Crater pass is in Aden, Yemen. Aden was formerly a British protectorate, the occupying forces only left in the late 1960's. However the bridge in the photograph was probably built by earlier Turkish occupiers, as it is linked to a Turkish fort higher up the mountain.
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| Crater Pass bridge C1960, photo by Maj. John S Gilbert RAMC |
The Aden peninsula juts out into the Arabian Sea on the southernmost edge of Yemen. The peninsula is largely an extinct volcano, the tallest peak on this volcanic outcrop is Jabal Shamsan at 553 metres. There is a major natural harbour between its north edge and the mainland and towns serving the port, oil refinery and fishing industry are situated around the perimeter of this harbour. The pass links the town inside the volcanic crater on the east of the peninsula with those on the north and west. The south of the peninsula is very rocky and uninhabitable.
The demolition of the historic Crater Pass bridge was the result of a misguided urge by British occupying forces to widen the road. As ever, traffic engineers have a lot to answer for, though at that time there were undoubtedly military reasons too. Historic buildings, like civilians, always suffer undeservedly in times of war. By the end of 1967 the British forces had left Aden, never to return.
Thanks for the post Sue. Just a couple of thoughts. The independence of Aden came in 1967 rather than 1969. The other thought would be to ask how much conflict took place at this time in Aden? I was there 1966/67 when there was quite a lot of activity, but in the date you have here I would have thought it was mainly concentrated up country.
ReplyDeleteThe first problems occurred in and around Aden 1958 Jon; there is a display in the National Army Museum that will bear me out. Steamer Point and Ma'alla were the 'beaten zone' with minor in Crater. I remember the Shenaz being shut one night for fear of problems from the mountain behind.
ReplyDeleteAs a young child in Aden at the time we were all instructed not to pick up pencils laying in the street and I remember a notice being handed out.
There were some scuffles between troops and rounds were fired resulting in deaths. Living behind Ma'alla Market we were en route to wherever the Aden Arab put their dead and looking out of the window we'd have insults thrown at us, including the odd brick, as the ramshackle cortege passed by.
Excellent post Sue.
Thanks for the corection John. I've tried to remember how the military and political situation was when I was there, I do recall songs about Abdul Nasser playing on the Arab radios, and I there were demonstrations, which I took to be parades. I was only just 11 when we left towards the end of 1962, the worst of the violence hadn't kicked off then.
ReplyDeleteis this the bridge on the 100 rial banknote?
ReplyDeleteNorman Tsang, Stouffville, Ontario.
ReplyDeleteIn 1962 I sailed on SS Asia from Hong Kong to Naples. On 14th August 1962, SS Asia dropped anchors in the harbour of Aden. Got a couple of photos in Aden. Wonder if you would like to acquire them for your articles. It is free, no charge. Just let me the email address I should snd to>