Hello from the Colonies. I watched your recap of the Aden Protectorate with great interest. As a 17 year old sailor aboard the USS Eaton DDE 510 USN, I arrived in Aden Harbor in April 1957. We were on Red Sea patrol and shuttled between Aden and Masawa, Eritria for port calls. Both lovely places as you can imagine. On our final departure from Aden we were piped away by the Cameron Highlanders and had a RAF flyby. A very low level flyby, as I was standing on the bridge 37 feet above the water and had to look down to see the aircraft. I learned to drink whisky with no ice at the Rock Hotel and I continue to do so to this day.
@@daveyjuice7710: Actually, we were the fleet. The Eaton patrolled the approaches to the Bab el Mandeb and the USS Bache DDE 470 patrolled the Persian Gulf. If "Sara" was around she probably would have been in the Med. Point of interest: Both the Eaton and the Bache are now sleeping with the fishes. Eaton was sunk as a target ship in the 1970s and Bache was wrecked on Rhodes in 1968.
Interesting. I had heard of Crater Aden and now you’ve put flesh on the bone. If “Mad Mitch” earned respect his troops that’s most important of all. I’d been to the P.D.R. of South Yemen, one of the sweatiest places ever, as BP had a refinery in what was a communist enclave. Strange old world.
I got to know Colin Mitchell in Cambodia in 1990. We were setting up a prosthetics facility and Colin came out to advise on mine clearance in his capacity as head of the Halo Trust. Part of my job was to ‘chaperone’ him - needless to say a thankless task! An extraordinary man.
I never met or even saw mad Mitch but as a member of 47 Regt RA we came under him but as is norm no mention of us. But he was still a favorite of mine.
Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus
Thank you, Chris. My oldest brother (3 Para) saw active service in Aden during that time. What’s more, Mad Mitch was a household name when I was a boy - my dad, a 30 year fighting soldiers, was an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, later 6 (Army) Commando during WWII; commissioned King’s Regiment, attached Herefords during Palestine; attached Malay Regiment during the first Emergency; attached Sarawak Rangers during the Confrontation; attached SAS as jungle warfare instructor; finally attached Singapore Guard Regiment. When I was a small boy growing up in the Far East, he used to carry me to bed playing my leg like it was the chanter on a set of bagpipes while humming The Barren Rocks of Aden. I did the same when my daughter was small. Thank you for the memories, and for shining a light on the Aden conflict.
Has your father ever been back to Sarawak? That's where I'm from and were used to having many ex servicemen back here I much more peaceful times and they've all enjoyed seeing how the place has developed and progressed, much due to ppl like your dad and their incredible sacrifices and service 50 yrs ago
The autobiography of Lt Col Mitchell, "Having Been A Soldier", is well worth reading. The photograph on the front cover is iconic: it speaks to me of courage, discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless commitment and respect for others.
Too True,He inspired some young and old at the time,if not lefties remembering. But even Labour oldies who had served had known officers like him and seemed to respect.
My Dad served with the RAF in Aden in 64 til 66. It was quite a hair raising time. I’m sure my Dad would have enjoyed your video, as he felt that it was a forgotten part of our Forces history. Thank you for your video. 🇬🇧🇺🇦
Not forgotten by this 70 year old,I was fourteen at the time. Mitch and his lads cheered the War 11 Vets and National Service Vets 'No End ' at the time,as I remember.
We had them in the Falklands like mad Mitch.Our ship docked in Aden and we heard a few booms. We weren't allowed ashore.I was cheering our troops in my mind.
He was the only officer not to receive a campaign medal, for his behaviour in Aden , his 1968 resignation stinks he was told to resign our face criminal charges, all officers who resign are given a customary 7 months notice, his was immediately accepted, he and the argylls atrocities were covered up in Aden
@@Robert-catesby-1605 They usually are. The major on the ground on bloody Sunday when 14 civilians were killed was given an award by the queen. When they're given a decoration, to question it questions the entire monarchy. It's basically like a Papal blessing
Well thanks for reminding me of my childhood. I was a school kid in Aden from 1966 to 1967, only a year but remember the armoured school bus with Northumberland Fusiliers guarding us. I remember the gunshots in the night. I was 9 when I was evacuated with all the other families. I went on to join the RAF and served for 28 years. My father (RASC) stayed on till near the end. A very forgotten chapter in British history.
Thanks for talking about this history! I served in Iraq in 2004 and my Son served in Afghanistan twice. This history sounds very familiar. When will we learn?
My father was based in Aden from 1958-1960. He was a surgeon in the RAF. I can remember only a few things from our time there, swimming in the sea at the officer’s club inside of the shark nets, my introduction to rum & butter toffee and vague memories of primary school at Steamer Point. I also remember going on board HMS Bulwark when it paid a visit to Aden.
I was there at the same time. My father was in the RAF, stationed at Khormaksar. I have good memories of our time there, yes even the Steamer Point primary school-except for the frozen milk we were given. The school only went from 8.30 -1pm if I recall correctly as it was deemed too hot to go all day. When we had a new school built on the RAF base we went until 3pm. Yes, we would go into the club at Steamer Point and swim in the netted pools. As strong as those pools were with huge steel posts set into concrete bases and thick chain mesh enclosing the area, the sharks would still get through at times and the pool would be closed until the hole had been fixed. Dad and a few of the chaps from work would hire a boat and go fishing. I caught my first shark when I was 8. We active kids on the base( living quarters) once foiled what we were told was a plot to smuggle munitions off to Yemen. We observed an Arabic worker visiting a large clump of bushes over a couple of weeks so went to take a look. We found a stache of small shells and boxes of bullets and carefully took them to one kid's Dad who was an MP. I can still recall his shocked reaction when we marched into his house carrying live ammo!
@@jenniferfarrar9190 I had forgotten about the school timetable, no school in the afternoon. It’s funny how a faint memory can be triggered, for some reason cream doughnuts rings a bell, also the swimming with the shark nets and there was a diving platform covered in slimy black sea slugs.
@@mike.47 Yes, no matter how faint, the memories are still there. I don't recall cream donuts- it must have been a family thing? I do recall that when we visited Steamer Point and went to Crater we used to go to a restaurant called 'The Red Galleon', and my fave meal was spag bol. There was a shop we also visited. It was like an oriental emporium; at my age, it seemed like Aladdin's cave of treasures. The owner had a pet gazelle I loved. He also had shells like small clams with little carved and painted scenes inside them, beautiful sandalwood fans, Asian fabrics, puzzle boxes, delicate glass wind chimes I had them hanging at my bedroom window, and the sound was so pure. We would spend hours poking around in there before catching the bus back home. By the way, did you and your family go to the designated holiday camp, Nyali, over near Mombasa?
@@jenniferfarrar9190 Yes we did go to Mombasa, and I vaguely remember visiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Going back to England was an adventure too on the ship called SS Dilwara, I’ve even found the passenger list for our voyage home, arriving at Southampton on 23rd June 1960.
My dad severed in Aden in 1964/1965 (RAF) and my youngest sister was born there. I can remember and i was only 4 years old, every time my mum went to the shops a solider always escorting us.
My dad served in Aden (RAF) at that time and I was born at Steamer Point Hospital in Aden. It gave me some issues with getting my passport in later years and even now when I fill in online forms where you need to put place of birth.
@@TheHistoryChap Do you know what unit he served? The ones I remember specifically on escort duty (among front line stuff) were mostly RAF Regiment and Cameronians, also 1 RNF, QDG and quite possibly the Lancs Rgt and P.W.O. (Yorks). I also recall seeing members of 1 RIR (Royal Irish Rangers) with their dark green hackles, rarely mentioned. Not sure if the whole battalion was deployed to Aden. 1 Para were busy over at Sheik Othman and Al Mansura outer districts, two places highly volatile with grenade incidents and shootings more or less 24/7 during 1967.
My father served in Aden in the early 60s with 1st Battalion KOSB and I first went to school while we were stationed there. Your video brought back many memories of that time. Thank you.
This video brings back memories, I served with 45CDO from May until the withdrawal, straight from training, green under the gills, served with some great guys, many no doubt have passed away now, as I'm 74.
@@pam-gw6uk I was on my way back to the UK from the Kuwait issue. I was with 29 Regt RA which then became 29 CDO in May of 1962. A small group of us went up to Dhala by way of an introduction to your - the Marine - way of life. We did the inevitable walk up to Eagles Nest - I think that's what you called it - then, when Zulu Coy were due for Repat the Coy Cdr decided to commemorate the breaking up of his Coy by tabbing back down to Little Aden. The walk back to Little Aden was, to say the least, memorable, but even more memorable for me was that I got Malaria somewhere on the way.
Great story again, Chris, having served in Pakistan in the 1980's for UNICEF I recognise those trible uprisings to witch we, "colonials" were subjected to.and the lack of understanding of politicians of history that lead to so many brave soldiers dying. Thanks again.
Now some of the beggars are bringing those conflicts to The UK (or whats left of it), our forfathers would have treated them to the 'Lahti'or the 'Rope.' Maybe even a company of Sikhs, Jats, or Gurhka's. Our leaders today extend the hand of leniency. It will be bitten off,by some,laughingly.
Thanks for this Chris. My father served in Aden with the royal engineers, I think it was in 63/64, and I grew up with stories of the places you mentioned
I was there at Khormaksar when "Mad Mitch" took Crater back, arriving June 21, 1967 and leaving sometime in September 1967. Served with 1 Squadron RAF Regiment. I was not sorry to leave the place commonly known as the rectum of the world and apparently still remains so.
My maths teacher was invalided out of the RAF after serving in Aden,an extremely imposing figure he was too and one of the few teachers I actually respected! Nothing but respect for these men.
My brother was one of the last RAF personnel to leave Aden, his wife and children had already been evacuated. His last assignment was to go up the Radfan Valley (I think it was the name) and help hold back the Yemenis while the Sappers destroyed all the equipment and materiel that could not be evacuated by sea or air - everything including dental clinics. When he came back to he said he would join Mad Mitch anytime he wanted a mercenary.
There was a Channel 4 TV series made in 1985 called End Of Empire which featured about 10 of the most prominent stories from the winding down of Britain's imperial rule. One of the episodes featured Aden and can be found on UA-cam along with all the other episodes like Rhodesia, Kenya etc. It was also related to a book written by Brian Lapping. It was immensely educational to me to learn so much about British /world history that I had never been exposed to at school (which I left in 1984.
My dad was part of the last unit of the Royal Engineers to leave, he being a T.A . specialist reserve (water well drilling) . Years later, when I was serving with 84sqn RAF at Nicosia, the family came out for a visit. During a conversation with one of our pilots they both realised that his unit was airlifted on a wessex flown by the same pilot....small world isn't it.
I was in the Royal Engineers. At a much later date. However, it seems that the Corps has an odd effect on bringing past events forward and connecting people or friends, aquaintencies, and relatives back together. Sometimes, because those in power are ignorant of historical events. Point in mind, Afganistan, again and again and again! Now, this government is abandoning its support for long-time dependances. Betrayal of it allies and its own population, again.
