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17 أكتوبر, 2010BRITISH UNITS SERVING IN ADEN 1955-67
BRITISH UNITS SERVING IN ADEN 1955-67
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British units serving in Aden between 1955-67
SADA-ALHERAK-ALGANOBY
British units serving in Aden 1955-67
This is a list of the British forces that served during the Aden conflict 1964-67. It is NOT our intention to ignore any unit which served. We wish to get the facts correct and produce a accurate list of all the units who served.
Due to time pressures and a lack of staff, we can no longer update these pages. This may change in the future, please bear with us.
RAF
Army
Navy
Royal Marines
Joint Units
HQ Middle East Command
HQ MEC was mainly located at Fort Morbut, a ramshackle collection of huts staffed by RAF, Army, WAAF and WRAC. Some of its personnel also worked at Government House (the Security Secretariat) the prison, and post office. Located at Fort Morbut was also the famous "Two and One Club" a junior NCOs mess. The GSM during my time 1964-66 was from the Northumberland Fusiliers, regretfully I do not recall his name. Some staff officers I remember were Maj Manning-Press RA and Col Peat R.Sigs. Many Thanks to Andy Croy ex REME. for this entry.
Royal Air Force
Squadron
Aircraft
Base
8 Squadron
Venom FB1 (3/55-11/55 & 12/56-4/57)
Venom FB4 (10/55-1/60)
Meteor FR9 (1/58-1/58-8/59)
Hunter FGA9 (1/60-12/71) & Hunter FR10 (4/61-5/63)
Khormaksar to 7/1956
Habbaniyah 7/56-9/56
Akrotiri 9/56
Khormaksar 12/56-6/61
Khormaksar 10/61-8/67
Served at Khormaksar for about 4 months before the final withdrawal when we left on Argosys, calling at Selalah, on route to Masira where we stayed for 1 month before moving on to Bahrein alongside 208 Sqdn.
Our engineering officer was Flt Lt Colin Jones, a man I had the utmost respect for and used to babysit for.
21 Squadron, AFME Coms
Twin Pioneer CC1, Andover CC2, and the last RAF Dakota
Khormaksar 1st June 1965 to 9th September 1967, when disbanded.
26 Squadron
Belvedere Helicopters
Khormaksar 1st March 1963; NOTE Search and Rescue Helicopter Flight Sycamores were briefly listed under this squadron in 1964.
37 Squadron
4 Shackleton MR2's, one aircraft on strength 1966-67
Khormaksar 8/57-9/67 when disbanded.
42 Squadron
Shackleton MR2
Long detachments? was not based in Aden.
42 Sqn det was a Shackleton MR3 on the Rhodesia oil blockade, also known as the Majunga run. after September 67 when 37 left, the 42 sqn Mk3 was the only one left at Ksar. Not sure when it finally left Aden.
43 Squadron
Aircraft shared with 8 squadron, all Hunter FGA9s carried both squadrons markings.
Khormaksar 1 March 1963 to 9/1967
73(F) Squadron
De Havilland Venom
Squadron arrived on detachment from RAF Nicosia early `57. Stationed at RAF Khormaksar the Squadron flew Venom FB1`s against the rebels in the Yemen mountains.
78 Squadron
Pioneer CC1 (4/56-8/59)
Pembroke C1 (6/58-6/59)
Twin Pioneer CC1 (10/58-6/65)
Wessex HC2 (6/65-2/71)
Khormaksar 4/56-10/67
84 Squadron
Valetta C1 (12/56-8/60)
Sycamore HR14 (12/56-5/57)
Pembroke C1 (12/56-6/57)
Beverley C1 (5/58-6/67)
Khormaksar 12/56-9/67; NOTE Sycamores belonged to Search and Rescue Helicopter Flight, This is believed to have been a temporary administrative arrangement. See Search and Rescue Helicopter Flight entry.
105 Squadron
Argosy C1
Khormaksar 6/62 to 8/67
208 Squadron
Hunter F.G.A.9
The unit moved to Bahrain from its base at Eastleigh, Kenya, in July 1961 to support 8 Sqn during the first Iraq/Kuwaiti crisis. Once that was over, 208 moved to Khormaksar on a permanent basis although it shared alternating bi-monthly detachments to Bahrain with 8 Sqn in case of further trouble from Iraq. When 43 Sqn moved to Khormaksar in March 1963, the Hunter squadrons undertook the two-month Bahrain detachment in rotation until May 1964, when 208 Squadron was posted to Bahrain permanently. Many Thanks to Ray Deacon for this entry.
233 Squadron
Valetta C1
9/60-1/64 when disbanded
288 Squadron
511 Squadron
Britannia
Lyneham on trooping, Freight, Mail & Supplies from the UK to Near East, Middle East and Far East for the duration of the establishment of British bases until the early 70's. In 1967 operated the last scheduled Britannia out of Khormaksar.
1417 Flight
Equipped with Hunter T7 and FR10
Formed 1/3/63 from 8 squadron recce flt. Disbanded 9/67 and reabsorbed by 8 Sqn.
1426 Flight
Avro Lincoln
Based at RAF Khormaksar. 1426 was formed on 2nd January 1956 and posted to RAF Khormaksar from 10th February 1956. The CO was Squadron Leader David Smyth, the Flt was formed with 4 Lincoln aircraft from 7 Sqdn at Uphaven ( RA664,RE345, SX982 & RE322)which had recently returned from Malaya plus 2 more Lincolns(RF340 & RF558)from UK storage. All aircraft being transferred from Bomber Command to MEAF. Duel control was installed on a/c RE345. There was at first only 5 crews for the 6 a/c. All but one aircraft was pronounced US on arrival(a good start).The flight remained on constant operations until the last a/c left to return to the UK on 9th. January 1957 when their role was taken over by Shackletons of 42 Sqdn on attachment from the UK. One a/c was cat 5 and scrapped in Aden ,1 a/c crashed in France and one went US on the way to the UK. Later in the year 6 Shackletons of 37 squadron about to be disbanded in Malta were posted to Khormaksar staying for the next ten years.
The first 3 Avro Lincolns arrived Aden in 9/1955 detached from RAF Eastleigh, Kenya to eventually form Flight 1426.
Aden Communications Flight
Valettas
Well before 1956, The Aden Communication Flight (Valettas) also had the first helicopter based in Aden (Sycamore) and a Pembroke aircraft attached in 1955.
East Africa Communications Flight
served with this unit from 1*953 to 1955 unit CO Flt Lt. Angus McVitie
Search and Rescue Helicopter Flight
Sycamore HR14
Independent unit (without a number)formed in 1957 with 4 Sycamore HR14 helicopters, following tropical trials in Nairobi from 1954. Involved also in support helicopter role in Radfan etc. until replaced by Whirlwind HAR10 in 1964 until withdrawal in 1967, when unit reformed in Bahrein as the Gulf SAR Flight.
Whirlwinds made a significant contribution to SH support of the Army in the Radfan in 1964/65, as well as fulfilling th SAR role for the whole protectorate. I served in the unit from Aug 1963 to July 1965. COs during that time were Flight Lieutenants Witten-Hayden and Barrel, both veterans of the still youthful RAF helicopter force.
I note that the Sycamores are listed under 84 Squadron in 56/57. This may have been a temporary administrative arrangement. They came briefly under 26 Squadron, for the same reason, in 1964, but we carried on regardless, calling ourselves the SAR Flight, and not wanting too much to do with the much vaunted, but ultimately unfortunate Belvedere! I had the sad task of attending 2 of their crashes, one fatal. Many thanks to Tony Bell for this entry.
2 Squadron, RAF Regiment RAF Khormaksar 13/11/1965 to 22/4/1966 and 11/10/1967 to 27/11/1967
10 Armoured Car Squadron, RAF Regiment equipped with ferrets on continuous operations. RAF Khormaksar 1955-1957.
16 Squadron, RAF Regiment R.A.F. Khormaksar June 1964-June 1965, Radfan, Makeros. Saw action in the Radfan (3"mortars) @Tabletop & November 7 with K.O.S.B.'s & Scots Greys. C.O. Squadron Ldr. Holborn.
Detached from RAF Upwood to Khormaksar,Salalah Oman,Mat 1963-Nov 1963. Flt.Lt.Jones was our flight commander in Salalah.
27 Squadron, RAF Regiment Deployed from 3 wing Akrotiri Cyprus September 1965 to December 65. C.O. Sqn/Ldr. Terry Loker.
On 26th November 65, 25 year old LAC Derek Frank Smitten was travelling by civilian bus from the Red sea house hotel "which was 27's billet during this detachment" to RAF Seamer Point where he was to attend a party. As the bus reached a stop in the Tawahi district LAC Smitten was shot in the back of the head by an assassin, A few days later a European was arrested at a petrol station in Aden, he had been acting suspiciously and he was found to be in possession of the pistol that killed LAC Smitten. LAC Smitten was buried at Little Aden. Thanks to NT839 for this entry.
34 Squadron, RAF Regiment 34 Squadron was deployed from 3 Wing at Akrotiri Cyprus September 1965 to December 65. 34 Squadron was employed on ISSF duties at Khormaksar and billeted at the Red Sea Hotel. Flt Bellers and Flying Officer Hopkins were our Sqdn officers at this time.4 Sqdn duties also included guarding RAF Saltpans and married quarters at Khormaksar. Thanks to Mike Hambly for this entry.
37 (Field) Squadron, RAF Regiment 37 Sqn R.A.F. Regiment was detached from R.A.F. Catterick to Khormaksar 22 April - 11 October 1966. The Commanding Officer was Sqn Ldr M. P. Shawe. The Squadron returned to Khormaksar the following year and was one of the last units to leave Aden.
37 was detached from RAF Catterick to Khormaksar in Aden between August 67 - November 67. The squadron used RAF helicopters until almost the end and then used RN helicopters for patrols.
Previous tours undertaken by this regiment were December 1964 to April 1965, under command of Squadron Leader Bangey.
I came from Q,C.S.in May 1963 to 37(field)squadron.The squadron was based at Raf Upwood at the time,and we left there to go to Aden in June of that year. When we got there,the sqdn was split up."A"flt went to BAHRAIN for four months and "B" and "C" Flt (which was my flt)alternated between Khormaksar and Mukerios,two months up country,two months at Khormaksar.However,we were on our last stint at Mukerios,when in early January,late at night a signal came through that we had to get all our kit together as we were to be air lifted out at first light.The next morning was a bit misty but the big Beverly made its landing without any mishaps,we all piled on board and arrived at Khormaksar whereby an Argosy was waiting for us. Along with "B"flt we boarded the Argosy and took off,where to nobody knew except the officers. I was led to believe that the AOC MEAF (Johnny Johnson)was piloting the aircraft. We eventually ended up at place called TABORA, which is in TANZANIA."C"flt went back to RAF Eastleigh in Kenya where we stayed until April, then we got the call to go to the Radfan.All in all,it was quite an eventful year for 37(field)squadron Raf Regiment.
48 Field Squadron, RAF Regiment detached from RAF Upwood, November 1962 to April 1963. Commanding Officer Sqn.Ldr.Skinner.
stationed at Al Melah built road to Abelane commanding officer Maj Fitsherbert 1966.
RAF Khormaksar, i/c 48 Sqdn. Sqdn.Ldr Waterfall. Duration of Tour Sept 66/Jan 67.
2 troop 48 field squadron royal engineers. 38 regt royal engineers. RSM. Wo1 Ramsay/Ramsey [geordie] troop officer Lt Routh. Sgt Fowler arrived Little Aden oct 63. construction of Salerno camp for around 3-4 mths. remainder up country widening camel track to who knows where.
51 (Field) Squadron, RAF Regiment RAF Khormaksar.
58 (Field) Squadron, RAF Regiment Squadron Leader Wright commanding, RAF Khormaksar.
62 (Field) Squadron, RAF Regiment R.A.F Khormaksar July 1955-April 1956
66 Field Squadron RAF Regiment 1955/57 (33 Wing)Local up country detachments at Dharla & Makerios to quell dissident tribesmen,and Nigmurget to support para-artillery unit W/C D G Roberts. Squadron leader P.D.Lee commanding.
No 66 Rifle Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment from 25 Jul 1966 to 14 Nov 97
20 (FIELD)Wing. R.A.F. Regiment. comprised of H.Q. 20 Wing. Disbanded autumn 1957. Wing Commander Roberts commanding. R.A.F Khormaksar wing also operated as infantry unit at Dhala, and detachments attached to 8 sqdn. A.P.L.
P Staff HQMEC -RAF Unit one year unaccompanied tour,buildings on top of Fort Morbut. Officer i/c Sqn ldr Willaims,my boss WO Dutton, Sgt Bill Huggins,buddies SAC John Moore, SAC Denis Gray and others.
Air Movements Squadron, Operated as a Squadron within Operations Wing, RAF Khormaksar. Responsible for all air freight and passenger movement, within theatre and from/to UK and other overseas locations. Probably formed there circa mid-1940s to finish in 1967. 1965/66: Wg.Cdr Jacobs
50 Movements Unit Steamer Point, Aden.
114 Maintenance Unit in Steamer Point.
RAF MT attachment to Aden Protectorate Levies I, as a RAF MT Technician, was attached to the Aden Protectorate Levies and based for short spells at Protectorate border outposts eg Fort Ataq. My job, with the aid of one other RAF technician, was to maintain 20-30 vehicles and also local village radio communication equipment.
19 Signals Unit RAF, 19 SU provided microwave radio relay facilities between Stemer Point, Khormaksar, Salt Pans and Hiswa using HM314/315 and HM514/515 microwave links. I was initally at Saltpans from Feb '67 and then on closure spent the rest of the time a Khormaksar until being sent up country to Salah in Nov '67.
123 Signals Unit Situated at the very top of the hill at RAF Steamer Point. OC during my time (1966-1967) Flt Lt Stevenson. Known affectionately as 12F3 SU. Prior to this it was 264 Signals Unit (Detachment). The parent unit being 264 Signals Unit RAF based at Pergamos in Cyprus, later to become the RAF Element of 9 Royal Signals Regiment (Army).
Back to Aden and Steamer Point. From my service record I was posted to 264 SU (Det) on 29/11/1963, which at that time was housed in Fort Tarshyne which was located just behind the Naval CinC's house (The round house) at Steamer Point itself. The unit commander when I arrived there was Flt Lt Asby who was later replaced by Flt Lt Harry English who was still the unit commander when I left on 23/01/1965. the unit actually became 123 Signals unit on 01/09/1964 when it re-located to Fort Hill, which was just behind the British Military Hospital.
The CinC Middle East Command (RAF) during my stay was none other than Air Vice Marshal Johnny Johnson the highest scoring RAF fighter pilot of World War 2.
Thanks to Keith Crossland for this entry.
402 Signals Unit 402 SU was situated in the same place as 123 SU was. I was posted to 402 in Dec 66 and left in 67 just prior to the shut down. SNCO i/c was F/Sgt Frank Gloucester. Thanks to Jim Wright for this entry.
