P150 BEEBFAX 122 Thu 31 Dec --:--/--          4 April The British Falkland Islands  government surrenders, placing the  islands in Argentine control.  5 April Ignoring the advice of her  military commanders, Margaret Thatcher  orders a Royal Navy task force to set  sail for the Falklands from  Portsmouth.  24 April The first British serviceman  dies in the Falklands conflict, when  his Sea King helicopter crashes.     Next       Prev       Home        End