NINE MONTHS
Memories from an old diary8th August 1965
The departure from Gatwick, late night on the 8th August 1965, was a sombre affair. Other
travellers hardly noticed over a hundred men all with short haircuts, sitting in neat rows, moving
only when told, and then in small groups of around six to and from refreshments. Our flight was
called around 11pm. The long walk to the plane was done in almost silence, only the noise of the
Regimental footsteps could be heard. Our first sight of the plane, a Britannia in the colours of
British United Airways was from the bottom of the stairs leading from the departure lounge. As we
walked across the tarmac a cold wind chilled what had been a warm night . We boarded the plane,
sat down and fastened our seat belts, the only discussion seemed to be about who was going to sit
where I was lucky and managed to get a window seat. It seemed an age before the quiet was
broken by the whine of the engines, two at first then all four, I felt the plane vibrate slightly from
side to side as the engines reached half throttle. We started to move very slowly at first, from my
window seat a saw a man dressed in white holding what appeared to be two brightly coloured table-
tennis bats, he was waving these to his left we moved in the same direction we travelled about a
few hundred yards then stopped, we were at the end of the run way we were given sweets to chew.
The noise of the engines changed, the pitch increased sharply, the sound was terrific, the plane
shuddered but we were still stationary, the brakes were off and so were we. We were part of
“ A” Company 1st Battalion The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on our way to Aden.
As we climbed into the night sky the engines became quieter, then seemed to blend in the with distant
voices my ears buzzed for a second then cleared. We were above the night clouds I looked at my
watch it had just gone midnight. After about an hour or so into the flight a meal was served, we
talked a while and then settled down to rest and sleep. I woke a few times during the flight, dawn
came early, the sky was bright blue we were over the sea somewhere. A light snack was served
for breakfast and a welcome cup of tea. I settled down again and soon fell asleep.
9th August 1965
The next thing I heard was someone informing us that we were nearing our destination. Rubbing
the sleep from my eyes I looked out of the window and saw the ground below. It was in bright
sun shine the colours were very sharp gold and orange mountains and away towards the horizon and a
blue sea. I looked at my watch, it was midday in fact it was 3pm local time. We had flown almost
twelve hours non-stop. We circled the coast and then flew in over the sea just before we landed we
crossed a road causeway. The landing was smooth we taxied around the airfield coming to a halt near
a group of tin huts. We were kept seated until the doors were open, I was near one of the doors and
as it opened it felt as though someone had opened an oven door, it was so hot. We left the plane and
moved into the huts, they had some primitive air conditioning which was welcome. We waited for a
few moments then heard the sound of heavy lorries moving towards us, six or seven stopped outside,
a team was then detailed to load all the cases and kitbags into the first lorries, as soon as this was
done we climbed into remainder. Each truck had two armed escorts, one standing in the drivers cab
through a turret, the other sat at the back each armed with a SLR (Self Loading Rifle).
We moved off and out of the airfield, the first Arab we saw was sitting just outside the airfield gates,
He was selling something, something that attracted a lot of flies. The first smell of Aden was
horrible it was very hot, dry, and with very few drains.
RAF Khormaksar
We moved through an area called Khormaksar where the RAF had their base. We turned left onto the
Coast road the sea was on our right. In the distance we could see our new home, a large tented camp.
As we drove up the approach road was passed a large sign saying “ Radfan Camp”.
We stopped at the main gate, a sentry approached the leading vehicle, the gates were opened and we
drove through.
We stopped between the two camp areas, one part was occupied by another Infantry Regiment the
“Royal Sussex Regiment” they had been in Aden for several months and most were out on duty.
The cases and kitbags had already been unload and left in rows at the side of the road, we found out
our own pieces and were then shown to our tents. The tent consisted of a large slab of concrete as
foundations with several poles which supported a roof without walls, in the centre of the roof was
a large fan which was turning very slowly, someone turned the speed up which caused the whole tent
to shake it was quickly turned down again. We lay on our beds, the sweat poured from us, the heat
made you feel so weak. We were soon called together, our orders were to get an early night, we
would rise at 5.30am for the start of our acclimatization runs, we were then told we would be out
patrolling the streets of Aden around mid-morning. After tea we made up our beds, the mosquito
nets were the hardest to put up, but no matter how well it was done the mosquito’s still got through.
10th August 1965
We were awake well before reveille after the heat of yesterday the morning seemed quite cool. Our
Platoon were soon off on our run around the camp perimeter steady at first then faster sprints we were
all fit, but this was to enable us to get used to the heat quicker. Our first morning jog lasted for a
hour or so. After breakfast we had a briefing about the situation in Aden and surrounding districts.
We returned to our tents, finished dressing and just after 9am we assembled again to draw weapons
and ammunition. This was the start of our Internal Security Duties, today we would just fill in and get
to know the layout of the town and the feel of locals watching your every move. As were drove into
town, we passed the local Bazar, blue smoke lifted from the whole area, the smell of early morning
cooking filled the air. We entered Maalla district down a dual carriageway with shops on the left and
high rise flats on our right, it would be part of our duties to guard these flats as most of them were
homes to the many service personnel and their families.
Murder Mile
At the end of this road was the Hedjoff roundabout, and then into the area called Tawahi. This was
to be the area of our first foot patrol. The area consisted of Government offices and the local radio
station, a prime target I thought. Our first patrol was done with a great feeling of uncertainty. There
were seven in our patrol the NCO leading and the rest followed at about five yard intervals our radio
operator was in the middle of the patrol, the radios at this time were large and heavy about 4’x2’
carried on a the operators back with a six foot aerial. We walked the streets of Tawahi for a few
hours that first morning, all was quiet, at about 1.30 we called at the rear of the Government offices
where packed lunch had been delivered from Radfan Camp. In the afternoon we moved to Maalla, we
were located in a factory known as the Aden Supply Depot (ASD) part of which was a bakery and
part an ice making plant. We were the first patrol out in Maalla, we walked to the main street, which
was known as the “MURDER MILE”. We walked up one side and down the other checking a few
places on the way. On the Arab side the patrol was done in silence, we looked carefully at each face
and into every shop we passed, always looking back. A lot of the shops had wire grills fitted over the
windows and door to prevent Terrorists throwing hand grenades into the shops, many of the local
cafes had double doors fitted as added security. Half way up the street was the Mosque the locals
seemed to disappear into it when ever a patrol approached. We were told not to enter any Mosque,
but if an incident happened we were to close all exits and call the local Police who would investigate.
At the top of the street was a set of traffic lights, this was the junction with the Maalla Relief Road.
This is where we crossed over and started to patrol down the other side, a few yards down this road
on our right was the entrance to the Bazar area this was also out of bounds. We looked down towards
the stalls and the maze of narrow streets. Just after the Bazar there was some building work going
on Arab workers were assembling a wooden scaffolding and to pass this the patrol had to walk in
the main street, the local Arab drivers took great delight in trying to drive a close as possible to the
patrol. Further down the street, behind the flats was the NAAFI shop, we reached there just before it
opened to the families, it was part of our job to search the shop and surrounding area for anything
suspicious before the shop was opened, it was all clear. We chatted to some of the waiting
servicemen and wives for a few moments and then continued to patrol returning to the main street
waving to the other patrol as they passed us going up on the other side of the road. We were advised
that two grenades had thrown in the Relief Road we made our way to the scene, but were told to
continue our patrol in the Main Road. We finally finished our patrol but stayed at the ASD until 7pm
before returning to Radfan Camp. We were stood down and after supper, and spent the rest of the
night at the local camp pop shop drinking cold orange juice. It had been a long first day with
temperatures in the high 90’s.
11th August 1965
The day followed the same pattern, an early morning run, in town patrolling, finding our way around
the back streets was hard they all looked alike, almost unreal, most of the lads had never been out of
the UK and seeing the way the locals lived was an eye opener, we were young lads first time away
from home in a strange country, we had not realised their homes were no more than huts, with no
running water or toilets.
12th August 1965
Foot patrols in Tawahi, an incident when a few 9mm shots fired at one patrol we kept a watchful eye
on everyone who passed us. We moved into Maalla in the afternoon, and continued foot patrols until
the early evening, finishing at the ASD where we had a rest before returning to Radfan Camp.
13th August 1965
Foot patrols
Back into Maalla on foot patrols. 2 grenades thrown near the Maalla Relief Road, no injuries, we
patrolled all day two one four off until late in the evening. The general feeling at this time in Aden
was uneasy.
14th August 1965
We moved from foot patrols to Mobile patrols doing the same route into Maalla, Tawahi through
to Steamer Point and a run out to Gold Mohur Valley. There was some trouble, the odd shot being
fired, a skirmish between the locals was left to the Civil Police. We would be called to every
incident and search the area for anything that could indicate what type of weapon or grenades
were used.
15th August 1965
Our mobile base was HMS Sheba a naval shore base in Steamer Point. Mobiles consisted of two
mainly short wheel base Land Rovers manned by a section of eight men, we covered all the local
bolt holes and back streets, The area we covered was from Radfan Camp to Maalla, into Tawahi
onto Steamer Point and down to Gold Mohur. We had lunch and a few hours rest in the Sheba
Base before returning to patrol again showing a big presence to reassure the locals who were caught
up in the troubles. We were relieved from Mobile duties late afternoon, but before we could return to
Radfan Camp we were detailed to do a couple of hours of foot patrol in the Maalla area there had
Been a sudden increase in the number of people on the streets and we double up patrols to help to
prevent trouble starting. We patrolled up and down the Main Road with the odd trip to the Relief
Road, the locals were aware of something, we did not know, but we kept an eye on the situation until
late in the evening. On our return to Camp we were stood down for the night. A welcome visit to the
NAAFI and a drink, this was our first real drink in Aden.
Mobile Patrol
16th August 1965
Back to Maalla on foot patrols, we walked the same route as the day before, some Arabs were having
an argument with some off duty soldiers we moved in and defused the situation. In the afternoon we
moved into Tawahi and patrolled the back streets up to Shantie Town, we were picked up from the
street and returned back to Radfan Camp just before dark.
17th August 1965
We were on stand by practising Road Block Duties inside Radfan Camp. We used two Bedford 3
Tonners as our Road Block Transport, the whole platoon was involved, Angle-iron pickets welded
together into a tripod a long heavy metal pole are used to block the road with a second set about ten
yards further down the road. We practised this drill until we could stop the trucks and have the road
block set up within a minute. One of the best positions on the road block was the wire man. It was
the job of two soldiers to run passed the block about 30-50 yards carrying a roll of barbed wire, this
would then be anchored to one side of the road, and they would run across the road dragging the wire
behind them, to stop any vehicle trying to crash through the road block. We finish training an had
lunch we then sat around ready for the next call out, and it came just after 2pm. A few grenades had
been thrown down town and a patrol had been shot at. We moved out to Mallaa and started to block
roads and checking all cars and lorries, another grenade was thrown near the Hedjoff round about and
a section was detailed down there, we kept our position and carried on checking everyone and
everything. We stayed out on patrol until late, when the area settled down we were allowed to return
to Camp just before midnight,
18th August 1965
We spent more time doing road blocks than anything else including Sleeping. On one occasion the
road blocks were set up at both ends of the Mallaa Main Road, standing there watching the taxi
drivers as they drove by, did they look suspicious we stopped them at random and checked the
vehicle. We moved position for another road block our wagon was so quick to stop that one of the
lads nearly fell out of the back, this was to the amusement of an Arab Taxi driver, who was not to
happy when it was decided that he would be the first to be search. His car took a little longer than
usual the drivers seat had not been removed before. We are advised to look out for a white Opel car
the driver was wanted for questioning about carrying weapons for the National Liberation Front(NLF)
we found him almost immediately arrested him and handed him over to the local police, only to see
him driving past us again within the hour. More trouble and we were called to assist another incident
at the Hedjoff Roundabout a shot had been fire at a passing patrol, we checked the area but nothing
was found. We carried on checking vehicles for another few hours, we returned to RADFAN CAMP
just before midnight. We were not stood down we were put on half hour stand by to be ready to
move to assist in any incident in our area. We managed to get a few hours rest, a meal and drink, we
rested on our beds and waiting until dawn.
19th August 1965
All was quiet and we managed to have a good breakfast in the Camp Kitchen without being told to
grab your rifle your on your way into town. After Breakfast we managed to have a shower and
change bedding and do a bit of laundry, a few hours of being able to catch up on your outstanding
letters and other things was most welcome. We still had to clean our tent areas, and we re-did the
signs around the tent advising people to “Keep of the Grass”. Some of the platoon were detailed as
escort on the passion wagon down to the Mermaid Club, the rest of us just lay on our pits and waited
to be briefed on our next duty, visited the pop shop for a drink or two before returning to our beds to
rest.
RADFAN CAMP
20th August 1965
Our next duty was Battalion guard stationed in Radfan Camp most of the platoon were housed in the
Guard room, part of this duty was the sentry on the main gate a few lads patrolled the perimeter
fence whilst the rest of the platoon were detailed as escorts both in and out of the camp. Every
Arab vehicle that came into the camp had to be searched and then escorted whilst in the camp area.
It was inevitable that I would get the job of escorting the rubbish wagon and the many fly’s that went
with it but at least you were given some time off after this duty to shower and change, but the smell
still lingered on. In the evening we had fixed positions were we would watch the perimeter fence and
keep in touch with the guard room on any comings and goings.
21st August 1965
The second day on guard duty we were detailed to escort the passion wagon into town, we went to
the Mermaid Club in Tarshine, a beach club where the off duty lads could have a drink and swim.
We were now well into the swing of things, the 18 hour day 7 days a week was the norm. Another
incident in our area to deal with, groups gathering together posed a problems and dispersing them
was not always easy. We moved out of Radfan as extra cover to patrol the Maalla Main road.
