AS the battle to liberate the Falklands from the Argentinian invasion force intensifies Chief Petty Officer Michael Debenham follows the action from taskforce flagship HMS Hermes.

In his secret diary on May 28 he records the fact that sailors are going ashore to help with logistics and he expects to lose more to the “Blue Beret Platoon” as prisoner of war numbers mount.

The following day the Atlantic Conveyor sinks. She was hit on May 25 by Exocets intended for Hermes.They came so close to the carrier sailors could see graffiti on them, but they changed course at the last minute and slammed into the merchant ship's side, killing 12 including her captain.

A 'ship taken up from trade' the merchant ship was converted to carry Harriers and is loaded with munitions and Chinook helicopters. She takes them with her to the bottom.

" Brave ship she was, but the sea has claimed her,” writes CPO Debenham.

Turning his attention to the fighting ashore he notes the push towards Goose Green by the Paras.

As June arrives he writes: "We hear there are as many as 1,400 prisoners from the Goose Green Darwin area. Our lads here have formed part of the Blue Beret Platoon to guard them on board the MV Norland, a ferry ship. They will end up in Uruguay."

But the progress comes at the cost of 18 lives - 16 Paras, including their commander Lt Col H Jones, a commando sapper and Lt Richard Nunn, pilot of the helicopter sent to 'casevac' the dying officer, which is shot down by an Argentinian Pucara.

Learn more about Michael's secret diary here: swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20055275.secret-falklands-war-diary-kept-sailor-aboard-argentinians-no1-target