6th and 7th April, 1948 - The end of "statics" at the Palace; the end of Ron's Police career... and nearly the end of Ron!

Tuesday, 6^th April, 1948

Back on duty at the Palace Hotel this morning at 6a.m.  A Sergeant was on with us three B/Cs.  The offices were open and being emptied of their contents all morning.  This block is expected to be closed in the next two days.  One B/C took up a position on a veranda while the other two searched people who came through the barrier leading to the heavily barbed wired off Hotel.  We relieve and are relieved by the “Arab National Guard.”

The Palace Hotel, c. 1930 - It later became the Waldorf
and is currently being rebuilt as the Waldorf Astoria

We took over guard from six of these and were relieved by one of their ranks armed with a Sten.

I thought I would have a good look at Jerusalem this afternoon so got out the binoculars and climbed up the tower.  The view in bright sunshine was beautiful but petered out on the mountains due to a haze rising from the valley.

Wednesday, 7^th April, 1948

The last of my static duties in the Palestine Police was completed at 1pm on the Palace Hotel.  If there had been a few more B/Cs around I should have felt like firing a 21 gun salute or something.

This afternoon we loaded our cases which are not wanted on voyage onto lorries which will go to Scopus for the night. 

We have been told that we start out at 7.30 tomorrow morning so all that is left is last minute packing.

My room mates and I thought it fitting to have a farewell drink in the Canteen so we all went up to the canteen for a gold star beer each. Then after a long chat the type which always ensues on such occasions we retired for the night.

An incident happened at the Palace this morning which might have changed all my plans. The sergeant and I were waiting by a gate into the Jewish area to let the Jewish workers in.  These did not come but a burst of Bren fire from that area just passed over our heads and was obviously aimed at us.  I saw visions of my boat in glorious technicolour.

4th & 5th April, 1948 - On duty at the Palace and kit checking and packing...

Sunday, 4th April, 1948

I was on duty at the Palace Hotel this morning from 6a.m. to 2p.m.

The “Palace” used to be a very large Hotel, one of the biggest in Jerusalem, but it has been taken over by the Government and used for many departments’ offices.

from Howard Mansfield's account of his time in Nablus

Outside is a demobilised “Pig”; our name for a peculiar type of armoured car.  In this we can take cover from flying bullets or, as we did this morning, from the wind and rain.  The offices were closed this morning so our tour of duty was very dull.  The Palace is beside the Mamilla Road Cemetery which used to be a favourite site for Jewish snipers but the army have moved into a building overlooking this and so of late the dead have been left in piece (sic).

Monday, 5^th April, 1948

Those who are on the boat with me handed in all their issue kit, except that which they need on the voyage, to the stores this morning.  In the camp we were ready for the transferring of our kit by 8a.m.

Attached to the camp is one 3 ton truck and one 15cwt truck; as usual the 3 tonner was out of service so we had to use the 15cwt which made several journeys to the central stores.

There, much to our surprise we encountered no hitches.  We made a chain so that six of us could carry five boxes.  These we took up two flights of stairs and in turn had our kit checked.  I was found to be deficient of two pillow cases, theses were charged against me and the money will be deducted from my gratuities (4s).  After completing this kit hand in I made a purchase of a collection of photographs [1] which will make a nice souvenir of Palestine.  I then insured my kit with “Cook’s Agency.”

In the evening I went to the cinema to see “State Fair” a very good musical comedy film in technicolour.

[1] I remember seeing these when I was a boy but they seem to have been separated from the rest of Dad's photos... I'll keep looking!

2nd and 3rd April, 1948 - Long awaited news leaves Ron strangely cold but doesn't stop him preparing!

Friday, 2^nd April, 1948

This morning I went to work as usual and during the morning my work mate phoned up a friend of his at a nearby station to find out if he had any news of the boat list.

The answer was yes he had the list in front of him.  He read the list out over the phone and both my friend’s & my name was on it.  I could not believe it was true and could not wait to read our list in the office.  When I got back I found it to be true, myself and about 20 others from the section were going to sail on the “SAMARIA” on the 10^th.

S.S.Samaria
source: silverhawkauthor.com - Harold A. Skaarup

When I grasped the situation I was peculiarly unexcited perhaps caused by the long wait and constant rumours.

