Veterans from an often forgotten conflict that took place during the 1960s have installed a plaque in Weymouth's Garden of Remembrance. 

The West Dorset Branch of the Aden Veterans Association held a small service and dedicated a plaque to those that fought in the conflict in Aden.

The conflict erupted in 1962 and lasted five years, with 92 British military casualties losing their lives on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dorset Echo: The plaque is now located at Weymouth's Garden of Remembrance along the Esplanade The plaque is now located at Weymouth's Garden of Remembrance along the Esplanade (Image: Michael Rey)

Troops from all services defended the Aden Peninsula to provide safe passage for ships to and from India, and to create a federation between the Aden colony and the surrounding protectorates in order to stabilise the region, which had been dogged by years of unrest.

The plaque also commemorates the British servicemen and women who served and died in Aden, and also those who returned.

The idea behind installing a plaque in Weymouth came after one of the branch's veterans left money to the association in his will and the branch thought the plaque was a good way to use the money. 

Dorset Echo: The unveiling of Aden conflict plaque in Weymouth The unveiling of Aden conflict plaque in Weymouth (Image: Michael Rey)

Michael Rey, vice-chairman of the West Dorset Aden Veterans Association, said: "It was something that came out of one of our members who died and money from his funeral was put towards the plaque.

"He wanted the money to come to the West Dorset branch and we came up with the idea to come up with a plaque.

The ceremony which commemorated those who served in the conflict took place on Wednesday, April 17, on Weymouth's seafront.

The occasion was attended by the mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Kate Wheller, the chairman of the National Aden Veteran Association, Clive Candlin, Stephen Weall, secretary of the National Aden Veteran Association, and members of the local west Dorset branch.

Dorset Echo: Aden conflict plaque unveiling on Weymouth seafront Aden conflict plaque unveiling on Weymouth seafront (Image: Michael Rey)

The service was led by the reverend Dennis Mould, and the chairman of the west Dorset branch, Bob Ahrens, thanked everyone for attending.

Mr Rey added: "Around 35 people came , it was funny as people walking by were asking what it was about and we explained it to them. 

"It tends not to be a very well known conflict; it wasn’t a big war but a taskforce to protect the area."

For further information about the conflict in Aden and more about the west Dorset branch of the veterans association visit https://adenveteransweymouth.co.uk