ra56

.....In the spring of 1964 the Qutaibis, the main tribe of the Radfan, were causing unrest spurred on by Egypt and the Yemenis. The British authorities decided on a punitive expedition and, on 30 April, 45 Royal Marine Commando set out with the Aden Federal Regular Army to dominate the Dhanaba Basis.

B Company of the 3rd Battalion secured the forts of El Naqil. This initial success was exploited by 3 PARA which, along with 45 Commando, then secured the seemingly impenetrable Wadi Dhubsan. The battalion withdrew to Aden on 28 May. Further actions against dissident tribesmen continued until 1967.

..In January 1967, 1 PARA was sent to Aden to maintain security within the colony. In May they took over 'Area North', the districts of Al Mansura and Sheik Othman. On 1 June civil disorder broke out which lasted for the duration of their stay of six months. They departed on 27 November.