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The First Casualty: The Untold Story of the Falklands War
April 2nd 1982 - the day that the Falklands War erupted. Just sixty Royal Marines stood in the way of an armada of thousands, 8,000 miles from home and with no support. The story that followed was one of a shameful defeat and ignominious surrender. A story which has lasted for 35 years. Now, with first-hand accounts from the Royal Marines themselves, from the Argentine Marines who fought against them and from the people of Stanley who watched the battle rage on their very doorsteps, a new history has emerged. It is the story of an epic and heroic defence on a scale with Rorke's Drift; a story which neither the British nor the Argentine governments wanted told. It is a battle denied; the battle of Stanley, a battle which - we are told - never happened.
The second edition has updated stories, more information and is an even more dramatic read!
The second edition has updated stories, more information and is an even more dramatic read!
359 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2018
55 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 10, 2020
I read it. The book is written with innumerable inaccuracies and even lies. maybe written like this to sell more. it seems like a novel rather than a historical compilation. not recommendable
October 10, 2020
This is crap!!,
April 14, 2024
The story told of the 1982 Falkland’s conflict is usually that of Britain sending a naval task force thousands of miles to retake the islands. The initial Argentine invasion of the islands – opposed only by 60 or so Royal Marines – is presented, and was in the media at the time, as an ignominious defeat.
This book, based on testimony from combatants on both sides as well as from Falkland islanders, shows that in fact that small force of marines put up a much more than token resistance before laying down their arms.
It also raises a number of questions around the extent of cover ups (on both sides) the possible presence of a small number of British special forces troops, and more.
A few minor typos aside it’s well written and presents the events in a gripping narrative. We may never know the full truth about the invasion but this book provides a much needed perspective on it.
This book, based on testimony from combatants on both sides as well as from Falkland islanders, shows that in fact that small force of marines put up a much more than token resistance before laying down their arms.
It also raises a number of questions around the extent of cover ups (on both sides) the possible presence of a small number of British special forces troops, and more.
A few minor typos aside it’s well written and presents the events in a gripping narrative. We may never know the full truth about the invasion but this book provides a much needed perspective on it.
July 21, 2020
Remarkable
Very few accounts of the invasion of the Falklands in April 1982 exist to the indepth description of this excellent book. I am married to an Islander (Jackie Stewart); she was present throughout the Conflict and can testify this book is a far more accurate account of events than any we have read so far; NP8901 have our complete admiration for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
Very few accounts of the invasion of the Falklands in April 1982 exist to the indepth description of this excellent book. I am married to an Islander (Jackie Stewart); she was present throughout the Conflict and can testify this book is a far more accurate account of events than any we have read so far; NP8901 have our complete admiration for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
February 8, 2020
”The initial reports stated that the Royal Marines had surrendered without a shot being fired. Plainly this was untrue although sometimes this ridiculous statement does get repeated even today.”
November 6, 2025
I purchased this book as a Kindle ebook earlier this year. This book is an attempt by the author to correct the historical record about the initial events during the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 1982. A small contingent of Royal Marines stationed there were tasked with defending the seat of British government in Stanley against an overwhelming Argentine invasion force. Apparently the efforts of the Marines to defend Stanley during the invasion were given short shrift in the press at the time, and downplayed in subsequent reports, books, TV programs, etc. The author attempts to "set the record straight", and in my opinion overplays this aspect of the book, but it was still an interesting read. The book gives a brief background on the Falkland Islands, which apparently have been something of a political football between various global powers for centuries leading up to the fist fight between Argentina and the UK over the islands in the spring of 1982. The book covers the hasty preparation by the Royal Marines for the invasion, starting barely 24 hours ahead of the event, and their running gun battle with the incoming Argentinian forces that culminated with a final "Alamo-style" defense of Government House, home of the British Governor of the islands. In the end the governor ordered the Marines to "cease fire" rather than surrender. Miraculously, despite trading thousands of rounds of rifle and machine gun fire with the Argentinians, not a single Royal Marine was killed or seriously injured in the battle. The numbers of casualties on the Argentinian side are vague in the book - were five killed as claimed in the Marine after action report, or 10, or 100, or more? Apparently reliable numbers have never been provided by the Argentinian government. One aspect of the book that I found particularly interesting was the author's inclusion of tales from the Argentinian side of the invasion, as told through personal accounts and interviews of soldiers who were directly involved. Again, I think the author's tone in trying to correct the historical record about the defense of Stanley was perhaps a little too strident, but overall it was an interesting read. Four out of five stars.