                                  

Saturday, 3^rd April, 1948

All of us going paraded at the guard room this morning for instructions.  We went to the “Records” branch and on to the Government Hospital where a form was filled in to say we were fit for travel to the U.K.

On the way back I called into Cook’s Travel Agency to get particulars for insuring kit.  I find that if my property is valued at £200 then I can insure it for 21 days at a premium of £1.30.

This afternoon I repacked all my kit and sorted out my issue kit for handing into stores on Monday.

We find our names on the duty list for next week.  This was annoying as we still have oddments to do and availables will have to fill in when we hand kit in.

31st March and 1st April, 1948 - Coffee with a pianist but no news on "the list"

Wednesday, 31st March, 1948

Again it was raining this morning when the time came for us to go to work.  We accepted the truck however and when we reached the “C” zone gate by Barclay’s Bank we got out and went into a café for coffee and a smoke.

I take a book to read on duty and this helps to relieve the boredom.  One of the clerks is an amateur pianist and in conversation he mentioned that he is studying Beethoven “Pathetic Sonata;” this I found interesting for it was the last piece I was playing before leaving home so long ago.  I should like to get back to the piano again and would be one of the things possible if I could get a job at home or near home.[1]

[1] Sonata Pathetique remained "Dad's piece" throughout his life

Thursday, 1^st April, 1948

I feel rather in low spirits as I write this for I am beginning to think the list of names for the boat on the 8^th does not include anyone from the Guard Section.  Also I have heard it rumoured that those other stations who have B/Cs who are going have been notified to this effect.  This would account for the absence of any list in this section.  I am still living in hopes but the plans that were first made must have been altered again; a thing very common in the administration of this force.

The Sergeant has just been in and he says as far as he knows no list has been published as yet but it is expected tomorrow.  So the rumours go on.

29th and 30th March, 1948 - Cold "statics" continue but anticipating the "list" and sketching helps to keep the spirits up

Monday, 29^th March, 1948

The weather is still changing from day to day; yesterday it was warm sunshine while today the sun has broken through the clouds on only two or three occasions here.  In the Admin. General’s building it is inclined to be cold and when on duty there it is often necessary to put one’s book down and walk about to get warm.

We were told today by a sergeant that the list of names of those persons on the next boat would be published tomorrow.  He also said that the date for these people to leave the camp had been brought forward to the 5^th from the 6^th.

We still go to the local cinema twice a week as this breaks the monotony of the Barracks.

Tuesday, 30^th March, 1948

source: http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/
m/mmlOmTR9j9ccxG0oqBP7VTQ.jpg

This morning although it was drizzling with rain my duty friend and I decided to walk to work.  We decided this as the truck was without a cover and we would therefore get wet if we went by truck, also the Administrator General’s office does not open until 8am so that we should have to stand out in the rain and wind for an hour.  By walking we used a half hour of this time and in the rest of the time we went to the Central Police Station for a cup of tea.  The offices are very cold; no form of heating being supplied by the Government.  We have another way of passing the evenings now.  We do sketches copied from Disney’s Cartoons.  These are not first rate of course but they do pass the time away and open up new channels of thought and therefore conversation.

27th and 28th March, 1948 - Ron's "falling apart" as battle ravages the city and a new static duty commences.

Saturday, 27^th March, 1948

I seem for some reason to be falling apart.  Following my petty effort at appendicitis I had a raw throat which I still cannot account for.  Now this morning, I wake up with my right knee funny.  I think I must have pulled a ligament in some action of mine.  The trouble is we do not get enough action in the form of exercise.  This morning I tried to walk away the stiffness of my leg by going all around the Colony.

Starting at 5.15p.m. while I was on the P.W.D. workshops a terrific battle raged until about 7p.m.  this battle was started by the Jews and replied to by the Arabs.  Mortars were used by both sides.  The Jews won that (in inflicting casualties) but later the Arabs trapped a convoy of 30 Jewish trucks and inflicted many casualties on them.  The trucks formed a circle for defence.

Sunday, 28^th March, 1948

Today I start a new week of duty which I hope will be my last in this country.  I have not been on this guard before; it is the offices of the Administrator General and our hours are from 7am until they close, about 1.15pm.

