Operation Stirling Castle: The Battle for Crater District | July 1967

[@tbwpiper189]

The one things politicians do exceedingly well is royally fuck things up for everyone else but themselves

[@anmol3457]

can't disagree with that

[@Kennnysheftel]

​@Michael Doolan I always stand with the soldiers themselves, having been one myself. But was it all really worth dying for? Was british colonialism in Yemen really worth sending troops to die? Was it worth killing the locals who didn't like british rule?

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Can't rember who said it, but "politians are hard skinned, so they don't need a apine to keep the body up"......

[@Lassisvulgaris]

@Michael Doolan Why? The British people voted them in.....

[@leeenfield3404]

Orders is orders

[@ca9968]

My uncle Dave did multiple tours of Aden in the 60`s...not a campaign that you hear much about sadly... Thanks for the upload, great content as always...

[@davesmirh4380]

My dad was out there in at this time with RCT and the engineers. I would love to know more as it is one conflict you really don't hear much about.

[@mhappy01]

@@davesmirh4380 My dad worked in the power staion at Steamer point from 65 to june 67. He took all of us with him! We just got used to the terrorist incidents, but the death of those RNF guys caused a mutiny in the barracks, only held back by another regiment keeping them in.

[@davesmirh4380]

@@mhappy01 my dad nether spoke about his time in the services. Thank you for the info it help to build up a little idea of what it was like for him.

[@ca9968]

@@davesmirh4380 my uncle was Signals at the time I think but he did often talk about working with The Engineers while on tour there...

[@davesmirh4380]

@@ca9968 if he ever spoke of a London sapper called Ackers that would be my dear old dad.

[@hotsauce9554]

I love the respect and care put in these videos... they are simply amazing

[@squillz8310]

"Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names Liveth For Evermore." How beautiful.

[@mhappy01]

Mad Mitch retired to Swanton Morley in Norfolk. He would get the train in to London and walk around the East End, with his suit and umbrella (pretty much like Crater.... lol).

[@raymondstone9636]

Is this the same Mad Mitch who stated that he could have "finished" of the IRA if given the chance. From Australia.

[@mhappy01]

@@raymondstone9636 Yes, thats the guy. At that time the core IRA was less than 200..... A bit like the Americans with their playing cards in the 2003 Iraq war.

[@raymondstone9636]

@@mhappy01 Thanks.

[@auldersaige6934]

Those British troops and their Colonel had balls of steel to do that job. Fortunately, the Colonel also had a brain to match. Never trust politicians, ever. God Bless each and every one of them.

[@ohidontknow1061]

Agreed, better to talk your way out of a fight that shed blood because some of it is likely to be ours.

[@superyachtchef]

Staying out of other people's countries would have been much, much better for all 🎖

[@ParagonRex]

@@superyachtchef Or, and this is just a thought, if your Empire has been there for over a century, you have a certain level of responsibility to either, maintain status quo or leave it better then you found it. You know instead of apologizing for being the greatest Empire in history embracing it and loving it.

[@jfilm7466]

We should force politicians who want war to fight those wars themselves. Just think how brave those politicians would be when facing a screaming enemy politician charging at them with a bayonet thrusting towards their torsos?

[@superyachtchef]

@@ParagonRex well you failed on all levels with that and you're failures at soccer too 🥉

[@davewhiteside6698]

At the tender age of just 18yrs, and while seving in the RAF, I was posted out to Aden, and I hated every minute of it! It was hot, sticky and smelly. Was glad to get back home. The day we landed back at Gatwick, it was raining. The British rain never felt so good.

[@joe19488]

l too served in that shit hole l was just 17 with the 1st coldsrteam guards l remember always on road blocks and a spell in the radfan never been so glad to leave a shithole like that .the topic of the day was how long till you go home

[@davewhiteside6698]

@@joe19488 Thanks for your reply Joe. And thanks too for your service. Good to hear from you. Take care and God bless

[@flybobbie1449]

Uncle was RAF in Aden, think he was a mechanic. Long before this though. Didn't really know much about it. Fellow flight instructors, old boys, gone now, tell me of bombing the waddies.

[@MM22966]

How long were the deployments back then? (How long in Aden?)

[@joe19488]

@@MM22966 not long as the stink of the locals was realy bad......

