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Encyclopedia of the Palestine Problem

CHAPTER SIX — part 2 of 4

2 MARCH 1947
South of Hadera at 1702 hours. 6 Airborne Division Sigs 15 cwt blown up on road mine. 2 OR injured.
WO 261/566

2 MARCH 1947
At 1855 hours, 2 March, 1947, a Bedford three tonner was blown up by a single electrically detonated mine at the Roundabout at Qiryat Motskin, MR 15782483. The driver is suffering from shock and cuts, the passenger was unharmed. WO 261/660

2 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem (Rehavia). 1 S Lan R employed. 561 Screened and 11 Detained. Found in a well - 1 Bren Gun with barrel and sling, 1 TSMG, 3 Pistols, 100 rounds SAA, and 12 Gelignite bombs and detonators.
WO 261/566

2/3 MARCH 1947
South of Hadera. 15 cwt mined. 2 British Soldiers injured. Tel Aviv. Jewish curfew breaker shot and killed.
WO 261/171

3 MARCH 1947
At 2000 hours on 3 March, a taxi was hired by a Jew and Jewess who ordered him to drive to Rothschild hospital. Near the hospital, he was told to stop, and was detained at pistol point in the usual manner for about an hour and a half. He was then released and told to report to the Police. In the meantime, the taxi was driven past a military camp at high speed and four36 grenades were thrown from it neara Soldier's canteen. Only three of the grenades exploded and caused neither damage or casualties. The taxi was later recovered, and a grenade pin was found inside.
WO 275fl9

3 MARCH 1947
At 2105 hours five grenades thrown at Mov Haifa from a taxi. No damage or theft. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

3 MARCH 1947
At 21 15 hours on 3rd March five grenades thrown into a military camp in Haifa from a passing vehicle. No (repeat no) casualties. At 2215 hours on 3rd March automatic and small arms fire was directed at a military camp near Hadera. Two persons were injured. At 0805 hours on the Ramle-Aqir Road, a R.A.F. vehicle carrying Arab labourers was blown up by a mine. Five Arabs were injured, two believed seriously.
FO 371/61768

3 MARCH 1947
Attack on Camp 79 (7173 Coy RASC) Hadera by SA and automatic fire. At 2215 hours from adjacent orange grove. Attackers not seen. 3 British soldiers injured. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

3 MARCH 1947
Hadera at 2215 hours. 7/73 Coy RASC in Camp 79 attacked by SA fire from adjacent orange grove. No damage. 2 ORs wounded.
WO 261/566

3/4 MARCH 1947
Haifa. Five grenades thrown into Movements Camp. Hadera. Camp 79 attacked with Small Arms fire.
WO 261/171

4 MARCH 1947
A W.D. vehicle was blown up by a road mine on the Gaza Road near Rishon Lezion. Three soldiers were slightly injured. At approximately 0905 hours this morning, a party of armed Jews raided the booking office of the Orion Cinema in Jerusalem and succeeded in escaping with a sum of about 200 Pounds.
FO 371/61768

4 MARCH 1947
Ramle-Aqir Road. Royal Air Force truck carrying Arab civilians blown up. 4 Arabs injured. Rishon. 15 cwt blown up. 3 British soldiers seriously injured.
WO 261/171

5 MARCH 1947
At 0920 hours 4 armed Jews held up Orion Cinema. LP 200 stolen. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi (unconfirmed).
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
At 1600 hours Municipal Assessment Offices blown up with suitcase mine. Bren gun post on roof destroyed. Offices damaged. No casualty. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
On the afternoon of 5 March, a russet-brown suitcase, placed by an unknown Jew in the Assessment annex of the Rates and Taxes Office, Haifa, blew up, as suitcases are wont to do in Palestine, and demolished the reinforced concrete annexe. Mr. Boudouk, the Assessment Officer, first saw the smoking suitcase and warned the Airborne Sentry who was posted on the roof of the building, overlooking the Airborne car park. The Sentry gave the alarm, but did not leave his post until ordered to do so by his officer who arrived with the picquet. The site was cleared just in time, and there were no casualties.
WO 275/79

5 MARCH 1947
Haifa at 1650 hours. Two bombs found under wire of 480 Coy RASC camp in Allenby Road. Bombs immobilized. No casualty.
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
At 1945 hours on 5th March in Jerusalem two grenades were thrown at a C.W.P. vehicle, while passing along the boundary of the statutory martial law area. A British N.C.O. was slightly injured. At the same time a grenade was thrown in a Jerusalem street, slightly injuring a Palestinian constable and a Jewish civilian. At 2005 hours on 5th March a civilian vehicle, ex A.D., was blown up by a road mine between Rishon LC Zion and Rehovoth. The Jewish driver was fatally injured and a Jewish passenger slightly wounded.
FO 371/61770

5 MARCH 1947
At 1945 hours Grenades thrown at CMP jeep corner Meashearim Street and Chancellor Road, Jerusalem. 1 NCO injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
At 1957 hours Civilian ex WD truck blown up at 13 15 1466 on Rishon-Rehovoth road. Vehicle damaged. 1 Jew killed. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
At 2030 hours Sentries on B Zone, Jerusalem, attacked from area Jewish Agency with SA fire. No damage or theft. No casualty. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

5 MARCH 1947
Hadar Camel, Haifa. Bren gun post blown up by suitcase bomb.
WO 261/171

5 MARCH 1947
Two bombs found under wire of 480 Coy RASC in Allenby Road, Haifa. Bombs immobilized. No damage or theft. No casualty. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

5/6 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem. Grenades thrown at Jeep. 1 British Soldier injured. Jerusalem. Guards in cantonment area fired on. Five Jews detained. Rehovot. Ex WD truck blown up. 1 Jew killed, 1 Jew seriously injured. Hadera. Camp 71 attacked with Mortar and Small Arms fire. 3 British Soldiers injured.
WO 261/171

6 MARCH 1947
At 0025 hours on 6th March a military camp on the Hadera-Givat Olga Road was fired on and five soldiers were slightly injured. Bloodstains indicate that attackers may have suffered casualties.
FO 37 1/61770

6 MARCH 1947
At 0030 hours Camp 71 Hadera, attacked with SA fire and grenades. 3 British Soldiers slightly injured. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

6 MARCH 1947
Ramle-Aqir Road. Grenade thrown and one shot fired at Royal Air Force truck.
Benjamina-Athlit Road. WD Vehicle fired on.
WO 261/171

7 MARCH 1947
At 1000 hours today (7th March) near Hadera on the Haifa-Jaffa road a military staff car on tow was blown up by two road mines. One British Officer and one B.O.R. were injured.
FO 371/61770

