Today there are more than a thousand British military servicemen and women stationed on the Falkland Islands. But why are they there?

Ben Coley finds out how the Falklands Conflict began 40 years ago.

Listen as the Falkland Islanders themselves recall what happened when Argentinian forces arrived on their shores, while military commanders along with ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen remember finding out they were being sent eight thousand miles away from home to fight a most unexpected battle.

This is an original podcast from BFBS.

Presented by Ben Coley

Produced by Ben Coley, Jess Bracey, Jade Callaway, Gini Carlin, Sean Harper and Tim Humphries

Sound Design by Joe Carden

Edited by Josella Waldron

Major General Julian Thompson spoke to Paul Condon and Jane Franklin at Forces News

With thanks to Falkland Islands Radio Service for Patrick Watts archive material

For the full story about what happened on South Georgia listen to: Tea and Medals, Keith Mills DSC, South Georgia Invasion. radio.bfbs.com/podcasts/tea-medals