This is part two of Dad's reflections on his National Service.
Our purpose in Aden was to prevent the unrest which was prevalent in the Protectorate. To help combat this we had frequent drills armed with dust bin lids and batons to bang on the lids. What a deterrent! On one occasion the rioters rather unwisely cut through an electric cable and several were subsequently electrocuted.
Soon they found us another trouble spot to administer. This time it was more serious and more of an active service.
No dust bin lids here, this was active service and we were armed whenever we left camp.
So began my National Service in Aden. Our squad was quickly allocated to the various Companies of the Battalion and thankfully issued with Khaki Drill uniforms to match the weather.
Khaki Drill shorts were the order of the day and except on parades we went shirtless. However you were charged if you reported sick with sunburn, there was no Factor 40 sunscreen in those days!
Our purpose in Aden was to prevent the unrest which was prevalent in the Protectorate. To help combat this we had frequent drills armed with dust bin lids and batons to bang on the lids. What a deterrent! On one occasion the rioters rather unwisely cut through an electric cable and several were subsequently electrocuted.
Our stay in Aden was rather short but we were able to assist passengers en route to Australia with their haggling in the local shops. The merchants were not happy with us for sharing our superior bargaining skills with the tourists.
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| Dad's views of Aden and top right with all his shopping |
We were often assigned to guard duty at Steamer Point and as there was no Armoury to lodge our weapons overnight we had to sleep with our rifles. One had to be careful as there were frequent attempts to steal our weapons whilst we were asleep. Imagine cuddling a 303 rifle all night.
One of the highlights of our stay in Aden was being asked out to a meal by the grateful Refinery Families. Whilst I don’t remember the meal provided meal I do remember how cold it was in their fully air conditioned homes.
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| Dad with locals in Aden |
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| Dad trying on the headdress |
We headed next for the beautiful island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean where Archbishop Makarious and his followers in Eoka were campaigning for Greek supremacy, As the island had both Greek and Turkish families living at times side by side this obviously caused friction which we were there to deal with.
No dust bin lids here, this was active service and we were armed whenever we left camp.
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