Royal Marines officer who led 45 Commando to victory in the Falklands War dies at 86
Major General Andrew Whitehead, who led 45 Commando on an incredible 80-mile yomp to victory in the Falklands, has died.
His family said he passed away peacefully on 2 September aged 86.
Maj Gen Whitehead was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery during the unit's successful Battle for Two Sisters.
Paying tribute on X, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said "he leaves behind a proud legacy" with his service always remembered in the Corps.
Victory on Two Sisters
It was a strategic, Argentinian-held position and his plan was a classic set-piece action.
The Royal Marines were divided into three units, one advanced upon the western "Sister" while the other two attacked the eastern "Sister" from the northwest.
To reach the targets they had to endure an 80-mile yomp across the hills of East Falkland, carrying 100lb of kit in the bitter South Atlantic winter.
Maj Gen Whitehead and his men were able to get within 480 yards of the enemy before being spotted.
Following a fierce firefight 45 Commando was victorious and it was only later that he realised how heavily outnumbered they had been.
The citation for his DSO, published in the London Gazette, praised Maj Gen Whitehead's "meticulous planning and high standard of leadership".
It said "his cool conduct of the battle resulted in the complete success of his part in the operation".
Fought and won three victories
On 14 June 1982, on the Argentinian surrender to the British in the Falklands, Maj Gen Whitehead wrote on the back of a cigarette packet: "Men have died, been wounded, lost their friends.
"Young boys have grown up.
"Our confidence has blossomed.
"Our pride has swelled justifiably.
"We have fought and won three victories: over the enemy, the appalling terrain and weather - and our own logistical inadequacies.
"What sustained me was the pride of commanding and belonging to an elite organisation.
"45 Commando, made up of young men mainly under 21, were outstanding.
"They were tough, brave and skilful.
"Anyone who asks what is wrong with the youth of today should come and look at us."
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