Gardiner, Ian The Yompers

With 45 Commando in the Falklands War

Yomping was coined in 1982 by journalist Charles Laurence to describe the Royal Marines carrying heavy loads over long distances on foot. Given the great public interest in the dramatic events unfolding in the South Atlantic at the time, the term caught on and is now in common use. The Yompers is the first account written by a company commander who fought in the Falklands War. Raised from their beds in the early hours of 2 April 1982, the author sailed 8,000 miles with the rest of 45 Commando Royal Marines to play a key role in recapturing the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation. Without helicopters and with little provisions, they yomped in appalling weather with overloaded rucksacks over terrain that threatened to break their legs and ankles with every step. Despite extreme hardship, their morale and training ensured that they remained a cohesive, combat-ready force. They fought in the decisive night battle for Two Sisters, the twin 1,000-foot peaks that were crucial to the defensive positions around Stanley. The author paints a revealing picture of the Royal Marines Commandos at war. The book The Yompers is realistic and moving, sometimes ironic and amusing, and offers vivid, original first-hand insights into other aspects of the Falklands War and conflicts in general.