CHAPTER SIX - part 4 of 4

30 SEPTEMBER 1947
Late on the morning of 30 September, 1947, Irgun Z'vai Leumi camed out a normal rail-mining operation just North of Binyamina, They attacked the through train from Cairo with two small electrically detonated automatic pressure mines linked to each other a short distance apart, and derailed the engine and the first three coaches of the train. It happened that the first three coaches of the train were reserved for Military personnel, and it is earnestly suggested that the proper authorities be approached with a view to placing the Military coaches towards the end of the train.
WO 275/79

2 OCTOBER 1947
Vehicle of 8 Para Battalion mined North of Hadera. 1 British Officer and 10 British Soldiers slightly injured.
WO 261/571

6 OCTOBER 1947
On 6 October, a party of Jews attacked an Arab encampment near Petah Tiqva, killing two and wounding four others. It is believed that the attack was in the nature of a reprisal for the murder of two Jews in the same area on 4 October.
WO 275/64

12 OCTOBER 1947
At 1935 hours bomb exploded outside steel door rear of Polish Consulate, Bethlehem Road, Jerusalem. Door blown in and windows smashed.
WO 261/571

13 OCTOBER 1947
At 12 17 hours bomb exploded rear of American Consulate Mahmillah Road, Jerusalem. Slight damage to roof of an out house. 2 female members of staff slightly injured.
WO 261/571

13 OCTOBER 1947
On October 13 an attack was made by Jewish Terrorists on the Ritz Cafe in King George V Avenue. Many troops were there at the time and the incident caused 28 casualties. Two of the casualties died in hospital a few days later.
WO 261/644

3 NOVEMBER 1947
At 1930 hours on the same day, a patrol, consisting of two British Constables and 1 Palestinian Constable, was attacked by small arms fire from the rear by unknown persons in Tel Aviv. Both the British Constables were seriously wounded. It is significant to note that no assistance was given to the wounded Constables by members of the public, and they were left lying in the road until the arrival of another Police party. 25 minutes later, near the Northern Police Station in Tel Aviv, a British Constable was fired upon and very seriously wounded by an unknown Jew. Police in the vicinity returned the fire and mortally wounded the thug. It is believed that the dead man was originally a member of the Irgun Z'vai Leumi, who after being released from prison changed his affections to the Stern.
WO 275/64

3 NOVEMBER 1947
Palestine Police foot patrol fired on near Barclays Bank, Tel Aviv. 2 British Constables seriously injured. Attack was made by unknown persons on foot.
WO 261/571

3 NOVEMBER 1947
Sentry outside Northern Police Station, Tel Aviv, fired on by a lone Jew on foot. 1 British Constable seriously injured. 1 Jew killed. British Constable opened fire from balcony of Station and killed the Jew.
WO 261/571

12 NOVEMBER 1947
At 1000 hours on 12 November, a house situated in Ra'anana was cordoned by military and police. A search party entered by the main door and came upon a group of young Jews, male and female, engaged in weapon training in an inner room. One youth, on seeing the search party, gave an order in Hebrew to open fire. The search party withdrew, followed by the youths who ran out of the room, firing wildly. Cordoning troops returned the fire, killing three girls and two youths, while a further youth was badly wounded. A girl and a youth were captured uninjured. Following the action, the house was searched and a quantity of arms and ammunition discovered.

Reaction by the Jewish people to this incident has been surprisingly unanimous, even amongst those normally opposed to the Stern Group's aims and methods. While decrying the Stern Group for permitting "children of tender years" to train for murder, they criticize the brutality with which children were shot down by the security forces. The fact that those children were training to do murder did not detract from the usual vituperative criticism of HMG.

An hour and a quarter after the Ra'anana incident, a group of British Police sitting outside a cafe in Haifa was fired on by a thug with a machine carbine from the balcony of an office block about 15 yards away. One British sergeant was killed, and two British Constables seriously wounded. The method of this outrage was typical of gangsters. Two Jews entered the office block, one covered the staff with a pistol while the second removed a TSMG from the valise which he was carrying and emptied a magazine at the group of British policemen. A significant feature was that all customers left the cafe and its vicinity immediately before the firing started.
WO 275/64

12 NOVEMBER 1947
On the morning of 12 November, five members of the Counter Intelligence Division were fired at by Stern Gang assassins from a window above the Cafe Haas in Kingsway, Haifa, within a few yards of Central Police Station. The attack was carried out at point blank range and four people were hit, of whom two have so far died.
WO 275/79

12 NOVEMBER 1947
Search of house between Ra'Anana and Herzliya 13691756 by troops and police. 3 females and 2 male Jews killed. 1 male seriously injured. 2 males and 1 female captured. Police searchers surprised party of Jews inside house who opened fire when making their getaway and were fired on by military cordon. Quantity of arms and ammunition found in house.
WO 261/571

12 NOVEMBER 1947
Five Counter Intelligence Division men of Palestine Police fired on by thug from neighboring balcony when they were sitting outside Cafe Haas, Kingsway, Haifa. 1 British Police Sergeant killed. 2 British Police Sergeants and 1 British Constable seriously injured.
WO 261/571

13 NOVEMBER 1947
On the evening of 13 November, four unarmed British civilians, employees of the Oil companies, were murdered in cold blood by Stern Gang while walking from the May cinema to the Astoria restaurant. At the time of the incident, the streets of Hadar were crowded with Jews, tons if not hundreds of whom must have seen a number of details of the outrage, and many of whom could have described the murderers accurately. So far, no information whatsoever has been given by any of those Jews to assist the Security forces in rounding up the gang. A whispering-campaign, believed to have been started by Stern Gang, suggests that this incident is a reprisal for what the gang is pleased to call the "Rana'ana Massacre", the official version of which is said to be false - that the trainees did not actually shoot at the troops before going on an initial course and never having handled fire-arms before. Therefore, says the whisper, the youngsters were deliberately murdered while trying to escape. The fact that nobody has informed against the Stern Gang murders, and the success of this whispering-campaign, shows that there is a great deal of sympathy for Stern activities among the local Jewish population, who would appear to be infected with totalitarian ideology which permits any means to achieve an end and calls murder by another name when carried out on behalf of the Jewish people.
WO 275/79

13 NOVEMBER 1947
Two smoke bombs thrown, followed by two 36 grenades, in Ritz cafe, King George V Avenue, Jerusalem. Cafe badly damaged.

