5 August 2013
BBC News
Falklands War admiral Sandy Woodward dies aged 81
Admiral Woodward was described as a "modern-day hero" by Falkland Islanders
Naval power: Admiral Woodward commanded the 127-ship British armada that was sent to take back the Falklands from Argentina, after that country invaded the British territory, in 1982
An admiral who led Britain's task force in the 1982 Falklands War has died after a long illness, aged 81, his daughter has told the BBC.
Adm Sir Sandy Woodward was commander of the aircraft carrier force sent by PM Margaret Thatcher to retake the Falklands.
He served as deputy chief of the defence staff from 1985 and was made admiral in 1987.
David Cameron said the UK was "indebted" to Adm Woodward for his role in ensuring freedom for islanders.
"The admiral was a truly courageous and decisive leader, proven by his heroic command of the Royal Navy Taskforce during the Falklands conflict," said the prime minister.
"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 Adm Woodward's family and friends at this difficult time."
Daniel Allan, founder of the Falklands United Movement, which represents some islanders, said he was a "modern-day hero".
"We owe him a debt of gratitude and he is in the thoughts of every islander, past and present, today," he said.
'Inspirational leadership'
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said he would be remembered as the "Fighting Admiral".
"Adm Woodward served his country with distinction throughout his career," he said.
Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward (R)
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said: "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."
Sukey Cameron, the Falkland Islands' government representative in the UK, tweeted: "Sad to learn of the death of Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward; remembering with gratitude the important part he played in #Falklands Liberation."
Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes during the 1982 war with Argentina
BBC News - Falklands War admiral Sandy Woodward dies aged 81
BBC News
Falklands War admiral Sandy Woodward dies aged 81
Admiral Woodward was described as a "modern-day hero" by Falkland Islanders
Naval power: Admiral Woodward commanded the 127-ship British armada that was sent to take back the Falklands from Argentina, after that country invaded the British territory, in 1982
An admiral who led Britain's task force in the 1982 Falklands War has died after a long illness, aged 81, his daughter has told the BBC.
Adm Sir Sandy Woodward was commander of the aircraft carrier force sent by PM Margaret Thatcher to retake the Falklands.
He served as deputy chief of the defence staff from 1985 and was made admiral in 1987.
David Cameron said the UK was "indebted" to Adm Woodward for his role in ensuring freedom for islanders.
"The admiral was a truly courageous and decisive leader, proven by his heroic command of the Royal Navy Taskforce during the Falklands conflict," said the prime minister.
"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 Adm Woodward's family and friends at this difficult time."
Daniel Allan, founder of the Falklands United Movement, which represents some islanders, said he was a "modern-day hero".
"We owe him a debt of gratitude and he is in the thoughts of every islander, past and present, today," he said.
'Inspirational leadership'
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said he would be remembered as the "Fighting Admiral".
"Adm Woodward served his country with distinction throughout his career," he said.
Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward (R)
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas said: "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."
Sukey Cameron, the Falkland Islands' government representative in the UK, tweeted: "Sad to learn of the death of Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward; remembering with gratitude the important part he played in #Falklands Liberation."
Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes during the 1982 war with Argentina
BBC News - Falklands War admiral Sandy Woodward dies aged 81