7 MARCH 1947
At 1000 hours Staff car on tow blown up on mine area 141200, North of Nathanya. Vehicle destroyed, towing vehicle slightly damaged. 1 British Officer and 3 British Soldiers injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

7 MARCH 1947
At 1700 hours Rishon Police Station (1 3 1 152) fired on by SA. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

7 MARCH 1947
At 1700 hours Jeep belonging to Sib Sarafand fired on 300 yards North of Rishon by automatic fire. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

7 MARCH 1947
Hadera 142204.2 Warwicks, 2 N Staffs and Det. 1 LAA employed. 18 1 Screened and 6 Detained. Found buried in wood on outskirts of Hadera - 2 Flamethrowers, 2 Sten mags, 1 small mine. Among detained 1 Top Grade Suspect.
WO 261/5661f8

7 MARCH 1947
Nathanya 136 192.2 Oxfords & Bucks, 20 Fd Coy Re and 1 R Hamps employed. 682 Screened and 2 Detained.
WO 261/566

7 MARCH 1947
Rehovot 132144. HQ 8 Infantry Bde, HQ 2 Fd Regiment RA, HQ 1 Bounty A/Tk, HQ 1 Bounty LAA and 1 Suffolk employed, 824 Screened and 12 Detained.
WO 261/566

8 MARCH 1947
At 1830 hours Grenades thrown into Mov Camp, Haifa, 2 SPs slightly injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

8 MARCH 1947
At 1830 hours, 8 March, 1947, a car was driven round the back of Camp 182, Haifa, MR 14862473.3 men got out of the car and were challenged by the sentry. Their reply was to throw 5 hand grenades into the camp, four of which exploded. The guards opened fire, but the attackers escaped unscathed.
Casualties: 1 British soldier, 3 TAC wounded by shrapnel - none seriously.
The grenades were locally made.
WO 261/660

8 MARCH 1947
At 1930 hours Grenade thrown into RHQ 1 S Lan R, Jerusalem. 1 British Soldier (Signalmen) seriously injured. Responsibility of Stern. WO 261/566

8 MARCH 1947
At 2055 hours Grenades thrown at post in Sarona Camp, Tel Aviv. 1 British Soldier killed (Guardsman), 1 British Constable injured and 1 Arab TAC injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 26 1 /566

8 MARCH 1947
At 2110 hours, attack on Citrus House, Tel Aviv. Fired on for approximately 50 minutes by SMG and Bren for at least 3 different places. 3 Jews and 2 Jewesses killed. 1 British Constable, 10 Jews and 1 Arab womm wounded. Responsibility of Stern.
Fire was also levelled at Jaffa Police Station at 2 120 hours and continued in desultory manner until 2200 hours. 3 Jews, 1 Jewess and 1 Arab slightly wounded.
WO 26 1 /566

8 MARCH 1947
At 21 30 hours two British Policemen in civilian clothes were shot in Jerusalem by an unknown person believed to be a Jew. One was killed and the other injured not seriously.
FO 371/61711

8 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem. Police truck fired on.
Haifa. Grenades thrown into Camp 182.
2 Supernumaries injured.
261/171 81

9 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem. Grenades thrown into Regimental Headquarters, South Lancashire Regiment.

Sarona. Grenades thrown into Army Camp. Tel Aviv. Citrus House attacked with Small Arms fire.

Jaffa. Police Headquarters attacked with Small Arms fire. 1 British Soldier seriously injured. 1 British Soldier slightly injured. 1 British Soldier killed. 1 British Constable injured. 1 Arab TAC injured. 5 Jews killed and 15 Jews injured.
WO 261/171

9 MARCH 1947
At 2110 hours on 9th March armed men attacked a military camp near Hadera with automatic fire and bombs. One British Other Rank was killed and 6 were injured.
FO 371/61770

9 MARCH 1947
Camp 87, Hadera, attacked. 8 bombs thrown followed by burst of TSMG fire and hand grenades. 1 British Soldier killed, 1 British Soldier wounded and 4 British Soldiers slightly injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

9 MARCH 1947
Tel Aviv. 3 Cold Gds employed. 56 Screened and 11 Detained. Houses searched and snap checks in street.
WO 261,566

10 MARCH 1947
Ramat Gan. 3 Infantry Brigade Command Car and escorting jeep mined.
WO 261/171

11 MARCH 1947
At 2200 hours, Vehicle of 2 Foresters fired on by Bren. At 1409 1892 (near Nathany a crossroads). 1 British Soldier slightly injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 26 1,566

11 MARCH 1947
Nathanya. WD vehicle fired on. 1 British Soldier injured. Tulkarm. WD vehicle fired on.
WO 261/171

11 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem (Sanhedriya, Mahanayim Quarters). 2 R Lincoins employed. 540 Screened and 20 Detained. Selected targets. 30 lbs gun cotton and 1 coil safety fuse found in house.
WO 261,666

12 MARCH 1947
At 0010 hours Camp 8 1, Ein Shemer attacked. Automatic weapons used. Hand grenades thrown. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi (unconfirmed).
WO 261/'566

12 MARCH 1947
Jerusalem at 0420 hours. Syrian Orphanage attack. Raiding party blew hole in wall of compound and supported by covering fire placed charges against building belonging to RAPC. Building badly damaged. 1 British OR killed. 7 British ORs seriously injured. 16 British ORs slightly injured.
WO 26 1,666

12 MARCH 1947
Ein Sheme. Camp attacked with Small Arms and Grenades.

Jerusalem. Raid on WD billet which was considerably damaged by explosions. 1 British Soldier killed and 8 British Soldiers wounded.