Princess Mary Ave, Jerusalem
This was known as Bevingrad  and the British used barbed wire
to block the road to both Jewish and Arab traffic

All the staff are Jews and the offices are situated in the once busiest and now the most deserted & desolate street in Jerusalem, the Princess Mary Avenue.  The Street is littered with paper & broken glass from the shops which once formed the commercial centre of Jerusalem.  The futility of civil War is emphasised if this is needed, by a look at this once beautiful prosperous business & shopping centre.

21st and 22nd March, 1948 - Gun battles and sunbathing - a strange mix...

Sunday, 21^st March, 1948

I was awakened at five this morning by the sounds of heavy explosions and intense automatic fire.  This lasted for about a quarter of an hour then finished.  I got up at twenty past eight, just in time for breakfast.

The weather was really lovely today and all over the camp B/Cs were to be seen stripped to the waist and endeavouring to obtain at least a semblance of a tan in the remaining weeks before going home.

The duty today was as usual very dull.  The sergeant on with us was one who had been unfortunate enough to be on the same job when the Work Shops were supposedly robbed of £5000 worth of materials.  He is therefore rather careful now in his placing of the guards.

Monday, 22^nd March, 1948

In an endeavour to take home at least a little of the picture they imagine Palestine to be at home, I joined in the general body exposure around the camp this morning.  It reminded me of an article I once read on sun bathing.  This article I remember was very revolutionary expounding facts which show that no medical advantages are to be gained from sun bathing.  The author said the only advantage gained was that of a beautifying tan if one was fortunate enough to avoid the more common lobster hue of the overbathed.

One of the B/Cs on duty with me was even so keen on “tanning” himself that during his two hours guard in the inner yard of the workshops he stripped to the waist with his rifle across his knee.

17th and 18th March, 1948 - Mutiny among the ranks and Ron starts making preparations for departure.

Wednesday, 17^th March, 1948

This morning I was called upon to act as escort to a prisoner who was going for trial before the Superintendent.  The Prisoner was a B/C who, about three weeks ago, flatly refused to go on duty.  Both the duty Sergeant and the Inspector I/C ordered him to go on duty and both times he refused saying “I’m sick of these Static Guards.”

He was put under close arrest which meant he lived normally in another room by himself. And all he [his] meals were brought to him.  He came for summary trial before the S.P. who read him the statements of the witnesses who were called and he was asked if he wanted to question the witnesses or offer defence.  From the way he said this the S.P. thought the prisoner was as obstinate as ever and was preparing, so he said, to use his full powers.  But the Prisoner then added that he was ready to resume duties.  He was then sentenced to 14 days pay which is very light.

Thursday, 18^th March, 1948

This morning I was not called on for duty so I could pass it as I pleased.

Last evening a friend of mine in “Records” in H.Q. came down to visit me and he bore the welcome news that one or two friends of mine & myself would be on the boat leaving on the eighth of April.  I now cannot wait until I have written off the next twenty pages in this book.

This morning a roommate and I exchanged a case each.  He wanted mine as it is larger than his; I wanted his as it is stronger than mine.  I then packed everything in my possession as a practise pack & I was pleased to note what room I had left.

We drew a kit bag, a large pair of denim overalls and a pair of sandals in preparation for the boat today.  We will have to hand in quite a deal of kit before we leave here.

3rd and 4th March, 1948 - Desperate remedies to turn up the heat, Ron and his comrades scavenge for firewood.

Wednesday, 3^rd March, 1948

These night duties are not unpleasant when we have a fire.  Last night we took a very large and unused plywood notice board off the H.Q. wall for our fire.  Plywood burns very quickly that was the only trouble but with some larger pieces of wood we lasted the night.  At about 3a.m. when everything was deathly still in Jerusalem we reached the stage in our fire where we had to split the notice board down in half.  Not thinking we bent it half and cracked it down.  Now Plywood does not crack cleanly but splinters and this splintering was mistaken by a guard on H.Q. roof for gunfire and he opened up with a burst of automatic fire and fired a flare into the sky*.  He could have had no idea what it was but thought he would show he was awake by opening up.

[*This story of setting the gun fire off was one of Dad's favourites and was often retold when we were children. I hope to produce a page of remembered anecdotes with the collaboration of my siblings at a later date.]

