Falklands War: First Light, San Carlos Water. SS CANBERRA

The liner CANBERRA lies quietly at anchor, half-way down the confined spaces of San Carlos Water. Having successfully discharged half of her embarked assault force (40 Cdo RM, into ‘Blue Beach’ - the San Carlos Settlement area) she now holds 42 Cdo RM in reserve as the Brigade’s helicopters begin the process of lifting Rapier missile units, 105 mm Light Guns - and all the associated combat supplies - into position on the high ground surrounding the anchorage. Just before sunrise, the artist has caught this moment perfectly as an armed Gazelle of 3 Commando Brigade’s Air Sqn scouts forward for a load-lifting Sea King 4 of 846 Naval Air Squadron. Two Gazelles and three of their four crewmen were lost on this day.

THERE ARE MORE PAINTINGS IN THIS SERIES OF THE FALKLANDS WAR THAT ARE AVAILABLE AS PRINTS - please contact Maritime Prints for details of the scenes