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 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

When the Cabinet mission arrived in Delhi in March, it had three members, Cripps, A.V. Alexander and Pethick-Lawrence.... read more.

Independence - India - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

When Mountbatten left England for India he had received instructions to work towards a unitary government based on the Cabinet Mission's plan, but to prepare for alternative steps, if by October 1st, there was no prospect of such a Government.... read more.

The Air War - Korea - 1950-1957
Medal Ribbon

When North Korea invaded South Korea on 25th June 1950, the United Nations condemned the action and UN troops were ordered into action.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

The abandonment of the myth of peacekeeping led to the first meaningful 'peacemaking' which resulted in the Dayton Accord of November 1995.... read more.

BATT in Oman - Oman - 1969-1976
Medal Ribbon

Two groups of SAS units operated in Oman, one based at Salalha on the coast and one in the desert.... 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.

Silent Valley - Aden - 1964-1967
Medal Ribbon

The 1st Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers flew into Aden's Khormaksar airfield in September 1966. The Battalion was arriving in Aden to relieve the East Yorkshire Regiment, whose area of responsibility had been Crater.... read more.