22nd August 1965
Our last duty as Battalion guard was at Dolphin Square, this is where the Brass Hats lived and it was
our job to guard these homes day and night, from a makeshift guard room in a garage. We walked
around the square all night 2 hours on four hours off with supplemented visits by the Mobile Patrols,
23rd August 1965
We finished at 9am and returned to base at Radfan Camp, where we were stood down for the rest of
the day. We were so tired that after breakfast we just lay on our pits or walked to the pop shop for a
cold drink we had to drink at least eight pints of fluid every day and keep up with the salt intake with
salt tablets. We did a bit of training on for Road Blocks and then allowed to stand down have a
shower and a few hours off
24th August 1965
The day off soon finished and we were back on duty, this time we were to go to Government House,
this duty was well liked, but we had to prepare our best kit and polish our brasses and boots, we
moved down to the House in Steamer Point and took over the guard room. We operated as usual
two hours on and four off shift system for 24 hours a day, this duty at least gave you time to have a
swim and relax at the near by Mermaid Club. My first stag was No3 this was to patrol the servants
quarters and down to the perimeter fence to a point overlooking the Mermaid Club. After a couple
of hours you got to know every crack in the path and every post along the wired fence. We changed
over stags and we went up to the Admiralty House post and walked around the gardens for another
two hours before super, another night of two on and six off, the night passed very quietly and without
incident.
25th August 1965
Government House Guard Main Gate
The servants we met appeared friendly enough but never spoke, we had an East African man who
used to clean up around the guard room area, he was the only local who would show you any signs of
recognition when you saw him in town, others just turned their backs as you walked past. The rest
of the duty at Government House was taken up on various Stagg positions including No5 the
search light post up at Admiralty House. This position overlooked the old gun emplacements the
Officers Club and the beach, rough ground you had to be careful where you stepped, at night it was
difficult and we had to keep a look out for our platoon officer who would do his rounds checking on
the stags at all hours usually in the early hours, you could not afford to be caught asleep on duty.
26th August 1965
The main gate duty at Government house was a bit like guarding Buckingham Palace, you had to be
smart and keep on your toes for visiting dignitaries, who would expect a salute. We finished the
Government House duty mid morning and handed over the guard then returned to Radfan Camp to
prepare to resume normal foot patrols around Maalla and Tawahi. There was a bit of an atmosphere
in the towns, an incident in the back streets was reported and we were called to the scene, a fight
between groups of locals was causing the local Police some concern and we were asked to call and
assist. They were soon quiet when we arrived on site. We stayed around the area until the Police
took control and then returned to carry on patrolling the main Maalla Main.
27th August 1965
Early morning and out into Maalla on foot patrol, we walked up and down the Main Street for hours,
Lunch at the ASD and out again onto the Relief Road until tea time, when we were picked up and
returned to Camp, we managed a drink, before settling down.
28th August 1965
Road block duties at both ends of the Maalla Main Road, two shots were fired at our search light Land
Rover, we checked plenty of vehicles but found nothing it was late before we returned back to Radfan
29th August 1965
Road blocks again in Maalla in the morning, then into Tawahi in the afternoon, we managed to finish
early and get back to base before tea.
30th August 1965
A lie in, we were on standby all morning, we were allowed to go to the Mermaid Club in the
afternoon and had a swim. In the evening we moved out to Maalla and did a few hours of Road Block
on the Main Road.
31st August 1965
Back on road blocks, on of the sections found weapons in a car, two old rifles but no ammunition, the
car was sent to another base for further inspection. We carried on checking vehicles until late
afternoon before being stood down and able to return to Radfan Camp.
1st September 1965
September 1st 1965, this was a day that most soldiers in Aden will remember, we were on patrol in
Tawahi when we heard that Sir Arthur Charles had been shot dead in Crater, he was the speaker in
The Aden Parliament All rest time was cancelled. The intensity of patrols increased sharply after
the shooting, the feeling in the townships was tense, we even started to escort the British School
buses, picking it up at the flats in Maalla and then following it on its pick ups and then onto the school
on Chapel Hill. We were doing this escort duty we received a call over the radio that a car had been
acting suspiciously in the Stream Point area and was heading in our direction we saw the car just after
we crossed the Hedjoff roundabout, we did a quick U turn and managed to catch it before it turned off
up towards the Shantie town, we stopped the car and search the driver, we were about to search the
car when the local Police turned up and we let them take over. We carried on patrolling, being stoned
and shouted at from behind brick walls.
2nd September 1965
TV Cameras were following us. There was a sudden increase in the number of News reporters in
Aden, a TV Crew were always near our base and would often follow us around, Trouble was always
near where they would set up to film, they seem to attract attention, we did not talk to them and they
were not wanted around.
3rd September 1965
The atmosphere in the streets was very tense with small groups often causing trouble, we had to
respond to a number of incidents where local youths were throwing stones at our patrols. On the last
day of our Mobile Duty we were called to Kharmaksar after reports of a bomb being planted near the
airport gates, it blew up just before we arrived, there were no casualties, we checked the area for any
information about the type of grenade but nothing was found and it was near the end of our shift and
we returned to Radfan Camp. Cleaned our weapons and then had the rest of the night off.
4th September 1965
We were in Maalla Town early the next morning and it was not long before we had to call for
assistance when stones were thrown at us. We moved into the crowd and arrested the ring leaders, and
took them to the main Police Station at Streamer Point. In the afternoon we moved into Tawahi to
patrol, the idea of moving from area to area kept you on alert and made you more aware of the
dangers at all times. We patrolled out of the Police Station just off the Crescent, the Arabs were
being more openly hostile, but the number of foot patrols on the streets stopped any situation from
getting out of hand. It was about this time that the Arabs turned their attentions to their own Police
and we heard that one Police Officer had been shot dead in Maalla just off the Murder Mile.
5th September 1965
The situation was deteriorating and it was decided that a search of houses would take place in an area
of Maalla, which was known to be a terrorist safe area close to Crater and the relief road. We were
up before 4am out of camp and in position to start the search a dawn, the whole area was closed
completely no one was allowed in or out, every thing and everyone inside the selected area was
searched. We moved through our section house by house, person by person, lifting small children out
of their beds and searching it, we found enough weapons and ammunition to justify the search. The
search went on for over five hours and it was mid afternoon before we returned to our base camp at
Radfan. We had only just settled down to relax when we were called out to do extra foot patrols in
the Tawahi area. We moved down to the Police Station at the Crescent and took over the second
story of the building, we stayed there our evening meal were brought to us from Radfan Camp.
6th September 1965
We patrolled around the clock, all was quiet, the locals still gathered in little groups and chants at
patrols usually after we had passed them. We had no major problems during this stint and returned
to our base to practise Riot Squad duties.
7th September 1965
We spent the next day going over and over our riot drill, step by step the box formation was
practised and perfected we were well trained and confident that this squad could put a stop to any riot
situation with the minimum amount of force.
8th September 1965
News reporters were still around, following the patrols and taking photographs of our searches and
over dramatising the situation. They would disappear when the real trouble started and then reappear
to file their report when it was quiet.
9th September 1965
The general situation was getting worse we had to deal with many grenade throwing incidents, we
caught on bomber and were told through an interpreter that this youth was given the grenade, with the
pin removed and the only thing he could do was to throw it. We carried on dealing with the stone
throwers, the area was very tense. We were on with Mobile patrols and were almost immediately
called to the airport where another grenade incident and reports of people injured, we were the second
mobile to arrive and were detailed to escort the ambulance to the hospital at Steamer point, we rushed
though he town blasting our horn and headlights full on, it took us about 20 minutes to do the six
mile trip. Luckily the injuries were not too serious, the blood made them look worse than they were,
but we took no chances. We drove back to HMS Sheba and had a quick drink before continuing our
patrol. After bring relieved we returned to Radfan Camp, only to be put on standby ready to move in
thirty minutes.
10th September 1965
Whilst on standby we were practising Road Blocks, we were called out, we made our way to the
ASD just off Maalla main road and started to do foot patrols as usual it was two hours on and two
hours off all day. We had just finish a stint and not yet had a cup of tea when we heard two
explosions, we moved out again into town, we were assigned to close the road at the Hedjoff
round about. An Arab Policeman had been shot and killed in Crater. The Road was reopened, but a
close watch was kept on all vehicles coming out of Crater.
11th September 1965
It was early in the morning by the time we returned to Radfan Camp and our beds. We were called
early again, after breakfast we were briefed about the arrival of a passenger liner, it was due into port
mid morning. Our section was detailed to Mobile Patrols for the day. We would travel in pairs each
land rover would have a crew of four. We toured the whole sector from Maalla down to Tawahi
calling at all the known bolt holes. We moved into Steamer Point and waited for the liner to dock
When the liner arrived we were detailed to park outside the dock entrance and to advise the
passengers to keep together and if any trouble started they should return to the ship straight away.
Most of them thought that the whole situations had been put on for their entertainment, the day
passed quietly the passengers returned safely and the Arab shopkeepers made a lot of money.
12th September 1965
Road Blocks in Maalla Main Road, we checked over a hundred cars and their occupants. A few shots
were heard in the back streets, one section was sent to check it out, but after inspection nothing was
found. We returned to Road Blocks doing snap stop and searches until after the evening rust hour
getting back to Radfan late.
13th September 1965
Foot Patrols up the back streets to the Shantie Town, the foot hills of the Sham Shan Mountain, hard
work walking amongst the wooden huts. We returned to ASD for a rest and some lunch before
doing a couple of hours in the Maalla Main Road.
14th September 1965
Back out to Maalla on foot patrols, at this time Aden was one of the best free ports anywhere in the
world but it was not long before the port was closed to visiting liners. The whole of Aden seemed at
this time to be under the spell of the NFL and against us. We returned back to Radfan Camp and did a
few hours practice on Riot Drill.
15th September 1965
We were Internal Security (IS) platoon and on standby to move at a few moments notice, we moved
to the ASD and waited, we did a couple of hours foot patrol on the Maalla Main but nothing
happened and we were stood down late afternoon.
16th September 1965
After a good breakfast we moved out to do Road Blocks in Maalla, we had been checking cars for an
hour or so when we were stoned by a group of youths we called for support and the IS Platoon arrived
and cleared up the situation very quickly.
17th September 1965
We were IS Platoon, and on stand by, when we were called out, a grenade had been thrown and a few
people were injured. Some of the platoon escorted the ambulance, while the rest of us search the area,
just before we were about to return to Radfan a couple of airmen were shot at in Maalla, we stayed out
on the streets until the early hours
18th September 1965
Trouble in Crater, an Arab had been shot dead, a curfew was imposed in Maalla, we were out all day
making sure that no one was on the streets during the curfew time. We had to arrest a few who were
out on the streets, they all had excuses but no papers. They were taken to the nearest Police Station
for processing.
19th September 1965
A day down at the Mermaid Club, not swimming, we were patrolling around the area to ensure that
those who were having some time off were safe, we had lunch at HMS Sheba, before doing a few
hours of foot patrols around the Tawahi area.
20th September 1965
Trouble up in the Mountains of Radfan, we heard that a Major had been shot and injured in Habilyan,
The base was attacked by rebels from the Yeman. We carried on patrolling, the curfew was still in
place and we were stretched, all available personnel were out in town and on patrol.
21st September 1965
We stayed out all night. Working from the ASD, the curfew was supposed to be lifted today if all was
calm. The locals came out and after a few hours there was trouble again, the curfew was re imposed
and we were back out on the streets in force to keep the peace. Once the curfew was in place the
towns were deserted.
22nd September 1965
The curfew was again relaxed, and the locals went about their business, things were ok for a few
hours and then two grenades were thrown in Maalla killing two Arab workers, again we moved out in
force to quell the situation. The locals were upset we arrested many before they started to return to
their homes. The people arrested were sent to Al Monsura Prison at Shalk Othman.
23rd September 1965
With so many locals arrested last night, our platoon was sent to the Prison to stand guard there, whilst
the prison authorities could arrange extra cover. We stayed there all day patrolling the perimeter both
inside and outside of the prison. There was always a build up of locals around these streets and we
kept a high profile with foot and mobile patrols in the area all the time. We did not finish until late.
24th September 1965
A rocket was fired at a passing patrol, possibly an RPG a Russian made launcher, this was a new
development in the weapons they used, we hoped it was just a one off and kept an extra watch on all
vehicles. It was a big weapon and we had to find it. We were sent to Maalla to do foot patrols,
we stayed out until after the 8pm curfew was in place before retuning to Radfan Camp.
25th September 1965
The curfew was to be imposed on the whole Aden District from 8pm to 6am, we were patrolling
Maalla when we had a report that an Arab land rover had exploded in Steamer Point. It appears it
was on its way to plant a bomb but the explosives had gone off prematurely, we arrived on the scene,
there were bits of debris all over the road covering an area of a hundred yards or so, the only piece of
the vehicle left was part of the gear box and the twisted frame of the seat which was still smoking.
We parked away from the incident and were detailed to search the area we walked down the road in
single file looking for pieces from the incident and other bits that could be identified. One section
found a few pieces of torn flesh and bone. We also found part of the engine mounting buried into a
wall it was so deep that it had to be removed by putting a rope around it and most of the section pulled
it out. We were later informed that three Arabs were in the vehicle, the amount of explosives being
carried was estimated to have been only 25 pounds. The curfew started again and we went out on
patrol.We patrolled all areas right up to the back streets in the Shanty town. Any person seen on the
street without authorisation was arrested and taken to the nearest police station, but they seemed to be
on the streets again the following day.
26th September 1965
The rioting and stoning carried on during the day we spent our time on patrol mainly in the Maalla
and Tawahi districts. With the extended curfew in evening we had plenty of patrols out catching the
curfew breakers, there were always a couple of dozen every night although it was hard work but the
nights under curfew passed very quickly. The odd shot was fired at us and the occasional hand
grenade would be thrown. We were spending most of our time now stopping the build up of groups
of Arabs. Our platoon was then assigned to cover the prison at Al Monsura again, which by this
time was quite full and we had to look after about a hundred inmates and the problem of their
relations who would gather outside the prison when the next batch of interns arrived they would
surge forward and try to stop the vans from going in, this is when we were called out to the front of
the prison to push them back and disperse them, but they soon returned again within a hour or so.
We patrolled around the Prison to keep them away.
27th September 1965
The worst trouble now seemed to be centred on the Crater District, which was out of our area,
although we did move into Crater to assist in search duties after riots had started there. During this
time we would assist the families in Maalla to guard their homes and do some balcony piquet, where
we would arrive and stand guard on the balcony of a service family overlooking the Maalla Main
Road we do this duty until the early hours of the morning, before slipping away with a passing mobile
patrol vehicle. Hours were long and time off was short to come by.
