Naval Party 8901 were a Marine detachment protecting the Falklands Islands. In 1982 they were at double strength as one detachment was due to leave and the replacements had arrived. The senior of the two Majors commanding these detachments was Major Mike Norman, a Dukie who was in Clive House, leaving in 1962. In all there were about 77 marines and sailors from the Endurance on the Falklands. 22 left on the Endurance to observe the Argentine force that had taken over South Georgia.

Majors Norman and Noott organised a defence with the remaining marines, with the addition of two ex-marines who had emigrated to the islands after their tours with 8901 in earlier years. They deployed sections in the fields around Stanley and held their main strength in and around Government House. In the ensuing battle on 2nd April, the Marines discharged some 6000+ small arms rounds and fired 12 rockets. The Argentines claim 1 death and two wounded casualties of the firefight. Governor Rex Hunt put the Argentine losses as 5 with a further 10 in an Amtrac which was hit by rockets. None of its occupants were seen to leave it. A further 17 were injured, some seriously.

The Naval Party 8901 defenders landed back in UK with Governor Hunt on 5th April. Their exploits to this day, and to my knowledge have never been given due acknowledgement by the Thatcher government, nor any subsequent administration. Recommend reading Mike Norman's book "The Falklands War - There And Back Again"