131 Maintenance Unit RAF Khormaksar. First formed World War 2. Reformed 1958 - disbanded 1967.
Posted to Aden 1961 -1963, to 131 MU based at khormaksar. Detached to Kuwait in july 61 emergency. Was in both Khormaksar Station band, and Aden operatic society,(Trumpet) often played last post at 'Silent Valley' funerals. Was also in the Aden Services Gliding club at Sheik Othman old airfield - afternoons and weekends - 400 flights. Did many sessions of armed guard, was shot at and caught in a cafe bombing at Steamer point, and arrested an SIB officer doing a security check on night on the airfield at the "Searchlight". Thanks to Cpl E Walker of 131 MU.
The riots,in 62-63 These were Riots on the camp due to somebody tripping the power to the camp on that evening I was in block five, every thing went quiet and gradually everybody came onto there balconys. somebody set fire to a mattress and it went on from there the fire section were called out and started putting the fire out and moving on to the next when the chaps relit the the fires and then started to throw lockers on as well,it all got out of hand. the orderly officer was called out and a fire extinguisher was thrown at him so he called the Wing commander out and using a loud speaker he told us to stop what was going on,he got booed, so he threatened us with the RAF Regiment which did not do any good they patrolled the billets but as soon as they passed the fires where relit,So the WING COMMANDER called in the KOSBI,they had no qualms about thumping RAF personnel. All went quiet after that. The next day the CO called all the junior NCO,s in and tor them off a strip he then banned spirits for awhile It was quite exciting for bored airmen. does any body else remember this? Thanks to Ian Walton for this entry.
1152 Marine Craft Unit RAF Khormaksar. This unit was setup before World War 2 and situated between Maalla and Little Aden causeway opposite entrance to X group. Personnel were billeted at RAF Khormaksar or Red Sea House Hotel in 1965-67. Commanding Officer Flt.Lt C. Chandler. MBE.
Duties were Aircrew Sea Survival training, Helicopter winching training, Exercising as MTB & Target towing for the RN, Anti Terrorist Harbour patrols, Search & Rescue. Thanks to Steve Foster for this entry.
4001 Armoured Car Flight Singapore lines, Steam point. Served from FEB 1948 til May 1949 with 4001, which supported the Aden Protectorite Levies
CO F/L Bethel, P/O Thomsit, F/S Powell.
Thanks to Donald Price for this entry.
198 Signals Unit, stationed at RAF Khormaksar.
303 Signals Unit
Signals Centre RAF Steamer Point
RAF Khormaksar Comcentre, RAF Khormaksar Tech Wing Comcentre OIC Sldr Dursdon (ex Compton Bassett OIC 3 WS) 17 month emergency detachment from RAF Watnall 1964/1965. Thanks to Peter Holme for this entry.
22 Tactical Signals Unit (22TSU), This unit was located in Cemetery Valley just before the 25 yard range at RAF Steamer Point and shared the MTRP compound. The unit was formed at RAF Khormaksar in late 1961 and led by the then Pilot Officer Stephen Dru Drury. The unit moved to Cemetery Valley, Steamer Point in 1962. We operated throughout Arabia and the Persian Gulf, and East Africa as far south as Swaziland.
5001 Airfield Construction Squadron, at RAF Khormaksar September 1957 to Marvh 59, possibly longer.
5004 Airfield Construction Squadron, COs were 1961 Squadron Leader J.F.C Asprey, 1962 Squadron Leader A.R. Young. SWO Warrant Officer H.Barnes.
Stationed at Khormaksar for 2 years went on detachment to Beihan Yemeni border also Salalah and Masirah. Thanks to L.A.C . W.MC NEIL 4269162 stationed Khormaksar 1960 -1962 on detachment to Salalah Beihan carpenter by trade for this entry.
Port Squadron, Steamer Point I served with the RAF at Steamer Point from 1964-66. I was attached to 50 Movements Unit RAF which was part of the Port Squadron at Steamer Point. We were located in Tawahi shopping district until things got hairy in 1965. We then relocated to Ma'alla Wharf, behind Ma'alla Strip. The Port Squadron was basically RE, the OC a RE Major, second in command being a RAF Flt Lt. Personnel were a mixture of RAF and various ARMY, employed on the movement of civilian and forces personnel, baggage, stores and munitions. Many Thanks to Chris Norris for the detailed information.
RAF Hospital, Steamer Point The hospital catered for both the Military and Merchant Marine . I was there from April 1955 to Nov 55 working as an orderly on the wards .
An outbreak of polio occurred. Dysentry was the main cause of admissions and occasionally gunshot wounds . I went to work at the M.I. Room at APL before returning to the Hospital in April '56 and stayed there till my National Service ended in Sept '56. Thanks to Fred Caroe for this entry.
RAF Hospital, Khormaksar Beach RAFH Khormaksar Beach was a small hospital offshoot of RAF Steamer Point Hospital colocated with an Arab hospital (probably the levies medical unit). It was completed in Jan '65 with a helicopter landing pad and was used to treat urgent surgical cases, mostly from up-country. The original Aden Protectorate Levies hospital at Khormaksar Beach was the site of a purpose built, self-contained European Surgical Unit. Manned by RAF Medical Branch personnel, Telegraphists, Stewards, Chefs and Catering staff. Its 'parent' unit was RAF Steamer Point, its 'living in' unit was RAF Khormaksar. Its Heli-pad was mainly used by Aero Med & Casevac Staff from RAF Khormaksar's Medical Centre. With Princess Mary's RAF Nursing Officers running the Unit's Theatre & Wards it was regarded as an important "Emergency Stop Over" for HMG forces injured up country. It was always known as the APL or 'KBH'& RAF staff gladly took on a voluntary major role of training the Federal Arab Army Medical Staff who manned the Arab Wards & gave us their protection. At no time did we ever receive protection from HMG forces. The Late Corporals Les Noble & Johnny Beattie were initial staff along with many other priceless human beings who literally 'unpacked' KBH Surgical Unit from a mountain of Chitty Boxes! Thanks to Alexander Crawford for this entry.
Served as a Male Trained Nurse on Surgical and Intensive Care Ward during the time Argyl Southern Highlanders under Col Mitchell took Crater. We had a lot to do with HMS Zulu and HMS Akanti iparols between Aden and Mombasa. Hard times but good comradeship. Thanks to L4243167 Sgt Colin M Banks. RGN later Chief Tech -Nurse Tutor for this entry.
RAF Khormaksar Medical Center
member of the raf medical center ambulance flight covering response to incidence in the protectorate during the crisis. unarmed medics. armed mt drivers. returning injured and other personnel to the receiving center Wng/cdr Risley Pritchard SMOP Sqn/ldr French Constance dep.smo.drivers supplied by the MT sqn MTO WO White through 1967 to withdrawal. Thanks to Dave Solomon for this entry.
RAF Police RAF Police Units served a many locations in ADEN namely, Steamer Point-Join Services (tri)Provost Unit, 114 MU,RAF Salt Pans, RAF Hiswa, RAF Khormaksar Air Base and Air Transport Security, HQMEC Barrack Hill.
RAF Saltpans satellite station for steamer point to service Hiswa TX station. Thanks to Roy Good for this entry.
In 1961 a joint RAF/Marconi was posted to RAF Saltpans to install a new receiving station. A new transmitting station was installed further upcountry.
RAF Supply Depot Aden, The RAF Supply Depot Aden (known as the Aden Supply Depot-ASD) was split between the Cold Stores in Tawahi and the main site in Ma'alla which included a bakery. The ASD supplied food to all British Forces in the area. Nearby in Ma'alla was the NAAFI Bulk Store. Thanks to K1946198 SAC WL Richardson for this entry.
RAF Personnel attached to Aden Levies, these personnel were stationed at Singapore Lines. Five or Six members of the MT section accompanied the Levies on upcountry patrols.
Women's Royal Air Force WRAF Compound (living quarters) were at Steamer Point.
RAF Telecommunications Aden, based at HQ Signal Centre, Steamer Point.
I joined the RAF in Feb 1958 age 17 1/2 I did my boot bashing at RAF Wilmslow and then did trade training at RAF Compton Basset. My first posting was RAF High Wycombe Bomber Command. I was then posted to East Africa Command and served at the HQ signals centred Aden also the main signals centre which was below ground. On my return to the I spent my last two years at RAF Gaydon which was a "V" bomber station. Whilst in Aden I was awarded the GSM Arabian Peninsula with clasp. My service number is 3525841 (LAC).I was posted to Aden with a Mate from Edinburgh LAC Denis Lacey. WE also returned to the UK together.
RAF Central Office, Station Headquarters, Steamer Point.
RAF Fire Rescue Service, RAF Khormaksar 1960/1962 attached to RAF Makerious
RAF Fire Section, Steamer Point
Royal Air Force TX Site Hiswa RAF HISWA was the TX site whilst RAF SALT PANS was the RX ste(mentioned in the role already)I was stationed at both-JNCO i/C RAF Police at RAF Hiswa from late 1964 to March 17th 1966. At Salt Pans early 1964. Thanks to Alan F Millership for this entry.
RAF Disposals Section, Cemetary Valley RAF Disposals Section was situated in Cemetary Valley in Steamer Point, commanded by a Flying Officer and staffed by a sergeant, a corporal and two Senior Aircraftsmen. The function was to offer stores that would neither be used or returned to the UK upon withdrawal to local businessmen by tender. It was very much a practical business proposition, and sometimes, feelings ran very high amongst the bidders! I served from January to November 1967, taking stores into the compound and preparing all the tender documentation. Thanks to Keith Linnitt for this entry.
Aden Protectorate Reconnaissance Flight (APRF)based at RAF Khormaksar. Flying Meteor FR9s making intensive ground attack and PR sorties against the rebels up-country. Sometimes they'd return with bullet holes in the top surfaces of the mainplanes through flying low down the wadis. Two of the APRF pilots were Flt.Lts Kelly and Retief, and I think Haigh-Thomas.
Army
Many Thanks to Andrew Thornton for his extensive help with the Army lists.
HQ Aden Brigade
24 Independent Infantry Brigade
Royal Armoured Corps
1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Deployed to Aden from Omagh July August 1966 Based in Falaise Camp Little Aden.One Squadron on rotation in Sharjah, B Sqn in Sharjah April 1967 - Return to Warminster in July 1967, witnessed occasional trouble in both Sharjah & Dubai during Israeli war including British Yacht Club burnt down. Whilst in Sharjah B Sqn did "flag waving" tour through Sharjah & Muscat surprising all by managing to complete the trip with a Scammel Recy Veh.Whilst in Aden Sqns were deployed up country in Habilayn where attacks occurred until withdrawn to prevent gun running.Regt involved with "Mad Mitch" entry to Aden with the hackles flying on the Armoured Car aerials.
The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons Also Sqns) Regiment posted at Little Aden 1959-1960 with detachments at Dhala, Thumier and Ataq, convoy escorts upcountry. Also Squadron Detachments Sharjah, United Emirates. Co Lt Colonel Trimbell.
LAD REME attached.
3RD Carabiniers - Prince of Wales Dragoon Guards (3DG) Came from Aliwal barracks Tidworth in 1960. Stationed at Falaise Camp (tented) Bir Fuqum (Sheba's dust bowl), relieved 17/21 Lancers in 1962. We were C sqdn 3DG. Remainder of the regiment remained in the U.K. Half the sqdn patrolling Persian Gulf, and the other half at Bir Fuqum. Various undertakings with A.P.L. Culminating the regiment's stay with a trip to North Kuwait (Mutlah Ridge) to deter General Kassim (Iraq) from invading Kuwait. Thanks to Tom McCarthy for this entry.
Parachute Squadron, Royal Armoured Corps Commanded by Major Bidie and Captain Donald Chappel in 1966 For one month in the Radfan Mountains. The unit had previously spent one month on a beach just outside Sharjah climatizing.
4th/7th The Royal Dragoon Guards
5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards
Royal Scots Greys 'The Greys, under command of Lt Col 'Jock Balharrie' sailed on the TSS Nevasa bound for Aden where they served from September 1962 until December 1963. We took over from the 17/21st Lancers at Falaise Camp, Bir Fukum in Little Aden where we had two tank squadrons, who rotated on the Aden to Kuwait patrol as Eagle squadrons on the LST Anzio and Messina. Recce troop of which I was a member was responsible for escorting the supply convoys up through Sheik Othman and Lahej to Dhala on the Yemen border to replen Xray troop of 45 Commando who were defending the route from Yemen to Aden.
During our time in Aden, RHQ's three tanks successfully negotiated the difficult route via Zingibar and Ataq through the mountains up to Behan overlooking the Yemen border where it was thought impossible for tanks to reach. We were accompanied by a Company of Gurkhas. Thanks to George Campbell for this entry.
Queen's Own Hussars little aden in 1967 before withdrawing to barracks in aden with the argyll and sutherland highlanders.
The Queen's Royal Irish Hussars The QRIH were at Little Aden from September 1961 until September 1962, there was also a Squadron at Sharja and a Squadron with troops up country at Mukeiras, Ataq & Dhala, these up country troops changed over after 6 months and the Squadron in little Aden moved up to the Persian Gulf to relieve the Squadron in Sharja.
While in Aden before the troubles a most impressive Queen's Birthday Parade was staged by the regiment.
After a varied life including little wars up country on the Dhala Convoy route, exercises to Kenya, sorties into the desert in the Gulf, packed up and sailed to Malaya on the SS Oxfordshire. CO was Lt Col T Pierson. We packed up and sailed of on the SS Oxfordshire to the wonderful GREEN land of Malaya.
We were lucky as things got a little dangerous just after we left.
The CO was Lt Col T Pierson. Many Thanks to George Moores for the detailed entry.
9th/12th Royal Lancers, Main regiment stationed at Little Aden, various squadrons and troops were stationed in up country posts. Late 1962 to late 1963.
10th Royal Hussars Two sabre squadrons and RHQ of the 10th Hussars commanded by Lt Col W.S.P Lithgow, later Lt Col J B Willis were deployed to Aden from Tidworth where they converted from tanks to armoured cars having spent the previous six years in Germany. The remaining sabre squadron (initially C Squadron) was sent to Sharjah to guard against Iraqi aggression in Kuwait. A troop of this squadron was soon to be deployed in Salala (Muscat) to assist the Sultan with the insurgency in Dhofar. The sabre squadrons in Aden were in action in Thumeir (renamed Habilayn) and in Dhala for the entire deployment while RHQ remained in barracks at Little Aden where its soldiers assisted with internal security. Despite some fierce fighting up country and frequent terrorist incidents in Aden the regiment was fortunate in suffering only one fatal casualty during the campaign. Thanks to Jim Milsom for this entry.
11th Hussars Leaving Omagh, Northern Ireland, the 11th Hussars (PAO) served in the Arabian Peninsula from September, 1960 until November. 1961. Lt Col Tony Crankshaw commanded, being succeeded by Philip Lauder in April, 1961.
