Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 69]
From all this it may be asked why did we not chase the Turks and their native allies beyond the reach of so important a place as Aden? The only reason I could gather while there was, that the Turks did no harm and that it kept a large body of them employed who might be doing more dangerous work in Europe.
During our stay in Aden one casualty did occur. A Major of artillery while out on a reconnaissance was sniped. His funeral was attended by most of the flotilla officers, and of course, the Garrison as well.
The troops employed in the "campaign" were of course mostly Indian, strengthened by a few companies of R.F.A. and R.H.A.
Aden itself was much the same Aden as in peace time, except that the Club and local hostels did not open for alcoholic purposes before 6.0 p.m. and closed again at 10.0 p.m.
One could still motor out to the Tanks and enjoy the lies told by the native guides. One could still play tennis, golf or footer, while after dinner the tables on the Club balcony were mostly occupied by Bridge players, whose last thought appeared to be of the War without their gates.
I have called the Aden campaign Gilbertian, but not for a moment do I mean to detract from the very gallant work done by that little garrison whose initiative and promptness of action in the early days of the War saved Aden to the Empire, and kept our Indian seas free from Submarine menace.
Alec Jeffrey
GAAir
Grasmere Belmore Rd
Coogee
R'wick 904