Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0039
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South A rabid helped 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery load their guns. Fire was effective but a few days later, and after the Troop had returned to Beihan, up to 60 enemy infantry crossed the border and occupied some houses at Hagan According to a deserter they were supported by 3 field guns, 2AA guns, 3 mortars, 1 heavy MG and ZAPCs. After a rapid night march the Troop was deployed at dawn suported by 3RHA and an air OP. A spirited fire-fight followed during which the Saladin fired 40 rounds and the Gunners 180. The village was destroyed and the enemy, armed only with rifles, who had bravely manned the fort as it crumbled around them, withdrew after sufiering casualties This engagement was the most warlike that any troop of the Regiment experienced during the tour, The squadron stationed at Sharjah — B Squadron (Major Lewis) relieved C Squadron (Major Gatensbury) in April 1963 — had the advantage of being 1500 miles from RHQ and only in contact through the daily radio calli Another bonus was the far better accommodation available than at Little Aden, which the squadron shared with the Royal Air Force and the Trucial Oman Scouts. When there was time for relaxation a swimming pool and cinema were nearby and a saddle club provided riding and polo, played on salt flats followed by washing the ponies in the sea. C Squadron football team flew to Bahrain to play four games against the teams on the island, winning three including the Persian Gulf Cavalry Cup after a good match against E Squadron Royal Scots Greys. However the operational and training demands on troops were continu— ous Long distance patrols to Muscat and Oman, Qatar, Buraimi and elsewhere often lasted up to two weeks and covered 1200 miles. Such patrols were an excellent test for troop leaders and the skills of crewmen. Coastal watches for illegal immi- grants or gun-runners offered the chance of excitement. C Squadron was rewarded with the capture of a dhow when 3Troop (Lt Lowe) spotted it from the air 30miles out to sea, It was followed down the coast and eventually boarded by Lt Lowe, pistol in band, in Dubai creeki An interesting training exercise was also carried out by C Squadron which loaded HQ and two troops on to a Landing Craft Tank over the beach at 37 |
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