THE KINGS OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY
1755-1968



Aden Diaries
1965-66


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 NINE MONTHS
of
Memories from an old diary



(Stan Green KOYLI)
 

The departure from Gatwick, late at 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 11 pm. 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, and from my window seat I saw a man dressed in white, holding what appeared to be two brightly coloured table-tennis bats, he was waving these to his left and we moved in the same direction. We travelled about a few hundred yards then stopped; we were at the end of the runway. 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 with the 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 and 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.

 

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 3 pm 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 the 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.

We moved through an area called Khormaksar where the RAF had their base. We turned left onto the Coast road and 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 we 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 unloaded 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 5.30 am 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.
 

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 an 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 9 am 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 we drove into town, we passed the local Bazaar, blue smoke lifted from the whole area and 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.

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’x 2’, carried on 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, and 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 doors 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 Bazaar area this was also out of bounds.

We looked down towards the stalls and the maze of narrow streets. Just after the Bazaar 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 as 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 been 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 7 pm before returning to Radfan Camp. We were stood down and after supper 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.
 

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.
 

Foot patrols in Tawahi, an incident when a few 9mm shots were 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
 

Back into Maalla on foot patrols. 2 grenades thrown near the Maalla Relief Road, no injuries, we patrolled all day two on 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.

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 doubled 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 what, 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.

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 Shanty Town, we were picked up from the street and returned back to Radfan Camp just before dark.

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 with 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 finished training and had lunch, we then sat around ready for the next call out, and it came just after 2 pm. A few grenades had been thrown down town and a patrol had been shot at. We moved out to Maalla and started to block roads, 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.
 

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, if they looked suspicious, we stopped them at random and checked the vehicle.

We moved position for another road block and 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 too happy when it was decided that he would be the first to be searched. His car took a little longer than usual, the driver’s 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 thmention of these has b 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, but 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 waited until dawn.
 

All was quiet and we managed to have a good breakfast in the Camp Kitchen without being told to “grab your rifle you’re on your way into town”. After Breakfast we managed to have a shower, change our 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 off 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.

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 flies 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.
 

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 problem and dispersing them was not always easy. We moved out of Radfan as extra cover to patrol the Maalla Main road.

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 9 am 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 the salt intake with salt tablets.

We did a bit of training for Road Blocks and were then allowed to stand down, have a shower and a few hours off.
 

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 a 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 No 3, 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 went up to the Admiralty House post and walked around the gardens for another two hours before supper, another night of two on and four off, the night passed very quietly and without incident.
 

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 stag positions including No 5, 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.
 

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.
 

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.

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 Camp.

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.

A lie in, we were on stand-by 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.

Back on road blocks, one 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.

September 1st 1965 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 when we received a call over the radio that a car had been acting suspiciously in the Steamer 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 Shanty town, we stopped the car and searched 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 was always near our base and would often follow us around. Trouble was always near to where they would set up to film, they seemed 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 Khormaksar 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. 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 Steamer Point. In the afternoon we moved into Tawahi to patrol, the idea of moving from area to area kept you 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.
 

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 4 am, out of camp and in position to start the search at 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 at Radfan Camp

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 and our evening meals 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 chanted 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 and we had to deal with many grenade throwing incidents. We caught one 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 Mobile patrols and were almost immediately called to the airport to 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 through the town blasting our horn and with 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 being relieved we returned to Radfan Camp, only to be put on standby ready to move in thirty minutes.

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 finished 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 roundabout. 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.

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.

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 Shanty 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.
 

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.

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 searched 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.
 

Trouble up in the Mountains of Radfan, we heard that a Major had been shot and injured in Habilayn, The base was attacked by rebels from the Yemen. 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.
 

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 Mansoura Prison at Sheikh Othman.
 

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 rocket 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 8 pm curfew was in place before returning to Radfan Camp.

25th September 1965

The curfew was to be imposed on the whole Aden District from 8 pm to 6 am, 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.

When 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.
 

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, 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 Mansoura 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 an 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 did 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 roundabout. As soon as the curfew was on we moved into Maalla to keep a watch in the Relief Road until late.
 

During the troubles the Port of Aden was closed to most ships, and now with the situation in Steamer Point 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 and 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.
 

We were out by mid morning and doing foot patrols in the Maalla area, but were unexpectedly relieved after lunch and we were able to rest at the Mermaid Club before returning to 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 8 pm. 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.
 

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 Sheikh 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 meant business as 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 Sheikh Othman 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, 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 8 pm we were on duty until 10 pm.
 

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 but 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.

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 4 pm 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 10 pm 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 up a 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.

Out on mobile patrol at the crack of dawn, we chased a wanted car but lost it at the Hedjoff roundabout. 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 until 10 pm, when we returned to Camp and straight to bed.

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.

An early start, we were out before 8 am 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 civvie 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 on 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 roundabout and set up our road block there for the rest of the day.

15th October 1965

Trouble in Sheikh 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 8 pm.

We returned to Radfan Camp but were put on Standby ready to move in 30 minutes. We sat around until 10 pm before the call came to stand down.

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 Shanty 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 and 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.

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 10 pm 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 6 pm, 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 9 pm, 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 searched 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 Sheikh Othman. We were on standby for the evening but were not called out.
 

After Breakfast, we moved out to Dolphin Court and took over the guard room, we patrolled 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.
 

