Falklands War 'surrender telex' auctions in London rare militaria sale

This British forces Falklands War surrender document, sent via telex, is auctioning London this April

The Falklands War and telex machines. Each symbolise the 1980s, and will come together in a single militaria lot for sale in an upcoming London auction. The collectible in question is a copy of the original Falklands War Surrender Telex.

Argentina's presence in the Falkland Islands was the first time since World War Two that British territory had been invaded by foreign force. The stakes were high for Britain; particularly its image as a global military force.

Britain's subsequent actions in the Falklands remain controversial to this day, and resulted in Argentina's eventual surrender as outlined in this Falklands War Surrender Telex.

The telex announces the laying down of arms by the Argentine Forces under General de Brigada Mario Menendez in June 1982. Major-General Jeremy Moore, commander of the British land forces, sent the message to the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) on 14 June.

Moore's message will now be sold in London on April 3 - immediately following the 30th anniversary of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands.

Falklands War Surrender Telex

This document also fascinates for its period-1980s telex format. The telex network was a 20th century forerunner to today's modern email and texting. Text-based messages were sent over a switched network of teleprinters similar to a telephone network.

Telex was the first common medium for international communications. Hence its use for important moments in history like Argentina's Falklands surrender.

Said the Chairman of auctioneer Bonhams, Robert Brooks: "Between April and June 1982 the world was ... mesmerised by the unexpected and extraordinary events unfolding in the South Atlantic.

"This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total capitulation by Argentina's 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands. It is a rare find of great historical importance and will excite considerable interest from around the world."

Watch this space for more news on the auction.

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Images: Bonhams