Rishon. Civilian bus and lorry mined. Sarona. Jeep mined. 1 British Soldier injured.
WO 261/171

12 MARCH 1947
Tel Aviv. 3 Coldm Gds employed. 1 Detained. Flats and houses searched. One Top Grade wanted man detained by police.
WO 261/566

13 MARCH 1947
At 1130 hours eight armed Jews held up the Toelet Ashrai Bank in Tel Aviv and stole 14,000 Pounds. At 2035 hours at a point 5 kilos north of Petah Tiqva an oil train was blown up by five contact mines. Nineteen oil tankers and waggons were damaged, as were engine and track. Train was fired on after explosion. No casualties. At approximately 2220 hours near Beit Safara on Jerusalem-Lydda line a train was blown up by an electrically detonated mine. One of the two engines and six waggons were badly damaged, the Arab driver was killed and an Arab fireman injured.
FO 371/61770

13 MARCH 1947
At 2115 hours, oil train ran over mine near Ras El Ain 14401689. Length of track torn up. 13 wagons damaged. 19 out of 23 trucks derailed. No casualty. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

13 MARCH 1947
Train blown up at 163 126, between Battir and Jerusalem. Engine and two trucks derailed and thrown into Wadi. Engine and 2 trucks probably not recoverable. Driver (Arab) killed. Fireman (Arab) seriously injured. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

14 MARCH 1947
IPC pipeline blown at Haifa. Fire started but successfully put out by IPC workers. At 0700 hours five Jews seen to place packages on pipeline. Four large explosions followed. No casualty. Responsibility of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi.
WO 261/566

14 MARCH 1947
An attack on the oil pipe line junctions near Haifa Power station on 14 March, which was carried out by a team of 4 Jews who arrived on the scene at a quarter to eight in the morning, in a dark grey open P.U., which bore the number M 297 N. 3 of the Jews jumped out carrying prepared explosive charges and ran quickly and surely, showing careful preoperational recce, to three points where the IPC, CRL and Shell pipe lines cross or branch. The fourth Jew remained at the wheel of the P.U. with the engine running. When the charges had been placed, the Jews ran back to the P.U. and escaped.

A few seconds later, three explosions took place and some damage was done to the oil lines. Only in one case, where some cast iron valves were shattered, was any real success scored, although a small quantity of oil was lost and a small but quickly extinguished fire was started; the damage, however, was repaired on the same day. The choice of targets and the placing of the charges shows a fair theoretical knowledge on the part of the saboteurs, but the poor results can be attributed to lack of experience in choice and quality of explosives used. The P.U. was recovered later that morning.
WO 275/79

15 MARCH 1947
Hadera at 2345 hours. Molotov cocktails thrown at Naafi building and set alight. Fire extinguished 2 hours later. No casualty,
WO 261/566

16 MARCH 1947
Haifa at 1940 hours. Oil pipe line blown. Small fire started but successfully put out. No casualty.
WO 261/566

16 MARCH 1947
At 1950 hours an explosion occurred near Kfar Hussedini in the Haifa District cutting the I.P.C. pipe line. A considerable quantity of oil was lost. No casualties.

At 2020 a military vehicle was blown up by a road mine. One B.O.R. seriously injured and three B.O.R.'s slightly injured.
FO 371I6 1770

16 MARCH 1947
Beit Lid at 2120 hours. Camp 22 fired on by small arms. No casualty.
WO 261/566

16 MARCH 1947
Kefar Yona at 2 120 hours. Camp 2 1 fired on by automatic fire from orange grove, 14331928. No casualty.
WO 261/566

16 MARCH 1947
Tel Aviv at 2200 hours. One small bomb found in District Offices. Exploded by RE - damage negligible.
WO 261/566

16/17 MARCH 1947
On the same night (16/17 March), a CRMP Jeep was mined at Tiberias. The equipment was a slight variation on that previously used by Jews; consisting of two shrapnel mines, disguised as kilo stones and whitewashed joined by flex to a junction box, and thence, to a dry-cell exploder set of the usual bell-push button type. A small pile of stones was set up as an aiming mark but, as in the two incidents reported above, Jewish training was bad in practice. One of the junction box plugs fell out, only one mine exploded and that one a trifle too soon. The four occupants of the jeep escaped with slight injuries. Note: It has normally been the practice for Jews to use either two blast mines, buried in the roadside (this went out of fashion last November) or one Shrapnel-type mine, the debut of which took place near Latrun three months ago.
WO 275/79

19 MARCH 1947
At 20.10 hours on 19th March near Zichron Yaaqov Police Station in the Haifa district, a bomb was thrown by unknown persons at a party of police and soldiers who were walking from the cinema in the Zichon colony. One British constable was killed. Two police and four military personnel were slightly injured.
FO 371/61770

19 MARCH 1947
At 2225 hours, Mine electrically detonated injuring soldiers and police returning from Cinema Zichron Ya'Acov 146219. 1 British Soldier seriously wounded, 3 British Soldiers wounded. 1 British Constable killed, 2 British constables slightly injured.
WO 261/566

20 MARCH 1947
The only "incident" worth mentioning took place on the evening of 20 March, in Sirkin Street, Haifa, when a certain Itzhak Bezeglou Farferh was holding a hand grenade to cover the retreat in case of emergency of a party of Irgun Z'Vai Leumi pamphlet stickers. The bomb went off by mistake, and 20-year old Itzhak was found shortly afterwards minus several fingers, bleeding and weeping. His family are members of the Revisionist party and are alleged to have long standing subversive connections. A police search of Itzhak's house revealed documents and further bombs.
WO 275/79

24 MARCH 1947
At 10.05 hours on 24th March, six armed Jews, apparently assisted by members of gang already in building, held up the Palestine Discount Bank, Tel Aviv. Bank was robbed of 27,500 Pounds. A clerk, who attempted to intervene, was assaulted and shot in the leg.
FO 371/61771

27 MARCH 1947
At 0950 hours on 27th March, a grenade was thrown by Jews at the car of a party of police leaving Police Divisional Headquarters, Tel Aviv. Grenade was thrown back out of car before exploding. It detonated in roadway, injuring two Jewish passersby. After the grenade was thrown police party was fired on, and a flash bomb was thrown. Police returned fire. One British constable was slightly injured.
FO 371/61771

28 MARCH 1947
At approximately 0905 hours, 28 March, 1947, truck No M 4925, containing 5 Jewish youths dressed as Arabs, drove over the level-crossing into Acre Beach Area. Two men, armed with automatics, stayed with the truck, and the other three, armed with revolvers, walked 100 yards to the seven pipelines which run from CRL to the tank farm of the IPC, and which are open at this point. They placed the charges under the pipelines and ignited them. They then returned to the truck, and all five drove back as far as the level-crossing, where the gate was down, as shunting was taking place. They then abandoned the truck and ran off in all directions.

The explosion took place at 0915 hours, and at 0930 hours a further two explosions occurred due to the heat. Six out of the seven pipelines were blown, and caught fire. The IPC and Army Fire Services dealt with the fires, and by 1040 hours the only line still burning was one containing Benzine.

There were no casualties.