25 British Soldiers, including some seriously injured; 1 British Constable killed; and 1 British Constable seriously injured.
WO 261/571

13 NOVEMBER 1947
4 British civilians shot at when getting out of taxi in Hadar Hacarmel, Haifa. 4 British civilians killed. 1 Arab injured. British civilians belonged to oil companies in Haifa.
WO 261/571

14 NOVEMBER 1947
2 British soldiers shot at in Colony Square, Tel Aviv, while out walking. 2 British soldiers killed.

14 NOVEMBER 1947
2 British Constables shot at near Mustashfa Police Billet, Jerusalem, while out walking. 2 British Constables killed.
WO 261/571

20 NOVEMBER 1947
At Ra'Anana 137176, a party of 5-8 Jews took 5 Arabs from their home and, after questioning, shot them. 4 Arabs murdered, 1 seriously wounded.
WO 261/571

23 NOVEMBER 1947
Party of armed Jews shot up Police Traffic Office, Allenby Road, Tel Aviv. A scare bomb was thrown and automatic fire directed at two TACs.
WO 261/571

29 NOVEMBER 1947
Attempt made by Jews to escape from Latmn 'A' Detention Camp by means of tunneling. 1 British Sergeant and 1 British Constable slightly injured. Tunnel found to be 100 yards long with electric drill and air vents. On discovery some detainees became hostile and stoned police.
WO 261/57l

2 DECEMBER 1947
Khisas village. 1 Arab civilian shot dead by Jewish Gaffir from Beit Hillel approximately 1200 hours. TJFF Huleh patrols increased.
WO 275/46 Public Record Office, London

3 DECEMBER 1947
Jewish retaliation incidents are reported as follows:-

Morning 3 December. Several Arab shops in Harcarmel Street Mashiya Quarter of Jaffa set on fire by Jews.

031500B 14 year old Arab boy shot from passing Jewish taxi in Yazur village MR 131169 on main road Jaffa- Jerusalem.

031630B Arab boy seriously injured by shot fired from Jewish bus passing through Al Qubab village MR 145 15 1 on main road Jaffa-Jerusalem.

Afternoon 3 December. JSPs passing through Yazur village MR 13 1169 in a taxi and pick-up fired at British Police who returned fire. No casualty. JSPs were traced to Rehovoth and alleged they had been stoned in village.
WO 275/46

3 DECEMBER 1947
Jews set fire to Arab Garage in Commercial Centre. Two Arabs shot near Zion Gate.
WO 261/571

4 DECEMBER 1947
2 British soldiers assaulted at corner Hayarkon Street-Ezra Street, Tel Aviv. 2 British soldiers slightly injured.
WO 261/571

4 DECEMBER 1947
30 Jews attacked an orange grove Alkheiriya 133160, threw hand grenades and fired shots. 1 Arab slightly wounded.
WO 261/571

5 DECEMBER 1947
At 1000 hours, two Palestine policemen escorting Arab curfew breakers in Tel Aviv set upon and stabbed by Jews. 2 Palestine policemen seriously injured. 1 Jew slightly injured.
WO 261/571

5 DECEMBER 1947
At 1220 hours, Police Armoured Car fired on by gang believed Jews from wadi on road Hatiqva 13 1162-Miqve Yisrael 129159. Police fired over heads of crowd to quiet them. 10 minutes later small bomb thrown at the Armoured car. Police fired again.

3 Jews killed. 1 Jew wounded. 1 Jew arrested. During afternoon, Royal Air Force jeep fired at on 1 WOl26 1/57 1

6 DECEMBER 1947
At 0915 hours Jewish youths attacked three Arabs in Halutz Street, Haifa. Police dispersed crowd. 1 Arab dead.
WO 261/571

6 DECEMBER 1947
At 1000 hours gang of Jews killed an Arab in Hashomer Street, Haifa. 1 Arab killed.
WO 261/571

6 DECEMBER 1947
1 Infantry Division, at 1550 hours, the occupants of a PU travelling down Hassan Bey Road, Tel Aviv, threw a bomb into an Arab shop which caught fire. Some casualties, number unknown. They then opened fire at a Police armoured car which gave chase and caught the PU in the Agro Bank Road. One Jewish occupant of the PU was seriously wounded, the remaining five escaped. One pistol, 3 Sten magazines and some gun cotton were found in the PU.
WO 261/571

6 DECEMBER 1947
At 1550 hours bomb thrown in Arab shop in Hassan Bey Road from car which was chased and captured by Police. Car contained one Jew, seriously injured, a pistol, Sten mags and gun cotton.

2 Arabs killed. 5 Arabs injured.
WO 261/571

6 DECEMBER 1947
Counter Intelligence Division, 6 December. A military patrol was fired upon from uncompleted flats at Wadi Rushmiya, Haifa. The flats were surrounded and searched and 6 Jews were found on the premises to be in possession of grenades and pistols. They were arrested.

At Yemen Steps a party of Jews directed automatic fire and threw a grenade at Arabs. One Arab was seriously wounded in the stomach.