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 and after that, in early December we would be going up country to the Radfan Mountains to a place called Habilayn.

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 bazaar and were given a coffee by the local hotel workers, and 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 were looking forward to a drink, straight back out for another few hours. We were put on standby and sat around waiting for the call out.
 

We continued packing for our trip to Perim 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 Khormaksar Airport for our flight to Perim. The plane was a Beverley. It looked very awkward, like a box with wings. The distance to Perim was about 100 miles 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 thermals lifted and dropped the plane as we flew, we were very pleased 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 operate the installation, which we were there to guard.

We took over duties as soon as we arrived and 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. There was a history of trouble in Perim, nothing in the past few years, but we still could be attacked at any time. The pace was easier and we found time to relax and even swim in the sea near our base.

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 9 am, the following morning being the longest lie in for months.

30th October 1965

We had a late breakfast, washed our own dishes and 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 a 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 word, 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 the Middle East and to London. All very secret, and we were here to guard the base.

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, and 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 were 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.

Bonfire night 5th November and we decided to celebrate with our own little display. We collected wood from around the island and prepared a bonfire, we had a few flares and together with a few thunder flashes and 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 peeling 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 world wars.

We passed the local Arab village, the locals seemed to do all their trading with mainland Yemen, 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 their 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 SLRs at a raft we had launched into the sea.

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 their 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.

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 9 am 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 6 am.

18th November 1965

The plane arrived and we were loaded up and off back to Aden and Radfan Camp arriving 1 pm, 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, but 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 an hours notice.

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 and 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 SLRs we did some more training on the 84mm Carl Gustav.

24th November 1965

Back to Carl Gustav 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 at 5 pm and working
through, finishing at 10 pm.

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 ears 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 Officer 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 roundabout to do more road blocks until gone 11 pm.

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 Shanty 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 were dressed in rags and were 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 calls 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.
 

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.

Mobile Patrols from HMS Sheba, we went to Steamer 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 3 tonner back to Radfan Camp.

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.

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, 121 cars 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 but no one hurt, just a hole in the ground and a few onlookers.

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 and gave it a kick, nothing inside. He said he could see it was empty went he took a closer look and kicked it out of the way.

We had a few more days in the Aden Townships before moving up country to Habilayn.

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 Shanty 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 number 4 Street Tawahi, we kept a watch on the Main Streets and advised the passengers to return to the ship as quickly as they could. It was a quiet night with no further incidents.

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 within 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 and an hour 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.

We moved out of Radfan Camp after Breakfast to Tawahi and Steamer Point. Patrolled up the backstreets and the Crescent. We had lunch at the Government Offices and continued to walk the Streets until 5 pm. All was quiet.

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 Crater Roundabout 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 a drink in the NAAFI and back to the tent to make ready to move up country.
 

The journey up country to Habilayn was done in convoy, moving out of Radfan Camp through Sheikh 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 searched 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 feet 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.

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.

The following morning I was up early to help in the cookhouse with the breakfast, after that we cleaned up and had a walk around the Camp to find the defence positions and familiarise ourselves 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 rounds 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 was 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 Habilayn 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 flares and making notes of the likely ambush spots, these were noted on our maps and DFs (Defensive Fire) points were identified on maps and bearings 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 to 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 5.45 pm 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 flare and run away but this would cause the platoon to stand to 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 around our base before we started to make the evening meal, we had some fresh meat tonight, a change from the normal compo rations. Tonight we were going to have steak and chips followed by sponge pudding and tinned cream, it went down well. We settled down for another long night watching and waiting but nothing happened.

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 to 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 to, a flare had

gone off below the piquet, we watched the flare die out but 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 to again, five men were approaching the piquet, they had answered the pass word and were entering the piquet area, they were an SAS patrol, we let them through and they made their way to the main camp at Habilayn.

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 wadis for another night.

18th December 1965

Handed over the piquet to the new section and returned to base in Habilayn. We were to patrol up the WADI at night to a 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 returned to base early afternoon, cleaned our weapons and had an ammunition check. Stand to 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 it then a mile or so on before returning on the other side of the Wadi. A round trip of about 15 miles, back to Habilayn late afternoon. Stand to 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 to 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 the 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 Habilayn, 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.
 

Christmas day was the same, a long walk up the Wadi to an Arab village, we stayed outside to watch the locals coming and going, then returned to base for tea.

26th December 1965

Boxing Day morning we were up and out before sunrise to a road junction, and stood 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 Habilayn 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 to, after stand down we went and had a drink in the club.

All seemed quiet this time of the year, we were warned that 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 too 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 Habilayn 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 and we talked quietly whilst drinking cold tea, a long way from the celebrations that would be going 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 to ready to assist if called but they managed to handle the situation without extra help.

This was 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 Habilayn after breakfast the next day, in convoy back to Aden. We made good time, the new road section at Leigh was nearly complete and the journey was done in just under 5 hours.

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 trimmings of Christmas, a couple of weeks late but still it was a great night. With the party over it was back to reality and 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 few 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 and we tried to rush things along and get him away to hospital, but they
had no sense of urgency. They bandaged 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 patrols, all was quiet.

6th January 1966

We were in the Guardroom at the back of the house with all self contained facilities. We did two on and 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, just a few local visitors to the house to be checked in and out.

After breakfast we had a walk over to the old gun emplacements to look around. We were soon back on duty and started our stag, 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