R.M.P. 203 PROVOST COY T.E.K. 1951-53
As Remembered By John Taylor
The Illustrated London News report concerning the National Liberation Army certainly brought memories flooding back (August 2004 Issue). I was a National Serviceman in the RMP 1951-53 in 203 Provost Coy Tel-El-Kebir. When the Guards Brigade were searching the village I was in one of their Staghound vehicles and helped them round up suspected terrorists, escorting them to the railway station platform where they were interrogated.
Whilst on the platform a couple of stray bullets ricocheted around, obviously fired from the small village adjacent the station. With a couple of Guardsmen I went amongst the mud huts etc. making a search. Eventually, we came to a ‘locked door’ where I gave orders to come out in my ‘best Egyptian’ but no one opened the door. I put my shoulder to it and the door flew inwards and I followed right behind it, but couldn’t see anything because it was so dark in contrast to the bright sunlight outside. Then I heard someone gasp somewhere in the hut but though armed with a pistol and sten I didn’t fire. I got out of there very quickly and ordered the occupants to come out. A very old-looking couple emerged looking terrified and I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I didn’t admit I had scared myself nearly to death.
To this day I thank God I didn’t fire when I first heard that ‘Gasp’ in that very dark hut.
I searched the hut but found no obvious connection with terrorists and returned
the couple to their home. I also promised myself never again to force my way
into a darkened place. It was easy to imagine a young soldier shooting unarmed
people in such circumstances when the adrenaline is flowing. When I hear about
similar incidents I think there but for the Grace of God go I.
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Tel-el-Kebir village |
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Villagers at TEK "surrender their tools" |