28th September 1965
We were soon back in the thick of it a grenade had gone off in Tawahi, a woman had been killed, hit
in the chest by shrapnel, we cordoned off the area. There were a lot of Arabs shouting and crying one
of their own had been hit. We continued with road blocks at each end of the Maalla Main Road. An
accident in the morning when an ammunition truck caught fire, we helped to cordon off the area
while some of the platoon unloaded the truck and stacked the ammunition safely. The fire was soon
put out and we helped load another wagon with the ammunition. We continued to check vehicles near
the Hedjoff round about. As soon as the curfew was on we moved into Maalla to keep a watch in the
Relief Road until late.
29th September 1965
During the troubles the Port of Aden was closed to most ships, and now with the situation in
Steamer Point was returning to normal, just a grenade every other day, they reopened the port, and we
were to expect our first liner, in was full of people who were on their way to Australia, most of them
emigrating from the UK. Once the ship had docked, all available personnel were on the streets
around the Steamer Point area. No one was certain what would happen, would the terrorists take
advantage, or would they let the shop keepers do it, the winners were the shop keepers even in these
troubles there was still a profit to be made. The ship left port and we continued to patrol, we were
called to an unexploded grenade it was found by some children on waste land behind there flats, we
took it to the local police station for disposal we then returned to Radfan Camp to hand over.
30th September 1965
We were not stood down we were held on reserve and had to be ready to move out at an half hours
notice, enough time to get a quick shower, change of clothes, do your laundry, clean your kit and
then take some time out for a drink at the NAAFI pop shop. A shot was fired at a Mobile patrol but
we were not called out.
1st October 1965
We were out by mid morning and doing foot patrols in the Maalla area, we were unexpectedly
relieved after lunch and we were able to rest at the Mermaid Club before retuning Radfan Camp. We
had a night off and went to the camp pictures and a pint in the NAAFI club.
2nd October 1965
A State strike was called in support of the depowered Aden Government and a 24 hours curfew was
imposed from 8pm. We were on IS standby and moved into the Aden Supply Depot to wait there
on call if anything happened. We stayed out all night and our meals were brought to us.
3rd October 1965
We were still in the ASD, when we were called out. Riots had broken out in Crater and crowds were
building up in Maalla, Tawahi and Shalk Othman areas. We went onto the streets of Maalla in
force. We were called to do our Riot Squad duties and went out to face over a hundred people. We
formed up in the box formation and moved to face the crowd, They must have known we ment
business they retreated and dispersed with too much trouble. We returned to the ASD and waited
there until the curfew started, we managed to settle down there and have a rest.
4th October 1965
Rioting was still going on in Crater and Shalk Othamn areas, we were stoned in Tawahi, our foot
patrol confronted a crowd and we threatened to open fire if they did not disperse, support arrived
and we moved into the crowd and arrested a few ring leaders and the rest seemed to move away and it
went quiet for an hour or so. More crowds appeared late in the afternoon, and we were out in Maalla
again, the curfew was to start at 8PM we were on duty until 10pm
5th October 1965
In Crater the Royal Anglian Regiment caught three Arabs who were seen to throw a hand grenade, it
did not go off, later a young Arab lad was shot dead when he was seen to throw a grenade at a patrol.
This grenade went off there were no injuries to the patrol, just a deafening noise. Our area in Maalla
was under control, most of the Battalion were out on the streets. The hours were long and we did not
return to Radfan Camp until just before midnight.
6th October 1965
The BP oil-workers staged a one day strike. It was only partly successful we were out early to patrol
the Tawahi area checking the back streets and the shopping area until mid afternoon before returning
to Camp to be stood down. My 18th Birthday was then celebrated with a drink in the NAAFI.
I was now legally able to have a drink and vote...... Not a late night just too tired to do much but chat
and then to the tent and rest on the bed.
7th October 1965
We had a lie in and were not on duty until the afternoon, time for a bit of house work, getting things
organised write a few letters and getting a bit of laundry done. We moved out of Radfan Camp at
4pm and started to patrol the Maalla district, starting at the Hedjoff Roundabout and walking up to
the top and down the other side, a couple of miles, The curfew was lifted and the locals were out on
the streets but all was quiet. We stayed on patrol until 10pm and returned to Radfan for a late supper.
8th October 1965
Road Blocks Z1 and Z2 in Maalla at the top end, a couple of grenades were thrown in Crater and we
were near the Crater pass, we moved up there and set out of Road Block on this road causing a long
tail back of vehicles. A Royal Anglian soldier was injured in an incident, we kept a close watch on the
roads and searched many cars, but nothing was found.
9th October 1965
We moved into the Tawahi area to start foot patrols, up into the back streets the locals were smiling at
us, very strange we kept an eye on everyone and everything we passed. We moved over to Mobiles
in the afternoon from Sheba. We started to patrol in Maalla and called in at the Red Sea Hotel, where
we were given a cup of coffee by the local workers, we chatted with them as we drank, they just
wanted to get on with their lives and were not interested in the NLF (National Liberation Front)
We continued to patrol and made our way back to Sheba, where we had a meal before going out again
10th October 1965
Out on mobile patrol at the crack of dawn, we chased a wanted car but lost it at the Hedjoff
round about. After lunch at Sheba we were then taken to the ASD, and started foot patrols up and
down the Maalla Main Road doing two on four off until10pm, when we returned to Camp and straight
to bed.
11th October 1965
After breakfast we moved into Maalla, we were dropped off at the top end of the Main Road, and
Started foot patrol down the Quarters side, some Arabs were seen around the NAAFI area and we
called there to search the area, everything seemed OK. We were relieved just after lunch and
returned to Radfan Camp where we were stood down and could relax, even have a pint or two in the
camp club.
12th October 1965
An early start, we were out before 8am and doing road blocks in Maalla, we started at the top end
near the Crater roundabout, after a few hours there we moved down to the Hedjoff roundabout and
started searching every other vehicle. Lunch was brought to us and we managed to eat and drink
whilst searching the odd car, we found nothing, and were stood down to return to Radfan Camp late
afternoon.
13th October 1965
We had a day off....we enjoyed a late breakfast, changed into our civie clothes and went into Town
on the passion wagon. We dropped off in Tawahi and had a look around the shops. We met a few of
the lads who were patrolling the streets and chatted a while before going to the Mermaid Club for a
swim and a drink. We caught the passion wagon back to Radfan Camp and enjoyed another few
drinks in the NAAFI
14th October 1966
Road Blocks again, we were o the Maalla Main when a wanted car was spotted, we pulled it over and
did a search nothing was found, we detained the driver until the Police arrived. We continued to the
Hedjoff round about and set up our road block there from the rest of the day.
15th October 1965
Trouble in Shalk Othman and rioting. The Aden Police had shot dead a suspect, we moved out onto
the streets in our area Maalla and Tawahi to ensure that all was calm there. We had lunch at the ASD
and continued to patrol up and down the Maalla Main Road for the rest of the day, until being
relieved around 8pm. We returned to Radfan Camp but were put on Standby ready to move in 30
minutes. We sat around until 10pm before the call came to stand down.
16th October 1965
Early morning foot patrols in Maalla, we watched the locals going to work, we watched them
carefully mutual respect or mutual dislike, we stopped and searched anyone we thought was carrying
something suspicious. We came across a group of youngsters throwing stones at the Service quarters
we chased them away and advised the mobiles to keep a look out for them, we returned to the area a
few times cutting through the back alleys but they did not return whilst we were around.
17th October 1965
After breakfast we moved into Maalla and took over duties on Search Light 4. On the top floor of the
flats in the middle of the Maalla Main Road. Just before lunch a grenade went off down the street
the foot patrol in the area caught the youth who threw it and he was handed over to the Military Police
A young girl and her mother were injured in a stone throwing incident later in the day, the patrols on
the ground sorted it out and we watched from our position. As night fell we switched on the search
light and lit up the Shantie Towns, we were not looking for anything we just shone the light on
anything we thought was of interest. As we were leaving SL4 we saw an Arab acting strangely, we
arrested him and handed him over to the Police.
18th October 1965
A Grenade had been thrown in Tawahi in the morning and a young Arab girl was injured. We moved
out to give extra cover and did road blocks in Tawahi and Maalla. Cars were damaged by some
youths in the backs streets, we covered the main street whilst the IS platoon moved in to quell the
situation, all was quiet for the rest of the night, we stayed out at the ASD until the early hours before
returning to Radfan Camp
19th October 1965
A day in Camp, but doing internal duties, we patrolled the camp area and searched any vehicle that
entered the Camp, some of the lads got to go out with the passion wagon as escorts. We stayed inside
and continued with guard duties until 10pm when we were relieved and stood down.
20th October 1965
Back on Camp Guard around the Battalion lines a repeat of the day before, the rubbish truck arrived
and a few unlucky lads were detailed to escort this wagon around the camp. We did the perimeter
walk and checked on some of the Arab workers who were doing some repair work in the base. All
was quiet and we changed over at 6pm, a night off in the pop shop.
21st October 1965
A morning off, but we were detailed to escort the Mermaid Wagon, and we would remain there as
Mermaid guard until the club shut up. we returned to Radfan at about 9pm, and just in time to catch
a late pint. Write a few letters and catch up on a bit of laundry.
22nd October 1965
Last day of this internal duty, we escorted wagons and search all Arabs entering the Camp. A dinner
in the cookhouse and a shower, collected mail and a rest on our beds in the afternoon. Unexploded
grenades were found in Shalk Othman. We were on standby for the evening but were not called out.
23rd October 1965
After Breakfast. we moved out to Dolphin Court and took over the guard room, we patrol the area all
day, a grenade was thrown in Tawahi at a mobile patrol, no injuries and no one was caught. We
stayed at Dolphin Court until breakfast and were relieved to return to Radfan Camp.
24th October 1965
A Royal Signals soldier was killed and another injured in an incident in Maalla, it was found out to be
an accidental discharge by another soldier. We went out on foot patrols in the area and stayed out
until late in the night. We called into the pop shop for a drink and a meeting.
25th October 1965
When we arrived at the pop shop we were told that we would be going to Perim Island in a few days
time to guard the DWS (Diplomatic Wireless Station) it would be a two week tour, after that in early
December we would be going up country to the Radfan Mountains to a place called Habilyan.
We still had a few days to do in Aden before moving to Perim, After a few hours sleep we were
patrolling in the Maalla area, we again called at the Red Sea Hotel, near the bazar and were given a
coffee by the local hotel workers, this became a regular spot for an early morning drink. A long day
on patrol without incident.
26th October 1965
We patrolled the early morning streets, with locals rushing to work, either at the docks or the oil
refinery, there seemed to be little else in the way of other industry apart from the free port shops in the
Steamer Point area and they always seemed to be busy. We called at the Ice Factory ASD for lunch,
but before we could eat we were called out to the Maalla Main Road where a couple of shots had
been fired at a passing 3 tonner, we found the empty cases from a 9mm pistol, most likely fired from a
passing car, we moved back to the ASD to complete our lunch and then were relieved to return to
Radfan and to start making ready for our trip to Perim Island. We had the rest of the evening off and
went to the camp pictures, we watched Haley Mills in the film Polyanna. Part of D Company were
called out to Maalla, a build up of locals on the streets, no rest for the lads they had just arrived in
camp and we looking forward for a drink, straight back out for another few hours. We were put on
standby and sat around waiting for the call out.
Tawahi Crescent Aden Supply Depot (ASD)
27th October 1965
We continued packing for our trip to Permin Island, every thing we needed for this tour had to be
packed and shipped to the RAF Base, we checked and rechecked what was required and when we
had finished we were able to have the rest of the day off, ready to move out early the next day.
28th October 1965
We were up very early and moved to Kharmaksor Airport for our flight to Perim. The plane was a
Beverley it look very awkward a box with wings, the distance to Perim was about 100miles and the
flight was to take over an hour. The flight was rough the top speed of the Beverley was around
80mph. The wind and the hot terms lifted and dropped the plane as we flew, we were very please
to arrive at Perim, a few of the lads felt a bit air sick during the flight.
Perim is an island at the junction of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, a true desert island about two
miles wide and three miles long with a small village, a few police and the Diplomatic Radio Station
and the staff who operation the installation, which we were there to guard. We took over duties as
soon as we arrived we were housed in a complex of huts a few hundred yards from the DWS Station.
It was an easy duty and a great relief from the hard slog of foot patrols around the streets of Aden.
It was a well earned rest, not that the duties were taken lightly we were there to do a job of work and
it was carried out as though we were in Aden Town. These was a history of trouble in Perim, nothing
in the past few years, we still could be attacked at any time, the pace was easier and found time to
relax and even swim in the sea near our base.
Perim Island Camp – Red Sea South Arabia
29th October 1965
Our first patrol was to be done around the wireless station, the rest of the platoon were in the guard
room, with another section on the hill over-looking the camp and DWS compound. We finished our
stag at midnight all was quiet and we stood down and went straight to bed. not waking until after 9am
the following morning the longest lie in for months.
30th October 1965
We had a late breakfast, washed our own dishes everyone mucked in to do all the routine kitchen
work. We had some free time to rest and swim in the afternoon before starting our duty again in the
evening. The sea was just a few yards from our hut, very blue waters and very clean, we could see
the fish swimming by and even caught some to supplement our meals, we ate quite a lot of fish
during our time in Perim. The night came and we were detailed to take over the top sanger guard on
the hill overlooking the base, the night sky was very clear, in the distance we could see the lights of
great oil tankers moving in and out of the Red Sea making their way up to the Suez Canal or out into
the Indian Ocean. It was very peaceful here and million miles away from the troubled streets of
Aden, not that we were able to relax totally, if any one approached the camp they were challenged and
if they failed to answer the pass work, they would be arrested or shot.
31st October 1965
We went swimming in the morning, a beautiful blue sea, very clear and calm. We had a bit of time to
sun bathe before doing a bit of fishing in the afternoon. A few jobs to do around the cook house and
we were ready to take over duties at the DWS Station in the evening. DWS, a Diplomatic Wireless
Station passing messages from the Far East to Middle East and to London. All very secret, and we
were here to guard the base.
