MANCHESTER.- Marking the thirtieth anniversary of the Falklands War, a new photographic display at IWM North in Manchester, part of Imperial War Museums, will take a unique look at the heroes, casualties, dangers and challenges of the conflict.

The free, outdoor display contains powerful photographs depicting the war on land, in the air and at sea - all taken from the extensive IWM photographic archive.

The six images on display are brought together and blown up to an unprecedented scale. They will be shown in huge, 5 metre high frames against the backdrop of IWM North – a unique building designed by world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict.

A dramatic scene of a British casualty being rushed to the sick bay on board HMS Hermes is shown alongside the famous image of the Royal Marines march across the Falklands towards Port Stanley. Meanwhile, an intimate photograph of a downcast Argentinian prisoner of war by photographer Paul Haley provides an insight into the experiences and emotions of troops on both sides during the conflict.

Fleet Air Arm pilot Lieutenant Commander Nigel ‘Sharkey’ Ward, is pictured moments after shooting down an Argentinian aircraft. Ward, who commanded 801 Squadron, personally shot down three enemy aircraft in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.

Dispelling the myth that very few photographs were taken during the Falklands War, the new display reveals that, despite access restrictions and logistical difficulties, photographers were present and captured truly striking images of the conflict.

Inside IWM North’s Main Exhibition Space, visitors can explore unique artefacts from the conflict, including a Kawasaki motorbike - taken from a Falkland Islander by Argentinian troops and subsequently captured by a member of the British Armed Forces. Also on display are Argentinian matchboxes bearing an image of the cruiser General Belgrano, which was sunk by Royal Navy submarine HMS Conqueror on 2 May 1982. Infamous front pages from The Sun newspaper reporting the sinking of General Belgrano are shown alongside contrasting Argentinian magazines from the same period.

Copies of drawings by IWM’s official war artist from the conflict, Linda Kitson, are also on display in the Main Exhibition Space. Kitson produced over 400 drawings, often completed at speed in hostile conditions and at night.

Hilary Roberts, Head Curator of IWM’s Photograph Archive, said: ‘The photographers who went to the Falklands had little experience of frontline combat and very little time to prepare. Nevertheless, they took many remarkable pictures, which have received very little acknowledgement until now. This spectacular display, set against the backdrop of IWM North, commemorates the conflict and pays tribute to the photographers’ achievements 30 years ago.’