ADEN - THE FORMER CROWN COLONY

[brianthetaff]

On the 29th November 1967, the British Troops made the final withdrawal from Aden. Many people today have not heard of our Former Crown Colony, some would not where it is and what its significance it was for over 100 years.

Those of us that served there will never forget our time. Aden was attacked during WWI by the Turks and there were numerous casualties during WWII as well. Overall, including those classed as non-World War casualties, the total figure is over 1350 who are either listed on War Memorials, Commonwealth War Graves Commision lists and lists managed by the CWGC on behalf of the MOD. Apart from service personnel, there are many wives, children and civilians buried in the two cemeteries, Maala and Silent Valley.

So as this is the 50th Anniversary of us leaving Aden, perhaps it's time for this to be included in this year's Remembrance Week.

[Billyblue]

Well, thank you BriantheTaff !
When I went from Australia to UK by ship (P & O) back in early 1960s, we stopped at Aden. 
And I always wondered why. 
I never realised at was a Crown Colony at one stage.
Live and learn!
    

Dawn M

[ShaunJ]

I remember watching "Mad Mitch" being interviewed on TV regularly in reports of the fighting there in the mid-sixties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Mitchell

[John915]

Good afternoon,

The Aden Veterans Association are having a parade and drumhead service, with pipe band, at York Minster. This is to commemerate the 50th anniversary.

It is to be be held on 29th Nov this year, for info on tickets contact Major (rtd) Clive Candlin at vicechair@adenveterans.org.uk or on 01526322697  these details can also be found in the latest Legion magazine.

You are already remembered every remembrance day as are all service men and women lost in 2 world wars and all other conflicts since. They are not usually named individually unless there is a special anniversary.

John915

[Regorian]

I remember someone who had served in Aden. Although presumably National Service, he was promoted to captain. I won't name him as presumably he is still alive. He said they had to dine in the mess with their service pistols on their laps in case the enemy came through the windows. The Army offered him a permanent commission but he had other plans.

[ceejillydee]

I can remember transiting through RAF Khormaksar. Aden in 1965 en-route to RAF Gan.Maldive Islands.  I was only a very young airman and didn't know what to expect but upon landing a group of us was transferred onto a waiting coach to transfer us to the 'Red Sea Hotel' in Crater for a couple of nights.  I can remember the coach windows being tape to help stop any glass shattering onto us and an armed escort at both ends of the coach. As soon as we reached Crater, one at a time we ran from the coach to the Hotel entrance which was heavily sandbagged with armed soldiers guarding. It was night time and although the rooms were cool I opened the balcony doors to be very quickly told by a couple of armed privates to get back in.  It wasn't until the morning when we were being addressed by the RSM that this was not to be expected as a 'holiday hotel' and if we wanted to walk into Crater to go in large groups and make sure any that was purchased to be visible.  Two days later I was back on the aircraft to take me to RAF Gan with the memory of Aden behind me but for the support and advice of the incumbent army soldiers a young innocent airman may have left Aden in a different way So I salute those who served there and hope recognition is duly noted.