Battle of the Crater (Aden)

Battle of the Crater
Part of Aden Emergency
Date July 1967 Location Aden Result British victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders	NLF FLOSY
Commanders and leaders
Lt-Col Colin Campbell Mitchell
Strength
	400 (est.)

The Battle of the Crater was an encounter during the Aden Emergency. Following the murder of British troops by the Arab Armed Police the Crater district in Aden was abandoned by British troops. The British decided to enter the Crater and retrieve the bodies of British soldiers.

The operation began on 3 July 1967 under the name Operation Stirling Castle and resulted in the Crater being successfully reoccupied. Lt-Col Colin "Mad Mitch" Mitchell is reported to have ordered the regimental pipe band to march down the main street, whilst playing. The sound of the pipes and drums caused the insurgents to surrender. British troops remained there until the end of the Emergency.

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