Military Model Scene

Title: Operation Sheepskin
Author: Matthew J. Lord
Publisher: Helion & Co
ISBN: 978-1-804513-72-9

'British Military Intervention in Anguilla, 1969', number 38 in the Latin America @ War series from Helion & Co. An 82-page soft-cover book.
This is the story of an event I remember taking place, though I never before had any idea of the detail of it which is presented here. A mix of factors merged at the outset, as Britain was going through the stages of de-colonisation around the world, including in this case in the Caribbean. The small island of Anguilla was lacking various elements of infrastructure, including a hospital, electricity, paved roads and more. The initial plan was to link the island with neighbours St Kitts and Nevis, but this proved to be hugely unpopular with the islanders of Anguilla. The detail of this, and the personalities involved are all set out, leading up to the eventual reaction of the Labour government under Harold Wilson sending in British troops; 2 Para, Royal Marines and Royal Navy, and then Metropolitan Police officers. Equipment included the use of both Hercules and Andover transport aircraft. The landings in 1969 were expected to be met with gunfire, but the only flashes on the beach were the bulbs of the cameras of the press teams who were waiting for them! The whole thing was unopposed and there were no casualties, but the operation was a huge embarrassment to the British government in the international press. It developed into a case of the troops needing to win the hearts and minds of the Anguillan people. The British forces finally left the island in 1971.
This is an interesting story, and I am sure there will be others like me who remember the events taking place, but who will be interested to read this level of detail about what was actually happening at the time. Those interested in military equipment will enjoy the archive photos and the colour profiles featured in the middle of the book, especially with the Andover aircraft and the days when British troops still used the L1A1 rifle and Sterling sub-machine gun. The problems of drawing back from the days of Empire still make for some interesting reading I think.
Thanks to Helion & Co for the review copy.

Robin