6 replies to this topic

[CV32]

I'm looking for technical info (for HCE database) on the Argentine supply ship/freighter ARA Isla de los Estados, which was sunk by HMS Alacrity during the 1982 Falklands war.

Anyone know of a source, please let me know. Thanks.

[pmaidhof]

I'm looking for technical info (for HCE database) on the Argentine supply ship/freighter ARA Isla de los Estados, which was sunk by HMS Alacrity during the 1982 Falklands war.

Anyone know of a source, please let me know. Thanks.

I'll look for my SAW II book tonight Brad. I'm sure that it is described in there. Wasn't this the unlucky ship that was met by a British ship making the initial transit of between East and West Falkland?

[CV32]

Yes, more here:

http://www.hmsalacrity.co.uk/may.html

"10 MAY: ALACRITY was tasked with sweeping through the Falkland Sound in the first circumnavigation of East Falkland, gathering intelligence and generally making a nuisance of ourselves. ALACRITY detached from the Taskforce on the morning of 10 May and after sweeping well to the south of Argentine radars based at Stanley sailed west at high speed in a welcome fog. The ship's helicopter was launched to recce the southern entrance to the Falkland Sound and with nothing seen that would require a change to the plan, ALACRITY entered the southern entrance at 2300. We were now on our own and well over 100 miles from friendly support should we run into trouble. Thankfully it was a very dark night.

The Lynx was later sent off to harry the garrison in Fox Bay. With ALACRITY less than halfway through the Sound, the Lynx crew turned back to 'Mother' when over the radio came the news that ALACRITY had identified a suspected enemy vessel a few miles ahead. ALACRITY engaged the vessel with the 4.5 gun. Images of 15 rounds of high explosive are seen to converge on the radar target and a lookout reports a large orange flash on the bearing of the target. On the radar the target fades. There were only four survivors of the Argentine Navy supply ship , ISLAS DE LOS ESTADOS though we didn't know details of the ship or losses until much later. Though excitement ran through the ship at having scored a major hit on the enemy, there was a great deal of concern for those lost in the explosion and for those we couldn't stop to rescue (small lights were reported in the water by the Lynx). Surely the Argentines were now wide awake and it was time to head for home. The Lynx was recovered and best speed made to complete the transit, We exited the Sound just before 0200 to be met by ARROW who was standing by to render assistance should we need it. and together headed back towards the relative safety of the Taskforce. What we were to learn much later was that an Argentine submarine, SAN LUIS, observed our exit from the sound and fired a torpedo at the rapidly moving ship. Our luck held and the torpedo didn't find us and the presence of ARROW made it too risky for the submarine commander to try again. Our high speed rendered our own sonar useless and we were blissfully unaware of the close shave we had."

(I wonder why I don't have SAW II ... hmm).

[pmaidhof]

Per Page 97, South Atlantic War II.

Islas de los Estatos, AK
Displ: 3849 grt
Prop: Diesel
Crew: 110
Size: Small
Signature: Small/Noisy
Advance per 45 degree turn (Speed Loss)
Standard Rudder: 400 yards (2)
Hard Rudder: 300 yards (3)
Acceleration/Tac Turn from 0-50% Max speed: 8
Acceleration/Tac Turn from 51-100% Max speed: 4
Deceleration/Tac Turn from any speed: 4

Navigation Radar: 30/19/12/5/3 SS
ESM: None
ECM: None
ACM: None

Remarks:
Ex-MV Trans Botica purchased for use as military transport. Mercantile construction, special damage modifier 0f -50%. Sunk by HMS Alacrity 10 May 1982 during Falklands War.

Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Kts: 14/11/7/4/0
DP: 13/27/40/48/53 Sunk
Total DP: 53.


Hmm...HCE-Falklands anytime soon?

[CV32]

Hmm...HCE-Falklands anytime soon?

Thanks a bunch, Pete. Just what I needed.

And, yeah, you can play already create and play Falklands war scenarios with HCE, the Battleset Builder and my HCDA database.

[pmaidhof]

And, yeah, you can play already create and play Falklands war scenarios with HCE, the Battleset Builder and my HCDA database.

Was not aware of that...the map covers the AO now?

[CV32]

Was not aware of that...the map covers the AO now?

The Battleset Builder lets you create HCE compatible maps for just about any spot on the globe.

(And, on a further note, I've located my copy of SAW II ... hehe).