RAF Khormaksar Aden

ROYAL AIR FORCE KHORMAKSAR ADEN YEMEN 1952-53

RAF KHORMAKSAR CREST

The Dudding's have now moved from Eritrae to Aden and RAF Khormaksar

shown in GREEN on the above map

The photographs shown here are those of Aden as it was in 1951/2/3. There were very few Quarters. Some older quarters inside the camp perimeter and 15 new ones just outside and opposite the main gate. There was nothing else around these buildings except the sea. The Ismailia Straights was void of buildings and the school for RAF children was at Steamer Point and on the camp. The journey, for children of my age (5-6) to the Barrack Hill School was undertaken in the rear of a military 2 or 3 ton vehicle.

ROYAL AIR FORCE KHORMAKSAR 1951/2/3

1951/2 a lovely aerial photo RAF Khormaksar

(photo courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

Our new home No 367W Khormaksar Aden.
These Quarters are out of the picture of RAF Khomaksar above.,
They are just to the left of the Families Club.
Our home is direct centre of bottom photo.

These were the first and only quarters outside the camp
perimiter in 1952. The sea is in the far distance and as a child
I can remember walking to the old "wrinkly tin" swimming pool
on the beach. These quarters are marked in YELLOW and the
old wrinkly tin pool in RED on the old map at the top of this site.

367W RAF Khormaksar 1952
Obviously been residing here a while, note my fathers
tree plantation which helped to keep the house cool.
No air conditioning in these days!

Well, what do you think of these trees then? Grown to keep the house cool.
My father Nigel and my youngest sister Dorothy 1952

Inside our Quarter No 367W RAF Khormaksar 1952/53
Our "bearer" home help top picture

Another look out our kitchen and it's wonderful facilities!
Service Wives made do with very little - unlike today

No 367W RAF Khormaksar sitting room (my father Nigel and sister Dorothy)

Family Dudding in the sitting room 367W RAF Khormaksar
(Ian, Maisie, Linda and Barbara)

Family Dudding at tea in 367W 1952
with our Ayah

367W at tiffin time

The Bloomfield's. Edna (Mum) Lynda (standing) and little Angela on Coronation Day.
Their Quarter is one of the old as shown a little further on.
"In memory of their mother Edna"
(photo donated by the two Bloomfield girls who incidently are a little older now)!
(other photo's on the site donated by the girls are annotated as such - thanks)
Warrant Officer (Armourer) George Bloomfield and Angela in typical RAF mode - sunbathing!
(photo donated by Lynda and Angela)

What a wonderful photograph. All married families were allowed an Ayah to assist with
the house work etc in such a hot climate. This was Lynda (on trike) and Angela Bloomfield's
in the arms of their Ayah
Black and white photo of Angela and her Ayah 1953. Note the Quarter layout
in the background
(photo's donated by Lynda and Angela Bloomfield)

Looking towards RAF Khormaksar from our Quarter (No 367W)

RAF Khormaksar 1953, the billets and admin buildings
(photo courtesy of Lynda and Angela (nee Bloomfield)
A photograph taken by WO George Bloomfield RAF (Armourer) from inside the camp. Our quarter is the 1st one in the second row from the left (Dad's trees have just begun growing)
(this lovely photo along with others so annotated are donated by George and Edna Bloomfield's daughters Lynda and Angela who were young Service children at the same time as us in Aden in 1953. Their father was an RAF Warrant Officer Armourer and is shown in other photographs donated by his two daughters within this site. If you knew the Bloomfield's and wish to contact them you can through this site)

Top. A view from our veranda at 367W towards next row of Quarters and Aden Airways
Bottom. An approaching sand storm - batten down the hatches.

Steamer Point about to be engulfed by the Sandstorm!

