BRAVERY IN PALESTINE

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1938, Page 8

BRAVERY IN PALESTINE

CLEVER RUSE BY TROOPER LONDON. March 10. The War Office announces that, the King has approved of a. number of awards for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine. The list, which is given below, includes the names of an officer and a man of rhe Transjordan Frontier Force. Distinguished Service Order: Major William Donovan Stumer, M.C., 2nd Bn., North Staffordshire Regt. Military Cross: Rais Amin Ezzedine, M.B.E. (local officer). Transjordan Frontier Force. Military Medal: Pte. Hubert Shannon, Ist Bn.. Border Regt. Trooper Farid Parhan, Transjordan Frontier Force. The official announcement of the awards slates that on Christmas Day last year, during operations against Arab bands in the *Tiber)as district, Major Stainer’s advance guard, composed of young soldiers recently arrived from England, was pinned to the ground by heavy frontal and enfilade fire, losing one officer and one noncommissioned officer. Major Stumer organised and led in person an effective attack on that portion of the enemy's position which was causing him most trouble. Later in the day he organised and, .withdrew his column over difficult ground with great skill and without further casualties.

The ward of the Military Cross to Rais Amin Ezzedine is for most conspicuous gallantry and powers of leadership at Arraba on Dec. 23 last year. When the column, of which his troops formed part, was attacked on unfavourable ground by an armed baud of superior numbers, he at once occupied an exposed but commanding position and engaged the enemy. Although subjected to heavy fire, out-numbered and out-flanked, his troop, inspired by his gallant bearing and exceptional courage, successfully defended the position until air reinforcements arrived and attacked the enemy.

Pte. Hubert Shannon receives the Military Medal for his bravery during operations on Christmas Day, in the Tiberias area. The platoon to which he belonged formed the vanguard and came under heavy frontal and enfilade fire.

The platoon commander, 2nd Lt. K. J. Mountain, fell mortally wounded, and Pte. Shannon, under heavy fire, immediately left his own cover and brought him back to a spot where his wounds could be attended to. This gallant action was an inspiration to the remainder of Pte. Shannon’s platoon, who were somewhat shaken by the suddenness of the enemy ambush and the loss of their officer.

Trooper Farid Farhan receives the Military Medal for courage and resource of a high order displayed at Shaab on Dec. 19. While on guard over his troop horse lines he was suddenly confronted by an enemy armed band.

Telling a comrade to go and awaken the remainder, of the troop, he. at imminent risk to himself advanced towards the enemy. By his conversation and bearing lie succeeded in concealing his identity from them until his comrades were awakened, and opened fire, inflicting several casualties. Although fired on at short range, Trooper Farid Farhan was not hit.