Winter lecture by Commander Tim Gedge AFC Royal Navy
For our Winter Lecture on Wednesday 19th January 2022, Commander Tim Gedge AFC Royal Navy will be talking about the Air War in the Falklands in 1982.
The Falklands Conflict in 1982 came as a sudden shock to the nation and the UK’s Armed Services were ill prepared to deal with the Argentine invasion of British territory some 8,000 miles away in the remote South Atlantic. The success in removing the invading forces from the Falkland Islands required the efforts of all three Services, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the UK’s Merchant Navy: almost all assets were transported by sea. This lecture covers the aviation elements and centres around how the Royal Navy’s Sea Harrier fighter was able to overcome considerable opposition.
Tim Gedge flew fighter aircraft in the Fleet Air Arm during the 1960s and 70s and this culminated in command of the first Sea Harrier squadron in 1980 and a second squadron formed for the Falklands War in 1982. Much of his early years’ leisure time was spent sailing with emphasis on ocean racing. After retiring from the Royal Navy he founded the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis to offer intensive, practical training in boat building and related marine skills to men and women of all ages looking for a change of career.
The lecture will start at 18:30 prompt, so we recommend you arrive in good time to get a drink from the bar to take to your seat in the Island Room. If you have reserved a table for supper it will be reserved in the booking name in the River Room. All rooms will be well-ventilated with the CO2 monitored and recorded each week. Do remember to bring layers to keep warm as windows will be open.
Members should reserve seats and order suppers no later than Friday 14th January, along with any dietary requirements. If you would like to attend the lecture without the supper, please also reserve your seat so that we can monitor numbers.
Please note: any supper cancellations after Friday 14th January will payable/non-refundable.