Aden Airways and 'BOAC'
(picture courtesy of LAC Len Parker RAF of 114 MU Steamer Point)

The old Quarters inside the Camp perimiter RAF Khormaksar Aden 1952

This is a close up of the old quarters inside the main fence to RAF Khormaksar
taken in 1951/52.
This one is No 167W and is taken from the front. Note the absence of
any buildings in the surrounds. There was nothing in these days.
(see comments below next photo)

This is the same Quarter No 167W
(These photographs of the old quarters are courtesy of the Son of, SGT S (Mac) McRitchie RAF
a fitter with 8 Sqn. The Son, Michael McRitchie and his family, lived here at the same time as ourselves (1951-53))

Inside No 167W Lounge

No 167W Lounge

Khormaksar Station Church of England 1952 (Padre Ashe)
(courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

The ASTRA
(photo courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

Inside the ASTRA Cinema (Khormaksar 1952/53).
Oh what bliss for a 6 year old to go to the cinema which had no roof, a sand floor, lizards and was so warm. To sit back and raise your face to the sky watching millions of glistening stars in a black soup - sheer joy and fantasy for me as a young boy and one of my most poignient memories! "Good old Fred (Quimby)" for those that remember?
Lynda (nee Bloomfield) quotes "What about all those insects on the screen!! Those love scenes or tense dramatic moments with insects crawling up noses or down cleavages, used to get a good laugh" unquote.
(photo courtesy of Lynda and Angela (nee Bloomfield)

The 'bungalow' (families transit on arrival and prior to 'Marching In' to a quarter.
Also home having 'Marched Out' of your quarter and prior to leaving for UK)
(courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

Sergeant's Mess RAF Khormaksar 1952/53

The Forces Post Office
(Photo courtesy of LAC Bob Waller RAF who was a Postie and worked here as a LAC)

No 4 Block with NAAFI in the foreground
(Photo courtesy of LAC Bob Waller (Postie) RAF 1951-52)

Inside the Sgt's Mess 1952/3
(photo courtesy of Martyn Brooks)

Inside the Sergeant's Mess Bar (My father on duty as Barman -
tough job out there)! 1952/53 (recognise anyone?)
Centre left with white stripes showing believed to be Bert Hyde.

Officer's Mess RAF Khormaksar 1952/53

Other Ranks Billets at RAF Khormaksar

RAF Khormaksar children at Steamer Point Junior School 1952/53
(I am 3rd in from the right front row Martyn Brooks is second in from the right)
(are you here?)

RAF Khormaksar School 1952 (prior to the Moray House test (11 plus))
(My sister Barbara front centre)

RAF Khormaksar School 1952
(Barbara my sister is dead centre front arms behind her back)

Children's Magician show RAF Khormaksar 1953 (Lynda Bloomfield second in from left)
(photo donated by Lynda and Angela Bloomfield)

RAF Khormaksar children chasing Father Christmas 1952. Look at those
wonderful faces looking at Father Christmas on a Camel.

Another angle shot of Father Christmas and his camel and all those
smiling faces looking on.  Note Angela Bloomfield's mother Edna (left) trying
to get Lynda onto or at least near the smelly beast! No go their Mum!
(photo donated by Lynda and Angela (nee Bloomfield)

Admin Wing Soccer Team 1951/52
(Photo courtesy of LAC Bob Waller (Postie) RAF)

The Married Families Club RAF Khormaksar 1952/53 (recognise anyone?)
Joan with Taff Brooks behind her. She's got her back against the wall and Taff
is to her right with his head infront of long curtain.

Sgt's Mess Coronation merriment.
From L to R. Unknown Man, Edna Bloomfield, Unkown woman, George Bloomfield (mustach), Jean McArthur and Mr McArthur
(picture again donated by the Bloomfield girls (Lynda and Angela))

The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth celebrated at
RAF Khormaksar. Below is the content of the above
Souvenir Programme.

My Father's Coronation Medal Presentation
My father being presented with, one of the very few, Coronation Medals
by a visting high ranking 'Marshall of the Royal Air Force (5 stripes on his shoulder).
The Station Commander of RAF Khormaksar in 1953 is thought to be Group Captain Forsyth.

My father's Coronation Medal Certificate 1953

The Coronation Booklet issued to all Service
children at RAF Khormaksar 1952. It contains
photographs of the Queen at various events prior to
her being crowned

The rear of the same booklet (above)

An A3 size picture and certificate issued to all
Service personnel children. It contains a signed
certificate with various crests in black and white surrounding.

Families Coronation Party RAF Khormaksar 1953
(were you there?)

