Heroic Falklands’ leader Admiral ‘Sandy’ Woodward dies

Mr Cameron said Admiral Woodward, the commander of the Royal Navy Task Force that retook the Falklands Islands in 1982, was a “truly courageous and decisive leader”.

We are indebted to him for his many years of service and the vital role he played to ensure that the people of the Falkland Islands can still today live in peace and freedom. David Cameron

Admiral Woodward reportedly died after a long illness and Mr Cameron said Britain was indebted to him for his many years of service.

The prime minister said: “I am saddened to hear that Admiral Sir John ‘Sandy’ Woodward has passed away. The admiral was a truly courageous and decisive leader, proven by his heroic command of the Royal Navy Task Force during the Falklands conflict.

“We are indebted to him for his many years of service and the vital role he played to ensure that the people of the Falkland Islands can still today live in peace and freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with Admiral Woodward’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The admiral joined the Royal Navy aged 13 in 1946 and went on to become a submarine specialist. He assumed the duties of Flag Officer First Flotilla as rear admiral in 1981 and the following year commanded the south Atlantic Task Groups in the Falklands War.

He went on to write a memoir of his time as the Falklands task force commander titled One Hundred Days.

The admiral, who was married with two children, retired from active service in 1989.

‘Fighting Admiral’

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond commended Admiral Woodward on his “magnificent achievement” in the Falklands and said he would be remembered by many as the Navy’s “fighting admiral”.

Mr Hammond said: “I am saddened by the news that Admiral Sir John ‘Sandy’ Woodward, has died and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Admiral Woodward served his country with distinction throughout his career, but he will be best remembered by many as the Navy’s Fighting Admiral after he led the Royal Navy Task Force, sent by Margaret Thatcher, to re-take the Falkland Islands in 1982.

“Following this magnificent achievement he served as the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff and went on before retirement to be the Flag Aide-de Camp to the Queen.”

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said Admiral Woodward was highly regarded and widely respected in the military.

He said: “Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward will always be remembered for his powerful and clear command of the Royal Navy Task Force that retook the Falkland Islands in 1982.

“Undaunted by the challenge of fighting a capable enemy over 8,000 miles from the UK, in the most demanding and extreme of weather conditions, and against uncertain odds, Admiral Woodward’s inspirational leadership and tactical acumen, meshing the realities of the higher political command at home with the raw and violent fight at sea, was a major factor in shaping the success of the British forces in the South Atlantic.

“Highly regarded and widely respected within the military, he will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

He was born in Penzance, Cornwall, on May 1 1932, according to the Who’s Who annual.