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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 194

Pair: Fusilier K. Logan, Royal Fusiliers, who was wounded in a night patrol on 15-16 May 1953

Korea 1950-53 (22792083 Fus. K. Logan. R.F.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, contact wear, overall very fine (2)

K. Logan was wounded in an ambush on the night of 15-16 May 1953 where the Patrol Commander, 2nd Lieutenant Hans Robin Ruhemann, was killed together with an Australian N.C.O. - Corporal Smith, 2nd Royal Australian Regiment - and Fusilier L. Goodwin, Royal Fusiliers.

Lance-Corporal Whelan, who was a member of the patrol, was captured by the Chinese and finally released in September 1953, has written an account of what happened:

'The object of the Patrol was to lay an ambush in the valley in front of Point 159 which was then held by C Company, in order to deal with the enemy who were worrying the forward platoon. The Patrol strength was 1 Officer and 15 Other Ranks. The position of the ambush was about 600 yards from our positions in the paddy field in the valley floor. It was a darkish night, but it was possible to see up to about 50 yards. The paddy bund was soft. We were organised into three sections led by 2/Lt Ruhemann, Sgt Couchman and myself, in groups of five. About 50 yards of where we clashed with the enemy, we had a routine stop of some minutes to listen. Mr Ruhemann came over and told me when next we advanced to take my section 40 yards to his right, which I did. His idea was that, should his group bump the enemy, mine would be in a position to carry out a flanking movement and give him plenty of fire support. We advanced again and Fusilier Haynes and I saw Chinamen on our right on the small paddy as no fire was coming from them Mr Ruhemann shouted: "3 GET BACK" and I shouted back in acknowledgement. However, only three of my chaps got back in the first move of about 40 yards, and so I crawled forward again to find out what had happened. Those missing were Joyce and our Aussie friend. There was no trace of a body, or any other clue, as it was too hot to remain, I made a dash across the paddy field towards some undergrowth. I was too late. Chinamen appeared on the right and in front from where I had just come, they advanced at a loping run, firing their Burps and throwing grenades as they came. Thinking my last moment had come, I got into a paddy rut and opened fire. Two crumpled up in front of me but I was then overpowered, dragged off to a ditch and trussed up.'

"REGIMENTAL NOTE. 2nd Lieutenant H. Ruhemann was killed in action on the night of 29-30 April 1953 leading his patrol. His leadership, courage and sacrifice, when greatly outnumbered enabled many of his patrol to make a successful withdrawal. For his gallantry he was awarded an immediate Mention In Despatches. His death is a great loss to the Regiment."

Also serving in 9 Platoon 'C' Coy was 22486574 Fusilier M. J. Micklewhite - better known as Sir Michael Caine C.B.E.

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Sold for
£280

Starting price
£160