Note of an interview with Lt. Col, Dov Jirmiyahu

Scope and Content

Dov Jirmiyahu appears to be Dov Yermiya (1914 -2016).

Interviewed by Hay at Haifa. Defence of Hanita, "a matter of great political and military importance". Hanita had the "Homah we Migdal" system of defence [wall and tower]. Says Hanita was attacked on first night after completion. Says Jewish settlement police were important in assisting, armed by British, but effectively under Haganah orders. "The farther you got from the High Commissioner's palace, the easier you could find among the British understanding and goodwill, and sometimes even deep friendship."

Describes their training, where they used automatic weapons for the first time. Built a road connecting Hanita to the main road, which was a major achievement. Says were under constant attack until Jizhak Shade [this is probably Yizhak Sadeh]. Arrival of Wingate, seemed "a very strange figure", first came to Hanita by taxi, planned an ambush at the nearby Arab village of Basra. arranged for British soldiers to take part in an operation near the village of Jordia. Wingate led from the front during the operation, slapped the face of man who lit a cigarette during the operation. Describes the firefight where suffered no casualties.