April 1, 2022
The author tells us that he has very close links with the soldiers involved. Unfortunately, this situation seemed to result in events being somewhat drowned in unnecessary detail.
The book starts with a lengthy intro in which the author pledges to tell the whole truth etc. He then provides pen pictures of all the protagonists.
The main point he persists in making is that (rather sensibly) the troops stopped fighting once outnumbered (to prevent the inevitable), but they definitely did not surrender. Surely, these are one and the same?
Aborted at page 272 as the book had become a little too much like recruitment material for the Marines.
The book starts with a lengthy intro in which the author pledges to tell the whole truth etc. He then provides pen pictures of all the protagonists.
The main point he persists in making is that (rather sensibly) the troops stopped fighting once outnumbered (to prevent the inevitable), but they definitely did not surrender. Surely, these are one and the same?
Aborted at page 272 as the book had become a little too much like recruitment material for the Marines.
July 4, 2025
A good read from 1st hand accounts. Interesting about how both Labour and Conservatives for many years tried to give away’ the islands to Argentina for years before the invasion.
Insightful that Maggie Thatcher also was in favour of giving away the islands to save costs, but now she gets alot of qudos for winning the war.
Also insightful from the islanders point of view, wanting to stay British.
Insightful that Maggie Thatcher also was in favour of giving away the islands to save costs, but now she gets alot of qudos for winning the war.
Also insightful from the islanders point of view, wanting to stay British.
April 10, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed the book
An excellent read for anyone interested in the conflict. First hand accounts from both sides provides a fascinating perspective not well known until now.
An excellent read for anyone interested in the conflict. First hand accounts from both sides provides a fascinating perspective not well known until now.
April 29, 2022
We may never know the full truth as to what really happened during the Falklands War. However, one thing is certain. The defiance of Sir Rex Hunt, NP 8901 and all the others associated with the defence of the Falkland Islands against insurmountable odds should never be in any doubt.
RIP.
RIP.
January 23, 2023
Great historical account
The First casualty it’s the truth beyond official propaganda. Well documented, not taking sides, excellent research from this incredible tale. Five thumbs up.
The First casualty it’s the truth beyond official propaganda. Well documented, not taking sides, excellent research from this incredible tale. Five thumbs up.
March 9, 2019
Superbly written and accurate account of the first days of the start of the Falklands conflict
July 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Like most people I have me idea of this period from movies and books, however I was very wrong.
There is so much more to the invasion of the Falkland Islands and anyone who’s interested needs to read this book.
It’s well written and easy to digest with a lot of detail.
There is so much more to the invasion of the Falkland Islands and anyone who’s interested needs to read this book.
It’s well written and easy to digest with a lot of detail.
October 11, 2018
The First Casualty is a revelation and a compelling read. Not just because it's a page turner, which it is, but because Ricky Phillips exposes the cynical politics behind the two belligerents, Argentina and the United Kingdom and the spin that both governments needed, to justify their respective postures.
Since I'm British and live in Argentina, perhaps this book has even more impact and what's impressive is that for the first time, we're able to see the events of 2nd April 1982 from both perspectives - the invading Argentines and the defending Royal Marines - as first hand accounts.
What stood out for me were the apparent lack of knowledge of the invasion by the UK government, the feeling that they let it happen on purpose to suit their political ends and the subsequent sacrificing of the islanders and Royal Marines, vastly outnumbered as they were, by a huge invasion force.
