Wing Commander Peter Squire, No. 1 (F) Squadron, RAF

On 13 June, Peter Squire became the first RAF pilot to launch a laser-guided ‘smart’ bomb, in combat, while attacking Argentinian troops on Mount Longdon. He was in command of No. 1 (F) Squadron which flew Harrier GR3 aircraft in both ground attack and air defence roles. The squadron travelled to the South Atlantic on Atlantic Conveyor and Norland. Squire flew his Harrier off Atlantic Conveyor a few days before the container ship was sunk by an Argentinian missile. He then operated from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. On 11 June, his cockpit was hit by Argentinian fire. Squire was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery during the campaign.

Photograph album from Peter Squire’s service in the Falklands. By kind permission of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire GCB DFC AFC DSc FRAeS, © IWM

A fragment of the cockpit of Peter Squire’s Harrier, pierced by an Argentinian bullet. By kind permission of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire GCB DFC AFC DSc FRAeS, © IWM

Peter Squire’s logbook. By kind permission of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire GCB DFC AFC DSc FRAeS, © IWM