The regiment maintained one sabre squadron in Sharjah in the Trucial States in support of the Trucial Oman Scouts. One of its troops was detached to Nizwa in Oman in support of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman's forces.
RHQ was in Balaclava barracks, Little Aden. The remaining two Sabre squadrons had troops detached in Dhala, Thumeir and Ataq. The main duty was escorting the Dhala convoy, which went up the Kariba Pass to Dhala.
The Ataq troop had a Federation Armoured Car troop under its command (and was thus a force of 8 Ferrets), and was responsible for patrolling a territory about the size of Wales. It operated in support of the 4th Aden Protectorate Levies during various operations to contain border tribes (such as the notorious Shamsi Rubeisi) who were armed and supported by the Yemenis.
In June, 1961, the regiment moved at short notice to Kuwait, and formed a classic armoured car screen against the expected invasion by Iraq. These screen duties were shared with the Kuwaiti Armoured Car Squadron, the 11th Hussars mainly being responsible for the area on the west side of the Kuwait-Basra road, and covering some two thirds of the frontier.
13th/18th Royal Hussars (1 Sqn deployed as infantry at Khormaksar in 1967)
B squadron, 1957 OC Major Jolly.
15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars,"A" Sqn. We(A Sqn) Arrived In Aden,Straight From Malaya, In June,1957 Trough Until January,1958. Then Rejoined The Rest Of The Regiment In Omagh, N.Ireland.
Locations Included Were Dhala, Aden, Mukalla, Fahud(On The Edge Of The Empty Quater,The Desert.)And Firq. Thanks to John Hackney for this entry.
16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers B and C squadrons, Falaise camp until December 1964 then to Aliwal barracks, Tidworth. The Squadrons alternated on a three monthly basis between Aden and Bahrain.
17th/21st Lancers A" "B" & HQ Squadrons left Hong Kong about Sept 1961 to occupy Falaise Camp at Bir Fuqum. "A"&"B" Sqns alternated between duty in Aden and The Persian Gulf aboard the LSTs HMS Striker and HMS Anzio. All, after sharing the KOSBs lines for a short period left Aden for UK aboard the Troopship Nevasa in Sept '62.
1st Royal Tank Regiment
4th Royal Tank Regiment, at Little Aden with a detached squadron in Sharjha, out stations at Beihan and one other. B Squadron spent more time up country than in Little Aden, leader of 7 troop b squadron was Minty Rose (now General Rose). & Troops saw action in Manaw and Radfan under fire at Wadie Thermer on November 7 not far from Paddies Field. Escort for RE near Table Top 7 troop received two Mentioned in Despatches and the SSM received the OBE same time as the beatles got theirs.
The 4RTR also won the MM and MC the OC B Sqd received the MC, and Sgt Silverson(sp?) also B sqd got the MM
Recce Troop 16/5 The Queen's Royal Lancers Attached to 4 RTR for upcountry action. The troop was on the initial move upcountry and worked closely with the KOSB, East Anglian, 45 Commando, Paras and Engineers. The Troop gave close support to the Paras, KOSB and did the mine runs every morning. The Regiment spent their time moving from Aden to the Gulf on the tank landing ships HMS Striker and HMS Anso. The troop worked out of Munks and Paddies field and on Table Top. The Troop also has a small base in the FRG camp at Dala across the valley from 45 Commando's base. When 4RTR left Aden the Troop was attached to the 10 Hussars for a short period.
5th Royal Tank Regiment (B Sqn deployed as infantry at Khormaksar)
Armored Car Squadron. Aden Protectorate Levies ACS/APL consisted of escort duties (ferret armoured cars) for all services of the British forces to camps 'up country' Captain R E D Harris won Military Medal for operations in Dhala. Many were mentioned in despatches. Tour of duty was 18 months, but this often stretched to 24 months due to operational problems. The ACS/APL consisted of British soldiers seconded from various regiments and were often accused of being 'out of control'. This was not justified because we were allowed to dress 'as local as possible'.
Infantry:
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, deployed from Iserlohn in Germany to Radfan Camp and stayed there as a base during the whole tour whilst patrolling Sheik Othman etc. The duties were as already stated with each Company being posted in turn 'Up Country' for about 6- 8 weeks at a time and normally attached to the Welsh Guards at Habilayn. We returned to Germany in April/May 1966. Radfan Camp November 1965, spent considerable time patrolling Sheikh Othman. Guarded Al Mansoura prison, the docks, BFBS and Governors Residence. Relieved Royal Marines at Hotel 10, Wadi Taym, Habilayn and Dhala Road. Returned UK April 1966. Thanks to Paul (Fred) Grant for the post-1964 details in this entry.
2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards were the first unit to occupy Salerno Lines at Little Aden. The Bn was commanded by Lt Col Sir Ian L Jardine Bt. The Bn consisted of 1,3 & 4 Coys and Support Company. No 4 Coy was commanded by Major APF Napier. A number of awards were made to the Bn. Most notably the George Medal to Gdsm. Andy Norton. He saved the life of the Bn Adjutant when their landrover hit a mine on the way to the beach at little Aden. There were also a number of BEM, GOCs Commendations etc. The Bn Served in almost all the major upcountry stations. A detachment was also airlifted to Mauritius in support of the Civil Powers during a period of unrest there. Thanks to Steve Evans for this detailed entry.
Commanding officer was Lt Col R C Windsor Clive at the end who replaced Lt Con Sir Ian Jardine Bt. when the adjunt was blown up.
1st Battalion Irish Guards Salerno camp, served in Aden between 1965/67
2 Battalion Scots Guards attached to 1st Battalion Irish Guards, stationed in Little Aden Salerno Camp attatched to the 1 Battalion Irish Guards for 6 months as they were under strenth we were one company cant remember Captain Hyslep.
The Life Guards
IFOR C Sqn (RHG/D) Household Cavalry Regiment Location Glamoc Sqn Ldr Maj McCullough also attached was a Sabre Troop from the 9/12 Lancers-July 96 - Jan 98.
1st Battalion Welsh Guards Relieved 2nd Bn Coldstreanm Guards at Salerno Lines, Little Aden. CO throughout tour was Lt Col (Later General Sir) Philip Ward, a WW2 veteran. The then Labour government in UK had already signalled the intention to withdraw from Aden, and Colonel Ward saw no reason in needlessly endangering his soldiers lives, and despite some very near misses the battalion had no fatalities. Captain Charles Guthrie (later General Lord Guthrie, CDS) was Adjutant through much of the tour. RSM was "Jesse" James. A low point was the conviction for murder of Guardsman Brian Gabriel, who was sentenced to death, but who was removed from the protectorate to serve a life sentence in UK.
1st Battalion Royal Scots, Radfan Camp May 1964 to May 1965
1st Battalion King's Own Royal Border Regiment
1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 1st battalion left Dover aboard the troopship Dunera in 1958 bound for Kenya but dropped off B Company in Aden on the way along with the Cameronians and other regiments while the rest of the regiment went onto East Africa. Thanks to Peter Mills for this entry.
1st Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers ? to July 1967. Commanding officer was Richard Blenkensop who served in Aden 1966 and 1967.
REME LAD attached at Mukerias & Singapore Lines, Aden
1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers, stationed at Singapore Lines until replaced by 1st Battalion Queens Royal Surrey Regt end 1960.
Army Catering Corps We served at Singapore lines until 1960 feeding the RHF
4th Battalion Territorial Army, Royal Welch Fusiliers Only fours 4th bn soldiers served in Aden febuary 1965 L/cpl D Wynne, D Griffiths, e evans, I ward.
1st Battalion Queens Royal Surrey Regt, Queens Surreys based at Singapore Lines, Waterloo Barracks and Mukeiras from end of 1960.
1st Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 3 Platoon A Coy. Stationed at Little Aden Dhala and Beihan. Company Commanders Maj Vaughan Johnson/Major Murray. 1956-1958. 1st battalion arrived from Korea in December 1956, B Company sent upto Dhala, Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson, Company Commander was Major Chris Grant, wounded in Dhala ambush on 4th February 1957. The Battalion left in 1958.
1st Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 3 Platoon A Coy. Stationed at Little Aden Dhala and Beihan. Company Commanders Maj Vaughan Johnson/Major Murray. 1956-1958. 1st battalion arrived from Korea in December 1956, B Company sent upto Dhala, Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson, Company Commander was Major Chris Grant, wounded in Dhala ambush on 4th February 1957. The Battalion left in 1958. Alfred Blake was also wounded here along with 5 others & 2 of his unit lost their lives.
Seaforth Highlanders, Seaforths, with attached 2Fd Amb, Troop of cavalry ferrets and other support flown from canal Zone to relieve RAF Regiment in up country fort besieged by insurgents. After successful relief they served for another 6 months up country till relieved. I believe this was the start of the insurgency but has not been included in the date parameters for some reason. No clasp awarded for this action despite deaths and wounded. Thanks to Cyril Allen for this entry.
The Seaforths were the first troops into Aden in July 1955, from the Canal Zone.
1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers 1KOSB trooped to Aden on the Oxfordshire in early 1962 and occupied Waterloo Lines as the resident infantry battalion under the command of Lt Colonel Alastair Thorburn. A rifle company was normally deployed "up country" with the bulk of the Bn employed in normal garrison and I.S. duties in and around Aden. The battalion departed Aden early 1964 for Folkestone only to return to the Radfan some months later as the spearhead bn of the strategic reserve. Colonel Thorburn handed over command of the bn to Lt Col Colin Stonor MC during this operational tour. Thanks to James I. Murdoch for this entry.
1st Battalion Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, Khormaksar Lt Col A W Innes July 1958 to Sept 1958
1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment, The battalion served in Aden until Feb 1960. Then returned to UK on troopship Dilwara to Doniford camp Somerset. Amalgamating with the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in the summer of 1960. The battalion was based at Singapore Lines. At various times companies were deployed to Little Aden, Khormaksar, Dhalla and Mukerios. C.O. was Lt.Col.Martin.
Mortar platoon support company bfpo59 Aden, Lt Barthorpe.
1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment The regiment was stationed in Waterloo Barrack 1964-65.The commanding officer was Lt Col Creasey.
3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment Radfan Camp in Aden and the Radfan September 1966-June 1967 CO. Lt Col Dymoke.
4th Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment (Royal Leicestershires)
Prince of Wales' Own Regiment of Yorkshire, Aden Aug 1958 to Apr 1959. Major Peter Steel, Nov 6 1958 to Mukeiras and Christmas 1958 in Little Aden.
1st Battalion Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire (2 Tours - 1965 & 1966-1967 Emergency Spearhead deployment)
1966 grenade attack in crater city a goat was killed and I got the blame for it actually because of me 3 rebels were caught and I believe one fatality L/cpl ralph received all sorts of recognitioon and received nothing I have told this story many times the incident is in a book on the PWO.
1st Battalion South Wales Borderers
1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) stationed at Radfan Camp, Khormaksar. Took over from the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Light Infantry.
1960 /1963 conflict .trials of major murray for murder.during conflict in aden.
1st Battalion Devon and Dorset Regiment
The Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) CO Lt Col Edelman, "C" Coy Commander Major Martin ffrench-Blake. I was a Pl commander in 1958, served in Little Aden, Singapore Lines, Dhala and 2 weeks detachment on Socotra. Many Thanks to H. F. Morris for the detailed information.
1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment
HQ Company Stationed at Singapore Lines. April `56 to Sep `56 after leaving Kenya. Detachments at Mukeiras, Khormaksar, Little Aden and around the Gulf. Major Wood was HQ Coy commander.HQ Coy left from Little Aden on the cruiser HMS Kenya for duties in Bahrain. Thanks to Roger (Mac) Gladin for this entry.
B Company arrived in Aden 23 dec 1965 ,on attachment to Coldstream guards, B coy were based at singapore lines , duties manning road blocks at golf juliet and Sheik Othman, guarding Mansora prison, mobile and foot patrols in the two areas guarding BFBS and the naval dock yard.B coy left Aden 16th april to rejoin battalion in chester.
1st Battalion Lancashire Regiment, The unit arrived in Aden to relieve the 1st Bt The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), who had completed their tour the Lancashires shared Radfan Camp with the 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. Co Lt-Col Downward, who later took command of the Aden brigade and handed command over to Major A.K. Preston. The Regiment amassed more operational awards than any other units in Aden, 1 DSO, 2 MCs, 3 MMs, 1 MBE, 6 Mentions in despatches and 3 C in C certificate of commendations but lost 1 officer and 3 men killed, 5 men severely wounded, and twenty of all ranks admitted to hospital.
1st Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment, May 1965 to October 1965, Based at Radfan Camp, included TA 'Ever Ready's'. C.O. Lt Col Russel, Lt Jock Smith TA awarded MC for action in the Radfan.
OC Major Macintosh, Radfan Camp.
1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry Khormaksar November 56 to March 57
1st Battalion Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry The regiment moved to Aden in April 1966, lifted by the RAF from Lyneham. Some lucky groups got to fly in brand new Vickers VC 10's in one hop, while those not lucky enough had to go in Bristol Brittannias via Istanbul and Bahrain. Lovely safe aircraft but low and slow.
The return journey in October was made by British United Airways VC10's (civilian) and in one hop, the RAF VC 10's are still flying today
The whole battalion took up this posting and were accommodated in Radfan Camp which was a tented site on the sandy stretch between the sea and Sheikh Othaman - Khormaksa / Crater road. Just a small rear party was left at Gravesend to look after the barracks.
Very unfortunately the regiment suffered two losses in Aden, Cpl. Collings and Pte Oakley. Cpl. Roy Collings died "up country" in the Radfan Mountains, there were always a few groups away from the battalion on remote area duties in the hills to the north and on some remote airfields guarding RAF bases. Roy Collings was in charge of a patrol and was killed when his vehicle was blown up. Roy was a very popular member of the regiment and was well renowned for his running abilities. Roy rests in Silent Valley, the British Cemetery in Aden, at the funeral armed sentries were posted around as it was not a secure place and was subject to sniper fire from the hills.
Private Oakley became a casualty in the Sheik Othman or Mansoora area, he was in the first vehicle of the usual two vehicle patrol. A grenade (probably a Mills 36) got him with a piece of shrapnel in the head. He died a couple of days later in the British Military Hospital Aden.
Thanks to: http://www.scli.co.uk
1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry KOYLI arrived in Aden July 1965 housed in RADFAN Camp...Our area of responsibility were Maalla - Tawahi- Steam Point...our CO was Lt Col Saltenstall....during our 9 months in Aden we had tours up country to Habiylan - Dhala - with sections out to Cap Badge and other mountain top outposts....a few companies sent some time on Perim Island.....at the DWS Station.....
