Counter-insurgency in Aden

1. Aden's Allure and Peril: A Tourist's Naive Awakening

The authorities always exaggerate these situations for their own reasons.

Blakely's Folly. Norman Blakely, an emigrant arriving in Aden with his wife, embodies the naive tourist, dismissing warnings about local dangers. His desire to experience the "real thing" leads him to ignore official advice and venture into the Crater, Aden's dangerous anti-British terrorist hub. This sets the stage for a rude awakening, highlighting the disparity between perception and reality in a conflict zone.

The Bum Boat Bazaar. The initial allure of Aden is presented through the bustling harbor, filled with "bum boats" offering duty-free goods. This vibrant scene masks the underlying tensions and dangers, creating a false sense of security for newcomers. The contrast between the lively trade and the armed British soldiers underscores the precariousness of the situation.

Crater's Shocking Reality. Blakely's insistence on exploring the Crater results in witnessing a brutal assassination. This event shatters his romanticized view of travel and exposes the raw violence simmering beneath the surface of Aden. The assassin's perfect English adds a layer of unsettling intrigue, hinting at deeper complexities within the conflict.

2. SAS Deployment: From Borneo to Aden's Dust

This pilot couldn’t ride a bike,’ Corporal Ken Brooke complained, ‘let alone fly an aeroplane.’

D Squadron's Arrival. The arrival of D Squadron SAS at Khormaksar marks a shift from jungle warfare to counter-insurgency in a volatile urban environment. The troops, veterans of Malaya and Borneo, face a new set of challenges in Aden's arid landscape and complex political situation. The rough landing and immediate exposure to the harsh climate foreshadow the difficulties ahead.

Experienced Leadership. Captain Robert Ellsworth, though relatively inexperienced, relies on the expertise of seasoned sergeants like Jimmy "Jimbo" Ashman and Richard Parker. Their contrasting personalities and skills – Jimbo's good nature and Parker's marksmanship and Arabic command – provide a balanced leadership structure. The mention of Terry Malkin, already working undercover, hints at the diverse roles within the SAS operation.

Adapting to a New War. The squadron's deployment highlights the SAS's versatility in adapting to different conflict zones. From the jungles of Borneo to the streets of Aden, they are tasked with maintaining British interests in a rapidly changing world. The initial complaints about the pilot and the environment underscore the troops' resilience and ability to find humor in adversity.

3. Thumier Base Camp: Acclimation and Briefing

We’re always stuck with it,’ Les said. ‘They ram it to us right up the backside and expect us to live with it.’

Purgatory Found. The SAS forward base at Thumier, described as "home, sweet fucking home," is a stark contrast to the comforts of Hereford. The camp's basic amenities and remote location emphasize the harsh realities of their deployment. The initial acclimatization process, or lack thereof, further underscores the SAS's demanding standards.

Historical Context. Lieutenant-Colonel Callaghan's briefing provides essential historical context to the Aden Emergency. He explains the region's strategic importance, the rise of nationalism, and the complex political landscape that led to the conflict. The briefing reveals the challenges of fighting a "lost cause" created by political maneuvering.

Radfan Mountains. The CO details the operational environment, emphasizing the unforgiving terrain of the Radfan mountains. He highlights the lack of water, the absence of roads, and the tribal nature of the conflict. The briefing sets the stage for the squadron's mission to support A Squadron and quell the insurgency.

4. Proving Patrol: Desert Navigation and Unexpected Fire

You need an introduction,’ Callaghan insisted. ‘You’re experienced troopers, I agree, but your experience so far has always been in the jungle — first Malaya, then Borneo.

Desert Training. The proving patrol serves as a crash course in desert navigation and survival skills. The men learn to adapt to the harsh environment, including the intense heat, limited water, and treacherous terrain. The training emphasizes water conservation, improvised compasses, and desert signaling techniques.

Mountain Ascent. The arduous climb up the ridge tests the men's physical and mental endurance. They carry heavy support weapons and navigate steep, rocky slopes while battling heat, dust, and insects. The experience highlights the challenges of operating in mountainous desert terrain.

Friendly Fire. The patrol's unexpected encounter with the Irish Guards underscores the communication failures and potential for chaos in a complex conflict zone. The near-fatal incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of coordination and situational awareness. Despite the mishap, the patrol completes its mission, gathering valuable experience in the unfamiliar environment.

