RAF KHORMAKSAR
I dealt in coins for about 30 years and MT thalers were a standard stock item, coming in and out all the time. As has been mentioned they have been minted at various locations other than the original Vienna, including Birmingham, Bombay, Calcutta, London and other mints I have forgotten.
Contrary to normal practice, collectors often preferred them in somewhat worn condition, believing that these might be "original" ones, although as the design never altered from 1780 I dont know how you could tell an original one from a later strike. Shiny proof versions were struck for the jewellery trade.
One small correction, the standard of silver always was, and remained at, .800 fine
Contrary to normal practice, collectors often preferred them in somewhat worn condition, believing that these might be "original" ones, although as the design never altered from 1780 I dont know how you could tell an original one from a later strike. Shiny proof versions were struck for the jewellery trade.
One small correction, the standard of silver always was, and remained at, .800 fine
233Sqn Supply Drop Hilyan
Intelligence Report of our drop
The Intelligence report above is referred to in 'Radfan Hunters' on their website as follows:
' A local ruler reported being besieged by rebel tribesmen in a fort in the Hilyan area of Upper Yaffa. The Hunters provided top cover for supply drops but live cannon attacks were carried out on the 9th on targets occupied by the dissidents, resulting in a truce called for by the dissidents'.
I took part in one of the supply drops from a Valetta. The very small drop zone was on the top of the jebel and some of the stores went off the DZ and down the steep sides of the hill resulting in the death of one of the Amir's soldiers whilst trying to recover some of the stores. Luckily the Valettas involved did not sustain any damage from small arms fire.
This is where a 'goolie' chit might be useful, particlarly in a single engine Hunter!! but I doubt whether it would have helped!
Last edited by DeanoP; 2nd Oct 2020 at 21:27. Reason: Reinserted text
About 2 weeks before the end, I found myself parked alongside the leaking Andover ready to take over if it went sick. The occasion was the departure of the AOC, AVM Sir Andrew Humphrey. A fairly ambitious flypast had been arranged and it must have taken some organising considering the speed range of the participating aircraft. It all went remarkably well.
Just before the AOC was about to depart, an RAF Land Rover pulled up at the bottom of the Andover steps and an RAF Loadmaster got out and took up position there. We did not recognise him as being one of the usual VIP ALMs. Sir Andrew and Lady Humphrey duly arrived and set off up the steps. The Loadmaster saluted smartly as they went past and then there was a bit of a confusion. The ALM was actually the C-in-C, Admiral Sir Michael Le Fanu in "fancy dress". (He had a bit of a track record for pulling such stunts).
The Andover duly departed.
(Having checked my log book, the date was 29.10.67).
Last edited by JW411; 20th Nov 2015 at 15:58.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Europe
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Brookmans Park, Herts
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
INCORRECT
I saw this crash. I was on guard duty near 37 Sqn dispersal at about 4 am that day. The two Invaders took off in line astern and just after the rear one was airborne, the No 1 engine started backfiring and obviously losing power. The crew pulled up the gear but it was too late, the Invader sank onto the runway and careered all the way down towards the causeway. I saw two crew members get out the top escape hatch and run like hell just as the whole plane burst into flames. The other Invader did one circuit and went on its way to the Congo.
I am on holiday in the UK and as I walked about the city bumped into a stand for the Aden vets assc!Had a nice chat with some ex marines etc about Khormaksar days!!This was in Plymouth.
Judging by the propellers on the B26 when it touched down No1 was under power and it was No2 that had failed. It's possible that the photograph has been reversed but the rotation direction doesn't back that up.
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Yep, 50th anniversary of the ending of a nasty little war. 30th Nov. 78 Sqn (Wessex) have a reunion planned.
I didn't know there was an Aden Vets Assn. Must look into it.
I didn't know there was an Aden Vets Assn. Must look into it.
Guest
Posts: n/a
JW411,
AIRENG84 (#348) attributes his nice pic of the recumbent B-26 to you. I'm a bear of only little brain myself, can only copy stuff already on PPRuNe for my submissions to "CapCom" (in the rare event of my winning one - but, it has been known to happen).
Might I have your permission to use it sometime as my entry if lightning should strike twice ? Needless to say, attribution will be given, and of course will not use it without your express permission !
Danny42C
AIRENG84 (#348) attributes his nice pic of the recumbent B-26 to you. I'm a bear of only little brain myself, can only copy stuff already on PPRuNe for my submissions to "CapCom" (in the rare event of my winning one - but, it has been known to happen).
Might I have your permission to use it sometime as my entry if lightning should strike twice ? Needless to say, attribution will be given, and of course will not use it without your express permission !
Danny42C
Guest
Posts: n/a
AIRENG84,
Welcome aboard - I'm a stranger here myself; my normal stamping ground is on "Gaining a R.A.F. Pilot's Brevet in WWII". It is the Prince of Threads on this Forum (and is a Very Wide Church indeed, as you'll see - currently there is a Poster (Geriaviator), who enjoyed a villainous life as a "service brat" in Khormaksar long ago. Worth a look !
Thank you for reproducing JW411's pic (see above).
Danny42C
Welcome aboard - I'm a stranger here myself; my normal stamping ground is on "Gaining a R.A.F. Pilot's Brevet in WWII". It is the Prince of Threads on this Forum (and is a Very Wide Church indeed, as you'll see - currently there is a Poster (Geriaviator), who enjoyed a villainous life as a "service brat" in Khormaksar long ago. Worth a look !
Thank you for reproducing JW411's pic (see above).
Danny42C
JW411 -if that was a part copy of the 'goolie chit' the whole thing must have been ENORMOUS! The ones we were issued with were closer to A5 on card and the reward offered was 5000 MT thalers. Very reassuring ... until you heard that the 'other side' were offering 12000 similar, 'dead or alive'! I think my copy went to destruction courtesy of the North Sea and the 2013 'surge'. 60 years ago and I can still 'visualise' that awful, awful, all-pervading smell!! 
You will be astonished to learn that I don't have my Goolie Chit immediately to hand (there's not much call for them in Sussex) but it will no doubt turn up soon when I remember what I did with. Suffice to say that it is about A3 size and printed on some sort of parchment.