Superb video about a forgotten conflict, my father was a snowdrop(RAF police) in Aden during the withdrawal during which time he lost a dear friend and as you'd expect doesn't talk much about it, thank you for highlighting the detail 👍
Thanks Chris, I very much enjoyed this video 👍. I did hope you would cover the Aden Emergency 63 - 67 and you certainly have. Lt Col Mitchell and his Argyll’s Battalion will always be remembered for their role in 67, great that you mentioned so many other Army cap badges, RAF, RN and RM, who all served in Aden, under very difficult circumstances. Mitchell did not get his full Colonel or awards due, personally I think that was a great shame. Thanks again and for sharing that your father served in Aden 👍🇬🇧
When I was a kid in the 70's we had a friends living nearby who lost a son/brother in Aden. He served in the SAS and died in a helicopter crash. Doesn't sound like the one mentioned on the video though. Thanks for the video. I know a lot more about the situation now.
Chris, and the Aden Vets who assisted with this research. Thank you for presenting a very balanced view, and in doing so, offering a tribute to all those who served and made sacrifices, not forgetting the innocent British service children also killed. I was in Aden 1966-7 and witnessed the thick end of the insurgency, including narrowly escaping injury from a time delayed mine. It wrecked an aircraft at Khormaksar airfield, but the blast just threw me to the sand. Most nights were spent going to sleep with the sound of grenades, mortars and gunfire. Aden was hot, very hot indeed. But each and every day we lived and went about our lives in full confidence of our strong and marvellous British Army, RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines doing their work under intensely arduous conditions. Of course you cannot possibly name all individual units and the wide spectrum of all those serving in Aden, but if I may include a special mention to the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), disbanded soon after repatriation. They did a wonderful job of protecting families and trying to keep the peace. God bless them. Ditto the many loyal and decent indigenous Adenese, many who served with the British in the Aden Protectorate Levies, always immaculately turned out with their camels. I could name so many more. Proud to say that from a once barren wasteland, the British left Aden with much investment and goodwill in terms of schools, hospitals, a modern airport, cinemas, sewerage, water supply, electricity and modern infrastructure from which to offer a better life.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and to call out the Cameronians and the Aden Levies. The latter were left high and dry when we pulled out (sound familiar?)
The Cameronians were a great Scottish Regiment,disbanded when I was 15 in 1968 I think. They have a fine memorial to the regiment outside The Art Galleries in Glasgow.I have been privilaged to attend Rememberance Services there with mates whose fathers served in the regiment. Working around The West of Scotland for the best part of fifty years I was privilaged to work with many former vets of the Regiment. Many were the tales they had to tell us youngsters. They were all nice guys too.
@@philiprufus4427 My knowledge of the Cameronians were that they were tough, efficient, and like the A&SH, stood no nonsense. Also that they were led properly, the C.O. being the much respected Lt.Col Dow as I recall. They were just the kind of soldiers you want to depend on in a hot spot like Aden. In 1968, the Cameronians voluntarily chose disbandment over amalgamation via reforms of the Labour government. One can only guess why after loyally serving the crown since 1881, and part of a Scottish militia long before that. I recommend to you the compelling speech given by a former Chaplain during the Disbandment Ceremony at Hamilton. I too, had the personal privilege of placing a memorial to them, this one on Plymouth Hoe with kind permission of the Aden Vets. Association and a former officer from the Cameronians who served in Aden.
As I recall, the blown up aircraft was an Aden Air DC 3. I don’t think that we lost any aircraft, even when the revolt took place on the far side of the airfield and the local soldiers shot a young UK officer who came out to see what happened. I remember crawling around on the pan with my friend Nigel Furniss avoiding bullets coming from the army camp.
Very interesting. 45 cdo was where my military health n dentistry was done in the 90s. Ilived a few miles away. Not a marine. The tv dramatisation a few years ago was brilliant. Can't remember name of it. Thank you Sir!
Thank you for this. My father served there in the Royal Anglians. Oddly enough, he seemed to have enjoyed his time there. When I was in the Royal Marines during the early 80s, my sergeant and a couple of the other, older, NCOs told me a few stories about their time over there. I never really understood the circumstances behind it all until now so, job well done.
Thanks for this. My dad was posted to Aden in 1960-63 when i was 10 and first lived in Steamer Point, then Ma’ala, then Khormaksar. In ‘63, my last year there, insurgents were causing problems and our school bus had mesh over the windows and an armed KOSB guard on board. Even so, it was a great place to live as a 10-13 year old. Made a big impression on me.
That was another interesting part of British military history. Thank you for educating me on the history of the British empire and the hardships the military faced as the British empire was being dismantled.
The RN didn't need a coaling station anymore; Aden was surplus to requirement. Plus keeping troops there to expensive in post war Britain With my father I saw 3 x withdrawals around the world.
There was a Channel 4 TV series made in 1985 called End Of Empire which featured about 10 of the most prominent stories from the winding down of Britain's imperial rule. One of the episodes featured Aden and can be found on UA-cam along with all the other episodes like Rhodesia, Kenya etc. It was also related to a book written by Brian Lapping. It was immensely educational to me to learn so much about British /world history that I had never been exposed to at school (which I left in 1984)
You don't get taught British History at school.It was all Russian and German modern history a bit about the Romans.One day spent on the Kings and Queens of England.One of by school mates said he had not heard about the Post war .He thought it was a war at the Post Office.He was right the Post Office has been destroyed.
You are absolutely right. The problem is that the top brass (generals) are cowards who, instead of defending their men, go along with the politicians to preserve their posts and privileges.
The end of Empire was usually very messy and unpleasant. However, it was always better that Britain left its former colonial possessions than try to cling on.
Excellent doc and coverage…It had to be done….and done well…which I believe you have done…duty fulfilled and thanks a million. Only hope that the people of Britain will take an interest that this part of our history deserves. All those men were heroic and all their opponents mere murderers. God bless our People, and our men that went through those undeserved horrors. R.I.P.
Fifties' Sixties and Seventies Britain was a great time to be a kid, teenager and young man,veterans were all around,not just from The Second World War,but the umpteen conflicts after. In fact 1968 was the only year after the war The British Army was not deployed in action then, as far as I know. I year later they were in N I, then there is Oman,which no one was supposed to know about. Nothing bothered the old vets,they had seen it all,so had some of the civvies,no one messed with the cops either. Most of them were ex service.
Really? I have to question one or two of your assertions :- Those 'murderers', some of which, no doubt were murderers, were effectively seeking to Free Their Country of Foreign Occupants. ' Undeserved horrors', surely they were a part and parcel of the mind set whilst dealing with the foreigners. Our forefathers did little to oppose the 1066 invaders, and their subsequent occupation, so perhaps they were less, as your say, heroic.
The only comment I can make is that most of the time the soldiers knew who the enemy was with the exception of N.I. Those of I descent would suffer the most because of their heritage. Has not changed much , still an accident waiting to happen. @@philiprufus4427
My Dad was a Corporal in the RAF hospital at ?Khormaksar from 62-64. We originally lived in Crater until moving to a larger military compound. I was only 5 at the time but remember swimming in the Lido and fishing at Little Aden. I can remember him often packing up Land Rovers to go and set up a mobile hospital in Radfan to treat the Araby Levy troops. Thanks for this blast from the past.
My late father served there as a WO1 in the RAOC. My brother and I were kids and remember the night the married quarters were attacked. The Para's and Argyles were barracked nearby. We were evacuated a couple days later. Now a 67 aged pensioner, I still have vivid memories of the place.
An very important Video to document history. My grandfather was from the Alawlqi tribe, one of the 9 protectorates during the British colonial era. Rip to your father.
My wifes father served in aden as a national serviceman, he was in the P.O.W. yorkshire regmt , he was in a mortar platoon but was used mainly as an infantryman, he is still alive today.
Fully enjoy yr channel. Its like a whos who of campaigns of my old regiment. 1st Bn The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The legend Col Mitchell made a visit/tour of the battalion at Redford Barracks,Edinburgh in the early 80s and is still held in the very highest regards by all ranks of the regiment . Ne Obliviscaris Sans Peur
Sir I enjoyed your video lecture on the subject. This is another example of spineless politicians, and a brave innovative commander. Who used his extensive experience too bring to heal a rebel foce, and near a successful end then thwarted at every step there after.
Its always the same,, 2 politicians disagree with each other and the next we know both countries are at war...why are/were they not in the front line since it is/was their disagreement in the 1st place?
My dad served out there in ‘67. he was an RAF engineering Warrant Officer responsible for the Hunter Squadrons. He wrote home to my mum and said, ‘don’t believe all you read in the papers out here, the reporters spend most of their time sitting in the mess drinking,’. He told me of the mad panic to evacuate RAF Khormaksar, they were cannibalising aircraft to get as many serviceable as possible, what was left were blown up. In typical MOD fashion, the camp had recently gone through an upgrade to the married quarters, even though they knew it was going to be handed back in the late 60’s. I’m sure many ex servicemen could identify with that style of forward planning.
Very much so LoL In Osnabruck in the late 90's early 2000's a brand new Gym all singing all dancing and a brand new cookhouse were built only for it all to be handed back to the German Stadt on DRAWDOWN in 2009 !!
had the renovation on close down happen when 60MU at RAF Leconfield in east Yorkshire, I asked why all the roads were being resurfaced and was told that when contracts had been awarded they had to be completed or there were penalty payments hence places got refurbished, Leconfield was turned over to the Army in the end to become a driver training unit so the road refurb was handy in this case.
Very informative, Chris. Thanks. My father, served at in Aden in the RAF between 1940 and 1944. His story is featured in "Real Stories of World War II" edited by Ken Follett. Here's a reprint: My father, Carson Morton, an Irishman, served in the RAF in No. 8 Squadron and was stationed near Aden, Yemen. He saw action in Somaliland against the Italians. In order to travel to the Khormaksar airbase for some much-needed R&R, he and three other men were assigned to an old two-seater bi-plane, a Vickers Vilderbeest. They formed two pairs, each pair with a pilot, and tossed a coin - a penny - to see who got to sit in the open-air seats and who had to crouch in the airless fuselage. My father and his friend lost, so they crawled into the fuselage. Shortly after take-off, the plane hit an air pocket and nose- dived into the sand. The two men in the open-air seats were decapitated. My father and his friend were unhurt. While my father kept vigil over the bodies, his friend walked back to base for help. My father lived a long life, raised three children, and eventually moved the family, with our mother, to the United States. All on the flip of a coin.
Very interesting. I enjoy learning about events like this in the latter days of the Empire. I read many books about the Empire when I was much younger, but never learned about this. Thank you for your continued excellence!
Amazing stuff! Total British Bulldog spirit! Aden was a lost cause by that point and not worth fighting over but Mad Mitch was going to leave on his own terms and not be chased out! I think the SAS were also active in Aden at that time.
