With tribute to:

Martin Spirit

James Paul

Co-written by:

David Carter

Britain's Small Wars

The preservation of British Military History

Launched, Sunday 11th November 2018. Dedicated and paying tribute to veterans who have served in small conflicts since World War Two. This is an unofficial website with no ties to the Ministry of Defence. We would also like to pay a special tribute to Martin Spirit. For more information please read the About BSW page.

Latest updates

Last updated: Feb 10, 2019

The Aden Withdrawal November 1967 - Aden - 1964-1967

In 1966 whilst onboard H.M. Submarine Auriga, I spent a most enjoyable stay in Aden stopping there enroute for a long commission based on Singapore. From my diary of that time, I note that we arrived at 1340 on Sunday the 20th February when the weather was 85f... read more.

Last updated: Feb 10, 2019

The Ever Readies Aden 1965 - Aden - 1964-1967

I became involved in the British Army's operations in Aden as a member of the Territorial Army; I was not a regular soldier. I had originally joined the services as a boy seaman in the Royal Navy, aged 15, in 1951.... read more.

Last updated: Feb 10, 2019

Tales from Aden 1955 to 1957 - Aden - 1964-1967

I remember when we were in Aden in 66 Rifle Squadron and we used to go up country when the natives got restless. One time we were going up with a convoy of supplies and we came under fire.... read more.

Last updated: Feb 10, 2019

RASC in Aden and the Radfan - Aden - 1964-1967

I was posted to Aden from Aldershot in Feb 1964 after basic training as a driver in the RASC, at Yeovil, & Aldershot. I was so excited to be going to a place like Aden and not Germany... read more.

Some of the Featured

Introduction - India - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

Introduction to the India campaign and independence.... read more.

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At 2 am on August 2nd, 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. It was no contest, the Kuwaitis were outnumbered 50 to 1. As the Emir's Royal Guard made a desperate stand... read more.

Op Granby - Gulf War - 1990-1991
Medal Ribbon

During Operation Granby, (AKA Desert Storm), the Support helicopter force, middle East, (SHFME), comprised Chinooks and Pumas of the RAF, Ground attack lynx and Gazelle of the AAC and twelve Seakings of the Royal Navy made into two 6 helicopter squadrons, 845 and 848, (846 was on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, Argus sailing in the Arabian Gulf as a hospital ship).... read more.

Radforce - Radfan - 1964-1967
Medal Ribbon

With 'Cap-Badge' secured, the forces composing 'Radforce' now consisted of 39 Brigade under Brigadier Blacker, a force containing 45 Commando, the 1st East Anglians, the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, the 1st Scottish Borderers and the 1st Battalion, the Royal Scots,... read more.

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At the start of World War 2, some negotiations took place which led to the agreement that India would be given Dominion status as soon as possible in return for cooperation from the Hindu and Muslim factions in India against the German forces.... read more.

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In April of 1951, the Chinese 1st Chinese Communist Field Army was commanded by General The-huai Peng. Peng was deeply worried by his shortage of trained, experienced troops.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

In 1966 whilst onboard H.M. Submarine Auriga, I spent a most enjoyable stay in Aden stopping there enroute for a long commission based on Singapore. From my diary of that time, I note that we arrived at 1340 on Sunday the 20th February when the weather was 85f... read more.

Medal Ribbon

The overall plan, for the withdrawal of the British Forces, was to move the majority of troops, out through Khormaksar Airfield, whilst the equipment, went by sea. The privilege of being the last to leave, was accorded to the Royal Marines.... read more.