5. Keeni-Meeni Assignment: Undercover in Aden

Apparently these agents, who we thought were working for British Intelligence in Aden, are actually double agents, alternately giving us false information and passing on to the enemy information about our activities in the area.

Double Agent Threat. The discovery of double agents within British Intelligence necessitates a covert operation to eliminate them. The SAS is chosen for this task due to their outsider status, minimizing the risk of exposure within the compromised intelligence community. The assignment highlights the treacherous nature of espionage and the need for deniability.

Keeni-Meeni Training. Dead-eye and Jimbo undergo intensive training in close-quarters battle (CQB) techniques, specifically the "double tap" method. They learn to disguise themselves as Arabs, blend into the local population, and execute swift, precise assassinations. The training emphasizes speed, accuracy, and the ability to operate without backup.

Moral Ambiguity. The Keeni-Meeni assignment raises ethical questions about the nature of warfare and the use of assassination as a tool of counter-intelligence. The SAS troopers are tasked with eliminating individuals who pose a threat to British interests, blurring the lines between soldier and assassin. The lack of identification and potential for capture underscore the high stakes and moral complexities of the mission.

6. Double Tap Training: Mastering Close-Quarters Combat

What we’re going to teach you is the double tap, which is the ability to very quickly draw the Browning from the folds of that futah you’re wearing and fire it with perfect accuracy at close range.

The Double Tap Technique. The core of the Keeni-Meeni training lies in mastering the "double tap," a rapid-fire technique designed for close-quarters combat. This involves quickly drawing a Browning 9mm High Power handgun from beneath an Arab futah and accurately firing two shots in rapid succession. The emphasis is on speed and precision in a chaotic environment.

Fijian Expertise. The training is overseen by Sergeant-Major Monnery and Trooper Terry Malkin, with assistance from Fijian SAS men, including the formidable Corporal Labalaba. The Fijians' expertise in close-quarters combat and their ability to blend into the local population make them valuable assets in the Keeni-Meeni squads. The story of Labalaba shooting Royal Anglians highlights the dangers of mistaken identity.

Adapting to Arab Garb. The SAS troopers must adapt their combat skills to the constraints of Arab clothing. The flowing futah and shemagh can hinder movement and weapon access, requiring specialized training to overcome these challenges. The emphasis on blending in with the local population adds another layer of complexity to the mission.

7. Crater Infiltration: A Deadly Mission Unfolds

When you see the target, you don’t have too much time to prepare yourself and take aim. You have to make an instant calculation even as you’re whipping out the gun.

Blending In. Disguised as Arabs, Dead-eye, Jimbo, and Terry infiltrate the Crater, a densely populated district known for its terrorist activity. They navigate the crowded souks and alleyways, attempting to blend in with the local population while searching for their targets. The tension is palpable as they move through the maze-like streets, aware that any mistake could expose them.

The First Hit. Terry identifies one of the targets and executes a swift double tap in a crowded square. The assassination triggers a chaotic shootout, forcing the SAS troopers to engage additional enemies. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of urban warfare and the need for quick thinking and decisive action.

The Second Target. The SAS troopers pursue the second target through the narrow streets of the Crater, eventually cornering him in a rubbish-strewn square. Terry executes another double tap, eliminating the target and completing the mission. The escape is fraught with danger, as the SAS troopers must navigate the hostile environment while avoiding detection.

8. Radfan Operation: A Shift in Strategy

It’s mainly because of the machinations of those agents you terminated,’ Callaghan continued in a serious vein, ‘that our intelligence concerning the strength and whereabouts of the enemy in the Radfan is negligible.

Back to the Radfan. With the double agents eliminated, Dead-eye and Jimbo are reassigned to D Squadron for a major operation in the Radfan mountains. The mission involves supporting a large-scale assault on rebel positions, highlighting the shift from covert operations to conventional warfare. The return to the Radfan signifies a renewed focus on suppressing the insurgency in the region.

DZ Security. The SAS troopers are tasked with securing a drop zone (DZ) for a Parachute Regiment company. This involves establishing a perimeter, marking the DZ with lights, and protecting it from enemy interference. The mission underscores the SAS's role in supporting larger military operations and ensuring the safe deployment of troops.