The crew of a police armoured car investigating a report of shooting in the area of the Hatiqva Quarter, Jaffa, were fired upon. They returned the fire and firing broke out afresh from nearby houses. Other armoured cars went to the scene and during subsequent operations, 6 Jews and 1 Jewess were arrested. The following arms and explosives were seized:- 3 rifles, 8 Sten guns, 16 Sten magazines (1 1 loaded, 8 hand grenades and 43 rounds of ammunition).

At Bab Silsileh, on the borders of the Jewish Quarter, Old City, a hand grenade was thrown from the Jewish Quarter into an Arab house. The following casualties resulted:- one Arab dead, two Arabs seriously injured and one Arab injured (not seriously).
WO 275/64

8 DECEMBER 1947
2 British soldiers in taxi fired on in Hadar Hacarmel, Haifa. 1 British soldier slightly injured.
WO 261/57l

8 DECEMBER 1947
During afternoon, Royal Air Force jeep fired at on Jerusalem-Jaffa road about7 miles from Jerusalem. Fire came from 15 cwt truck containing 8 Jews in bush hats, believed Jewish Settlement Police. No casualty.
WO 261/571

9 DECEMBER 1947
0835 hours, bomb exploded in Stanton Street, Haifa.
WO 261/571

9 DECEMBER 1947
At 2330 hours, Jews entered Arab village Paratiya 12111173 and blew up one house.
WO 261/571

9 DECEMBER 1947
Jews damaged Christian Arab houses Herzl Street.
WO 261/571

10 DECEMBER 1947
On the morning of 10 December, 1947, two D.R.s were fired upon and injured, one of them fatally, at the junction of Herzl Street and Prophet Street. An officer who was nearby at the time, but who did not actually witness the shooting, states that a number of Jews made what appears to be a concerted effort to put the blame on three unfortunate Arabs hiding in a nearby lavatory (having heard the shooting), and who almost certainly had nothing to do with it. The streets were fairly crowded at the time, and if Haganah had been willing, instead of merely demonstrative, they would have obtained, if not arrested, then at least a description of the culprits.
10 DECEMBER 1947
About 2135 hours, Bren carrier patrol fired on in Herzl Street, Haifa.
WO 261/571

10 DECEMBER 1947
A British Military Policeman was shot at and murdered whilst on patrol near the Eldorado Cafe in a completely Jewish area. It is thought that this outrage may have been a reprisal for the recent arrest of a Stern Gang member, but it is significant that no member of the Jewish population was able to produce any description of the murderers. The Eldorado Cafe, which was the most likely hiding place, was searched immediately by a number of officers and soldiers who arrived on the scene having heard the shooting, but without any results, except the indignant protests of the manager.
WO 275/79

10 DECEMBER 1947
Unlike the Irgun Z'vai Leumi, the Stern Gang do have a political programme, which has been the subject of discussion amongst Jews in Haifa. It is said that the policy is in home affairs extreme-leftist, advocating a planned economy, nationalization of the basic industries and profit sharing amongst employees. In foreign policy, however, the trend is towards "the liberation" of the minorities in the Middle East, the recognition of the Soviet Union as the ally of the Jews in Arab left wing. At the present, however, the party is cooperating with Haganah in the Jewish National Defence. WO 275/79 11 DECEMBER 1947
At 0615 on 11 December, a Jewish lorry opened fire on a group of Arabs at Balad El Sheikh, killing two. At 1330 hours an Arab bus was blown up by a bomb thrown from a passing car, and 5 Arabs were killed and 21 injured. Late that night Jews dressed in Military uniforms and travelling in a jeep and 15 cwt truck attacked At Tira village causing considerable damage and killing 12 Arabs. Another attack against the Military, this time on the Mountain road, caused the death of a Corporal.
WO 275/46

11 DECEMBER 1947
1320 hours, Jews in taxi on Bat Gallim Haifa road threw bombs and injured 3 youths. WO 261/571 11 DECEMBER 1947
1335 hours, bomb thrown under Arab bus Kingsway, Haifa. 4 Arabs killed, and 12 injured. WO 261/57 1 11 DECEMBER 1947
1945 hours, engagement between Jews and Arabs on Mount Scopus-Nablus road Jerusalem at Shufat. Under cover of fire Jews entered village dressed as soldiers and police and tried to blow up houses. 2 unexploded grenades and some dynamite later found in village by Palestine Police.
WO 26l/57l

11 DECEMBER 1947
2245 hours, party of Jews wearing military type uniform attacked at Tirya 14802410. 1 house destroyed, and 5 houses damaged. 12 Arabs killed and 6 Arabs injured. 15 cwt and jeep used in attack made with grenades and LA fire.
WO 26 1 /57 1

11 DECEMBER 1947
Grenades thrown in Ramle during night and automatic fire directed at a garage by Jews in a taxi.
WO 261/57 1

11 DECEMBER 1947
1 Infantry Division. Jewish convoy going through Yasur 13 141594 fired on. Jews threw grenades and wrecked Arab Cafe. Jews blamed Arab Legion. Arabs say Jews fired first. Six casualties so far.
WO 261/571

11 DECEMBER 1947
Fire started, believed by Jews, at Ramle at midnight. Fire still burning 0630 hours, 12 December. Air Formation Signals assisting.
WO 261/571

12 DECEMBER 1947
6 AB Division, at 2245 hours, 1 1 December, party of Jews wearing military-type uniforms attacked the Northwest corner of Mount Tira at 14802410. Some of the party came down from hills on foot, while some came in a 15 cwt truck and a jeep along the main road. They attacked six houses with grenades and small arms fire. One house completely destroyed and others damaged. Known casualties - Arabs - 12 killed and 6 injured.
WO 261/571

