The Aden Veterans Association is pleased to announce a meaningful collaboration with Legasee Educational Trust, a renowned oral history charity dedicated to education, to bring the stories of Aden veterans to life on the small screen. This partnership seeks to capture and preserve the experiences of those who served in Aden, ensuring our voices are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Legasee Educational Trust is building a rich archive of filmed personal accounts, focusing on the unique challenges, sacrifices, and achievements of veterans who served in the British Armed Forces. These stories will not only preserve our history but also serve as the foundation for a series of educational resources designed for primary, secondary and university students.
“We are very used to hearing about the bravery and sacrifice of those serving in the military, but the stories of those who served in Aden remain seriously underrepresented,” says Martin Bisiker, Founder and Trustee of Legasee Educational Trust. “Through conversations with museums and educational partners, we’ve seen a growing interest in understanding the role of soldiers who served in this critical time and place, as well as the impact their service had on their lives and their families. We’re committed to providing young people with authentic, evidence-based accounts that highlight these important contributions.”
Over the years, the Legasee team has interviewed numerous veterans from various military roles and units. Among them is Tony Holland, a former RAF Photographer who served with 43 Squadron and was seriously injured in Aden:
“One evening, I was on Warden Duty on the Maalla Straight when we came under attack. Six Blindicide missiles were fired at our position. Four missed, but one landed 3 feet from where I was standing”. Tony subsequently spent 18 months in hospital.
Recording stories like Tony’s, represents an invaluable opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of Aden veterans, and we are calling on those who served to take part. By sharing your story, you’ll play a key role in preserving the history and legacy of our service helping to ensure that the Aden Conflict is not a forgotten war.
