South Georgia: Royal Marines Fight Off An Invasion | TEA & MEDALS

3rd April 1982, South Georgia, South Atlantic.

The Falklands War wasn’t just about the Falkland Islands. There’s another British territory a thousand miles away that has its own story to tell about that particular conflict… And who better to tell it than Keith Mills, then a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines, who at just 22 years old was sent to the tiny island of South Georgia to sort out a problem with some Argentinian scrap metalworkers.

What started out as a diplomatic incident soon became a full Argentinian assault and Keith was forced to lead his detachment of 22 commandos in a battle that it was impossible to win.

Darren Coventry talks to Keith about the difficult decisions he made that day, along with former Royal Marines Bob Ashton and Steve Holding who saw him pluck up the courage to do something incredibly brave and would lead to him receiving the Distinguished Service Cross.

#bfbs #TEAandMEDALS

[johnievers]

I met Keith Mills on a train out of Birmingham New Street station. He had just returned back to UK and heading home on leave. I was heading home on leave as a Lance Jack - from Stratford! He was buzzing to be back and told me all about the battle as we stood near the doors on a full train. It seemed like he was still high on adrenaline but everything was still so fresh. He made quite an impression on me.

[michaelmelton]

I am an American who admires the U.K. I am a retired United States Marine Master Sergeant(27 years) and I have a huge amount of respect for the British Military. I very much enjoyed this podcast!
SEMPER FI! 👊🏻GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!🇬🇧 GOD BLESS CHESTY WHEREVER YOU ARE 🇺🇸

[dk]

Can you imagine what it felt like seeing those ships arrive and helicopters land? Outnumbered and outgunned, with orders not to surrender. These guys define the meaning of the word bravery. Much respect

[edwardhart]

The Royal Marines are one of the world’s greatest military units. Semper Fi

[crazypj]

The people of the Falklands have never considered themselves as anything but British, I have a friend who has a lot of relatives there. Thanks you for a great interview

[kayleigh]

Its bloody amazing how these 20 or so marines managed to damage a warship, shot down a puma and gave the Argies a bloody nose.

[unbearifiedbear]

This show deserves its own channel - kudos on creating something so valuable ❤

🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦🇭🇲🇳🇿

[dbharrold]

Keith is the same age as me. He has been one of my heroes since the battle at South Georgia. Doing what he did at just 22 is pretty incredible. Thanks Keith and your men for your outstanding service.

[timothywilliams]

My takeaway from this: how important it is to have NCOs capable of leading young officers to realize their full potential. As a newly commissioned officer, I did not know 1/100th as much about soldiering as my 1SG. Time and again, he helped me avoid making an ass out of myself and screwing up the mission.

[nmelkhunter]

I love the Brits. They sailed 8000 miles to take back their rocks. Why? Because it's their rocks. Love it.

[Madeinwem]

I am proud that my Dad was a Royal Marine.

[underwaterdick]

22 marines fending off an invasion force.

Incredible story, and a great example of why the Royal Marines should be feared by all.

Thank you for sharing, and thank you to those who put themselves in that position.

[wolfgangfrech]

"Tea & Medals" should be the title of a comprehensive military history of the British Empire. Jokes apart: great history lesson, thanks.

[elguapo]

A brilliant man and the same applies to ALL those who fought alongside him! Absolute respect forever!

[johnstjohn]

Excellent programme. Thank God for the Royal Marines. Best soldiers along with the SAS in the world. The Falklands are still free and long may it remain so.

[haroldgodwinson]

Well done BFBS. This is how interviews should be done. And huge respect to the Marines on South Georgia.

[paulbradford]

Great to hear the full account, which is overshadowed by The Falklands. I had a friend in the Police who was a Royal Marine who landed at san Carlos Bay. He was and is a top man. He would on occasion (if asked) talk about the experience. He did tell me that he didn't suffer as a result. However, on one occasion, we had to spend a few days away from our Force, called to Crown Court as witnesses in another part of the Country. At night I was woken by him shouting 'Take cover! Incoming!' He had no recollection the following morning. I asked his wife if it was a regular occurrence. It was.
I take my hat off to him and all the other guys.

[cedenullis]

This officer is a true warrior, he represents all that is expected of a Royal Marins. The fact that our Nation still produces men of his caliber is proof that, as a Nation, our enemies need to be very very cautious. Our citizens should be ever grateful for the service we can rely on from all members of the Army Navy and Air Force.

[mordecaisackett]

A young officer who has been lucky enough to be noticed by a competent and experienced NCO, can blossom into a formidable and dangerous leader of men.

[charlescth]

A great video. I met Keith in Cyprus in 1984 when he was 2iC of a Commando Company on UN duties. I was a 19 year old 2Lt fresh out of RMAS attached to his company as a scout car Tp for 2 weeks as part of a rotation! A delightful fellow!