by Christer Johansson
1/600 HMS Fearless (Airfix)
On 21 May 1982, the British Amphibious Task Group entered the San Carlos water. The aim of the landing at San Carlos was to retake the Falkland Island after the Argentinian invasion. This diorama focus on the assault ship HMS Fearless from that Task Group. The background picture shows the other participating ships such as; the Nordland, Stromness, HMS Plymouth, HMS Broadsword and Fearless´ sister ship HMS Intrepid.
The diorama scene represents the early morning and the soon to come disembarkment of the Royal Marines from HMS Fearless. One of Fearless´ ballast pumps choose this moment to break down, which slowed up her docking-down process, and therefore delaying the first assault wave of the landing force.
The two large landing crafts, the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) has just left the flooded dock. The LCU´s are heading for the Nordland, were they are about to load the men from 2 Parachute Regiment and take them to Blue Beach Two. The four small landing crafts, the Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP), will after docking take 40 Commando of the Royal Marines to land on Blue Beach One. The two Wessex Mk. IV helicopters, one in the air and one on the deck of Fearless, are involved in cross-decking personnel for the next assault wave.
1/600 Scale. Manufacturer and kit: AIRFIX: HMS Fearless.
