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Auction: 22102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction VI - e-Auction
Lot: 492

(x) The British Empire Medal awarded to Corporal A. Rahman bin Mohamed, Pulau Bukom Fire Squad, for his gallantry during the destruction of the oil-tanker 'Dromus' at Pulau Bukom on the night of 19-20 August 1951

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamed), with 'Gallantry' oak leaves, severe edge bruising, otherwise very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 29 July 1952:

'While the motor oil-tanker "Dromus" was loading oil at Pulau Bukom a violent explosion occurred on board which -caused the forepart of the vessel and the wharf to be immediately enveloped in flames. Captain Watkins and Chief Engineer Officer Armstrong ran to the scene and boarded the vessel in an attempt to bring the fire under control and move the ship to a safe distance from the oil Installation. Corporal Abdul Rahman and Corporal Mohamed Din also helped to extinguish the flames and when the men at the wharf had succeeded in gaining some control of the fire, the two Corporals boarded the "Dromus". They joined the Captain and Chief-Engineer in trying to put out the fire which had spread to the forepart of the ship. The Captain and Corporal Abdul Rahman closed the valves which controlled the flow of oil into the vessel. They then tried in vain to put out the fire by means of extinguishers available on the "Dromus". In this task they were helped by the Chief Engineer and Corporal Din. A second explosion occurred which caused the superstructure amidships to burst into flames. The wharf and the sea around also became engulfed in flames and it soon became apparent that very little more could be done. The Captain ordered the others to the stern of the vessel where they cut the after mooring ropes. The "Dromus" and the surrounding sea were a mass of flames but the four men remained on board doing all they could to check the fire. It was after the second explosion that Sergeant Baharun, on board the fire-fighter "Naga" reached the scene of the fire. It seemed that nothing could save the "Dromus", but Sergeant Baharun, regardless of his own safety, boarded the vessel with a party of his men and directed the hazardous operation of getting the fire under control. Largely owing to his high qualities of leadership, outstanding courage and devotion to duty, the work of Sergeant Baharun's party saved the ship from total loss.'

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£380

Starting price
£260

Sale 22102 Notices
As 'Gallantry' oak leaves were first issued in 1958, these are a later addition.