Description
Object description
Documentary with commentary, recording the activities of 48 Field Squadron Royal Engineers in the Dhofar region of Oman in clandestine operations against the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman, Communist-backed forces from the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, known in Dhofari as the Adoo. 48 Field Squadron were tasked with the building up of defences along the Hornbeam Line, in an operation known as Operation Tenable, with the intention of hindering supplies to the Adoo, and mounting a "hearts and minds" campaign to gain the support of the Dhofari people.
Content description
On arriving in Dhofar, the men of 48 Field Squadron must first become acclimatised to Dhofar's warm climate, spending time on the beach and in the sea to adjust to the region's temperatures. The wearing of hats and polaroid sunglasses is recommended, and the men's weapons must also be acclimatised before use. Once acclimatised the sappers test their weapons including Browning machine guns on a firing range. A 106mm recoilless gun is fitted to the rear of a Land Rover truck and tested. A Sultanese Air Force Short Skyvan transport aircraft departs for Hauf, with engineering equipment and troops onboard. Many of the local people, known as Jebalis, go about their daily business carrying weapons to defend themselves with. Fresh water is supplied to the troops in black plastic drums. The Dhofari terrain makes movement between sites difficult, consequently radio communication is a vital factor in the campaign. The troops assist the local people by constructing a small school and other facilities. Fresh water supplies are obtained from 600 foot deep sink holes, an operation overseen by Captain Peter Page, second-in-command of 48 Field Squadron. In their spare time the sappers visit the local beaches and go sailing and fishing. Two BAC Strikemaster aircraft of the Sultanese Air Force depart from their base at Salalah. At dusk soldiers test their weapons on target areas. Saracen armoured cars patrol the border with Saudi Arabia. Dhows of the Sultanese Navy (fishing boats fitted with hidden heavy weaponry) patrol the shoreline. The Dhofar Brigade led by Brigadier Jack Fletcher, travels in convoy. Accompanied by an infantry escort, the engineers take everything with them, including caterpillar tractors and bulldozers. The convoy is hit by a mine, resulting in three men being injured and one vehicle substantially damaged. The injured men are airlifted by helicopter to safety. Another mine hits one of the bulldozers, which is recovered by the REME Recovery Section. Sappers with mine detectors check the surrounding area for further mines. The soldiers stop for refreshments and some are seen enjoying plates of rice and tomatoes with the Omanis. General Sir Peter Hunt, Chief of General Staff, visits the region and is met by the commander in chief of 48 Field Squadron, Major John Blashford-Snell. The imminent monsoon season could create ideal conditions for the enemy to progress, so work continues on the Hornbeam Line, in order to block the provision of supplies to the Adoo. The film concludes with an acknowledgement of Operation Tenable as a turning point in the Dhofar conflict.
Physical description
16mm