Lord Carrington resigned as Foreign Secretary

First Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft arrived on Ascension Island.

Type 21 frigates Alacrity and Antelope left Devonport and later that day met Sir Geraint, Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot and Sir Percivale. The landing ships carried up to 400 Royal Marines, Army, Naval and RAF personnel along with the 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron.

Four hours after the departure of the frigates, the aircraft carriers left Portsmouth under the full glare of the media.

HMS Invincible passed the vast crowds which lined the walls of Portsmouth and Southsea seafront half an hour ahead of HMS Hermes. Sea Kings and Harriers lined the decks, both for ceremonial purposes and to allow the hangers to be used as sorting offices for the extra stores.