Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:15:13-2:15:57

The unsupported 'send the Buccaneers' story

The alleged instruction is disputed, while the timing of the Nott review explains why Fearless and Intrepid remained available.

Blackburn BuccaneerFalklands WarHistorical MythsMargaret Thatcher
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Question

Did Margaret Thatcher respond to the Falklands invasion by saying 'send the Buccaneers'?

Short answer

No supporting evidence is identified. The competing account has Thatcher initially doubting Britain's ability to intervene.

Notes

Clarke rejects the alleged instruction to send the Buccaneers, citing his partner's research on Margaret Thatcher. In his account, Thatcher initially doubted that Britain had the military capability to intervene in the Falklands. The Nott review had not yet been fully implemented, and Fearless and Intrepid were still available when the task force sailed. Proposed reductions therefore have to be separated from the ships Britain actually retained at the outbreak of the war.