A cordon was immediately thrown around the area, and a number of people were detained for questioning.
WO 275/83

28 MARCH 1947
Oil pipeline blown up at Haifa. 3 Jewish youths drove up to line in truck and laid charges. Fire under control after half an hour.
WO 261/566

29 MARCH 1947
At 1645 hours party of two British and Police Officer ambushed out riding near Ramle 138148. By 5 Jewish murderers armed with Stens. 1 British Officer killed and 1 Police Officer killed. WO 261/566 31 March 1947 At 0125 hours, destruction of Shell Company oil tanks, Haifa. 8 tanks completely destroyed. 6 tanks seriously damaged. Tanks contained gas, oil, diesel, kerosene, highgrade aviation spirit. Responsibility of Stern.
WO 261/566

1 APRIL 1947
On 1st April at 14.00 hours near Nahariya in Galilee District, two unknown persons entered a railway control box and shot and killed a British Sapper. The attackers stole one rifle, one T.S.M.G., one magazine and ammunition. The attackers escaped. At 18.30 hours an Arab C.I.D. Sergeant was fired on from a passing taxi. He was slightly injured. An Arab civilian walking with the Sergeant was killed and a second Arab civilian was wounded. At 20.45 hours four British Constables were fired on by unknown persons near Sarafand. No casualties.
FO 371/61771

1 APRIL 1947
An incident took place on the afternoon of 1 April when three Jews, dressed as Arabs, attacked a British sentry on a signal box at Nahariya, and killed him. He was found propped up against a wall. The Jews took two TSMGs, and a rifle and escaped. This is the second reported incident during the week, in which Jews have dressed as Arabs. This is thought to be the work of the Stern Gang.
WO 275/79

3 APRIL 1947
At 0830 hours on 3 April, 1947, a mine was detonated on the Mountain Road MR 14952465 damaging a 3-ton vehicle and injuring two men.

A 3-ton truck was driving down the Mountain Road and just after turning the corner at MR above, a mine was detonated. The main force of the explosion was taken by the cab of the vehicle.

The vehicle continued on down the road for about 60 yards and then went into the ditch on the left of the road. Two men were injured.

The position of the mine (which was definitely larger than usual) was, as shown on the sketch. A crater 4' dia. x 2' deep was left, the edge of which was just on the edge of the road, where was some shrapnel in the vicinity; which was almost certainly incorporated in the mine. Estimated charge 30 Ibs. The mine was probably disguised as a stone used for building purposes and was partly buried.

A length of insulated cable was run off to a firing point beside a house on the East of the road, a distance of about 75 yards. No pressure switch assembly was found; this is the first time an assembly has been removed.
WO 275/44

8 APRIL 1947
At 2030 hours, two British Constables shot in King George V Avenue, Jerusalem. 1 British Constable killed and 1 British Constable slightly injured. Both in civilian clothes.
WO 261/568

15 APRIL 1947
British Constable shot and slightly injured by unknown person near Eden Hotel. 1 British Constable slightly injured. On patrol of three. Two shots fired.
WO 261/568

18 APRIL 1947
Attack on 61 Nathanya, 136194. MI room destroyed. House of Soldier Troops Hadera badly damaged. 1 British Soldier killed. At 13 15 hours 15 cwt truck containing 8 men drew up outside. Sentry shot dead. 1 man entered MI home, shot at occupants, missed, placed charge and ran out. MIroom blown up but no casualty. 3 other men placed charge against wall of Hadera's House in same compound. No casualties.
WO 261/568

18 APRIL 1947
At 1430 hours Police armoured personnel carrier blown up, Allenby Road, Tel Aviv. Armoured personnel carrier destroyed. 1 British Constable seriously injured. 1 British Constable injured. 2 Jewish Civilians (bystanders) injured. SAA also directed at vehicle from area nearby houses.
WO 261/568

18 APRIL 1947
In Tel Aviv a police armoured car was fired on by unknown persons. A bomb was also thrown. Two British Constables were injured, one has since died. One unidentified civilian was killed and three others slightly injured. At No.61 Field Dressing Station, Nathanya, eight Jews drove up in a truck, shot the British sentry dead and laid explosive charges. The Orderly Room was wrecked. In Herzl Street, Haifa, two military despatch riders were fired on from a saloon car. No casualties. In King George Avenue, Haifa, military personnel were fired on from a saloon car. They returned fire and hit car, which was later found abandoned. No known casualties.
FO 371/61773

19 APRIL 1947
On the afternoon of 19 April, a Jewess hired taxi No. H. 474 D to go to Bar Fiova Street, Haifa, where the taxi was met by three armed Jews, two of whom drove away in the taxi while the third stood guard over the proper driver. During the subsequent journey through Haifa, one or more of the occupants fired at targets in the form of military personnel in the town. Shooting was bad and two DRs in Herzl Street and an Officer and Sergeant map-reading near Hadassah Hospital, were all missed. Fire was returned, also without success, and the taxi was later found abandoned with a bullet hole in the back. WO 275/79 20 APRIL 1947
At 07.30 hours in Merish Street, Haifa, a road mine containing a considerable amount of Italian explosive was discovered partly buried in a heap of asphalt. At 08.10 hours near Kiryat Motskin on the Haifa-Acre road an Arab Legion truck was blown up by a land mine. Two Troopers of the Arab Legion were slightly injured. At 21.55 hours at Nathanya Convalescent Depot a bomb was thrown into the Camp Cinema just as audience were leaving. Extensive damage was done to the Cinema. One soldier was seriously and three Arabs slightly injured. There were some 200 people in the Cinema at the time. Seven unknown persons were observed running away and were fired on. One is believed to have been hit. At 22-00 hours at Ramat Zev a truck of the Sherwood Foresters was blown up by a land mine. Four British soldiers were slightly injured. At 12.30 hours near Allenby Barracks, Jerusalem, an Arab watchman saw a man dressed as an Arab behaving in suspicious manner. The man made off, the area was searched and a land mine disguised as a kilometre stone was found. At 23.55 hours at Petah Tiqva a Police party signalled an approaching pickup to stop. The pickup drove on, fire was opened apparently without result, the pickup was pursued and was found abandoned on a sand track. It contained two complete and two partly finished land mines and a quantity of mine accessories. Its three occupants, one of whom is believed to have been a girl, escaped.
FO 371/61773

21 APRIL 1947
At 0735 hours at Kilo 117 on the Khirbet Beit Lid Haifa Road the last truck of a military convoy was blown up by a mine. The driver was slightly injured and some damage to material was caused.
FO 371/61773

21 APRIL 1947
At 0735 hours, 3 ton WD vehicle mined at Hadera 142204. 1 WD vehicle damaged. 1 British Soldier slightly injured.
WO 261/568

21 APRIL 1947
Grenade thrown and SA fire opened on 2 SDS jeeps Moshe Street, Jerusalem. 2 jeeps damaged. No casualty. Search of area produced from house in Mordechai Gatti Street 2 hangman's ropes, grenades, SAA, one complete set unused dies for printing civilian identity cards.
WO 261/568

