3 Independent Field Squadron
Operation Flamingo
Radfan May to October 1964.
Major J.P. Groom took post as OC 3 Independent Field Squadron in July 1963, there role was of Strategic Reserve, based at Tidworth in the United Kingdom. His previous posting for two and a half years had been with the War Office.
On his arrival the Squadron undertook formation exercises and adventure training in, France, Scotland, Wales and Stamford. By 1964 Major Groom was confident that the Squadron could hold its own in the greater practice of war in formation exercises.
By May 1964 affairs in the Middle East indicated that there was to be a change in the Squadrons plans. This was picked up by Anglia TV, who made a film of the Squadron training at Stamford, as they believed a deployment for the Squadron outside the country was iminient.
On the 15th May as Major Groom was inspecting the vehicles, at Tidworth on return from Stamford, the 2i/c informed him that something was on, as the phones were ringing like a turf accountants on Derby Day.
The CO, Col Hugh Cunningham, plainly stated to the OC, that the Squadron would be in the Middle East by the end of the week. Whitsun leave was duly cancelled.
A move to Aden as a staging post to the Radfan was set for 20th May, in support of 39 Infantry Brigade Group's operations in Radfan. A peacefull Tidworth became a riot of activity. Wirk progressed so well that Whitsun leave was reinstated, prior to deployment. Flights from Lyneham, using Brittanias, left every 2 hours, carrying the Squadron and the 1st Battalion Royal Scots Guards. By 22nd May 1964, 217 persons, 3,800lbs of equipment and 5 vehicles were in the transit camp in Aden.Where more vehicles and equipment was drawn, in readiness for the move to Radfan, 50 miles North of Aden.
When the Squadron arrived in Radfan there tasks were many and various, as normal the workload far exceeded the manpower and resources available. A important issue was education as to what a Sapper could and could not do. The main tasks carried out were;
Communications, in the form of road systems into operational areas, therefore relieving helicopters for other tasks.
Water Supply Points were set up, 20,000 gallons a day were required, equating to 7 gallons per day per man. This demand increased as improvements in the form of showers and ablutions were completed in Thumair Camp.
Mine Clearance, became an ever increasingly frustrating task as they were laid in a random manner.
Airstrip Construction, forward strips were built large enough to accomadate the Twin Pioneers used in these operations.
Operational Tracks, for the forward movement of guns and vehicles were also constructed. This included part of the Aden/Dhala road.
Agricultural Aid Programme, was one of the most satisfactory aspectsof the operation in July 1964, assisting the indigenous population in irrigation etc to produce more crops.
In all it was a most worthwhile experience, when the time came to hand over all our equipment to 50 Squadron and return to Tidworth, a very different group of men left Aden, from those who had arrived in May and certainly we were all less cynical about Strategic Reserve.
Conclussions.
The Corps War Cry of helping the Army to Fight, Move and Live Adequetly, summaries the Sappers of 3 Independent Field Squadron in the Radfan. More concerned with moving and living than fighting. Perhaps this is the pattern to come for Field Squadrons concerned with operations of this sort. That they will become more and more involved in a logistic support role.
If this is so our training must be designed to forefill it. From my point of view the day was saved on more than one occasion by tradesmen prepared to work long hours, in uncomfortable conditions and to have a go at anything without close supervision.
That they are physically able to work as they did without taking time of for acclimatization, was due to their being fit. We had put in a lot of hard training in the Spring and it paid off.
In the Radfan the Squadron split into small party's some led by Sappers. All responsibility for their protection as well as for their work and it was junior leadership at troop and section level which got the work done.
If lessons are to be learned from the Radfan then they are in the value of tradesmen in this type of operation. The importance of efficiency in skill at arms training, first aid and military subjects for every Sapper reliance on Junior leadership and above all physical fitness.
Note. S/Sgt R.C.Chisholm was awarded the BEM for mine clearance under conditions of great difficulty and danger on the Aden Thumain Road. Major Groom - Warrant Officer. W.E. Reader and S/Sgt. D.Fox were mentioned in dispatch's in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Radfan Area also 13 NCO's and Sappers recieved the Commander in Chiefs Commendation for their work.
Officers with 3 Independent in the Radfan.
O.C. Major. P.J. Groom. MBE. RE.
2i/c. Major.R.G. Bellam. RE
QM. Capt. F.C.Taylor. RE.
IO. 2nd Lt. J.O.D'arcy.RE
1 Tp. Lt.S.C.E.Weld. RE.
Lt.M.J.Hills.RE.
2 Tp. Lt.M.R.Handfield-Jones. RE.
Lt.D.W.Crawford.RE
3 Tp. Lt.M.T.Whiteworth.
PK.Tp. Capt.Kiggel.RE.
Attached. 2nd LT.R.Bradbury. RE for CRE HQ MECH.
Attached Units.
2 Troop 9 Independent Para Squadron RE, 2 Troop 34 Independent Field Squadron RE, Plant Troop 6 Field Park Squadron RE, Topo Troop 13 Field Survey RE, 521 Spec Team RE, Section of Ordnance Depot Aden.
Extracted from, Major.P.J.Groom. MBE RE.
Royal Engineer Journal, 1965, p 226.