The SAS were very active at that time. I’m former Special Forces and I remember the soldiers and the stories they came back with, plus the Aden bar to their GSM Medal. And obviously, we moved into Dhofar, with the resultant swaray there. Take care and, thank you
My Dad was one of 30 Black Watch that served in Crater with the Argyles in 67. That was a very diplomatic description of events. He used to tell stories about it. They aren't for polite conversation round the dinner table.
"Mad Mitch" was a great A&SH officer that had to sort out what politicians caused. A solid British hero. We either shape the world or we are shaped by it and the pithy critics of the British Empire on here remind me of what Roosevelt once said about such types. That It is not the critic who counts for these cold and timid souls shall neither know victory nor defeat.
@@TheHistoryChap I'm visiting the Kabul British Cemetery in Kabul with a Captain John Cook VC who died in the 2nd Afghan war around Christmas time in 1879. I think his brother died a few days before. Regardless of the rights or wrongs of colonialism, the individual stories of men dying far from home can't fail to touch and inspire.
I completely agree with you. Having kicked the British out with the help of the Soviet Union, ( Russian imperialism in disguise ) have the local people gained a better quality of life? They are now pawns of either the Iranians or the Saudis, neither of which actually care for them. There are so many places in the world that have become failed states once British influence receded. Funny old thing, having hated us and kicked us out, then where do they want to travel to as refugees, assylum seekers or migrants?
Thank you,let the blighters look to some of the other Empires if they have need of GENOCIDE ! The German,Dutch,Italian,Belgian or Portugese or Spanish come to mind. Then there's The French ! still in a colonial war in the sixties. Oh Sorry ! I missed out The Japanese and Imperial and Post 1917 Russia, even America,(From the Shores of Montezuma,to The Shores of Tripoli - Also The Philipines, - God Bless The US Marines,you get to join if you are African American or Asian also,just be a Marine ! The understanding of History of some of todays kiddiewinkies is terrifying. Try sitting in the road in some countries ! You will find yourself looking at the underside of an armoured vehicle.
A very well balanced commentary on a very frustrating and enervating political crisis. The military experience was also debilitating - long hours of boredom and sweaty discomfort, interspersed with brief episodes of manic terror. My father was there in 1958, in 1 PWO's first overseas posting. It was my first posting in 1966, and we returned briefly in 1967. At about the 7 minute mark in the video, a couple of my contemporaries are shown on patrol in Crater. This was in the days before the Regiment regained its White Horse capbadge, and we wore the White Rose of the Yorkshire Brigade in our berets.
3:39 The littlest Soldier. I believe we've found him. This was an outstanding history lesson, and the picture of the little fellow standing at full attention with the full-sized fellows makes one wonder where he came from and how he fared.
I ws at Khormaksar when we left Aden. It was a classic organised withdrawal and NOTHING like the debacle at Kabul. 45 Commando formed the rear guard as an impeccable fighting command and ensured the last helicopter evacuations. I had previously been part of MEC Command at Steamer Point. Barry Fryer (now 80)
Hey Chris ... very nicely done, as always. A great deal of preparation evident in all your postings. Stay young, remain vertical and cheers, Dr. Ric, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Another gripping adventure , excellent work. Thank You. Any chance of covering the exploits of Mad Mike Hoare and Sandline International/Executive outcomes? Cheers
Mad Mike ? now there's 'a blast from the past'. Once introduced himself to a Jap truck driver in Burma as a young Chindit. The Jap queried him,so Mad Mike cut the mans head off with a machete. Some lovely people you meet in The British armed Forces. Mad Mike got promoted and went on to become a mercenary in Africa.
Thank you for covering the Aden Emergency, the tales from the Colonial wars and the end of the British Empire don't get enough recognition. Any chance of you doing a video about the British in Oman,and the attack on Mirbat?
I was also posted to Aden/South Jemen in late 1966 as a British Army Medic attached HQ Anglians. The A&SH were not folks you'd want to encounter on any occasion. Absolute solid soldiers! I had fleeting meetings with "Mad Mitch" and can only concur that he was very much a "soldiers' soldier". He knew what he was demanding from his troops and expected the corresponding results. Unfortunately, I was wounded by a grenade blast (as a Medic) in September 1967 and EVACUd on the same day to, first Cyrus, and then to the UK. I variously served in Singapour Lines at Khormaksar, the Crabs' Hospital at Steamer Point and Camp Dahla up on the border of what was South Jemen. MsG
How dare you fly an Irish Tricolour on an article glorifying British brutality against native people as they have done in the 4 corners of the world including Ireland
Some of that brutality must have been carried out by Irishmen then, The Dublin Fusilers,The Munsters,The Leinsters,The Connnaught Rangers, The RIC. Even a third of The RIC Auxiliary (The Auxies) were Irish some were even Canadian,American, Australian or New Zealand. A Pound a day went a long way in 1920,particularily if you had just had a couple of years in the Western Front or Middle East. Your own Tom Barry fell into that category apparently,his dad was also an Inspector in The RIC. Nothing is what it seems. @@aidanmoore8499
@@aidanmoore8499Have you any idea the amount of irishmen of both religions that garrisoned the 4 corners of the empire.How many irishmen fought in ww1 compared to the Easter rising .
It’s confusing to me that some Scots glorify their part in iimperialism. I know all people of the British Isles through lack of economic opportunity joined up and helped trample other peoples lives but it wasn’t something to b proud of. Not that we are th only ones!
Thankyou so much for this content. Brought back many memories of my days then as Naval Air Mechanic, part of 848 Naval Air Commando Squadron embarked aboard HMS Albion. Wessex HU Mk 5 callsign 'E' pictured, was my cab for much of our stay. We departed en route for Singapore, and Christmas.
Thank you for this My Dad was one of those marines to leave also my uncle I've not seen much about Aden apart from snippets as the old man didn't talk about it much if at all He was all over the world doing what ever was needed!?
That brings back memories Chris as I served with the RAF in Aden 1965-67. I was a Radio operator with the Marine Craft unit. Quite exciting as on one occaision we were tasked to patrol the waters of the harbour at night in a small boat and stop & search the various craft that plied between the shore and merchant ships. Just two of us, I had a backpack radio and a rusty sten with 2 mags and the other guy drove the boat and did the searches. All very dads army!. On another night patrol in a bigger boat( Crew of 7)we had 4 SAS soldiers with firepower with us. Only real action I saw was being the target of a sniper who bullets we heard but no one was hit and a hand grenade that rolled past me as I was exiting a bar. That did not go off as the pin had not been pulled. Spirits were kept high in our unit as the film Zulu came round every week.
I lived in a shared house in 1992. There was a guy called Jimmy who served in Aden and possibly Vietnam, He told me some incredible stories about his experiences, The events in Aden concerning a sea mine defusing and an informer being 'turned' were memorable.
My Grandfather was based there as an RAF flight sergeant and took his family in the early 1960s. My grandmother, mother, uncle and aunt lived there for 3 years. They went out on a troopship and flew back on a propeller airliner. They had a holiday in Mombasa from Aden. Virtually unheard of early 1960s UK. Mum's impressions of Aden, however, were not great!
Your mention of Mombasa brought back to memory of a guy (name withheld) who I served with at R.A.F. Digby in the early 60's. He did a one year tour on Ghan. He went to Mombasa for a holiday. approximately 6 weeks after his return to Ghan, a dose of the Clap broke out on his privates. When reporting to the sick bay, the M.O. wouldn't believe his story, i.e. the delayed period before his 'break out', and more or less accussed him of puff activity amonst the male only population on the island. Ultimatley , his condition was cured. ps He was Irish!
What a bloody great chap! he sounds like a Richie McCaw type of bloke! Great stuff! Love from Christchurch New Zealand! A sensible decision in the end. I can remember this back here in NZ, cripes we were so Pro Britain and Empire back then... we still love the Brits, the real ones.
My dad was an RAF Argosy pilot based at Aden along with a 4 year old me, my mother and baby sister. There is an Argosy in the background of the shot of General Tower at 14:50 - could be my old dad at the controls - you never know. We lived in a block of flats near Tarshyne beach and one of our neighbors in the flat below was killed when an RPG was fired into his flat. Our much loved amah (nanny) Hadil, a local Yemeni woman, was shot up with a submachine gun for "collaborating" with the British, though fortunately lived. We were all evacuated back to the UK during the emergency - I remember the evacuation at night during which we came under fire - a stray round clipped the edge of my shoe. Hadil (means "cooing of pigeons") came too as she had no family or tribe to protect her and became our live-in adopted auntie/granny (nobody including her knew how old she was). She couldn't read and never really learned English, so my sister and I grew up bilingual in English and Yemeni Arabic so we would read for her and translate anything complex that needed to be discussed between my parents and Hadil. She was a huge character and was greatly feared by the local shop keepers in the UK as she insisted on haggling over everything and would yell at them in Arabic and broken English until they gave up and gave her a better price on a tin of beans or whatever, just to get her out of the shop.
As a former soldier of 20 years, I look now at an awful lot of the conflicts since the end of WW2 and ask myself: "Why?" But then I remind myself, that the soldiers involved (after 1963 at least) were all Regular Army, professionals who took pride in their trade. Theirs not to reason why, etc., etc. I personally only ever considered the 'job' and my mates and subordinates - not the great political strategies which are fleeting compared to the comradeship of the troops. Great video (as are they all), many thanks.
The treatment of Mitchell after returning from Eden was likely to make an example of him as a warning to any other similar-minded officers in the British military. It's sad that Mitchell's daring aggressiveness would have won him accolades and adulation earlier but the current mindset of the politicians and higher ups instead aborted what could have been a promising military career for a brave man.
Note that he was promoted from the ranks. This was a dangerous job and the 'old boys club' were not about to send one of their own. After having prevented a bloodbath, rather than being congratulated he was blamed for the few casualties. It was ever thus. P.S. I was there '60' to '62', all peace & quiet then.
I did two tours in Aden, the first in 1965 in the Radfan and the second up until the handover in 1967. I was A Rock Ape with 2 sqd RAF Regiment Para and was there when Mad Mitch marched into the crater. However it should also be said that the Argyles were not completely alone, there were snipers and support back up from other units including mine. We too have brothers in The Silent Valley Cemetery. Per Ardua. 3:51
My bro was there with The Cameronians Scottish Rifles I believe 1966...had photos of him and his buddies up in the mountains (Radfan) on lookout for long periods as well as their quarters which were in tents. They were very young soldiers but did what they had to. Talked about how the children had to be escorted to/from school and the ladies being escorted by bus to the shops for groceries. They also had to go into the desert as the insurgents were known to poison the wells. Lots of conflict and danger and that was before Mad Mitch. Lots of soldiers lost their lives there.
I was in Aden - RAF Khormaksar - and didn't leave for RAF Sharjah until just weeks before we finally left. Mad Mitch was a hero to us too. (The RAF invariably gets forgotten in all this.) It's interesting (at least to me!) that if anyone these days ever asks to see my medal (my GSM - "For Campaign Service") they always ask why the clasp reads "South Arabia" rather then "Aden." In future I'll point them to this video! It really is one of the forgotten campaigns.
