HistoryData
Historical ConflictFalkland Islands

Battle of Two Sisters

Capturing the Two Sisters heights on 11–12 June 1982 opened the final approach to Port Stanley, directly enabling Argentina's surrender in the Falklands War.

Duration & Scope

1982 ongoing

< 1 year

Key Facts

Date
11–12 June 1982
Duration
One night
British assault force
45 Commando Royal Marines
Argentine defenders
Company from 4th Infantry Regiment (RI 4)
Concurrent battles
Mount Longdon and Mount Harriet (same night)

Strategic Narrative Overview

As part of a coordinated brigade-level night operation on 11–12 June 1982, 45 Commando Royal Marines assaulted the Two Sisters feature simultaneously with attacks on Mount Longdon and Mount Harriet. Fighting in darkness against Argentine infantry of the 4th Infantry Regiment, the Royal Marines pressed forward under fire and seized the high ground. All three simultaneous night battles were conducted to strip Argentine forces of commanding terrain around Stanley.

01 / The Origins

The Falklands War began in April 1982 when Argentine forces invaded and occupied the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands. Britain dispatched a naval task force to retake the islands. After securing a beachhead at San Carlos, British ground forces advanced toward the Argentine-held capital, Port Stanley, facing a series of defended high-ground positions that guarded the approaches to the town.

03 / The Outcome

British forces captured the Two Sisters heights, completing a sweep of the high ground overlooking Port Stanley. Combined with victories at Mount Longdon and Mount Harriet the same night, this left Argentine defensive positions exposed and untenable. Argentine forces on the Falkland Islands surrendered on 14 June 1982, ending the conflict and restoring British administration over the islands.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

United Kingdom – 45 Commando Royal Marines

Side B

1 belligerent

Argentina – 4th Infantry Regiment (RI 4)
Outcome
British victory; Two Sisters heights captured, clearing the way for the fall of Port Stanley and Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Kinetic Engagement Axis

Major engagements timeline (1982–present)Timeline of major military engagements plotted chronologically.1982present1982Battle of Two Si…Allied1982Battle of Mount …Allied1982Battle of Mount …Allied

Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.

Side A victorySide B victoryInconclusiveDecisive / turning point

Location

Map of Port Stanley, Falkland IslandsMap of Port Stanley, Falkland IslandsPort Stanley, Falkland Islands