[@ronmcgill9366]

Fascinating! I was there from February to October 1967, as a sapper in 60 Field Squadron. I remember the ill-feeling towards our politicians in London.

[@1blueeye]

So you are in your 70s? Did you ever exchange gunfire with the enemy? And lastly, it you were actually there... What was the general attitude of the local population?

[@jamiewalker8772]

Very interesting sir

[@FHIPrincePeter]

@@1blueeye He was an engineer you idiot what a crass question. It's like asking a woman, so you are a woman have you ever had an abortion? Like they would recount the tale of a very personal part of their live to a total stranger.

[@1blueeye]

@@FHIPrincePeter I wish I could go around believing every youtube comment like you. That's why I asked the man who made the claim the questions. I'll leave your attitude unaddressed.

[@ParagonRex]

Thank you for your service to the Crown good sir.

[@jakhaughton1800]

The Billy Connolly point that anyone wanting to be a politician should automatically be barred from being one sounds like A one policy.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

Also make all their offspring serve frontline combat roles, without Commission, in the Infantry or Marines

[@Strength-in-Union]

So... When Lt Col Mitchell left the Army to become a Member of Parliament... 🤔

[@Derek0846]

If I remember correctly, Mitchell placed a piper on one of the roofs to play a retreat as they left. London was not happy about it and Mitchell got into a lot of trouble.

[@budgie204]

Way to go Mitchell, giving the politicians the middle finger.

[@g4kfjve7kfj34]

Indeed magnificent gesture

[@roddixon368]

Just part of a proud tradition, we were fairwelled by a single piper when our troop ship left in 1960.

[@randommadness1021]

Thanks for making sure their names and the name of the regiment who are close to my heart Liveth forever more ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤ RIP.

[@jamiewalker8772]

100

[@Nobodywillnoticethat]

You mean rest in hell they were dirty colonizers

[@MrPaul7977]

This is a outstanding unit with a EXCELLENT COMMANDER!!

[@rogerkay8603]

Shocking way for a Govt to treat its armed forces.

[@finj3636]

Disappointing, terrible, but sadly not shocking

[@ohidontknow1061]

That was mild compared to how they are treated now. Not only do they ignore attacks on our own, they actively assist in trying to prosecute our people for having the temerity to shoot back......

[@williambuchanan8607]

@@ohidontknow1061 👍👍

[@ohidontknow1061]

@@williambuchanan8607 I've been shat on by my own government more times that the enemy ever did. At least with the enemy they made no secret about hating me.......

[@williambuchanan8607]

@@ohidontknow1061 I find that hard to believe, unless your talking about the Unit Blair set up ??

[@jovitakevin2232]

I'll never get over the amount of respect for the fallen heroes that always come these videos.

[@harrybarlow541]

My grandfather was great friends with Mad Mitch, highly recommend reading his book if you have the time. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@tub19]

Hi can you tell me, what the book is called please.

[@stephenmcdonald7713]

@@tub19 Hi Paul, book by Colin Mitchell, " Having been a soldier 1969". Also "African Vortex 1980" G'Day from Australia.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

I'm an American and I live literally on the other side of the world from the UK [US West Coast]. While I am very happy to see the UK back in the business of projecting power with the commissioning of the HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales [and the fielding of the F-35 to go with them], I recognize that it was the British Army that had to bear the brunt of the costs associated. Proud regiments with histories that took a thousand men to uphold have now been reduced to understrength companies and, in some cases, platoons. And that's a Goddamn shame. Speaking as a combat veteran and lifelong historian, it has been my experience that war always comes down to a piece of terrain. You can do a lot of things to a piece of terrain. You can bomb it, shell it, mine it, nuke it, 'area-deny' it, all kinds of very unpleasant things. But until you put a 19 year old kid with a rifle, a basic load of ammo, and an NCO on top of it and dare the other sum'bitch to come take it from you, it simply doesn't belong to you. And all the carriers ever made will never change that.

[@TheCerebralDude]

What I love about the way Britain organizes its army is their independent regiment system with each regiment having its own separate colorful and distinct hats and history and traditions. I also think it’s great that most British soldiers stay in the same regiment throughout their careers unlike the US Army and marines

[@Davey-Boyd]

Yes, soldiers get fiercely loyal to their Regiment. My Regiment was Worcester and Sherwood Foresters, long gone but now part of the Mercian Regiment.

