In the Footsteps of 45 Commando: 60 Miles Across the Falklands

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I was recently joined my friends Les Winner (Polaris Worldwide Logistics) and Jari Laine (Varusteleka) for an epic trek across Eat Falkland in the footsteps of 45 Commando of the British Royal Marines. In 1982, the Marines landed to rebuff the Argentine invasion of the islands. Specifically, they landed at Port San Carlos on the far western side of the island, planning to use heavy-lift helicopters to move east to attack the Argentine positions around Stanley. However, the Chinooks they were counting on were on the Atlantic Conveyor, which was sunk by Argentine Exocet attack on May 25. That left the Marines with no choice but to hike the 60 miles or so overland. They did so overland in the South Atlantic winter, with combat loads and full rucksacks – it was a brutal movement that they executed with aplomb.

Les, Jari, and I wanted to see the ground, and so we headed out to follow the same path, albeit without the weapons or ammunition and in the summer. We took 4 days to complete the distance, meeting some really cool people and making lots of blisters along the way. This video is a record of that trip.

For those interested in gear, I was using a Varusteleka RP80 rucksack, Asolo TPS 535 LTH V EVO boots, and a bunch of Varusteleka merino wool clothing (which is what I normally wear anyway…). My sleeping bag and bivy were generously provided by Carinthia, although we did not end up spending any nights outside thanks to the hospitality of the local farmers. For food, I just used basic American MREs (plus a couple British 24-hour rations that the FIDF gave us).

The trip logistics were hugely facilitated by Penguin Travel, the main travel agency on the islands. We flew down via RAF Airbridge, and returned via Chile on LATAM Airlines. If you want to do the Yomp yourself, please be aware that it is not trivial to arrange everything. All the land you cross is privately owned, and permission to cross must be received from all the landowners. Contacting Penguin is the best place to start, though.