12 DECEMBER 1947
252 FS Sec., 12 December. At 0900 hours, Jews threw grenades at a garage behind Rex Cinema, Jerusalem. Casualties: 2 Arabs injured.
WO 275/64

12 DECEMBER 1947
On the morning of 12 December, an officer and three soldiers were shot from behind whilst in a Jeep in Herzl Street. When the shots were fired, the crowd immediately dispersed, and the two Jews who committed the outrage walked up the steps of a narrow passage into Nordau Street, where they sat down in Cafe Sternheim and took a coffee before returning, probably to Tel Aviv. The officer and three soldiers were all seriously wounded, one having fallen out of the Jeep; and since no help came from any local Jew or Jewish doctor, the officer reorganized the party, and they drove to hospital by themselves, he changing gear, having been hit in the stomach and legs, while the driver, whose right arm and side had been hit, handled the steering wheel. One soldier died on the way to hospital. A report reached this Section shortly afterwards that the incident has been carried out by a Jew who was a member of Haganah, and that he acted contrary to Haganah orders.
WO 275/79

12 DECEMBER 1947
1 Infantry Division, at 1200 hours, explosions heard in Ramle. Police report that grenades were thrown and automatic fire directed at garage by some Jews in taxi. Large fire was caused and AFS sent out from Sarafand to assist. At 0630 hours, fire was still burning,
WO 261/57 1

12 DECEMBER 1947
1330 hours, Herzl Street, Haifa, army jeep shot at. 1 British officer and 3 British soldiers injured. 1 SI list, 2 DI list,
WO 261/57 1

12 DECEMBER 1947
Incident between Jews and Lebanese at approximately 1400 hours. 1 grenade thrown by Jews wounding 1 Lebanese civilian. Both parties withdrew. No further casualties.
WO 275/46

12 DECEMBER 1947
Arab shot in Orah Cinema Gabriel Street, Haifa.
WO 261/57 1

13 DECEMBER 1947
Sniping between Arab and Jewish quarters started 1120 hours. Casualties 1 Arab civilian killed. 1 Arab child seriously wounded, died later in hospital. 1 J.S.P. and 1 J.T.A.C. seriously wounded. 1 Jewish civilian missing. 1 Tp TJFF and 1 Coy 8 Para Bn called in. Curfew imposed Safad Urban Area; lifted 0700 hours 14 December.
WO 275/46

13 DECEMBER 1947
1220 hours, bombs thrown and small arms fire directed at Arab crowd from Jewish taxi near Damascus Gate, Jerusalem. Killed - 4 Arabs and 1 Jew. Wounded - 15 Arabs and 2 British constables. Crowd killed 1 Jew, slightly injured 2 British constables trying to keep order. Taxi and owner arrested; 3 other occupants escaped.
WO 261/571

13 DECEMBER 1947
Five armed Jews using Black Fargo tender attacked Cafe King George Avenue, Jaffa. Cafe and other buildings extensively damaged. 6 Arabs killed. 15 Arabs seriously wounded. 21 Arabs wounded. Tender had been stolen in Petah Tiqva at 1300 hours.
WO 261/571

13 DECEMBER 1947
1 Infantry Division, 13 December. Sound of heavy explosion at Al Yehudia village 139159. Bombs were thrown by attackers followed by heavy Small Arms fire. Arabs report attack carried out by 4 truck loads of Jews reported to be wearing K.D. Coldm Gds emergency platoon, sent to scene found police armoured car being fired upon. Casualties: 6 Arabs killed, one Arab seriously wounded and 12 Arabs wounded. Firing ceased 1520 hours.
WO 275/64

13 DECEMBER 1947
At 1640 hours, 2 British soldiers of a Field Ambulance assaulted by Jews near Rehovoth 132145. 1 rifle stolen.
WO 261/57l

13 DECEMBER 1947
Four truck loads armed Jews dressed in KD attacked Al Yehudiya 139159 with bombs and small arms fire. 6 Arabs killed, 15 Arabs seriously wounded and 21 Arabs slightly wounded. Police armoured car fired on. Order restored on appearance Coldm Gds emergency police.
WO 261/571

13 DECEMBER 1947
Two Arabs wounded in Manshiya Quarter, Tel Aviv, during afternoon.
WO 261/571

13 DECEMBER 1947
Knife attacks between Jews and Arabs, in Safad. 1 Arab child seriously wounded; 1 Jew missing; and 2 Jewish TACs seriously injured. Curfew imposed until 0700 hours, 14 December.
WO 261/571

13 DECEMBER 1947
G (Int), 13 December. Bombs were thrown at stationary buses at Damascus Gate, Jerusalem, from car containing Jew who also opened up Small Arms fire on the crowd. Casualties probably higher than previously estimated. One Jew manhandled and killed by crowd. Car containing Jews apprehended.
WO 275164

14 DECEMBER 1947
01 30 hours Jews attacked Arabs in Tel Arish Quarter on Tel AvivJJaffa bdy. Troops called to scene and order restored.
WO 261/571

14 DECEMBER 1947
0320 hours bombs thrown at Arab cinema, Haifa.
WO 261/571

14 DECEMBER 1947
At approximately 0700 hours 3 Jews fired on Arab bus 199213. Bus stopped, passengers ordered out. Bus then set on fire. Total casualties 3 Arabs wounded, one seriously. Additional patrols by TJFF and 3rd Hussars.
WO 275/46

14 DECEMBER 1947
6 AB Division, at 0700 hours, at 199213,3 Jews stopped a civilian bus. They fired several rounds into bus and ordered passengers out. They then set fire to the bus and escaped in a taxi. Casualties - 1 Arab seriously wounded, one Arab slightly injured. Arab reaction is expected. Half squadron TJFF and 1 Troop of 3 H have proceeded to Beisan.
WO 261/571

