About This Site/ Purpose
On the 30th anniversary of Conveyor's loss, a young researcher looking for a new angle on the Falklands war asked me to talk about Conveyor on a live BBC show. In preparation, I looked back at my notes and carried out a little research to find out what historians and veterans had made of the conflict all those years ago. A few relevant official documents had reached the public domain, including a heavily redacted copy of the Board of Inquiry Report into Conveyor's loss (since removed). Reading through this, it became clear that both survivors and the public had been misinformed about the action in which Conveyor had been hit. Far from being an isolated unit hit by a lucky shot, Conveyor had been sailing in close company with the Flagship, which must surely also have been at risk. And why had Conveyor been ordered onto a course that was diametrically opposite to her rehearsed defensive manoeuvre?
So, as a historical exercise, I decided to contact eyewitnesses to the events to see if I could piece together a reasonable version of Conveyor's life as an emergency carrier. Along the way, I have met, talked to and held email conversations with many veterans who have not wanted to bother others with their stories. Through these contacts, and in some cases their war diaries, it soon became clear to me that the attack on the British carriers of the 25th May 1982 had been an important turning point in the war that should be documented accurately. Accordingly, I have waded through newly released ships' logs, Cabinet minutes and even a secret report on the matter sent to Mrs Thatcher in order to build a plot of the attack.
But there are still gaps in the detail to be filled. So I would welcome contact with any veteran who witnessed the 25th May Exocet attack from any of the surrounding ships. I'd also like to gather and share, where desired, the personal recollections of any member of Conveyor's permanent or transient crew. There can be real benefits to sharing the story, even after all these years. So, I do hope you'll make contact.
Best wishes,