General Jeremy Moore, had taken the pragmatic approach to give priority for helicopter support to combat support units, and the army infantry battalions who proved less able to march over the rough Falklands terrain. Although, in general both 1st Battalion, The Queens Own Highlanders and 1st Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, would prove almost as tough as the Marines and Paras.
The availability of helicopters would also mean that one of the war’s tragedies was prevented from being far worse. After effectively high-jacking one of the Chinooks (ZA718 ‘Bravo November’), 2 Para had established a forward position at Bluff Cove and Fitzroy. 5 Infantry Brigade’s commander, Brigadier Tony Wilson, was able to convince a reluctant Major General Moore, to commit to a second southern prong, which would be led by Wilson brigade. Helicopters were diverted from 3 Commando Brigade to deploy 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. 63 Squadron, RAF Regiment were also quickly deployed with their Rapier missiles. The army had already proven how deadly that system could be. Unfortunately, not all troops, or much of their heavy equipment could be moved by air and two Landing Ship Logistics, RFA Sir Tristram (L3505) and RFA Sir Galahad (L3005) were deployed to Port Pleasant on 1st June, carrying engineers of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, and members of 16 Field Ambulance, RAMC. Plus, some troops from the Wesh Guards who had been left behind for various reasons.
At approximately 1400 hours local, five A-4Bs of Grupo 5 would mount an attack on the anchorage. Both LSL were hit badly, with heavy casualties aboard Sir Galahad especially. The RAF Regiment gunners had been caught flat footed due to a technical failure but were able to get two fire units operational in time to shoot down two of the Skyhawks as they exited the area. Thirty British servicemen were still killed in this attack and the subsequent one that would sink LCU Foxtrot-4 in in Choiseul Sound.
To make a point, on 8 June, Bulwark would take up position close off Stanley, to act as a helicopter base. At least that was the official reason. Positioning her close in shore was also, in part, to prove that the ‘Rusty B’ had not been sunk. Ships taking Argentinean PoWs back to Argentina made sure that they sailed close by the carrier.
Bulwark would remain on station for just over a month before returning to the UK. Service in the South Atlantic, combined with the damage from the Exocet had taken their toll. The carrier was almost immediately reduced to unmaintained reserve. She was finally listed for disposal in April 1983 and some materials were removed from her to be used as potential spares for HMS Hermes (R12). Bulwark would be towed to Cairnryan for scrapping in April 1984, almost two years after adding the battle honour ‘Falklands 1982’ to her
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jemhouston
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Bernard Woolley
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Re: Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
Thank you.
As an example of the change the availability of the 'Rusty B' brings is that there would be space for around 400 troops aboard RFA Stromness (A344). Which in @ transported most of 45 Commando.
As an example of the change the availability of the 'Rusty B' brings is that there would be space for around 400 troops aboard RFA Stromness (A344). Which in @ transported most of 45 Commando.
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Johnnie Lyle
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Re: Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
Some very interesting butterfly effects from having another flight deck and relatively few extra helos.
Shah Shuja’s Troop? Google is being a prat, but I assume that’s real.
Shah Shuja’s Troop? Google is being a prat, but I assume that’s real.
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Bernard Woolley
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Re: Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
I haven't fully worked it out, but with Bulwark carrying 15 Wessex, there would have been space for other helicopters aboard the rest of the Task Force. Which means probably something like at least a dozen extra helicopters to start with. The survival of Atlantic Conveyor is also crucial. It gives the ground forces four, rather than a single Chinook, plus six more Wessex HU.5. In terms of helping logistics, that's a significant difference. There's also the fact that HMS Sheathbill becomes operational earlier, which improves air cover.Johnnie Lyle wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 5:28 pmSome very interesting butterfly effects from having another flight deck and relatively few extra helos.
All in all, I figured that the changes would add up to knocking a week off the war. Principally because most British troops would now be moved by helicopter, rather than having to walk. There's also a few other 'butterflies' in there. Such as Thompson sending an additional battalion to Goose Green and taking command himself (he mention in 'No Picnic' that in hindsight, he should have done that). There's also the substitution of 1 QOH for 2 Scots Guards.
Yup, it's real all right. In 1982 it had Rapier FSA. Now it has Stormer with Startstreak HVM. One of the issues that Rapier had during the Falklands War was that it suffered from the long ocean voyage. Due to space limitations, the battery had to leave a lot of its supporting vehicles and equipment behind. In this scenario, that's less of an issue, so T Battery can bring all its kit with it. That means the battery would become operational quicker and be more reliable than in @. The effect would mean more Argentinean jets shot down and perhaps one, or two less ships in San Carlos get hit. I'll toss a coin/roll a dice at some point to decide what ship(s) did not get hit.Johnnie Lyle wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2024 5:28 pmShah Shuja’s Troop? Google is being a prat, but I assume that’s real.
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Nick Sumner
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Bernard Woolley
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Craiglxviii
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Re: Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
Jan, was this part of “Dane’s Frightening Ships” work on the old old board?
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Bernard Woolley
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Re: Dane’s Alternative Ships of the Falklands War
No, this is brand new. I just borrowed a bit of the title.