The Aden Emergency & Battle of Crater 1967

[@PatrickW-rx1mm]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your memories. It is those little facts that make history interesting.

[@flashgordon6670]

Whiskey no ice, ironically at the Rock Hotel. Not much of a rock hotel, if they haven’t got any ice. 😄

[@daveyjuice7710]

Was Saratoga on the fleet.

[@PatrickW-rx1mm]

@@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.

[@Mounhas]

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.

[@graemethomson7282]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your story. Glad it brought back memories

[@plumroseham]

And now the TV adverts wanting us to send money because the greed of the local rulers

[@alexedge646]

Good story man cool

[@markrainford1219]

Huge respect. My own father was in the parachute regiment in Palestine.

[@justarandomnobody7451]

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

[@davidpearson3913]

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.

[@fmb1557]

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.

[@christopher9727]

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

[@alenmcculloch7823]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes it is a good read.

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@Force12]

Courage, discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless commitment, our current politicians, of all sides, no longer recognise these qualities.

[@giselawragg9140]

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. 🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@RustieFawn]

What part of ukraine is British? None? Then don't dare post that rag next to the Union Jack.

[@AceFlyingThunder]

@@RustieFawn get over yourself lad

[@stephenjp13]

My father also served in the RAF in Aden and was nearly blown up.... he never spoke about it much.

[@Dusty9931]

The country needs more people like Mad Mitch.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@johncater7861]

No relation to Mad Mike Hoare?

[@jonathanj.7344]

Patriots so often betrayed by the politicos.

[@barryalexander2909]

We still have them. Don't worry. Anachronistic and out of vogue, but still around.

[@johnridgeway5265]

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.

[@OutandAboutwithDave]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I have a friend who landed the job of guarding the wives & children whilst swimming

[@sharonlarsen3642]

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.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@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.

[@markbeale7390]

​@@sharonlarsen3642Wot you expect dealing with office wallahs

[@StephenSmall-sf5um]

I was there in 67 as a bairn my dad stationed there with the r h a

[@i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b]

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?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@davesherry5384]

When will we learn to tell the politicians to piss off, do you mean?

[@jonpeters9148]

seems to be a common denominator re stan and iraq,a certain war criminal called blair whom the establishment have sheltered once again

[@makinganoise6028]

Thanks for your Service, respect means one cannot comment on Politicians and Elites Business interests in these conflicts.

[@fredatlas4396]

​@@davesherry5384 when will we learn not to get involved in other people's countries

[@maxwellfan55]

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.

[@makinganoise6028]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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?)

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@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.

[@alanbarker7923]

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.

[@amyboleszny543]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@TheBioniXman]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing

[@coult001]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@Nmax]

​@@philiprufus4427Pakistani and Arab islamists just staged a 100,000 person March in London. Good luck in dealing with that mess

[@dalebates9817]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My dad was there late 50's and he enjoyed it (apart from the flies).

[@JR-gc5ef]

"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]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@JR-gc5ef]

@@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.

[@johnhudghton3535]

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?

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@George-dx2sd]

Funny how he's "Bwitish" and nor Scots LoL .....Classic little englander syndrome !!!

[@severanfenrir4051]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@olliephelan]

@@TheHistoryChap HE WAS A DINOSAUR. The argylls were hated in Ireland. Check google images. "black wogs ....green wogs"

[@VilhelmHammershoi1666]

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

[@olliephelan]

@@VilhelmHammershoi1666 If you go to google images you can see the argyll ans sutherlands in N.Ireland only a few years later.

[@olliephelan]

@@VilhelmHammershoi1666 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

[@pam-gw6uk]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@SteveWray-n5g]

I knew an ex 45 commando Jimmie Quinne, told me many storys of aden he was hard as a hammer

[@briangoggin3382]

Did you, by any chance, do the Tab from Dhala down to Little Aden when Zulu Coy were due for Repat.

[@pam-gw6uk]

@@briangoggin3382 Sorry can't recall that, I was In Yankee Coy, so long ago, much of It a blur now.

[@briangoggin3382]

​@@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.

[@mcdond2512]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad it brought back some memories

[@mch12311969]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hope you enjoyed it

[@casman1282]

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 KZbin 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.

