Falklands history: 1881 - 1982

1881

Falkland Islands ceased to be grant-aided and became financially independent of Britain.

1914

November: Battle of Coronel.

December: Battle of the Falkland Islands.

1939

Battle of the River Plate.

1942

Garrison (the West Yorkshire Regiment) placed in the Falkland Islands for the duration of the war to defend the Islands from Japanese attack.

1966

On 22nd September, a hi-jacked Aerolineas Argentinas DC-4 airliner crash landed on the Stanley racecourse. The plane had been hi-jacked by 21 Argentine extreme right wing nationalists. Their intention was to take over the Islands on behalf of the country they 'rightfully belonged', running up the Argentinian flag and demanding to see the Governor. The siege lasted 48 hours before they surrendered.

1968

Falkland Islands Committee formed to express the wishes of the Islanders.

1976

Major Economic Survey of the Islands conducted by Lord Shackleton.

1977

Stanley airfield completed.

1982

April: Argentine illegal invasion of Falkland Islands.

May: British Task Force land at San Carlos.

June: Argentine Forces surrender and freedom restored to the Falkland Islands.