34. The British Invasion of Anguilla
The Anguillians were understandably upset by the disrespect shown them by British diplomat William Whitlock. Some young toughs who styled themselves Anguilla’s Defense Force brandished firearms, which caused Whitlock to promptly flee the island. London, mistakenly believing that the Queen’s representative had been fired upon and violently ejected from Anguilla, organized an invasion.
Codenamed Operation Sheepskin, the invasion was an open secret, giving the Anguillians plenty of time to prepare. They did so by completely demilitarizing the island, rounding up all firearms and burying them. On March 19th, 1969, the invasion force of 2 frigates, 135 paratroopers, and 40 Scotland Yard cops, landed in Anguilla. They met no resistance, but were greeted instead by welcoming crowds and a horde of journalists.