[@dennisfraser6896]

With so many cutbacks and amalgamations very few of the old Regiments left.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@dennisfraser6896 Yes, it is really sad when a really historic Regiment gets amalgamated or is just cut.

[@AirplaneDoctor_]

@@Davey-Boyd Don’t worry, it will eventually get to a Corps of Infantry in due time at this rate.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@AirplaneDoctor_ Sadly yeah

[@williambuchanan8607]

Another great and proud Regiment put to the sword by cowardly politicians !!

[@tub19]

My Late Dad, use to say that all those Regiments gone and the there History.

[@sirborkington1052]

It sucks, but we can't maintain the size our army from 1967. They'll still be remembered.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

As an Aussie it upsets me that the UK gov hung these regiments out to dry like dirty linen.

[@janwitts2688]

Death to traitors

[@sirborkington1052]

Calm down

[@tech9auto223]

Everybody's gangsta until they hear the pipes coming towards them

[@wickstarrr]

loooooool

[@baborali2276]

Yeah ok pal if it makes you special

[@tech9auto223]

@@baborali2276 how would mad Scots playing bagpipes make me feel special

[@mike.47]

I have fond memories of Aden, I was there from 1958-1960 when my father was posted there. We lived in a block of flats called the Blue Gardenia in Khormakser, I may have been only 6-8yrs old at the time but the memories of it are still sharp especially when HMS Bulwark came into port and we went for a visit onboard.

[@NasrAlqutipy]

Hi friend I'm am from khormakser

[@NasrAlqutipy]

Can you friend to my

[@johntriplett3188]

If you haven’t read Mitch’s book Having Been a Soldier, its a great read. Funny anecdote in there about his time as a kid in London during the Blitz and not being able to play football because the turf was covered in shrapnel and spent shell casings from the air.

[@ZedsDeadOK]

One thing set in stone, you can always rely on politicians screwing you over.

[@noblemann4898]

My Yemeni Uncle had a friendly chat with a few British soldiers whilst in custody. He held no grudges. Also during a visit to Yemen in 95, it was often said by the older generation behind closed doors, 'we should never have kicked out the British.'

[@RoCK3rAD]

Imagine wanting to be treated as a second class citizen in your own land

[@CoolaJokern]

@@RoCK3rAD better than anarchy like every other ME country

[@mca8782]

@@CoolaJokern rather live in anarchy that live as a second class citizen in my own lands beside Kuwait,Saudi Arabia,UAE,Oman,Bahrain and Qatar are doing fine in fact way better than fine I would say

[@stephenmorris9400]

As long as you're not female

[@ابوراكان-ب1ك]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@julast6658]

Mad Mich - we need more like him.

[@baborali2276]

The Mad Mitch was a evil coward fighting unarmed civilians

[@HarrisonsHistory]

I have followed your channel for a while and I love what its become! I love these videos on these lesser known conflicts the British engaged in after the second world war. Keep up the great work!

[@lex1945]

Always great to come back from work, to see a new upload from this great channel!

[@cgsai2008]

Great video sir! Very classy tribute.

[@daveturner6006]

I was born in Aden in the mid-50's when my father was an officer in the RAF Regiment. I remember hearing about 'Mad Mitch' and the A&SH retaking Crater as a child and it was interesting to be able to put 'pictures' to the places I'd been told about as a child. When I joined the army I met men (now senior NCOs) who had fought in Aden. Also in the last few years I've met several people who were either born in Aden (as dependents of UK military) or who had been children there.

[@motorcop505]

You know that shit's about to get real when you hear the pipes start playing followed by a bunch of pissed off jocks. Mad props are due to Mad Mitch. You don't see many Lt. Colonels (especially in a war zone) driving their own vehicles! 🇬🇧⚔️ PS - What a perfect name for this operation, too!

[@PersonalityMalfunction]

Truely fantastic presentation! Fills me with joy every time a new episode comes out. I had never heard of this campaign, and am determined to find out more. So gratifying to learn about a non-SAS, Paras or Commandos operation.

[@mikewalrus4763]

On the retake of the Crater very little is mentioned about the Royal Marines part in this activity but they were there - a whole commando of them, right around the edge of the crater, actually to be fair mention though passing was made of the RM presence and a few otther regiments etc.