1st November 1965
We were allowed to tour the base in the morning to see what we were here to guard. We saw some of
the relay equipment in action, we were none the wiser, but it looked good. We patrolled around the
Island in the afternoon and in the evening watched a picture.
2nd November 1965
Up early to help make breakfast for the platoon. After breakfast we built a raft from drift wood and
bits of string we launched it into the Red Sea. We then collected our personal weapons and went to a
spot over looking the beach, and used the raft as target practise. We cleaned our weapons and then
had a swim in the sea before getting ready to stand guard in the top sanger over looking the DWS.
3rd November 1965
An early morning power failure, the generator stalled, we tried everything to restart the machine, but
then the cook came out and showed us the trick. After clearing up the breakfast dishes, we were stood
down and able to have another swim in the beautiful Red Sea. We patrolled around the Island again
and in the evening we went to the Club at the DWS and had a drink.
4th November 1965
The morning after the night before! After a late breakfast we just rested on our pits, until we were
called at tea time for duty at the DWS, patrolling around the station until the early hours. We were
relieved at breakfast time
5th November 1965
Bonfire night 5th November we decided to celebrate with our own little display we collected wood
from around the island and prepared a bonfire, we had a few flairs and together with a few
thunder flashes some roasted potatoes in the fire, we created a passable bonfire night.
6th November 1965
The next morning, it was back to cook house duties, washing the pots and pans and pealing a few
spuds everyone did their bit and it was soon done. We would often walk around the island, past the
DWS station across the airfield via a rough dirt track. The only flat area on the island was the
Runway, the only planes were light aircraft or those who could take off in a short space, the Beverley
seemed to be the ideal aircraft. Making our way back around the far side of the island we came across
A cemetery, we looked at the headstones, quite a few were German and the dates were during the
First and Second war. We passed the local Arab village the locals seemed to do all there trading with
mainland Yeman, they were friendly enough and were not interested in the troubles in Aden. We
arranged a fishing trip with them for the next day, they had a couple of Dhows
7th November 1965
We were hoping to catch a few sharks but caught nothing but a few fish although we did see a few at
close range. Back to base and we were advised that our supplies were on there way, all personnel not
on duty were detailed to the airfield to help unload the plane. Later we did a bit of shooting practise
near the camp firing our GPMG and SLR’s at a raft we had launched into the sea.
8th November 1965
Time passed very quickly in this island paradise away from Aden. We caught more fish in the
afternoon and had them for tea. We went out to the top sanger at night to stand guard we watched the
huge ships sailing past the Island going on there way up to the Suez and the Mediterranean or down
into the Indian Ocean.
9th November 1965
Camp duties in the morning refilling the drinking water tanks and checking the vehicles, oil and
water. We walked across the Island to the Light House and back.
10th November 1965
Went swimming in the bay in the morning, the lookout spotted a shark out at sea, we decided then to
retighten the shark fence around the bay. In the evening we manned the top sanger, two hours on and
four off until dawn.
11th November 1965
A Beverley aircraft arrived in the morning with fuel and supplies. We unloaded the plane and
delivered the supplies to the stores. We fired our weapons in the afternoon and after an inspection,
prepared to get ready for a night on duty at the DWS base.
12th November 1965
Camp fatigues all morning, tidying up the camp area. An hour of swimming in the afternoon and a
night off from duty, a film show and a drink from the pop shop.
13th November 1965
A walk around the Island to the Arab village, they tried to sell us some shells and shark teeth, they
had a large jaw of a shark big enough to put your head through, one of the lads tried and it cut his
head. More camp cleaning in the afternoon, and up to the top sanger guard all night.
14th November 1965
Remembrance Sunday. We went to the small church at the DWS, an afternoon in the bay swimming
A couple of hours sleep in the afternoon and another night duty at the DWS Base.
15th November 1965
Up late for Brunch (Breakfast/Lunch meal). We walked around the other side of the Island to the
Turtle Bay. We saw a few Turtles swimming out a sea, quite big creatures, returned via the Light
House in time for tea. An early night after a drink in the pop shop.
16th November 1965
Kit inspection in the morning, more kitchen fatigues and an afternoon swimming in the Red Sea, night
guard at the DWS Base
17th November 1965
It was soon time for us to pack up and return to the real world and the Streets of Maalla and Tawahi.
The Beverley was due in at 9am the next day. We spent all day clearing up our bits and pieces had a
last swim in the Red Sea, and did the top sanger guard until 6am
18th November 1965
The plane arrived and we were loaded up and off back to Aden and Radfan Camp arriving 1pm, we
were stood down to sort our selves out and be ready to Stand by for road block duty in the evening,
luckily nothing happened that night and we were not called out.
19th November 1965
The morning brought the usual duties patrolling the Murder Mile in Maalla, it had lived up to its
name six people had been killed in this road up to now and the engineers had started to block off the
small gaps between the houses which could have been used as escape paths, this was not very
successful as the grenade throwers were now throwing the grenades over the wall and it was
impossible for us to chase them. We heard a bang and we knew it was another grenade, it had injured
two airmen, they were not badly hurt. We waited until all the sorting out was done then made our way
to the Kingfisher Bar half way down the Maalla Main road and covered some of the escape routes,
we waited there, until we were relieved late at night and then returned to Radfan Camp.
20th November 1965
We were to have a day off from patrolling to train with the new Carl Gustav 84mm Anti tank weapon.
We did all training in the camp getting to know all aspects of the weapon. We were on stand by in
the evening, ready to move out at a hours notice.
21st November 1965
More in camp training with the new Carl Gustav Rocket Launcher, stripping and assembling, carrying
and generally looking after the weapon. We finished the training and after lunch we were detailed to
do a few hours of foot patrols in Maalla in the afternoon, before returning to Radfan Camp for the rest
of the night off.
22nd November 1965
A morning off to catch up with our laundry, writing etc. A trip to the pop shop another shower and
we were ready to start more training with the Carl Gustav weapon. Today we actually saw the rocket,
only a dummy, but at least it was the real size and we could practise loading and unloading the
weapon. Aden seemed quiet, and we were given another night off.
23rd November 1965
Foot patrols in Maalla in the morning, we called to the NAAFI at the back of the main road, we
searched around the area all was clear, we carried on patrolling down to the Hedjoff roundabout and
back up to the ASD. We returned to Radfan Camp and after cleaning our SLR’s we did some more
training on the 84mm Carl Gustav.
24th November 1965
Back to Carl Gustiv training in the morning, the weapon was very accurate but we had little
ammunition to use , there was a limited amount and we had to use them very carefully. After
finishing training we had the afternoon off, but we were to do the Mermaid escort duty at night
starting a 5pm and working through finishing at 10pm.
Carl Gustav Launcher
25th November 1965
Went to Little Aden to test fire a few blank rounds, it was too expensive to fire the real live round.
The noise of the weapon was such that even with ear plugs the noise of the gun going off made you
quite deaf, the bells were still ringing in the ear a couple of days later. Last day of training, and
almost the last blank round firing, one poor lad had a miss fire, the rocket had fired, a whine of the
motor then nothing. He had to wait until an Ordnance Office arrived and disarmed the rocket from
the Launcher. We packed up and returned to Radfan Camp.
26th November 1965
The following morning we were put on stand by again, only to be called out within a few minutes, we
were off down to the Hedjoff round about to do more road blocks until gone 11pm.
27th November 1965
We were on Mobiles again, mid morning and two shots were fired in the Maalla Main Road,
we rushed to the scene, but as usual no one saw anything, we talked to the Arab police and left them
to do the paper work, lunch in HMS Sheba and then a drive up through Shantie Town in the
afternoon. This was the real poor area of the district and the houses here were old and often made of
any thing they could get their hands on, cardboard boxes, bit a corrugated iron and string. The
children dressing in rags and always asking of buckshees, we often gave them a few coppers and if
we knew we were to patrol the area we would often carry a few bags of sweets. They would accept
the treats with one hand and you could see they were ready to throw a stone or something with the
other.
We went into the back streets as far as we could drive, and then had a puncture, not the best place for
A flat and the radio reception was poor, we had difficulty in calling for assistance, so we moved
down the track until we could speak to control and assistance came within a few minutes, the Arab
children were making it difficult to keep our temper, they were throwing stones over the top of
houses, these houses were mostly old bits of stone and cardboard held together with anything they
could get their hands on, string and nails, the better ones had a tin roof, we found in some cases the
people living in them were paying rent! We stayed calm and after changing the wheel we drove
away and gave the locals the Winston Churchill salute, more trouble, we were called to Tawahi
where a grenade had been thrown, as we moved towards the Hedjoff Roundabout we spotted a
speeding car coming from the Tawahi district, could this be the thrower? we chased it, it was a lot
faster than us, but with a few quick call and a lucky break we managed to catch him in a Road Block,
we left the Road Block crew to do the search, he was clean, but the search took some time to
complete. It was late in the day when we returned to Radfan Camp.
28th November 1965
Early the next day we were detailed to Search Light 4 on the top of a building in the middle of
Maalla Main Road. We watched all day but it was very quiet, we returned to Camp in the early
evening to a welcome break, and a few hours in the NAAFI.
29th November 1965
Mobile Patrols from HMS Sheba, we went Streamer Point and to Gold Muhur Valley and back, We
went to assist a foot patrol in Steamer Point, one of the lads had tripped and twisted his ankle, we
took him to the ASD to meet up with a medic. We returned the Rover to Sheba and we went on a
3tonner back to Radfan Camp.
30th November 1965
Back on Mobiles doing all areas we started in Maalla and toured there, moved into Tawahi and did the
local bolt holes, down through Steamer Point, around the Government offices and up to Government
House, plenty of Foot Patrols out, we had it easy just sitting in the back of a land rover, watching
the streets and keeping an eye on everything and everyone.
1st December 1965
It was now December, and again we started the day on foot patrol in Maalla, we moved to Road
Blocks in the afternoon I was listing the vehicles we searched, 121cars and found nothing. We
carried on with our patrols both in the Main Road and the Relief Road, until late in the evening.
2nd December 1965
Another day and we were in Tawahi on footies, a grenade went off in number 4 street we called
around no one hurt just a hole in the ground and a few on lookers. It was not long before we were
called to a suspicious looking box, people standing by watching it, one of the lads just went up to it a
gave it a kick, nothing inside, he said he could see it was empty went he took a close look and kicked
it out of the way. We had a few more days in the Aden Townships before moving up country to
Habilyan.
3rd December 1965
Another day spent on Mobile patrols, we heard that two PWO soldiers had been shot in town and we
were to keep an extra watch on the back streets and bolt holes. We stayed around Maalla watching
the Hedjoff Roundabout and up into the Shantie Towns until late night.
4th December 1965
A Cruise ship had called into Steamer Point, we were out on Foot Patrols first in Tawahi and then
down to the Port area. A grenade was thrown up in number4 Street Tawahi, we kept a watch on the
Main Streets and advised the passengers to return to the ship a quickly as they could. It was a quiet
night with no further incidents
5th December 1965
We set up a Check Point at the top end of the Maalla Main Road we stopped and checked cars at
random the whole platoon were on this job, we changed over duties, some did the search others
stood guard on the check Point and watched the flow of vehicles, we tried not to cause too much of a
tail back of cars. We carried on with this duty until mid afternoon, found nothing. We were given
the order to pack up and load up, we packed up the Road Block and were on the 3 tonners with a
few moments, sat there rifles ready, and we were off back to Radfan Camp for a welcome rest.
6th December 1965
After a good breakfast, we were back into Maalla on foot patrols. We were stationed in the ASD and
were doing two hours on a hours off all day. A few groups of Arabs gathering around the shops but
nothing serious. We stayed out until after dark and then returned to base in Radfan Camp.
7th December 1965
We moved out of Radfan Camp after Breakfast to Tawahi and Steamer Point. Patrolled up the back
streets and the Crescent. We had lunch at the Government Offices and continued to walk the Streets
until 5pm. All was quiet.
8th December 1965
In the morning we prepared some gear ready to move up country. A couple of hours on Mobile
Patrol in the afternoon to cover the foot patrols. Shots were fired at the PWO (Prince of Wales Own
Regiment) in Crater, we moved to the top of the Maalla Main Road, and waited at the Creater
Round about for any suspicious cars.
9th December 1965
A day off apart from making ready to move to the Radfan Mountains in the morning. We managed a
few hours in town. We called into visit a friend in Maalla before returning to Radfan Camp and drink
in the NAAFI and back to the tent to make ready to move up country.
10th December 1965
The journey up country to Habilyan was done in convoy, moving out of Radfan Camp through Shalk
Othman then off the main tracks onto dirt roads, the journey took over 5 hours, we stopped a few
times on route and at one stop for water in the middle of a wadi (dried up river bed) within a few
minutes a couple of Arabs approached the convoy and after being cautioned and search they started to
sell us biscuits and orange juice, they must have been following us for miles. We were off again into
the lower foothills of the Radfan Mountains and into the wadi, up on the hill side about five hundred
foot up we could see the mountain piquet, they had been out early from one of the base camps to
ensure that the convoy could pass through the area safely. We passed the mountain piquet and
arrived in our base camp just before lunch time.
Convoy up to the Radfan Mountains
We unloaded the trucks and located our sleeping accommodation, cleaned up our kit and weapons
Before being briefed and given our duties for the next day.
11th December 1965
The following morning I was up early to help in the cookhouse with the breakfast, after that we clean
up and had a walk around the Camp to find the defence positions and familiarise with the layout. We
played volley ball in the afternoon, there was not much else to do if you were not out on patrol. The
night fell and we were stood to, we were detailed to the mortar sanger, at dusk the mortars would
often fire off a few round as was the normal routine, this was to let the locals know we were ready to
return fire if necessary, and we hoped it would make them less likely to attack, but they did attack on
a regular basis. That night they hit a base about twenty miles down the road there were no
casualties but the fire fight went on for a couple of hours.
