Radfan Campaign facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Radfan Campaign
Part of Aden Emergency
Date January–May 1964 Location Radfan Result British victory
Belligerents
British Empire	NLF FLOSY Radfan tribesman
Commanders and leaders
Gen. John Cubbon	Unknown
Units involved
British Army Royal Marines Royal Air Force	unknown
Strength
1,000+ troops 45 marines	unknown
Casualties and losses
4+ killed

The Radfan Campaign was a series of military actions by the British army. It happened between January and May 1964. This campaign was part of a bigger conflict called the Aden Emergency.

The fighting took place in the Radfan mountains. This area is close to the border with what was then the Yemen Arab Republic. Local groups, including tribesmen linked to the National Liberation Front (NLF), started attacking the main road. This road connected the city of Aden with the town of Dhala.

In January 1964, the local army sent soldiers to stop the attacks. They had help from the Royal Air Force (RAF), which is the UK's air force. The situation got worse, and in April, more British ground troops arrived. By May, they had taken control of the main areas where the rebels were hiding. This helped to end the fighting in the Radfan region. After this, the NLF started focusing their attacks on Aden itself.

The first military action in January was called "Nut cracker." A second operation was named "Cap Badge."

What Was the Radfan Campaign?

The Radfan Campaign was a short but important conflict. It involved British forces trying to keep peace and control in a difficult mountain area. The goal was to stop attacks on a key road. This road was important for moving people and supplies.

The British faced local fighters who knew the mountains well. These fighters were part of groups like the National Liberation Front (NLF). The NLF wanted to end British rule in the area.

Key Events of the Campaign

The campaign started with smaller actions to try and calm things down. When those didn't fully work, the British sent in more troops. They used different types of military power, including soldiers on the ground and air support.

Why Did the Fighting Start?

The fighting began because local tribesmen and the NLF wanted to challenge British control. They used the mountainous area to launch attacks on the road. This road was vital for connecting Aden, a major port city, with other towns. Stopping these attacks was important for the British.

How Did the British Respond?

The British first sent local forces. When the attacks continued, they brought in more experienced British soldiers. They used their military strength to push back the rebels. This included using air power from the RAF.

Edwards Patrol and Its Impact

One of the most well-known events happened on April 29, 1964. A small group of soldiers, led by Captain Edwards, was on patrol. They were suddenly attacked. Sadly, Captain Edwards and another soldier, Sapper John Warburton, were killed.

After this event, British troops launched a strong attack on the rebel positions. They managed to capture these areas. However, two more British soldiers also lost their lives during these battles. The British then used tanks and jet planes to help in the fight.

Images for kids

• Radfan mountains and Dhala road

  Radfan mountains and Dhala road