1st Battalion Duke of Edinburghs Royal Regiment

Nasasau, Bahamas 1960 

'B' Company guard for Brigadier LISTER, the commander Caribbean Area, at Nassau

The early part of their stay was taken up with training and Ceremonial duties. This lasted until the arrival of Hurricane 'Donna' which fortunally skirted Nassau, but the full force hit S.E Bahamas devastating whole settlements. As soon as it was confirmed that the islands to the south East had been struck relief work was hastily planned. Of the islands affected, Maya Guana was the worst hit, and almost flat. Ragged, Crooked and acklins Islands provided difficulties for relief parties as they were accessible only by small amphibious Goose aircraft.

Four relief parties were organized each under an officer, and were sent off in boats. Their task was to  assess the damage and send back technical requirements for rebuilding. They were to deal out relief rations, help rebuild houses, clear rubble and re-float boats. Their main task of course, to provide the enthusiastic leadership to make the local people help themselves. The four relief parties were as follows.                                 

TEAM ONE

Island of Andras

TEAM TWO

Ragged Island

Cpl M BROWN

Pte SMITH

Pte WILLIAMS

Pte EARL

Pte RENDLE

Cpl HEAD

Pte CHOULES

Pte GAILES

Pte KEYSE

Pte LEA

Maya Guana

Maya Guana

Cpl HOLMES

Pte JELLICOE

Pte EDWARDS

Pte LARGE

Pte LEE

Cpl HOLE

L/Cpl TRENFIELD

Pte TULL

Pte MACKRORY

Pte EDWARDS

WO WATSON (A.C.C.)

After the relief work the Company returned to normal duties returning to Tidworth at the end of the year. On their return they received a communication from Brigadier LISTER which read ...

"You and the Company have had an unusual and at times very trying experience, you are all deserving of great credit for the way you have overcome difficulties, and by your conduct have upheld the reputation of your Regiment and the Army in a sensitive and critical area. Many of you will be disappointed to leave Nassau at this particular time. You will have to find consolation in handing over something better than you inherited."

Left to Right, C/Sgt BRIGGS, L/Cpl KEENE, (?) Cpl M BROWN

Oakes field was the base for 'B' Company during their stay in the Bahamas. The location was so named after the Ex Governor of the Bahamas Sir Harry OAKES, who was murdered in Nassau in 1941. This incident was still of interest and speculation in 1960 when the Regiment occupied the Field.

It was at this location in the old aircraft servicing bays that the Company ran a pig sty. It was here that the infamous murder of the pig took place. The principle culprit was the 2 i/c, Capt Robin WILSON (Who I believe drives a bookshop in Westbury). Time and space preclude a narration of all the grisly details but old hands of the time should readily recall the story. Suffice to say, one should not try to kill a large, mature porker with one round of 9mm to the head, it doesn't work, details from Ex Cpl Malcolm BROWN on request !!!