Carrier Battle Group: 1982

I put a big order in to Navwar about three years ago, but most of it has gone unpainted. Some was, and I was happy with the paint jobs, but I used filler for the bases which made it look like all my little ships were battling with a force 9.

Having got my gaming mojo back, I decided to get some work done on my Falklands fleet. Some had been previously painted and based, so these were ripped from their bases and dipped in cellulose thinners, which works a treat. Then they were rebased using artist’s gel medium for sea effects, which is a lot more subtle and gives a nice finished sea base.

The Falklands has a particular fascination for me, largely because of it being on the nightly news when I was about 13. I have since met a number of veterans, one of whom, a family friend, was on the Atlantic Conveyor when she was hit. I was also privileged enough to have a tour around HMS Glamorgan as part of a school trip in 1984. Many of the crew had been on her since the Falklands/Malvinas War and the damage from her Exocet strike was still apparent, repaired though of course it had been. I was also lucky enough to visit HMS Plymouth before she was so disgracefully scrapped as part of a very shady deal.

The Carrier Battle Group, as it was on 4 May 1982 – Front row, left to right: HMS Coventry, HMS Glasgow, HMS Sheffield (all Type 42 DDGs) – Second row: HMS Alacrity (Type 21 ‘Amazon’ class FFG), HMS Yarmouth (Type 12 ‘Rothsay’ class FFG), HMS Glamorgan (‘County class DDG) and HMS Arrow (another Type 21) – Rear: HMS Brilliant (Type 22 FFG), HMS Invincible (CV), HMS Hermes (CV) and HMS Broadsword (another Type 22)

The three sisters – two were never to return. Actually, I noticed after basing that the closest is missing its Type 965 radar, prominent on the other two. Fortunately, as they come in packs of 2, I have a spare!

The second line of defence – nice models, though Glamorgan could do with being a bit ‘beamier’

I also have the Endurance and a few other contemporary ships, and the Belgrano with her escorts. A future ‘what if…’ featuring the planned attack by Task Force 79.3 and simultaneous attacks by A-4 Skyhawks from the 25 de Mayo on May 2nd is planned.

Once I get this little lot done, I need to rebase and repaint my Soviets, get another order in to Navwar for some odds and ends (plus more Argentinians) and I’ll be about done and can get on with some gaming.