Decorated Falklands hero who led Marines on 80-mile 'yomp' to force surrender of Argentinian forces dies aged 86

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 14:48 EDT, 8 September 2026 | Updated: 16:10 EDT, 8 September 2026 A decorated war hero who led Britain’s commandos to victory in the Falklands and later served in Margaret Thatcher’s government has died.Major-General Andrew Whitehead passed away peacefully aged 86 on Wednesday, September 2, his family said.A highly respected veteran, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery during the successful battle for Two Sisters Hill on June 11-12, 1982.Then serving as Lieutenant Colonel, he was the commander of Britain’s elite 45 Commando battalion that forced the surrender of Argentinian forces.His plan saw the Marines divided into three units, with one advancing upon the western ‘Sister’ while the other two attacked the eastern ‘Sister’ from the north-west.In order to do so, they first had to ‘yomp’ 80 miles in just three days across boggy, rough terrain in bitter winter conditions while carrying 100lb of kit. Major-General Andrew Whitehead passed away peacefully aged 86 Then Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Whitehead of 45 Marine Commando greets his familyThe well-planned manoeuvre saw Whitehead and his men get within 480 yards of the enemy before being spotted.His actions during operations on the Falkland Islands saw him awarded the Distinguished Service Order, paying poignant recognition of his ‘meticulous planning and high standard of leadership’.Praising the men in his unit, Major-General Whitehead once wrote: ‘45 Commando, made up of young men mainly under 21, were outstanding.‘They were tough, brave and skilful. Anyone who asks what is wrong with the youth of today should come and look at us.’Such was the regard held for Major-General Whitehead that he went on to become one of the Iron Lady’s defence attachés in Washington.Following the announcement of his death, several former soldiers took to social media to pass on their condolences and praise his leadership and service.One veteran who served under him in the Falklands, said: ‘I don’t think 45 Commando would have had as few casualties as it did on Two sisters if we had another commander.’Another wrote: ‘A lovely man and had the respect of all he served with.’Major-General Whitehead, who was predeceased by his wife Tiggy and daughter Rachel, is survived by his other daughter Naomi, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.