12th December 1965
Our platoon were detailed to take over Foxtrot Piquet on the opposite side of the Airfield from the
main camp, and it covered the entrance to the Wadi and the edge of the Habilyan Village, behind us
was the RASC transport camp and beyond that was our Delta Piquet. We took turns on watch, two
hours on duty watching over the Wadi and checking on anything and everything that moved. We
were self contained and cooked our own food, kept our area clean and tidy, even when not on stag
duty we were cleaning or cooking, collecting water and supplies, checking the security of the piquet
the trip flairs and making notes of the likely ambush spots, these were noted on our maps and DF’s
(Defensive Fire) points were identified on maps and bearing worked out to them from the Gun
positions this we hoped would enable us to hit these targets even in total darkness and with the
heaviest fire power we had.
13th December 1965
The rest of the time was spent on trying to make life on this hill as comfortable as possible, but the
rocky hill in the mountains was not that accommodating. We had an anti-tank weapon on the piquet
a 120mm Wombat and during the day the gun crew would run through their drill, and on the odd
night they would fire the machine gun attached to the wombat, this gun helped to zero in the main
armament onto the target which was always made ready to be used. As night fell we stood too and
we were given orders to test weapons, we did this and fired 5 rounds each at a small sand hill about
300 yards or so from the hill. After this we settled down for the rest of the night it was dark around
5.45pm and the only entertainment was to watch the dark hills getting darker in front of us, or to get
into the sandbagged sleeping quarters and rest until it was your turn on stag. There were a few
baboons around the base and the odd one would often approach the piquet looking for food, they
would set off a trip flair and run away but this would cause the platoon to stand too and keep a watch
in case anything was amiss, we always assumed we were under attack and stood ready at all times.
14th December 1965
Our first duty of these piquets was un-eventful we patrolled the area between the piquet and the main
Base looking for signs of earth being disturbed that could indicate that a mine had been laid this was
our daily routine we went to the main base for supplies and returned to the piquet ready for night
fall. Another quiet night watching the stars.
15th December 1965
Back to base for more supplies, a quick patrol to check to around our base before we started to make
the evening meal, we had some fresh meat tonight, a change from the normal comp rations.
Tonight we were going to have stake and chips followed by sponge pudding and tined cream, it went
down well. We settled down for another long night watching and waiting but nothing happened.
16th December 1965
Early the next morning it rained quite heavy for about half an hour this was the first rain we had seen
since we arrived in Aden. We stood too at dusk and again fired our personal weapons, we were just
about to settle down for the night when the guards on duty called for us to stand too, a flair had gone
off below the piquet, we watched the flair die out we could see nothing, we waited about fifteen
minutes and decided that a small animal had caused the problem, we moved back to our pits, but
were almost immediately stood too again, five men were approaching the piquet, they had answered
the pass word were entering the piquet area, they were a SAS patrol we let them through and they
made their way to the main camp at Habilyan.
17th December 1965
Another day on Foxtrot piquet without incident and we were relieved to be going back to base, we
did a general tidy up, checked our ammunition and settled down to rest and watch the wadi’s for
another night.
18th December 1965
Handed over the piquet to the new section and returned to base in Habilyan. We were to patrol up
the WADI at night and wait at preselected point and we would wait there until advised to return to
camp.
19th December 1965
A walk up the Wadi to the village and back, crossing the main track and watching the locals working
in the fields. Packed lunch taken with us and after lunch we sat and had a cig, before starting the
return trip to Base.
20th December 1965
A dull start to the day, a bit of rain but we were still out on patrol, up to the cross roads area and the
rubbish dump. Checking for any disturbance in the ground all seemed ok. We retuned to base early
afternoon, cleaned our weapons and had an ammunition check. Stand too at dust and then the rest of
the night off, one pint only in the NAAFI and then to our pits to rest.
21st December 1965
A late start, and then another patrol up the Wadi to the village, passed then a mile or so on before
returning on the other side of the Wadi. A round trip of about 15 miles, back to Habilyan late
afternoon. Stand too at Dusk to fire our own weapons, after cleaning them we settled down for
another pint in the Club
22nd December 1965
Another Patrol up to mile stone 18. A lot of locals on the road to keep an eye on, but all was quiet.
Back to base late afternoon, time to get a shower before the stand too was called at sun down. We
fired our weapons at appointed DF and then settled down to a night of watching the Wadi’s
23rd December 1965
Next morning we were up very early and moved to a piquet on the Dhala road, we covered the high
points over the valley and sat there while the RE removed a wreck of a three tonner that had run over
a mine. It was late before we got back to Base.
24th December 1965
Christmas Eve day and we were in the base at Habilyan, watching the Marines being lifted out to the
Mountains, in the evening we were out into the Wadi again patrolling and watching until the early
hours 25th December 1965
Christmas day was the same a long walk up the Wadi to a Arab village, we stayed outside to watch
the locals coming and going. then return to base for tea.
26th December 1965
Boxing Day morning we were up and out before sunrise to a road junctions and stand guard while
the Assault Pioneers Platoon did a mine search on the cross roads to Dhala. We waited there until
they finished and then made our way back to base.
27th December 1965
No rest over this Christmas, we were up on the ridge over looking the road between Habiylan and
Al Malah to cover the movement of a convoy making its way through to the Dhala Road it was very
hot on the tops, very little shade and we just lay there, watching the surrounding landscape for any
unusual movement. We finished the job and were back in base just in time for tea.
28th December 1965
Patrolled up the Wadi Rashma passing the villages. We watched the roads for a few hours and then
returned to camp via the fields. When were got back we were stood down and had a shower and a
change of clothes before standing too, after stand down we went and a drink in the club. All seemed
quiet this time of the year, we were warned this was the time of enemy activity, but all was well.
29th December 1965
Another convoy coming up country, and we were out early to the tops of the valleys to cover their
movement. A hot day with little shade on the tops, the convoy was late and we were there until dark,
before we could return to base and a meal. After cleaning our kit and a weapons inspection we went
to our beds early, just to tired to do anything.
30th December 1965
Out in the morning up to Charlie Piquet, walked around their position and checked the defences, back
to Habilyan for dinner and an afternoon off playing volley ball.
31st December 1965
The morning off, we played volley ball in the afternoon, before getting ready to go out on patrol.
New Years Eve and into 1966 we patrolled up Wadi Rashma, we stayed out in this position until the
New Year came in we talked quietly whilst drinking cold tea, a long way from the celebrations that
would begoing on in Trafalgar Square in a few hours time when it was going to be their New Years
Day.
1st January 1966
On our return we called at the road works where we met another section who were checking the road
For mines using mine detectors, we spent the rest of the day resting. We had just about finished our
first up country tour and we were making ready to return to Radfan Camp, when we heard the
mortars open up, we were not being attacked, so we went to see what was happening, it appeared
that one of our patrols had bumped into some dissidents about two miles out and they were involved
in a fire fight with the terrorists only a few hundred yards from them, our mortars were lighting up
the area to enable our patrol to see them and to move into better positions to section attack. The
terrorists fled and there were no reported injuries to the patrol, this type of incident was a regular
thing in the area, we stood too to assist if called but they managed to handled the situation without
extra help. This was the close to base and an attack may have been intercepted before they had a
chance to get into firing positions. We packed ready for the return to the Aden Townships
2nd January 1966
We left Habilyan after breakfast the next day, in convoy back to Aden we made good time the new
road section at Leigh was nearly complete, the journey was done in just under 5hours.
We arrived back in Radfan Camp and we immediately started to wash our clothes and prepare for the
next day, every thing that could wait was sent to the laundry, we cleaned our kit and had weapon
inspection before being allowed to stand down and have a few drinks in the pop shop. That night we
had our belated Christmas Dinner, all the works, a special meal had been cooked and we had all the
trimming of Christmas a couple of weeks late but still it was a great night. With the party over it
was back to reality next morning we were out on patrol in Maalla.
3rd January 1966
The families were still guarding their own flats we talked to a couple of airmen who were stood just
outside their front door, they were armed with the old 303 rifle, they told us they were pleased to see
us back on duty, not that the relief Regiment had not done a good job, but we knew the area and
the Arabs knew us.
4th January 1966
There had been a few incidents in the time we were up country and the Murder Mile
had claimed another two lives. We were checking the NAAFI when we heard an explosion, a
grenade had gone off, we made our way to the main street and onto the relief road, we ran over and
saw a crowd at the end of a street moved them back and found an Arab had been hit by the
shrapnel his injuries looked serious and we used some of our field dressing on his wounds, his
injuries spouted blood and it took a minutes to stop the bleeding. By this time a crowd had developed
around us and we had to physically move them away to give us room to control the situation. The
Red Crescent ambulance arrived we tried to rush things along and get him away to hospital, but they
had no sense of urgency, they bandage his wounds, the blood was still pouring out, they carried him to
the ambulance and drove off as though they were going on a Sunday Picnic. We carried on patrolling
and every time we passed the blood stained pavement we wondered if the poor Arab had made it.
5th January 1966
Our next duty was to guard Government House. The weather at this time was unusually dull.
We settled in and started to patrol around the House area, making sure that nothing was amiss. We
would search the odd person entering or leaving the Government House, this was done by two on duty
one searching and the other covering the other person. A long day of routine patrol, all was quiet.
6th January 1966
We were in the Guardroom at a back of the house with all self contained facilities we did two on a six
off which was a great relief from the two on two off foot patrols we had been doing. I was on the
main gate the static sentry position, all was fairly quiet, a few local visitors to the house to be check
in and out.
7th January 1966
After breakfast we had a walk over to the old gun emplacements to look around, we were soon back
On duty and started our stagg, we moved up to the back of the house and over to the gun
emplacements to do our guard there, two on and six off , in the afternoon we had a few hours down at
the Mermaid Club, then back to do a few more duties.
8th January 1966
Finished Government House duty at dinner time. On our return to Radfan Camp we were advised that
our tents were to be replaced, we had to take down our old tent and replace it with a new identical one
and then to re-sandbag the perimeter of the tent to a height of about four foot, we collected the sand
from just outside the camp gates, it took a lot of hard work to fill and stack the sandbags around our
tents. We hardly had time to shower and eat before we were back on the streets doing Road Blocks.
A shot had been fired a HMS Sheba the Naval base where we had our mobile HQ, a grenade in the
Relief Road, it was a busy night we were on the look out for a White Opel, we stopped and search
every one we saw, we soon realised that every other car in Aden was white and a high percentage
were Opals, we found nothing in them but we did find a couple of guns in a Green Mercedes.
9th January 1966
We finish off sandbagging our tent area, and had a few hours off, before moving out after tea to do
Road Blocks in Maalla. We did snap Road blocks at both ends of the main street, a few locals were
hanging around and we had to send a section out to move them on, they were not a problem, but if
they were left to watch they could have been a bit of a nuisance when we were searching vehicles.
They chanted loudly and seem to encourage the people being search to rebel once they were moved
On, we could get on with our work in hand. A long night out searching and then back to base for a
late supper and then to bed.
(RADFAN CAMP)
10th January 1966
Maalla Main Road on Foot patrol saw a wanted car M6070 and managed to stop the driver moving
off, a couple of Mobiles came to assist. We advised control, but after a search of the vehicle nothing
was found and we let his go on his way. Another hard day walking up and down this main street, A
shot was fired at HMS Sheba, and a grenade thrown in the Relief Road. We continued our Patrol
until being stood down early evening.
11th January 1966
Checked out our Road Block equipment, making sure that everything we needed was in the correct
place on the truck, we cleaned our rifles and made ready for kit inspection, we were on standby all
day, but were not called out.
12th January 1966
Back onto foot patrols in Maalla, until lunch time we had a rest in the ASD. Before moving into
Tawahi in the afternoon. A grenade was thrown just as we were about to finish our duty and we
stayed out in Maalla until 8pm, then returned to Radfan Camp.
13th January 1966
When running down the section lines ran into a metal pole and cut my foot. Went to the Medical
Station and had it bandage up excused boots but not duty. Went down to the Mobile Command Post
and helped out there all night.
14th January 1966
On Mobile Patrols in Tawahi, then around Streamer Point until early afternoon, returned to Camp to
have my wound looked at, it was ok, back on full duty tomorrow.
15th January 1966
Back to Sheba, a ship was due into port and we did Mobiles in the morning and then foot patrols in
the afternoon. That night our section was detailed onto balcony piquet in the Maalla Main Road, we
were dressed in civies and drove into the town, we parked at the back of the flats and walk to our pre-
allocated flat. The occupants had agreed to us being there, and they made the evening quite relaxing,
supplying us with plenty of tea and biscuits. We sat on the balcony over looking the Kingfisher
Restaurant, our radio was hid with just the top of the ariel showing out the top of the window, there
were a few other balcony piquets out that night and we all kept in touch and with search light 4 the
roof top piquet on the Arab side of the road, there was plenty of activity on the street, but no trouble,
we covered the foot patrols as they continued there vigilance on the streets below. There was a loud
bang, we all stood too but soon found out that it was just an old wagon that back fired its engine. The
rest of the night passed without trouble and as the last Arab disappeared from the street we moved out
of the flat and made our way back to Radfan Camp, leaving the streets to the lads on foot patrols
16th January 1966
Making ready to take over at Government House. Cleaned our webbing and boots, Ironed uniform
and had inspection, before being given the afternoon off, time spent in the camp pop shop.
17th January 1966
Government House Guard, and the whole platoon were inspected and checked before moving out to
take over this duty. Sir Richard Turnbull, who was the governor had just returned from London, the
platoon were advised that a lot of visitors would be coming and going over the next few days and we
would have to be on the ball.
18th January 1966
Escorts in the House Gardens, walking around with visitors, making sure they only went where they
were allowed. Afternoon off at the Mermaid Club for a swim. Post5 all night doing two on a six
off.
19th January 1966
Lots of visitors arriving we were checking every one and everything that came into the House, some
of the Arab visitors took great offence in being stopped and asked to produce Identity Documents,
but they all did, this duty was very busy and time went quickly, without an problems.
20th January 1966
On duty up at the gun site, over looking the officers club. Not as many visitors today and it seemed a
slower pace, but no rest, two on six off until the next morning.
