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

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.

Introduction - Palestine - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

With the assistance of the Arabs the British in 1917-18 took Palestine from the Turks near the end of WW1 The Arabs assisted the British because they were led to understand they would be independent at the end of hostilities.... read more.

The RAF in Kenya - Kenya - 1952-1960
Medal Ribbon

RAF Handley Page Hastings transported in ground troops, ran leaflet raids, communications and CASEVAC flights. No.1340 flight formed in 3/1953 with Harvards.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

Jewish resistance to the British mandate had begun before the Second World War when Jews extremists set up an organization called, 'Irgun Zvia Leumi' (IZL) or simply, 'The Irgun'. Their aim was to campaign for the establishment of the state of Israel.... read more.

Medal Ribbon

On the 22nd of September 1950 the 1st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders moved across the Nantong River to support the left flank of a new American offensive against the North Koreans. ... 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

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.

Medal Ribbon

Operation Granby, FDC, HQ Bty, 2nd Field Regt. Royal Artillery. I was a "flaggy" on the Regimental Command Post, Regimental Command net in one ear, Div Arty net and Tech net in the other. Although commands were given by those on high, the memories of 24 x M109's responding to my voice will never eradicate.... read more.