503 Signal Troop 503 Signal Troop was a detachment of 6 Radio Ops, 2 Radio Techs, 1 ED and a Troop Sgt attached to the 1st Bn KOYLI during our tour of Aden. We were ex 5 Inf Bde Tidworth (205 Sqn). We provided rear links for platoons or companies on detachment to places such as Perim Island, Mukerias, Dhala, Habilayn. On leaving Aden, we returned to Tidworth and were then moved to act as Rear Link Troop (504 Troop) with the 1st Bn RGJ. Troop Sergeants include Dave Gwinell, Roy "Ernie" Dodds, also Cpl Brian "Ray" Caple ex 22 SAS. Thanks to Leo Marchant for this entry.
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1966 & June 1967 to 26th November
1st Bn Royal Warwickshire Regiment C.O.: Lt.-Col. M. Ryan., Little Aden, Nobat Dakim, Khoreiba Pass, Al Milah. The Royal Warwicks were relieved at Dhala in Feb/March 1960 by 45 Commando.
1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment arr Aden circa March 1959 and stationed at Little Aden. Detachments based at Dhala and somewhere in the desert before the mountains. "A" Company had several deployments to Dhala. Company left circa March 2000 for Hong Kong. Thanks to Brian Swain for this entry.
B Company, 1st Bn York and Lancaster Regiment OC Major DL Emery, 1 York and Lancaster Regt 4 months tour in 1966 Feb to May billeted at the Red sea Hotel. The regiment also served in Aden during 1963. Thanks to D. Crossfield for this entry.
Based at Khormakser 4 months end of 1958, alongside the Paras, Buffs, Cameronians, RAF Regt& their dog handlers. Made frequent visits to an outpost on the border manned by 1 English officer & a few of the locally raised militia. Shades of beau geste! Our accommodation at Khormaker was in tents,old tents! The RAF was based in comfortable blocks,not forgetting the RAF club to which we were allowed. Our RSM could have been SM Dando on the battalion embarking from Barnard Castle. Thanks to Owen Gummer for this entry.
In B coy, (C.S.M. Hutchinson) in 24th independent brigade left Barnard Castle at 48 hours notice camped in tents at Khormaksar, coy detachments Lahej Zingibar and Sheik Otherman and convoy duties to Dhala returning back to UK for xmas 58 then off to Berlin.
C Company, Major Emmet 1958 stationed at Khormaksar February 1958 to November 1958.
D support company, Khormaksar air port transit camp bfpo 69.
One strong volunteer company sent on detachment (early 1966) from Episkopi, Cyprus. Billeted at Red Sea Hotel and operating out of RAF Khormaksar. Main duties: mobile patrols, road blocks, IS duties etc. Thanks to Kevin P Robinson for this entry.
1st Battalion Parachute Regiment Stationed in Bahrain between 1965-66, A Company deployed from Bahrain to Dhala in 1965.
We came back to Aden in May 1967, and left on 28 Nov 67. We were based in Radfan Camp, but operated mostly in Sheik Othman. Our Commanding Officer was Lt Col Mike Walsh. We lost Ptes Quinn, Carver and McIntosh in action. Thanks to Pte Arnie MacLaren, 10 Pl, D (Ptl) Coy, 1 PARA. for this entry.
C Company, 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment, Stationed in Bahrein Apr 1965-Mar 1966. C Coy deployed to Thumir Airfield in the Radfan in Jun 1965 then to Wadi Djubsahn later that month. C Coy returned to Aden town late 1965 to deploy to Maala. CO 1 Para was Lt Col Graham and OC C Coy was Maj Giles. Thanks to Pte Sean Bonner, 8Pl, C Coy, 1 Para for this entry.
ACC attached Radfan camp, 65-66.
2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment
Radfan 1964 "B" company 3 Para Lt. Barry Dukes & sarg. Pete Baxter. Battle of Wadi Tynan. Thanks to Chris Cassidy for this entry.
22nd Special Air Service Regiment
Independent Companies deployed from:
1st Battalion Loyal Regiment One company (C Coy)sent on a 3 month detachment (summer 1966) from Malta / Libya. Billeted at Red Sea House and operating from RAF Khormaksar. Main duties: mobile patrols, road blocks, IS duties, sea & airborne patrols. Thanks to Chris Kelly for this entry.
A coy billeted red sea house, 1 & 3 pltns stayed there 2 plt sent to assist R.A.F Regt at khormaksar billeted in the Twynehems patrols included slave island the causeway all the red areas and school escorts. Thanks to Derek Greenhalgh for this entry.
1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers
1st East Anglian Regiment this regiment preceded 1st Royal Anglian and it was whilst in Aden that the amalgamation took place. The 1st East Anglian Regiment also served in Waterloo Lines. The major difference was the change of cap badge.
We sailed to Aden on the ship Dilwara on the 6/2/59. Our major was Major Chesterston, and I was in the first section 14 plt. D compagni. We were stationed at Little Aden and Steamer Point , Singapore Lines Camp, and Mukarious (near Knife Egde Ridge).
2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment
3rd Royal Anglian Regiment
1/3 East Anglian Regiment Arrived Malaya 1958, Departed 1962. IPOH. TERENDAK CAMP MALACCA., Comd Off - Col Mike Holmes.
4th (Leicestershire) Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment Radfan Camp Malla, Mermaid, Aden Supply Depot, HMS Sheba, Crater etc - Radfan: Thumier, Dharl etc. CO: Col Cowan - 6 month unaccompanied tour Feb 65 - Aug 65.
1st battalion Royal Leicestershire Regiment we served in the Radfan & downtown.[street patrol] around 1964.
2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
A Company 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment Aden Town 1966 Singapore lines, Capt Cod was Company Commander.
Later on in the tour based in the Wade Matler on the Dahla Road,and at Aberlian camp in the Radfan with C Coy.
B Company 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
C Company 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
Royal Artillery:
1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, served in Aden from mid 1965 to mid 1967 and was based at Little Aden Barracks opposite the Marine Commando Barracks. Regiment consisted of 3 Batteries (Chestnut Troop, E Battery and B Battery)Chestnut Battery lost Battery Commander in Helicopter crash, Major John Sharpe (along with Captain Fleming, Pilot and Gunner John Cain, Observer). The Cos in Aden were Lt Col Baines and Lt Col K. Perkins D.F.C. R.H.A.
BP Camp Little Aden, Dhala, Musaymir, Mukeiras, Habilayn.
Radar Troop. Served September 1965 to June 1967
G Troop (Radar Troop) HQ Battery, 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, Radar Troop not only served in Dhala they were also located in an operational role in Mukerias, Habilayn, and at least one other location which escapes my memory. At the end of the tour in 1967 the troop returned to UK in it's entirety and lost one or two people on postings and promotions. At the end of a leave period the Troop moved to 26 Field Regiment RA in BAOR and was there for many years at least until 1975.
Troop Commanders were notably Lt Barefoot and Capt (Phase 1) Eden. Thanks to Stephen Holdsworth for this entry.
3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery In summer 1964."J"(Sidi Rezegh)Bty Took part in a gun battle against Yemeni republican troops, when the latter pinned down a battalion of the Federal Regular Army in the Wadi Manawa with heavy shelling and mortar fire The 3RHA 105's were airlifted up and quickly destroying and damaging many. All three batteries rotated on three month tours from Gil Gil in Kenya.
3rd RHA was stationed in Aden from
Batteries (Bty)from 3 RHA were stationed in Aden from 14th September 1960 until Sep 64, initially C Bty, followed by D and then J Btys. 3 RHA was initially stationed at Perham Down Camp, Wiltshire, with C Bty in Aden. The Regiment then moved to Gilgil (one word!) Kenya in Sep 61 on the troopship Nevasa, collecting C Bty en route. The CO was Lt Col (later Gen Sir Harry) Tuzo. Bty HQ were located at Seedaseer Lines, Aden with three two gun sections detached in support of Aden Protectorate Levy (APL) battalions (later re-named Federal Regular Army of the Arab Amirates of the South (FRA) at Dhala, Mukeiras and Ataq. Battery Commandeers were Majors (later Major General) W D Mangham (C Bty), I Lambie (later Brigadier (D Bty)) & A J B Stagg (later Brigadier). C & D Btys took part in minor operations during their tours. J (Sidi Rezegh) Bty was deployed for some months in 1964 in the Wadi Radfan in support of FRA and British Army units. Lt (later Colonel) M F Bremridge was awarded the MC during that operation. Thanks to Lt Col (Ret'd) W J Briggs for this entry, arrival date of 3rd RHA updated by another source.
7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Between January 1964 and January 1965 the regiment provided artillery support to C Company 3 Parachute Regiment by Major Farra Hockley known as Farra The Para. In action in the Radfan mountains from April 1964 until August 1964.
7 Para (Bulls Troop) stationed in Bahrain Jan 1964 to Jan 1965. Despatched to Aden April-Sep 64 supporting C Company in the Radfan mountain range with our 105mm pack howitzers. Young lads came back as man.
I was with "Bulls Troop" 7 Para RHA from 1962 to 1967. stationed in Aldershot. Jan 1964 we were stationed in Barhain in the Persian Gulf, April of that year we embarked on the troop carrier Sir Galahad destined for Aden. for 6 months we were up country in the Radfan mountains supporting "b" co 3 para
T Bty 12 LAA REGT RA. 2 sections of 15 men were in Singapore lines in 1963 and 1964 dealing with Air Defence equipment, maintenance and disposal, including various patrols. Each section stayed for 6 months and was led by a section commander s/sgt.
1st Field Battery (The Blazers), 14th Field Regiment RA. October 1959_August 1960. Seedaseer Lines and deployed to Dhala, Ataq, etc. Major Bowen as Battery Commander.
5 Gibraltar Field Battery, 14th Field Regiment RA.
19th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery HQ Battery was at Little Aden and 25, 28 and 67 Batterys. Whilst located at Little Aden The gun batteries 25, 28 & 67 all served both in Aden and up country. Each battery rotated on 4 month tours and very few personnel did not see some action. The guns were in action in Dhala, Blair's field, Paddy's field, Manawa, Mukarious and Behain although this list may omit one or two locations that the mists of time have obscured.
Radar Troop attached 19 Light Regt RA The radar troop(Green archers)was a composite troop from 22 Locating Battery RA Larkhill. It was initially attached to 19 Lt Regt RA in March 1965 for a 3 month tour of duty, this was extended.
In Aug/Sep 1965 19 Regt returned to UK and was replaced by 1 RHA. The Troop was then attached to 1RHA. Throughout it's tour the Troop was based at Dhala. The Troop Commander was Lt. A.A.Windham. On completion of the tour the personnel of the Troop returned to Larkhill and shortly afterwards(November 1965) were attached to 6 Lt Regt R.A. as 2 Troop R.A. and went to join 28 Commonwealth Brigade in Malacca, Malaysia. Many Thanks to Brian Harrison for the detailed entry.
20th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery 27 "Strangers" Battery of this regiment, were on HMS Bulwark supporting the Royal Marines whilst 29 Commando Regt were being formed/trained. The ship was returning the UK from Malaya and ports east and was apparently called in to assist in the area.
22nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery Pembroke docks, 1958 to 1960.
28 Battery, 19 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, Major Wheeler RA, Capt. Turnbull RA, 2nd Lt. Proudlock RA, Action in Wadi Adad 19.03.65 where Lt. Proudlock won the Military Cross and we recieved campbeds and sleepingbags.
31 LIght Battery, Royal Artillery attached to Agyle and Sutherland Highlanders June till Nov 67.
33rd Parachute Light Regiment Royal Artillery
37 Heavy Surface to Air Guided Weapons Regiment, Royal Artillery, In 1963 111 (Dragon) Battery, 37 Heavy Surface to Air Guided Weapons Regiment, Royal Artillery moved to Falaise Camp in Aden for 6 months to carry out hot weather trials on the Thunderbird Mk1 Missile.
170 Imjin Battery, 45th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery 170 was acting as an independent bty, stationed at Seremban in Malaya. The Bty was in infantry role in Borneo and were taken of from Semetan by the minesweeper HMS Dartington and then by HMS Bulwark to Aden via Singapore picking up the guns enroute, we were still in jungle greens, I remember that we had 5.5s and the towing vehicles were leylands these turned out to be absolutely useless and 3 or 4 old matadors were pressed into service to haul the guns up to the top of the Wadi Misrah where we supported a number of units and operations the tour lasted about 4 months and we turned round and returned to Malaya and virtually immediately into another Borneo tour. Thanks to Derek White for this entry.
47 Light Regiment, Royal Artillery - 47 Light took over from 1st RHA in June 67 at the Little Aden barracks opposite the Marine camp and stayed there until 4th September 67. 4 'Sphinx' Battery were in the Radfan mountain at Musamere, C troops for three months, then D troop. Thanks to John Senior for the 4 battery addition to this entry.
C Troop, 4th (Sphinx) Bty was the first battery of 47 light to be deployed at Musamere, Radfan in late Jan 1967 for 3 months and was relieved by D Troop early May 1967. 4 (Sphinx) Light Bty was acting as an independent Bty and based at Hamalah Camp, Bahrain. 3 Light Bty was deployed and based at BP Camp, little Aden whilst HQ remained in the UK and organise a move from Barnard Castle, Co. Durham to Newton-Abbot, S.Devon. 3 Light Bty rejoined 47 light at Newton-Abbot late July 1967 and 4 Bty rejoined the Regt. at Newton-Abbot in November 1967. 3 Bty, whilst based at Bp Camp, deployed a Troop at Dahla, Radfan. Thanks to Jack Bishop (ex-Bdr) for this entry.
98 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
8 Alma Commando battery, RA. Attached 42 Commando, Khormaksar for withdrawal beach end of crater for final days.
They were a Battery from 95 Commando (Light Regt)Royal Artillery supporting 42 Commando during the withdrawal from Aden. After leaving Aden on board HMS Albion they patrolled the waters offshore for a further 3 months before going to Singapore. It wasn't all of 8 Alma Battery that went ashore those that did were the last to leave having there Landrover airlifted to HMS Albion with them.
Royal Engineers:
Royal Engineers Movement Control, We were billeted with the RAF on Chapel Hill and worked with 50 MU on the docks. I was promoted to Cpl and moved to HQ on another nearby hill and was in the movements office opposite the RAFs Operations office. I recall Flt Lt Felstead was in the office. Thanks to Brian Worts for this entry.
1st Arabian Peninsular Field Troop, Royal Engineers This was a small Field Troop made up by volunteers of 38 Corps Engineer Regiment based at Ripon. The tour of duty was from November 1959 until November 1960 and the unit was commanded by Captain Jeremy Rougier. On arrival they were stationed at Khormaksar camp. The units main task was to build and establish what is now known as Falaise Camp in the desert at Little Aden. Among some of the many tasks completed was a road to the rifle range. There was also a small detachment that worked up country. Many Thanks to Dave Whyte (Ex Sapper) for the detailed information.
Well Drilling Troop Royal Engineers The Well drilling Team was part of 63 MELF Park Squadron RE based at Little Aden. I Commanded it from March 1965 to March 1967 when it drilled water supply wells at Habilayn (Thumair) and Dhala.