Excellent narration. My father served there as RAF Regiment. True the marines were last to leave by sea. The RAF Regiment secured the airfield for withdrawal and were the last out. My father was in the last aircraft out. He saw action out there.
Just saw this tonight, and thanks for your work sir. I joined a certain regiment in 1984, and a recruit, a lot older than I at 20, was in trg as well. His name was Andy .... He served in Aden, with The Argyle's and his story was unbelievable. He told us that they came under fire from a minaret, and they smashed the door in and went FIBUA on the enemy. He said that when they entered to clear the toilets, he kicked open a door and looked down the barrel of the longest barrel of a pistol he'd ever seen, and it went click. He put at least 20 rounds of 7.62 into him in fright. I don't think the fella survived lol though he never mentioned it! Andy died, in Ulster, on a BFT, in Portadown garrison, massive heart attack. I believe he'd reached the dizzy heights of C/Sgt. Im sure someone will correct the date etc, but I've always thought of him. He held Col Mitchell in great esteem and felt that the man looked after his men. GBNF
The last RAF aircraft that was based at Khormaksar, Dakota KN452 flew out a few days before the Royal Marines left. Flying via Jeddah, Cairo, ElAdam, Frejus and into Kemble. Long flight and we only just made it because of icing over France - no deicing on the Aden Dakota! Making history, very exciting Mike Isherwood-Bennett, Jerry Schellong and me. RIP Mike and Jerry.
A very dear Friend of my Dad won the M.C. at Aiden. Sadly they lost contact. We still had people in this Country at that time who had a pair of balls. If they saw this place now, they would cry.
@@philiprufus4427 In agreement with that. But it's done now my friend. We come from the East End and we saw this shit building there when I was young, I'm 53 now, and I absolutely dread watching the last remnants of everything that my family fought for being dismantled and trashed before my eyes. Our own are worthless ingrates let alone the crap we've let in. I wish I could piss off somewhere so I didn't have to have my heart broken daily. Those poor souls who gave their everything for this place, what a waste.
My Dad was at RAF Komraksar from 1965/66. I was one month old when he left, but he was out of there by the time Dennis Healey announced we would be pulling out and never could understand why we announced our decision to leave but left our military personnel there to be shot at for over a year thereafter.
I served in the RAF at Khormaksor from 1966 to 1967. I remember the uprising and what happened in Crater. We were very angry because of the softly softly tactics in use. The action taken by Lt Col Mitchell lifted our morale. I flew out from Khormaksor in November 1967 with a sense of shame at the surrender to terrorists. The way Mitchell was treated was a disgrace. I am afraid the British bull dog had become a poodle.
Thank you Chris for the research and presentation. Father was Royal Navy 1963 in Aden. Heard the stories but sadly didnt understand the politics. The irony you alluded to regarding Afghanistan and now Yemen is a telling reminder about history repeating itself even though the current situation is totally different.
@@TheHistoryChap Some of those (levies) turned their guns on the Brits and killed the second in comand of The Argylls and two of his men while being shown the patch by the Fusiliers who also copped it. Many of the British Public were not impressed and Mitch and his Boys could have a 'Free Hand' as far as they were concerned. There was one survivor from the eight man two Rover patrol. Corporal Mike Story I think. Try and catch 'End of Empire,' Aden, used to be on youtube. The Corporals tale and ultimate escape is unbelievable. He was a very fortunate man. Good Luck to him.
In 1969, we were training for deployment to N Ireland, the riot kit had banners which we assumed stated “go home, or we will be very cross” as it was in Arabic it could have said anything. In one tiny point the Marines were evacuated by Wessex helicopters not Wasps, the Wasp being only a 4 seater. One of the Wessex's was flown by my brother.
My Grandad was in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during The Aden Emergency and The Battle of Crater, I didn't know an awful lot about it so thanks for the video. My Grandad had somewhat of a falling out with Mad Mitch during the battle. I'd quite like to read more about The A&SH from 1950-75 (roughly the years my Grandad served with them)
I was around 11 when this happened and on the front page of the Express? Mail? I can’t remember which , was a photograph of a soldier , I think wearing an eye patch , or beard, and the headline then was “ The last British soldier to leave Aden”. I remember my Dad being very upset about it, but of course I didn’t understand it all now I do . Thank you.
My RAF family lived in Aden during the early part of the conflict. As a youngster, I loved the sight of Shackletons and Hawker Hunters constantly taking off and landing. My mother worked for the Yemeni sheik. Life was pretty easy - we could afford a servant! But the writing was on the wall and we were sent back to England. Aden became a backwater, losing the tourist trade and allowing the Russians to fill the gap.
Just found your channel great stuff .This video interests me ,my father in law was in Aden although Scottish he served with the Royal Corp of transport in the crater . unfortunately my FIL through the years came back with post tramoutic stress ,dur to an incident there ,he was ordered to stay back and do chores whilst others went out ,the poor guys got Ambushed he lost s lot of friends due to this and to this day feels so guilty of not being there ,he met Mad Mitch ,and the few conversations about this conflict ,he says a jock got killed by sniper ,Col Mitchell ordered a howitzer to demolish the snipers house ,my father in law knew a lot of Argylls being from the same area as most of them .
My Form Teacher in High School, in New Zealand, in 1964, was a Scotsman and veteran of Aden. I recall him telling me a colourful story of how while on vehicle patrol in Aden he was shot in the leg. He said a wog jumped out of the shadows and emptied his Stengun at the Landover. A round went through the door and hit him on the buckle on his sock [can't recall what he actually called it now, but he was in kilt at the time]. He said that the buckle took the remaining energy of the bullet and left him with a fairly minor superficial wound. He said that the "Boys" in the Landrover had opened up on the Arab and dropped him in the street, where he went over to see the man who tried to kill him. He said he was amazed at the smell of roast pork. [From the bullet wounds in the Arab]. My teacher was Jimmy Horne and he had been a Corporal in Aden. I remained friends with him until his death - great guy, great teacher, RIP.
@raycorrigan3297, That would be an Eastern Oriental Gentleman. Facial features and general stature are different. Wogs are more "European" in looks. However, it is a euphonium for a derogatory term. [Euphemism - no, that's not a brass musical instrument].
Hello from the Colonies. I watched your recap of the Aden Protectorate with great interest. As a 17 year old sailor aboard the USS Eaton DDE 510 USN, I arrived in Aden Harbor in April 1957. We were on Red Sea patrol and shuttled between Aden and Masawa, Eritria for port calls. Both lovely places as you can imagine. On our final departure from Aden we were piped away by the Cameron Highlanders and had a RAF flyby. A very low level flyby, as I was standing on the bridge 37 feet above the water and had to look down to see the aircraft.
I learned to drink whisky with no ice at the Rock Hotel and I continue to do so to this day.
Thank you for sharing your memories. It is those little facts that make history interesting.
Whiskey no ice, ironically at the Rock Hotel.
Not much of a rock hotel, if they haven’t got any ice. 😄
Was Saratoga on the fleet.
@@daveyjuice7710: Actually, we were the fleet. The Eaton patrolled the approaches to the Bab el Mandeb and the USS Bache DDE 470 patrolled the Persian Gulf. If "Sara" was around she probably would have been in the Med.
Point of interest: Both the Eaton and the Bache are now sleeping with the fishes. Eaton was sunk as a target ship in the 1970s and Bache was wrecked on Rhodes in 1968.
Interesting. I had heard of Crater Aden and now you’ve put flesh on the bone. If “Mad Mitch” earned respect his troops that’s most important of all. I’d been to the P.D.R. of South Yemen, one of the sweatiest places ever, as BP had a refinery in what was a communist enclave. Strange old world.
I got to know Colin Mitchell in Cambodia in 1990. We were setting up a prosthetics facility and Colin came out to advise on mine clearance in his capacity as head of the Halo Trust. Part of my job was to ‘chaperone’ him - needless to say a thankless task! An extraordinary man.
I never met or even saw mad Mitch but as a member of 47 Regt RA we came under him but as is norm no mention of us. But he was still a favorite of mine.
Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven
There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today
Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell
Come to Jesus Christ today
Jesus Christ is only way to heaven
Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void
Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today
Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today
Holy Spirit Can give you peace guidance and purpose and the Lord will
John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Mark 1.15
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Jesus
Thank you, Chris. My oldest brother (3 Para) saw active service in Aden during that time. What’s more, Mad Mitch was a household name when I was a boy - my dad, a 30 year fighting soldiers, was an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, later 6 (Army) Commando during WWII; commissioned King’s Regiment, attached Herefords during Palestine; attached Malay Regiment during the first Emergency; attached Sarawak Rangers during the Confrontation; attached SAS as jungle warfare instructor; finally attached Singapore Guard Regiment. When I was a small boy growing up in the Far East, he used to carry me to bed playing my leg like it was the chanter on a set of bagpipes while humming The Barren Rocks of Aden. I did the same when my daughter was small. Thank you for the memories, and for shining a light on the Aden conflict.
Thanks for sharing your story. Glad it brought back memories
And now the TV adverts wanting us to send money because the greed of the local rulers
Good story man cool
Huge respect. My own father was in the parachute regiment in Palestine.
Has your father ever been back to Sarawak? That's where I'm from and were used to having many ex servicemen back here I much more peaceful times and they've all enjoyed seeing how the place has developed and progressed, much due to ppl like your dad and their incredible sacrifices and service 50 yrs ago
The autobiography of Lt Col Mitchell, "Having Been A Soldier", is well worth reading. The photograph on the front cover is iconic: it speaks to me of courage, discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless commitment and respect for others.
Yes it is a good read.
Too True,He inspired some young and old at the time,if not lefties remembering.
But even Labour oldies who had served had known officers like him and seemed to respect.
Courage, discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless commitment, our current politicians, of all sides, no longer recognise these qualities.
My Dad served with the RAF in Aden in 64 til 66. It was quite a hair raising time.
I’m sure my Dad would have enjoyed your video, as he felt that it was a forgotten part of our Forces history.
Thank you for your video. 🇬🇧🇺🇦
Not forgotten by this 70 year old,I was fourteen at the time.
Mitch and his lads cheered the War 11 Vets and National Service Vets 'No End ' at the time,as I remember.
Very kind of you. Thanks.
What part of ukraine is British? None? Then don't dare post that rag next to the Union Jack.
@@RustieFawn get over yourself lad
My father also served in the RAF in Aden and was nearly blown up.... he never spoke about it much.
The country needs more people like Mad Mitch.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
No relation to Mad Mike Hoare?
Patriots so often betrayed by the politicos.
We still have them. Don't worry. Anachronistic and out of vogue, but still around.
We had them in the Falklands like mad Mitch.Our ship docked in Aden and we heard a few booms. We weren't allowed ashore.I was cheering our troops in my mind.
Mitchell’s General Service Medal had five clasps on it at the end of his career. His experience was quite extensive for a post war British officer.
