The Illustrated London News

Saturday, January 11, 1947

the ceaseless watch and ward against terrorist activities in Palestine: troops patrolling the railway tracks near Jerusalem

British troops in Palestine keep ceaseless watch and ward against terrorist activities and atrocities of every description. Men of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry are here seen patrolling the railway tracks between Jerusalem and the village of Artuf, on the line to Lydda. They are in radio contact with their headquarters, and, should mines be discovered, can summon a demolition team.  British casualties in Palestine from terrorist action during 1946 were as follows: Police, 28 killed, 35 wounded; Army and R.A.F., 45 killed, 93 wounded. In addition, 300 civilians - British, Arabs and Jews - were killed or wounded.

british troops on exacting anti-terrorist active service in the holy land. guarding rail and road communications; questioning suspects; seeking weapons.

The British troops in Palestine have, for some time, been living under what are practically active service conditions. The full-scale terrorist activities of Irgun Zvai Leumi and the Stern Gang, and outrages such as the kidnapping and flogging of a British officer and N.C.O.s, have made it necessary for all restaurants, cafes and bars, Jewish or Arab, to have been put out of bounds; and troops can only attend cinemas if armed, and in large parties. It was expected that Cabinet decisions of great weight in regard to future action on Palestine would be taken this week, based on the up-to-date review provided by General Sir Alan Cunningham, the High Commissioner, who was due to return to Palestine at the end of the week. Mr. Ben-Gurion, chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive, also saw Mr. Creech Jones recently. It has been stated that representatives of the Jewish Agency, which deplores terrorism, have attempted to approach Irgun and the Stern Gang, but without success. Troops recently searched Hadera and Kfar Atta, interrogated many people and detained some. Weapons, ammunition, explosives and mines were discovered. One of Irgun's secret radio stations recently  broadcast that the flame-throwers used in recent attacks were constructed "by their own specialists." The Palestine Conference is due to open in London at the end of the month. The Foreign Ministers of the Arab States will attend.

Manned by British soldiers and Palestine police, armed with bren-guns: One of the watch-towers which guard the railway bridges.

Used to patrol the railway in Palestine: The armoured car which runs in front of the train to locate possible mines, and, if necessary, to summon a demolition squad by radio.

After the outrage on Major Brett, who was kidnapped and flogged by Jewish terrorists: armed troops supervising the searching of vehicles on a cordoned-off road.

Receiving vital instructions from an officer before going out on patrol of the railway track: N.C.O.s of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.

During large-scale "screening: operations: tanks guarding the entrance to the areas cordoned off; troops recently searched Hadera and Kfar Atta.

"Screening" operations in progress: suspected persons are brought under heavy guard to the interrogation table. The picture was taken during the questioning of suspects after the flogging outrage on Major Brett.

On inspection journey by armoured car along the railway from Jerusalem to Artuf: Brigadier Edmond F. Davies, commanding the 9th Infantry Brigade.

British soldiers inspecting flame-throwers abandoned by fleeing terrorists after use in one of the recent attacks.

All rail and road communications in Palestine are, of necessity, closely guarded: this photograph illustrates a British encampment close by a track junction at Battir.

Troops removing boxes from a vehicle on the Palestine highways: during such operations, not only are passengers checked up, but luggage is examined.

On guard above a section of the line near Jerusalem: men and a wireless operator of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.