Aden Protectorate Levies

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By the time Hamilton arrived in 1931 the Camel Troop now comprised some fifty men and sixty camels, and Hamilton was in charge of them. He met the Troop's Arab officer, who was to become a long-time friend. His name was Ahmad bin Salih Maqtari, a man of Yemeni origin, who had sought a more peaceful life under the British flag to raise his 14 children.

Aden Protectorate Levies Camel Troop

By 1939 there was an anti-aircraft wing which succeeded in shooting down an enemy Italian plane. During the war the APL comprised 1,600 men engaged not only in their duties in Aden and the Western Aden Protectorate but in providing garrisons at Socotra Island and Sharjah.

In 1942 a policy change saw army personnel being replaced over a period of 6 years so that by 1948 the Aden Protectorate Levies were commanded by RAF Regiment officers and airmen. 

1943 advert in the Aden Argus

By 1960 the Force consisted of 4 rifle battalions. Each had the normal complement of 3" mortars, medium machine guns and signallers as well as the administrative element, including a Mechanical Transport Platoon. With certain additions, such as air supply and air liaison officers and the Senior Arab Officer, the Headquarters of the force was a brigade-type one. There was also an Armoured Car Squadron, a signal squadron, a band and a colourful ceremonial Camel Troop which often appeared before the public and was always a target for  photographers.

On 30th November 1961, following the creation of the Federation, the APL changed name to the Federal Regular Army and their allegiance passed to the Federation rather than Queen Elizabeth.

APL Band 1956

APL 1935/6

The Levies are justly proud in the knowledge they were awarded, over a mere 2-year period, one D.S.O., seven M.C.s, two M.M.s, one O.B.E., three M.B.E.s and one B.E.M. - an enviable reputation.

Ian Campbell-Taylor was posted to Aden to work at the Aden Levies Hospital. Read his fascinating story here.

Billet at Singapore Lines 1954