[QUOTE][/Well, I spent 1968 in Sharjah where we had a Sqn of Mk 1 Andovers, a Sqn of Wessex and a sizeable Shackleton Detatchment. We also had RAF Airfields at Masirah and Salalah and SOAF was RAF Manned. There were 2 FGA Hunter Sqns at Bahrain plus Comms aircraft. I think that you will find that these Sqns and the Far East ones did not withdraw until 1969/70.QUOTE]
My point here is the die was already cast. To say 1968 was probably being to specific. What I meant was that throughout the 1950s and '60s, the British military presence abroad was withdrawn for the most part. Indeed, a few outposts lingered right up to the 1990s. Look at Hong Kong. However, by 1968 the bulk had, if not already been withdrawn, was on the cards to. All largely to do with Healey's 1966 defence review I understand.
FB