I came across this old b&w photo last night whilst searching old family pics. It shows the mine clearance vehicle we used on the road between Salalah and the port of Rasut, where we offloaded fleet auxilliary ships of fuel and supplies for RAF Salalah. This was taken in 1971 during the conflict involving insurgents from Yemen and elsewhere, against Oman in the province of Dhofar. The vehicle was designated the Chobham Rollers and was based on a Saracen armoured personnel carrier with exceptionally heavy rollers attached and pushed ahead of it. Colin.
Another pic here. Scroll down a bit The Rockapes They incorrectly cal it a Saladin, [that had a turret]. http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Desert_song/RAFSalalahSaladin.jpg
Thank you for the addition. Sorry but the section on the mine clearance vehicle is incorrect. In my time at RAF Salalah 1970/71 this was driven by a specially trained MT driver and serviced and operated by RAF station MT. I have many Salalah pics of this era. Colin. (ex Chief Tech MT Fitter)
Hi Colin I remember landing at Salala in Dec 1958 on my way back from British Military Hspital Steamer Point in Aden, we flew in a Beverley, which took ages, I remember going into the mess there and seeing loads of murals on the walls, some very good artists must have been stationed there. On take off the pilot told us to hold tight as the airfield was under the sights of some rebels who got great delight in mortaring the runway as the plane was taking off, luckily for us all went well and I re joined my Company at Sharjah Regards Rotherfield
Hi Rotherfield, Ah the Beverley - what memories! Steamer Point - a name in history! Salalah was still hairy in the 70s, but it made a very interesting 10 months! Flying in and out always tense! Just one of the 'small wars' that got little recognition, but I would'nt have missed it. Regards, Colin.
An RAF bod told me that the Bev. was the perfect navigators aircraft. It flew low enough and slow enough to read the road signs outbound and returning you followed the oil slick left by those leaky engines.
Hi Colin, Thanks for updating "The Rockapes" site. The page was posted up for me by a late ex Rockape called Rabbi Burns. I do remember an officer and a couple of SAC gunners on 15 Field Sqn being trained on the vehicle during the time I took the photograph, perhaps as a back-up ? Although the picture of the Saracen is named "Saladin" the text does identify the correct vehicle type Quote "Saracen Armoured Personnel Carrier with a mine roller attached. RAF Salalah 1972." Also See http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Desert_song/15SqnGuins1973.jpg A picture of some of 15 Field Sqns Tradesmen, unfortunately the only name I can remember is SAC Charlie Aitcheson (sitting), who's claim to fame was having a tooth clinically extracted by a BATTman in a Sanger in Hedgehog Bravo. I had the greatest respect for our tradesmen who worked in some of the most arduous conditions. We had to drive over the Bondu because the Adoo used to mine the tracks and the mineplate Bedford trucks suffered constantly from broken half shafts and damaged suspension. Regards, Mick D.
Why did the mine clearance Saracen have the mine rollers behind? Every other version of mine rollers has them in front. Or did they drive it backwards? Chris
Hi folks, Just joined the ww2talk forum. I was based in the Salalah MT Section in 1973 as a MT Fitter (Alvis trained) and used to maintain both the Saracens, drive out to the hedgehogs and train new drivers, army, BATT and RAF. I pointed out to James on the Britains Small Wars website about the name error a few years ago and he was going to change it. Anyone remember the 'Burmoil' race around the camp? Nearly killed me! Cheers all. Have pics of the Saracen and race, just got to find out how to post them.
