In the Falklands with 2 Para

2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment – also known as 2 Para – was the only land force unit to fight in two battles during the Falklands War (1982).

One of these was Goose Green, the first major land engagement of the war, which saw the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel ‘H’ Jones, killed and awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. The other was Wireless Ridge, which took place on the last night of the conflict and ended in the collapse of the Argentine Army.

Goose Green has since elicited much speculation. Was the plan flawed? Was the death of ‘H’ Jones avoidable? Did the battle need to be fought at all?

What was the mood of the battalion, weakened by many casualties, when it was committed to another battle at Wireless Ridge – under a new commanding officer?

And how did D Company – the third rifle company in 2 Para – come to terms in the closing moments, as they prepared to take the final objective of the war, with a horrific artillery barrage – from their own guns?

Philip Neame was in command of D Company during the Falklands War. In this talk, he will explore these questions and share his experiences of serving during the conflict.

Lieutenant Colonel Philip Neame MBE served for six years in the RAF Regiment and 20 years in the Parachute Regiment, leaving as a lieutenant colonel in 1994, shortly after commanding a TA battalion based in London.

He saw service in Oman during the Dhofar War in the early 1970s, Northern Ireland, and with Special Forces. In 1982, Phil led his company through a number of engagements against Argentinian forces during the Falklands War, at both the battles of Goose Green and Wireless Ridge, and was Mentioned in Despatches.

This video is a recording of a live conversation between Philip Neame and Dr Peter Johnston, originally streamed on 11 June 2021. This video marks Armed Forces Day 2022.

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[SimDeck]

I purchased and read Phil Neames book. What an outstanding leader. Would have loved to have served under his command. Ex Green Jacket here.

[markgibbons]

I could listen to Maj Phil Neame all day long. What a fantastic officer.

[MrCardinal]

What an outstanding Company Commander Phil Neame was, he really epitomises what leadership is all about. Also, a great recounting of his experiences during the Falklands conflict.

[bikenavbm]

What a honest humble guy, great to listen too thank you both.

[Augh-ntzn]

What a pleasure to listen to. His book, Penal Company, is also worth reading.

[francogasparotti]

incredible interview & insight by Phil Neame into his Battalions brave actions during the Falklands war.

[simonmalin]

Awesome unit fought 2 battles down there

[KeithWilliamMacHendry]

Great bloke & top interview, you would just give your all for Phil Neame in battle.

[MichaelKingsfordGray]

Thank you.
Utterly fascinating, from the horse's mouth, as it were.
And it utterly demolishes the current fad of referring to a fictional "patriarchy".
These men fought and died for two female commanders: Queen Elizabeth II, and Margaret Thatcher.

[peterfenton]

Outstanding brave brave men...many only 17/18 yrs old....

[benfrewin]

Absolute 1st class COY CO by all accounts..

[marksimpson]

Brilliant stuff 👍 I love the fact he said "not what the school of infantry" would expect, I did my Brecon course with instruction from the NCOs that were on this attack, brilliant just brilliant, hard on us but I know why. Thanks to the para lads that got us on the ball.

[clp]

I believe Phil Neame joined the Paras from the RAF Regiment. Comes across as an exceptional leader.

[vatsmith]

Fascinating history which deserves a far better presentation. Poor interviewer, poor sound and poor graphics.

[satanicboxer]

Legendary men and peerless regiment.We are very fortunate to have men like these wearing the coveted maroon beret.I just hope political correctness doesn’t ruin the parachute regiment like it’s threatening others.I wonder if female recruits would have succeeded at Goose Green .That’s another argument though and one that unfairly deflects just how good these men are.The Argies weren’t trained nor good enough for any British regiment let alone the Paras.My chest fills with pride when I see these old pictures of victorious British soldiers carrying the beautiful Union Jack.The paras kicked the IRA’S ass too though they took casualties themselves without whining like the republicans.The IRA never bested the Paras in combat they just chose a cowards way and bombed them.Long live the mighty Parachute regiment and never forget all those many many great fallen men from all our much envied regiments!

[TheOldParatrooperpodcast]

Interview with a Falklands veteran below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

[Jeff-joie]

The Sea Harriers won the war winning air superiority, without that we would have been smashed

[Jeffybonbon]

It was a bloody brave action and I salute the Paras but I still think GG could have been by passed Thompson was right the goal was Stanley

[Matt-ujjm]

Visit Cpl Davy Hartmans family grave in Hamilton Scotland Dave has a marble marker there . Veteran Kings Own Scottish Borderers assaulted pioneer platoon.

[DonWan]

Everything about this screams H was a micromanaging insecure poor leader.
The award of the VC has been used to nullify any criticism but the reality is that he was a bad leader in battle.