[@davidhorton1064]

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

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@martindunstan8043]

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 👍

[@mike.47]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share those childhood memories

[@jenniferfarrar9190]

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!

[@mike.47]

@@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.

[@jenniferfarrar9190]

@@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?

[@mike.47]

@@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.

[@iangregory3719]

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.

[@lesleymay8006]

Probably knew my husband

[@keithdurose7057]

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.

[@joeritchie4554]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@rickyb5499]

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 👍🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

[@scottp9048]

Another gem Chris, used to work with a couple of old fellas who were there, now I know what they endured, thanks

[@RailfanDownunder]

Superb work Sir .... Another example of politicians not being held accountable

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@tommycockles2947]

politicians whould sell there own mother down the river for a backhander

[@robertdarby6553]

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.

[@nicholastimms]

Thank you. I find history fascinating and you bring it to life in an enthusiastic patriotic yet balanced way.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you.

[@erlingleask1247]

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

[@ceciljohnrhodes4987]

Informative, educational and entertaining, top work old chap.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@Cromwelldunbar]

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.

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@geoffpoole483]

@@philiprufus4427 I attended a lecture in 2008 given by General Mike Jackson and he made the same point about 1968.

[@anthonytaylor9232]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@emstirling-is4nu]

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

[@brianford8493]

Dad deployed to Aden grandad and an uncle wore the Glengarry.......brilliant stuff tho i did shed a tear ✌

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@khaledbaleid]

❤❤❤

[@GaryS-z2e]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharng

[@grahamprice3230]

PWO is Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

[@jeffcurtis5980]

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.

[@killer3000ad]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

He did good stuff later on in his life with HALO Trust

[@huudielbo728]

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.

[@elsuperxolo3494]

Colonizing is frowned up on. ! --- so.. yeah.. he deserved scorn.

[@fwqkaw]

@@elsuperxolo3494 Hardly a colony for exploitation - more like a motorway service station for ships till mpg improved.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Thanks yet again for another superb video over a long forgotten conflict.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

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

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your recollections.

[@aidanmoore8499]

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

[@philiprufus4427]

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

[@LeggieGlasgow]

​@@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 .

[@thenewertruth5745]

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!

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you. I read Mad Mitch's biography in a public library some time in the 1980's.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Used it as one of my sources.

[@jeffreybutcher4451]

Absolutely love your videos and your enthusiasm!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much!!

[@alistairreid965]

Very interesting and overlooked, thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@boyfromblackstuff7859]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@tonymcfadyen8302]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you like them!

[@casman1282]

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 KZbin 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)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Used it as one of my sources.

[@robertwatson9940]

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.

[@MaverickSeventySeven]

What an excellent and informative narration!!! A terrific engaging pace!! Even though knowing the ending, you have still made it a spellbinding story!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@begent73]

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.

[@MrTracker614]

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

[@eddieowen5311]

"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.

[@begent73]

Madam your bottom can speak for itself but I generally find that bottoms talk S#!t

[@jfh9219]

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!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@streaky689]

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.

[@bobfreestone1752]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing

[@neilmckie2768]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts.

[@noeonoohno4219]

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.

[@fredazcarate4818]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@fredazcarate4818]

@@TheHistoryChap indeed I did Sir. May I have more please!

[@emstirling-is4nu]

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?

[@michaelnorman4685]

Another gripping adventure , excellent work. Thank You. Any chance of covering the exploits of Mad Mike Hoare and Sandline International/Executive outcomes? Cheers

[@philiprufus4427]

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.

[@jockmazza]

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!

[@amajortiling7644]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I try to be polite!

[@emstirling-is4nu]

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.

[@kerraptregolls4929]

I would not admit my father was in the black watch they were dreadful.

[@robinparkes988]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your dad’s interesting story.

[@jimcannell2762]

I served at saltpans from 1967 to 1969 ground radio

[@Vic-ng8if]

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.

[@George-dx2sd]

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 !!

[@davedixon2068]

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.