Ellsworth's Ambush. Captain Ellsworth recounts a previous operation where he led a small patrol in an ambush on a camel train, resulting in the capture of a guerrilla leader. This anecdote highlights the challenges of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in the Radfan and the potential for unintended consequences. The story also reveals Ellsworth's proactive approach to intelligence gathering.

9. Ambush at Wadi Rabwa: A Costly Encounter

Shining torches at night isn’t discreet,’ Dead-eye replied.

Night March. The SAS patrol embarks on a night march through Wadi Rabwa, a treacherous and unforgiving landscape. The darkness, combined with the rocky terrain, makes navigation difficult and increases the risk of ambush. The march tests the men's physical and mental endurance, pushing them to their limits.

Enemy Contact. The patrol is ambushed by guerrillas, who open fire from the surrounding hills. The SAS troopers take cover and return fire, but the darkness and the terrain make it difficult to assess the enemy's strength and position. The ambush highlights the vulnerability of the patrol and the need for adaptability.

Foot Patrol. The SAS troopers are forced to abandon their Saladins and continue the mission on foot. This decision increases their vulnerability but also allows them to move more discreetly through the mountains. The change in strategy underscores the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

10. Sangar Siege: A Desperate Defense

We could stay here until the Millennium and they wouldn’t know we were here. Perhaps we should pay them rent!’

Guerrilla Village. The SAS patrol discovers a guerrilla-held village near their objective, compromising their position and forcing them to take cover. The discovery highlights the challenges of operating in a densely populated area and the need for constant vigilance. The patrol is forced to adapt its plans and prepare for a potential confrontation.

Air Support. The SAS troopers call in air support to suppress the guerrillas, but the attack is only partially successful. The guerrillas remain entrenched, and the SAS troopers are forced to endure a prolonged siege. The incident underscores the limitations of air power in a complex terrain and the need for ground-based solutions.

Casualties Mount. The SAS troopers sustain casualties as the guerrillas intensify their attack. Ken is wounded in the leg, and Ben suffers a back injury. The injuries highlight the dangers of close-quarters combat and the vulnerability of the SAS troopers to enemy fire. The patrol's situation becomes increasingly desperate as their numbers dwindle and their resources dwindle.

11. Retreat Under Fire: Sacrifices and Loss

If you can’t make that leg function by dusk, you’ll stay here as dead meat.

Desperate Measures. With their position compromised and their numbers dwindling, the SAS troopers decide to retreat. They are forced to leave behind their wounded comrade, Terry, who is too ill to move. The decision highlights the harsh realities of warfare and the difficult choices that soldiers must make in the face of adversity.

The Wessex Down. The SAS troopers attempt to call in a helicopter for extraction, but it is shot down by the guerrillas. The incident underscores the vulnerability of air support and the increasing desperation of the patrol's situation. The SAS troopers are now completely isolated and must rely on their own skills and resources to survive.

Ellsworth's Sacrifice. As the SAS troopers attempt to escape, Captain Ellsworth is killed by enemy fire. His death underscores the high cost of leadership and the sacrifices that soldiers make in the line of duty. The SAS troopers are forced to leave his body behind, adding to their sense of loss and despair.

12. Escape from Jebel Ashqab: A Grim Return

Not much we can do for him now,’ Dead-eye said eventually, tonelessly. ‘I think it’s time we left, boss.’

The Long March. The remaining SAS troopers embark on a grueling march back to base camp, facing exhaustion, hunger, and the constant threat of enemy pursuit. The march tests their physical and mental endurance, pushing them to their limits. The loss of their comrades weighs heavily on their minds, adding to their sense of despair.

Ambush. The SAS troopers are ambushed by guerrillas, who are determined to prevent their escape. The SAS troopers fight back, killing the guerrillas, but the encounter further depletes their resources and increases their vulnerability. The ambush underscores the relentless nature of the conflict and the constant threat of enemy attack.

Grim Return. The SAS troopers finally reach the Dhala Road and make their way back to base camp, exhausted and demoralized. They have suffered heavy losses and failed to achieve their mission objectives. The grim return underscores the futility of the conflict and the high cost of war.

Last updated: March 31, 2025