Thanks for sharing
@@TheHistoryChap
HE WAS A DINOSAUR.
The argylls were hated in Ireland.
Check google images.
"black wogs ....green wogs"
He was the only officer not to receive a campaign medal, for his behaviour in Aden , his 1968 resignation stinks he was told to resign our face criminal charges, all officers who resign are given a customary 7 months notice, his was immediately accepted, he and the argylls atrocities were covered up in Aden
@@Robert-catesby-1605
If you go to google images you can see the argyll ans sutherlands in N.Ireland only a few years later.
@@Robert-catesby-1605
They usually are. The major on the ground on bloody Sunday when 14 civilians were killed was given an award by the queen. When they're given a decoration, to question it questions the entire monarchy. It's basically like a Papal blessing
Well thanks for reminding me of my childhood. I was a school kid in Aden from 1966 to 1967, only a year but remember the armoured school bus with Northumberland Fusiliers guarding us. I remember the gunshots in the night. I was 9 when I was evacuated with all the other families. I went on to join the RAF and served for 28 years.
My father (RASC) stayed on till near the end.
A very forgotten chapter in British history.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks
Thanks for your support & for watching my video
Thanks for talking about this history! I served in Iraq in 2004 and my Son served in Afghanistan twice. This history sounds very familiar. When will we learn?
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
When will we learn to tell the politicians to piss off, do you mean?
seems to be a common denominator re stan and iraq,a certain war criminal called blair whom the establishment have sheltered once again
Thanks for your Service, respect means one cannot comment on Politicians and Elites Business interests in these conflicts.
@@davesherry5384 when will we learn not to get involved in other people's countries
My father was based in Aden from 1958-1960. He was a surgeon in the RAF. I can remember only a few things from our time there, swimming in the sea at the officer’s club inside of the shark nets, my introduction to rum & butter toffee and vague memories of primary school at Steamer Point.
I also remember going on board HMS Bulwark when it paid a visit to Aden.
Thanks for taking the time to share those childhood memories
I was there at the same time. My father was in the RAF, stationed at Khormaksar. I have good memories of our time there, yes even the Steamer Point primary school-except for the frozen milk we were given. The school only went from 8.30 -1pm if I recall correctly as it was deemed too hot to go all day. When we had a new school built on the RAF base we went until 3pm. Yes, we would go into the club at Steamer Point and swim in the netted pools. As strong as those pools were with huge steel posts set into concrete bases and thick chain mesh enclosing the area, the sharks would still get through at times and the pool would be closed until the hole had been fixed. Dad and a few of the chaps from work would hire a boat and go fishing. I caught my first shark when I was 8. We active kids on the base( living quarters) once foiled what we were told was a plot to smuggle munitions off to Yemen. We observed an Arabic worker visiting a large clump of bushes over a couple of weeks so went to take a look. We found a stache of small shells and boxes of bullets and carefully took them to one kid's Dad who was an MP. I can still recall his shocked reaction when we marched into his house carrying live ammo!
@@jenniferfarrar9190 I had forgotten about the school timetable, no school in the afternoon. It’s funny how a faint memory can be triggered, for some reason cream doughnuts rings a bell, also the swimming with the shark nets and there was a diving platform covered in slimy black sea slugs.
@@mike.47 Yes, no matter how faint, the memories are still there. I don't recall cream donuts- it must have been a family thing? I do recall that when we visited Steamer Point and went to Crater we used to go to a restaurant called 'The Red Galleon', and my fave meal was spag bol. There was a shop we also visited. It was like an oriental emporium; at my age, it seemed like Aladdin's cave of treasures. The owner had a pet gazelle I loved. He also had shells like small clams with little carved and painted scenes inside them, beautiful sandalwood fans, Asian fabrics, puzzle boxes, delicate glass wind chimes I had them hanging at my bedroom window, and the sound was so pure. We would spend hours poking around in there before catching the bus back home. By the way, did you and your family go to the designated holiday camp, Nyali, over near Mombasa?
@@jenniferfarrar9190 Yes we did go to Mombasa, and I vaguely remember visiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Going back to England was an adventure too on the ship called SS Dilwara, I’ve even found the passenger list for our voyage home, arriving at Southampton on 23rd June 1960.
My dad severed in Aden in 1964/1965 (RAF) and my youngest sister was born there. I can remember and i was only 4 years old, every time my mum went to the shops a solider always escorting us.
I have a friend who landed the job of guarding the wives & children whilst swimming
My dad served in Aden (RAF) at that time and I was born at Steamer Point Hospital in Aden. It gave me some issues with getting my passport in later years and even now when I fill in online forms where you need to put place of birth.
@@TheHistoryChap Do you know what unit he served? The ones I remember specifically on escort duty (among front line stuff) were mostly RAF Regiment and Cameronians, also 1 RNF, QDG and quite possibly the Lancs Rgt and P.W.O. (Yorks).
I also recall seeing members of 1 RIR (Royal Irish Rangers) with their dark green hackles, rarely mentioned. Not sure if the whole battalion was deployed to Aden.
1 Para were busy over at Sheik Othman and Al Mansura outer districts, two places highly volatile with grenade incidents and shootings more or less 24/7 during 1967.
@@sharonlarsen3642Wot you expect dealing with office wallahs
I was there in 67 as a bairn my dad stationed there with the r h a
My father served in Aden in the early 60s with 1st Battalion KOSB and I first went to school while we were stationed there. Your video brought back many memories of that time. Thank you.
Glad it brought back some memories
This video brings back memories, I served with 45CDO from May until the withdrawal, straight from training, green under the gills, served with some great guys, many no doubt have passed away now, as I'm 74.
Thank you for watching
I knew an ex 45 commando Jimmie Quinne, told me many storys of aden he was hard as a hammer
Did you, by any chance, do the Tab from Dhala down to Little Aden when Zulu Coy were due for Repat.
@@briangoggin3382 Sorry can't recall that, I was In Yankee Coy, so long ago, much of It a blur now.
@@pam-gw6uk I was on my way back to the UK from the Kuwait issue. I was with 29 Regt RA which then became 29 CDO in May of 1962. A small group of us went up to Dhala by way of an introduction to your - the Marine - way of life. We did the inevitable walk up to Eagles Nest - I think that's what you called it - then, when Zulu Coy were due for Repat the Coy Cdr decided to commemorate the breaking up of his Coy by tabbing back down to Little Aden. The walk back to Little Aden was, to say the least, memorable, but even more memorable for me was that I got Malaria somewhere on the way.
Great story again, Chris, having served in Pakistan in the 1980's for UNICEF I recognise those trible uprisings to witch we, "colonials" were subjected to.and the lack of understanding of politicians of history that lead to so many brave soldiers dying. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing your experiences
Now some of the beggars are bringing those conflicts to The UK (or whats left of it), our forfathers would have treated them to the 'Lahti'or the 'Rope.' Maybe even a company of Sikhs, Jats, or Gurhka's.
Our leaders today extend the hand of leniency. It will be bitten off,by some,laughingly.
@@philiprufus4427Pakistani and Arab islamists just staged a 100,000 person March in London. Good luck in dealing with that mess
Thanks for this Chris. My father served in Aden with the royal engineers, I think it was in 63/64, and I grew up with stories of the places you mentioned
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
I was there at Khormaksar when "Mad Mitch" took Crater back, arriving June 21, 1967 and leaving sometime in September 1967. Served with 1 Squadron RAF Regiment. I was not sorry to leave the place commonly known as the rectum of the world and apparently still remains so.
My maths teacher was invalided out of the RAF after serving in Aden,an extremely imposing figure he was too and one of the few teachers I actually respected!
Nothing but respect for these men.
Thanks for sharing
My brother was one of the last RAF personnel to leave Aden, his wife and children had already been evacuated. His last assignment was to go up the Radfan Valley (I think it was the name) and help hold back the Yemenis while the Sappers destroyed all the equipment and materiel that could not be evacuated by sea or air - everything including dental clinics. When he came back to he said he would join Mad Mitch anytime he wanted a mercenary.
Thank you so much for sharing
Thank you for this Chris, I have been aware of the Aden Emergency since I was a kid, but I never took it upon myself to learn all of the details.
Hope you enjoyed it
There was a Channel 4 TV series made in 1985 called End Of Empire which featured about 10 of the most prominent stories from the winding down of Britain's imperial rule. One of the episodes featured Aden and can be found on UA-cam along with all the other episodes like Rhodesia, Kenya etc. It was also related to a book written by Brian Lapping. It was immensely educational to me to learn so much about British /world history that I had never been exposed to at school (which I left in 1984.
My dad was part of the last unit of the Royal Engineers to leave, he being a T.A . specialist reserve (water well drilling) . Years later, when I was serving with 84sqn RAF at Nicosia, the family came out for a visit. During a conversation with one of our pilots they both realised that his unit was airlifted on a wessex flown by the same pilot....small world isn't it.
Probably knew my husband
I was in the Royal Engineers. At a much later date. However, it seems that the Corps has an odd effect on bringing past events forward and connecting people or friends, aquaintencies, and relatives back together. Sometimes, because those in power are ignorant of historical events. Point in mind, Afganistan, again and again and again! Now, this government is abandoning its support for long-time dependances. Betrayal of it allies and its own population, again.
Superb video about a forgotten conflict, my father was a snowdrop(RAF police) in Aden during the withdrawal during which time he lost a dear friend and as you'd expect doesn't talk much about it, thank you for highlighting the detail 👍
Thanks Chris, I very much enjoyed this video 👍. I did hope you would cover the Aden Emergency 63 - 67 and you certainly have. Lt Col Mitchell and his Argyll’s Battalion will always be remembered for their role in 67, great that you mentioned so many other Army cap badges, RAF, RN and RM, who all served in Aden, under very difficult circumstances. Mitchell did not get his full Colonel or awards due, personally I think that was a great shame. Thanks again and for sharing that your father served in Aden 👍🇬🇧
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching
When I was a kid in the 70's we had a friends living nearby who lost a son/brother in Aden. He served in the SAS and died in a helicopter crash. Doesn't sound like the one mentioned on the video though. Thanks for the video. I know a lot more about the situation now.
Chris, and the Aden Vets who assisted with this research. Thank you for presenting a very balanced view, and in doing so, offering a tribute to all those who served and made sacrifices, not forgetting the innocent British service children also killed.
I was in Aden 1966-7 and witnessed the thick end of the insurgency, including narrowly escaping injury from a time delayed mine. It wrecked an aircraft at Khormaksar airfield, but the blast just threw me to the sand.
Most nights were spent going to sleep with the sound of grenades, mortars and gunfire. Aden was hot, very hot indeed. But each and every day we lived and went about our lives in full confidence of our strong and marvellous British Army, RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines doing their work under intensely arduous conditions.
Of course you cannot possibly name all individual units and the wide spectrum of all those serving in Aden, but if I may include a special mention to the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), disbanded soon after repatriation. They did a wonderful job of protecting families and trying to keep the peace. God bless them.
