Sunday, October 15, 2023

Malvinas: The Argentine Marines' Reconnaissance Mission at San Carlos Landing

An Unnecesary Recce

Revised version, 8/2/11

On May 26, 1982, an Amphibious Commando patrol arrived in the San Carlos area, departing from Puerto Argentino on the 24th of the same month. Their approach took them through terrain predominantly controlled by the enemy, resulting in significant casualties. Nevertheless, they valiantly accomplished their mission. In this anecdote, I aim to underscore a particular episode from this patrol's actions, highlighting the exceptional professionalism and sacrifice exhibited by these brave Marines.

Amid the Malvinas Conflict, the British executed a large-scale landing on May 21 in the vicinity of the San Carlos settlement on Soledad Island. After securing the beachhead, they launched a dual-pronged advance. One branch moved eastward with the objective of retaking Puerto Argentino, our primary base, while the other moved southward in the direction of Darwin.

In Puerto Argentino, located 75 km east of San Carlos, the knowledge regarding the British landing was minimal. This included uncertainty about whether it represented their principal effort or if additional operations were in progress. The Argentine leadership grappled with significant challenges in obtaining information about the enemy's movements. Multiple factors contributed to this complexity, including limited daylight hours – just 8 hours and 30 minutes at the end of May – coupled with extensive cloud cover and morning fog. Furthermore, the British held almost complete control over the airspace. Added to these issues was the severe constraint on land mobility, as vehicles couldn't be employed, and foot travel was restricted to a mere 1 km/h during daylight hours and a slower 0.5 km/h at night. In stark contrast, enemy patrols enjoyed unrestricted movement supported by their dominance in the air and at sea.

Nevertheless, despite these adversities, the military command in Puerto Argentino made the decision to dispatch three land patrols to San Carlos with the mission of "clarifying operational activity in the area."

One of these patrols was composed of Navy Amphibious Commando Non-Commissioned Officers stationed in Puerto Argentino.

In a reconnaissance mission, a faction known as the "Pereyra" was established under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Dante Camiletti, alongside First Corporal IM Pablo Alvarado and Second Corporals IM Omar A. López and Pedro C. Verón.

Amphibious Commando Jesús Pereyra

Guided by Marine Lieutenant Commander Dante Juan Manuel Camiletti, who volunteered to lead the patrol despite not being an Amphibious Commando, the "Pereyra" Patrol was established. This decision arose because the rest of the Amphibious Commandos were in Rio Gallegos (Santa Cruz), preparing for a possible Malvinas incursion as part of "Operation Vulture."

On May 24, the patrol boarded two Argentine Army helicopters and were transported to Chata Hill, approximately 50 km west of Puerto Argentino. This strategic move aimed to minimize the patrol's overland journey, considering the proximity of the enemy.

Upon reaching Chata Hill, they set up a Reduced Patrol Base (BPR) and concealed a portion of their equipment and supplies to reduce their load. This base served as a rendezvous point after the completion of their mission. They retained only essential items such as sleeping bags, a substantial quantity of ammunition, and easily transportable supplies, including chocolates, cigarettes, cookies, candy, broth, and alcohol pills.

They waited for nightfall to initiate their movements. On the night of May 24 to 25, under a light drizzle, they embarked on their journey towards Bombilla Hill, a prominent elevation that provided a vantage point overlooking the eastern end of the San Carlos estuary and Montevideo Hill, their ultimate destination.

From the vicinity of Bombilla Hill, they observed intense enemy activity already present on Montevideo Hill. It was apparent that the height was occupied, with the sounds of machinery audible and enemy helicopters engaged in cargo transport and patrol missions. Therefore, they decided against establishing a Patrol Base and Observatory on Montevideo Hill and instead chose to head towards Cerro Tercer Corral, a significant height located further southwest, from which they believed the mission could be effectively carried out.

Already in these first movements, the need to maintain the marching discipline typical of the Amphibious Commandos was noted and that the speed that Captain Camiletti wanted to impose, which threatened some of the unnecessary friction between the boss and his subordinates, threatened this procedure. when they understand and put into practice different doctrines.

The most senior Commando Non-Command Officer (Basualdo) demands adherence to procedures given the evident proximity of the enemy "who was everywhere" according to one of the Commando Corporals.

On their march to Tercer Corral they were overflown several times by 2 Harriers.

During the fording of a branch of the San Carlos River, they lost part of their equipment and lightened the rest, while at the same time they were completely soaked. They continued their brand practically with what they had.

On Wednesday, May 26, Cerro Tercer Corral was reached and a BPR was established. The Observation Post was located with a good view of Cerro Montevideo and Puerto San Carlos. Until now, it had not been possible to establish radio communications with Puerto Argentino.

Captain Camiletti moved forward to complete the table of information they were obtaining. Enthusiastic, he possibly exposed himself a little more than necessary, a fact that led to strong changes of opinion with the more senior Commandos.