22 APRIL 1947
At 08.20 hours today (22nd April), the Cairo-Haifa train was fired on and blown up near Rehovoth. Four coaches were derailed. Casualties (subject to confirmation) are: Killed - 5 Military and 3 civilians; Seriously injured - 2 Military, 1 civilian; Slightly injured - 3 civilians.
FO 371/61773

22 APRIL 1947
Following theft of taxi and kidnapping of driver by armed men in Tel Aviv, police went to place where driver was being held and found the taxi driver, a truck driver and a third person in custody of two armed Jews. Police opened fire at Jews who attempted to escape, seriously wounding and capturing one. Captured man was in possession of automatic pistol. In Haifa at 1100 hours a land mine exploded while an Army car was passing. No casualties or damage. In Jerusalem at 18.45 hours a hand grenade was thrown at a military patrol. No casualties.
FO 371/61773

22 APRIL 1947
At 1645 hours, Mine exploded under SDS scout car near Hadera. No damage or theft. No casualty.

At 1845 hours, Grenade thrown at military persons in Bazalel Street, Jerusalem. One Jew arrested. No theft or damage. No casualty.

At 1900 hours, burst of fire directed at 1 Infantry Division School, Nathanya. From a PU. No theft or damage. No casualty.

At 2040 hours, two WD vehicles fired on at Rehovoth. No theft or damage. No casualty.
WO 261/568

23 APRIL 1947
At 1557 hours, Mine exploded under 15 cwt vehicle at 14101647. 1 x 15 cwt damaged. 3 British Soldiers slightly injured.
WO 261/568

23 APRIL 1947
At 16.05 hours on 23rd April, two W.D. trucks were blown up on the Lydda-Petah Tiqva road and simultaneously fired on with automatic weapons. Four B.0.R.s were injured, one seriously. An unexploded mine was found nearby and dis- , mantled. Three men were seen running from the scene and were fired on without result.
FO 371/61773

23 APRIL 1947
On the morning of 23 April, three men believed to have been Jews entered the Farmer's Bank Affuleh and robbed the assistant manager, Mr. Zeitlin, who was the only person present, of about L 500. They fortunately missed a haul of some L 6800 by failing to open a drawer in which the larger sum was kept. The robbers who appeared to be Yemenite Jews, then got into a saloon car No. M 734 T which had been stolen in Nazareth that morning, and in which two other men acting as cover party were waiting, and drove off.
WO 275/79

24 APRIL 1947
2 carriers of 3 Gren Guards mined at 14031718. Slight damage to vehicles. No casualty. On road Petah Tiqva-Ra'- Anana at 2010 hours.
WO 261/568

24 APRIL 1947
At 2 1.25 hours an explosion occurred in Haifa. An unidentified man believed to be a Jew was found on the scene. He subsequently died in hospital. Believed that he was carrying a bomb which exploded accidentally. Adjourning buildings were searched and quantity of illegal literature seized. At 20.40 hours on Haifa Jaffa road near Petah Tiqva a bren gun carrier exploded two small road mines, no casualties or damage. At 2300 hours five armed Jews entered a hotel in Tel Aviv and inquired whether any Britishers were present. They were informed that one British business man was there and that he was a Jew. He was abducted, but returned 10 minutes later unharmed and stated that his captors on finding that he was a Jew had released him.
FO 371/61773

24 APRIL 1947
At 2 125 hours, premature explosion of pamphlet bomb. 1 Jew seriously injured. Jew injured was carrying the bomb.
WO 261/568

24 APRIL 1947
Bank at Afula robbed LP 300 stolen. Bank staff held up by 3 armed men. No casualty. WO 261/568 25 APRIL 1947
At 0915 hours, three armed Jews (two men and a girl) held up a taxi in Tel Aviv and stated that it was required by the National Military Organization. The driver resisted and was struck with a pistol. A crowd gathered and the assailants made off.
FO 371/61773

25 APRIL 1947
At 1 1.15 hours this morning two explosions occurred in Sarona Police Camp demolishing the Telephone Exchange Office and the Company Office. Two bodies of British Constables have been recovered and it is thought a number more are still buried in the debris. Additional particulars not yet available. In Jerusalem this morning a man was observed to deposit a suspicious parcel in a tree. It was later found to be a mine and a person corresponding to the description of the depositor was subsequently detained.
FO 371/61773

25 APRIL 1947
At 11 15 hours, on 25 April, the Police Orderly Room and Telephone Exchange at Sarona Camp were severely damaged by two bombs. A grey Morris van, previously stolen from the Palestine Post and Telegraphs, Tel Aviv, was driven into the compound by a Jew dressed in uniform. As a result of the outrage, one British Inspector and three British Constables lost their lives, and five British Constables, one British Soldier and a TAC were injured. The condition of one of the Constables is considered serious. The Jewish criminals are believed to have escaped from the area in the guise of postal workers carrying a ladder.
WO 275/64

26 APRIL 1947
Mr. A. E. Conquest, A.S.P., Counter Intelligence Division, Haifa, was assassinated on the morning of 26 April, in Haifa. Two Jews opened fire from a passing taxi at his car which was then stationary, and mortally wounded him. Fire was returned from another passing vehicle, and the taxi crashed but the two Jews escaped.
WO 275/79

28 APRIL 1947
Grenade thrown at CRMP jeep in Jerusalem, at 1000 hours at junction of Chancellor Street and Street of the Prophets. Believed to have been a 35 grenade. No theft or damage. 1 Jewish child injured.
WO 261/568

29 APRIL 1947
Convoy of 2 Foresters fired on near Anabata 161 190 by LMG. No theft or damage. No casualty. Fire returned but convoy did not stop as it was carrying ammunition.
WO 261/568

2 MAY 1947
At 0215 hours, shot fired at S Lan R Guard at Goldsmith House. No theft or damage. No casualty. Fired from vicinity of Jewish Agency.
WO 261/568

2 MAY 1947
At 0635 hours, 3 ton vehicle of 478 Company RASC held up and stolen in Heasharim Street, Tel Aviv. 3 ton Dodge No 5679532 stolen. No casualty. Civilian driver held captive in room near Measharim Police Station. Workticket altered to read route Tel Aviv-Bir Yacov-Hadera.
WO 261/568

4 MAY 1947
IZL announced their intention of taking revenge for the hanging of Dov Gruner and his confederates. They stated that they would hang British officers on a four-to-one basis. This may have proved impracticable and have forced them to adopt other means.

