Arab Legion alive and well in 2012

[Eddie Parks]

The Arab Legion may be long gone but at least one part lives on. One of Glubb Pasha's great successes was the "Desert Patrol", a Bedouin force which patrolled the interface between "the desert and the sown" east of Amman and up to the Saudi/Iraqi borders.

Today they still exist but call themselves Bedouin Police - however when I suggested it should be Dawriyya a'SaHraa (lit- patrol of the sands) this Naib (Sgt) lit up and agreed.

The uniform is exactly as Glubb's time but the revolver is a .38 Spl S&W and he's carrying about 100 rds of 7.62.

Eddie

[saumua]

Originally Posted by Eddie Parks

The Arab Legion may be long gone but at least one part lives on. One of Glubb Pasha's great successes was the "Desert Patrol", a Bedouin force which patrolled the interface between "the desert and the sown" east of Amman and up to the Saudi/Iraqi borders.

Today they still exist but call themselves Bedouin Police - however when I suggested it should be Dawriyya a'SaHraa (lit- patrol of the sands) this Naib (Sgt) lit up and agreed.

The uniform is exactly as Glubb's time but the revolver is a .38 Spl S&W and he's carrying about 100 rds of 7.62.

Eddie

nice one good to see.

[Wmr-RHB]

And Petra is the place isn't it?

A wonderful place to see and geology, archeology and history form huge mix. While tourists are abound, there is a nice relaxed atmosphere. And almost every day during some part of it one of today's "Glubb's Girls" is available at one of the main objects of interest here, the Treasury. He is very much in demand for pictures to be taken and is admired a lot. Right so, he is the bearer of a fine tradition.

[Wmr-RHB]

And here is another one:
http://hcvv.home.xs4all.nl/Glubb.jpeg

[Jimbobqmi]

I know it isn't pertinent to the question but do still have to ride horses from the fort to get to Petra?

[Eddie Parks]

Originally Posted by Jimbobqmi

I know it isn't pertinent to the question but do still have to ride horses from the fort to get to Petra?

No, but your ticket includes a one way ride or carriage ride. Otherwise you walk. At the end of a long day the carriage ride back up the Siq is very welcome, but on a busy day you'll wait a very long time.

Eddie

[popskipa]

Hi,

I have been following this thread and thought readers may find this badge interesting, or rather the plate on the back...

Keith

[popskipa]

Badge front...

[wright241]

Originally Posted by Eddie Parks

The Arab Legion may be long gone but at least one part lives on. One of Glubb Pasha's great successes was the "Desert Patrol", a Bedouin force which patrolled the interface between "the desert and the sown" east of Amman and up to the Saudi/Iraqi borders.

Today they still exist but call themselves Bedouin Police - however when I suggested it should be Dawriyya a'SaHraa (lit- patrol of the sands) this Naib (Sgt) lit up and agreed.

The uniform is exactly as Glubb's time but the revolver is a .38 Spl S&W and he's carrying about 100 rds of 7.62.

Eddie

Nice one Eddie and congrats on your promotion. Well done all round.
David

[Eddie Parks]

Lovely badge.
Eddie

[Jimbobqmi]

Thanks for your good info. Eddie. I can remember when we were transporting Cents from Aqaba to the railhead meeting one of the desert patrol. He came out of the desert riding a camel, pitched his tent and made a brew which he offered to both of us. This was in 1956/57 before Lawrence of Arabia but whenever I re-see the film I am reminded of him.

Jim