Project Title: Pull Up A Sandbag
Exhibition: Palestine: a forgotten confllict?
Palestine veterans of 1945-47 believe that theirs is a forgotten conflict; although Britain's Mandate to administer Palestine lasted from 1922 until its termination in 1948. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders actually completed an earlier tour of duty in Palestine during the Arab Rebellion of 1936-39. This exhibition aims to remember this conflict with photographs and oral histories from Argylls who were there, including Lieutenant James Masson who was awarded the George Medal for his bravery in bomb disposal.
Assets in this exhibition include
James Masson at the Palace
James Masson pictured at Buckingham Palace with his parents and brother, shortly after King George VI had presented him with the George Medal for his service in Palestine. James Masson was awarded with the George Medal for his bravery in bomb disposal. Although James only served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and is wearing Argyll uniform, he was actually commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry and was never formally transferred.
Bombing of the Railway Station, Jerusalem
Bombs in suitcases were planted at the railway station in Jerusalem, by Irgun terrorists, masquerading as a honeymoon couple, on 30 October 1946. Police became suspicious of the suitcases and the station was evacuated. A Palestinian policeman and Lieutenant James Masson, serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, inspected the cases and Lieutenant Masson carried one suitcase outside. Unfortunately, the other bomb was detonated when lifted by the policeman, who was killed in the explosion which destroyed much of the building.
Lieutenant James Masson was awarded the George Medal for his bravery with bomb disposal.
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