The author has skilfully interwoven first hand accounts of the build up from both sides, the soldiers fears and expectations, right down to the Royal Marine's beliefs that they were indeed all going to die with no support from their superiors. On the other hand, the Argentine soldiers in the initial invasion phase held great respect for the Royal Marines (and perhaps some fear), underestimated their numbers and determination, yet expected nothing more than a token defence, which in the end proved to be far from what either government had expected.
This riveting book finally exposes the inconvenient truth behind what really happened on that fateful day, laying to waste the accepted notion that the defence of Stanley was a mere footnote, but in fact a day of extreme bravery, stoic resilience, professionalism and British backbone.
Since I'm British and live in Argentina, perhaps this book has even more impact and what's impressive is that for the first time, we're able to see the events of 2nd April 1982 from both perspectives - the invading Argentines and the defending Royal Marines - as first hand accounts.
What stood out for me were the apparent lack of knowledge of the invasion by the UK government, the feeling that they let it happen on purpose to suit their political ends and the subsequent sacrificing of the islanders and Royal Marines, vastly outnumbered as they were, by a huge invasion force.
The author has skilfully interwoven first hand accounts of the build up from both sides, the soldiers fears and expectations, right down to the Royal Marine's beliefs that they were indeed all going to die with no support from their superiors. On the other hand, the Argentine soldiers in the initial invasion phase held great respect for the Royal Marines (and perhaps some fear), underestimated their numbers and determination, yet expected nothing more than a token defence, which in the end proved to be far from what either government had expected.
This riveting book finally exposes the inconvenient truth behind what really happened on that fateful day, laying to waste the accepted notion that the defence of Stanley was a mere footnote, but in fact a day of extreme bravery, stoic resilience, professionalism and British backbone.
November 6, 2019
The best Falklands War history I have ever read!
So THIS was the book everyone was talking about, and when I read it, I could see exactly why.
The suspense is gripping, the characters amazing and then the action just goes and goes. The history behind it is incredible and goes to the tiniest detail. You really know that the author knows these men personally, inside and out, and even better, it comes from three sides; the British, the Argentine and the Falkland Islanders. You get to know what each side was thinking and doing, and to see the action from all angles.
I can't imagine the historical research which went into this, which is simply mind-blowing, and sets the bar for all future history books. History can often be dry, uninvolving and a little bit like a recital, but MOVE OVER HISTORIANS because this is how history should be done. Engaging, factual, meticulously researched, backs itself up and leaves the reader wanting more. This is a triumph of history which will stand the test of time, as should the honour of the amazing guys who fought in this battle. An entire battle from the Falklands War which was denied.
If you have the remotest interest in the Falklands War, or just in good history in general, then this is the book you need to read. I can't say enough for this book. Well done Ricky D Phillips and a massive thank you to our heroes of the Royal Marines.
So THIS was the book everyone was talking about, and when I read it, I could see exactly why.
The suspense is gripping, the characters amazing and then the action just goes and goes. The history behind it is incredible and goes to the tiniest detail. You really know that the author knows these men personally, inside and out, and even better, it comes from three sides; the British, the Argentine and the Falkland Islanders. You get to know what each side was thinking and doing, and to see the action from all angles.
I can't imagine the historical research which went into this, which is simply mind-blowing, and sets the bar for all future history books. History can often be dry, uninvolving and a little bit like a recital, but MOVE OVER HISTORIANS because this is how history should be done. Engaging, factual, meticulously researched, backs itself up and leaves the reader wanting more. This is a triumph of history which will stand the test of time, as should the honour of the amazing guys who fought in this battle. An entire battle from the Falklands War which was denied.
If you have the remotest interest in the Falklands War, or just in good history in general, then this is the book you need to read. I can't say enough for this book. Well done Ricky D Phillips and a massive thank you to our heroes of the Royal Marines.
April 8, 2018
At last, the truth about the 1982 Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands and the heroic defence put up by a vastly outnumbered group of Royal Marines whose story has been suppressed for 35 years. The British government does not come out of it well and chose to hide the truth by storing all papers away for 100 years rather than the normal 30.
March 12, 2020
Its a national disgrace that the true story has never been told up until now, great read
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews