A History Of The Irish Guards

October 1966 - August 1967

The 1st Battalion arrived in Aden in October 1966 to replace the Welsh Guards in the 24th Brigade. The Battalion was to be based in Little Aden which was 10 miles to the west of Aden. 

Shortly after arriving in Aden the Battalion embarked onboard HMS Fearless to make an assult landing at 'Hauf' in the East Aden Protectorate. It was a very successful assult with 22 rebels detained at the cost of no casualties.

On the night of the 30th December 1966 the Company camp at Wadi Matlah was attacked. The rebels would successfully be repelled with no casualties. For this action Captain David Webb-Carter would win the Military Cross.

On the 31st December 1966 the camp at Dhala would also be attacked. This would be repelled and for his part in the action Sgt Johnston would be awarded the Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct.

On the 30th January 1967 tragedy would strike the Battalion. During a demonstration of the Wombat anti-tank gun a round would explode in the barrel killing 4 Micks.

On the 20th April 1967 an ambush patrol would come under attack in the Radfan mountains. By the end of the encounter the Irish Guards would lose another 4 men. For his part in the action Cpl Lewis would receive the Military Medal.

In June 1967 a company of Irish Guards was sent to Mukalla where they would help protect the British Residency where crowds had been demonstrating.

In August 1967 the Battalions tour would end and they would return to London and public duties.

Number 3 Company Camp at Wadi Matlah - Christmas 66. Sgt Mayne handing out the post. From Left: John Mayne, Harvey McDermott, Duncan Cameron (SG), John Devlin, Dave Shepard RIP, Bill Davis.

Thanks to John Mayne for the photo.