Based on the analysis of the general situation (to which is added the situation previously explained) it was decided to divide the Patrol.

A part ("Basualdo Fraction", made up of the Marine Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers Miguel Ángel Basualdo and Ramón López and the Marine Corps Chiefs Juan Héctor Márquez, Osvaldo César Ozán, Juan Carrasco and Pedro Baccili) would return to Puerto Argentino with the important information collected and the rest with Captain Camiletti ("Pereyra Fraction": Chief Nurse Corporal Jesús A. Pereyra, First Corporal of the Marine Infantry Pablo Alvarado and the Second Corporals of the Marine Infantry Omar A. López and Pedro C. Verón) , will remain in the area trying to further expand the picture of the enemy.

The return of the Basualdo Patrol was marked by a series of significant events. During one of their movements, Chief Corporal Juan Carrasco was captured in Teal Inlet. Basualdo had to carefully navigate around the British columns heading in the same direction. This situation forced the patrol to virtually trail behind the British units while successfully avoiding direct contact with the enemy, despite the British's awareness of the presence of our commandos in their area following Carrasco's capture.

Their paramount concern was to reestablish contact with their own lines, which remained unaware of this patrol's existence. Fortunately, they encountered Argentine Army commandos who were operating ahead of their frontlines. Sergeant Cisneros served as the crucial connection that allowed them to re-enter their own defensive lines without incident, and this occurred on Sunday, May 30.

Subsequently, things proceeded relatively smoothly, and they could relay their invaluable collected information to the higher command. Tragically, Sergeant Cisneros later fell into an enemy ambush.

The remaining commandos who stayed in Tercer Corral under the leadership of Captain Camileti began their march on May 26 toward Montes Verdes, which was approximately 300 meters to the west, bringing them closer to the San Carlos settlement. The following day, they ascended the height at dawn and established a Reduced Patrol Base (BPR).

Using night scopes, they observed the enemy positioned on the topographic ridge of that same height. The decision was made to leave the patrol in that location while Captain Camiletti and Chief Corporal Pereyra advanced to gain a better vantage point to monitor the enemy's movements. Corporal Pereyra pointed out the danger to Camiletti if they were discovered, and following this, Captain Camiletti ordered Pereyra to rejoin the rest of the patrol. He then tried to advance further in the early morning light.

The remaining members of the patrol, along with Corporal Pereyra, clearly witnessed the enemy's actions on the heights and soon heard gunfire. They correctly assumed that Captain Camiletti had been detected and promptly initiated their return as previously agreed upon with the Captain.

Moment of capture of Cap. Camiletti (IMARA)

As they marched back, they noticed that the enemy forces were positioned in a chain, cautiously advancing and remaining highly alert.

Within our patrol, three commandos concealed themselves in a waterlogged well. They huddled together with freezing water up to their waists, using some tufts of grass that they had fortunately managed to place over themselves for cover. Pereyra, Alvarado, López, and Verón were the four fighters who remained hidden in the watery wells. The first three positioned themselves in a row, squatting low inside a flooded well with water up to their waists and concealed beneath tufts of grass they had arranged over their heads. Corporal Verón, having no opportunity to enter the well, lay on his back with his rifle resting on his chest in a shallow, 20-centimeter-deep depression within a stream. He, too, was hidden beneath grass and branches. The enemy forces virtually passed right over them without discovering their presence.

As darkness fell and they had spent several hours in these concealed positions, their bodies had gone numb from the frigid water. Suddenly, a rifle shot rang out from the right, followed by a volley of gunfire directed towards the valley where our men were hidden. Fortunately, the enemy's rounds sailed over the heads of the Amphibious Commandos. Were they conducting a suppressive fire operation? This was followed by around 30 minutes of eerie silence, broken by the constant movement of helicopters in the area.

For the Amphibious Commandos, nightfall presented the most favorable opportunity to disengage from their concealed positions.

Only with the darkness of the night and after spending many hours in the icy water were they able to get out of the position, first crawling because their legs were numb from the cold, then crawling to regain movement, then finally crouching to continue the escape. They also marched among British troops heading to Puerto Argentino.

The following is a personal conversation I had with Jesús Pereyra, a resident of Pehuen Có, a beach located 80km from Bahía Blanca. Pereyra had been in the Malvinas since Operation Rosario, and he and his fellow soldiers were seasoned personnel. In contrast, Camiletti was a recently commissioned officer who lacked any practical field experience. However, due to his officer status, he was assigned to lead the forward observation mission.

Pereyra recounted that the mission seemed purposeless from the outset. Its objective was to confirm the British landing, even though the BBC had already reported it and had subsequently aired live images. Owen Grippa had, in fact, flown over the area in an MBB326 and attacked HMS Argonaut, thus confirming the British presence. Nevertheless, naval commanders approved the mission. Upon learning of this, Pereyra realized it was essentially a suicide mission. As a result, he refrained from seeking volunteers and instead enlisted all the group members. No one wanted to be individually responsible for leading someone to certain death; they preferred to face the risk together.