21st January 1966
After finishing here, we retuned to Radfan Camp to be briefed about our next duty. We were going
back up country to Habilyan and Dhala, but taking over some of the top mountain piquet’s over
looking the Yeman Border. The rest of the day off and a pint in the NAAFI.
22nd January 1966
A morning at the range with the GPMG, cleaned weapons and then down to Tawahi on foot patrols
until after 6pm back to Radfan for a late supper and a quick pint.
23rd January 1966
We moved onto Search Light 4 the top position in the Maalla Main Road, we had a large powered
Search light which could light up the Shanty Towns and the slopes of Sham Shan Mountain. We
stayed on this duty all night, we relayed radio messages from the foot patrols below to the main base
in Sheba.
24th January 1966
Training with Helicopters in the late morning, weapons training with the GPMG in the afternoon,
getting ready to move up county. Night off in the Camp pop shop.
25th January 1966
Very early the following morning we started to do more fitness training, and as part of this we were
going to climb Sham Shan, this mountain is the back bone of Aden. We were out of Camp and
making our way up the hill side, reaching the top around 7am we walked over the tops and came
down in the Gold Mure bay area, we retuned to Radfan after lunch and straight onto the ranges again
to practice the procedure of the GPMG in the sustained fire roll it was set up on a tri pod using the
heavy barrel. Night sights were set up and we used the bearing to bring the gun onto target, once the
gun had been zeroed in, these bearing would bring the gun on the target very accurately even in
darkness. The evening was our own and we went to the NAAFI.
26th January 1966
Went down to Gold Mure Valley had did some Infantry Section attacks, very hot and hard work
running down the valley in full combat gear. Finished around 1pm then back to Radfan for a cold
shower and weapons inspection.
27th January 1966
We were stood down from Aden duties and prepared to go up country, we watch the Battalion
Football team play RAF Khormaksar we won 2-1. An early night ready for an early morning start.
We heard that there was more trouble in Maalla, the Battalion who had taken over were having a
rough time tonight.
28th January 1966
Reveille was 3am and we left Radfan Camp at 5.30am moving up to Habilyan arriving there just
before dinner time, again we found our tents and settled in the best we could, about 9 to a tent. We
played volley ball in the afternoon and watched a picture at night.
29th January 1966
Kit inspection in the morning followed by cook house fatigues in the afternoon until tea had been
finished and washed up. A drink in the pop shop and back to the pit for an early night.
30th January 1966
Wadi patrols followed the next day just a few miles this time and we were back for lunch and played
volley ball again in the afternoon. As dusk fell we were stood too and fired our personal weapons, we
then had to clean them thoroughly before settling down to rest. Monksfield base was attacked
tonight, no reported injuries.
31st January 1966
After breakfast and a tidy up around the camp, we played volley ball after lunch we checked our
ammunition and made ready to stand too at dusk. No patrol tonight, we just watched the others firing
at DF’s
1st February 1966
We were out early in the morning patrolling around the local Arab villages. We kept up with
these constant foot patrols with the emphasis on the areas where the most likely attacks would come
from we would go up the Wadi for many miles, these were hard dried up river beds in valleys and it
was hard to keep in cover, we had to run across the open ground, and when you are carrying a few
extra pounds of ammunition and plenty of water it was hard work. We got back to base and settled
down for a well earned rest.
2nd February 1966
Just after midnight, and under attack from unknown number, shots were fired at the Command Post,
and a rocket was reported to have been fired at the base, some sort of mortar landed near the camp,
our mortars returned fired. We moved into our DF position and watched and waited, our area seem
quiet, some of the lads were moved over to the southern section and were fired at, our GPMG’s
returned fire, bullets were flying over the base, more exchange of fire and this went on for about
45minutes. Monksfield were also attacked in the early hours. We were out early to cover a
mountain top piquet. We stayed out until the convoy had passed and it was clear into Habilyan. We
returned to base and after tea a night in the camp club after stand down.
3rd February 1966
Patrolling up the Wadi to mile post 12, waited there an hour or so before returning to base on the other
side of the valley. Watch the pictures at night.
4th February 1966
Cleaned our kit and had weapons inspection, played Volley Ball in the afternoon. A night patrol out
passed Delta piquet into the Wadi settled down and waited in Ambush until 2am then returned to
base. Just checked our weapons and then straight to our pits, just laid there and tried to get some kip,
dawn came before we fell asleep.
5th February 1966
A late breakfast followed by some GPMG weapon training in the afternoon. An early night ready for
an early start in the morning.
6th February 1966
Most of the company were moving onto the piquet’s around the base. We covered the change over
and watched the Wadis for any unusual movements. A patrol up to the nearest village and then back
to Camp for tea time. A quiet first night for the lads out on piquet duty, we watch them fire their DF’s
before we settled down for a drink.
7th February 1966
Up for an early tour around the base, calling at Delta and Charlie piquets, we dropped off some mail
and medical supplies. Played Volley Ball in the afternoon and then had the rest of the day off.
8th February 1966
A patrol up the Wadi to the villages. Moving across the rough ground Leo Lyons fell and cracked
his rib, he had to be airlifted out back to base, we got back late afternoon and had a welcome rest
with a pint in the NAAFI, and were advise that we would have to be ready for stand too at dusk. We
stood to and fire our person weapons, after being stood down we relaxed in our tents trying to get
some well earned rest, when just after midnight a blunder side rocket was fired at our command post,
from an area between Bravo and Delta piquet, a mortar bomb landed about 150yards passed the camp
within a few seconds our mortars had returned fire, we had preset DF’s and the nearest one to the
area where we thought we were being attack from was blasted. Within a few more moments the
whole camp be awake and in position to return fire. We crawled into or fox holes and were detailed
to take the GMPG to the far perimeter and to watch for any movement, we were to fire at will. The
patrols out were contacted and they were to lie low whilst we engaged in return fire.
Someone reported movement at a DF and we fired a quick burst in that area. They returned fire at
us, a burst of rounds whined over our head another mortar hit the airfield, Delta piquet were firing at
something in the valley, our mortars put up a round of white flair which lit up the whole area, it was
then we saw about twenty figures up on the hillside about six hundred yards away, all machine
gunners must have seen them at the same time, tracer rounds flew at them from all directions. The
flair died out and we stopped firing, we did not move from this position, we stayed and waited for
hours, our commanding office came around checking that we were all ok. We had no casualties and
were stood down in rotation working two hours on two off until dawn.
9th February 1966
After breakfast we cleaned our weapons and collected ammunition. A few hours rest doing nothing,
before going out on patrol up to the rubbish dump. We stayed around near the cross roads before
returning to camp via the main airstrip, checking the road to make sure that the earth was not
disturbed and no mines had been laid.
10th February1966
We moved over to take control at Charlie Piquet. It was raining in the morning and the tents were
quite damp, once the sun came out it was dry very quickly. We settled in and kept watch over the
Wadis at quiet night here in Habilyan
11th February 1966
Went down to the main base to collect supplies. Back to the piquet in time to do a two hour stag,
Helped to cook the evening meal before settling down to fire the DF’s at dusk. A Camel was reported
to have been hit during firing of the DF’s, but we saw nothing of it, by all accounts there was nothing
left to see. Two on and four off was the duty for the rest of the night.
12th February 1966
Walked down the Wadi in the morning and met some locals taking their goods to the market, they
were all armed with an old version almost antique rifle, they seemed to be well equipped with
ammunition. We watched them go on their way and made a note of where they were going.
Another quiet night on the piquet.
13th February 1966
Late breakfast and a general tidy up of the piquet area. A trip flair when off and we had to go over the
fence to replace and reset it. Fresh goodies were delivered in the afternoon and we had some meat to
eat. rather than the compo rations which we were usually feed.
14th February 1966
Last day on this piquet, packed up our equipment and were relieved just after lunch, a march back to
Habilyan base, weapon inspection and a shower and a change of clothes before a drink of pop in the
club. We stood too as usual dusk, we moved to our DF position and awaited the call to test fire our
own personal weapons (SLR) Trouble again in the Monksfield base they were attacked and had quite
a fire fight. We were sent to our DF’s and waited there until the all clear was called,
15th February 1966
We were up early the next morning we went by helicopter over to the hills above Monksfield and
patrolled into the valley looking for any signs of the dizzies that had attacked the night before.
Nothing was found and after a few hours out we were flown back to base.
16th February 1966
Another Helicopter flight out over the mountains top look for any signs of trouble building up. We
walked over the moon like rock features looking for anything that should not be there, the dissidents
would often build up rocks to cover there positions. We patrolled over the tops of the hills and down
into the valleys until late afternoon, we sat around on the top of the hills just watching the tracks
below the Arabs locals knew we were there we made sure the could see us, it was nearly dusk before
we were picked up by the helicopters and returned to base at Habilyan
We were advised that the whole platoon would be flying out to a place known as CAP BADGE
another piquet up in the heights of the Radfan Mountains. The only way you could get to the
mountain was by helicopter.
17th February 1966
We were flown to the hill in small groups early in the morning and by mid morning we were
unpacking and getting to know the position, finding out the DF’s and checking the trip flairs, this
piquet was about five miles from the nearest base, to a large extend we were on our own.
The base consisted of two camps, one on a flat ridge and the other on a higher ridge about five
hundred feet further up on the peak of the hill. The platoon were based in the lower camp with a
section of seven men on top camp. We had a quiet first night, we did not fire our weapons at dusk, we
just watched as the other bases around the area fired their DF’s.
18th February 1966
The following morning we rebuilt the makeshift shower, putting in a new bucket, later on we made
ready to receive our supplies from the helicopter. We settled down our lunch and then checked the
GPMG’s made a few amendments to the DF’s. We check fired these DF’s at dusk and all seemed well.
This location was important. It was taken a few years earlier by the Para’s in a bloody fire fight and
was the key in the defence of the Aden and Yeman border, the terrorists/dissidents would love to
retake this position, it was our job to keep it. Again we spent the first day making the camp a little
more comfortable, there was one main sleeping area, it was two large holes surrounded by high
double thickness sandbags, these walls were sleeping accommodation and guard positions, there were
small passage over looking the border, below us many trip flairs, these were set out in case of close
attack and covered the slopes of the mountain. The surrounding country side was mountainous and
there were many possible positions for an attack to come from, we kept watch all the time looking
out of any odd movement which could indicate a build up of dissidents and possible attack.
19th February 1966
After cleaning up we went through all the routine of being attacked and where support came from, we
practised calling for emergency assistance to see how quickly we could get support from the Air
Force in the event of any attack or storming of the camp. We made the call a 1pm and waited, it was
only a few minutes possibly six before we heard the distant noise of approaching planes, then two
came in very low right over our position, they were Sea Vixens from the Air Craft Carrier Bulwark
they had been flown to Kharmaksar air field in Aden, about 150miles to the south, this exercise made
us feel at little better and the presence of the planes had been noted by the local Arabs, and we had a
quiet night.
20th February 1966
Checked our supplies and ammunition, tidied up the sanger area and made our sleeping area a bit
more comfortable. Prepared lunch and then went through the defence positions in the afternoon.
As night fell we stood too and fired our personal weapons into the hills, another long quiet night, only
The stars to keep us company.
21st February 1966
A patrol out of base over the hills around the base looking for anything out of the ordinary, back by
lunch time, then prepared to receive supplies from the Helicopter, After the supplies were sort and
stored we settled down for another night of watching the stars.
22nd February 1966
Filled a few sandbags and repositioned them around the camp, had a shower and after lunch a short
patrol around the base to check the trip flairs. Shots were heard in the valley at night but we could
not see where they were fired from or who they were being fired at. We watched and waited all night.
23rd February 1966
We took over guard on the top sanger. The morning was taken up with GPMG training two hours of
checking DF’s and adjusting the gun. Time for an evening meal, we all mucked in and prepared the
meal and cleaned up afterwards. We stood too at dusk and fired at a few DF’s, then settled down,
doing tow on and four off. All was quiet I was on watch from 10pm until midnight.
24th February 1966
I was beginning to settle down to sleep a trip flair went off we were stood too straight away we could
see nothing in the light of the flair, we waited and then heard a shot, it was hard to tell where the shot
was being fired from then we heard another shot, we spoke with the base camp below, they had also
heard the shot and were stood too, we watched and soon heard a third shot they seemed to be firing at
the village in the valley below us, we returned fire to the area where we thought the shots came from
and again waited, all went quiet, we kept a look out for another half hour before returning to beds.
A few moments later we were called again, someone this time was firing at us, the guard on duty had
heard a round strike the sandbags, we rushed into position and advised the base camp that we were
under attack, the shots now came in thick and fast, we kept our heads down well behind the sandbags
and waited for a lull in the firing, then we returned fire with the GPMG in sustained fire roll
sweeping the area below us without looking, 1000 rounds a minute we blasted about 15 seconds and
waited, an explosion racked the side of the camp and we retuned a couple of hand-grenades, pulling
out the pin and throwing them as far as we could, we counted to five and stuck our fingers in our ears
as the blast shattered the night air. It was cloudy and the night was dark, we looked over the
sandbags but could see nothing but the dark shape of the hillside, more shots were fired at us, hitting
the sand bags above our heads and sent the sand flying everywhere, we had had enough of this so we
asked the base camp below to fire a night flair over our position, it came and burst over us, lighting up
the area, changing night into day, we looked up and saw shadowy figures moving down the hill side,
we let fly with all the weapons to hand, aimed shots and we covered all the DFs we had marked as
escape/attack positions. They returned fire and we kept our heads down, moving to other fire
positions around the piquet and pointing the rifle over the sand bags and fired a few shots every now
and then. It went quiet and we watched the hills then we sat back and talked a while again waiting
and watching, it was then the impact of what we had been doing for the last hours dawned on us we
admitted we were glad it was over and we were all safe. We checked ammunition and waited until
dawn before we made any attempt to check the area again. I made breakfast for the section that
morning and two of us went to the base camp for supplies, both food and ammunition were required.
A patrol from the base camp were out early to check the area where the attack had came from, signs
that Russian weapons had been used against us were found, and a certain amount of what appeared to
be blood was found on the rock in the pass below. We re-supplied the top sanger and had a quiet
day checking the weapons and making ready for the coming night, we watch and waited but it was a
long quiet night.
