Continuing the RAF contribution to the Mau Mau conflict in Kenya theme I am researching, I am asking if anyone has any knowledge of operation NICOTINE. This was the codename for the rapid deployment of troops to Kenya to provide reinforcements for the mau mau emergency. Between 30 Mar – 7 Apr 1953 [with only 3 weeks notice] RAF Transport Command organised the move of 1254 men and 54 tons of equipment from Lyneham and Stanstead to Nairobi in 9 days – no mean feat in today’s situation if you consider the paucity of transport aircraft in todays RAF. This large-scale movement used a combination of RAF Hastings aircraft along with chartered Tudor and York aircraft direct into RAF Eastleigh. All in all this provided a significant strategic effect to the conflict as it meant troops were quickly deployed in significant numbers to defend the population against the mau mau.
Does anyone know about this or have any more knowledge? Perhaps there are some photos out there of the soldiers deploying on the aircraft or arriving in Eastleigh? Grateful for your help if you knew someone who was involved in this in any shape or form, either as aircrew or indeed planning it in transport command at the time. regards.
steve [email stevechap50@hotmail.com]
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August 27, 2011 at 8:58 pm