After a lull of some seven days either for the purpose of preparation or for mourning, a large scale attack on guerilla lines took place on Acre gaol where Dov Gruner had been hanged, and resulted in the escape of 230 prisoners of whom 45 were Jews. The Jews who escaped were a mixed bag of Stern, IZL and civil criminals.

During the morning of 4 May, 1947, some Jews were seen in the environs of Acre prison ostensibly cutting down branches of trees overhanging electric wires. The Palestine Electric Corporation later denied all knowledge of this work and it is thought that these Jews formed part of last-minute recce.

Conversation with captured prisoners and IZL disclosed that at least a certain number of the inhabitants of the prison had been carefully briefed as to the time, date and form of the attack, the measures that they should adopt on liberation, and the escape routes which they would follow, down to the last detail.

Two ladders were seen on the morning of 4 May lying beside the wall of an old Crusader chapel near the prison.

At about 1615 hours on 4 May, a WD 15-cwt truck full of Jews drew up near the Crusader chapel. Then, with the aid of ladders, which had previously been left there, they scaled the outer wall and dropped a charge, estimated as being of about 250 lbs weight HE in all, against the wall of the prison.

At this time, a large number of mixed prisoners, both Jew and Arab, were taking exercise in the prison yard. As soon as the explosion occurred, a few pre-selected leaders gave directions for the escape and the prisoners ran out through the breach in the wall.

The majority of the prisoners made good their escape by means of an unknown number of stolen WD vehicles lined up on the road.

One of the 15-cwt trucks involved, in which there was one Jew dressed as a captain, and another as a lieutenant (the latter escaped) broke down for a short while, and was then intercepted by members of a nearby Airborne bathing party who gave chase in a civilian car which they commandeered and who succeeded in killing the bogus captain and capturing five others. The bogus captain had previously fired at his pursuers with a Bren gun from the back of the truck.

As the prisoners escaped through the hole in the wall some of them were given spare weapons by the attackers, all of whom apparently were dressed in British Army uniform, including webbing, anklets, belts and pouches.

Due to an error in timing, one of the parties who had been detailed to seal an escape route with mines in fact prevented amixed truck load of prisoners and attackers from leaving the scene. These were intercepted by other Airborne soldiers who had been attracted by the sound of shooting, and a certain number were killed, wounded and captured.

It is interesting that apparently most of the prisoners were well aware that the attack was carried out by IZL specifically.

The system of extensive road mining and diversionary measures carried out by the Jews were as follows: The roads to the North and South of Acre were heavily mined at bottlenecks, such as bridges, whereas the road leading East from Acre was apparently free from obstruction.

At the same time as the explosion at Acre prison a WD 15-cwt loaded with Jews drew up outside 2 Para Bn camp, whereupon the passengers, fired a salvo of 6 HE mortar bombs into the camp. The duty officer pursued the truck eastward on the Safad road, finally losing it near Tarshiha. This diversion was no doubt intended to confuse the earnest military unit and to prevent them from taking effective measures to round-up the escaping Jews.

Particular attention seems to have been paid to the Haifa- Acre road, which was lavishly mined. Five of the now-out-of- date wooden box mines (including one dummy) were placed on the Na'Amin Bridge just South of Acre, with large notices in English and Hebrew "Danger". 6 more similar mines were placed at Kefar Attak, a few miles further South, with identical notices.

Oddly enough, the Jews were not content with placing box mines, but included two electrically-detonated mines in their plan. The first of these damaged a 3-tonner at Kiryat Blalik on the main road, and the second was discovered unexploded by the schoolmaster in the same colony. The latter mine was of the Stern Gang (shrapnel) type.

In spite of the extensive mining cover for the escape of the prisoners and attackers alike, no attempt seems to have been made to complete the cutting of signal wires except possibly in the case of 142 MU (RAF), who were originally reported to have been attacked and who have since been out of telephonic communication.

The Jews who took part in the attack were probably some 40 in number, and those who were dressed in uniform appear to have been selected for their physical resemblance to Englishmen.

Two of the attackers were Poles, and one was a Bulgarian. The rest gave their nationality as 'Palestinian'. All of them considered themselves to be soldiers completely ignoring the fact that they were wearing a uniform to which they were not entitled. Some of the original inhabitants of Acre prison, when speaking about them to an officer whom they supposed to be a 'News Chronicle' reporter, also referred to them as 'our soldiers'.

As usual, in this type of para-military attack, the Jews who took the most active part came from other towns; in this case, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some of them had identity cards but a few carried false British military documents, which are at present being examined by CID.

British casualties were light. On information so far received, it appears that one British soldier was seriously injured and some six or seven more received minor injuries.

Apart from some ex-prisoners who were killed or injured shortly after escaping, two unknown Jews were killed, and two were injured.

It was most unfortunate that no local Arab doctors could be found to treat the injured Jews. When summoned by telephone, they were either all out or engaged on other urgent cases.

The members of IZL who were captured were, quite naturally, obstructive, in that they gave different names and particulars on each succeeding interrogation, thereby, incidentally, confusing the issue, and delaying their own evacuation to hospital. The final score which is by no means certain is as follows: Ya'Acov Weiss (23) from Nathanya; Meyer Nakay (21) from Jerusalem; Sha'alom Havis (21) from Jerusalem; Shmuel Brabowitz (24) from Tel Aviv; Nahman Sittelbaum from Petah Tiqvah, and three unknown Jews dead.

The total bag of Jewish casualties is at present 7 dead, and 12 injured. This includes both IZL attackers and would-be escapees from Acre.
WO 275/44

4 MAY 1947
Acre jail attacked at 1620 hours, 2 holes blown in South wall of prison. Casualties -Jewish Dissidents - 4 killed, 2 wounded and 5 arrested. Prisoners -Jewish - 4 killed and 6 wounded. Prisoners - Arab - 1 killed.

2 jeeps manned by Jews in British uniform drove up to South wall of prison. Party, covered by small arms fire, blew two holes in wall. Prisoners made their escape through these holes.

Bathing party from 6 AB Division and Palestine Police took up position at road junction 15752584. Engaged 2 vehicles coming from Acre jail outrage.

Following escaped - Jews - 29; Arabs - convicted 137; unconvicted - 42.

Arms captured - 1 Bren and 15 mags, 3 TSMG and 10 mags, 2 x 36 grenades, SMC and 4 mags, 5 American grenades and 8 sticks TNT.