Ditto the many loyal and decent indigenous Adenese, many who served with the British in the Aden Protectorate Levies, always immaculately turned out with their camels. I could name so many more.
Proud to say that from a once barren wasteland, the British left Aden with much investment and goodwill in terms of schools, hospitals, a modern airport, cinemas, sewerage, water supply, electricity and modern infrastructure from which to offer a better life.
My Father was in RAF Police during that debacle, he had also been in Libya, never was a fan of hot deserts or being shot at by Arabs after this.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and to call out the Cameronians and the Aden Levies. The latter were left high and dry when we pulled out (sound familiar?)
The Cameronians were a great Scottish Regiment,disbanded when I was 15 in 1968 I think.
They have a fine memorial to the regiment outside The Art Galleries in Glasgow.I have been privilaged to attend Rememberance Services there with mates whose fathers served in the regiment. Working around The West of Scotland for the best part of fifty years I was privilaged to work with many former vets of the Regiment.
Many were the tales they had to tell us youngsters. They were all nice guys too.
@@philiprufus4427 My knowledge of the Cameronians were that they were tough, efficient, and like the A&SH, stood no nonsense. Also that they were led properly, the C.O. being the much respected Lt.Col Dow as I recall. They were just the kind of soldiers you want to depend on in a hot spot like Aden.
In 1968, the Cameronians voluntarily chose disbandment over amalgamation via reforms of the Labour government. One can only guess why after loyally serving the crown since 1881, and part of a Scottish militia long before that. I recommend to you the compelling speech given by a former Chaplain during the Disbandment Ceremony at Hamilton.
I too, had the personal privilege of placing a memorial to them, this one on Plymouth Hoe with kind permission of the Aden Vets. Association and a former officer from the Cameronians who served in Aden.
As I recall, the blown up aircraft was an Aden Air DC 3. I don’t think that we lost any aircraft, even when the revolt took place on the far side of the airfield and the local soldiers shot a young UK officer who came out to see what happened. I remember crawling around on the pan with my friend Nigel Furniss avoiding bullets coming from the army camp.
Very interesting. 45 cdo was where my military health n dentistry was done in the 90s. Ilived a few miles away. Not a marine. The tv dramatisation a few years ago was brilliant. Can't remember name of it. Thank you Sir!
Thank you for this. My father served there in the Royal Anglians. Oddly enough, he seemed to have enjoyed his time there. When I was in the Royal Marines during the early 80s, my sergeant and a couple of the other, older, NCOs told me a few stories about their time over there. I never really understood the circumstances behind it all until now so, job well done.
My dad was there late 50's and he enjoyed it (apart from the flies).
Thanks for this. My dad was posted to Aden in 1960-63 when i was 10 and first lived in Steamer Point, then Ma’ala, then Khormaksar. In ‘63, my last year there, insurgents were causing problems and our school bus had mesh over the windows and an armed KOSB guard on board. Even so, it was a great place to live as a 10-13 year old. Made a big impression on me.
Another gem Chris, used to work with a couple of old fellas who were there, now I know what they endured, thanks
That was another interesting part of British military history. Thank you for educating me on the history of the British empire and the hardships the military faced as the British empire was being dismantled.
Thanks for watching
The RN didn't need a coaling station anymore; Aden was surplus to requirement. Plus keeping troops there to expensive in post war Britain
With my father I saw 3 x withdrawals around the world.
There was a Channel 4 TV series made in 1985 called End Of Empire which featured about 10 of the most prominent stories from the winding down of Britain's imperial rule. One of the episodes featured Aden and can be found on UA-cam along with all the other episodes like Rhodesia, Kenya etc. It was also related to a book written by Brian Lapping. It was immensely educational to me to learn so much about British /world history that I had never been exposed to at school (which I left in 1984)
Used it as one of my sources.
You don't get taught British History at school.It was all Russian and German modern history a bit about the Romans.One day spent on the Kings and Queens of England.One of by school mates said he had not heard about the Post war .He thought it was a war at the Post Office.He was right the Post Office has been destroyed.
Superb work Sir .... Another example of politicians not being held accountable
You are absolutely right. The problem is that the top brass (generals) are cowards who, instead of defending their men, go along with the politicians to preserve their posts and privileges.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
politicians whould sell there own mother down the river for a backhander
The end of Empire was usually very messy and unpleasant. However, it was always better that Britain left its former colonial possessions than try to cling on.
Thank you. I find history fascinating and you bring it to life in an enthusiastic patriotic yet balanced way.
Very kind of you.
Excellent doc and coverage…It had to be done….and done well…which I believe you have done…duty fulfilled and thanks a million.
Only hope that the people of Britain will take an interest that this part of our history deserves. All those men were heroic and all their opponents mere murderers. God bless our People, and our men that went through those undeserved horrors. R.I.P.
Fifties' Sixties and Seventies Britain was a great time to be a kid, teenager and young man,veterans were all around,not just from The Second World War,but the umpteen conflicts after. In fact 1968 was the only year after the war The British Army was not deployed in action then, as far as I know. I year later they were in N I, then there is Oman,which no one was supposed to know about.
Nothing bothered the old vets,they had seen it all,so had some of the civvies,no one messed with the cops either.
Most of them were ex service.
@@philiprufus4427 I attended a lecture in 2008 given by General Mike Jackson and he made the same point about 1968.
Really? I have to question one or two of your assertions :- Those 'murderers', some of which, no doubt were murderers, were effectively seeking to Free Their Country of Foreign Occupants. ' Undeserved horrors', surely they were a part and parcel of the mind set whilst dealing with the foreigners.
Our forefathers did little to oppose the 1066 invaders, and their subsequent occupation, so perhaps they were less, as your say, heroic.
Thank you for watching
The only comment I can make is that most of the time the soldiers knew who the enemy was with the exception of N.I. Those of I descent would suffer the most because of their heritage. Has not changed much , still an accident waiting to happen.
@@philiprufus4427
My Dad was a Corporal in the RAF hospital at ?Khormaksar from 62-64. We originally lived in Crater until moving to a larger military compound. I was only 5 at the time but remember swimming in the Lido and fishing at Little Aden. I can remember him often packing up Land Rovers to go and set up a mobile hospital in Radfan to treat the Araby Levy troops. Thanks for this blast from the past.
My late father served there as a WO1 in the RAOC. My brother and I were kids and remember the night the married quarters were attacked. The Para's and Argyles were barracked nearby. We were evacuated a couple days later. Now a 67 aged pensioner, I still have vivid memories of the place.
Thanks for sharing
An very important Video to document history. My grandfather was from the Alawlqi tribe, one of the 9 protectorates during the British colonial era. Rip to your father.
Dad deployed to Aden grandad and an uncle wore the Glengarry.......brilliant stuff tho i did shed a tear ✌
Thanks for watching
❤❤❤
My wifes father served in aden as a national serviceman, he was in the P.O.W. yorkshire regmt , he was in a mortar platoon but was used mainly as an infantryman, he is still alive today.
Thanks for sharng
PWO is Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire.
Informative, educational and entertaining, top work old chap.
Thanks for your support
Great video. I've just found your channel and I have to say, as a lover of history, I'm delighted. Thank you for creating these videos.
Glad you like them!
Fully enjoy yr channel.
Its like a whos who of campaigns of my old regiment.
1st Bn The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The legend Col Mitchell made a visit/tour of the battalion at Redford Barracks,Edinburgh in the early 80s and is still held in the very highest regards by all ranks of the regiment .
Ne Obliviscaris
Sans Peur
Sir I enjoyed your video lecture on the subject. This is another example of spineless politicians, and a brave innovative commander. Who used his extensive experience too bring to heal a rebel foce, and near a successful end then thwarted at every step there after.
Glad you enjoyed this one.
@@TheHistoryChap indeed I did Sir. May I have more please!
Its always the same,, 2 politicians disagree with each other and the next we know both countries are at war...why are/were they not in the front line since it is/was their disagreement in the 1st place?
My dad served out there in ‘67. he was an RAF engineering Warrant Officer responsible for the Hunter Squadrons. He wrote home to my mum and said, ‘don’t believe all you read in the papers out here, the reporters spend most of their time sitting in the mess drinking,’. He told me of the mad panic to evacuate RAF Khormaksar, they were cannibalising aircraft to get as many serviceable as possible, what was left were blown up. In typical MOD fashion, the camp had recently gone through an upgrade to the married quarters, even though they knew it was going to be handed back in the late 60’s. I’m sure many ex servicemen could identify with that style of forward planning.
Thanks for sharing your dad’s interesting story.
I served at saltpans from 1967 to 1969 ground radio
Lol. They did it as well in my last unit chum! Everything in the garden was rosy, to be handed to a bunch of politician scum bags.
Very much so LoL In Osnabruck in the late 90's early 2000's a brand new Gym all singing all dancing and a brand new cookhouse were built only for it all to be handed back to the German Stadt on DRAWDOWN in 2009 !!
had the renovation on close down happen when 60MU at RAF Leconfield in east Yorkshire, I asked why all the roads were being resurfaced and was told that when contracts had been awarded they had to be completed or there were penalty payments hence places got refurbished, Leconfield was turned over to the Army in the end to become a driver training unit so the road refurb was handy in this case.
Very informative, Chris. Thanks. My father, served at in Aden in the RAF between 1940 and 1944. His story is featured in "Real Stories of World War II" edited by Ken Follett. Here's a reprint:
My father, Carson Morton, an Irishman, served in the RAF in No. 8 Squadron and was stationed near Aden, Yemen. He saw action in Somaliland against the Italians.
In order to travel to the Khormaksar airbase for some much-needed R&R, he and three other men were assigned to an old two-seater bi-plane, a Vickers Vilderbeest. They formed two pairs, each pair with a pilot, and tossed a coin - a penny - to see who got to sit in the open-air seats and who had to crouch in the airless fuselage. My father and his friend lost, so they crawled into the fuselage.
Shortly after take-off, the plane hit an air pocket and nose- dived into the sand. The two men in the open-air seats were decapitated. My father and his friend were unhurt. While my father kept vigil over the bodies, his friend walked back to base for help.
My father lived a long life, raised three children, and eventually moved the family, with our mother, to the United States.
All on the flip of a coin.
Incredible story thank you so much for sharing
Absolutely love your videos and your enthusiasm!!
Thank you so much!!
Very interesting. I enjoy learning about events like this in the latter days of the Empire. I read many books about the Empire when I was much younger, but never learned about this. Thank you for your continued excellence!
My pleasure. Thanks for your support.
Read about some of the other Empire,s. 'Genocide is us,' you will be apauled,no names no pack drill.
Some are NATO Allies however.
Amazing stuff! Total British Bulldog spirit! Aden was a lost cause by that point and not worth fighting over but Mad Mitch was going to leave on his own terms and not be chased out! I think the SAS were also active in Aden at that time.
