Does anyone have have any info on this Op? It was unusual in that the UK and the French were, apparently, on the same side!!! This was the time when Cameroon was going from one bit of turbulent political history to another (still happening!!). The RAF sent a number of Pioneer a/c of 230 Sqn (Single, or Twin, not known) to Mamfe Airfield in Cameroon. Now Mamfe Airfield is not at Mamfe (surprise, surprise?) but at Besongabang – a couple of clicks SSW of Mamfe! Any info will be gratefully received!
Why am I doing this? Because this Mamfe Detachment was (as far as I can see) the first operational deployment of the (then) newly constituted Mobile Met Unit!
There is a Met Office Obs Book labelled ‘MAMFE’ in the Mob Met Unit archives (or there was when I was there!!). They currently can’t find it. Google Maps (and other international databases) have the “Airfield” in the wrong place!
I’ve “flown a kite” on AIX but nobody seems to want to play with me. I’ve had an email from the then 230 Sqn ‘OC Det’ – but not definitive.
There is an “airstrip” in that neck of the woods – also an NDB, and a VOR at an airways intersection. Precise locations required please!! The satellite imagery is very poor (unless someone knows a better source?!!).
Let us shine some light into this bit of ‘Darkest Africa’!!
Hopefully
Resmoroh
By: Resmoroh - 25th April 2010 at 13:02
Super Sioux, Hi,
Many tks for yr reply. It’s beginning put some pieces of the jig-saw in the right places. It’s the airstrip (and navaids) precise location(s) that I’m after! The strip – as located on the FSX facsimile of the area fits with a possible strip shown on the very poor satpix image. If that is, indeed, where it is then corrections may have to be made to a number of other international databases. But before I dare poke a sharp stick into their cages I need to be absolutley sure of my facts!!
Rgds
Resmoroh
By: super sioux - 24th April 2010 at 21:10
The Cameroons 1960-61
According to ‘Airwars and Aircraft’ 1945 to present (1988) by Victor Flintham. there was a conflict in December1956 in the south Cameroons in which the British (north Cameroon) and French(south Cameroon) who looked after the area for the UN. The French dropped paratroops at Eseka on the 20th December to restore order. The French granted independence in 1960 to the south territory whilst in the British administered north a plebiscite was to be held in 1961 to settle its future. It was anticipated that there would be local disturbances thus the 1st Battalion Kings Own Royal Border Regiment were flown in on the 20th September 1960 supported by a detachment of three Twin Pioneers from 230 Squadron based at Mamfi in Nigeria.Order was maintained but the Twin Pioneers were involved in anti- smuggling as well as resupplying army outposts. Between June and October 1961 the north was ceded to Nigeria and the south became a new republic. In May 1961 the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards took over internal security responsibilities, but in September British forces left, having enabled a peaceful transition to take place.
Aircraft Markings- Twin Pioneer CC.1 Silver overall, white fuselage top decking, black serial on rear fuselage, code on fin: XM961/D (230 SQUADRON)
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April 24, 2010 at 3:01 pm