Sandy Woodward

thumb| Admiral Sir John Forster "Sandy" Woodward (1 May 1932 – 4 August 2013) was a senior Royal Navy officer who commanded the Task Force of the Falklands War. Quotes One Hundred Days (1992) One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander, written with Patrick Robinson (London: Fontana, 1992) thumb|Different distances from British and Argentine airbases to the Falklands thumb|Type 22 Frigate HMS Broadsword alongside HMS Hermes during the Falklands War, 1982 As I haul my South Atlantic flag down, I reflect sadly on the brave lives lost, and the good ships gone, in the short time of our trial. I thank whole heartedly each and every one of you for your gallant support, tough determination and fierce perseverance under bloody conditions. Let us all be grateful that Argentina doesn't breed bulldogs and, as we return severally to enjoy the blessings of our land, resolve that those left behind for ever shall not be forgotten. Epigraph. Admiral Woodward's last signal to the Task Force before his Flag was lowered from HMS Hermes off Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, 4 July 1982 It should...be recalled that there were several entirely competent organizations which initially suspected the whole operation was doomed. In no particular order they were:a) the United States Navy, which considered the re-capture of the Falkland Islands to be a military impossibility;b) the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, which generally regarded the whole idea as far, far too risky;c) the Army, which considered it to be ill-advised, for lack of a 'proper' advantage ratio in land force numbers;d) the Royal Air Force, which, seeing little role for themselves on account of the vast distances, and no chance of a navy surviving in the face of an air force, was inclined to agree;e) the Secretary of State for Defence, Mr (now Sir) John Nott, since success in it would probably overturn the 1981 Defence Review. Preface, p. xvii Quotes about Woodward Never has a knighthood been deserved more. I am full of admiration for the marvellously skilful and professional way Admiral Woodward conducted operations in the Falklands against considerable odds. In my book he did not put a foot wrong... The choice of San Carlos was a brilliant and masterly stroke, which rivals General Wolfe's capture of Quebec in 1759, and will, I believe, be recognized as such. Field Marshal Lord Bramall, Chief of Defence Staff 1982–85. Quoted on the dust-jacket to One Hundred Days (1992) External links Category:1932 births Category:2013 deaths Category:Military leaders from the United Kingdom Category:People from Cornwall Category:People of the Falklands War