We were following Exocet, the first ascent route of the peak, put up in 1988.

WSJ: Amid the Perils of Patagonia

Those who remember the backstage help that France gave Britain in trying to counter the French-made Exocet missiles used by Argentina during the Falklands war in 1982 may wonder how effective the Mistrals would be in any war that France disapproved of.

ECONOMIST: French arms sales to Russia

For example, Britain's defence secretary during the Falklands war, John Nott, revealed in his memoirs that France had been Britain's staunchest ally, providing information that helped to render the Exocet anti-ship missiles used by Argentina ineffective, and supplying Mirage and Super-Etendard fighters for British Harrier pilots to pit themselves against in training.

ECONOMIST: The Anglo-French defence pact