Lieutenant-Colonel Graham-Bell was commanding his
squadron of fixed wing and helicopter aircraft in
close support of the ground forces operating in the
Radfan area of South Arabia. The success of these
operations depended to a very large extent on these
aircraft, which throughout the period operated at
full stretch, in every role open to them, in the
most hazardous conditions and frequently under fire.
The support given to the Force by the Squadron
was of exceptional merit throughout. Pilots and
ground crews worked with a morale, bravery and
skill which' was intensely admired and appreciated
by all ranks. Their performance was very largely
inspired by the leadership of their Commanding
Officer.
Lieutenant-Colonel Graham-Bell was never content
to lead from behind ; he flew for long periods without relief, was always the first to come forward
for dangerous sorties into enemy territory, and on
one occasion had his aircraft so badly damaged
by .enemy fire that it was flown 'back to base only
through his exceptional skill. On another occasion
when a helicopter had been forced down by enemy
fire, he was the first to get forward on foot into an
area still under fire to report on the damage and
method of repair. This action, and his skilful
diagnosis, enabled a speedy repair and extrication
of the aircraft to be made, and had a most important effect on the whole operation, which - by
that time depended largely on how, .or even whether,
the. aircraft could be recovered.
His leadership at the base also had a profound
effect on the morale of the ground crews, and on the
confidence of the pilots, the conduct of LieutenantColonel Graham-Bell was exemplary and contributed
very largely' to 'the success of operations in;
' the
Radfan.
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