6 UX bombs found and disposed of as follows: 2 in Acre town; 3 outside camp at 15902455; and 1 inside Kiryat Bialik Colony 158247.
WO 261/568

4 MAY 1947
At 1630 hours on 4th May, a party of armed Jews wearing British Military uniforms arrived in Acre Suq in two Jeeps. Simultaneously, explosion occurred and firing broke out in various parts of Acre town. Four main explosions occurred in the vicinity of the old Turkish Baths and breached the walls of Acre prison. 191 Arab and 60 Jewish prisoners escaped through the breach. At the time of this escape, grenades were thrown into the criminal lunatic section of the prison as a diversion and a number of lunatics received minor injuries. Three unexploded bombs were found in front of the prison, the lighting and telephone systems of Acre were damaged. Military and Police patrols were immediately organized and one of these, a party of paratroopers, having been fired on by a number of Jews, returned fire and inflicted five casualties, one of which was fatal. This was a Jew dressed as a Captain of the Royal Engineers.
FO 371/61776

4 MAY 1947
Attacks were made on Military camps and mines were laid on roads over a wide area. At 16.30 hours, a Military truck was blown up by a land mine near Kiryat Haim and six British soldiers were slightly injured. At 21.30 hours between Ain Hashofet and Doriot, two W.D. trucks were found abandoned. In the back of one was a dead unknown Jew dressed in British Military uniform. 12 Jews (2 dead, 3 injured and 7 uninjured) were captured by the Military in a truck north of Acre. One of the dead was dressed as a R.A.S.C. Captain. One Acting A.S.P. was slightly injured, one British constable received a bullet wound in the leg and is in a dangerous condition.
FO 371/61776

4 MAY 1947
At 1630 hours, 3 ton lorry mined near Kiryat Motskin at approximately 15722475.5 British soldiers slightly injured.
WO 261/568

4 MAY 1947
6 mortar bombs fired at 2 Para Bn camp 159263. No theft or damage. No casualty. Mortar was brought up in 15 cwt truck.
WO 261/568

7 MAY 1947
4-5 shots fired at 1 S Lan R guard near Goldsmith House at 1830 hours. No theft or damage. No casualty. Shots fired from area of Jewish Agency. Area searched with no result.
WO 2611568

7 MAY 1947
At 2220 hours at Sarona, British Policeman fired on by a man whom he challenged. No damage or theft. 1 British Constable slightly wounded. Policeman challenged man lurking in shadow and was immediately fired on. Area searched with no result.
WO 261/568

8 MAY 1947
In Tel Aviv this morning, three cases occurred in which armed Jews entered shops, forced out the occupants and set fire to the premises with incendiary bombs.
FO 371/61776

9 MAY 1947
4 mounted Policemen fired on near Sukreir 121 1236. No theft or casualty or damage.
WO 261/568

12 MAY 1947
At 1930 hours, shooting of 2 British Constables at corner of Ben Yehuda Street and King George V Avenue, Jerusalem. 2 British Constables killed. British Constables in civilian clothes.
WO 261/568

14 MAY 1947
At 0610 hours on 14th May a powerful bomb was found in a tree by the roadside a hundred yards from the Military Court building in Jerusalem. Bomb was dismantled. Between 1900 and 2000 hours on 14th May, at a point of almost 4 kilos, west of Hadera, a military patrol challenged 4 persons on the railway line. Two of these who were Jews were captured. A mine and considerable number of automatic weapons and grenades were found in their possession. At 2012 hours on 14th May a time bomb exploded at the entrance to the cinema at Sarafand Camp. Two B.0.R.s were slightly injured. At 2100 hours on 14th May three explosions occurred on the railway line 1 kilometre north of Hadera. Track was damaged.
FO 371/61776

14 MAY 1947
Bomb exploded at cinema in Sarafand Cantonment. 1 British Soldier seriously injured. 1 British Soldier injured. Bomb believed to have been made up of 2 x 36 grenades with clockwork firing mechanism. Bomb was placed in bushes near side entrance to Cinema and exploded at 2012 hours just as performance was finishing.
WO 261/568

14/15 MAY 1947
Extensive mining of railway lines during night. Bridges damaged at 14472146 and 14582093. Line damaged at 14562123. Unexploded mines found at 14442154, 12981619, 16891288, 15932534 and 12341474. 2 Royal Engineer Officers killed and 2 Royal Engineer Officers injured when clearing mine at 15932534.
WO 261/568

15 MAY 1947
At 0530 hours on 15th May a mine was found and dismantled just outside Jerusalem, on Lydda-Jerusalem branch line. At 0600 hours on 15th May, just outside Haifa, a train was blown up and partially derailed. Casualties not yet confirmed but believed to be slight. Track damaged. At 0630 hours on 15th May a mine was found on the Haifa-Beirut line near Acre. It exploded while being dismantled killing one British Army Officer, seriously injuring one British Army Officer and one B.O.R., and slightly injuring two British Army Officers. At 0640 hours on 15th May a mine was found on the railway line near Tel Aviv. At 0730 hours on 15th May a goods train was blown up and partially derailed near Rehovoth. Engine driver was slightly injured. FO 371/61776 15 MAY 1947
0730 hours, goods train derailed by mine at 1324 1474.304 metres of line damaged. Engine tender and 3 box trucks derailed. Arab engine driver slightly injured.
WO 261/568

15 MAY 1947
On the morning of 15 May, a train carrying Arab and Jewish workers from Haifa to 614 AOD was blown up at Bat Galim, near Haifa. The engine and two coaches were derailed, but there were no casualties. 30 yards of track were destroyed. The mine was seen by the, driver who applied the brakes and slowed the train down, probably, by so doing, preventing the train from crashing down the 10-foot embankment.
WO 275/79

16 MAY 1947
At 0815 hours 16 May, 1947, a civilian car, No M 4280 described as a Pick-up, probably green from examination of wreckage found later, drove up from direction of El Kababir, turned round and parked outside 15 Aviv Street, Central Carrnel. Three young Jews were in the car, two got out as it stopped and walked away in the direction of Margoa Street. One Jew stayed in the car for a few minutes, and then got out and walked after the others.

At 0825 hours, a Police Ford saloon car containing a Jewish CID inspector and three British constables wearing civilian clothes approached the stationary car from the direction of El Kababir. As the police car drew alongside, the stationary car exploded. The CID car crashed about 20 yards further up the road on the right hand side, caught fire and burnt out.

The following police casualties were caused: BJC Windsor, Driver - killed; B/C Chesterman - serious burns; Insp. Schindler - slightly injured; B/C Windram - slightly injured.

Several Jewish civilians living in houses nearby were injured by the blast.

