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

In this capacity, I was placed on a one-week assignment, starting July 25, 1954, with the 28th Brigade of the 1st Commonwealth Division, assisting them in war games. If I recall correctly, the units involved were the 1st and 3rd Australian Rifles... read more.

Medal Ribbon

The rioters had cut the telephone lines so the police could not call in reinforcements, but didn't know about the radio link. The Police Chief contacted the Governor for assistance to quell the riot and we, as duty flight, were ordered to assist. We duly paraded, drew arms and ammunition and mounted our vehicles... read more.

Medal Ribbon

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

Under pressure from the public, the Protectorate sheiks invoked the Defence Treaty and called for help. The British sent in 45 Commando to lead the advance up the Dhala road. 45 Commando was commanded by Lt-Colonel T.M.P (Paddy) Stevens, a World War Two D-Day veteran. He had anticipated a return to Aden and had already drawn up a plan for the pursuit of the tribesmen.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

I was stationed in Jerusalem in 1945/6 at the end of over six years in the army - and demob was in sight. I was due for 14 days leave and together with my friend Ron Whitwam we had arranged to go to Cairo for our leave and also pay a visit to Luxor.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

In October 1945, 159 Squadron moved to the airfield at Salbani, west of Calcutta, in India with its Consolidated Liberator Mk VIIIs.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

Deny Flight started on 12th April 1993 and continued until 20th December 1995, having been preceded by NATO's Operation Sky Flight, which had monitored no-fly zone breaches for the previous six months... read more.

Urban Terrorism - Aden - 1964-1967
Medal Ribbon

The violence in Aden started on the morning December the 10th 1963. The British High commissioner of Aden , Sir Kennedy Trevaskis arrived at Khormakar airport to catch a London bound aircraft.... read more.