The O/C of 63 MELF Park Squadron was a Major Northcott and The CRE was Lt. Col. (Now Maj. General) P.C. Shapland MBE RE
The Well Drilling Troop was a small Specialist Team that operated on detachment from the parent Squadron and always outside the boundaries of the camps at Habilayn and Dhala, on sites determined by geological surveys carried out by Major F. Moseley of the AER Pool Of Geologists.
The Troop was responsible for ensuring the continuous supply of potable water to the camps and provided the first piped water supply ever, to the town of Dhala. Many Thanks to James S. Little (ex WO1) for this entry.
Independent Field Troop Royal Engineers November 1960 saw the troop in Aden after formation from 38 CER Ripon.It was commanded by Capt White RE and I remember LT Harrison and Kruger, troop S/Sgt Rendell RE. We had road building up Country through the waadis, which was drilling and blasting huge rocks which took most of the day to drill and prepare for blasting at the end of the day. An arab work force would then level the remains and we would do the same again the next day. We also started the building of Falaise camp from tents to Twyning huts which was good for the men to have A/C Billets. The Army Air Corps also had the benefit of our labour when we built the airstrips for the Austers that was round June 1961. We returned to Ripon in November that year.
3 Independent Field Squadron Royal Engineers deployed on Operation Flamingo in the Radfan from May to October 1964 Under the command of Major J.P.Groom. The tasks the sqn had to perform were Water supply 20,000 gallons a day where needed, also mine clearance on all roads and tracks. Airstrips were constructed to accommodate for the twin Pioneers to land with supplies also parts of the road from Aden Dhala was constructed. S/Sgt R.C.Chisholm was awarded the BEM FOR Mine clearance under conditions of great difficulty and danger on the Aden Thumain Road. Major Groom, Warrant Officer Reader and S/Sgt Fox were mentioned in dispatches also 13 NCO'S and Sappers received the commander in Chiefs Commendation for their work.
6 Field Support Squadron Royal Engineers 6 field support squadron and 34 field squadron based at Mooltan bks Tidworth Hants were rushed to Aden on 25/7/64 to 10/4/65 for road building, 6 field was based in a tented camp outside Aden (Alanad ?)34 Squadron went into the Radfan mountains. There they built a road towards each other and were regularly fired upon every other night.
6 Field Park Squadron, Royal Engineers Aden 17/07/64 to 09/04/65. We were on top of a hill halfway to the Radfan mountains, building a road.
10 Airfield Construction Squadron Royal Engineers, 10 Sqn RE was formed up in Maidstone in 1966. It took over the responsibility of Airfield construction from the RAF who had done this work since the Second World War. 10 Sqn was stationed out in Khormaksar near the airfield and had units in Beihan, Salalah, Ethiopia and Madagascar. Thanks to Barry Sillitoe for this entry.
10 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers Aden 1965/1967. South Arabia, Major Wheathey, S.S.M Ernie Drury M.B.E.
12 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers Between October 1963 and October 1964, 2 troop made two trips up country to the Radfan the first the end of December 1963 to build a road up the mountain side to the plains above to allow ground troops vehicular access to the wogs on the plains, the second trip in march/april 1964 was to clear mines and booby traps from the road. The remainder of their stay was spent building new camps and roads in little Aden. Many Thanks to Maurice Ginger for the details of 2 Troops activities.
13th Field Survey Sqn Royal Engineers Unit arrived in January 1964 under the command of Major Wilson MBE RE. The 2i/c was Capt. Thompson RE. Based at Falaise Lines in Little Aden, its duties were to survey and update areas of the hinterland, and print maps at its mobile printing section. During the Radfan campaign it distinguished itself by printing maps from aerial photographs greatly assisting commanders in the field. Its topographical troops were also busy on the ground at this time, carrying out their duties under active service conditions. It subsequently moved to Singapore Lines where it carried on with its surveying and map printing duties. I believe it returned to the UK around 1967-8 to rejoin its parent unit : 42 Survey Regt.RE at Andover, Hants. I was REME attached to the Sqn when we flew out as a unit in Jan. 1964. I Left at the end of my tour of Duty in 1966. Many Thanks to 23234018 Cpl Church REME for the details of 12 Field Survey Squadron's operations.
19 Topo Squadron, Royal Engineers In August 1959 the unit was based in a block of flats on Maalla Strait. The unit was housed in tents in Sedeseer Lines and later moved to Singapore Lines. The unit had detachments working in various locations in the Protectorate - Dhala, Musamir, Khor Am mira. The units task was to annotate aerial photographs and provide Trig and height data for mapping. In 1960 the Squadron moved to Bahrain with two troops located in the Trucial Oman at Nizwa and Ibri. The 2i/c was Captain Ray Lower.
20 Field Squadron, 36 Regiment, Royal Engineers Posted to Aden in November 1965 till October 1966. Based at Little Aden in Falaise Camp. Various tasks including building Dhala Road at Radfan,wadi diverting at Nisab on the Yemen border.
24 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers main base was Anzio camp, upcountry the unit was at Al Milhah most of the time. In Aden from 15/10/64 to 12/07/65.
30 Field Squadron 'Dirty 30' Royal Engineers 30 Fld Sqn advance party was lifted out of Germany (Hamelin)in August 1966 tasked with completing a road building task.
Squadron OC was Major Nottingham, SSM was WO2 Archie Evans.
Initially based at Anzio Lines Little Aden we were soon up country at Al Milah a scruffy tented camp which appeared to have been there for about 10 years. We soom moved up further to the huge complex ay Habilayn where we erected out our own lines dug our own funk holes and under the eagle eye of Archie Evans every tent was sopt on in line with the next. This was a good well protected site and we had QDG and Irish Guards in adjacent lines. We were in Aden until April 67 completing our task under the superivision of Lt/Capt Ian Berchem Good times great guys probably the best SSM in the corps at the time good officers except the one who locked himself in a Saracen when under attack at one point. Out with the advance party and back with the rear party we got stuck in Athens airport for 2 days because of the Greek Military Coup which took place on the 21st April 67 Fond memory, Major Nottingham about 5 feet 2 inches bollocking a Greek Army Captain who was coming on heavy, mind you he looked absolutely shattered after being up all night and was red faced and at attention when Notty was finished with him. PS we did not have heavy .50 browning machine guns in the sangars they were .30 see Pete Salisbury's story a young sapper in Aden one of several inaccurancies and exaggerations Thanks to Cpl (at the time) Frank Wood
32 Field Squadron Royal Engineers Formed as a Sqn in Aden 1962 then 9 months tour building camps and widening the Thirra Pass used as a morale breaking exercise. OC Major McGlouchary 2IC Capt Shortall SSM W011 Richmond. Troops spread around the ADEN garrison. Sqn was part of 25 Engineer Regiment Ripon.
34 Field Squadron Royal Engineers 6 field support squadron and 34 field squadron based at Mooltan bks Tidworth Hants were rushed to Aden on 25/7/64 to 10/4/65 for road building, 6 field was based in a tented camp outside Aden (Alanad ?)34 Squadron went into the Redfan mountains There they built a road towards each other and were regularly fired upon every other night.
34 Independent Field Squadron Royal Engineers Short period at Khormaksar with 24 independent Infantry Brigade at the same time as The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were first there and involved with Crater. C.O. ofThe Argylls was Lt. Col. Mitchell.
34 Independent Field Troop Royal Engineers he troop was formed at 3 Fld Sqn RE Chisledon Camp Swindon in November 1958 and sent to GilGil in Kenya being part of 24 Ind Infantry Brigade. We were sent to Aden Around April 1959 and camped at Seedaseer Lines. My section was sent to Oman to repair water falages and blow up UXBs 500 and 1000 ibs dropped by the RAF during the rebel uprising. WE were on the jebel Akhdar with 22 SAS but we never saw them since the climb. Back in Aden we were involved with jobs in Dhala and Mukerias certain road building tasks and the building of a shark net barrier for the Officers Club.We also gave the Assault Pioneers of the Northamptonshire Regt a few lessons on Field Engineering. Capt Brown RE was our OC and Sgt Murtagh RE troop Sgt. We returned to the UK in November on the Troopship SS Oxfordshire. Thanks to Brian Tomlinson ex Cpl for this entry.
39 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers Based at Little Aden, Habilayn Khormaksa. The OC was Major Bellamy, the squadron was in Aden for a six month tour. During this tour, the squadron lost two members, L/Cpl Geoff Ince, Cpl Rocky Price Rocky buried in silent valley, L/Cpl Geoff Inve was buried in the UK.
Lt Mike Conroy was awarded the MC and Sergeant Ian Scott the MM in the same action, both were wounded along with fifteen others in an ambush on the Dhala road, the Saracen was knocked out by Balindacide rocket launcher. Spr Paul Robinson received the CinC's citation. Sappers Saunders and Lomas were badly injured in Whadi Tahm mine incident on d4 dozer. We lived in the school in little Aden after we left Habilayn with no married people left. Many thanks to Neil McLean of 39 Field Squadron RE in Aden for this entry.
40 Field Squadron Royal Engineers at al melah camp 1966.
45 Field Park Squadron Royal Engineers
48 Field Squadron Royal Engineers 48 field squadron served at Al Mila up country building part of the Dhala road Mar 66 to Feb 67.
50 Squadron, Royal Engineers, 50 Sqn was based at Little Aden Falaise Camp from approx Sep 64-65. It had various troops at Thumier, played a large part in the building of the Cemetary at "Silent Valley" maintained the Air Strip & roads at Thumier. Helped check the BP rigs for explosives and maintained the Shark Net at Little Aden. C.O. was Major Fowles or Fowler. Many Thanks to Barry Hunter for the detailed information.
1 Troop 50 Field Squadron Royal Engineers 36 Engineer Regiment 1 troop 50 Sqn Returned to Aden in Sept 67 till the last day of the British presence in the Nov the same year Commanded by Lt Scath RE.
51 Port Squadron Royal Engineers Royal engineers crewed Z craft and other vessels. Z craft were used for the discharge of cargo from ship to shore at Salalh and Mesira these craft came up from Aden.
60 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment. Took over the building of Airstrips from RAF, stationed in Aden at Khormaksar then Radfan.
60 Squadron Royal Engineers handed over to 50 sqn in Sept 67.
Started in Little Aden then onto Aden, 3 troop with Paras in Sheik Othman. 1 Troop Up country Dhala road and 2 troop attached to Argyl's in Crater. Sapper Allchin of 1 troop Killed Up Country 1967.
63 MELF Park Squadron, Royal Engineers 63 MELF Park Sqn was formed in 1964 as a sqn of around 125 soldiers to provide specialist engineer support such as plant for the Dhala road, engineer workshop support, a well drilling team and camp building support. It took over Anzio Lines from 12 Sqn RE.
The sqn helped to complete both Anzio Lines and Salerno Lines and also built the road from Little Aden along the coast to Salerno Lines and beyond. We had detachments at Al Milah and Habilayne and also provided engineering support for Wadi Tyne! The OC was Major Dennis Northcote, the 2ic Capt Dennis Wilkinson and the Plant Officer Capt Sam Kelly. The SSM was, I think, WO2 Ellis. I was the Chief Clerk and remember Jimmy Little of the Well Dring Team, that had several casualties. The first casualty of the Sqn was Lcpl Smith killed around 14 Mar 65. I think the Sqn also built the cemetary at Little Aden. 9 Para Sqn RE were also in Anzio Lines and George Preston was a friend. Sgt Tom Hunt was also a friend. I had to transfer to the newly formed RCT in July 65 but stayed as the CC until leaving in Sept 66. Thanks to Colin Phillips for this entry.
73 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers 73 Field Sqn RE (stationed then in Ripon as part of 38 Engr Regt RE) served in Aden from 1965 - 1966 OC was Maj Bill Withall). Based mainly at Al Milhah and Habilayn up country - working on the Dahla Road project. There was also an element of the Squadron operating from Anzio Lines - down country, near Little Aden if my memory serves me well. We were relieved by another Squadron from Ripon in 1966 - 48 Field Sqn RE. Many Thanks to Bob Armit for this entry.
att in Cyprus, British Honduras,Sharjah. OC Bill Withall.based in Sharjah for +- 12 months in 1969.2 troop run by L.t Darcey.
131 Parachute Field Regiment Royal Engineers TA (299,300,301,302,Sq) Based at Al Anad (HQ), Commanding officer Lt Colonel Semple. 300 Squadron was attacked on 12th April at Al-Milah, 2 men were killed including Squadron Sergeant Major Lonergan. The Padre received the MC. The Squadron were based here for two weeks during March-April 1965.
261 Postal Unit Royal Engineers (PURE) I served in 261 PURE as a National Serviceman from 1959 to 1960. The Unit (which was BFPO69)was based at Chapel Hill Steamer Point. Staff were billeted in RAF billets almost adjacent to the Post Office . A sub-post office, staffed by a Corporal and a Sapper,was located at RAF Khormaksar. Thanks to Harold Meads for this entry.
261 PCCU Royal Engineers 261 PCCU RE was the postal service for all branches of the services. The main office was at Khormaksar and the barracks were at Singapore Lines.
472 Lighterage Troop RE, 472 Lighterage Troop formed at ?? Port Regiment Marchwood near Southhampton and flew out to Aden in or about Sept / Oct 63 and was attached to 50 Movements RAF based in Steamer Point.50 Movemeeents amalgamated with 472 and ultimately the unit became Mid. East Port Sqn RE. It was commanded by Major James, an excellent soldier and man both, the 2 I/C was Capt King and the Ops. I/c was Capt Spike Winn, all first class officers.the sqdn manned RPL'S and I thnk 2 Z craft, other personnel like myself were involved in the operation of cranes and forklifts at Malla wharf.We were I think the only "pongos" that held full RAF Plant and driving licences which the Flt Sgt didnt like because we hadn't been trained RAF style but we all passed the tests with flying colours. I was later attached to 12 /16 ? Sdn and actully started the earthworks for the constructon of Anzio Lines. I remember Jack Cheeseman was the SSM. Thanks to Jim Loach for this entry.
523 Specialist Team Royal Engineers, Singapore Lines 1967
Army Beach Troop Anzio Barracks, Little Aden.
Army Beach Troop, Royal Engineers, Anzio lines aden 1966.
I was in beach troop at the a/m time the troop commander was capt. Jolly the ssm was wo 2 joe herman we had a troop sgt called John Berry.
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers:
LAD's REME LAD's were attached to many frontline units through this and other campaigns, the REME LAD's put electric to tents, ran the generators on camps, serviced vehicles and repaired or serviced any equipment needing it.
REME atatched King's Own Scootish Borderers, 1961 posted to Aden Wskp. Attatched to KOSB, then sent to Bahrain and Kuwait Liaison Team. 1962 posted to 653 Lt Ac Sqdn AAC LAD.