14 DECEMBER 1947
0700 hours Jews stopped civilian bus area Beisan 199213. They fired several shots into bus then ordered passengers out, set fire to bus and escaped in taxi. 1 Arab seriously injured. 1 Arab slightly injured.
WO 261/571

14 DECEMBER 1947
1630 hours at Tel Arish area of Holon 128 159, police armoured car fired on from LMG post. Five Jews arrested in possession of 1 Bren, 2 Stens, 1 Auto rifle, 6 rifles, 29 grenades, 150 rounds .303 and 60 round 9 mm. They were surrounded by 220 empty cases. WO 261/571

14 DECEMBER 1947
Patrol of 1 KOSB sniped at during evening from distillery Abu Kebir 12821022. 1 Jew with shotgun and 4 grenades arrested. WO 261/571

15 DECEMBER 1947
1230 hours, Arab bus fired on passing through Ras El Ain 143 167. 1 killed and 7 injured. WO 261/571

15 DECEMBER 1947
1330 hours, Arab shot in leg, junction Stanton Street-El Bun Street, Haifa. 1 Arab shot. WO 261/571

16 DECEMBER 1947
At 1929 hours, 2 British Counter Intelligence Division Sergeants were shot at junction of King George V Avenue- Jaffa Road, Jerusalem. 1 British Counter Intelligence Division Sergeant dead, and 1 British Counter Intelligence Division Sergeant wounded. The dead British Counter Intelligence Division Sergeant died in hospital. WO 261/571

18 DECEMBER 1947
Between 2100 hours and 2300 hours village attacked by Haganah. 2 houses demolished, 10 civilians killed, including 5 children. WO 275/46

18 DECEMBER 1947
I It is reported that at 2100 hours, 18 December, two lorry loads of armed Jews attacked the Arab village of Khisas north of Lake Huleh. They destroyed two houses, killed ten Arabs, including children, and wounded five, and withdrew leaving Hagana pamphlets. These claimed that the raid was a reprisal for the Huleh and Safad incidents. The situation immediately became very tense, and troops were called in to restore order. A road curfew has now been imposed. WO 275/64

18 DECEMBER 1947
2100 hours, armed Jews believed from settlements near Dan 21 1293 and Dafna 209293 attacked with grenades Arab village Khisas 208292.2 houses destroyed. Arab - 10 dead (including children), and 5 wounded. Haganah pamphlets left behind. WO 261/571

18/19 DECEMBER 1947
6 AB Division. On the night of 18 December, 2 lorryloads of armed Jews, believed to have come from settlements near Dan and Dasne attacked the Arab village of Khisas 208292. The attackers threw grenades and then withdrew. Unconfirmed casualty figures caused to the Arabs is given as 10 dead including several children, and 5 others wounded. Hagana pamphlets were found at scene of incident.
WO 261/571

19 DECEMBER 1947
Midday 2 Arabs shot in Allenby Road, Haifa.
WO 261/571

20 DECEMBER 1947
0035 hours, patrol of 2 R Lincolns fired on at Salameh near Tel Aviv. 1 British Soldier killed.
WO 261/571

24 DECEMBER 1947
At 9 a.m., two Jews threw a bomb and fired at an Arab on JerusalemIJaffa road, slightly wounding him.
CO 537/3855

24 DECEMBER 1947
Gaza District. At 1100 hours near Imara police post, Jews opened fire on three Arabs ploughing their lands. The Arabs were all killed.
CO 537/3855

24 DECEMBER 1947
During the night, Jews attacked Beit Safafa Arab village with rifles and Bren guns. One Arab was killed. CO 537/3855

25 DECEMBER 1947
In the early hours of the morning, Jews placed a bomb in an Arab orange grove near Agrobank. Its explosion destroyed a hut and killed the Arab watchman.
CO 537/3855

25 DECEMBER 1947
At 11 p.m. in Tel Aviy, 4 British soldiers were fired upon by Jews as they were leaving a Jewish cafe. Two of them were killed and two wounded.
CO 537/3855

25 DECEMBER 1947
4 British soldiers of Workshops, Levant Fair, were shot in Herbert Samuel Esplanade, Tel Aviv, by members of the Stern Group. 2 British soldiers were killed and 2 injured.
WO 275/64

25 DECEMBER 1947
At 2200 hours, near English Girls High School in Haifa, the body of a British engineer employed by Iraq Petroleum Company was found. He had been shot in the chest.
CO 537/3855

26 DECEMBER 1947
At 0200 hours, in Haifa, the body of a British merchant seaman was found with bullet wounds in the chest.
CO 537/3855

26 DECEMBER 1947
During the morning in Haifa, shots were fired at an Arab bus, killing one passenger.
CO 537/3855

26 DECEMBER 1947
During the afternoon, armed Jews attacked a Bedouin encampment on Mount Carmel, killing one Arab child, seriously injuring another and slightly wounding an Arab man.
CO 537/3855

26 DECEMBER 1947
At approximately 2200 hours, aparty of armed Jews (Irgun Z'vai Leumi) attacked Arab village of Silwan. 5 houses were damaged by grenades.
CO 537/3855

26 DECEMBER 1947
During the night, 20 armed Jews attacked a Bedouin encampment south of the Jericho road killing one Arab woman. Livestock was also killed or injured in the attack.
CO 537/3855

27 DECEMBER 1947
Shortly after midnight, armed Jews launched an abortive attack on an Arab cafe at Romema. No casualties and slight damage resulted.
CO 537/3855