[@Desertfox170]

My uncle was Thier he was in 4 5 commando left in 67 good little film tks

[@davidgraham6434]

My dad was in the Argyles, Mitch was a great leader, and the Argyles, a great regiment

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@richardbroadwell7990]

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

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind. Thanks for watching

[@rextucker3184]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@WjB_96792]

Liked and subscribed! Cant get enough good accurate military history, particularly counter insurgency conflict and the end of empire. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much for subscribing, and I hope to produce many more videos for you to enjoy

[@WjB_96792]

@@TheHistoryChap i will be looking forward to it! Mahalo nui loa kakou!

[@wendydevereux4375]

Argyle and Southerland Highlanders ..many serving soldiers who faught in this forgotten conflict still suffering from PTSD😢

[@TheHistoryChap]

Unfortunately, that seems to always be the case, not least amongst Korean War veterans

[@pault.5914]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@williamtraynor-kean7214]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to correct me. Appreciate your input.

[@rodeastell3615]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

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?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mirbat is a popular request so it is now on my list.

[@philiprufus4427]

Corporal Lallalaba VC, and the 25 pounder.

[@eddielindaa]

My Dad served in Aden too Edwin George Atkinson Thanks for your video God bless GB

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice words.

[@bessiebraveheart]

My younger brother was out there with the Queens Own Hussars. He passed on five years ago.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

One of the best channels of 2023!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you thanks

[@TheRobby1971]

Very informative, worked with a chap who served in Aden, he recalled mother's pushing prams with bombs in them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@emstirling-is4nu]

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

[@allancrotch2953]

As a pre teen I followed this conflict on the News Mitches heroic acts were the stuff of movies . .At 15 and 6 months I reported to the Guards depot Pirbright I was never to match mad Mitch as a hero but he was my compass .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing Colin Mitchell’s impact on your own career.

[@alanwilkin8869]

Spent his retirement on kintyre amongst Argylls We were very fond of him

[@anthonytaylor9232]

15.6 months, were you a Boy Entrant then?

[@scottythedog8829]

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!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your family story

[@anthonytaylor9232]

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!

[@watchtheskies]

My Dad served in Aden at this time too with the RAF, from 1967 to 69, he had some stories!

[@TheHistoryChap]

I bet he did!

[@alanbarker7923]

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.

[@GarryByrne-q9m]

Thank you, very informative and a lovely voice for narration, well done.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks.

[@johnyoung8727]

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]

This was a great country then,it really was The United Kingdom,I was fourteen and the next twenty five years were ok.

[@johnyoung8727]

@@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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@rogerdepretto440]

Thanks again Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@DavidCarson-o1f]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and for sharing your story.

[@peterosborne9802]

Thankyou and as ever I found this a fascinating and in depth analysis. Thoroughly enjoyed, the comparison between aden and karbul is a good one. Politics and military objectives will always clash. I cannot help thinking that you shouldn't send soldiers to be policeman. Ether let them do the job or not.

[@anguswilley4990]

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.

[@philiprufus4427]

Russian troops would have exacted a heavy price for such wanton murder !

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your detailed comment

[@emstirling-is4nu]

She certainly sounds like a character and looked after you all very well.

[@CliSwe]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@aw6936]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@clifficus]

@ aw6936 same as myself, but with Royal Signals 222 squadron K troop, then posted to Sharjah, nothing but a sandpit😃 take care👍

[@pauljohnson6233]

Thank you so much for this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are welcome

[@Prydwen3]

For those interested in further information about Lt Col Colin Mitchell and the Aden conflict his book 'Having Been a Soldier' makes a good read.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes, it is a good read. I used it as one of my sources for this video.

[@robertmiller2173]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

They certainly broke the mould when they made him!

[@michaelfrankland5691]

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

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are correct

[@carltickner1910]

My grandad was there then too , Bert Tickner SGT RAF Regiment .

[@emstirling-is4nu]

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.

[@crsnmorton]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Incredible story thank you so much for sharing

[@billballbuster7186]

Nasser did not defeat the British and French, that was President Eisenhower in the US, that forced the withdrawal out of Egypt by threatening to destroy the British economy. Mad Mitch was a great hero in all the British military for his stance against terrorism, I know as I was serving at the time. But Harold Wilson's Labour Government were seen as traitors for their compliance and sometimes active support of terrorists who had just murdered British soldiers. Aden port, the main employer in South Yemen was gone and the country rapidly deteriorated into poverty, all those trade unions wanting to kick the British out, all joined the ranks of the unemployed.

