On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located more than 8,000 miles from the UK.
Just three days later on 5 April, the first ships of a combined British task force set sail in response.
Not all of the ships that sailed south were part of the Royal Navy however. Merchant ships including cargo vessels, tankers and cruise liners were requisitioned to support the operation.
These were quickly transformed into everything from supply ships and troop carriers to floating hospitals – and their crews suddenly found themselves part of a major military operation.
As part of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, the National Maritime Museum interviewed a number of men and women who served on these ships, recording their memories of the conflict at sea.
Tap the links to find out more about each of their stories, and listen to extracts from their interviews.
About the interviews
These interviews were conducted as part of an oral history project led by the National Maritime Museum.
The recordings are now part of the permanent collection, providing first-hand testimony of the Merchant Navy's role in the Falklands conflict.
Extract from interview with naval volunteer Howard Ormerod
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Main image courtesy of Imperial War Museums, © IWM FKD 161