Sir Galahad death toll 'was avoidable'

For the army, the attack on Sir Galahad was the biggest single lost of life since the Second World War. Credit: ITV News Wales

Thirty years ago this week Britain went to war in the Falklands.

At the height of the war to regain the islands from Argentina, thirty-two Welsh guards were killed when their troop ship the Sir Galahad was bombed.

For the army it was the biggest single lost of life since the Second World War.

Tonight a Wales This Week investigation throws new light on the events leading up to the tragedy and hears from a senior commander who believes that the lost of life was avoidable.

Tonight’s film includes never-before-seen footage of the Welsh Guards in training and en route to the Falklands, as well as computer graphics which help tell the story of events leading up to the bombing in forensic detail.

Wales This Week spoke to many of the key commanders involved, who analyse the vital decisions they made at the time.

General Mario Menendez, commander of the Argentinian troops occupying the Falklands, and the pilots who actually bombed the Sir Galahad also spoke to the programme-makers.

But the most vivid memories come from Welsh Guardsmen who survived the inferno on board the Sir Galahad.

Guardsman Neil Wilkinson shares his memories of the attack Credit: Barefoot Rascals

Sir Galahad – The Untold Story – a Wales This Week Special, tonight after News at Ten