Menu Card for the Sergeant's Mess
RAF Khormaksar Coronation celebrations 1953

Coronation Ball continued RAF Khormaksar 1953
Centre Photograph: Note the puddles on the floor. This was created
by the men on the evening wringing out the sweat from their cumerbunds!

Coronation celebrations at night in the Sergeant's Mess RAF Khormaksar 1953
Left to right: Maisie, Nigel, (?), (?), Joan Brooks, (?), Taff Brooks, Ruby Wright
(Bert "Chippy" Wright took the photograph)

The Dudding's on Cornation Day Jun 1953
(sitting, Ian, Linda, Dorothy and Barbara. My mother
Maisie behind Barbara)

Carol singing in the OR's Bar 1951/52
(Photo courtesy of LAC Bob Waller (Postie) RAF

Aden Protectorate Levies believed to be on parade for Coronation Day June 1953
at Steamer Point
(photo courtesy of Corporal Colin Williamson RAF (of Air Traffic Control)

Another wonderful photograph of a Parade at Steamer Point this time in colour
(Photo courtesy of Quentin Morton in memory of his father Mike Morton)
Other photo's provided by Quentin are annotated as such)
(A link to Quentin's web site is shown on the links box at the head of the web.

Sheikh Othaman Village with their Big Wheel!! London
eat your heart out, they did it in the 50's
(Photo courtesy of LAC Len Parker RAF (114 MU RAF Steamer Point)

The Families Club RAF Khormaksar 1952/53 (note the
very English mural - a reminder of home)?

Sunday "Tiffin" in the Married Families Club RAF Khormaksar 1952/53

The Families Club at RAF Khormaksar on a Sunday 1953
(me in the centre with crisps)?

Coronation Celebrations outside the Cpl's Mess. Colin ? is bottom right
and Frank ? top left. Recognise anyone?
(photo courtesy of Corporal Colin Williamson RAF of the Air Traffic Control)

A wonderful picture of two lads, Colin Williamson and 'Spider' Webb
on the balcony of the OR's accommodation.
They having just arrived at RAF Khormaksar for their two year tour of duty
(picture courtesy of Colin)

A billet bearer 'Aflo' they called him the 'toothless one.

Abdul who was 4 Block top West bearer.
(Photo courtesy of LAC Bob Waller (Postie) RAF)

A typical Dhobi boy in the barracks
(Picture courtesy of LAC Bob Waller (Postie) RAF0

Hot work for the boys of Comm Squadron RAF Khormaksar
Valletta


Flight Sergeant 'Slim' Ward RAF of Comm Squadron RAF Khormaksar 1952/3
Typical dress of the period

WO George Bloomfield (Armourer) Section - recognise anyone?
(picture donated by the Bloomfield girls, Lynda and Angela)

Com Squadron RAF Khormaksar New Bar Opening

Christmas 1952 Com Squadron RAF Khormaksar
The Officer holding his cap is believed to be the Station Commander
Group Captain Forsyth

Comm Squadron "sing a long" (my father Nigel, side on mouth open in the middle)
RAF Khormaksar 1952/53

Later on that night! Comm Squadron continuing the motion RAF Khormaksar 1952/53

Comm Squadron "Veg Trip" to Macuris Yemen, an Aden Protectorate 1952/3
Also collecting "special passengers"

Believed to be the airstrip at Macuris Yemen?

Aden Protectorate Levie soldier in Macuris Yemen 1953

Comm Squadron trip up country "Veg Trip"
to Macuris - Aden Protectorate Yemen 1953

My father playing soldiers with the Macuris folk. Heat resistant shield?

The RAF with an 'air rifle' - dangerous!! The donkey looks afraid!!
again at Macuris Yemen 1953

"Special passengers" returning from Macuris Yemen to RAF Khormaksar 1953

What I consider a beautiful building - Air Traffic Control RAF Khormaksar
(photo courtesy of Corporal Colin Williamson who worked here)

RAF Brigand at RAF Khormaksar (Control Tower behind left engine)?
This aircraft had 3 crew, pilot, navigator and air signaller. It was part of
8 Sqn prior to its re armourment with Vampires.
(photo courtesy of Corporal Colin Williamson RAF)

USAF Air Sea Rescue HU-16 Albatros in at RAF Khormaksar 1952

A French Air Force Junkers 52 in at RAF Khormaksar from Djibuti 1952

A Valletta and Ansons at RAF Khormaksar 1952/3
(centre rear looks like the Junkers 53)?