25th February 1966
At last the dawn arrived I don’t think many slept that night we lay on our beds listening and waiting
for the early sun rise, after breakfast a few lads went down to the main camp for water and to re stock
for the next night. We did our usual cookhouse duties and always tried to keep the area tidy. Slept in
the afternoon to catch up and a few hours rest, a quick wash and change of clothes before starting
another night watching the hills over Cap Badge.
26th February 1966
Another quiet day, a trip down to the base camp for supplies and a short patrol around the mountain,
and back to the top sanger for tea time. Another night of two hours on and four off, We watched but
saw nothing in the dark silhouettes of the mountains. Dawn came and a mist covered the valley
below.
27th February 1966
After breakfast, I was to go down the base camp for water we decided to a race down the hill,
we were carrying a couple of jerry cans each, I was the third man away but as I took a few steps the
rock below my foot moved and I took off, I arrived at the bottom along time before the rest. Although
I can’t remember much about the fall other than flashes of sound and someone asking me not to
move, the medical team were on their way to me. I was lifted onto a stretcher and carried into the
base camp. Our Officer had already been on the radio to the base at Habiylan asking for a Helicopter
to evacuate me to the MRS (Medical Reception Station) The Helicopter arrived very soon and I was
flown to the hospital at Habiylan, I cannot remember much about the flight, but after being checked
out by the doctors it was found apart from many cuts and bruise’s, I had broken one finger. I stayed
in the hospital for observation and was given the all clear to return to return to Cap Badge on the next
flight out which was to be early the following morning, I managed a few hours rest and was given
my dressings and other bits and advised the helicopter was leaving mid morning.
28th February 1966
I arrived back, much to the surprise of my mates, but because of my injuries I was on light duties and
spent most of my time either in the command post on the radio relaying messages to out laying foot
patrols or helping the cook prepare the meals.
1st March 1966
Working in the Command Post, when not on the radio, was helping the cook prepare the meals, and
washing up afterwards. I was not on duty, and had an early night, difficult to sleep, still very sore.
2nd March 1966
Another early start back on duty in the command Post, a few patrols were out in the surrounding area
and we were there to relay messages from them to the main base at Habilyan. Went for a walk
around our base in the afternoon, had the bandages removed and had an afternoon off, tried to
sunbathe, but it was just too hot, went for a shower and made ready to stand too at dusk for another
watch and see night.
3rd March 1966
Back in the Command Post all day, all was quiet, a helicopter arrived mid morning with supplies
they had to be checked and stored away. In the afternoon we resupplied the top sanger. My injuries
were getting better, and I was back on normal duties.
4th March 1966
I took over the machine gun post in the base camp over looking the valley below, we were doing
two on and four off all night, it passed quietly and we made preparations to hand over to the next
platoon the following morning.
5th March 1966
Back to Habilyan by helicopter to find out that helicopter duties followed, we were working on the
airfield helping to refuel the Wessex Helicopter, man handling the forty gallon drums of fuel to the
aircraft and refuel them with hand pumps. We found that some of the drums were damaged and
the officer in charge said they could not be used as they could be contaminated, it was decided that
these drums would be airlifted to various positions around the base buried and stones were laid over
them, the location of the drums were logged as DF’s and bearing were given to the guns in case of
attack from this position. A night off in the NAAFI some of the lads went to see a film, I returned to
our tent and crashed out there listening to the radio.
6th March 1966
We heard the next day that a platoon from B Coy had come face to face with some dissidents out on
patrol from there Dhala base, they were exchanging fire went the officer called for mortar support
the first volley were to long, the fire control was altered to left 100 down 50, this was taken to be
yards but the mortar section had just gone over to metric plots and it was read as 100 metre left 50
metres down, the second volley landed just behind our lads and two were badly injured Cpl Wildman
and Pete Shields received wounds which were so bad they were returned to the UK for treatment.
The following morning and we were making ready to return to Aden.
7th March 1966
The journey back to Radfan Camp was uneventful and we arrived back early afternoon, time to
clean our kit and have a few hours rest before moving to stand-by in the late evening.
8th March 1966
We had the following morning off, time for a good shower and to catch up with letter writing.
We started Mobile Patrols we moved down to HMS Sheba and took over the patrol land rovers, these
vehicles worked longer hours than we did, with very little maintenance on them, we drove out of the
main gates and headed towards Streamer Point, a boat was in port and we stopped to talk to a group
of Americans telling then to keep together and if any problems, they were to contact a foot patrol and
return to the boat straight away, they were too full of themselves to take notice, they were last seen
heading back to the boat carrying their purchases. We moved to Hedjoff roundabout and into the
Maalla Main road driving up towards Shanty Town and into the ASD via the back door. A quick cup
of tea and we were out again, down to Streamer Point and Tawahi, on to Government House, check
that area and back to Sheba, a four hour tour of duty and no problems, very unusual.
We did not return to Radfan until early morning, we did a spot of balcony Piquet, we were detailed to
Ash House a few hundred yards from the families NAAFI we were to cover the back of the main
street and the rear of the flats, the night was quiet and we managed to get to our beds and have some
sleep before sunrise.
9th March 1966
We had been told that we were to be involved in a Film about desert warfare and this was to start
within a few days. But before that we had still plenty of patrols to do around the Aden Streets.
We practised our IS duties and then had the afternoon off, we were on stand by and could not have a
drink, we went to the pop shop and just waited around, until being stood down around 10pm.
The Crescent in Tawahi
10th March 1966
Proceeded to Government House to take over there. Straight onto duty, post4 and the rear gate,
walked around the servants quarters for two hours, then managed to get a few hours down at the
Mermaid Club before going back on duty.
11th March 1966
A repeat of yesterday, two on and four off with a few hours down at the Mermaid Club. There was
trouble reported in Crater and other parts of Aden, our area seemed ok. But we were warned to be
careful and keep an extra watch on the locals coming and going around Government House.
12th March 1966
Government house guard post4 again the rear gate, walking around then heard a noise in the bushes
near the fence, made the challenge. Halt who goes there (Waqqaff) Halt, then out came a dog.
The guard commander did his rounds checking us and after lunch we managed to get a few hours off
and a rest down at the Mermaid Club before the night duty started.
13th March 1966
Still at Government House, same routine, two on and four off and some time down at the Mermaid
Club if time allows. The CO was due around in the afternoon the Guard room and surrounding areas
had to be Clean and tidy.
14th March 1966
After breakfast went out to collect the platoon mail, back for dinner time and then onto stagg at the
old gun emplacements, another quiet day at Government House.
15th March 1966
Made ready to hand over this duty to the next platoon, we were to go straight to Radfan Camp and
clean the platoon area , later we were called out on the streets in Maalla. A ship was due in port and
extra patrols were sent into the Streamer Point and Tawahi area. We stayed out on patrol until the
ships passengers were on board, it was to stay in port overnight and we were advised of an early start
for tomorrow
16th March 1966
Up early and into Tawahi and Steamer Point, the ship was still in port and the passengers were out
Shopping, we patrolled up the back streets and covered the main shopping area, the passengers were
unaware of the on going troubles they just wanted to shop, it was a long day with only a few hours
rest until the ship was ready to leave port. We called at HMS Sheba base for a drink and then returned
to Radfan to prepare for the move up country.
17th March 1966
We were up early for our return to Habiylan, we made our way to RAF Kharmaksar We flew up in a
Beverley airplane possibly the same plane that took us to Perim a few months earlier. After a delay
we finally arrived in Habilyan mid afternoon. We moved up to an area near Echo piquet, in my dairy
there is an entry to the effect I was sitting with Mac (McDade) drinking cold tea from a water bottle.
We patrolled up and down the valley being filmed and then back again until they thought they had
enough film for this shoot.
18th March 1966
We were filmed with the helicopters getting on and off for a few hours, before finally flying up to
Dhala to be filmed on the airfield, the Beverley came into land and covered everyone with dirt, it got
every where, our ears and nose were blocked with dust. A shower was the only thing we wanted at
the end of the day followed by a drink in the tents, one pint only, we were on the front line and
everyone was on duty, we slept with our rifles attached to the wrist.
Dhala Camp
19th March 1966
We filmed the next day on the Dhala airfield, a Welsh Guardsman had been shot and although we
were filming we were also their to show a bigger presence. We started to patrol up to the high plateau,
where the film crew were located we had to walk passed them without looking at the camera, we did
this from various positions and angles all morning. We sat down and watch the other sections doing
their bit, then it was our turn again, running into position and diving for cover and crawling into fire
positions and then making move towards the enemy to make ready to engage them. A long afternoon
out in the hot sun, were glad to get back to camp for a shower and a drink.
20th March 1966
Next morning we were doing mock section attacks again some of our own lads who were dressed as
Arab dissidents, this went on for some time until the film crew thought they had enough on film to be
able to be able to edit their film. There was reported trouble down in the Aden Townships and we left
to return to Radfan Camp that afternoon. We cleaned our weapons and were soon on duty in Shalk
Othman, a man had been shot dead and we were send as extra cover, these streets were out of our
normal area and we took extra care in everything we did.
21st March 1966
Mick Smiths Birthday. We were out in Shalk Othman doing road blocks, a lot of people on the streets
and trouble was building up, a few shots were fire and a policeman was killed, shots were fired at a
patrol and we had to keep our eyes on everyone and everything, Nothing moved passed us without
being searched, we kept extra sentries out from the road block to cover us.
22nd March 1966
The filming we thought was over was on again, we had to go the Kharmaksar airport and be filmed
supposing arriving in the desert for the first time, here we were well tanned after 7 months in South
Arabia trying to act as thought we had just arrived. We were back in Radfan Camp by mid afternoon
just enough time to do a few hours of sand bagging to our tents. A night off but no beer we were on
thirty minutes stand by. We were allowed to go to the pictures.
23rd March 1966
Our departure date was announced 17 May we had 50 odd days to go. A day of internal escort duties
Followed, if we were not escorting Arabs around the camp we were cleaning kit and trying to make
ready to return to the UK.
24th March 1966
Back to RAF Kharmaksar to do a few hours of filming, just stood around most of the morning while
they decided what they wanted to do, the film shoot lasted a few moments, before we were onto the
wagons and on our way back to Radfan Camp. We had to unload MFO boxes from a lorry and take
them to various company lines these were to be filled with unwanted items and packed ready to be
returned to the UK. We sorted out our unwanted bits and pieces plus anything we had bought in
Aden and wanted to be shipped back to the UK, these boxes would take 6weeks to return so nothing
that would perish could be packed away.
25th March 1966
Dolphin Court guard duty followed, constant patrolling around Dolphin Square two on four off all
day and night, the people who lived in this square were senior officers or diplomats and we were to
guard their homes, but they were not allowed in if they did not responded to the challenge. We
finished this guard after twenty four hours and retuned to Radfan Camp
26th March 1966
A few hours off shower and freshen up before moving down town to Tawahi for foot patrols.
Stationed at the Crescent Police Station. A call to the shopping area where some tourists were
Having trouble with a shop keeper, we was overcharging them we talked to them both a told the
tourists that they had to bargain for the best price, with this sorted we returned to our Crescent base
before moving over to Sheba for a bout of mobile patrols, we move up to the back streets, a report of
groups gathering in the streets, we called up to check it out but all was normal.
27th March 1966
We were out on patrol before sunrise down to Steamer Point dock area and back through Tawahi,
We finished Mobiles mid morning returned them the Sheba had a hour off to relax in the base before
returning to Camp. A rest until dinner time and then we played football in the afternoon. The rest of
the day off and a night in the Camp NAAFI club.
28th March 1966
Internal guard duty in Radfan Camp, we were on the main gate checking all vehicles in and out of the
Camp, as well as internal duties we were sandbagging the tents.
29th March 1966
After a night guard we had breakfast then a shower, a clean up of our kit and a few hours of rest
before returning to do internal escort duties within Radfan Camp. We were on duty at night but on
stand by in the NAAFI.
30th March 1966
A morning off cleaning our kit. Played football in the afternoon and left camp just after tea to move
down to the Dolphin guard room and take over there. A night of walking around the Houses, all was
quiet.
31st March 196
Relieved from Dolphin Court, we went down to Tangmeer and patrolled around the Tawahi and
Streamer Point area in the afternoon. A few hand grenades were thrown, later a few shots fired at a
Patrol we kept a good watch on everyone and everything we passed, keeping alert at all times was the
Key, a woman was killed in Tawahi, lots of crowds around the area and we were told to stay out and
keep up a high profile, we returned to Sheba for a late supper and were allowed a few hours rest there.
1st April 1966
We were briefed on the sighting of a Group of Arabs, and they were known to be driving a White
Opel Car, we would have a purge on this type of Car. We must have stopped every White Car in
Aden, nothing was found in any search.
2nd April 1966
Even when we moved over to Mobile Patrols we were looking for the same type of car, nothing was
found, we knew as soon as we started to check this type of Car they would switch to another type,
so we started checking cars at random and then started to find the odd gun.
3rd April 1966
We finish Mobiles in the morning and after a short break started to do foot patrols in the Tawahi
area, We called in a the Crescent Police Station for a rest, the locals who were working near by
seemed very restless, some stone throwing, but nothing serious, we managed to clear the area
without to much trouble. A shot was fired in the Streamer Point area, but no injuries were reported.
4th April 1966
Back in Tawahi, a ship was in port but the passengers were not allowed off, much to the
disappointment of the local shop keepers, we were relieved at 1pm and returned to Radfan Camp and
the rest of the day we were stood down, a night in the NAAFI and a pint.
5th April 1966
A lie in and a late breakfast. We were to do some Road Blocks in the afternoon, but were stood
down and given the day off. We ended up filling and replacing sandbags around the tent for a couple
of hours, before actually being allowed to relax and have a rest.
6th April 1966
Up early to take over guard on the main gate, the locals arrived early and had to be escorted at all
times around the camp, We followed a delivery wagon around the base, making sure they took
nothing our left nothing. Some of the lads went down to the Mermaid Club as escorts.
We finished out duty after tea and were stood down for the rest of the evening.
