Sadness in Falklands as Sir Rex dies aged 86

Sir Rex Hunt, the diplomat who was in charge of the Falkland Islands during their invasion by Argentina, has died aged 86.

The former governor was considered a hero in the Falklands for his courage in organising the resistance to the Argentine invasion in 1982.

He was taken prisoner and expelled to Uruguay, but returned as governor after Britain recaptured the islands following the 74-day conflict and he remained in his post until 1985.

The Falkland Islands government said in a statement: “We received news of the passing of Sir Rex Hunt with great sadness. He will forever be remembered in the islands for his years of service as governor, and particularly for his courage and dignity in facing the Argentine invasion.

“His passion and commitment to the Falkland Islands will be sorely missed. The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all Falkland Islanders are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Oxford-educated Sir Rex, a Second World War Spitfire pilot, made his official Falklands residence the operational headquarters for the Royal Marines after the Argentines invaded.

Government House in Port Stanley quickly became the site of a skirmish between members of the Royal Marines garrison and the Argentine navy’s commandos.

Sir Rex eventually gave the order to lay down arms before heading to Stanley town hall wearing his governor’s plumed hat.

He told Argentine commander vice admiral Carlos Busser: “You have landed unlawfully on British territory and I order you to remove yourself and your troops forthwith.”

Four hours later, he was forcibly removed from the island and put on a plane to Uruguay, along with officials from the Foreign Office, where he remained until the end of the war.