Thursday, 4^th March, 1948

Last night’s duty was started in despair; we had not a splinter of wood with which to light a fire.  I set out from the gate and went around to all the nearby guard positions all of whom had cheerful fires but no pieces of wood to spare.  In my travels I collected all the empty cigarette packets and cardboard I saw.  Returning to the zone gate I decided there was nothing for it but to go and ask the “City Guards” for some.  The Arabs on their ten hour duties had not a large supply but they let us have a few pieces.  My Partner went off on the scrounge now and returned with a large plank which had been serving no purpose nailed to a wall.

Thus we had a fire after all and with the teas & biscuits we were quite happy again.

5th and 6th March, 1948 - Rain and pain - Ron ends up in hospital.

Friday, 5^th March, 1948

It rained all last night so we were not very pleased when any vehicle wanted to enter or leave the zone as we had to leave the reasonable dry of the sanger and open the gates for them.

The wind has changed its direction and instead of clearing the smoke from the sanger is now filling it up.  We did a sample of hole blocking and opening other hole to allow an exit for the smoke.  This was with some success.

I have had intermittent pains in my stomach for the last couple of days.  These I put down to indigestion possibly from acids from a bad tooth.  They have not improved so this afternoon I went sick.  The sergeant went off the deep end about it saying I should have gone sick at 8a.m. the proper time.  He said it was inconveniencing not only him but the guard duties, the duty driver and the hospital staff.  In fact disapproval was registered only by the sergeant.

I was taken to the local military hospital.  Two doctors heard my story and thoroughly examined me.  They came to the conclusion I could bear watching so put me in bed.  The sister told me I was to have nothing to eat as my case was one of queried appendicitis.

Saturday, 6^th March, 1948

At all hours of the night orderlies who are in the R.A.H.C. came into the ward to take my temperature and pulse.  I did not sleep before midnight as the strange surroundings and my sitting position in bed do not encourage sleep.

At half past six this morning I was wakened and given a bowl of hot water so that I washed myself.  I then had a cup of tea and two orderlies bed bathed me.  (Yesterday I was given an enema but since I have had no motions.)  The pains in my stomach were still present and increased a little this evening.

Two Policemen have come in during the day with bullet injuries.  A Palestinian Arab this morning was shot in the arm he is now proudly exhibiting the bullet

Military hospital in Israel, 1948
source: wikimedia
http://bit.ly/1hss9Hn

extracted from his arm.  An Englishman came in this evening shot in the stomach, he has hardly moved yet but I am told the wound is not serious.

I think they still can’t make out my case.

1st and 2nd March, 1948 - Cold nights, missing trucks and a welcome cup of tea...

Monday, 1^st March, 1948

The first night on our new duty passed reasonably quickly.  During the whole of the night there were about six vehicles in all which passed through the zone gate.

We had no fire last night and we shivered in the freezing cold night air.  I had come prepared for the cold wearing four pullovers and two pairs of sock extra to my normal accoutrement, but this was not enough even then.  My friend and I took a blanket each and this kept our shoulders warm but our feet froze.

This afternoon we were informed that two Police 15cwt trucks had been stolen during the night from H.Q. in our zone, and it was suspected that they had left the zone via the gate we were guarding.  We recorded statements to the effect that we had seen no 15cwts pass through all night.

Tuesday, 2^nd March, 1948

Last night we procured some wood from odd places nearby and built a fire which warmed us all night.

A street tea vendor in Gaza, 1946
courtesy of the acid history blog

My partner purchased a thermos flask yesterday and we were very pleased with the hot tea thus obtained and with the packet of biscuits I took to work.  At about 2.30am we heard a shout from a nearby road and looking out from the Sanger we saw an Arab coming out of the darkness with a tray and a primus in a tin bucket.  He was selling “Tea with milk” at 1½  piastres a cup.

We each had a cup full and the man told us he had no employment so was earning about 10/- a night by selling tea to the night guards.

28th and 29th February, 1948 - Ron has a few problems getting out of bed...

Saturday, 28^th February, 1948

My friend Barclay and myself were both called at five minutes to five this morning by the Billet Orderly whose duty it is to see that all persons on early duties are awake an hour beforehand.

Barclay & I have found that three-quarters of an hour is ample time in which to perform the early morning pre-departure necessities.  Therefore we have enjoyed an extra quarter of an hour lay in bed every day this week.  However this morning we must have both have dropped off to sleep again for when I next awoke it was ten minutes to six and the duty sergeant was wondering where we were.  By omitting all the necessities of pre-departure we arrived on parade only a few minutes late.  Fortunately the sergeant on duty with us took pity on our late rising and allowed us to use the N.A.A.F.I. canteen in the R.A.F. Billet nearby our guard post.

