Northern Frontier Regiment (Oman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Northern Frontier Regiment
Royal Army of Oman
Active	From 1957 to date
Country	Oman
Type	Infantry
Role	Motorised infantry
Size	One battalion
Garrison/HQ	Malik bin Faham Camp, Ibri, Oman
Engagements	Jebel Akhdar & Dhofar Wars
Decorations
Commanders
Notable commanders	Lt Col Colin Maxwell OM

The Northern Frontier Regiment (NFR) was formed in March 1957. It was one of the first two official infantry regiments created by Sultan Said bin Taimur of Oman. The regiment's symbol is two crossed traditional Khanjar daggers pointing downwards. Scrolls around them carry the regiment's name in Arabic, Kateeba al Hudood al Shamleeah. Members who served in Dhofar can wear the General Service Medal Oman. Its ribbon design is shown on the right.

The Regiment's History

The Northern Frontier Regiment (NFR) and the Muscat Regiment are the two oldest infantry regiments in the Royal Army of Oman (RAO). They were formed from older, less organized groups. British advisors helped the Sultan create a stronger army. This new army could better respond to challenges from some tribes in the country's interior. These tensions led to the Jebel Akhdar War. The NFR played a very active role in this conflict. After the rebels were pushed out of the mountains, the NFR set up a base in Saiq, a main village.

The Sultanate of Oman, with Dhofar highlighted

A Dhofar Brigade defensive position in 1972

A Short SC.7 Skyvan airplane bringing supplies to Dhofar Brigade units in 1971

The Northern Frontier Regiment on parade at the National Stadium in Ruwi in 1981

The NFR also served in the Dhofar War. This was a conflict in the south of the country during the 1970s. The regiment mainly supported the Dhofar Brigade's actions against rebel groups. The NFR was one of the first regiments from Northern Oman sent to Dhofar. They were deployed in 1964 to help stop the rebellion. During the Dhofar Campaign, many NFR members were injured or lost their lives. This included Captain Alan William Woodman, one of the first British military advisors to die in action on March 13, 1966.

Today, the NFR is still an active part of the Royal Army of Oman. Its main base is in Ibri.

Leaders of the Regiment

Some of the officers who have led the Northern Frontier Regiment include:

• Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) Colin Maxwell - He helped create the regiment in 1957. It was based near Nizwa during the Jebel Akhdar Campaign.
• Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Sanders
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harvey
• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Ray MBE

Honoring Those Who Served

The following individuals from the UK, who were working with the NFR, lost their lives while serving:

• Acting Sergeant Alan Frederick Hedges RM, during the Jebel Akhdar War on April 16, 1958.
• Colour Sergeant Jack Lovell Halford RM BEM, during the Jebel Akhdar War on June 17, 1958.
• Captain Alan William Woodman (formerly Sgt RM), during the Dhofar War on March 13, 1966.
• Captain Hamish Brian Emslie MC (formerly Capt RM), during the Dhofar War on May 24, 1966.
• Local Captain Stuart James Rae (formerly RM), during the Dhofar War on June 12, 1971.

See also

• Omani Civil War (1963-76)
• Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces
• Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
• David Smiley
• Trucial Oman Scouts