The SAS were very active at that time. I’m former Special Forces and I remember the soldiers and the stories they came back with, plus the Aden bar to their GSM Medal. And obviously, we moved into Dhofar, with the resultant swaray there. Take care and, thank you
"Bull dog spirit " my bottom. Mitchell was a massive ego in charge of an infantry regiment. The Argyle's brutalised the civilian population of Crater.
Madam your bottom can speak for itself but I generally find that bottoms talk S#!t
What an excellent and informative narration!!! A terrific engaging pace!! Even though knowing the ending, you have still made it a spellbinding story!
Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment
My Dad was one of 30 Black Watch that served in Crater with the Argyles in 67. That was a very diplomatic description of events. He used to tell stories about it. They aren't for polite conversation round the dinner table.
I try to be polite!
I'm sure they were not, but never-the-less the truth, they only talk with those who served and in limited capacity. God Bless them all....our Heros.
I would not admit my father was in the black watch they were dreadful.
@@kerraptregolls4929 I am an Argyll of the Aden era, the Black Watch without question,are the finest infantry regiment in the British army.
Best to leave the history of the Black Watch in the past.@@crouqetoo2
My uncle was Thier he was in 4 5 commando left in 67 good little film tks
"Mad Mitch" was a great A&SH officer that had to sort out what politicians caused. A solid British hero. We either shape the world or we are shaped by it and the pithy critics of the British Empire on here remind me of what Roosevelt once said about such types. That It is not the critic who counts for these cold and timid souls shall neither know victory nor defeat.
Thanks for taking the time to comment
@@TheHistoryChap I'm visiting the Kabul British Cemetery in Kabul with a Captain John Cook VC who died in the 2nd Afghan war around Christmas time in 1879. I think his brother died a few days before. Regardless of the rights or wrongs of colonialism, the individual stories of men dying far from home can't fail to touch and inspire.
I completely agree with you. Having kicked the British out with the help of the Soviet Union, ( Russian imperialism in disguise ) have the local people gained a better quality of life? They are now pawns of either the Iranians or the Saudis, neither of which actually care for them. There are so many places in the world that have become failed states once British influence receded. Funny old thing, having hated us and kicked us out, then where do they want to travel to as refugees, assylum seekers or migrants?
Thank you,let the blighters look to some of the other Empires if they have need of GENOCIDE !
The German,Dutch,Italian,Belgian or Portugese or Spanish come to mind. Then there's The French ! still in a colonial war in the sixties. Oh Sorry ! I missed out The Japanese and Imperial and Post 1917 Russia, even America,(From the Shores of Montezuma,to The Shores of Tripoli - Also The Philipines, - God Bless The US Marines,you get to join if you are African American or Asian also,just be a Marine !
The understanding of History of some of todays kiddiewinkies is terrifying.
Try sitting in the road in some countries ! You will find yourself looking at the underside of an armoured vehicle.
Funny how he's "Bwitish" and nor Scots LoL .....Classic little englander syndrome !!!
A very well balanced commentary on a very frustrating and enervating political crisis. The military experience was also debilitating - long hours of boredom and sweaty discomfort, interspersed with brief episodes of manic terror. My father was there in 1958, in 1 PWO's first overseas posting. It was my first posting in 1966, and we returned briefly in 1967. At about the 7 minute mark in the video, a couple of my contemporaries are shown on patrol in Crater. This was in the days before the Regiment regained its White Horse capbadge, and we wore the White Rose of the Yorkshire Brigade in our berets.
Thanks for taking the time to comment
Very interesting and overlooked, thank you!
My pleasure
3:39 The littlest Soldier. I believe we've found him. This was an outstanding history lesson, and the picture of the little fellow standing at full attention with the full-sized fellows makes one wonder where he came from and how he fared.
Thanks for watching
Thank you. I read Mad Mitch's biography in a public library some time in the 1980's.
Used it as one of my sources.
I ws at Khormaksar when we left Aden. It was a classic organised withdrawal and NOTHING like the debacle at Kabul. 45 Commando formed the rear guard as an impeccable fighting command and ensured the last helicopter evacuations. I had previously been part of MEC Command at Steamer Point.
Barry Fryer (now 80)
Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective
I heard that 45 Commando booby trapped the vehicles left at the airport, being the last ones out?
Hey Chris ... very nicely done, as always. A great deal of preparation evident in all your postings. Stay young, remain vertical and cheers,
Dr. Ric, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Very kind. Thanks for watching
Another gripping adventure , excellent work. Thank You. Any chance of covering the exploits of Mad Mike Hoare and Sandline International/Executive outcomes? Cheers
Mad Mike ? now there's 'a blast from the past'. Once introduced himself to a Jap truck driver in Burma as a young Chindit. The Jap queried him,so Mad Mike cut the mans head off with a machete. Some lovely people you meet in The British armed Forces. Mad Mike got promoted and went on to become a mercenary in Africa.
Thanks yet again for another superb video over a long forgotten conflict.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for covering the Aden Emergency, the tales from the Colonial wars and the end of the British Empire don't get enough recognition.
Any chance of you doing a video about the British in Oman,and the attack on Mirbat?
Mirbat is a popular request so it is now on my list.
Corporal Lallalaba VC, and the 25 pounder.
My Dad served in Aden at this time too with the RAF, from 1967 to 69, he had some stories!
I bet he did!
I was also posted to Aden/South Jemen in late 1966 as a British Army Medic attached HQ Anglians. The A&SH were not folks you'd want to encounter on any occasion. Absolute solid soldiers! I had fleeting meetings with "Mad Mitch" and can only concur that he was very much a "soldiers' soldier". He knew what he was demanding from his troops and expected the corresponding results.
Unfortunately, I was wounded by a grenade blast (as a Medic) in September 1967 and EVACUd on the same day to, first Cyrus, and then to the UK.
I variously served in Singapour Lines at Khormaksar, the Crabs' Hospital at Steamer Point and Camp Dahla up on the border of what was South Jemen.
MsG
Thanks for taking the time to share your recollections.
How dare you fly an Irish Tricolour on an article glorifying British brutality against native people as they have done in the 4 corners of the world including Ireland
Some of that brutality must have been carried out by Irishmen then, The Dublin Fusilers,The Munsters,The Leinsters,The Connnaught Rangers, The RIC. Even a third of The RIC Auxiliary (The Auxies) were Irish some were even Canadian,American, Australian or New Zealand. A Pound a day went a long way in 1920,particularily if you had just had a couple of years in the Western Front or Middle East.
Your own Tom Barry fell into that category apparently,his dad was also an Inspector in The RIC.
Nothing is what it seems. @@aidanmoore8499
@@aidanmoore8499Have you any idea the amount of irishmen of both religions that garrisoned the 4 corners of the empire.How many irishmen fought in ww1 compared to the Easter rising .
It’s confusing to me that some Scots glorify their part in iimperialism. I know all people of the British Isles through lack of economic opportunity joined up and helped trample other peoples lives but it wasn’t something to b proud of. Not that we are th only ones!
Thankyou so much for this content. Brought back many memories of my days then as Naval Air Mechanic, part of 848 Naval Air Commando Squadron embarked aboard HMS Albion.
Wessex HU Mk 5 callsign 'E' pictured, was my cab for much of our stay.
We departed en route for Singapore, and Christmas.
Thank you for sharing
My younger brother was out there with the Queens Own Hussars. He passed on five years ago.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for this
My Dad was one of those marines to leave also my uncle
I've not seen much about Aden apart from snippets as the old man didn't talk about it much if at all
He was all over the world doing what ever was needed!?
Glad you found it interesting
Glad you found it interesting
That brings back memories Chris as I served with the RAF in Aden 1965-67. I was a Radio operator with the Marine Craft unit. Quite exciting as on one occaision we were tasked to patrol the waters of the harbour at night in a small boat and stop & search the various craft
that plied between the shore and merchant ships. Just two of us, I had a backpack radio and a rusty sten with 2 mags and the other guy drove the boat and did the searches. All very dads army!. On another night patrol in a bigger boat( Crew of 7)we had 4 SAS soldiers with firepower with us. Only real action I saw was being the target of a sniper who bullets we heard but no one was hit and a hand grenade that rolled past me as I was exiting a bar. That did not go off as the pin had not been pulled. Spirits were kept high in our unit as the film Zulu came round every week.
Thank you for taking the time to share your memories. Very much appreciated.
My dad was in the Argyles, Mitch was a great leader, and the Argyles, a great regiment
Thanks for sharing
I lived in a shared house in 1992. There was a guy called Jimmy who served in Aden and possibly Vietnam, He told me some incredible stories about his experiences, The events in Aden concerning a sea mine defusing and an informer being 'turned' were memorable.
Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.
My Grandfather was based there as an RAF flight sergeant and took his family in the early 1960s. My grandmother, mother, uncle and aunt lived there for 3 years. They went out on a troopship and flew back on a propeller airliner. They had a holiday in Mombasa from Aden. Virtually unheard of early 1960s UK. Mum's impressions of Aden, however, were not great!
Thanks for sharing your family story
Your mention of Mombasa brought back to memory of a guy (name withheld) who I served with at R.A.F. Digby in the early 60's. He did a one year tour on Ghan. He went to Mombasa for a holiday. approximately 6 weeks after his return to Ghan, a dose of the Clap broke out on his privates. When reporting to the sick bay, the M.O. wouldn't believe his story, i.e. the delayed period before his 'break out', and more or less accussed him of puff activity amonst the male only population on the island.
Ultimatley , his condition was cured.
ps He was Irish!
Very informative, worked with a chap who served in Aden, he recalled mother's pushing prams with bombs in them.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing
And many more such stories can/should be told. They could not trust anyone and had to be extra vigilant as the men dressed as women. too
Like all history, it must be judged as a product of its time, bad or good. Thanks so much.
My pleasure. Thank you for watching
What a bloody great chap! he sounds like a Richie McCaw type of bloke! Great stuff! Love from Christchurch New Zealand! A sensible decision in the end. I can remember this back here in NZ, cripes we were so Pro Britain and Empire back then... we still love the Brits, the real ones.
They certainly broke the mould when they made him!
My dad was an RAF Argosy pilot based at Aden along with a 4 year old me, my mother and baby sister. There is an Argosy in the background of the shot of General Tower at 14:50 - could be my old dad at the controls - you never know. We lived in a block of flats near Tarshyne beach and one of our neighbors in the flat below was killed when an RPG was fired into his flat. Our much loved amah (nanny) Hadil, a local Yemeni woman, was shot up with a submachine gun for "collaborating" with the British, though fortunately lived. We were all evacuated back to the UK during the emergency - I remember the evacuation at night during which we came under fire - a stray round clipped the edge of my shoe. Hadil (means "cooing of pigeons") came too as she had no family or tribe to protect her and became our live-in adopted auntie/granny (nobody including her knew how old she was). She couldn't read and never really learned English, so my sister and I grew up bilingual in English and Yemeni Arabic so we would read for her and translate anything complex that needed to be discussed between my parents and Hadil. She was a huge character and was greatly feared by the local shop keepers in the UK as she insisted on haggling over everything and would yell at them in Arabic and broken English until they gave up and gave her a better price on a tin of beans or whatever, just to get her out of the shop.
