Portsmouth and Argentinian soldiers become friends in former war zone in 1990

A ‘best of enemies’ link between the crew of a Portsmouth-based ship and ‘enemy’ Argentinian sailors was revealed.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Mar 2020, 00:00 BST
Captain Hodgson with Major Casela, left, commander of the Argentine Antarctic base Esperanza.Captain Hodgson with Major Casela, left, commander of the Argentine Antarctic base Esperanza.
Captain Hodgson with Major Casela, left, commander of the Argentine Antarctic base Esperanza.

The secret association between men from HMS Endurance on friendly terms with Argentinian servicemen even extended to football matches and meals onboard ships.

The Argentine flag flew in London a week before for the first time since the outbreak of the Falklands war in 1982. But discreet links had been maintained for several years.

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The links were disclosed during a visit to Endurance in the Falklands by defence secretary Tom King.

The Commanding Officer of the ice patrol ship HMS Endurance said his crew would rather play football with the Argentinians than shoot them.

Captain Norman Hodgson told of his crew’s secret association with the Argentinians in the former South Atlantic battle zone. He said: ‘I think we are moving with the times.

‘I think any military man would rather play football against people than shoot them.’

Related topics:PortsmouthTom KingArgentineLondon