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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 85

A Scarce 'Mau Mau' B.E.M. to Headman Charles Munene, Who Armed Only With a Shot Gun Saw Off 30 Terrorists During an Attack On His Post, Killing 6 in the Process
British Empire Medal, Civil Division, E.II.R. (Charles Munene), nearly extremely fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 28.9.1954 Charles Munene, Headman, Kenya
'Headman Charles Munene, armed with a shot-gun, was living in his post with ten Home Guards armed only with spears and simis. A gang of approximately 30 terrorists with fire-arms attacked the post at about 10 o'clock at night, and set fire to it. The Home Guards sought refuge in the bush, but Headman Charles stood his ground in one of the houses, despite the fact that it was burning, and killed two of the terrorists and wounded others before making his own escape from the burning house to better cover nearby.
In the morning about a mile and a half away four other terrorists were found dead obviously as a result of wounds inflicted by the Headman. By his bravery Headman Charles Munene saved the lives of all his Home Guards and prevented the loss of any weapons.'

Headmen and Home Guards were not eligible for the Africa General Service Medal with clasp Kenya.

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Sold for
£950