Vampires FB9s of No 8 Sqn lined up at RAF Khormaksar 1952/3

Valletta's of Comm Squadron RAF Khormaksar 1952/3

Lovely photograph of an RAF Avro Anson parked at Beihan, Western Aden Protectorates
(Courtesy of Quentin Morton)

This picture is of 114 MU (1950's). Officer I/C was believed to be
called 'House'.
(Picture courtesy of Len Parker RAF who is 8th from the Left in the back row)

Arab Goat Herder with his goats on RAF Khormaksar
(can you imagine that today - goats on the station say at RAF Marham)!

Aden Airways 1951/52
(Photo Courtesy of LAC Bob Waller RAF 51/52)

Aden Airways civilian aircraft. BAOC Hanley Page Hermes (top)), Dacota (middle) and my
favourite The beautiful Air India Super Constalation (bottom).
Aden Airways used the RAF Station runways. We could see Aden Airways
from our Quarter quite clearly as it was open desert in 1953

An Ethiopian DC-3 at Sheikh Othman Airfield (Aden Airways)
(Photo courtesy of Quentin Morton)

This photo says it all (my Mother 'Maisie' just standing on some loading steps).
Aden Airways consisted of a basic departure and arrival building.

My "Match Box" collection from Aden Airways (story below the pictures)

This is part of my match box collection. Thet were collected by me as a young six/seven year old.
I would walk on my own down to Aden Airways (about 800 yards or so from our quarter) where, being known to the staff, I would be allowed to board those civil aircraft that had just come in and were being cleaned. I would wander the ailse in the aircraft picking up these unusual boxes. I was obviously attracted to the colours and exciting places they portrayed. Many of these makers are now gone. However, how many of these match boxes will those who served in Aden, and possibly smoked, recognise? My favourite plane at the time "The Super Constallation" which is pictured just
pior to these images.
Could you envisage a young child wandering around a civil airport these days collecting memorabilia!

Khormaksar Beach 1953

Top. The bearers playing soccer at RAF Khormaksar 1953
Bottom. Fisherman on Khormaksar beach selling his fish 1953

The author on the left (Ian) and a friend (?) (recognise yourself)?
Swimming in the Indian Ocean to the rear of the new Quarters at Khormaksar

More images of Khormaksar beach. Top photo looking away from the Shansam hills.
Our quarters in the bottom picture would have been to the Left of this
picture and some 400-500 yds away.

My Mother Maisie on Khormaksar Beach looking towards the Shamshan Hills.
Note the forts on the left, centre and on the right.

The famous Maala Road as it was in 1951/2

A wonderful busy picture of Steamer point in 1951/2
(photo courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

1. Taken from one of the Forts seen in the above photograph from the Shamsan Hills.
     2. This is Aden Harbour just above the Maala Warf (directly below), the Maala Jetty to the
right of the Warf.
    3. The beach to the right, is the one my Mother is standing on three pictures prior to this.
   4. RAF Khormaksar, with our white 'pin prick' quarters are to the top right of the harbour
water and below the runway which is in the middle above the harbour water.
5. Slave Island can been seen to the left (to the front of the fort).
6. The town of Aden is behind and right of this picture.
(picture courtesy of Malcolm Hutton ex RAF)

Another wonderful colour photograph take on Aden Harbour in 1954
(Photo courtesy of Quentin Morton)

Two APL (Aden Protectorate Levies) on Khormaksar Beach 1953

My mother Maisie, on Khormaksar beach with RAF Station in backgound 1952
(note the lack of built up areas)

Saying "Farewell" to Rowland (Taff) and Joan Brooks mother and father '
Gordan and Elizabeth Brooks. They had come out on an adventure
and visited Aden for an extended period. They left via Aden Airways
RAF Khormaksar in 1952/3.

Inside the departure lounge of Aden Airways as it was in 1952/3.  Rowland and his parents
at the rear centre, Taff Brookes holding up a bottle wishing them farewell.
Joan Brooks front left, Linda Dudding centre, Maisie Dudding turning around.

