RAF KHORMAKSAR
Crater Shops
I was lucky to have been there in 1962/3. You could wander around with impunity then and I did not have any knowledge of trouble brewing. I believe the troubles started about mid 1964. There were some tremendous bargains.
Last edited by DeanoP; 1st Oct 2020 at 16:19. Reason: Replace images
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Cambridge UK
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone remember BASCO? Brothers' Air Service Company or something similar I believe. IIRC they operated DC-3s in parallel/competition with Aden Airways. Around September 1970 I flew in one of their aircraft from Khormaksar up to Taiz in Yemen Arab Republic (as was; Aden by this time was PDRY-Peoples' Democratic Republic of Yemen). I wasn't too thrilled at having to make the flight in the first place but my eyes were really opened when I saw all the wrecks littering the strip at Taiz. 
After a few days in Taiz I flew up to Sana'a but I can no longer remember who with but I'm fairly certain it was in another DC-3. I remember seeing a YAR Air Force MiG-15 (I think possibly Russian- or Egyptian-flown) getting airborne at Sana'a - a real curvature-of-the-earth job. IIRC Sana'a is something like 7000' asl but on a plateau. Taiz is not quite as high but is in/surrounded by mountains. When I went back in the 80s the airline had become Alyemda (later still Yemenia) and the aircraft DHC-7s and Airbus 310s!
After a few days in Taiz I flew up to Sana'a but I can no longer remember who with but I'm fairly certain it was in another DC-3. I remember seeing a YAR Air Force MiG-15 (I think possibly Russian- or Egyptian-flown) getting airborne at Sana'a - a real curvature-of-the-earth job. IIRC Sana'a is something like 7000' asl but on a plateau. Taiz is not quite as high but is in/surrounded by mountains. When I went back in the 80s the airline had become Alyemda (later still Yemenia) and the aircraft DHC-7s and Airbus 310s!
Aden Airways (which was a BOAC associated company) finally gave up the unequal struggle at the end of June 1967 having suffered several of their aircraft being blown up. I can remember seeing two DC-3s in BASCO colours at Khormaksar before we finally left Aden in November 1967. I don't think the two companies were ever really in competition. My memory is that Aden Airways were quite happy to get out of there and probably wished Brothers all the luck in the world.
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Penzance, Cornwall UK
Age: 84
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone remember the bus service? They had to be long as the name Salem Ali Abdou Little Aden Bus Service was painted on the sides. They probably carried as many animals as human passengers!
olympus
When I used to fly DC8 freighters into Sanaa during 1976/78 those MIG 15's were rotting away on the edge of the ramp. At 7000' the altitude kept us on our toes because we always arrived overhead at max landing weight, so the brakes had to be used with extreme care to avoid over heating the tyres and blowing the fusible plugs. Fortunately I managed to maintain a clean sheet, but would have much preferred to have landed at Khormaksar.
If I might be permitted to go back to Kamaran for a moment; I unearthed this slide yesterday. The old car was lurking underneath a basha just to the left of the airport buildings. On my visit, it had a cardboard notice on the radiator which stated "First car on the island in 1925 by Capt. G Welch (I think)". My memory tells me that the car was a Buick but I could well be wrong. I wonder what happened to it when Archie left?
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
We wondered about in blissful ignorance in Sep 64 and I remember Sycamore or Whirlwind doing night perimeter cover. It was said the week we were there saw a low spot in the troubles.
Interesting what a little bit of deterrence can do.
PS, the GSM was issued from 1 Aug 64
Interesting what a little bit of deterrence can do.
PS, the GSM was issued from 1 Aug 64
You are right, a senior moment I'm afraid. We must have been outbound on a Ryan - Salalah - Masirah schedule. Maybe the VIP had just been fishing at Masirah. 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Longton, Lancs, UK
Age: 80
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
A truly excellent thread, with equally wonderful images. But where are the 8/43 fraternity? They must surely have something to contribute? Come on chaps ----
Masirah circa 1963
Valettas had a milk run, probably 3 or 4 times a week to Riyan Salalah and Masirah. On this occasion we carried the Salalah football team to Masirah for a match
30's Style Control Tower
Quick march (Well, more of a shuffle)
Piped on
Keen supporters
Meet the Station Commander
30's Style Control Tower
Quick march (Well, more of a shuffle)
Piped on
Keen supporters
Meet the Station Commander
Last edited by DeanoP; 1st Oct 2020 at 16:43. Reason: Replace images
8/43
For a lot of really good images visit www.Radfan hunters website!!!One or two of me on there but much much younger!!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
IIRC I was told during a Far East flight refuelling briefing that the Whatever of Masirah had offered to sell it to the British government. His offer had been turned down as the preference was to rent it.
Could have been useful, nowadays.
Could have been useful, nowadays.