Sunday, 29^th February, 1948

I do not start duty until twelve midnight tonight so this morning I lay on in bed until 8 a.m.

Being awakened by the entrance of the B/C who had been on night duty I nearly decided to stay in bed after eight for he told me that it had been snowing spasmodically during the night.  It was not enough for it to lay thank goodness.

The arrangements for gratuities and compensations for our pending breaking of contracts was announced yesterday.  I have not yet heard full details but I think that we or at least myself will receive between £P80 & £P100.

Today a notice was published stating that in future we are not confined to camp only to the zone.  This is a better arrangement for we can now go to the cinema ‘legally.’

26th and 27th February, 1948 - Sitting down on the job, breaking down, and interesting lists!

 Thursday, 26^th February, 1948
The weather was very dull today and on several occasions threatened to rain.

The guards at work makes a very humorous picture I would say but no doubt if their behaviour was published or conveyed to the Security Council of the United Nations it would be taken in a far from humours vein.

source: Life Magazine
http://benatlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/1948israel76.jpg

We now have chairs at our individual posts.  One at the gateway to the P.W.D. and another half way along the road towards the Haganah road check.  One can see B/Cs sat in various attitudes upon these definite assets to guard duties.  The sergeant can be seen patrolling along the road with a smoking pipe hanging from his mouth.  This system would no doubt be very much frowned upon by the powers that be if those powers knew.

Friday, 27^th February, 1948

The start to today’s toil was very unpromising.  The truck on which we are conveyed to and from our static points broke down only a few minutes from the Billet.  This necessitated our walking the rest of the distance through the heart of the city.  The poor night people we were relieving were very displeased at the prospects of their walk back.  I wonder what comments they made when they reached the billet.

Yesterday I saw a list of about 20 names, mine included, of B/Cs under 20 years of age.  I was asked whether I had employment to go back to.  I replied in the affirmative as this will mean I will be among the first to go home next month.  From the sample of the employment offered us here I think I shall gain if I look for my own employment.

20th and 21st February, 1948 - Guard duties continuing, rumours flying and the end of term is in sight.

Friday, 20^th February, 1948

Today was very dull on duty.  The weather was quite fair but not very warm.

I took a book with me to the P.B.S. and this helped to pass the slow creeping time away.

More rumours are flying about our prospects of going home.  It is now said that on the 13^th of next month there is a boat sailing on which the married families are travelling.  There are 50 vacancies on it to be filled by B/Cs under 19 years of age.  The remainder of the 19s will sail on the 28^th together with some of the under 20s.  I wonder if I shall be one of them.

Saturday, 21^st February, 1948

So another week has come to an end without event.  We are all being very careful now that the boat is in sight.  We are all expected to be out by the end of April except for some stores people who are being asked to volunteer to stay behind in Haifa.

Today was very quiet again with just a few sporadic shootings.  I felt rather off colour today but much better this evening.

14th and 15th February, 1948 - Ron's on duty at the Palestine Broadcasting Studios

Saturday, 14^th February, 1948

For the last few days there has been little or no firing or explosions in the city either at night or in the day.

The weather has been very nice for a few days.

The sun although weak does shine at least on most mornings.  This week’s duty with its additions of refreshments and a fire has passed quickly and has been reasonably pleasant.

Next week I am on duty in the Palestine Broadcasting System’s Studios.  I am working from 12 mid-day until 6p.m. every day.  I should find this very interesting and be able to compare the studio here with the ones I know at home.

I don't have a photo of the actual studio so this one will have to
fill in - a state of the art recording studio from 1948
source: http://www.rundfunkmuseum.fuerth.de/english/tour-06.htm

Sunday, 15^th February, 1948

Today I started my guard duties on the Palestine Broadcasting Studios.[1]

I naturally made a tour of the Studios and introduced myself to the Chief Engineer.  He told me I could wander around as I liked.  The eight studios are housed in a small building and are therefore very small themselves, the largest being only large enough for a very small orchestra.  They have one steel tape recording room and one disc recording room.  The control room was a very small one and controls all the studios in Jerusalem.  I was told by the Engineer that very few Outside Broadcasts are done.

In fact I was very disappointed.

[1]Palestine Broadcasting Studios