(Memories written by members of Forces Reunited)
RAF Riyan, in 1962
Written by Ian Cheal
Early in 1962 we went on an expedition up to Seiyun in the Hadramaut which was an interesting trip, we had a 3-ton Bedford & a Landrover which the CO John Pugh drove, Mick Collier drove the 3-tonner. I had checked the two vehicles over before the journey & took spare parts for use if we had problems. The first day saw us leaving the coast and heading inland on the west road, if you call a dirt track a road, and climbing steadily up through the mountains until we reached the plateau at about 4500 feet above sea level, crossing the plateau until we arrived at a government rest house in the late afternoon. We had a meal prepared by our cook Norman?? and a few beers to ensure a good sleep, it was very cold at that altitude and the Arab guards all had duffel coats which were certainly needed and a big fire to keep warm.Where they got the firewood from was a mystery as we had hardly seen any vegetation all day!!