[@PersonalityMalfunction]

@@mikewalrus4763 Yes, I heard the reference, and believe me when I say I have nothing but respect for the Royal Marines, as well as the Paras. Had the honour of serving alongside both. What I meant was, I so rarely see an account of a British action which is not predominantly conducted by one of your more internationally famed regiments.

[@peterhughes7099]

Again LfE you have produced excellent quality product with the utmost respect to all who served there. I had heard of Lt Col Mitchell, but didn't know much of the operation to re-take Crater, to today was a very enjoyable history lesson. BZ to all. I look forward to the next video.

[@Eck1876]

There have been a couple of books recently brought out about it definitely recommend Mad Mitch's Tribal Law

[@robdean704]

Mitch and the boys didn't mess about, you played around you got a good hiding. Pretty sad the way Mitchell was scapegoated by those above him despite following orders, maybe he was a bit too robust but the Arabs back then didn't respect anything but force. Those jock regiments are always solid

[@clarksavage6050]

'A bit too robust'... as in? Committing war crimes?

[@robdean704]

@@clarksavage6050 by the rule of law in warfare yeah war crimes but most British people don't consider beating the shit out of someone a war crime. No doubt they also shot people unnecessarily but that happens in every guerilla war situation. You'd probably cry if you knew the shit that went on in Afghanistan and Iraq that never even got reported. Sadly that's war

[@clarksavage6050]

@@robdean704 I was in Afghanistan. Were you? Also if you act like them, what are you defending? Certainly not values.

[@robdean704]

@@clarksavage6050 Afghanistan and Iraq, I'm not defending anything just stating the facts of soldiering. I obviously don't need to explain this to you and I'm on your side of the fence when it comes to this but sadly that guerilla stuff makes conventional soldiers really frustrated and that's when bad stuff happens. the enemy has always known this and always cleverly plays on it. Salutations

[@tomlucas4890]

@@robdean704 look at what is happening in Yemen, if the UK government had stood up and backed the Argyles things could be a lot different in Yemen. Now we spend £m100s in aid to a country who chucked us out, Why ??

[@robertsansone1680]

Excellent documentary. Thank You so much.

[@lablackzed]

Rip to the fallen.

[@VikingTeddy]

I never heard of this before, thank you. It takes brass balls to notify the enemy of your surprise attack with pipes.

[@jamesmcleesh2688]

NOT BRASS BALLS BUT SOLID STEEL ONES.

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

Let's the enemy know who's coming, and gives them time to move away.

[@baborali2276]

Bolstering your low self esteem, what's brave about attacking unarmed civilians, when your armed to the teeth.

[@VikingTeddy]

@@baborali2276 I was curious as to what you meant, so I researched "Mad Mitch" a bit. What an utter bastard. Funny how everything that happened after the assault gets left out in most articles I found.

[@snowfox22]

I absolutely love all your videos but this one was one of my favorites so far :)

[@AirplaneDoctor_]

It wasn’t called Argyll law for nothing..... People tend to forget the Argylls were punished and reduced using downsizing as an excuse to company size for their doing a job that needed to be done. A few years later they were brought back to battalion strength due to the need of experienced troops in NI where they acquitted themselves quite well.

[@bryansmith1920]

A very mild form of Decimating one thinks

[@robdean704]

A typical Scottish regiment, a bit unruly and too physical but solid and always got the job done. The power that be scapegoating old Tommy Atkins again

[@alexandermunro1984]

They were punished again a few years ago along with every other Scottish Regiment. They are now simply 'posers' for Tourist photo's. Sad...but true.

[@grahamhunter1982]

The Northumberland fusiliers were dropped after all the Aden situ .. now the royal fusiliers

[@mikewalrus4763]

And are still being punished to this day both as a regiment and as individual soldiers for doing the job they where sent to do my the government - saly the average British Serviceman and woman be they Army, Navy or Air Force are always fighting on at least two fronts - the official enemy AND their OWN GOVERNMENT (including various lawyers out to make a fast buck again't their own people)

[@JohnSmith-kn1uq]

Great story. Brave men. Politics was a big part of the reason why I left the army.

[@woodybenjam]

Another top notch video, Excellent.

[@ELCADAROSA]

As has happened far too often in the past, politicians need to stay the hell out of military affairs so as to not cause confusion and loss.

[@williambuchanan8607]

@@cuchidesoto2686 Maybe you don't understand, that happens universally !!

