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

When the emergency in the Radfan was declared in February 1964, a makeshift Aden Brigade was formed and included in this were a squadron of ground-support Hunters, Shackleton bombers, twin Pioneer transports as well as ten Belvedere helicopters.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

After the murder of British troops by the Arab Armed Police, all British forces were withdrawn from Crater. Royal Marines of 45 Commando took up sniping positions on the high ground surrounding Crater. Over the next ten days the Marine snipers identified and ... read more.

The Han River - Korea - 1950-1957
Medal Ribbon

Since our first encounter we have met many times. In the moutons of the north you rapidly grow from a brook, to a stream, to a river. Through these picturesque, but unproductive mountains, you twist and turn like a dying snake.... read more.

Remembering Frank - Korea - 1950-1957
Medal Ribbon

I stood today in my local Tesco car park and in response to an announcement telling me it was 11 am on Remembrance Sunday I stood still, and, as I normally do, I thought of my friend Frank North.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

RUF soldiers took captive around 300 UN personnel, including one British officer.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

I joined the NPAM as a 'boy soldier' in 1943 at the age of 141/2 and served until November 1945, unable to leave Canada due to my age.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

Within a few days, following the allied initiation of retaliation, we were now getting into the routine of what was happening. The air raid sirens would sound with a deafening and ear piercing tone and it was on with your chemical suits, now a lot quicker then before... read more.

The Battle of Mirbat - Oman - 1969-1976
Medal Ribbon

After the success of Operation Jaguar, the Adoo leaders decided that they would have to make a decisive strike against the Sultans forces to regain the upper hand. ... read more.