The stationary car contained a charge of explosive (estimated at 40 -50 Ibs packed with shrapnel) which was electrically detonated by the usual bell-push device from some waste ground approximately 80 yards away towards Magoa Street. the car itself was completely destroyed - fragments of the wreckage were found as much as 400 yards away. Considerable damage was done to Jewish civilian houses in the vicinity.

An unconfirmed report states that the Jewish Inspector said after the attack, that just prior to the explosion he saw a youth dressed in Police uniform who aroused his suspicions and at whom he fired while telling the driver to accelerate. It is not known whether the youth was hit or not.
WO 275/44

16 MAY 1947
Police car wrecked on Mount Carmel, Haifa. Police car burnt out. 1 British constable (driver) killed. 2 British constables seriously injured. 1 Jewish Inspector slightly injured.
WO 261/568

19 MAY 1947
2 WD vehicles fired on near Athlit Jail Labour Camp 14752352. Slight damage to vehicles. No casualty. Fired on by LMG at 1945 hours.
WO 261/568

20 MAY 1947
At 0245 hours, mine exploded near Police vehicle in Herzl Street, Tel Aviv. No theft or damage. No casualty.
WO 261/568

20 MAY 1947
At 20.15 hours on 20th May at Fajjeh near Petah Tiqva a number of armed Jews entered an Arab cafe and searched the occupants. On leaving they placed a mine in the building and fired a number of shots killing one Arab, seriously wounding three other Arabs and slightly wounding four Arabs. The mine was later detonated by Military completely wrecking the cafe. At 2100 hours on 20th May about 25 armed Jews entered Arab Serwarkeh Encampment near Petah Tiqva and opened fire on the inhabitants killing one Arab. A land mine was later found in the village.
FO 371/61776

21 MAY 1947
Jewish thugs beat up Arab Cafe near Fujja 14101660. Cafe demolished. 2 Arabs killed. Jews entered cafe at 2045 hours, ordered Arabs to stand and opened fire. Jews left mine in cafe which was detonated by Royal Engineer, wrecking cafe.
WO 261/568

24 MAY 1947
At 1900 hours, WD vehicles fired on from 2 civilian cars at point 2 miles North of Zichrow Ya'Acov 146220.1 British Soldier wounded. Vehicle forced off road.
WO 261/568

27 MAY 1947
Railway lines mined.

Jerusalem-Wadi Sarar at 13771378. Line damaged. No casualty.

Binyamina-Hadera at 14442 154. Slight damage to the line. No casualty. No damage to train which exploded mine at 1020 hours.

Near Tel Aviv at 1297 1624. Line damaged. No casualty.
WO 261/568

27 MAY 1947
At 10.52 hours an explosion occurred in Ramle railway station, completely wrecking the building. One civilian was slightly injured. At 10.45 hours on the Haifa Kantara Line near Benyamina an explosion occurred as a goods train was passing. No casualties and no damage to train. Slight damage to truck. At 10.30 hours on the Lydda-Jaffa line near Tel Aviv an explosion occurred under a goods train. Slight damage to track. Line appears to have been remote controlled.
FO 371/61776

27 MAY 1947
Rarnleh Station building demolished by mine. 6/7 roomed house demolished. 1 Palestinian female slightly injured.
WO 261/568

28 MAY 1947
At 1150 hours on 28 May, 1947, a truck, similar to an Army 15 cwt, with two Jews aboard pulled up outside the concrete wall surrounding two IPC tanks inside the dock area at MR 1508724704 (Haifa Town Plan).

The two tanks contain water and are joined by a six-inch metal pipe which is above ground approximately two feet behind the wall.

The Jews hurled two boxes over the eight-foot high fence; the first of these exploded.

On hearing the explosion, Sgt. Cassel of the IPC Security Police went to the spot and observed the second, which he described as a brown battery box measuring 1 foot x 1 foot x 6 inches with a fuse sticking out of the top. He pulled out the fuse and observed that the box was smoking; he ran. The box exploded and he was thrown to the ground, knocked unconscious, but only slightly injured.

The explosion blew a hole in the reinforced wall measuring 3' x 3' and a six-inch gash in the water pipe.

No description of the two Jews is available, nor of the vehicle used, nor is it known how it entered the Port Area. Some 75 yards away the tanker "British Drummer" was being loaded with benzine.

It appears probable that the Jews were under the impression that the tanks and pipe contained oil and not water. If this is true, it indicates a much lower standard of background information than heretofore.
WO 275/44

30 MAY 1947
On the afternoon of 30 May, F.W.R. Michell, a German Jew, was walking down Herzl Street, Haifa, with his daughter when he noticed three men following him. He stopped and looked into a shop window to enable them to pass him. Instead, they stopped, and he saw that they were carrying pistols in their pockets. He then jumped into a taxi and reported to a 9 Para Battalion patrol on Mountain Road and asked to be escorted to the Counter Intelligence Division. He was escorted to Police Headquarters where he gave a description of the three men, two of whom were immediately identified as being members of the Stern Gang. Michell is a CQMS in the Royal Engineers, and is stationed at a German PW camp in Egypt. He is at present on leave in Palestine. He has served in the British Army since 1941. He is wanted by the Haganah for having given information to the Police about arms caches and is also on the Irgun Z'Vai Leumi and Stern blacklists. He had been expecting an attempt on his life for some time. Michell stated that the pistols carried by the three men were very conspicuous.
WO 275/79

3 JUNE 1947
Small bomb exploded in AMWD timber yard near Italian Hospice - Jerusalem at 1955 hours. Slight damage to shed. No casualty.

Also found on scene of explosion: 2 Molotov cocktails and 1 part filled 4 gallon petrol can. Explosion thought to have been premature before incendiaries were in position.
WO 261/568

5 JUNE 1947 At 0315 hours on 5 June, 1947, the IPC Oil pipeline was cut with explosives at MR 15942378 near Kefar Hasidim. The oil seeped into the wadi Quishon and at 0650 hours the oil, which was floating on top of water in the wadi, ignited, it is not known how, and some damage was caused to crops and groves belonging to the Colony of Kefar Hasidim. The fire was extinguished at approximately 0830 hours.

It is estimated by a British IPC engineer that the pipe will be repaired by 1630 hours. About 800 tons of oil was lost.

The method employed by the Jews seems to have been by digging down some three feet to the twelve inch mild steel pipe and placing some twelve pounds of explosive at the side of it. The charge crushed and bent the pipe, though it did not directly fracture it, and caused a break in a joint about three feet along the pipe.

The break was discovered by a patrol from Jalama Police Post which went out to investigate on hearing the explosion.
WO 275/44

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Encyclopedia of the Palestine Problem
By Issa Nakhleh

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