'Military Lessons of the Arab Rebellion in Palestine 1936' [‎139v] (285/294)

(iii) If there is no road block the second vehicle with troops
will lead the convoy straight on without halting. If there is a
road block, troops in the second lorry will remove it and lead
the convoy on.
(iv) G-round strips will be laid at once to indicate to the air
striking force the direction of the enemy.
(v) The ground striking force commander on approaching the scene
of the action, will halt the striking force out of sight of the
enemy'and go forward in his car to reconnoitre.
(vi) Having finished his reconnaissance, the ground striking force
commander will lead his force forward to the best positions from
which he can surround the enemy. It must always be his main object
to get behind the enemy rather than attack him frontally. This
requires a good knowledge of the ground on either side of the road
and a careful study of the map beforehand.
(vii) In-co-operation with the air striking force and the M fixing”
fire of the weapons accompanying the convoy, the ground striking
force will develop the attack.
AIR SUPPORT
31. Up to date the support given by the air striking force has been
excellent and undoubtedly has enabled the infantry to close with the
enemy and in some cases surround him. Pilots consider, however, that
their action would be quicker and more effective if more use is made
by ground forces of the ground’signal code, particularly when pointing
out the direction of the enemy.
32. If the present system requires speeding up in any way, or should
air action be required in the North beyond that which 14 Squadron is
able to supply, the possibility of using TULKARM, JENIN and NABLUS
landing grounds must be explored.
3o’. I/lien ever information indicates the likelihood of serious ambush,
aircraft must be overhead and ready to strike on a signal from the column.
ACTION T O J^ j^AKEIg AGA MST HOSTILE SIG-N ALLERS
.j 4. In view of the present restrictions imposed by the G-ovemment,
this problem becomes one of great difficulty. Other than actually
arresting a person caught H in flagrante delicto” and handing him over
to the police, there appears to be no solution.
(Sgd) J. P. EVETTS
Colonel,
for Air Vice Marshal,
Air Officer Commanding,
British Forces in Palestine and Transjordan Used in three contexts: the geographical region to the east of the River Jordan (literally ‘across the River Jordan’); a British protectorate (1921-46); an independent political entity (1946-49) now known as Jordan .
Method of issue - through Sigs.
Time of signature 1245 hrs.
Distribution:- XXX