Yes GUEST of 03 Jan 07 - 06:53 AM, I was and I am addressing a very specific point, that very specific point having been raised by weelittledrummer in his post of 01 Jan 07 - 11:44 AM

"As I remember, the interior of the Sir Galahad was coated in highly flammable material to save a few quid. And the whole bloody escapade was caused by her nibs deciding to knock off the naval patrols which were protecting the islands. that's why the Argies decided to chance their arm."

What is quoted above is incorrect. Whereas much of what you say in your post I agree with

"The Tories, like Labour before them, were running down the Navy and Fearless was to be pensioned off."

Very true, but what is the relevance of this in relation to Margaret Thatcher, or to the Falklands. The Falklands War was brought about by Argentinian aggression. If ever the "green light" was given to the Argentinians in relation to the Falklands it was when Dennis Healey as Minister of Defence oversaw the axing of the Carriers and his attempt to get rid of the Fleet Air Arm. If at any time during the period 1966 to 1982 anybody had told me that the UK would independently mount an amphibious assault operation supported by minimal air cover to recover possessions over 12,000 miles away, I would have laughed. The biggest mistake the Argentinian Junta made was in underestimating the lady's will and determination.

"Standards of construction and specs in recently-built vessels had been pared to ludicrously low levels while the construction companies creamed off the cash."

Take this up with the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors at Bath - Nothing political with regard to technical input into the Construction Standards and Specs of Royal Navy warships.

"The kit for those on land wasn't great either - some of 2 Para experienced trench foot because of the shite boots. Before the task force sailed Silverman's was under seige because the issue kit was so useless (As it has been before every major engagement since - the MoD should simply make them Quartermasters General and be done with it!)."

As you infer yourself - How far back do you want to go? It was the same for soldiers of Wellington's Army as it is for the present day British soldier, and not just boots, why do you think their back packs are called Bergans - Those on winter training in Norway ditched the UK issued kit and bought Norwegian rucksacks made by Berghans of Norway. Once again this has always been a common failing in the British armed services and is not down to any specific government or politician. As such it should be up to the senior members of the armed services and civil servants in charge of procurement to get it set right.

"Thatcher's arse was saved by the fact that the men she sent were extraordinary. Their professionalism had absolutely nothing to do with her, and her triumphalism afterwards was nauseating to many who went."

With that I whole-heartedly agree, but you have to admit, she did demonstrate the will to recover what had been taken and act to defend the inhabitants of the islands and restore to them what had been taken and I will give her full credit for that.