[@ELCADAROSA]

@@cuchidesoto2686, oh, our American politicians have done a fine job over the generations of sticking their noses into military operations, causing much havoc and harm. Granted, the President is the Commander-in-Chief, and he has overall command, or at least overall responsibility, but there’s been more than a few times that politicians have used undue influence or pressure to improperly dictate military operations.

[@mattwordsworth9825]

I think when it comes to armed conflict the military leaders should be in charge not politicians

[@ELCADAROSA]

@@mattwordsworth9825, I so agree!!!

[@Chiller01]

@@mattwordsworth9825 It never works that way unless the political leader is an emperor or the head of a military junta. Even in WW2 strategic military decisions were made by heads of state. The invasion of Italy was pressed by Churchill to attack Europe’s “soft underbelly.” FDR chose a combination of MacArthur’s Philippine strategy and Nimitz’s island hopping strategy.

[@Euan_Miller43]

thank you for making this great video

[@1982rrose]

Great job telling their story.

[@Liendoelcm]

I was in Cyprus when the Argylls retook Aden. We all felt 100% behind Mad Mitch and his Regiment. It was the best and last show of what the British Army could do when the politicians stayed out of the way. We were taught that Military and Politics do not mix, but neither do Politics and Military, something that the dweebs in politics seem to have forgotten. By all means, give out a military objective, but then stand back and let the military get on with it, and don't muck around with things you know nothing about and don't complain after the event!

[@sambeach2726]

In Australia I worked with a former British soldier who lost a part of his hand in a grenade attack in Aden. A rebel threw it into a Land Rover from a rooftop and it bounced up off the floor. John flicked it away with his hand just before it exploded.

[@fin4795]

I was on mahla main street in a L/R as part of a mobile patrol, and someone threw a grenade at us! Only thing was that what landed in the rover was the ring and pin……..he ran down the street with the bloody grenade! I still have the ring…….

[@johnmoffatt6592]

An excellent officer and a man who stood up for what is right 🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@brianyoung6256]

I have to thank you for this video . I am a Argyll and Sutherland highlander veteran and many in the regimental association will see this video. As I have posted it on the regimental Facebook page . You make a excellent video. Than you . Sp/no

[@Artfoth61]

I was there with the RAF at Salt Pans, we were never allowed to go near Crater but lived next to the Radfan Camp.

[@NasrAlqutipy]

Hi my friend

[@andymarkey88]

At 8:17 , a unicorn is seen , a rare FN FAL with fore grip.

[@davidravenscroft9235]

Yes you could purchase these from the QMs Dept, they weren't a successful addition and were later banned by the MOD

[@vitis65]

That jumped out at me as well. Never seen or heard of such a thing before. I'm a newly converted "FALcoholic" and will be picking up my third one tomorrow.

[@bobbynewmark2282]

I heard that Mad Mitch was ordered not to go into crater at the last minute, but he disregarded the order and went in anyway

[@florascot1765]

Very interesting but such sad loss of life. I fell in love with Yemen in the 90’s, travelling there extensively. I had to be careful as there had been kidnappings and sometimes had to have armed guards, but only in sensitive areas. I was met with kindness and hospitality everywhere from the Yemeni people. It’s a fascination, beautiful country and my favourite place was Wadi Hadhramout. My heart breaks for it these days.

[@spidyman8853]

Go to Aden. Especially Carter District. It hasn't changed since the 1960s..... apart from war Damage here and there from the 2015 war. Also, Khormaksar is the same with the white houses. As when this war eventually ends, Aden will change beyond recognition. The Emaraties have set their eyes on it. Including Socotra Island.

[@spidyman8853]

Sad reality of The South Arabians. Since 30th Nov 1967, and there was never a decent peace moment. Every 5 years a civil war erupted. Then, came in unification of 1990 and that failed within 3 years. What bad luck eh.

[@fredjones7307]

My brother and I sailed into Gibraltar in a small boat in 1968. My brother being a ex para meant we could use the United Services Sailing club moorings. When we went back to Gib in 1969 we befriended some RAF personal. We were talking about this operation and the RAF lads said there were more troops killed than was stated because they flew out a lot more coffins the the stated dead.

[@mikewalrus4763]

Sadly true of the whole affair but this article covers only a small part of that whole damn mess!