Top: Farewell to Gordan and Elizabeth Brooks (Taff's Mum and Dad).
Top picture of them waving goodbye.
On their way in the Hanley Page Hermes departing Aden Airways to UK in 1952/3

My mother at the Victoria Statue Steamer Point 1952/3

The Crescent at Steamer Point Aden in 1952/3

Again the Crescent 1952

Another view of the Crescent at Steamer Point Aden 1952/3

Another wonderful 'colour' photograph of the Crescent Steamer Point taken a little
later than our time in1958.Taken by Nick Lee. Note the slightly newer model cars!
(Photo courtesy of Quentin Morton) (see www.greenmountainpress.co.uk)

A small buck teathered outside a shop
in the Crescent Steamer Point
(picture by Malcolm Hutton)

Roman Catholic Church Steamer Point
(Photo courtesy of LAC Len Parker 114 MU Steamer Point)

The picture says it all. The Sgt's Mess and Quarters here were down in the bottom right hand corner by the post.
(photo again donated by the Bloomfield girls (Lynda and Angela)

Another photo of the hospital at Steamer Point
(Picture courtesy of Len Parker RAF who worked in 114 MU RAF. He learned
to ask the time in 19 different languages whilst in this hospital)

(photo courtesy of Lynda and Angela (Bloomfield)

Steamer Point Harbour Aden from Barrack Hill School 1952/3

Steamer Point "Tawahi Police Station" and behind is the hill on
which Little Ben sits

Barrack Hill and Crater 1953

Steamer Point Crescent Hotel, Crater and the buses Aden 1952/53

LAC Len Parker RAF 1950 in the Crescent Hotel Bar
now a four star hotel in Aden

The Forces celebrating Christmas but this time at Steamer Point 1950
and on a horse not a camel or reindeer!!
(Photo courtesy of LAC Len Parker RAF)

Steamer Point Harbour Aden 1952/53

1954 Aden Harbour 1955 in beautiful colour
(Photo courtesy of Quentin Morton)

Beautiful picture of Steamer Point from the air 1952
(courtesy of Michael McRitchie)

The 'Lido' at Steamer Point Aden 1953 with my Mother and family to the front.

A beautiful picture of the 'Lido'. Ice cold Cokes in well rubbed glass bottles!
(donated by the Bloomfield girls, Lynda and Angela)

The 'Lido' Beach Steamer Point. My sisters Barbara, Dorothy, Linda and a friend.
Shark net can be seen in the distance.

The junior Dudding's all spruced up and ready for bed and off in the morning on
my Father's posting back to RAF Abingdon Berkshire. Barbara, Ian, Linda and Dorothy

Top. Marching out! A sad farewell to our Quarter and life in Aden (Nov 53).
Bottom. All aboard! Our Hastings awaits us on the pan at
RAF Khormaksar to fly us to the UK

Our Hastings on route to the UK at Castle Idris
(My sister Barbara in window appropriately marked *)

The Dudding's and Brooks arrived together and here they are leaving together.
In transit to the UK from Aden in 1953.
L to R Young man with hand to face unknown, Nigel Dudding (turning around),
Maisie Dudding and Joan Brooks.
Note the colder climate wear!
(photograph courtesy of Martyn Brooks)

Another youngster (Michael McRitchie) standing in front of the Hastings
which will take him back to UK.
(Michael has kindly donated photo's for this site).

The Brown family, friends of our Mother and Father

Dudding Transit accommodation RAF Kartoum

Two stops on route to the UK
Top. On the transit grass at El Adem
Bottom. Leaving transit accommodation at Castel Idris 1953

NEXT STOP "TANGMERE" Brrrrrrrr

More RAF adventures during my 9 month unaccompanied tour as a soldier
with 603 Signal Troop on RAF Masriah in the Persian Gulf in 1972 can be found at:

www.pongosinrafmasirah1972.co.uk

Welcome to the Royal Air Force in Egypt, Eritrae and Aden during the late 1940's and the early 1950's as seen through the eyes and camera lens of 635341 Chief Tech Nigel (Ted) L Dudding Royal Air Force

"Footprints in the sand"