27 DECEMBER 1947
At about the same time, Jews deposited bombs which destroyed an Arab factory at Romema.
CO 537/3855

27 DECEMBER 1947
At 0630 hours, an Arab was shot dead by shots fired at him from a passing car.
CO 537/3855

28 DECEMBER 1947
1 1 15 hours. A bomb was thrown from a Jewish bus into Socony Vacuum Station at Romema in Jerusalem. Some casualties were inflicted. The Stern Group was responsible.
WO 275/64

28 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 1630 hours. On the Ramlema'ana track, an unidentified Jew fired upon Abdul Rahman Daoud Bedawi and his wife, both of Na'ana village. Bedawi was injured in the left arm and his wife in the left leg. Both were removed to Government Hospital, Jaffa - conditions not serious.
CO 537/3855

28 DECEMBER 1947
Gaza. 2000 hours. In Beit Hanun village, Izzat Ibrahim Nassar of that village was fired upon from a passing pick-up as he was standing at the side of the road. One shot struck him in the abdomen. He was removed to the Government Hospital, Gaza, where his condition is reported as serious.
CO 537/3855

28 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 2 100 hours. A party of approximately 25 armed Jews approached Es Sawiya village from the north and fired a number of shots at it. No casualties have been reported and no further details are available.
CO 537/3855

28 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 2330 hours. A party of Jews attacked Ein Kaim village with grenades and automatic fire. They approached the village from the north and on foot. The attack lasted approximately 30 minutes, and the following casualties resulted: Dead - Ibrahim Moussa; Injured: Ismail Ali Jaber, Ismail Ahined Ismail, Mohammed Omar Khalil, Haj Mohammed Moussa Darwishi. All four injured persons were admitted to the Government hospital.
CO 537/3855

28/29 DECEMBER 1947
Gaza. Midnight. At Herbiya village, Abdul Khalid Salman Da'our of that village while acting as village ghaffir, was shot and injured by unknown persons. He was admitted to Government Hospital, Gaza. His condition is not serious.
CO 537/3855 29

29 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 0145 hours. A number of persons, believed Jews, dressed in battledress, some wearing steel helmets and others civilian hats, entered Tel Litwinsky Camp by cutting away a complete section of the northern perimeter fence, some 200/300 metres south of the northern entrance to the camp. Proceeding due west, the raiders cut away through an inner perimeter wire situated some 15 metres from the armoury of the 2nd Battalion Royal Lincolnshire Regiment based inside Tel Litwinsky camp. The armoury is housed in a silicate brick building some 15 metres in length and about 4 metres wide. The building also contains a store which adjoins the armoury and a Company office. Inside the armoury itself there is a small cubicle in which the Armourer and his assistant sleep. On the western and eastern sides of the armoury there are three windows; at the northern end a door; and an inner door leading to the store. Approaching the armoury from the west, the raiders cut the barbed wire lacing of two of the windows on that side and also one window of the store on the same side and, by applying pressure to the windows, forced them open. One of the windows led immediately into the cubicle where the two Armourers were sleeping. The assistant Armourer, a private of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, was shot dead and the Armourer, a Lieutenant escaped injury by leaping through the window past the raiders. His mental state at present is such that it is impossible to obtain any form of statement from him. Two storemen who were sleeping in a cubicle situated in the stores were fired at. One is suffering from gunshot wounds in the side and head and is in a critical condition. The other received slight gunshot wounds in the head. Both are now in Bir Ya'acov Military Hospital.

Having accounted for all four personnel, the raiders entered the armoury through the windows; and cutting the chains and by other means securing the rifles and other weapons to racks, commenced to move the contents of the Armoury. Meanwhile, a LieutenantICorporal who was sleeping in the company office at the other end of the building and who the raider apparently overlooked, was awakened by the commotion going on outside. He got out of bed, looked through the window and saw between 20130 persons armed with Sten guns, some of whom were positioned around the building whilst others covered tents containing sleeping troops close by. He also saw others putting firearms into sacks outside the armoury. He immediately informed the Camp Duty Officer by 'phone of what was going on. The Duty Officer sounded the camp alarm. On hearing the alarm, the raiders immediately made off taking with them: 74 rifles, 7 sten guns, 6 pistols, 3,000rounds of .3O3 ammunition, 4 boxes of Bren gun magazines.

A military patrol vehicle proceeded to the scene when alarm was sounded and seeing some of the raiders retreating, opened fire on them. Casualties are believed to have been inflicted. The raiders escaped through the gaps they had made on entry to the camp. Leaving the outside perimeter of the camp, the raiders passed through an orange grove on to a track and continued on foot for approximately one kilometre, boarded three vehicles at approximately MR 1617 1346, and thence drove along the track leading into Kefar Azar Colony. About 10115 yards from the entrance to Kefar Azar, the tire tracks had been obliterated, either by the raiders or those in league with them. The vehicles passed through Kefar Azar Colony on to the main Tel LitwinskyIBenei Beraq road. Near the spot where the raiders boarded their vehicles was found a stretcher bearing the red star of David on each handle, a blood-stained bandage, some unused bandages and the wrappings of others, all bearing signs of Jewish origin. In the armoury, the raiders left behind two axes, one torch, a piece of iron tubing, a steel helmet and a khadi S.D. cap. Investigations are proceeding.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
At 0430 hours, approximately 5 miles South of Rosh Pinna TJFF convoy fired on. 1 TJFF Corporal killed and 1 TJFF Trooper wounded.
WO 261/571