1 Infantry Workshop Little Aden, Moved from Kenya to Falaise Camp, Bir Fuqum, Little Aden as part of 24 bgde then onto Thumair. The workshop provided full support to all units of the brigade. Based at edge of airstrip at Thumair CO?--cap. Gardner. There was FRA fort on the base. The base also had a soccer pitch of hard scoria and rock.
Aden Workshop REME 1958 Our draft to the workshop arrived in Aden on the troopship Oxfordshire from Liverpool. The draft was lead by Cpl Frank Diamond an Armourer. The Armourer's Section was at Fort Morbut. The MT section was run by Cpl Isted and Recovery by Cpl McKenna. The main recovery vehicle was a 6x6 Scammel of WWII North African vintage. The RAF ran a local radio station 'Radio Sun' which notified all units that the mail had arrived. My task was to collect the post on the 350cc motorbike The workshop did have an ice water machine with within 10 minutes of use produced water nearly warm enough to make tea. My tour ended with being casevac from RAF hospital Steamer Point.
I arrived in Nov 1958, moved to Singapore lines, worked in VDW under SSgt Daniels OC Wksp Maj Frank Wheeler who also ran radio tombola on BFBS. Did many runs up country to Dhala lived in MSQ in Al Yemini buildingds in crater(prior to troubles)
Independent Armoured Workshop REME Above named workshop was redesignated in late 62 to 13th Armoured Workshop,based at Bir Fuqum.CO was Capt.Mike Hall
13th Armoured WORKSHOP, REME My unit was based at Falaise Camp in Little Aden and the CO was Capt Mike Hall and is already in your list as the 13th Armoured Squadron [REME], but it was not known as that while I was there. I was posted there in Oct 1960 and the unit there when I arrived was the Queen's Own Hussars but it was soon replaced by C squadron of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. In the early part of 1961 we were rushed up to Kuwait to check a possible invasion from Iraq where I contrived to cut my thumb on a rusty screw and was eventually casevaced back to the UK. Thanks to Bob Farmer for this entry.
1 Infantry Workshop Stores Section The Stores Section was attached to 1 Inf Wksps REME, I was in little Aden from beginning of 1967 till it closed down, we then moved to Ord Depot Aden where I spent a short time before moving to Composite Ordnance Depot in Scharjah or (Sharjah?)From ther e I was posted to 15 ABOD in Germany. Thanks to Jim Mc Corkell for this entry.
1 Field Workshop, REME Falaise.
13 Armoured Squadron Workshop, REME based at Falaise camp Little Aden. OC Capt Hall. Unit in support of a squadron based in Falaise camp. 1961-63 3rd carabiniers then 17/21st lancers.
22 Engineer Equipment Workshop, REME, Workshop was situated on the main road just past Normandy Lines, about a mile from the check point. Unit was responsible for supporting engineering plant equipment and outboard motors used by Royal Engineers. Mainly road building and Well Drilling (water) up country ie. Al-Milah and Habilyn. Some support to scientists on the Island of Socotra, Indian ocean. There was also an element of outboard motor repairs. OC, Capt Danny Kay 1966. Many Thanks to Alan Yates for the detailed information.
52 Command Workshops REME, permanently based in Aden as part of the Aden garrison it was located in Khormaksar in Singapore Lines along with the Ordnance Depot and Aden HQ. 52 Command Workshop had several detachments, from little Aden to personnel serving with 6 sqn rct helping to support the building of the Dhalla road.
I arrived in Aden in 1961, served 9 months with HQ Mideast Command at Fort Morbut, before being posted to 52 Command Workshop REME. The Workshop was a very fine sporting unit as well as a military one. We built the first Floodlights in Aden and the first game was the Workshops vs The KOSB who included several professional footballers amongst their squad including Scottish International Davie Gibson. We were all regular but beat them 4 - 2. The game was kicked off officially by the stripper from the local club , the Shenaz. Among our team members were Sgt Alec Robinson, Ssgt Bob Temple, Cpl Dave Jepson, Cfn Jock Ingram, Cfn Chris Rainey and myself Cfn Rod Stanley. Aden was a tough place and we worked and played hard. I served as did most people in Aden then for 2 years.One well known character was WOII CSM Jim Handcock who ran the football team, the swimming team and just about every other sporting team in the Workshop. Thanks to Rod Stanley for this entry.
74 A/C Workshops, REME Stationed in Little Aden in 1967 then on to Khormaksar and finally in the end to Sharjah.
Aden Workshop REME 1958 Aden Workshop REME was based in Singapore Lines. Commanded by Major Husband. The accommodation was a tented camp at Seedaseer Lines. This was also used by the Aden Protectorate Levies. The Main Workshop was close to the MMG facility and half mile from the roundabout where the 'MOONMAN' lived. Left at the roundabout took you to Crater through the pass and right to Steamer Point. Also nearby was the Sharnaz Club where the Quat market sold their produce.
Royal Corps of Transport:
1 Squadron, RCT, Troop of 1 Sqn attached to the eng building the Dhala Road. Jan 65 Oct 65.
2 Squadron, RCT based at Normandy lines, Khormaksar. OC Major Ronnie Jenkins.
served under maj jenkins khormaksa detached crater steamer >point and driving stalwarts habilayn seved from 9/11/65 till27/4/67 >units worked with koyli paras royal marines sas radfan camp covering >crater little aden working on dhala road with scots gaurds irish >gaurds xmas /new year1966. Thanks to 24002974 smith john w for this entry.
One platoon of 7 Squadron RCT, split up to support the Parachute regiment, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Prince of Wales' Regiment in the Radfan. The squadron started upcountry attached to 30 field squadron supplying heavy transport to move their equipment.
2 Company RASC/RCT I was posted to 2 Coy RASC in 1963 the only Officers I can remember was Cptn Horsfall, and Lt Golden, we were very active on attachment with 16/5 lancers 2Para 16AD. Royal Anglians, KOSB and many others doing convoy work to Radan, Dahala, taking Rations, troops, fuel and the BBC TV Crew. We had D platoon Long wheelbase Landrovers taking ammo to forward positions very early in the action, and I.S. Back in Aden, Crater, Mahalla, steamer point. See my Photos on main page RASC in ADEN. R. Bullock.
At Seedaseer lines from Aug 58 to March 60, Major Farmer was the OC Aden to Dhala and other areas.
Our commanding officer was Lt.Sanderson from 1958-1960,we attached to several regiments whilst including the Buffs,Yorks&Lancs,Prince of Wales,Kings own and the local APL,who we shared a camp with at Seedaseer lines .Our job was to supply the troops up-country at Dhala, Ammuam and Loader [I hope I have spelt the names right].We also had local details to carry out. During our time there we were a platoon attached to 90Coy R.A.S.C before reforming 2Coy R.A.S.C in 1959 leaving Singapore lines to go to Seedaseer lines. Thanks to Bill Farrell for this entry.
2 COY R.A.S.C or 90 COY R.A.S.C., I was a n/s serving with both coys from 1958-1960,I was promoted to Cpl.and I was glad that I was serving with the best set of mates I could have wish for.Our platoon c.o was Lt.Sanderson and the Coy.Co was Major Farmer.if anyone remembers me it would be great to hear from them otherwise all the best to all of those who served in Aden in and to remember those that did not return,God Bless. Thanks to Bill Farrell for this entry.
2 Army Training and Selection Company, RCT. 9 Months in Radfan Mountains.
10 Port task group (10 Port sqn RCT We were shipped out to Aden from Singapore,assigned as 10 Port task group. Based at Khormaksar, we worked most of the docks and piers, duties involved unloading/loading military stuff for evacuation on/off various types of ship from LCT to Fleet auxiliaries. one of the last groups to leave Aden on HMS Intrepid to Singapore. Thanks to Tony Barber for this entry.
16 Coy/Sqn AD RASC/RCT. Based at RAF Khormaksar, re-supply by parachute drop, a goodly number of people would have gone very hungry and thirsty were it not for 16. Detachments in Thumier/Habilyn,Wadi Behirne and Bahrain.
20 Company, RASC
20 LCT Regiment RCT
Detachment of 47AD Company RASC RAF Khormaksar, Capt Davidson, 1959-1961. Resupplying by air ie parachuting/airlandings of supplys to all RAF/Army units detached outside Aden and within the Arabian peninsular.
51 Port squadron, 17 Port Regiment RCT, 425 and 426 platoons. sent out to be based at Sheba jetty then later at Kormacsa barracks to take over from striking dock workers from June 1967 to October 67 in Operation Mendon as part of Joint Services Port Unit.
90 Company, RASC Major Allen company commander, I served 1956- 1960, 1959 on a six month attachment to B Trp SAS Muscat.
Served with 90COY RASC from 1957-1960 Major Allen was CO on deattachment to the SAS MUSCAT in 1958-1959 was Brigadier Hutton driver for 9 months and on up country operations to all parts of south yemen.
90 sqn RCT SEEDASEER LINES Our camp was next to SAA barracks and we shared mess hall including cockroaches. We later moved to 60 Squadron camp by civilian airport. I used to drive Calor Gas Tenny and did a lot of runs up country. LCPL Jeff Sergeant was my work buddy we each drove mineplated Bedfords.
C Platoon 60 COY RASC detached 24 Inf Bde KENYA C pln 60coy RASC were sent by rail/sea to 2coy RASC 1963, we were sent to the Radfan AOP straight away using long wheel base L/Rs we were employed carrying 105mm 5.5 ammo to tabletop ect, the rest of 60 coy followed 7 months later
60 Sqn RCT, Normandy Lines carried out convoys two or three times a week upcountry into Habalane, encountering terrorist ambushes and transporting convoys to and from the Radfan.
Major Penn.O.C. S/sgt Eddy Butler.
Dvr.Jake Tevendale. Cpl Geodie Mcclean. Our company was ambushed returning from the ranges, we lost some good men. because of our company losing men, We was put on water duties, we carried jerry cans with water to supply the 45 marine commando's on top of the crater, this meant we carried the cans on our backs scaling the outside of the crater, then we would abseil down, you never hear of this do you?. At one time Jack Saul went down we thought he had been shot, i strapped him to my back and abseiled him down to the bottom.
90 Company RASC, Seedaseer lines. Commanding officer was Major R.V. Allen during the Jan 1958 to May 1959 tour.
LCT(Army)RCT Squadron, HMS Sheba at Steamer Point. This was the water transport squadron of the army. The landing craft tankers(lct) were all crewed by army personnel. The last crew in Aden were the first to sail an army vessel back to the UK from overseas when they sailed the LCT back to the UK.
76 Squadron RASC LCT Ardennes LCT Ardennes and crew under commanding officer Major Cuff stayed in Aden en route to delivery of the vessel to Singapore in 1960. Our ship arrived on Friday 19 February 1960 and we finally sailed on towards Singapore on Friday 25 March 1960. Thanks to Gordon Northcott for this entry.
90 Company RASC Seedaseer Lines, Aden. Major R V Allen 90 company RASC seedaseer lines 1958 to 1960, 2ic was Capt W C Clayden.
139 Supply Platoon, RASC Based in Aden during 1963
Water Transport Boat, LCTS 4074 Capt Andrew Nottman out of the wharf HMS Vernon and information of St Georges bks Gosport 1963 1966
Joint Services Port Unit (Royal Corps of Transport) Based at HMS Sheba operating requisitioned port craft and small landing craft in the port of Aden. OC Maj T Thompson.
Royal Pioneer Corps:
518 company, Normandy lines.
Royal Army Medical Corps:
10 Brigade RAMC Between 1959-62 in Aden (Singapore Lines) 10 Bde RAMC in same area as REME Wksps/Ord Depot. Unit of RAOC Heavy Drop also in Ord Depot Lines. RAOC Printing Unit between VSD and Ord Depot. Air Sea Rescue unit(MTBs) RAF at Maala. RASC Bowser unit at Seedaseer Lines used during civilian strikes of 1961. Thanks to A.W.Whitehouse for this entry.
MRS Thumier (Radfan), MRS Thumier was staffed by personnel from 10 Bde Gp Med Coy RAMC in Aden. Situated adjacent to airstrip at Thumier, it provided medical cover for personnel in Radfan and a resus facility for casevacs.
10 Brigade Group Medical Company RAMC, CO's were Lt Col Telfer RAMC 1962 -1963 and Lt Col 0'Dwyer RAMC (Paddy)1963 -1964. There was a detachment at MRS Thumier. The unit was mini Field Ambulance became 24 Fd Amb in 1964 when that unit moved to Aden from Kenya. Thanks to C Ellice for this entry.
This unit was assembled in Khormaksar Transit Camp late September 1959 until the New Offices and billets were completed at Singapore Lines under the command of Lt. Col. T.E.Millar FRCP RAMC. and the CSM W.O.II J.Campbell RAMC as Medical Service to the Army in the protectorate.
15 Field Ambulance RAMC 15th Field Ambulance about 1957 served in Aden, station at Komaxer.
18 Field Ambulance RAMC CO Lt Col. J.A. Alan RAMC, 1955-1957, Tia Po. Camp 77.
24 (Airportable) Field Ambulance RAMC, Unit based in Falaise Camp Little Aden but unit personnel covered all upcountry stations as unit medics. Not sure when arrived in Aden was late 1964 to move out in 1967. COs during my tour 1965/67 Lt/Col O'Dwyer, Lt/Col Martin. Many Thanks to Joe Brown for the additional information.
CO Lt Col Cannell RAMC, adj capt Bryn Francis, rsm Phil Bonfield one of our sad deployments was digging graves at silent valley, i served with the royal northumberland fusiliers, plus attached to the Argylls also Singapore lines Dhalla and Aberlain last medical unit to pull out sept 6 th 1967 from little Aden, all the road blown up between little Aden and big Aden, pulled out by the lcts of the rct pulled out to Tavistock in Devon Dartmoor, still treating members of 60 sqn rct after their attack on the way back from the ranges at the medical centre on camp in Tavistock. Thanks to David Garbutt for this entry.
144 Parachute Field Ambulance RAMC(V) a number of personnel from the 144th Field Ambulance RAMC territorial army also served in Aden 1964/67
Other:
Army Catering Corps
HQ 24th Infantry Brigade (deployed from Kenya in 1964, left Aden 1967 on independence and moved to Plymouth)
1 Army Information Team I cannot give any info except that we were a hearts and mind unit of only about 8 men, A major was the OC. we were stationed in same camp as RASC right next to the road by the beach. The SAS camp was next to us, Our task was to go around in Landrover and bedford which had speakers attached and advise locals when curfew was/off Illegal assembly etc and any thing else superiors advised, This was recorded in Arabic. Our OC was actually a Lord of the manor in Ireland, and always smoked a Pipe our sigh was a Rampant Lion inred. We also recorded newsreel on a Wind up camera. I was a private. All my photo's were lost including all my kit on withdrawal. He also had a .38 pistol totally useless really in the circumstances and he was always in Shake Othman. We also went up country visiting villages to show the trooping of the colour and usual bull. Is there anyway you can suggest to find out about this group as I have seen nothing mentioned about them, in spite of the fact there were some hairy times. Some amusing most not.)
