The Dhofar War – 50 Years On

The Sultan’s Armed Forces Association is holding a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on 18 June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Dhofar war in 1975 and to rededicate the SAF Memorial.

The Memorial stone reads In recognition of all those who served in or supported the armed forces of the Sultanate of Oman and in memory of those who died in that service.

Royal Engineer squadrons served in Dhofar on Operation Tenable from 1972 – 1977 alongside SAF, making  invaluable contributions to the successful end of the war, and suffering casualties, and so the SAF Association would welcome veterans of Op Tenable to the day.

The plan is to gather for coffee at 1030 before a commemoration service in the NMA’s Millennium Chapel of Peace, and then the rededication of the  memorial stone in its new setting. There will be a curry lunch and a chance to see other memorials including the fine Sapper one.

It is expected that the event will be attended by senior Omani officials, and by former members of other British military formations who served in Dhofar. The day will be a significant and important one, and family members are welcome. There will be no charge.

As the arrangements with the National Memorial Arboretum need to be confirmed by 1 May 2025, please contact Brig John McKeown by that date for any further information and to register planned attendance. Email ferrybarn@btinternet.com, telephone 07785 248640.