The Battle for Goose Green has become an integral part of the Falklands story and yet it nearly didnt take place at all. Originally earmarked to be isolated, Goose Green was eventually attacked due to the loss of momentum in the invasion force. The British 2 Para Regiment were deployed, against 12th Argentinean Regiment which numbered about 1,200 men; the British believed that the Argentinean force numbered at least half this and set off with a strength of c. 690 men. They took two days rations, weapons and ammunition in the belief that it would be a swift conquest. There followed a bitter and bloody fight, as the Argentine forces fiercely defended Goose Green. Despite reconnaissance, the British were hampered by trench systems that they had been unaware of. Eventually the Argentines were forced to surrender, with 961 men captured, 145 taken prisoner during the fighting and 47 killed. It was the first major engagement of the Falklands War.
