Off the top of my head:-

Decent boots for the army, importance of a Carrier Fleet and the reduction of flammable material used in warships.

Any more?

That forced marches are still a viable mode of making your way to an objective area, and that troops trained to force march can still be viable after reaching the objective.

For Britain, always to maintain our advantages of ,and dedication to , Yomping and Gurkhas.

Small British Unit > Argentine Armed Forces

Originally Posted by Del Boy

For Britain, always to maintain our advantages of ,and dedication to , Yomping and Gurkhas.

At Infantry Training Bn in the USMC the yomping and tabbing (we call it humping) of the Para's and the Royal Marines in the Falklands were held up as what could be accomplished by a motivated light force. At least it was covered in the 80's and 90's.

Don't know if it was the case with the Brits in the Falklands but rest by day and movement by night is a real multiplier of surprise.
The Chinese used it to absolute devestating effect in the Korean War.
Again, you can achieve this only if you can do forced marches over terrain the enemy would never imagine you to be able to traverse, all in a meaningful time frame.

Don't give the wrong signals to the enemy (that you aren't bothered about that little piece of land) same with the US and Kuwait.

(more cynical) if you want to win an election against the odds, do give the wrong signals, let them invade, then go to war!

Argentine soldiers later reported that they were scared the Gurkhas were going to eat them.


O3USMC - interesting that; Round about 1950 they were doing much the same to us, regarding those who they considered had conducted just about impossible forced marches; I forget now which country had produced that at the time, did the Japanese once perform some great feat in that respect? Anyway, we were given to understand the importance in that it could make such a difference. Is surprise the greatest weapon still?

And Perseus, as you have taken it off-topic, a question for you? What are you gonna do next time?

Originally Posted by Del Boy

Argentine soldiers later reported that they were scared the Gurkhas were going to eat them.

From all accounts I have heard, the Gurkha's were somewhat peeved that the Argentines surrendered. For the Argentine troops to be terrified of the Gurkha's, their reputation obviously proceeded them and is well known around the world. All I can say is, “Thank God the Gurkha's are on our side!”

From other accounts I have read, the Japanese were terrified if Gurkha's were heard to be in their area. Fantastic fighting men, and among the finest jungle fighters in the world.

Some amazing stories have been told about the Gurkha's abilities of stealth and fighting spirit.

A story told to me by an ex WW2 soldier. I cannot confirm or deny this story as I cannot find any evidence. Nonetheless its still a good story.
.
Gurkha's would creep up on a sentry and feel the mans boot laces, if they were crossed as worn by US and German troops, they would then feel the rim of the mans helmet, if it was found to be a German helmet, the man died. If the laces were as worn by British troops ie straight across, the Gurkha would stand up and say “Hello Johnny” scaring the wits out of the sentry.


O3USMC - interesting that; Round about 1950 they were doing much the same to us, regarding those who they considered had conducted just about impossible forced marches; I forget now which country had produced that at the time, did the Japanese once perform some great feat in that respect? Anyway, we were given to understand the importance in that it could make such a difference. Is surprise the greatest weapon still?

In my opinion yes, The Japanese were, for all their viciousness, good fighting troops. While the British General Staff in Singapore believed that the jungle in Malaya was impassable, the Japanese proved otherwise and used the jungle to good effect.

and don't mess with Margaret Thatcher! She was great!