Camiletti was inadequately prepared, even carrying his provisions in a conspicuous fluorescent orange Antarctic backpack. Shortly after the mission began, Pereyra and his comrades informed Camiletti that they would "interpret" his orders due to his lack of combat experience, as they were unwilling to unquestioningly follow commands they deemed ill-suited. The patrol covertly reached the San Carlos beaches and verified the British presence, subsequently sending a report to Puerto Argentino. Despite this confirmation, Camiletti insisted on approaching the British forces more closely. This is why he was captured alone, while the non-commissioned officers were not. The image of Camiletti, hooded with a jacket and a Sterling submachine gun aimed at his head, became widely known around the world.

Capture of Cap. Camiletti (IMARA)

Captain Camiletti's account, as conveyed to this author, contradicts the assertion that he volunteered for the mission. Instead, he states that he assumed command of the patrol for nearly two months. During this time, he arranged their lodgings, secured a vehicle for their transportation, and motivated the team to overcome their reluctance, as some were hesitant about embarking on daily missions. His objective was to engage in daily exploratory excursions along the coastline, search for potential infiltrators in areas near the sea, and prepare nighttime ambushes in locations conducive to English patrol landings. Concerning his capture and the rationale behind his solo advancement towards the English positions, he explained, "The members who returned did so due to exhaustion and their unwillingness to continue the advance. Those who remained behind were only those with relatively better physical condition, and I had to insist that they stay" (personal communication, 03/24/11).

Following the capture of the Argentine officer and the heightened state of alert among English troops, a remarkable incident occurred: British forces passed within inches of the Argentine soldiers without detecting them. Their concealment was a crevice in the earth from which a shallow, 40 cm-deep spring emerged. The three of them remained there from 8 AM one day until 2 AM the following day, enduring the wet conditions of the Malvinas' climate.

On that very day, they embarked on a journey toward Two Sisters Hill, which served as the re-entry point into the Argentine-controlled territory. Progress was painstakingly slow as they were closely trailed by patrols from the SAS and RM.

Upon reaching Two Sisters Hill, Pereyra had a premonition that "something was amiss." Despite an eerie calm and a lack of troop movements in the elevated terrain, they proceeded. When they were just a few meters away, British forces, who had recaptured the hill the day before, opened fire. A bullet struck Pereyra's backpack, penetrating through and lodging in his back. Pereyra was taken captive, while Camiletti, upon his return to the mainland, was discharged and subsequently faded from the public eye.

Their journey took them halfway on Monday, May 31, when, in the southeastern vicinity of Monte Estancia, they fell into an ambush. Pereyra and López sustained severe injuries, while Alvarado and Verón remained unscathed but were captured. Thus began a new chapter, one that revolved around their lives as prisoners. This phase was particularly challenging, as they endured harsh treatment owing to their classification as special forces.

Subsequently, he was embarked in the HMS Canberra to get back to the continent and resumed active duty. The Navy, however, never requested that he share his combat experiences with the new generations of amphibious commandos. There was always a sense of shame associated with recounting them. This led to a profound depression, prompting his participation in the 1984 voyage of the Frigate Libertad, where he was the sole war veteran on board. In each North American and European port visited by the frigate, he was honored by fellow naval peers. In Annapolis, for instance, both marines and naval officers extended invitations for him to share his experiences over a drink. Similar receptions occurred in France, Spain, and Italy, with foreign naval officers eager to hear his accounts, even when their own national colleagues did not share the same enthusiasm.

He wasn't the sole one grappling with the aftermath. His fellow patrol members sank into severe depressions. Verón, hailing from Misiones, requested leave but, in a simultaneous twist, was arrested due to disruptive behavior. Pereyra, using his own funds, traveled to Posadas to secure Verón's release. When he found him in jail, Verón was clad in just a T-shirt, swim trunks, and flip-flops. Pereyra settled his fine, secured his freedom, and helped him regain his footing. Through his own marriage, Pereyra bore the costs of the traumas inflicted by the Malvinas War.

Presently, Pereyra is on leave and imparts nautical safety lessons. He resides in Pehuen Co, a quaint beach town located 80km from Bahía Blanca. I had the privilege of crossing paths with him two years ago when, unbeknownst to me, I rented his house. He goes by the moniker "El Brujo" Pereyra, as he's renowned for his knack for solving any problem that comes his way. He's an exceptionally modest and amiable individual, one of those people you can instantly identify by the way he talks. From time to time, he still reunites with Robacio, another unassuming hero of our nation, who served as the commander of BIM 5 in Tumbledown. Together, they ponder the purpose of that ill-fated patrol, a question to which nobody seems to hold the answer.