Where to look (1970s)

[iolaus]

My father recently passed away and when looking through his documents we found his service record which says he was mentioned in despatches in 1971/1972.
He would never talk much about his time in the RAF so all we ever had was a few snippets here and there but I'd like to find out more if we could (even my uncle who served with him later in the 70s says he would never talk about what he did or had to do

He referred to a 'war that never existed' and says they never got a medal because they weren't officially there (and he did know a lot of people in the SAS although he wasn't a member himself) - so I am aware that it may be something which I'll never be allowed to know about

He was in Dhofar and Oman, has mentioned the Prince of Jordan and the Sultan of Brunei and there was a parachute jump where his shoot didn't open (or his reserve) but I don't know if they link at all

Any ideas where to look?

[CaroleW]

Using Google

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

[iolaus]

We've already applied - just am impatient and didn't know if there was anything faster

[Thudnut]

Hi iolaus.

My condolences for your recent loss.

What trade / profession was your father.  Could he have been instructing members of the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces?  The Battle of Mirbat (July 1972) is legendary in SAS history so he may have been associated with that, in some way.

Found this too:
https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/centre-for-air-and-space-power-studies/documents1/ahb-narrative-coin-the-raf-small-wars-and-insurgencies-later-colonial-operations-1945-1975/

Have you also sent a request to the RAF Museum to see if they have any ideas?
Good luck.
Thudders

[iolaus]

Thank you Thudders

He was RAF regiment  - he did do a lot of instruction, but I think that was later on (this was in his first year of active duty)

I remember when I was little he was in squadron 47 (I recognise the badge) - which was special operations. He was also no 1 squadron at one point as there's an award at my parents house which has no. 1 squadron on

He did chemical, biological and nuclear training, and something to do with bomb disposal.
RAF museum is a good idea

[bleckie]

Hi

PM sent
Yours Aye
BruceL