Major General Julian H A Thompson CB OBE 1934-

Major General Julian Thompson CB OBE joined the Royal Marines a month after his 18th birthday and served for 34 years, in the Near, Middle and Far East, and the Southern and Northern Regions of Europe and commanded on operations in all ranks from platoon commander to major general. He commanded 40 Commando Royal Marines for two and a half years, and the 3rd Commando Brigade for two years. The latter period of command included the Falklands War of 1982, in which his brigade carried out the initial landings and fought the majority of the land battles.

Brian Hanrahan 1949-2010

Brian Hanrahan - BBC Falklands War Correspondent

Ask anyone about reporting from the Falklands War in 1982, and before long they will be quoting Brian Hanrahan's memorable phrase, "I counted them all out, and I counted them all back."
It was a clever ruse to get round reporting restrictions, so that he could say that all British Harrier jets had returned safely. It has become a prime example of good reporting under pressure. During his 20 years as a BBC foreign affairs reporter, he has covered some of the major events to shake the world in recent times.

Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher 1925-2013

Margaret Thatcher was British Prime Minister from 1979-1990.

On 2 April 1982, a ruling military junta in Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory that Argentina had claimed since an 1830s dispute on their British settlement. Within days Mrs Thatcher sent a naval task force to recapture the islands. Despite the huge logistical difficulties the operation was a success, resulting in a wave of patriotic enthusiasm and support for her government at a time when Thatcher's popularity had been at an all-time low for a serving Prime Minister.