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

Medal Ribbon

I was 17 when I finished basic training in the Royal Scots at Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh. After a short stint as regimental butcher, three buddies and I volunteered for Korea.... read more.

The RAF in Kenya - Kenya - 1952-1960
Medal Ribbon

RAF Handley Page Hastings transported in ground troops, ran leaflet raids, communications and CASEVAC flights. No.1340 flight formed in 3/1953 with Harvards.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

A comprehensive list of British units which service in India.... read more.

A Hill in Korea - Korea - 1950-1957
Medal Ribbon

It is getting a bit tatty now and it sheds its feathers through countless holes, badly patched up, but it is still usable to the distress of many friends in yachts and caravans where it is pressed into use from time to time.... read more.

HMS Providence - Palestine - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

Some years ago I set up a website in order to tell the story of an incident involving my late father, Commander William E Messinger OBE, RN, who commanded a ship on the Royal Navy's Palestine Patrol shortly after the end of the war.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

After being told when to eat, the uniform to wear, when to get up, when to parade, and when to go to bed, my time there passed in a blur with not too much sinking in... read more.

Medal Ribbon

In the later Months of 1945 came an influx of refugees from central Europe organised by the Zionist Movement. Their aim was to create a Jewish State in the promised land.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

Operation Granby, FDC, HQ Bty, 2nd Field Regt. Royal Artillery. I was a "flaggy" on the Regimental Command Post, Regimental Command net in one ear, Div Arty net and Tech net in the other. Although commands were given by those on high, the memories of 24 x M109's responding to my voice will never eradicate.... read more.