Royal Navy opens fire off Falkland Islands as South America summit debates sovereignty

A ROYAL NAVY ship today opened fire in the Falklands - at the same time a group of South American governments held an extraordinary meeting to discuss the islands' sovereignty and 'colonialism'.The frigate, HMS Iron Duke, fired 136 shells as part of a training exercise with the Army in San Carlos Water and Falkland Sound - where British servicemen staged landings 32 years ago, in order to retake the islands following Argentina's invasion.

Troops from the South Atlantic islands' Roulement Infantry Company and 148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal Artillery teamed up with the warship for the joint exercise.

The activities were described as an opportunity for the Portsmouth-based warship "to show off her gunnery skills".

HMS Iron Duke is currently nearing the end of its six-month Atlantic deployment.

Major Mick O'Connor, the naval gunfire liaison officer, said: "In my many years of conducting naval gunfire support this was undoubtedly the most accurate display I have seen."If I were to be ashore calling in the gunnery I would have no hesitation if I knew it were HMS Iron Duke providing the cover." Read More   HERE 


"The Falkland Islands have absolutely nothing to do with anyone apart from the Falkland Islanders themselves and the British Government."