Air War In The South Atlantic

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Auld was 800 Squadron’s Commanding Officer during the Falklands crisis. He is credited with having shot down two Argentine aircraft and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross as a result of his actions and the leadership he provided to 800 Squadron. Prior to the introduction of the Sea Harrier in RN service, Andy Auld flew F4 Phantoms from HMS Ark Royal.

I think I first got an inkling that we would be going Into action when the scrap dealers refused to leave South Georgia. There was still some doubt in my mind but I can remember thinking, ‘Is It going to happen?’ and ‘Will we see some action?’ As time went on, some of us realised that we might have to go – others thought the political situation would just blow over and the scrap dealers leave the island. It was not to be. Having known some South Americans and judged their character and temperament, I must admit that I thought we would be going into action and for me the invasion of the Falklands Islands made it certain.

As with the other squadron commanding officers, I was called at about 0400 hours on April 2 and told to bring 800 Squadron to immediate readiness. Considering we were due to go on leave at midday, I think we did well to be ready in all respects for embarkation by 1100 hours. Our sister unit, 801 Squadron, was actually on leave so its recall took slightly longer than ours. Fortunately, we had rehearsed our call-out several times and it worked very well.

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