How the BBC's Laurie Margolis (G3UML) broke news of Falklands invasion in 1982

[2E0CPX]

The 1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina caught Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher by surprise, newly released papers have revealed.


Thousands of documents have been made public under the 30 year rule. They show that Mrs Thatcher was acutely worried about retaking the islands.


The BBC's Laurie Margolis explains how he confirmed news of the invasion via Amateur Radio before the British government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20857595

[N0NB]

Most likely the ops in the Falklands can be thankful that the Argentinians didn't think to "secure" them or their stations during the invasion.

In the spring of '82 I had a very poor shortwave receiver and equally poor antenna so couldn't listen in.

[N7SMI]

Very cool story! Bob McLeod (VP8LP) is still active from the Falklands most every day. I've worked him twice in recent weeks.

[N3QVB]

The Bob Mcleod that's mentioned in this piece is VP8LP who is still very active. He's an excellent operator, very humble and someone who I consider my Elmer for operating style.

[M3KXZ]

That's cool Paul, thanks for posting. Pleased to say that I worked Bob VP8LP a few weeks back for my first Falklands contact, with 2.5W on 12m, SSB. Easy copy both ways and a lovely QSO I was on the side of his beam as he couldn't rotate it due to extremely high winds!

[G4SKO]

The Bob Mcleod that's mentioned in this piece is VP8LP who is still very active. He's an excellent operator, very humble and someone who I consider my Elmer for operating style.

I work Bob from time to time on 10m and agree, he's a great op, it's apparent he doesn't always go for the strongest signal. He sets a great example.

[2E0GLN]

Just when I'd passed my first exam, making me an M6 in the UK , using my CB radio A-99 antenna - I heard Bob on 10m, this gentleman (knowing I had only 10w at my disposal) - called me out of the pile-up - My most memorable contact ever - Thanks Bob