[@rickyb5499]

👍🇬🇧

[@ahmeda6591]

It was the soviet union under Khrushchev who defeated the British and the French in Suez actually, Khrushchev has threatened to bomb both London and Paris with Nukes if they did not withdraw

[@auldflyer]

The Labour party under Bliar was just a treacherous as Wilson's government in sacrificing British soldiers of all arms. Was it not a Labour government that sent troops into Northern Ireland......

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

Well said.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@karlaceclaydon]

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!?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Tower visited the A&SH officer's Mess. During a conversation with the Adjutant, Tower referred to, "You damned Argylls," the Adjutant immediately challenged Tower- the GOC Middle East, and demanded that he retract the comment. Tower refused, the Adjutant responded by ordering one of the Mess stewards to bring Tower's peaked cap on a silver platter, and he ordered Tower to leave the A&SH Mess. Tower, despite being THE senior British officer in the Middle East had to comply and leave the Mess.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing that story

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Chris, brilliant telling, another piece of British military history I will need more reading on. Thanks for the emails giving me a heads up. Cheers from Sunny Oz.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for your support

[@roddixon368]

Two points: 1. As early as 1958-60 when I was there with my father who served in RAF, we were subject to violent stikes in Aden and armed conflict with groups based in Yemen in the Radfan area. 2. Radio Nassar was already boardcasting in both Arabic and English into the colony.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@WarMoose20]

great video Christ, always a pleasure to see what delights you come up with

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@janlindtner305]

Yes! Another excellent lecture Chris, let's learn some more of what we know less about. As far as I remember, a film - TV series was made about the Aden conflict, or is it somewhere else, or is it i whom do not remember correctly? I hope you will do something about the New Zealand wars? Well done.👍

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

There was a British tv series, The Last Post. ..but in true (recent) British style,it was Woke & Liberal, and seemed more interested in pushing the values taught at today's universities than covering actual events.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Haven’t done New Zealand wars but will get to them. Watch this space!

[@philiprufus4427]

@@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd 'End of Empire, is good ! Made before woke c - - -. It used to be on youtube,but a lot of stuff has been taken down. EoE covered everything from Palestine to Aden,including Malaya Suez Kenya,Cyprus etc. Great stuff, enjoy your vids,been reading and watching British Military History since I learned to read,(70 now). Quite a few of the family served going back to The Boer War. To be expected. The counties in England are Devon(Devonport)Cornwall and Yorkshire. Add Scotland to that lot and you are bound to find a Matelot or Pongo somewhere along the line.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

@philiprufus4427 thanks for the suggestion, I do believe that it is still available on dvd....I'll go and purchase one right now.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

@philiprufus4427 are you referring to the 1985 series? Sadly no DVD for that, but I've found a few episodes on KZbin (as you recommended)

[@vincentlavery2568]

Chap. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@peterinns5136]

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.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your experiences

[@stewarthunter8793]

So proud of our soldiers in Aden......

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@jimhallinsn1023]

In the background, Russia was stirring up the trouble. When the British finally left a small force of Russian navel ships, tried to Dock. The locals would have none of it, they had got rid of one colonial power. They where not going to have a replacement. That story was told to me by a former Chekslovakian communist. You meet some interesting people in the merchant Fleet.

[@TheHistoryChap]

How interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@plroun]

The Russians then turned to the East Germans as their surrogates. The latter were not nice in their methods of putting down the locals but were of course unconstrained by the Press, all of whom had left Aden by then

[@davidwoods7720]

Many thanks indeed,awesome as always. Only "Mad" Mike I ever met was Mike Hoare.

[@TheHistoryChap]

This was a Mad Mitch.

[@Vic-ng8if]

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

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your story

[@peterbarker3433]

Well done again - a fascinating documentary of a little known campaign.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@Kysushanz]

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]

What’s a ‘wog’??

[@bobroberts6155]

@@raycorrigan3297Western Oriental Gentelman.

[@raycorrigan3297]

@@bobroberts6155 Japanese?

[@Kysushanz]

@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].

[@philiprufus4427]

@@raycorrigan3297 A Jundy or Nignog, not PC EH ?

[@dermottelliot9634]

Loved it! Many thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure