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

Radforce - Radfan - 1964-1967
Medal Ribbon

With 'Cap-Badge' secured, the forces composing 'Radforce' now consisted of 39 Brigade under Brigadier Blacker, a force containing 45 Commando, the 1st East Anglians, the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, the 1st Scottish Borderers and the 1st Battalion, the Royal Scots,... read more.

Grenade! - Aden - 1964-1967
Medal Ribbon

I was posted to Aden in March 1965, as a Pilot Officer, to the 114 Maintenance Unit in Steamer Point. Our job was to provide logistic support for all of the HQME Command bases, from Aden, Riyan, Salalah, Masirah, Sharjah and Bahrain (Muharraq).... 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.

Medal Ribbon

After being told when to eat, the uniform to wear, when to get up, when to parade, and when to go to bed, my time there passed in a blur with not too much sinking in... read more.

Medal Ribbon

In this capacity, I was placed on a one-week assignment, starting July 25, 1954, with the 28th Brigade of the 1st Commonwealth Division, assisting them in war games. If I recall correctly, the units involved were the 1st and 3rd Australian Rifles... read more.

Introduction - India - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

Introduction to the India campaign and independence.... read more.

Wavell and Congress - India - 1945-1948
Medal Ribbon

After the war, the new Labour Government in Britain declared its aim to be the early resolution of self-government for India.... read more.

A Rude Awaking - Korea - 1950-1957
Medal Ribbon

Hill 282 was supposed to be a surprise for the North Koreans but it was more of a surprise for the Argylls who were ordered to take it. When the hill was taken the Argylls found themselves under fire from another hill and with out fire support.... read more.