HQ 39th Airportable Brigade (deployed from Northern Ireland in 1964 to take command of operations in the Radfan - left same year) - GOC Brigadier-General Blacker ("Monkey" Blacker), late 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards
Royal Corps of Signals
4 Air Formation, Royal Signals Steamer point, Aden 1956-57 -58.
9 Signals Regiment Royal Corps of Signals Detachment from this squadron operated from Fort Tarshine under Major R.M. Dunkley in 1962. The detachment then moved from Bahrain HQLFPG.
13 Wing Signal Troop, 4 Air Formation Signals, Royal Signals was billeted on Chapple Hill on the ground floor of a two storied building; the upper story was occupied by RAF. This unit was also referred to as 13 Wing Signal Troop Air Formation and 13 Airfield Signal Troop.
15 Signal Regiment, formed from 254 Signal Squadron on 22nd January 1965 at Singapore Barracks and supplied HQ Aden Brigade's Signal requirements. These included manning FRA and FNG comms, all upcountry rear links, detachments supporting "visiting" infantry, FAC for the RN and RAF, support for Swaziland, Radfan, Makerious, Dhalla et al. Rear link support for te Residencies at Mukalla and Salalah. Radio support for 13 Field Survey Squadron RE during the Oman/Yemen border mapping survey (as well as the funny mob that appeared in the middle of the Empty Quarter at all hours of the day and night!)
All Royal Signals personnel were on a permanent posting of 2 years.
The Regimental flash was an Egyptian Cat in red.
The Regiment was disbanded in October 1967.
Many Thanks to Peter MacIver for the detailed information.
24 Independent Infantry brigade, Signal Squadron.
The 24th Ind Inf Bgde (Royal Signals detachment) was deployed to the middle east Nov 1956 under emergency conditions to set up a 5 way radio network between Aden,Shajah,Bahrain,Kuwait,and HMS Bulwark,cruising up and down the Persian Gulf, which took approx 4 months befor bieng withdrawn back to the UK in February 1957. Thanks to David J Phillips for this entry/
210 Signals Squadron Royal Corps of Signals, Signal sqn for 24 infantry brigade, moved from Kahawa to Falaise camp in 1964. Took over from 39 brigade at Habilayn/Thumier. OC in Aden was Major Butler. Set up radio relay link Falaise camp. RE camp at El Anad, to Thumier. Cpl Francis/Lcpl Ginger Mantle and Lcp Don Blood. Thanks to Alan Francis for this entry.
222 Signals Squadron (Air Formation) Royal Corps of Signals, Stationed at HQ Trp S/Point, K Trp Khormaksar, Rian, Salala, Mesira, B Trp Bahrain and up country. OC Maj L Beamont, OC K troop Capt John Bromley, Capt (TOT) P.W.Foakes.
OC Major Headley 1965-67, Khormaksar, Steamer Point.
254 Signal Squadron at Singapore lines. 254 Signal Squadron became 15 Signal Regiment on 22nd January 1965.
FRA Signal Sqn 15 Sig Regt did not provide signals for FRA. FRA Sig Sqn was administratively independent of British Army. The Sqn had Troops with each of the FRA battalions as well as the headquarters. It also had workshops in Seedaseer Lines to provide maintenance services. Some of the Equipment used was not sourced from British Army. I know because I was Foreman of Signals from april 1962 to June 1965. Incidentally we served 18 month tours repeatable ad infinitum. Many Thanks to Ralph Hampson for the detailed information.
303 Signals Unit 303 Signals Unit, was initiated on an old WW2 sandbag camp nr Mukerias, and named RAF Mukerias, not too far from the North Yemen border, according to the map anyway. I and many other served there for 12 months, along with first the East Anglian Regt, followed by the KOSB, as the army only did 6 months turn over at Mukerias.
1963 RAF Mukerias 303 sigs was a mobile radar unit Known as a charlie unit, had a height finder and azimith unit both carried on Hippo lorrys and Hands trailers, it was totally self contained,and moved down to Aden at the time of the UDI problems in Rodesia. then occupied the old 198 sigs site on the airfield. Thanks to SAC M C Stapleton for this entry.
303 Signal Unit - UPS1 Detachment This was a separate mobile radar detachment from 303 Signals Unit. During 1967 it was stationed at Mukeiras on the Yemen border - it's purpose being to control Hunter patrols. At the time of the 6 day war it was relocated to Steamer Point, being airlifted out by Beverleys. At the time of the withdrawal from Aden the UPS1 detachment was moved to Hamala on Bahrain. Many Thanks to Mike Rees for this entry.
403 Radio Detachment, Royal Signals Captain Clague Quine, 1960-61.
403 Wireless Detachment A detachment from 2 Wrls Regiment Cyprus based in Aden 1957 under Capt Fisher. Signallers under Sgt Wilson who put me on a charge and I Corps personnel (myself) badged as Royal Signals. Sub detachment sent to Mukeiras with APL and Camerons.
516 Signals Troop 516 Signal Troop provided the 'rear-link' for the Infantry battalion based @ Waterloo Barracks. Aden Brigade.
During my 2 year tour the troop was 'attached to' the 'Royal Anglians' 'Prince of Wales Own' 'Royal Northumberland Fusiliers' & the 'Argylles & Sutherland Highlanders. We maintained the Battalion 'HF' link on the 'Aden Brigade' from waterloo barracks. Also providing 'HF comms' from Thumier, Mukeiras and Dhalla, whenever the battalions served 'up country'
We also maintained the infantry vhf radio system and the eqipment. The history of '516' goes back to the formation of the Aden Brigade. It consisted of Radio operators, Radio technicians and electrician drivers.
The troop was run by a Corporal 'Op' and by '1966' was replaced by a Troop Sgt. Each member of the troop had a 2 year tour. Hope there is enough detail. I didn't see it under 'Royal Signals' & would be quite proud to see it there where it belongs. I served from July 65 to July 67 with the above battalions. I was with Lt Col Blenkinsop, ensuring communications were maintained for him @ the main pass on the sad day of the 20th June. Thanks to Watson Fenwick for this entry.
604 Signals Squadron(UK Garrison) Elements of 640 (UK Garrison) Signal Troop were deployed to Aden. This Signal Troop was stationed at Blandford in the 60's and eventually was incorporated into 30 Signal Regiment in 69 or 70. It was an independent Signal Troop commanded by a Captain. Many Thanks to Andy pipes for the detailed information.
OC between June 1964 and August 1965 was Captain Grist.
650 signal troop, worked at Fort Tarshyne next to the F.O.M.E white circular house(flag officer middle east - on the high rocks coming into steamer point from the sea.
Aden Protectorate Levies Signal Squadron 2 Battalion APL at Mukarious 1960-1962 and Lodar 1964.
Aden Rearguard Signal Squadron Three months before the withdrawal in November 1967 15 Signal Regiment (Singapore Lines) was disbanded and Aden Rear Guard Signal Squadron was formed at Khormaksar. The OC was a Major O'Connor. One of the many roles was to maintained communications to HMS Fearless covering the withdrawal from Aden. Signalman Brummie Mileston was "Up Country" in Mukalla and was requested to return for a weekend so he could pack his kit as we were all to leave Aden. So he leaves the sharp end to a semi quiet and safe location of Singapore Lines - Aden. Unfortunately he was killed when an Arab threw a grenade over the fence into the area outside the accommodation block!! Thanks to Martin Davis for this entry.
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
RAOC Printing Section, ordance depot singapore lines. Section sailed to Bahrein on the Galahad 1967.
Statistical & Records Office RAOC A very small unit based at Fort Morbat. OC was a Captain LH Barlow. I was there from Sept. 1966 to August 1967
R.A.O.C. Ammunition Depot, Khormaksar. Based at Singapore Lines.
Ordnance Depot Aden RAOC in Aden all came under the umbrella of the Ordnance Depot, it was broken down into the Ordnance Depot and Vehicle Sub Depot, both in Singapore lines and the Ammunition Sub Depot (X Group) just down the road toward Crater. Luminaries remembered are CSM 'Boyo' Whiles, Adjutant Capt Barrat.
Ordnance Depot Singapore Lines Supplied replacement personnel for 24 Inf Bde. who on arrival in Aden for service in Radfan were badly struck down with sunstroke & heat exhaustion. We were considered to be suitable replacements, and were shipped up country. We did qualify for the Radfan Medal.
24 Ordnance Field Park based in Falais camp, Little Aden.
24 independent air portable ordnance field park RAOC the OFP was stationed in kenya--after the east africa mutinies-major harry mitchell was co- tour was april -nov 1964 in Radfan then Aden from nov 1964.
16 Para Heavy Drop Company, RAOC 16 para heavy drop attached to 3 battalion under Lt Col Farrar Ockly, 1964 to 1965.
Ordnance sub depot Banda 195 Singapore Lines, November 65 to May 66 RAOC facing RAF Khormaksar, ordnance depot also did duties at ammo sub daeot crater.
Store Section RAOC 74 A/C Wksp, I was with this unit from 1966 until pulling out to Sharjah in 1967. David Humphrey was captain OiC. Ron Gray WO2. I was acting sgt at the time.
Royal Army Pay Corps
Based at Fort Morbut, Steamer Point, Aden. CO was Col Chaundy between January 1959 and June 1960. Strength was approximately 80 national servicemen at any one time, the camp also accommodated units of RASC and the Royal Signals.
24 Brigade Provost Unit, Royal Military Police Stationed in Falaise Barracks, Little Aden. Officer commanding Maj JK Bonnell.
Military Provost Staff Corps MPSC provided a detachment at Al Mansoura prison between 1965-67 The first OC was Capt Fred Cross who arrived in Theatre with a group of 3 Warrant Officers. This soon increased to a total of 8 SNCO's with a guard force drawn from 1st Bn Welsh Guards.
Port Security Force, Royal Military Police This unit was specially formed by NCO's from UK based RMP Companies. It served in Aden based at HMS Sheba from January 67 until the final withdrawal. The primary purpose of the unit was patrolling the docks, in particular Maala Wharf, searching ships, dhows, warehouses and the areas in general to prevent gun running, thefts of military ordnance, etc. It was commanded by a Royal Navy officer, Lt Cmdr Sloane RN and I believe the only RMP Unit ever to be in this position. The Unit was housed in a warehouse on the base. In addition the Unit was supported by the RM detachment based at Sheba which provided seaborne support when required. The Unit was also responsible for the incarceration of arab rioters arrested by the military units in Aden until they could be processed. We used to hold them until the RASC Boat Section - whose proper designation I cannot remember - transported them in LCT's over the sea to Little Aden where they were released. This meant they had a long walk back until they could cause trouble again. Thanks to Bob Collins for this entry.
Reinforcement Camp A huge tented camp on Khormaksar Beach which was used to acclimatize army units from the UK who were replacing acclimatized troops deployed to hot-spots in the area.
28 Independent Company, Women's Royal Army Corps.
Intelligence Corps
2 Det., 5 C.I. Company, Intelligence CorpsLocated in private house on Villiers Street, Khormaksar, opposite RAF Khormaksar Airfield. C.O. Major Keith Wilkes. Duration of tour June 1965-67. General Service Medal with South Arabian Clasp. Thanks to Reg Hobday for this entry.
Directorate of Army Legal Services (DALS) I was a RAF Shorthand Typist (SAC) at HQ MEC seconded to DALS. Commanding Officer was Maj P G Spencer ably assisted by Maj J B Driffield. The SNCOs ic were Sgt G Howard and Sgt T Phelin (Both RASC).
Army Air Corps
8 Flight, Based at Falaise and Habilayn with visits to Ataq (FRA)and Wadi Ayn for few weeks at a time. Attached to 24 Inf brigade with 13FltAAC) the C/o Was Maj Greville Edgecombe I was with them from March 1966 to end of April 1967. Thanks to David Biddulph for this entry.
653 Squadron, were in Falaise camp with their airstrip the outside the camp. There was 13 flight, 15 flight, workshop flight the Sqn also served in the Radfan.
REME Workshop, 653 Squadron were first based at Sheik Othman airfield (disused since the second world war)some 12 miles outside of the town of Aden from 1960. Aircraft accommodation was a disused and derelict hangar and personnel accommodation was under canvas. The unit flew Auster Mk9 and Beaver light aircraft. In 1961 the unit relocated at Falaise Field - a purpose built camp and airfield and provided light aircraft support to the forces based in the colony.
Aden Protectorate Levies Signal Squadron Squadron consisted of British and Arab personnel. Brits in Seedaseer Lines the Arabs at Lake Lines. OC's during period 1959-60 were Maj.Rutherford(casevaced) Capt Shaw stood in until arrival of Maj Gilbertson. The Squadron had detachments with all four battalions in the up-country garrisons, Dhala, Lodar, Makerias, Beihan, Ataqand Zinjibar and along with the ACS consisted of all volunteers. With Arabization the APL became the FRA,but thats another story.
Navy
HMS Anzio, HMS Anzio was a tank landing ship. Picked up the Anzio in Gibraltar in refit, took her to bombay then up the Gulf 63/64
HMS Ashanti Alongside Steamer Point harbour late August/early September 1966. Under repair Steamer Point all of Jan/Feb 1967 and many parties of the ship's company detached to military units during this time, specifically 3rd Bn The Anglian Regiment at Radfan Camp and the 1st Bn The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in the Crater district. All ships company awarded GSM 1962 with clasp South Arabia. Ship departed to Persian Gulf late Feb/early March 1967 returning to Aden for the last time in early June 1967 at outset of Middle East War.
HMS Appleton HMS Appleton along with HMS Puncheston was Aden guard ship during Feb-Aug'67.
HMS Auriga
HMS Brighton Frigate, In 1966? HMS Brighton supported a minesweeper amid rumors of an uprising at Mukalla, Yemen. The frigate was fired on by terrorists from shore and had a landing party ready to go ashore to give support. HMS Brighton also spent some time in Aden it was said waiting for the Egyptian Air Force to bomb us.
HMS Calton HMS Calton was a Coastal Minesweeper - same class as HMS Appleton, in reserve in HMS Sheba Naval Base. Bought out of reserve to do coastal patrol off the Aden coast. period approx served on board April 1965 -Jan 1966, before that in HMS Sheba. Thanks to Robert Blachford for this entry.
HMS Carhampton This ship was brought out of reserve at the same time as HMS. Calton and served as patrol ship for a few months before being returned to the UK.
HMS Carlton HMS Carlton 1965/66 on coastal patrol searching dhows.
HMS Centaur carried out strikes against rebelling tribesmen in the Radfan in March 1964.
HMS Charlton Minesweeper, berthed at Sheba Jetty and was used for minesweeping the Aden port entrance. HMS Charlton returned to the UK in 1966.
HMS Defender, provided Anti-submarine cover for task force withdrawal in 1967.
