Op Haven
- 3 Commando Brigade Air Defence Troop -

It was an eerie feeling coming back from Summer Leave 1990 to find 90% of the Troop had been recalled and deployed to the Gulf, (I must take more holidays in the wilderness of Canada!) It was a fair bet that Air Defence Troop would be involved. Since 1984 we have been providing three detachments consisting of a SNCO, a Cpl and three Marines, in support of the RN Armilla Patrol, to provide additional air defence with our anti-aircraft weapon system, Javelin, a shoulder launched surface to air missile.

Since mid-1988 we assumed a 'Standby' role: we would complete the pre-deployment training on board, culminating in the live firing of two missiles per ship, then as the ships sailed we would stay at Stonehouse, on seven days notice to re-join the ships. Hence, when Kuwait was invaded, it was a fair assumption that the 15 men on standby would deploy. What came as a surprise was the order not for 15 men, but for 30! What was an even bigger surprise was the fact that the OC could report that within four hours of being given the order, he had 30 men recalled from leave, ready to go! Considering we were at 7 days notice to move, a feat that did not go unnoticed!

Members of AD Tp on RFA Fort Grange
in the Gulf

The reason for the increase in manpower was due to the heightening threat in the Gulf, and the increase in the size of the naval force. Morale amongst those deployed was extremely high, expecting action immediately. As the days stretched into weeks, and the weeks into months, so the initial euphoria ebbed. The majority of us had experience of shipboard life, and so soon settled into the routine. With no battle imminent, it was soon time to think about a changeover. No easy task as all the chacons of spare Marines were empty!

For the next period the Royal Artillery took over part of our commitment, providing 20 of the 30 replacements needed. The war came and went, without incident as far as our task was concerned, and again there was a complete change­over of personnel. The third group were able to relax as the threat eased and most were able to visit Kuwait and go on the battlefield tours that seemed to be very popular. The sights and smells are likely to be remembered forever.

Then came the signal recalling them back to UK, not realising it was out of the frying pan into the fire! Within seven days it was deployment again, once more thanks to Saddam. At least it was on land and warm.

Op Haven was an experience unlikely to be forgotten by those involved. We were detached to the French contingent, a relationship that worked well until the French organised an 'international' sports competition involving football, volleyball and the deciding event a 5-mile run. After the first two events we were fairly even but things looked bleak as the French parachute team, who trained daily, turned up looking like they had come straight from a Reebok advert. The scene was set, 0600hrs, the French dressed in their regimental colours, Royal in a mixture of Union Jack shorts, Ron Hill tracksters and a variety of T-shirts, and off we ran! But it was a team event, so although the French gained first and second places the majority of our competitors finished high up the batting order and victory was ours!

Mne Fisher on patrol in Deralok

Our accommodation block in the village of Deralok was an un-consecrated mosque. Although the village became a lot more populated during our stay the run ashore never improved. Many of us will look back with fondness on our stay in Northern Iraq, although volunteers to return may not be as numerous.

Since our return we have been trying to sort out our lives again, no mean feat considering whilst we have been away our office has moved, we have no telephones and are still on very short notice to re-deploy to the Gulf. As we look to our future the pace of life remains as fast as ever.' trying to get our vehicle fleet on the road is a task that would stretch the expertise of General Motors; a Javelin live firing exercise is just around the corner in Wales; someone thinks our drill needs improving and has volunteered us for street lining in London; a week of FIBUA at Thetford, (rather than Union Street), and mountain training just to finish off on a high note for Christmas!

All in all a busy, but interesting year - cheers Saddam, don't call us, we'll call you (when we get a phone!).