Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0036
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A Short History of 1/12 9t/z/'121h Lancers Aden with RHQ and carried out Internal Security duties and the other went up country by troops in support of the Federal Army in a number of dispersed battalion locations. SHQ with a reserve remained at Balaclava Barracks, Little Aden. All squadrons had some months either in Aden or on the frontier but only B and C Squadrons were at Shariab. It was a mar- vellous deployment with a really interesting role for all ranks; Troop Leaders in particular being able to learn to fend for themselves. An interesting and very valuable addition to the effectiveness of the Regiment was thc work of 13 Flight Army Air Corps (Captain Forbes) which had been formed and trained in Ulster from regimental personnel and was now based in Aden as part of an Army Air Corps Light Aircraft Squadron. Deck landings onto HMS Bulwark were part of their training. The main base camp of the Regiment at Little Aden (25 miles from Aden) bad the advantage of being near the large British Petroleum installation and close to other garrison units, like the Royal Scots Greys and 45 Royal Marine Commando, and visiting warships who were only too ready to welcome all ranks on board. The accommodation was spartan but the air conditioning was welcome before the winter months, Although only 6 officers and 39 soldiers’ families could be accommodated there was plenty for them to do too. The band under Mr Keeling had a splendid tour and even embarked on HMS Bul— wark for a trip to Kenya. BP allowed the use of its swimming area, enclosed by a net as a protection against sharks, and some enjoyable, but low goal, polo was available. Sailing, sea fishing, game shooting, racing, cricket and even cross—country running attracted much support. The duty squadron — A Squadron (Major Charrington) — was kept busy to begin with on constant IS duties in response to a spate of hostile demonstrations and riots. After the authorities took firm action in November, which included deporting the ringleaders, the atmosphere was much improved and the squad- ron was able to carry out individual training, squadron exercises in the desert and track recccs to the Yemen frontier. Field firing was also possible in the Yeramis Valley to the north where 30,000 armed tribesmcn were left to their own devices by the 34 |
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