7th April 1966
It was deemed that our tents required more sandbagging, so the morning was taken up with filling and
placing sandbags around our platoon area, after a shower and lunch, we were to got down to Dolphin
Square to take over the guard room there for the night. A long night walking around the place,
Checking the gardens and out houses, the odd Mobile patrol called which helped pass the time.
8th April 1966
We were relieved at 7am, and returned back to Radfan Camp. We had weapons inspection and then
were stood down. We played football in the afternoon and then the rest of the day off duty.
9th April 1966
Prepared to take over duty at Government House. Once settled in we went straight onto duty, first
stag was up on the old gun emplacements, two hours over watching over the officers club, in the
afternoon a few hours off at the Mermaid Club, then back for a night of two on and six off with
little to do apart from eat and sleep.
10th April 1966
Government House duty and on early shift, walking around the gardens watching the local staff arrive
and watching them do about their work, we change stags and went over to the servants quarters,
another day of guarding the diplomats and their families.
11th April 1966
Another long day at Government House, after inspection and given our duties, we managed to have a
couple of hours at the Mermaid Club. Front gate stag first duty and then onto the perimeter for the
rest of the night.
12th April 1966
Early morning stag up at the top, officers were out and about checking the posts, had to be very aware
that they were around and to do the correct challengers. After breakfast and a clean up of the sleeping
quarters we went down to the Mermaid Club for a bit of sun bathing, back on duty in the afternoon
and another long night watching and walking around the fence.
13th April 1966
Mid morning and we were ready to hand over the Government House Guard duty to the next platoon,
We moved back to Radfan Camp, and after a late lunch were back out into Tawahi and on foot patrols
working out from the Crescent Police Station. A shot was reported to have been fired somewhere in
the backs streets we moved over there to take a look but nothing was found. We got back to Radfan
in time to catch a last pint.
14th April 1966
A late breakfast, a weapons and kit inspection then out on Mobile Patrol in Maalla, we backed up the
foot patrols and then went into the rear streets up to the Shantie Town. We called at the Red Sea
Hotel and managed to get a free cup of Coffee. All was quiet and we returned to base at 5pm just in
time for a hot meal in the Canteen
15th April 1966
Back out on Mobile Patrol, a grenade was thrown in Tawahi and an Arab woman was hurt, we toured
the area and kept a high profile. Two liners had arrived in port, some of the passengers came off, and
we kept a watch on them as they went about their shopping. They were told of the situation and most
of them were happy to return to the ship went told, we had to escort them to the port entrance and
waited there until the boats left the port. A few more hours of patrol around Steamer Point before
returning to Sheba and handing over the Rover to the next section.
16th April 1966
Back to Radfan Camp in the morning and stood down for the rest of the day, myself and a few lads
went straight out on the passion wagon to Tawahi to do some of our own shopping, then on to the
Mermaid Club for an afternoon of sunbathing and a drink or two. We caught the last wagon returning
to Radfan Camp. A night in our own bed and slept well.
17th April 1966
A briefing in the morning and we were to do foot patrols in Tawahi concentrating of the back streets,
we were dropped off and moved into the second and third street amongst the cardboard house and tin
shacks, how people could live like this we thought, but they did. We were aware that the young kids
were following us, we had to be aware of them and also look out for the older lads who would often
throw a stone, weapons ready we learnt to walk backwards. Mobile patrols were around and together
we kept a high profile and the day went off with out too much agro.
18th April 1966
Back out on foot patrols in Maalla. We arrived at the ASD mid morning and after a cup of tea, we
were out on patrol in the Maalla Main Road. Murder Mile as it was known. We walked the full
length and then down again to the Hedjoff roundabout, back up to the ASD and a rest, a bite to eat
before doing a repeat trip up and down the Main Street until after the rush hour, before returning to
Radfan Camp and the rest of the night off.
19th April 1966
A few grenades had gone off in Maalla and Tawahi during the early hours. The reports were that a
White Opel Car was seen at the same time, we were switched over to Road Blocks and during the day
we did a purge on all White Opel’s and most other white cars in Aden, we stopped and searched all
day but found nothing, there was no further grenade incidents and we were allowed to stand down for
a few hours, before moving out again late evening to start the checking White Cars again. Nothing
found. We were kept out on the streets until late before returning to Base at Radfan for a late supper.
20th April 1966
Back onto Road Blocks and the same brief as before look out of White Opel cars with two or more
passengers. In two days we listed over 200 searches of this type of car and found nothing. Another
late return to base.
21st April 1966
We were detailed to do more road blocks, but held back on stand by in Radfan. We were put on one
hours notice to move and were then given time to do a bit of cleaning up and letter writing. We were
stood down after tea and told to have a drink and an early night.
22nd April 1966
Foot patrols in Maalla, patrolled up the Relief Road to the top roundabout and then down the Maalla
Main Road to the Hedjoff roundabout, had on hour in the ASD before going out again onto the Main
Road until mid afternoon. A long hot day, we rested at ASD held back on standby were relieved
just after 8pm, we returned to Radfan Camp and after supper straight to our pits.
23rd April 1966
Foot patrols in Tawahi around the shopping area and into the back streets. We looked into the shops
as we passed hoping to see something we could buy to take home. We had lunch brought to us we
had it standing around the wagon, and then off again towards Streamer Point and the Dock area.
24th April 1966
Another day on Foot Patrols, walking the streets of Maalla, stationed in the ASD we went out to the
back streets first before moving onto the Maalla Main Road. We called in on the Families NAAFI
shop at the back of the flats, after a search around the area the families were allowed in. We spoke to
many of the families there and told them we were in our last month of our duty in Aden . They
seemed sorry to hear that we were going to leave soon.
25th April 1966
Search Light 4
Back into Maalla and onto Search Light4. On the top floor, we watched over the streets from
above. Checking the front street and watching all the movement up and down. We stayed on this stag
until after the rush hour and then were stood down to return to Radfan Camp for an evening off.
26th April 1966
Road Blocks on the Crater Road, we were checking vehicles both in and out of the area, nothing
found, we moved into Maalla to do snap Road Blocks around the area, We would just stop in the
Road and within a few moments have the Road Block in position and start to search cars. We did this
all day. Returned to Radfan in the evening.
27th April 1966
Trouble in the towns and we were out on patrol in Maalla early morning, a few shots had been fired at
a patrol and we went out in support. We walked up the Main Road all morning, watching and
checking everything. There was an atmosphere and we thought something was going to happen, but
all was quiet. We returned to Camp only to find out that this day should have been our day off and we
were due back on duty in Maalla early the next day.
28th April 1966
Maalla Foot Patrol from the ASD. We went out to cover some of the Road Blocks that were
operating in the area. We walked up and down the Maalla Main twice before being relieved and sent
back to Radfan Camp, only to start filling and moving MFO Boxes around ready for dispatch back to
the UK.
29th April 1966
Morning off, we finished the MFO boxes and after lunch we tidied up the camp lines and then went
onto Standby waiting to be called out at half hours notice. Trouble was reported around the prison
area in Al. Monsoura
30th April 1966
The trouble at the Al Monsoura Prison was getting worse, some of relations of the inmates were
rioting outside the Prison, we moved out as a company. The Riot platoon arrived first and managed
to disperse them ,we arrived and took control of the perimeter and surrounding area, after an hour or
so some of them came back and were again causing trouble, tear gas was thrown and we went out
into the crowd and made a few arrests, taking the ring leaders back to the prison. Some of our gas
masks were not working correctly and a few of the lads suffered from the effects of the gas. With the
area cleared we went inside to watch over the inmates.
1st May 1966
Still at the Prison we had to help the wardens exercise the prisoners. We watched them walk
around the yard making sure they did not talk to each other. We were relieved by the PWO (Prince
of Wales Own Regiment) and returned to Radfan Camp, the MFO (Movement Boxes) had to be
loaded onto wagons these boxes were being collected for shipment back to the UK that afternoon.
2nd May 1966
Back on Foot patrols in Tawahi and Steamer Point. We seem to know every face and they knew us, a
kind of mutual dislike, but one Arab approached us and thank us for helping his son when he was hurt
in an earlier grenade incident. We rested in Sheba and continued foot patrols until the late evening.
3rd May 1966
A day off, with just days to go, we could go shopping ourselves, we went to Steamer Point and
bought a few goodies from the Arab Shop Keepers, they always liked to bargain, they say a price we
half it they come down 25% we say no and start to walk away they call us back and we agree on a
price that suits both parties, an afternoon at the Mermaid Club and back to Radfan Camp for tea time.
4th May 1966
Out on foot patrols in Maalla, we were doing stop and search, we would frisk any Arab we thought
was carrying weapons, this was just part of the routine to keep ahead of the locals and they would
accept it, We talked to the RAF and other people who were guarding their own flats on the Maalla
Main, they had heard by this time that we were getting near to the end of our tour of duty, we were
given tea and biscuits where ever we stopped. They were generous in saying we would be missed.
5th May 1966
Snap Road Blocks in Tawahi, Steamer Point and later in Maalla, 2 3ton Bedford Lorries and a platoon
of lads. We drove around and stopped at random set up a Road Block and checked cars for an hour
or so before packing up and moving off the do the same again at another location. It was hard work
the road blocks were always set up at the double, we were running around placing the angle iron
supports in place and then setting up the control and search area for the vehicles. A long day with no
results, but a deterrent to those who wanted to move arms around the area.
6th May 1966
We were to parade to have a talk by the GOC South Arabia. He gave us the usual pat on the back
and thanked us for the job we were doing, then it was out on the streets again for us, whilst he and his
party went for drinks in the officers mess.
7th May 1966
We continued with foot patrols in the Stream Point area. A liner was in port and extra patrols were
put out in the Tawahi and Steamer Point area, we went down to HMS Sheba and patrolled out from
there. Plenty of passengers in the streets, most of them were British and were emigrating to
Australia, we chatted and walked along with them most of the afternoon, they returned to the ship safe
and the shop keepers again had another good day.
8th May 1966
Another grenade thrown in Maalla and we were off there to assist in the search, we moved to the
ASD and were detailed to take over with Road Blocks in Maalla Main Road and we searched many
more cars but found nothing, we had a meal in ASD, before moving to Tawahi and doing more road
blocks there. A late night return to Camp.
9th May 1966
Mobile Patrols out from Radfan Camp, we toured the Maalla area, concentrating on the Relief Road
and the Back Streets up to the Shantie Towns, we had late meal in the ASD before returning the Camp
in the early evening.
10th May 1966
Put on reserve platoon in Radfan Camp. We cleaned up our tent areas and had a few hours in the pop
Shop. A bit of sun bathing then a night at the pictures, still on call, we did not have a drink. Just
waited for the call that never came.
11th May 1966
We moved down to the Crescent Police Station in Tawahi and patrolled from there, we covered the
shopping area and met a few of our lads who were off duty doing a bit of last minute bargaining with
the local shop keepers. A bit of a skirmish between two groups of Arabs , They were fighting over a
right of way up to the Shantie Town, we sorted it out and stayed around for a hour until we thought it
was safe to leave it to the local Police.
12th May 1966
Maalla Main Road again, started just after 10am, we walked up and down the full length before lunch,
we called in to the ASD for a hot meal and a drink. We managed a few hours of sun bathing
before going back out into the Streets until 6pm, when we returned back to Radfan Camp.
13th May 1966
Road Blocks in Tawahi in the Morning, a grenade was thrown up in Maalla so we concentrated on
cars coming from that area any car or any one who looked out of place was stopped and searched. We
listed details of all searches done, but nothing was found.
14th May 1966
Another Liner was due in and we were detailed into Tawahi to give extra cover to the foot patrols
There, we went up the back streets and left the main area to the normal patrol and the mobiles. The
locals were talking to us, waving and they seemed happy, we were very aware things were unusual
and kept an extra watch on everything. Did they know we were about to leave!
15th May 1966
Road Blocks in Maalla, Stop and search. We found a car with some ammunition in the back seat,
some 9mm rounds but no gun. We called the search unit who would do a more detailed search
Whilst we carried on doing snap Road Blocks up and down the Maalla Area.We got back to Radfan
Camp, and started to pack up our kit, we were not finished yet but told to pack any kit we did not
require, ready to send down to RAF Khormaksar for return to Tidworth.
16th May 1966
One full day to go....... and into Maalla Main Road to do more patrols. We had lunch in the ASD
and were out into the Streets all afternoon, the families who were guarding their own flats were
chatting to us for a while, we checked the NAAFI and then moved onto the Maalla Main Road, our
last day on the Murder Mile, walked down to the Hedjoff roundabout and then up the Arab side of the
street. Groups of Arabs we gathering near the shops and we kept an eye on them and advised the other
patrols, we continued patrol all night, two on four off, the streets went very quiet just before 11pm
and our thoughts turned to going home, is was a warm night, not many of us slept, we chatted and
played cards, and drank plenty of tea.
17th May 1966
It was soon dawn, and we started to pack up or gear, the lorries arrived about 7am. We left the ASD
and moved down to the Hedjoff Round about and started to drive up the Maalla Main Road, about
half way up we noticed a group of people waving at us, a number of families had got up early and
were out to wave us good-bye, when we reached the top of the street we decided to drive down the
Main Road for the last time, making a bit of a noise, many families were now out on the balconies and
waving, we saluted them and blew the lorries horns, our job was done and we returned to Radfan
Camp for the last time. We packed up our bedding and retuned it to the stores, cleaned and handed in
our weapons and ammunition., a quick drink in the NAAFI and then to the Company office to collect
our travel papers and leave passes not forgetting our overdue and outstanding wages, then on to the
trucks and down to Kharmaksar where a RAF VC 10 was waiting to take us back to the UK..............
RAF VC 10
PICTURES from 1966
Maalla Back Street
View over the Radfan Mountains
Waiting to go on Patrol
CO Flying in
Back home after Aden. 1 August 1966 Minden Day Parade - Tidworth
KINGS OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY 1755-1968
This diary was the day to day life of an ordinary soldier doing his job in a foreign country
It was done under extreme conditions, but with fairness to the locals. We knew that the majority of
them were not terrorist, but normal folk who wanted to get on with their lives as best as they could.
CEDE NULLIS
Yield to none
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