Russian troops would have exacted a heavy price for such wanton murder !
Thank you for your detailed comment
She certainly sounds like a character and looked after you all very well.
One of the best channels of 2023!
Very kind of you thanks
As a former soldier of 20 years, I look now at an awful lot of the conflicts since the end of WW2 and ask myself: "Why?" But then I remind myself, that the soldiers involved (after 1963 at least) were all Regular Army, professionals who took pride in their trade. Theirs not to reason why, etc., etc. I personally only ever considered the 'job' and my mates and subordinates - not the great political strategies which are fleeting compared to the comradeship of the troops. Great video (as are they all), many thanks.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts.
Your job was to be a coloniser for British businesses to get rich off oil. I wish you would continue to ask why rather than resign to being a sheep.
Thanks for posting. I was a teen at that time and can remember a lad joining our class who had been evacuated back to the U.K.
My pleasure.
Argyle and Southerland Highlanders ..many serving soldiers who faught in this forgotten conflict still suffering from PTSD😢
Unfortunately, that seems to always be the case, not least amongst Korean War veterans
Fabulous video, great insight and wonderful commentary. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it.
The treatment of Mitchell after returning from Eden was likely to make an example of him as a warning to any other similar-minded officers in the British military. It's sad that Mitchell's daring aggressiveness would have won him accolades and adulation earlier but the current mindset of the politicians and higher ups instead aborted what could have been a promising military career for a brave man.
He did good stuff later on in his life with HALO Trust
Note that he was promoted from the ranks. This was a dangerous job and the 'old boys club' were not about to send one of their own. After having prevented a bloodbath, rather than being congratulated he was blamed for the few casualties.
It was ever thus.
P.S. I was there '60' to '62', all peace & quiet then.
Colonizing is frowned up on. ! --- so.. yeah.. he deserved scorn.
@@elsuperxolo3494 Hardly a colony for exploitation - more like a motorway service station for ships till mpg improved.
Liked and subscribed! Cant get enough good accurate military history, particularly counter insurgency conflict and the end of empire. Thank you.
Thank you very much for subscribing, and I hope to produce many more videos for you to enjoy
@@TheHistoryChap i will be looking forward to it! Mahalo nui loa kakou!
I did two tours in Aden, the first in 1965 in the Radfan and the second up until the handover in 1967. I was A Rock Ape with 2 sqd RAF Regiment Para and was there when Mad Mitch marched into the crater. However it should also be said that the Argyles were not completely alone, there were snipers and support back up from other units including mine. We too have brothers in The Silent Valley Cemetery. Per Ardua. 3:51
You are correct
My grandad was there then too , Bert Tickner SGT RAF Regiment .
My bro was there with The Cameronians Scottish Rifles I believe 1966...had photos of him and his buddies up in the mountains (Radfan) on lookout for long periods as well as their quarters which were in tents. They were very young soldiers but did what they had to. Talked about how the children had to be escorted to/from school and the ladies being escorted by bus to the shops for groceries. They also had to go into the desert as the insurgents were known to poison the wells. Lots of conflict and danger and that was before Mad Mitch. Lots of soldiers lost their lives there.
My Dad served in Aden too
Edwin George Atkinson
Thanks for your video
God bless GB
Nice words.
I was in Aden - RAF Khormaksar - and didn't leave for RAF Sharjah until just weeks before we finally left. Mad Mitch was a hero to us too. (The RAF invariably gets forgotten in all this.) It's interesting (at least to me!) that if anyone these days ever asks to see my medal (my GSM - "For Campaign Service") they always ask why the clasp reads "South Arabia" rather then "Aden." In future I'll point them to this video! It really is one of the forgotten campaigns.
Thanks for watching.
@ aw6936 same as myself, but with Royal Signals 222 squadron K troop, then posted to Sharjah, nothing but a sandpit😃 take care👍
Excellent narration. My father served there as RAF Regiment. True the marines were last to leave by sea. The RAF Regiment secured the airfield for withdrawal and were the last out. My father was in the last aircraft out. He saw action out there.
RAF Reg last out absolute garbage!
42 Cdo RM were last out ! Google it!
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment
Just saw this tonight, and thanks for your work sir. I joined a certain regiment in 1984, and a recruit, a lot older than I at 20, was in trg as well. His name was Andy .... He served in Aden, with The Argyle's and his story was unbelievable. He told us that they came under fire from a minaret, and they smashed the door in and went FIBUA on the enemy. He said that when they entered to clear the toilets, he kicked open a door and looked down the barrel of the longest barrel of a pistol he'd ever seen, and it went click. He put at least 20 rounds of 7.62 into him in fright. I don't think the fella survived lol though he never mentioned it!
Andy died, in Ulster, on a BFT, in Portadown garrison, massive heart attack. I believe he'd reached the dizzy heights of C/Sgt. Im sure someone will correct the date etc, but I've always thought of him. He held Col Mitchell in great esteem and felt that the man looked after his men.
GBNF
Thanks for taking the time to share your story
Thank you, very informative and a lovely voice for narration, well done.
Very kind of you, thanks.
The last RAF aircraft that was based at Khormaksar, Dakota KN452 flew out a few days before the Royal Marines left. Flying via Jeddah, Cairo, ElAdam, Frejus and into Kemble. Long flight and we only just made it because of icing over France - no deicing on the Aden Dakota! Making history, very exciting Mike Isherwood-Bennett, Jerry Schellong and me. RIP Mike and Jerry.
Mad Mitch. Gosh that brings back memories. He was interviewed quite a few times.
Thanks for watching my video
A very dear Friend of my Dad won the M.C. at Aiden. Sadly they lost contact. We still had people in this Country at that time who had a pair of balls. If they saw this place now, they would cry.
This was a great country then,it really was The United Kingdom,I was fourteen and the next twenty five years were ok.
@@philiprufus4427 In agreement with that. But it's done now my friend. We come from the East End and we saw this shit building there when I was young, I'm 53 now, and I absolutely dread watching the last remnants of everything that my family fought for being dismantled and trashed before my eyes. Our own are worthless ingrates let alone the crap we've let in. I wish I could piss off somewhere so I didn't have to have my heart broken daily. Those poor souls who gave their everything for this place, what a waste.
Thank you for taking the time to comment
My Dad was at RAF Komraksar from 1965/66. I was one month old when he left, but he was out of there by the time Dennis Healey announced we would be pulling out and never could understand why we announced our decision to leave but left our military personnel there to be shot at for over a year thereafter.
Thanks for taking the time to comment
I served in the RAF at Khormaksor from 1966 to 1967. I remember the uprising and what happened in Crater. We were very angry because of the softly softly tactics in use. The action taken by Lt Col Mitchell lifted our morale. I flew out from Khormaksor in November 1967 with a sense of shame at the surrender to terrorists. The way Mitchell was treated was a disgrace. I am afraid the British bull dog had become a poodle.
Thanks for watching my video and for sharing your story.
Thank you Chris for the research and presentation.
Father was Royal Navy 1963 in Aden. Heard the stories but sadly didnt understand the politics.
The irony you alluded to regarding Afghanistan and now Yemen is a telling reminder about history repeating itself even though the current situation is totally different.
The other similarity is that the loyal Aden levies and other locals who served Britian were left high & dry at the end. Sad.
@@TheHistoryChap Some of those (levies) turned their guns on the Brits and killed the second in comand of The Argylls and two of his men while being shown the patch by the Fusiliers who also copped it.
Many of the British Public were not impressed and Mitch and his Boys could have a 'Free Hand' as far as they were concerned. There was one survivor from the eight man two Rover patrol. Corporal Mike Story I think.
Try and catch 'End of Empire,' Aden, used to be on youtube. The Corporals tale and ultimate escape is unbelievable. He was a very fortunate man. Good Luck to him.
In 1969, we were training for deployment to N Ireland, the riot kit had banners which we assumed stated “go home, or we will be very cross” as it was in Arabic it could have said anything. In one tiny point the Marines were evacuated by Wessex helicopters not Wasps, the Wasp being only a 4 seater. One of the Wessex's was flown by my brother.
Thanks for taking the time to correct me. Appreciate your input.
My Grandad was in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during The Aden Emergency and The Battle of Crater, I didn't know an awful lot about it so thanks for the video. My Grandad had somewhat of a falling out with Mad Mitch during the battle. I'd quite like to read more about The A&SH from 1950-75 (roughly the years my Grandad served with them)
Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.
So proud of our soldiers in Aden......
Thank you for taking the time to comment
I was around 11 when this happened and on the front page of the Express? Mail? I can’t remember which , was a photograph of a soldier , I think wearing an eye patch , or beard, and the headline then was “ The last British soldier to leave Aden”. I remember my Dad being very upset about it, but of course I didn’t understand it all now I do . Thank you.
My RAF family lived in Aden during the early part of the conflict. As a youngster, I loved the sight of Shackletons and Hawker Hunters constantly taking off and landing. My mother worked for the Yemeni sheik. Life was pretty easy - we could afford a servant! But the writing was on the wall and we were sent back to England. Aden became a backwater, losing the tourist trade and allowing the Russians to fill the gap.
Thank you for sharing your experiences
Just found your channel great stuff .This video interests me ,my father in law was in Aden although Scottish he served with the Royal Corp of transport in the crater . unfortunately my FIL through the years came back with post tramoutic stress ,dur to an incident there ,he was ordered to stay back and do chores whilst others went out ,the poor guys got Ambushed he lost s lot of friends due to this and to this day feels so guilty of not being there ,he met Mad Mitch ,and the few conversations about this conflict ,he says a jock got killed by sniper ,Col Mitchell ordered a howitzer to demolish the snipers house ,my father in law knew a lot of Argylls being from the same area as most of them .
Thank you for watching my video.
My Form Teacher in High School, in New Zealand, in 1964, was a Scotsman and veteran of Aden. I recall him telling me a colourful story of how while on vehicle patrol in Aden he was shot in the leg. He said a wog jumped out of the shadows and emptied his Stengun at the Landover. A round went through the door and hit him on the buckle on his sock [can't recall what he actually called it now, but he was in kilt at the time]. He said that the buckle took the remaining energy of the bullet and left him with a fairly minor superficial wound. He said that the "Boys" in the Landrover had opened up on the Arab and dropped him in the street, where he went over to see the man who tried to kill him. He said he was amazed at the smell of roast pork. [From the bullet wounds in the Arab]. My teacher was Jimmy Horne and he had been a Corporal in Aden. I remained friends with him until his death - great guy, great teacher, RIP.
What’s a ‘wog’??
@@raycorrigan3297Western Oriental Gentelman.
@@bobroberts6155 Japanese?
@raycorrigan3297, That would be an Eastern Oriental Gentleman. Facial features and general stature are different. Wogs are more "European" in looks. However, it is a euphonium for a derogatory term. [Euphemism - no, that's not a brass musical instrument].
@@raycorrigan3297 A Jundy or Nignog, not PC EH ?