Cumming, Anthony Unsung Hero of the Falklands War

The Life and Career of Commodore Michael Clapp CB

Commodore Michael Clapp's contribution was overlooked in comparison to the other high-ranking commanders in the Falkland Islands, and it is time to rectify this. Although Clapp commanded the Amphibious Task Group and was responsible for Operation Sutton, the successful landing at San Carlos, he was overlooked for promotions and instead snubbed on several occasions, including by not being given a seat at the tables of honour at public events celebrating this impressive victory. Unfortunately, his superiors in the navy showed no interest in learning the lessons of the war's amphibious operations, preferring instead to focus on supporting the army in a possible conflict with the Soviet Union in Europe. Michael Clapp's career illustrates many of the destructive effects of rivalry between the armed forces, and the author asks whether the military has now lost interest in amphibious operations in their purest form. This highly readable and controversial work covers Clapp's remarkable career, which included active service in Korea, the Cyprus crisis and the Indonesia-Malaya confrontation, where he earned a reputation for decisive action. He was an observer and squadron commander in the Fleet Air Arm, took command of several warships and served in staff positions, where he played a decisive role in the introduction of the famous Sea Harrier V/STOL fighter aircraft, before being appointed Commodore Amphibious Warfare.