The Destruction of Moody Brook Barracks: Fact vs. Fiction

During the Falklands War (1982), the operation to reclaim the Falkland Islands from British occupation was a significant military endeavor. A key point of contention in this conflict is the destruction of the Moody Brook Barracks. This article separates fact from fiction, providing a detailed account of what really happened and what evidence supports each claim.

Disputing the Argentine Claims

One of the claims made during the Falklands War was that the Argentine Marines destroyed the Moody Brook Barracks during Operation Rosario. However, extensive evidence and eyewitness accounts challenge this narrative.

In April 10, 1982, an Argentinian war correspondent, Eduardo Rotondo, attended a celebration at the Moody Brook Barracks. This gathering marked the arrival of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Regiment, which was a significant military force. Lieutenant-Colonel David Ubaldo Comini, the Argentinian Regimental Commander, delivered a speech, and the attendees, including officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and conscripts, enjoyed a giant chocolate Easter egg and French wine from the captured Royal Marine wine cellar.

These events were captured on Argentinian television and in photographs, clearly illustrating that the Moody Brook Barracks were intact and under Argentinian control. Cameramen and correspondents from the 60 Minutes team also documented the premises, and footage from Argentinian TV clearly shows the barracks in pristine conditions.

Contradicting British Claims

The British version of events claims that Argentine troops crept upon the barracks, believed the Royal Marines were asleep, and engaged in a fierce battle, destroying the facility. This narrative lacks substantial evidence to support it.

Contrary to the British claims, low-flying Harriers photographed the Moody Brook Barracks on June 10, 1982, before any alleged destruction. These photos confirmed the structural integrity of the barracks. Furthermore, on June 12 and 13, 1982, British air attacks and shelling damaged the barracks, not prior to any Argentine involvement.

Given these conflicting accounts, it is evident that the destruction of the Moody Brook Barracks did not occur as part of Operation Rosario or during any significant Argentine engagement.

Conclusion

The historical record and documented evidence clearly indicate that the Moody Brook Barracks were destroyed during a later air attack by the British forces. The claims by both sides must be critically evaluated, with historical records serving as the ultimate arbiter of truth. The destruction of Moody Brook Barracks served as a significant turning point in the Falklands War, highlighting the intensity of the conflict and the efforts of both the Argentine and British forces.