HMS Fearless Marine Support Ship in 1967.
HMS Gambia The Gambia was the first British warship to arrive when unrest in Aden started and supported the Army during a riot after an explosion in the Kit Kat bar killing X amount of personnel and servicemen, in 1957 -58 the Black Watch were posted there and Mad Mitch was in charge who's famous words were "when you see the whites of their eyes shoot them" and consequently stuffed up his political career, I was an ordinary seaman at the time who was ashore trying to quell a riot by the arabs, we had rifles but no ammunition which was locked away onboard ship. A right cock up but were lucky enough to get away with it. Thanks to Soapy Watson for this entry.
LSL Galahad In the area around 1967, moved RAOC Printing section and 52 Command Workshops personnel.
HMS Intrepid Carried 16/5 lancers and pulled the troops out of Aden Christmas 67/8.
HMS Kildarton Minesweeper, berthed at Sheba Jetty and was used for minesweeping the Aden port entrance. HMS Kildarton returned to the UK in 1966.
HMS Loch Fada Saturday 19th April the ship was moved to the Boom Defence Jetty and shore leave was granted. Three members of the engine room department were ashore and were in the location of the Blue Boy restaurant when an explosive device, possibly a grenade, was thrown. A small child died from injuries received and the three shipmates were also injured.
HMS Meon HQ Ship Amphibious Warfare Squadron. Served on HMS Meon 1960/61 - was a RM clerk to the Amphibious Warfare Officer, Major Mahoney RM. HMS MEON wasbased on Aden initally and we had an office in HMS SHEBA, until the AW Sqn moved to Bahrain in 1961 for the Kuwait operation, based on HMS JUFAIR. Thanks to Tony Coppard for this entry.
HMS Messina landing craft with a detachment of the royal scots greys from 1962/63
HMS Phoebe (F42), Leander Class Frigate. I served on HMS PHOEBE at the withdrawal. We had previously been doing guardship duties at Aden (berthed off HMS Sheba) prior to the withdrawal, including shore patrols with the Argylls and supplying armed guards to merchant shipping anchored in the harbour. Thanks to Bill Haynes for this entry.
Served on H.M.S Phoebe Leander Class Frigate Type 42 that covered the final withdrawal of shore troops from Aden, also shore patrol duties. Served as a Radar Operator/Seaman from 1966/67 until paying off in Portsmouth.
HMS Puncheston, HMS Puncheston along with HMS Appleton was Aden guard ship during Feb-Aug'67. Saw action in & around Aden and Mukula.
Aden guard ship from february 67 till the end of august. we were in a place called mukalla with the frigate Brighton when we came under tracer fire. I still have the news paper clip my mother sent all those years ago.
HMS Sheba, HMS Sheba was situated at Steamer Point and provided logistical support to visiting warships as well as fleet maintenance to ships patrolling the area.
I Was a petty officer and I served in HMS Sheba, Aden, from April 1965 to the time of the British withdrawal in 1967.
Admiral Le Fanu was our Flag Officer until his return to the UK to become First Sea Lord. Most of my time on station Sheba Naval Party was involved in maintenance and supply and repair of our Naval Contingents on the Beira Patrol during the Rhodesian Crisis. I served 22 years and retired as chief stoker in 1975.
HMS Striker, HMS Striker was a tank landing ship. Returned to the UK in June 1966.
815 Naval Air Squadron 815 Squadron disembarked from HMS Centaur on 22 May 1964. Based at RAF Khormaksar, the squadron flew daily to Thumier in support of the Radfan campaign. The squadron re-embarked in HMS Centaur on 25 June 1964. The squadron was equipped with 8 Westland Wessex HAS1 anti submarine helicopters which had their sonar equipment removed for this operation. The squadron was involved in Operation Nutcrackerin January 1964, CO Lt Cdr Bagnall. The squadron lost one aircraft during the deployment due to an air accident (10 June).
826 Naval Air Squadron operated Wessex in May 1967 from HMS Hermes to Habilayn.
848 Naval Air Commando Squadron Royal Navy A Flt of 848 NACS was landed ashore from HMS Albion to RAF Khormaksar. We stayed there for about four months and then flew onboard the new Sir Lancelot for passage to Singapore. The squadron was attached to RAF Khormaksar to bridge the gap between the phasing out of the Belvedere and the arrival in Aden of the RAF's own Wessex helicopters. Many Thanks to M J B 'Mike' Rossetter for the detailed entry.
RFA Pearleaf August 1966 to December 1966 as support vessel off Aden
RFA Stromness See below.
RFA Tidespring RFA Stromness & RFA Tidespring were stationed in Aden up to the withdrawal in 1967.
Covering withdrawal from Aden 6/1967
HMS Albion I served on HMS Albion at the time of the British withdrawal from Aden in 1967. If I remember rightly we withdrew 45 or 42 Commando R.M. and then sailed to Singapore,with them embarked.
HMS Bulwark HMS Bulwark was stationed at Aden for some time in 1958. She ferried troops and equipment from Mombasa to Aden and later took troops from Aden to Aqaba. She provided air support in Radfan Mountains and lost two helicopters (Whirlwinds) during this period and a sea hawk at Khormaksar etc.....she operated continuously between Bahrain & Aden and also provided air support off Muscat.
HMS Bulwark ferried Troops and Vehicles Mombasa, Aden in July 1958.
HMS Bulwark ferried Troops to Aqaba, Aden at and around the same time as the Lebanon Crisis in August 1958.
Thanks to Peter Eyre for this entry.
HMS Eagle
HMS Hermes, Served HMS Hermes 1965 to 1969 as a MEM1. Ships Diver, bottom search for Fleet off Aden. Shore patrol (swimming party) beaches Steamer Point sub machine guns. Thanks to Philip Brian Dodd for this entry.
HMS Intrepid, Covered withdrawal from Aden 1967 whilst en route from Portsmouth to the Far East via The Gulf.
HMT Denera Carried 40 Commando out of Aden during the withdrawal, 40 Commando went to Malta.
Royal Marines
40 Commando Aden withdrawal 27/11/67.
40 Commando RM embarked on HMS Albion (Cpt Martin Ollivant RN)to cover 42 Commando RM, withdrawing 45 Commando RM.
Albion stayed on station for nearly 10 weeks with escorts etc, bulwark returned to Singapore with 42 and 45 Commandos.
42 Commando were deployed to Aden aboard HMS Parapet to cover the withdrawal. They left on HMT Dunera.
45 Commando
Attached Royal Naval Commando mainly serving as Medical staff and Padres.
X company heavy weapons, based in bp camp little Aden 1965/1966 spent time up country in Dhala, Al Milah, Habilayne.
Zulu Company, Company commander Major Bailey, 8 Troop Commander Lt. Bagshaw B.P.Camp Little Aden 12 Months tour of duty. Locations of duty(Crater City, Malla District, Little Aden, up country at Al Milah, Habilayn, Dhala. Noddy Dunne of 9 Troop Zulu Company adopted local dog (black labrador) named Oscarm which gained celebrity status when unit withdrew and returned to UK. 45 Commando was stationed in Aden for the duration of the Radfan/Aden campaign and was one of the last units to withdraw.
Army Beach Group Cadre Attached 45 Commando.
Royal Signals Little Aden, attached to 45 Royal Marine Commando, Staff Sergeant Geldard our boss.
We were stationed in Little Aden near the oil refinery. My memory of the last days there is withdrawing in a convoy of about 50 3 ton lorries. Instead of passing the federal capital we embarked on marine landing craft and went across the bay to big Aden. This was sometime in October 1967. We then returned to Crownhill Fort in Plymouth. Thanks to John Loughlin for this entry.
Support Troop MMG Section 45 CDO RM 45 Commando 1961/2 Based BP camp Little Aden. Heavy Weapons Support Troop. Sgt.Andrews Mne Spike Kelly.Mne Bill Preston.Mne Tony Daker.and many others names Ive forgotten . After a 12 month posting shipped back with rheumatic fever to uk. Thanks to Malc Dovner(RM18863) for this entry.
145 Maiwand Cdo Bty, 29 Commando Lt Regt 01/04/66. Aden. Major Ormorod 6 month Tours of duty.
1st Assault Squadron, Royal Marines, [HMS Messina] MESSINA WAS AN LST [A] Carrying the 1st Assault Squadron, Royal Marines consisting of ten LCAs. With elements of 45 Cdo RM took part in the landings at Sharjah, Trucial Oman [Now UAE} Ist assault Squadron arrived Aden early 1960 and remained on station until ?. Thanks to Leonard Bruce for this entry.
Joint Units
Joint Service Police, HQP&SS Joint Services Police at Steamer Point
JARIC [Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre]
Other Units
Federal Regular Army of South Arabia Brigadier James Lunt CO, Many British Officers and other ranks, Capt. Peter de la Billiere was 2nd Intelligence Officer 1962/63.
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الوحدة اليمنية من المهد الى اللحد
خارطة اليمن الجنوبي بعد اعلان استقلاله في الـــ 30 من نوفمبر 1967م
الرئيس علي سالم البيض يعتبر اول وزير دفاع لحكومة الإستقلال ثم تقلد عدة مناصب وزارية وحزبية حتى 13 م
من يناير 1986م عندما انتصر التيار الموالي له تقلد منصب الأمين العام للحزب الإشتراكي وحتى عشية اعلان الوحدة مع الشمال عين بمنصب نائب رئيس الجمهورية اليمنية وحتى عشية الحرب بين الشمال والجنوب في 1994م وبسبب الهزيمة نفي الى عمان واعتبر نفسه في منفاه رئيس لليمن الجنوبي وللدولة التي لم تدم كثيرا والذي تم اعلانها في 21 مايو 1994م وهو مستمر في هذا المنصب ومخول من الشعب الجنوبي كمرجعية اول للحراك السلمي الجنوبي
الرئيس حيدر ابو بكر العطاس خامس رئيس لليمن الجنوبي
تقلد منصب رئيس جمهورية اليمن الديمقراطية الشعبية بعد هرب علي ناصر الى شمال اليمن بعد هزيمته في محاولته الإنقلابية الدموية في 13 من يناير1986م واستمر في هذا المنصب حتى عشية اعلان الشراكة مع شمال اليمن والذي شغل في دولة الوحدة منصب رئيس مجلس الوزراء حتى عشية مغادرت اليمن في 7/7 1994م بعد هزيمة الجنوب من الشمال في الحرب 1994م
الشهيد صالح مصلح قاسم شغل عدة مناصب في دولة اليمن الجنوبي وكان آخر منصب شغله وزير الدفاع
الجنوبي حتى عشية اغتياله من قبل الرئيس علي ناصر محمد في 13 من يناير 1986م
الشهيد علي احمد ناصر عنتر تم اغتياله في 13 من يناير 1986م من قبل الرئيس علي ناصر محمد
كان يحتل منصب نائب الرئيس علي ناصر محمد حتى عشية اغتياله في 13 من يناير 1968م
الرئيس علي ناصر محمد رابع رئيس لليمن الجنوبي والذي تقلد منصب الرآسة بعد الإطاحة بالرئيس عبد الفتاح
واستمر في حكم اليمن الجنوبي حتى عشية مغادرته الجنوب بعد فشله في المحاولة الإنقلابية ضد رفاقه وزملائه في الحكم والذي دبر لهم مجزرة جماعية اودت بعشرات الآلاف الى مثواه الأخير وعلى راسهم الشهداء الإماجد عنتر ومصلح وشائع وفتاح زكوكبة من خير الكوادر الجنوبية وذلك في 13 من يناير 1986م
الرئيس عبد الفتاح اسماعيل تولى منصب رئيس اليمن الجنوبي بعد اعدام سالمين في العام 1978م
واستمر في حكم الجنوب حتى عشية الإطاحة به سلميا ونفيه الى الإتحاد السوفيتي السابق في العام 1981م وعاد من منفاه الى عدن في العام 1985م ولكن بدون منصب حتى تم قتله في يناير من قبل الرئيس علي ناصر الذي كان خلفا له في العام 1982م
الرئيس سالم ربيع علي يعتبر ثاني رئيس لليمن الجنوبي خلف قحطان
بعد الإطاحة به من قبل حكومة الثورة بقيادة الجبهة القومية سلميا وتم ابقائه تحت الإقامة الإجبارية حتى توفى في منزله واعتبر فقيدا للجنوب >> وسالمين حكم الجنوب من 1970م وحتى عشية اعدامه في 26 يونيو 1978م بعد قتال بينه وبين التيار المعارض له في التنظيم السياسي الجبهة القومية
الرئيس قحطان محمد الشعبي يعتبر اول رئيس للجنوب في العام 1967م
وقحطان كان زعيما للجبهة القومية لتحرير الجنوب وكان رئيس الوفد المفاوض مع الوفد البريطاني في جنيف لإعلان استقلال الجنوب في 30 من نوفمبر 1967م
استقل الجنوب في العام 1967م واعلن دولته المستقلة باسم جمهورية اليمن الجنوبية الشعبية
وتم ترشيح طحقان محمد الشعبي كاول رئيس لليمن الجنوبي
في اول عملية عسكرية لثوار الجبهة القومية في جبال ردفان استشهد المناضل راجح بن غالب لبوزة
14 من اكتوبر هو يوم اعلان الثورة على الإستعمار وحكومة الإتحاد للجنوب العربي 1963م
طائرة اتحاد الجنوب العربي في خدمة حكام الإمارات والسلطنات لحكومة الإتحاد العربي
جنود بريطانيون يهاجمون منازل المواطنين الجنوبين بحثا عن الفدائيين وثوار الجبهة القومية
جنود الإحتلال في وضع قمع المقاومة والإنتفاضة الشعبية الجنوبية
طائرات انجليزية في وضع قتالي مع ثوار الجبهة القومية
الجيش البريطاني في مطار الوعرة بالضالع جبل السوداء على اليمنين مشرف على مطار الوعرة
جندي بريطاني في حالة استرخاء بعد انها فترة حراسته على الحدود مع اليمن الشمالي 1960م
الجيش البريطاني يحمل خسائره من قتلى وجرحى في قتاله مع المقاومة الشعبية الجنوبية
جيش الليوي البريطاني في العام 1960م
انتفاضة شعب الجنوب على حكومة الإتحاد والتواجد البريطاني في الخمسينات والستينات
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جنود بريطانيون في عدن وهم في وضع مهاجمة احد مواطني عدن
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تم احتلال عدن لأهمية موقعها الإستراتيجي واعتبر من اهم الموانئ العالمية في القرن التاسع عشر والنصف ا
الثاني من القرن العشرين وعدن احتلت في 19 يناير 1839م
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أرشيف المدونة الإلكترونية
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BRITISH UNITS SERVING IN ADEN 1955-67
British units serving in Aden between 1955-67
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صدى الحراك الجنوبي تعيد نشر التقرير للبيت الأبيض ا...
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صدى الحراك الجنوبي ****** ترحب بكل القراء الكرام م...
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