Pictures from a 1997 Trip to Aden
By
John Reid
Ex 2nd battalion Scots Guards

It was always in the back of my mind about the time I spent in Aden but I never thought that it would be possible to return there and see the places where I had served, but it did happen in 1997, thanks to the Royal British Legion Pilgrimage Department who made a return to Aden possible. I was able to take many pictures, which you can view below. I hope these pictures will bring back many memories for Aden vets

Well I suppose the trip back to Aden after 30 years was something I never thought would happen.  On arrival at Aden Airport, as it is known now, I was wondering how things had changed over the years. The smell was certainly was not the smell that wafted over you when we arrived 30 years ago; things had changed. They drive on the wrong side of the road now.

As for Aden itself, the locals greeted us with open arms in as much that they were, in their own way, glad to see us. We went shopping in Tawhai but it was not the same. Most of the shops had just trinkets and a few other things that brought back memories. All the excursions were great as we went to see all the places that we used to patrol as young soldiers. Some of the places brought back memories - some good and some bad.

The program was very hectic, as we were trying to visit all the places in just six days. But it was well worth it, as we had a great time. We visited places like Lahej, Habilayn, and Dhala as you will see by the photos.

There was a Service of Remembrance at Maala and Silent Valley where I visited the graves of the Irish Guardsmen that had been killed in a tragic accident when a Wombat exploded during a demo for the Royal Navy. As far as I can remember, the tragic accident in Habalayn was that a Wombat Recoilless Rifle apparently fired a round, which only went half way up the barrel and exploded. Another gun crew near by were killed.  There were a few of us watching the demonstration and didn't realize what had happened until there was shouting and of course all hell let loose. I am afraid I don't know the names of the guys killed. When we went out there in 1997, the Padre and myself said a few prayers at the Service of Remembrance at the graveside of those killed in the accident.

I remember that during my tour of duty in Aden we did a cordon and search of an island somewhere around Aden. We went aboard HMS Fearless and were on board for a few days. I can remember, vividly, searching the houses for weapons or anything we could find that would help us in the arrest of terrorists. I am sure there were a few caught but as a mere soldier we didn't get told much.
 

I also remember the time we were on guard in Aden Supply Depot and we were hit by mortar fire. We went out to search but nothing was found; they seemed to take everything with them. Ah yes, a bit of fun was had when at ASD we had a very powerful search light on the tower. I won't say what we saw in the married quarters, but will leave it to the reader's imagination.

Aden Supply Depot Maala This one was taken just after  we had been hit by mortar shells

Back to 1997. There were two places that we could not go to see, Government House and Salerno Lines where I was based. But I did manage to see most other places including Crater.

You always think that the place you served will be the same. I expected to see the wire-surrounding fence at Habilayn and the runway that was there is now part of the road. Funny how your mind thinks this way.

All in all I was glad to have made the trip and I suppose with all the photographs I have, I can relate to the place called Aden, We think of the people left behind in both Silent Valley and Maala and the people who look after them in their final resting place.

My thanks go to the Pilgrimage Department for making this trip possible.

John Reid
Ex 2nd battalion Scots Guards.
 

Aden 1997 Maala Military Cemetery Maala Today Steamer Point Silent Valley Salerno Camp We were not allowed to go there for some reason but had to take this snap Dalah camp  note the Russian A.P.C Habalyne on the way to Dalah Museum In Crater There is nothing in the museum now just an empty building we were told Sheik Offman Looks the same to me as it was in 1966 Crater Market Place Sailors Club Steamer Point The Lads enjoying a quiet drink On the way to Habilayn Now you guessed it. No running water but made a good toilet Habilayn When we stopped there was not a soul to be seen. In about 5 minutes this was the scene Our Guard on the way to Habilayn Radio Mast.  Someone might know if the Royal Signals used this mast, as I have no information.  Russian APC in Dhala  Barracks, Silent Valley I think it might be the Royal Artillery Barracks not too sure.  Another View  I think Artillery Barracks View From Little Aden

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