[@JudgeLazar]

"Let's attack at night so we surprise them." *Walks down the street playing bagpipes*

[@Ocker3]

That is very likely to surprise and un-nerve your opponents, especially an untrained and irregular guerrilla force. If they're not posting sentries at night, they not very organised. It shows your opponent how terribly confident you are, and they certainly followed through on their bold statement!

[@sathvikkumar3577]

Can be nothing badass than this. Way back then it would have installed fear

[@baborali2276]

You lot on this comment section , have you listen to yourselves. Fighting poorly equipped guerilla fighters,how brave. You lot are bolstering your low self esteem.

[@type1krush205]

1989 B.A.O.R I was Posted to Minden Germany , Queens Regiment another distinguished Reg that hit the Chopping Block ! What i can say also is the Argylls were also Deployed under B.A.O.R at pretty much the same time and from Memory Vaguely they were all Tough no Nonsense Soldiers ! Politicians have entombed all the Hugely Proud Battle Honours the British Infantry were Feared For ! Great Job L.F.E

[@michaelmorgan9289]

I was in Aden/ South Arabia 1964/5 with 2 CG. A rather exciting time for a young soldier.

[@ronti2492]

Thankyou for another excellent video honouring these guys. My thought is given the amount of kit we carry these days, its uncomfortable seeing soldiers conduct MOUT in shirt sleeves and Glengarry caps! No IED's from the locals- somewhat less lethal times perhaps, but no less dangerous....if that does not sound too paradoxical.

[@joelellis7035]

"We're going to take them by surprise! Make sure the lead guy plays the pipes!"

[@lindanewall9683]

The 'Skirl' of the pipes usually scared the shit out of any one who had never heard them, especially at night, it must have sounded like the arabs' worst nightmare.

[@dougtheviking6503]

Scott's. 1 800 we are coming to get you

[@naguerea]

Absolutely splendid, thank you.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Politicians are not the brightest bunch. Their decisions make me sick. Thanks for sharing LFE.

[@Paulkfrsoldgit]

Mad Mitch . Loved by his men , hated by his masters in London.

[@jonathanball8237]

Never Forget RIP 🌺

[@6mojo]

I was there for the withdrawal with 42 Commando RM happy to finally leave there!

[@mikewalrus4763]

On the Albion I presume, we had 45 on the Bulwark standing by for three months after the withdrawal - just in case!

[@WorkingDemo]

Wit is a better battle than bloodshed, when it’s possible to choose. Good on Mitchell for knowing when to seek which.

[@Ocker3]

Indeed, incredible use of his own resources to over-awe and subdue an armed opponent without losing a single soldier in that operation.

[@roelkomduur8073]

Combat in KD shorts, regimental headgear, a stout pair of boots and a FAL....Brave men!

[@fin4795]

We weren’t there as active combatants; we were there to keep the peace. As usual, though, - as in NI - we were shat on by both factions. (FLOSI and the NLF) and as usual parliament shat on us instead of them! So what’s new; the British parliament always have blamed its army for its own bad negotiating, and soured self-interest, in so many of our campaigns! down the centuries.

[@johnnywindsor183]

@@fin4795 well said brother

[@petrblasko9575]

Scots: Let's do night attack Also Scots: *back pipe noises* Those guys are amazing!!!

[@ParagonRex]

The Scots, launching a surprise attack with a chorus of Bagpipes. Now that's soldiering!!

[@SteveDorrans]

If you want an extremely angry and vengeful enemy, force them to listen to bagpipes for an hour or two.

[@tapan1937]

I was in Aden from january66 having been moved from Bahrain to take a post as 2ic of a Royal Signals radio squadron. I was there right to the bitter end and was in fact on one of the last aircraft to leave Aden. Certainly the last year in Aden was a busy one . In addition to our role as signallers we’re also did routine curfew patrols in Vehicles and on foot - they were quite tense events. All very exciting . The Crater disaster was a terrible event and the deaths of those soldiers in The RCT and the Northumberland fusiliers was much worse than just being shot and killed!

[@michaelcartwright8402]

Hello Trevor, good to see a name from the past (I was OC Aden Brigade Radio Troop in 1967 - until the end) Interesting times. Hope you are well. Best wishes, Mike Cartwright

[@tapan1937]

@@michaelcartwright8402 oh yes I remember you too another blast from the past!

