Book read: One Hundred Days by Admiral Sandy Woodward

I had resisted reading this book previously as it had some luke warm reviews on Amazon. But I bought the re-released 2012 edition and have just finished reading it. Overall a very good account of the naval aspects of the 1982 conflict, and putting into good context the decisions that had to be made with the constraints that were faced at the time.

Looking back at decisions with hindsight can always lead to unfair criticism and Woodward does a good job of describing of thought process and tries to put you back at the point of the decision. So the controversial Belgrano sinking was from a genuine fear of a pincer movement on the British fleet and a potential air attack from planes from the carrier. Woodward wastes no time in saying that the submarine command from London was a farce, and he should have had more control over their order and zones of patrol. It was a genuine advantage the British had at sea, and it was still very effective even though it was clearly hard to manage.

Performing the landings with the air power still a factor is also described in great detail. The navy sacrificed ships to get the landings underway - but what a price to pay.

The book is very much about the direct experiences he had, and only a little is spend on the actual land war - as it is something he would only have second hand knowledge of anyway.

An interesting read, and a good description of what it is like to have to make operational decisions.