Well noted, my question was motivated by another model project I have for a Humber scout car used by the French army in Indochina…
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top! I check if i have a model kit
Hello guys!
I cought a Ferret kit, and I little bit searching whats the possibilities. When I search some pictures, I found some from Beirut, and I have two question about it. Firstly, is this a water can in the side of the car, and fuel cans in the rear of the car? And what type of (ammo?) box situated in the side of the cage rack?
Thank you for the help!
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Definitely a water can (plastic) on the side and fuel at the rear (metal). I’m pretty sure the ammo box is the type for 81mm mortar bombs.
The Brit involvement in Lebanon was known as Op Hyperion, and the force as BRITFORLEB, deploying I think, Feb 83. The first contingent was based on a squadron (company) of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, replaced some time later by the 16th/5th Lancers. The commitment ended roughly a year later I recall.
It was quite a tricky operation yet the Brits managed not to align with any of the multifarious warring factions; that said, I believe forces in Cyprus were ready to support an extrication if it became necessary, involving Buccaneer bombers.
Another thankless conflict that is depressingly familiar to any student of British post-war involvement.
In addition to Ferret scout cars the forces were equipped with Land Rovers with an anti-mine roll-bar.
I’m sure other Brits will chirp up with a greater knowledge than mine.
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Just about right mate …I was involved in Op Hyperion….
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My memories are based on briefings at the time - I wasn’t anywhere near, yet can’t quite remember where I was to even pick up such briefings(!)
Anyway, fill in the gaps Terry(!)
A model finished as such would be perhaps, a little different on the display tables.
The Buccaneers were definitely involved, they provided several “Shows of Force” (low, noisy, flyovers). I heard this from a friend at the time…
As you probably know, Buccaneer crews were selected for their fear of heights; rumour has it some had to be blindfolded to get them up the cockpit access ladders. The only way they could be persuaded to take off was an ingrained belief they could get the plane closer to the ground with the gear up… The Bucc was even built with the seats slightly staggered sideways so the “Ballast” (back seat guy) could see forward past the pilot and nag him about obstructions in the forward arc that needed avoiding. In Beirut these included the washing lines strung between tower blocks… I suspect the rapid passage of a big jet past (or for the top floor people, below) one’s window necessitated a further batch of laundry.
Cheers,
M
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They did indeed! Here is one approaching the BRITFORLEB HQ - in a block of flats:
I filched this off a site which describes the RAF involvement in some detail; well worth a read in my opinion. Interesting that the article describes the Army Commander’s removal due to exhaustion, amongst other aspects.
I found this by just a bit of trawling as I realised I didn’t quite know as much as I thought I did:
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A very interesting read Brian.
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And this one folks, which is far more concise than my mere memories:
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Flying low:
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I designed those can racks for the Ferret for SMM a little while ago, but they don’t seem to be on the website yet - it can take a little time for Mike to launch new products.
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Great pic Paul! Diorama possibilities…,
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Cracking picture! Gloss bonze green Ferret, DPM on the soldier but with the much earlier Combat Cap, and '58 pat webbing. Oh, and Berlin of course.
What’s not to like?
Aforementioned Combat Cap (which was a really good piece of kit - in my opinion of course):
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Congo.
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