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. At 0955 hours on 29 December, 1947, a young Jew engaged taxi No. M 254 to convey a pregnant woman to the Hadassah Hospital. He directed the driver, Shimon Itzhak Saigh of Jerusalem, to drive to the Zoo in Sanhedriya Road where he left the taxi but came back a short time later with three other Jews armed with revolvers. One of them took the taxi and the other three escorted the driver to the old Zoo where he was released at 1300 hours and instructed to report to the police.
537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
1230 hours. A taxi containing members of the Irgun Z'vai Leumi fired several shots from Stens near the Damascus Gate, Jerusalem, and then threw a large bomb. Two British Constables were killed, 11 Arabs killed and 27 Arabs injured. Arabs returned fire, and the taxi was chased by a police car which was held up by an Arab road block. The thugs escaped.
WO 275/64

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 1230 hours. In the Ibhazi Quarter of Bethlehem, Dr. Malouf, a government Doctor, was shot dead by two unknown persons, thought to be Yemenite Jews dressed as Arabs.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. At 1237 hours, a green coloured taxi, number unknown, containing a number of Jews, believed dressed in Arab clothing, proceeded down Suleiman's Way; and on reaching Damascus Gate, the occupants threw an object from the taxi which exploded in the vicinity of a number of 'buses around which a large crowd of Arabs were standing, causing heavy casualties. A police Humber Snipe patrol car which was at Barclay's Bank at the time of the explosion gave chase to the vehicle but was prevented from apprehending the car after striking an unofficial Arab road-block in Saledin Road. The attackers' vehicle escaped. The casualties from the Damascus Gate incident are: Dead -Mohammed Ali Yassin of Silwan; Moussa Abdul Nebi of Old City; Abdul Rahim Bettar of Nablus; Thabet Asu'udi of Jerusalem; Hamdan Assafi of Arab Obadia; Khalil Hassan Ajlouni of Hebron; Shehadi Mohammed Moussa of Jerusalem; Nawall Shama'a of Musrara Quarter, aged 11; Sua'al Amasheh of Jerusalem, aged 10; an unidentified child, aged approximately 1 1; one unidentified male.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 1330 hours. At kilo 19 on the Jerusalem/Hebron road, a party of 20 Jews dressed in battledress and carrying rifles and automatics held up a shepherd, Kamil Mohammed Shewieh of Jard Shama'a, and stole forty goats and six sheep. They made off in the direction of Kefar Etzyon.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 1640 hours. A police car carrying a British Police Sergeant was fired upon with automatic weapons by unknown persons just beyond the junction of St. Paul's and Nablus Roads. Bullets hit the left side of the car and entered through the rear window. The sergeant was hit in the left arm and cut about the face with splintered glass. He was treated at the Hadassah Clinic and later transferred to the Govemment Hospital.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 1730 hours. Near St. George's School, A.S.P. Mr. Dearsley was fired upon with automatic weapons by unknown persons, He was not injured and no damage was caused.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 1842 hours. A military road-block at the corner of Ezra and Mea Shearim Streets was attacked by unknown persons from the direction of Tel Aviv. Automatic fire was directed at the post and grenades were thrown at it. The military returned the fire with no known result. There were no military casualties. The duration of the attack was approximately ten minutes. Shortly after the attack, a grenade of Polish or American type was found in the street near the road-block. Military disposed of it.
CO 537/3855

29 DECEMBER 1947
An Arab Government doctor was assassinated by Jews at Bethlehem.
CO 537/3855

29/30 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa. Jisr Zerka, Haifa, night of 29/30 December, 1947. Ahmed Hussein El Ali of Jisr Zerka was sitting in his hut on Benyamina lands when it was surrounded by several Jews. He ran away but was shot in the leg and slightly wounded. Two suspects, Meir Pollack and Gideon Cohen, both of Benyamina, have been arrested.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 0630 hours, Wilhelma cross-roads. An Arab truck carrying labourers from Ramle to Wilhelma was fired upon by unknown persons and Mo'awad Ragheb El Ditar, aged 20 of Ramle, was wounded in the leg. His condition is not serious.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
At about 1020 hours, on 30 December, 1947, Stern Gang members passing in a black taxi threw two home-made grenades into the large crowd of Arabs which normally assembles outside the CRL in the mornings in the hope of getting casual employment. 6 were killed, and a large number were wounded. The results, however, could scarcely have been anticipated by the attackers. The Arab employees, angered by the sight of dead countrymen and by tales of bomb-throwing, attacked the Jewish technical and clerical 156 Encyclopedia of the Palestine Problem staff scattered and isolated throughout the large area covered by CRL, killing 41, principally by beating them to death: eleven were seriously injured. Prompt action by Police and troops prevented an even greater slaughter, and the Jews and Arabs were later escorted or sent home separately. Reprisals were threatened by the Jews who however, did not on this occasion forget to blame the "dissidents" who were initially responsible.
WO 275/79

30 DECEMBER 1947
About 1100 hours, Jews in taxi threw 2 grenades at crowd of Arabs awaiting employment outside main entrance CRL Haifa. Arab workers who saw incident raised cry of "Holy War," went berserk and killed Jewish clerks in CRL building. General rioting broke out, involving approximately 1800 Arabs and 400 Jews. Arabs - 6 dead and 42 injured. Jews - 41 dead, 11 injured, and 37 superficial injuries. British troops arrived some 15 minutes after action started and had situation under control by 1350 hours.
WO 261/571

