The Belgrano Diary

The Belgrano affair reaches its climax as the stories of Narendra Sethia and Clive Ponting connect. The two whistleblowers appear in court and the diary makes its final journey.The Belgrano Diary is a new six-part series from the Documentary Team at the London Review of Books, hosted by Andrew O’Hagan. We’ve brought a selection of relevant writing from the LRB archive – including pieces by Tam Dalyell, who plays an important part in the story – in front of the paywall for the duration of the series: lrb.me/thebelgranodiaryYou can listen to exclusive interviews and other bonus material, all for a one-off payment of just £4.99 at: https://lrb.me/belgranodiaryscArchive: ‘The Scottish Independence Podcast – Episode 172’/Michael Greenwell, ‘Live from Downing Street’/ITV/TV-Am, ‘Nott, John William Frederic (Oral History)’/Imperial War Museum, Parliamentary Recording Unit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lieutenant Narendra Sethia, a young officer whose diary challenged Margaret Thatcher's account of the Belgrano sinking, shares gripping details of his journey. He reveals the mystery of the missing HMS Conqueror logbooks, hinting at possible government cover-ups. Amidst a media frenzy, he faces accusations of theft, leading to intense scrutiny from journalists and security forces. The narrative dives into personal integrity, the complexities of military secrets, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding truth in the face of political upheaval.

Armed with the diary, Tam Dalyell goes on the attack – but the cover-up continues. A whistleblower from within the Ministry of Defence is arrested for a breach of the Official Secrets Act.The Belgrano Diary is a new six-part series from the Documentary Team at the London Review of Books, hosted by Andrew O’Hagan. We’ve brought a selection of relevant writing from the LRB archive – including pieces by Tam Dalyell, who plays an important part in the story – in front of the paywall for the duration of the series: lrb.me/thebelgranodiaryEpisode 5 will be released on 25 April. If you’d prefer not to wait, you can listen to the whole series NOW, as well as exclusive interviews and other bonus material, all for a one-off payment of just £4.99 at: https://lrb.me/belgranodiaryscArchive: ‘The Scottish Independence Podcast – Episode 172’/Michael Greenwell, Parliamentary Recording Unit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tam Dalyell, a tenacious anti-war MP, dives into the murky waters surrounding the sinking of the Belgrano during the Falklands War. He uncovers discrepancies in government narratives, highlighting the complexities and political ramifications of the event. Dalyell's investigation reveals personal accounts that challenge established truths and debates the ethical responsibilities of officials. The conversation grapples with themes of trust and deception, exposing how political motives can shield critical decisions from the public eye.

Tensions rise as a British submarine stalks the Belgrano, leading to a pivotal decision by Margaret Thatcher. The emotional struggles of the crew during a 40-hour wait unfold, highlighting their fears and sense of duty. The chaos of the Belgrano’s sinking portraits the deep scars left on survivors, while reflections on military strategy reveal the complexities of warfare and leadership. The aftermath stirs a national sentiment, showcasing the intertwining of political rhetoric and public emotion during this tumultuous time.

Lieutenant Narendra Sethia, who served on the HMS Conqueror during the Falklands War, shares his gripping diary entries that challenge the official narrative. He reveals the haunting aftermath of the General Belgrano's sinking, igniting debates about accountability. The personal toll of war is evident as Sethia reflects on his chaotic experiences aboard the submarine amid rising tensions. Listeners are drawn into a world of military duty, family legacy, and the intense emotions that define conflict, through his storytelling and insights.

On 2 May 1982, the British submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentinian warship, the General Belgrano, killing 323 men. It was the bloodiest event of the Falklands War – and the most controversial.The account of the sinking given by Thatcher's government was inaccurate in every crucial detail – and the truth would only emerge from the pages of a private diary, written by an officer onboard the submarine.The Belgrano Diary is a story of war in the South Atlantic, iron leadership, cover-ups and conspiracies, crusading politicians and competing journalists, and an unlikely whistleblower.A new six-part series from the Documentary Team at the London Review of Books, hosted by Andrew O’Hagan.Archive:‘Good Morning Britain’/ITV/TV-Am, Parliamentary Recording Unit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.