Description
Dhofar Clasp General Service Medal Miniature
In 1965 the mountain tribesmen of Dhofar, a province of Oman, rose in revolt against the regime of Sultan Sa’ib bin Taimur. The revolt worsened in 1967 when the British left the adjacent State of Aden. The new communist government in Yemen provided an important base for the rebels.
By 1970 it was clear that the Sultan would lose the war unless some action was taken. On 23 July 1970, the Sultan’s son staged a coup which provided the required change of direction. Some of the previous Sultan’s excesses were removed, and the new leader expanded his armed forces and requested British assistance.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) provided training for his local forces, the Royal Artillery provided mortar locating radars and a sound ranging base at Salalah, the Royal Engineers provided military and civil engineering, and RAF officers provided the backbone of the new Sultan’s air force. The Royal Air Force Regiment (RAF Regiment) provided a continuous presence at the MOB in Salalah from 1970 to 1976. In addition to these contribution, many British officers were seconded to the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF). As well as the British contribution, Jordan and Iran also provided assistance.
During this period, the British forces suffered 24 killed and 55 wounded.The qualifying period for service was between 1 October 1969 and 30 September 1976.
Medals are mounted ready for wear and then placed on a block within the frame. This allows for the easy removal and replacement of the medals as required, meaning they can be removed for wear on parade or for cleaning.
The medals will hang from the block at a slight angle much as they would if they were being worn on the chest.
Medals are not mounted ready for wear and instead are placed flat against the frame backing with the medal ribbon secured through a slot. This means that the medals cannot be removed from the frame and cannot be worn.
Medal mounting swing style is the more traditional method of mounting medals. Swing Style or ordinary style mounted medals are mounted on a medal brooch bar which can then be pinned to your tunic directly, through becketts or attached to a pocket holder. This style of medal mounting allows the medals to move or ‘swing’ when worn. Over time, the edge of the medals can become damaged due to the medals “clinking” together.
Medal mounting court style is alleged to have began during the reign of Queen Victoria. Those attending the Queen would wear medals court mounted to stop them “clinking”. Other sources suggest that the Cavalry first adopted the practice. Either way, this style of medal mounting is becoming more popular. Court mounted medals are fixed to a rigid backing material called buckram. The buckram is then covered in a felt material before the medals are mounted on their own ribbon length. This style of medal mounting holds the medals firmly in place and prevents them ‘clinking’ together and damaging each other when worn.
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