30 DECEMBER 1947
Stern gang are at present carrying out a programme of what they are pleased to call intimidation attacks whose object in their eyes is to forestall Arab anti-Jewish troubles. Such attacks are similar to those launched by Haganah and IZL but, in line with Stern habits and facilities, are frequently more murderous and smaller in scope. One such attack took place at 1100 hours on 30 December, 1947, when Jews in a large black saloon car passing in front of the main entrance to CRL refineries, Haifa, threw two home-made normal anti-personnel grenades at a crowd of some hundred Arab civilians waiting outside the gate for employment as casual labour within the refinery. The grenades blew up killing some five Arabs and wounding, more or less seriously, some thirty-five others; the saloon car drove on and escaped. All the wounded Arabs were immediately taken to hospital in the back of a truck.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 12 15 hours, Jaffa. In Hassan Bey Road, a patrol of Arab constables and Municipal police were fired upon by unknown persons from the Jewish area of Mea Shearim Street. The patrol returned the fire. No casualties have been reported.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 1400 hours, Jaffa. In Hassan Bey Road, Tewfik Ibrahim Izareh, aged 40 of Mahshieh Quarter, was slightly wounded in the head by a bullet.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 1415 hours, Ramle/Rehovoth road. At Kilo 49 on the RarnleJRehovoth road, an Arab bus No. M 830 S, travelling from Ramle to Gaza, was fired upon by unknown persons from an orange grove. The driver carried on the Aqir where three of the passengers were placed in a passing truck and taken to the Government Hospital, Jaffa. A fourth wounded Arab was treated at Majdal P.H.D. The names of the injured persons, none of whom were seriously wounded, are as follows: Mohammed Yusef Amash of Sawafir Sharqiya, Shaker Mohammed Yusef Amash of Sawafir Sharqiya, Salim Sweilem Shehadi of Sawafir Sharqiya, Abdul Rahman Mohammed El Amin of Lydda.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa. 1415 hours. An anonymous telephone call was received by the Egyptian Consul at Haifa from a person, believed to be a Jew, warning him that he was to be blown UP.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Jerusalem. 1540 hours, Urban. No. 3242 British Constable Marriott was killed and No. 1335 British Constable Hunt was seriously injured when an explosion occurred as they were walking near the entrance to the Mahne Yehuda market; both were in civilian clothes. At 1845 hours, British Constable Hunt succumbed to his injuries.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 1730 hours, JaffaIJerusalem road. Near Agrobank cross-roads, the crew of a police armoured car found Yousef Abdul Rajha of Safaiya village in a truck suffering from a bullet wound in the head. He had been shot by unknown persons whilst driving his truck towards Jaffa. His condition is not serious.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa. 1800 hours. At Eastern Railway Station, No. 4606 T.A.C. Hassan Nimer Haj Hamed Mohammed was attacked by three armed Jews who stole S.M.L.E. rifle No. 51916 and twenty rounds of ammunition.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
1800 hours, Haifa. In Ibn Gabriel Street, Bahiya bint Mohammed Abdul Hizazi, aged 20 of Haifa, was shot by unknown persons and admitted to the Hadassah Hospital where she died shortly afterwards.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa. 1950 hours. Haifa/Acre road. Automatic fire was directed at an Arab Legion road block on the Haifa/Acre road by unknown persons travelling in a pick-up No. M 4706. No casualties were sustained by the Legionnaires who returned the fire. The pick-up was pursued by Arab Legion personnel in an armoured car and, when the latter drew level, the pick-up stopped and three persons were seen to escape. In the vehicle were found Sten gun No. 20258 and a magazine containing 27 rounds of ammunition.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 2140 hours, Yazour, Ramle. An Arab house in Yazour village was surrounded by Jews who placed two bombs beside the building and made off in the direction of Agrobank. The bombs exploded shortly afterwards causing considerable damage but no casualties. A haversack containing gun cotton found at the scene was later detonated, causing no damage.
CO 537/3855

30 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda. 2 140 hours, Ramleh. Reference the bombing of an Arab house in Yazur village by Jews on 30 December, 1947 - it is now reported that the owner of the house is Abu Namous. Namous, his wife and their son were slightly injured but not detained in hospital.
CO 537/3855

30/31 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa. Between 30 December and 31 December, 1947
Ramis Haj Daoud of 7 Nuzha Street, reports that his house was set on fire by unknown persons, damaging the house and household effects. The damage is estimated at LP.4, 100.
CO 537/3855

31 DECEMBER 1947
Lydda District. 1130 hours, Tel Aviv. A party of ten Yemenite Jewish youths entered the house of Syvia Simandon at 47 Aharonson Street, Tel Aviv, and took an Arab, Rashid Mohammed Khalil(48) of Deir Qaddis, into the street where they stabbed him. He was removed to the Hadassah Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
CO 537/3855

31 DECEMBER 1947
At midday on 3 1 December, the Stern Group blew up the Jaffflel Aviv railway line in four places. In view of the known fact that Arab efforts in robbing trains are having an adverse effect on Jewish trade, this seems to be a more than usually short-sighted effort.
WO 275/64

31 DECEMBER 1947
Haifa District. 2100 hours, Haifa. When the cinema crowds from the Armon cinema were passing the Metropole cafe in Hertz1 Street, an unknown person, believed to be Jewish, fired two shots from a pistol into a cafe. No one was injured.
CO 537/3855

31 DECEMBER 1947
3 Privates of 6 Airborne Division shot at in Tel Aviv at 2130 hours. 3 British soldiers wounded.
WO 261/571

NOTES TO CHAPTER SIX

1. Document from file War Office 275/109, Public Record Office, London.
2. Ibid.
3. Hansard, House of Commons Debates, January 28, 1947, pp. 772-775.
4. Ibid., January 31, 1947, pp. 1302-1309.
5. Ibid., pp. 135-136.
6. Ibid., pp. 1319-1321.
7. Ibid., p. 1340.
8. Ibid., p. 1341.
9. Ibid., pp. 1350-135 '.
10. Ibid., March 3, 1947, pp. 33-34.
11 Ibid., June 25, 1947, pp. 412-413.
12. Ibid., July 15, 1947, p. 636.