Front suspension locking in compression

I have a problem with the left front suspension on my '83 Gti.

I hit a bump last week and the front suspension got stuck in the fully compressed position.  Car was just about drivable.  I limped home at 30mph and hit another bump after about 5 miles which completely fixed the problem(This is the second time this has happened).  Springs seem fine so I am assuming it is a damper problem.

Has anyone else experienced this.  I will probably change both front struts unless anyone has any other ideas on what the problem might be?  Also if I am changing the struts would it make sense to change the top mounts while I have the spanners out?

Assuming the springs are intact and not broken, it can only be a fault with the damper, a duff valve inside? Although the energy in a compressed front spring would be immense and would exert tons of pressure  :dontknow:

For what they cost (and they are nearly always knackered) I would also get new bump stops and the dust shields along with top mounts.

Thanks for your help.

I will get the spanners out.