[@crouqetoo2]

What hasnae been mentioned is the part the RCT lads did for us when just before we went in , we had a ring of OPs aroung the edge of the crater. These RCT lads climbed up the hill with jerry cans of drinking water for us. Someone else mentioned the Marines were around the edge , replacing us, they in fact covered our arses on the way out. From me to the RCT and Marines, Cheers lads.

[@peternathan3584]

@@crouqetoo2 i was attached to you and spent time in the ops over looking crater

[@crouqetoo2]

@@peternathan3584 CHEERS pETER

[@warzone147]

I've never seen a fal with a forward grip before till now. nice @8:15

[@tictoc3148]

Me neither lol

[@Iolis]

Its a spare L1A1 Pistol Grip from the Armourer's Shop which the NCO has banded onto the front stock. In other words its a DIY illegal modification which, given the semi-automatic nature of the L1A1 will have served no useful function at all other than making its owner look like Audi Murphy. I am surprised the CO and RSM in particular allowed it at all!

[@fin4795]

So listen to the armourer, you lot!

[@leeenfield3404]

Excellence as per from Liveth For Evermore. Thank you very much.

[@nkirk8740]

It a shame that so many British service personnel die due to politicians dealings from a position of safety protected by military personnel. I give my deepest thanks and respect to all military personnel past and present, thank you. 👍👍👍👊🇬🇧🇬🇧.

[@sagittariusa2283]

My old man was in Aden with the Royal Marines.

[@NasrAlqutipy]

Hi friend I'm from Aden

[@corditekid1]

I wonder what state the Silent Valley cemetery,and the graves of those brave men, are in now. I doubt anyone from the CWGC has been able to visit them for a good few years now. :(

[@crouqetoo2]

Apparently they are looked after voluntarily by an ex half Col. from what was the Federal National guard.

[@corditekid1]

@@crouqetoo2 , that is good hear. Thank you.

[@andreedowns4561]

TOP OFFICER...A LEADER...A SOLDIER...🙂

[@jamiewalker8772]

FINALLY!!! Yes!! Thank you!!!! J ✌️

[@jabbassoapbox4533]

As general background, back in those days the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were headquartered at Stirling Castle (central Scotland), hence the name of the op being "Operation Stirling Castle"

[@johnjenkins2209]

I was a forces kid aged 8-9 years old in Hong Kong, my dad being in RAF. Where we lived in married quarters there were many Army men with their families and occasionally a lad would say his Dad had been sent to Aden. One or two of these kids Dads were killed in Aden and then the families were sent back to UK. As usual the Labour Party Government of Wilson had people who hated UK Armed Forces and even we kids listened to the hatred of all servicemen at Labours utter betrayal of our forces particularly of this Jock Regiment. We kids heard the profound, salty hatred towards Wilson and Labour by Scottish men and their wives. My dad along with many detested Labour for their awful acts of anti HM Forces that left them in the lurch.

[@velamuranand8356]

they should hate UK govts , both Labour and Tory for the right reasons. That Britain refused to comply with UN resolutions on decolonisation and instead tried to reatin its hold over Aden/Protectorate by indirect means,. If only Britain had complied with UN and cooperated with India and other countries, so many lives would have been saved.

[@bryansmith1920]

My most favourite Uncle Served in Aden Told me about sitting on a plateau and being able to outrange the incoming fire from them rebels But to even my antiquated Cold war training I Cringed at the use of Bagpipes in a live firefight

[@jamiewalker8772]

Them bagpipes probably saved many a life brother 😅. Sure stirs the soul when you are as low as can get

[@Ocker3]

-10 to stealth, +20 to completely freak out an unorganised opponent not confident in their own cohesion :)

[@SgtMjr]

What arms do we have for this OP? SLR, Stirling SMG, GPMG, Hand Grenades, Armoured Cars and Bagpipes Sir!

[@johnmoffatt6592]

I have been to Aden since and stayed in the’16 revaluation hotel,! A total tip! Overlooking the bay! Used to be called the Rock hotel!

[@cecilwilson5442]

As usual even now soldiers let down for performing the duty, seen fit at the time,, government using leverage and changing the stance,,for political gain,, from Northern Ireland,, in the memories of those who never got back home,,, ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️least we forget,,

[@countycricklewood]

Shouldn't of been there anyway or N.I

[@countycricklewood]

@Ken Wilson Must be hard to accept the truth and not for much longer ☘️🇮🇪😜

[@countycricklewood]

@Ken Wilson similar to Brexshitter types and jingoists as oneself. Plantations over, as the Inglorious Empire. 😂🇮🇪👍

[@jackdiaz3149]

Mad Mitch 😀

[@Lassisvulgaris]

How about "Operartoin Freshman", just to show how things can go terribly wrong...?

