On this day 1982 the Empire strikes back

On this day 1982 the Empire strikes back. Having lost control of the Falkands Islands to an Argentine invasion the task force to retake the islands sails south

Nuclear attack submarine HMS Conqueror spots light cruiser General Belgrano the former USS Phoenix on the 30th April sailing south west of the British imposed exclusion zone. British task force commander Sandy Woodward feared a pincer attack on his fleet with an Argentine aircraft carrier approaching from the North. After much debate eventually permission to strike Belgrano was given. On the 2nd May 1982 HMS Conqueror became the first nuclear powered submarine to fire in anger. Launching 3 mk8 torpedos 2 of which hit. She began sinking rapidly suffering a total electrical failure unable to call for a mayday 323 brave Argentinian sailors would loose their lives. The sinking has been controversial in some circles did the ship pose a threat?and it was outside the exclusion zone. In my opinion the sinking is absolutely justified the Belgrano if lucky enough to get amongst the task force through some good fortune she could have caused havoc with her gun battery. The Falkland Islands would be re captured and the conflict ended in 14 June 1982 with a total British Victory dispite significant losses to personel and equipment. The population overwhelmingly support being a overseas territory of the United Kingdom, in a 2013 referendum 99.8% voted to rema