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From the S&S archives: Operation Saddle Up

Photos by Sandy Colton, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, June 14, 1959
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A Marine cuts palms from a swamp to make a shelter during Operation Saddle Up in the North Borneo jungle.

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U.S. Marine Col. Roy Batterton briefs his staff at their jungle command post. From left to right, Capt. W.D. Mostyn of Australia; Major Michael Sparks of the U.S.; Maj. I. Simpson, Maj. G. Pownell and Maj. A.H.G. Gibbon, all of Great Britain; and Col. Batterton.

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A Marine helicopter at work during Operation Saddle Up.

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A new Marine Mule vehicle, rumored to be replacing the World War II Jeep, is given a test ride by Vice Adm. Frederick N. Kivette (in white), commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, and Sir Richard Hull, commander of British Far East land forces. Adm. Kivette drove the vehicle from the beach to a jungle command post, and Gen. Hull did the honors on the return trip. The scorecard: A torn pair of pants for the admiral and barked shins for the general.


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Taking a break in the jungle of North Borneo.

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Participants in Operation Saddle Up hold down a communications tent threatened by a passing helicopter's rotor wash.

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A helicopter delivers fresh water after the "invasion force" moves inland. To simulate a real operation, only one day's supply of water was brought in when the SEATO troops landed on the beach.

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Combat rations are distributed during the push inland. U.S. Marines were reported to have enjoyed the change of pace provided by British meals — particularly ox-tail soup in self-heating cans.

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