[@markwilliams961]

Correction. A Squadron, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards. Not Queen's Own.

[@Shaun137]

They got around a bit did A Squadron, The Queen's Dragoon Guards, attached to my regiment the 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers in the 1991 Gulf War. Good bunch of guys.

[@tacocin]

Loved the reference to Ecclesiastes 44:14

[@lagrasta666]

If politicians lacked balls back in the 1960's.........one can only immagine how even worst and cowardly they are today. Respect for the Argylls and respect for the fallen. "Ad Omnia Semper Parata"

[@wasp6594]

Ironically, after the British left Aden, the Russians moved in and claimed all the equipment left behind. That Labour government of the sixties was one of the most treacherous we had.

[@WgCdrLuddite]

A brilliant Government - they kept us out of Vietnam.

[@jimmcloughlin]

They were carrying the Tory policies of dismantling the Empire from the far east, through Arabia and Africa. Churchill's grand plan.

[@WgCdrLuddite]

@@jimmcloughlin It wasn't Churchill's plan, there was a cross-party consensus that the Empire was gone/going. Ultimately the money saved on these places would be better spent on our own people. Wilson did a great job implementing this. The late 60s were a boom time for the working class.

[@jimmcloughlin]

@@WgCdrLuddite There were bigger things than money involved. We could not sustain the Empire in its pre-WW2 form and demand for home rule was clamoured after given some countries contribution to the war effort.

[@WgCdrLuddite]

@@jimmcloughlin That is correct.

[@racheltaylor6578]

The Last Post TV series is worth watching if your interested in this period.

[@colintraveller]

Mitch was a Legend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@leonblittle226]

Lions led by donkeys, it never changes.

[@joe19488]

gess what goverment was running the show.

[@barwaqorashiid5754]

Crater, Al Tawiila, Aden, that was my home in 1967, where the battle for Aden, took place. I was a 12 years old boy, who was a witness for crater battle. Ahmed Ibrahim.

[@gregscarfe6622]

Great video on another publicly forgotten conflict - Govt withdrew and since then Yemen has given the world nothing but war, terrorism and suffering

[@thehighhegemon2199]

Good video at a good time

[@PeterMaddison2483]

My Dad (RIP) was in Aden in the early 60's (My brother was born in Singapore '62). My Dad did 22 years in 22HAA/32LAD RA, he came out in the early 70's. (Heavy Ack Ack / Light Air Defence / Royal Artillery)

[@maxwellfan55]

Overall a good video. However I would seriously challenge the notion that British withdrawal from Aden was based on the premise that it could not effectively deal with the insurgency. Not only was withdrawal an entirely political and economic decision of the Labour party in office, the British Army, RAF, Royal Marines and R Navy based in Aden were particularly well suited, tactically, militarily and in strength able to control the insurgency. Had they been given the authority from Whitehall. As Col Mitchel himself demonstrated at Crater. Moreover. This political decision to withdraw resulted directly to a state of anarchy and bloodshed among rival quarrelling Arab factions together with subsequent wars and invasions from which it has never recovered.

[@eng9040]

And also note one of those if not more are mentioned in credits as being from Lancastshire regiment

[@6mojo]

I was there after sailing from Singapore for the final days in Nov/67 with 42 Commando. The only time I’ve used myGPMG in anger!

[@DJJAW11]

... Could you indeed possibly cover the Cyprus campaign ,my dad was involved within that 🤔?.

[@ChickpeatheTortie]

Lived in Aden in 62/63 - I was an Army brat - loved it there

[@taffp4360]

Brilliant simply brilliant

[@aydon1276]

They named an entire gulf after me? I'm honoured. Thanks, world.

[@Milchmais]

Can you do a video on the last stand of RT Kansas?

[@davidsanderson55]

Was on HMS EAGLE, covering the withdrawal, we continued on to SINGAPORE, arriving week before Christmas, we remained there for a couple of weeks, then sailed for the Philippines, on.y to be ordered back to Aden. We did about turn with orders to return to Aden We got as far as the