RAF 128 MU ABU SULTAN - 1947-48
As Remembered By Tony Tomlinson
I had completed a specialist A.I.S. Course and returned to my base at RAF Kenley, where, after a short period, I was posted overseas. I embarked on the ‘Arundel Castle’ at Southampton in May 1947 and duly arrived at Suez. I transferred to El Hamra Transit Camp and awaited my marching orders “for somewhere in the Canal Zone”. Within a few days I was informed that I was going to 128 MU Abu Sultan.
About twelve of us boarded a personnel truck and set off on our journey along the Treaty Road in the direction of Ismailia. Taking in the unfamiliar scenery with the endless expanse of desert wasteland I wondered where we were going along this long solitary road. Suddenly we were hit sideways by an Egyptian lorry travelling in the opposite direction. There was a loud crash, then numbed silence. Coming to, we found ourselves mixed up in a jumbled heap amongst our equipment. I remember looking at the end of an exposed rifle bayonet about two inches from my face. I cannot recall how long it was before we were rescued but by the time help had arrived from RAF Fayid the offending lorry had disappeared. We were taken to Fayid Medical Centre and treated for minor injuries and whiplash. It was a miracle that no one had been killed. Such was my introduction to Egyptian Hospitality. Later that day we proceeded to our destination, Abu Sultan, to be greeted with the words ..”where have you been? – you were expected hours ago!”
Some months after my arrival I became involved in the setting up of a Camp Broadcasting Service. This was master-minded by Flt/Sgt Ron Dunn, who amongst his expertise, was an amateur radio ham. Loudspeakers were located throughout the Domestic Site, and a purpose built wooden Transmission Hut was constructed from which to operate. The power source was provided by an ANNAN Stationary Generator. It was reported that we could receive the BBC overseas Service clearer than the SCZFBS. So Radio ASN came into being. I did a stint of disc jockeying and relays were devised for evening and weekend entertainment. Our signing off signature tune was ‘Hit the Road to Dreamland’ sung by Mel Yarme.
During 1948 I became interested in sailing activities on the Bitter Lake and joined a working party to build a clubhouse and facilities, and the Abu Sultan Sailing Club was formed. We obtained boats from various sources and became proficient in sailing and racing procedures. In due course we took part in Regatta competitions with other clubs, particularly 107 MU Kasfareet Sailing Club and the Ismailia YC, often obtaining good results, sometimes using 107’s own ‘snipe’ class dinghies from their fleet.
To conclude my story, towards the end of 1948, I went on a ‘Dumping Trip’ down to the Red Sea aboard a Naval Fleet Aux. vessel, the ‘Bedenham’. This was quite an interesting voyage to say the least, especially when some years later in the 1950’s it was reported that this ship had blown up in Gibraltar Harbour … perhaps someone can confirm this fact.
No. 128 MU and 9 BAD RAOC shared the vast complex of Ordnance Storage facilities
which were contained in approx a 5 sq. mile secured area. Our nearest neighbour
was RAF Deversoir – located at a safe distance away from us!