MISSING LOADER FOUND!
BRITISH TANKS IN THE DESERT
EAST OF ADEN 1962/63

Bob Egby is a writer, editor, award winning broadcaster and news photographer.

In 1962/63 I was working as a journalist and broadcaster in Aden and while on a three day reconnaisance in the East Aden Protectorate with a British Army patrol, encountered two British Army tanks and their crews. They were close to the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Six years ago I wrote on this page: Over the years my notes on this meeting have been lost, and I would like to use one or two pictures in an upcoming autobiography. Any help with IDs on the tanks, the regiment and even the crews would be great. They treated us well and made us tea.

I live in upstate New York now. Thanks.

Then on November 19, 2010 I added this update: The tank crews have been identified by members of the Historic Military Vehicle Forum as members of the Royal Scots Greys and the tanks are Centurions. The Royal Scots Greys have identified the tank commander as Sgt. George Mitchell. If anyone can assist with identifying the loader it would be appreciated. Apparently they were based at Falaise Camp, Little Aden and were in Aden from October 62 to November 63. If possible, I would like to have the extra man identified. Thanks. Bob Egby

My autobiography "Kings, Killers and Kinks in the Cosmos" was published in 2011 with photos of the Tank Patrol but the Loader's name was unfortunately missing.

In the last days of July 2016 through several Facebook contacts someone mentioned "Tanks in Aden." Wow! In a few hours his family and I touched base and discovered the "extra man" -- the tank term is "Loader" -- was Hugh Callaghan now living in Pyle, Bridgend, South Wales, UK.

CONTACT AFTER FIFTY-THREE YEARS! In a great letter, Mr. Callaghan describes how his family found the photos on the internet: "I was so surprised to find them on the Internet. I recognized myself straight away and I was in disbelief. I have shown the images to my wife, children and even my grand-children! I have no photos from that time so they are particularly poignant."

I have sent Hugh a complete set of photographs of our encounter that day in the desert East of Aden. As I explained in a letter to Hugh and the family, I too was so surprised at hearing from someone I had met so briefly, perhaps little more than half an hour, yet had left so lasting an impression on my mind. It feels so good to have identified and touched base with the "extra man" after so many years. Thanks also to Hugh's daughter Ann Marie and some kind folks at Facebook.

So for the record: Royal Scots Greys Centurion tanks on patrol in the East Aden Protectorate. Tank Commander is George Mitchell and Loader is Hugh Callaghan. Photo: Robert Egby

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Another point, if you served in the Eastern Aden Protectorate there were some hot springs and an oasis among palm trees. Any idea where? And also the picture of the Arabs outside a village. Where was this? Any help would be appreciated. I know it's a long shot but I know there are some British Army vets still around, thanks Heavens.

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