Beira Patrol

Established by the British Government under UN Security Council Resolutions 217 and (by 9 Apr 1965) UNSCR 221, to enforce economic sanctions against Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), primarily to prevent the flow of oil to the country from the East African coast.

Britain had expected support from other UN member states in this enforcement but reaction was from less-than-lukewarm to non-existent. One diplomatic problem was that Britains oldest ally, Portugal, controlled the port of Beira in its then Mozambiquan territory. Any blockade would be a threat to Portuguese soverignty so steps were taken to reinforce Beira with F-84Gs from Esq 93 and to monitor Royal Navy activities by a detachment of Esq 61 P2V Neptunes from Montijo.

The Patrol began with two RN frigates and an RFA, initially supported by a carrier (until mid May 1966), whilst the RAF organised its local base of operations for air cover, with Shackletons from Majunga between 16 Mar 1966 and Jun 1971, until Madagascar obtained its independence from France and the basing agreement ended. By Mar 1971, this had reduced to one RN warship and one RFA in support. Almost 80 Royal Navy warships took part in this operation at various times over its 10 year lifespan. The Operation was called off when Mozambique gained independence from Portugal, HMS Salisbury the last warship on patrol departed and the UK Treasury breathed a huge sigh of relief.