Go Find Him and Bring Me Back His Hat

Mariano Sciaroni's "Go find him and bring me back his hat" offers a detailed examination of one of the most critical yet underexplored aspects of the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War: the Royal Navy's anti-submarine warfare campaign. The book's title, reportedly derived from a commander's order regarding an Argentine submarine threat, captures the urgency and determination that characterized British naval operations during this brief but intense conflict in the South Atlantic.

Sciaroni brings a unique perspective to this historical analysis, combining meticulous research with an understanding of naval warfare that allows him to navigate the complex technical and strategic dimensions of submarine operations. The work focuses specifically on the Royal Navy's efforts to counter the submarine threat posed by Argentina's naval forces, particularly the San Luis and Santa Fe submarines, which represented a significant concern for British commanders throughout the conflict.

The book provides substantial coverage of the operational challenges faced by the Royal Navy's anti-submarine warfare units. British forces had to contend with the geographical complexities of the South Atlantic, where oceanographic conditions, weather patterns, and the vast distances involved created a challenging environment for submarine detection and tracking. Sciaroni examines how these factors influenced tactical decisions and operational effectiveness throughout the campaign.

One of the strengths of this work lies in its attention to the technical aspects of anti-submarine warfare as practiced during this period. The early 1980s represented a transitional era in naval technology, and the Falklands conflict provided one of the few opportunities to test Cold War-era anti-submarine tactics and equipment in actual combat conditions. The book explores the capabilities and limitations of the sonar systems, torpedoes, depth charges, and other anti-submarine weapons employed by British forces.

Sciaroni also addresses the human dimension of anti-submarine operations, recognizing that behind the technical specifications and tactical maneuvers were personnel operating under extreme pressure. The psychological strain of hunting submarines, the constant alertness required, and the fear of torpedo attack created a demanding operational environment for Royal Navy crews. The author captures these elements without resorting to dramatization, maintaining a balanced historical perspective.

The narrative examines specific incidents and engagements, including the encounters between British forces and Argentine submarines. The fate of the Santa Fe, which was damaged and eventually captured at South Georgia, receives detailed treatment, as does the controversial question of why the San Luis never successfully engaged British vessels despite reportedly being in favorable attack positions on multiple occasions. These case studies illustrate broader themes about the effectiveness of anti-submarine warfare during the conflict.

The book also considers the strategic implications of the submarine threat. Argentine submarines, though limited in number and capability, forced British commanders to allocate significant resources to anti-submarine operations. This defensive requirement influenced the deployment of surface ships, the positioning of task forces, and the overall operational tempo of the British campaign. Sciaroni analyzes how this strategic calculus affected decision-making at various command levels.

Research methodology appears solid, with Sciaroni drawing upon official records, technical documentation, and other historical sources to construct his account. The work benefits from the author's careful examination of both British and Argentine perspectives, though the emphasis naturally falls on Royal Navy operations given the book's focus. This approach provides a more complete picture of the anti-submarine campaign than would be possible from a single national viewpoint.

The technical detail in the book will appeal to readers with a serious interest in naval history and submarine warfare, though some passages may prove challenging for those without background knowledge of naval terminology and anti-submarine warfare concepts. Sciaroni generally explains technical matters clearly, but the subject matter itself demands a certain level of engagement from readers.

This work makes a valuable contribution to the historiography of the Falklands/Malvinas War by addressing an aspect of the conflict that has received less attention than surface engagements or air operations. Anti-submarine warfare, by its nature secretive and technical, often remains poorly understood in popular accounts of naval conflicts. Sciaroni's detailed treatment helps fill this gap in the historical record.

For historians, naval professionals, and serious students of the Falklands/Malvinas War, this book offers substantial insight into an important dimension of the 1982 conflict. The combination of operational analysis, technical detail, and strategic assessment provides a comprehensive examination of the Royal Navy's anti-submarine campaign during this significant Cold War-era confrontation in the South Atlantic.