Unsung Hero of the Falklands War

Unsung Hero of the Falklands War redresses the balance in the story of Britain’s 1982 conflict, restoring Commodore Michael Clapp to his rightful place among the key figures of the campaign.

As commander of the Amphibious Task Group, Clapp was responsible for Operation Sutton – the successful San Carlos landings that proved crucial to Britain’s victory. Yet despite this achievement, he was denied promotion and excluded from post-war recognition, an oversight that reflected deep inter-service rivalries and the Royal Navy’s shifting priorities in the years that followed.

Anthony Cumming traces Clapp’s remarkable career, from active service in Korea, Cyprus and the Indonesia–Malaya Confrontation, to his time in the Fleet Air Arm and his leadership in introducing the Sea Harrier to naval aviation. The book also examines the broader implications of the Falklands campaign, asking whether Britain has lost sight of the importance of true amphibious warfare.

Praise for Unsung Hero of the Falklands War

“By weaving together the huge number of threads, Cumming creates a compelling synopsis of Britain’s post-war strategic policies and the Falklands War. It rightfully returns Commodore Clapp to his correct place in naval history and also functions as a celebration of those whose deeds often go unrecognised.” – Graham Ward, retired history teacher

About the Author

Anthony J. Cumming earned his PhD at the University of Plymouth and won the University of London’s Julian Corbett Prize for Research in Modern Naval History. He is the author of Battle for Britain and Inter-service Rivalry between the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, 1909–40. A former civil servant, he lives in Devon with his wife and greyhound.