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Auction: 7029 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 372

The Superb and Important ´Dhofar´ C.B.E., Immediate ´Battle of the Imjin´ M.C. Group of Seventeen to Brigadier ´Mike´ Harvey, Who Commanded ´D´ Company The ´Glorious Glosters´ During the Battle and led the Survivors of the 1st Battalion to Safety After Their Position Had Been Completely Overwhelmed by the Chinese 198th Division; He Went on to do Two Tours of Oman, the Latter at the Personal Request of Sultan Qaboos, Where he Commanded the Brigade in Dhofar, Including 22 SAS Regiment Teams in Operations Against the Rebel Insurgents, 1971-72 a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Commander´s (C.B.E.) neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel, in Garrard & Co case of issue b) Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ´1951´ c) 1939-1945 Star d) Defence and War Medals e) Korea 1950-53, 1st ´Britt: Omn:´ type (Capt. M.G. Harvey. M.C. R. Hamps.), rank partially officially corrected f) United Nations Medal for Korea g) General Service 1918-62, E.II.R., one clasp, Cyprus (Capt. M.G. Harvey M.C. Glosters) h) General Service 1962-2007, one clasp, South Arabia (Lt-Col. M.G. Harvey. M.C. Glosters) i) Jubilee 1977 j) Oman, Order of Oman, Military Division, 3rd Class set of insignia, by Asprey & Co, London; neck Badge, 50mm x 42mm, white gold (18 carat) and enamel, lacking reverse retaining plate; Star, 64mm, white gold (18 carat) and enamel, one point of star slightly bent, housed in case of issue, lacking miniature award and lapel badge k) Oman, Sultan´s Medal for Bravery, with emblem on riband l) Oman, Sultan´s Distinguished Service Medal, with emblem on riband m) Oman, Sultan´s Commendation Medal, with emblem on riband n) Kenya, Campaign Medal (North Eastern Kenya) o) Oman, The General Service Medal, with Palm Leaf emblem on riband p) Oman, As Sumood Medal, generally very fine, the campaign medals mounted Court Style as originally worn, with the Korean War Veterans Association Commemorative medal, in box of issue, with the following contemporary related items: - recipient´s Staff Officer´s blue forage cap by Herbert Johnson, with scarlet band bearing QC Royal Crest badge, the peak edged with a single row of gold oakleaf embroidery, Chinstrap secured by EIIR Staff buttons; Colonel´s khaki Service Dress tunic, with scarlet Staff tabs and anodised buttons of the Gloucestershire Regiment, five rows of medal ribbons, and bearing the ribbon of the U.S. Presidential Citation; (3) United States, Presidential Unit Citations, one converted into a brooch by Harvey´s wife with following original documentation and related items: - Bestowal Document for the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated 3.6.1972 - named enclosure slip for Jubilee 1977 Medal - named permission to wear document for Insignia of the Order of Oman, dated 22.2.1974 - the same as above for The Sultan´s Distinguished Service Medal, dated 3.6.1969 - the same as above for The Sultan´s Bravery Medal, dated 20.9.1968 - the same as above for The Sultan´s Commendation, dated 14.2.1969 - Certificate of Commendation by the Commander The Kenya Army, named to the recipient, ´for exemplary conduct, beyond the normal call of duty, at Lanet on 24/25 January 1964´, dated 26.6.1964 - Forwarding slip for the Kenya Campaign Medal (North Eastern Kenya), addressed to the recipient at ´Headquarters, Sultan´s Armed Forces, Muscat, dated 13.5.1969 - Certificate naming recipient as an Ambassador For Peace for the Republic of Korea, dated 21.4.2001 - Letter of congratulation on the recipient´s award of The Sultan´s Bravery Medal, from Lieutenant-Colonel (then Officer Commanding the 1st Battalion Glosters) H.R.A. Streather, M.B.E., dated 12.11.1968 - Letter to the similar affect from Colonel E.D. Harding, D.S.O., dated 12.9.1968 - Copy of the Address given by His Highness The Sultan at the Palace of Salalah, Dhofar, to the Northern Frontier Regiment, with Arabic version, dated 9.3.1969 - SAF Association Newsletter, by Colonel C.C. Maxwell, dated April 1969 - Several photographs of the recipient taken throughout the course of his military career, including one of the recipient and his wife dining with the Sultan; a copy of The War in Korea, The Battle Decides All, written by the recipient and a copy of his Obituary which appeared in The Times, 7.8.2007 (lot) Estimate £ 28,000-32,000 C.B.E. London Gazette 3.6.1972 Colonel Maurice George Harvey, O.B.E., M.C. Sultan´s Armed Forces, Formerly the Gloucestershire Regiment. The Recommendation covering the period 12.2.1971-18.1.1972 states: ´Colonel Harvey´s tour of secondment to the Sultan´s Armed Forces ends in August. During the whole of the above period he has been responsible for the detailed planning and conduct of military operations in Dhofar against experienced, strong and resolute Communist guerrilla rebels. When Harvey assumed command and the Sultanate Forces controlled solely the narrow coastal plain on which lie the major centres of population and, of vital importance, Royal Air Force Station, Salalah. The enemy were in undisputed control of the whole of the range of mountains which dominates the plain, and earlier attempts there by Government Forces to regain control had failed: indeed their ability to prevent the enemy from over-running the coastal plain itself was in doubt. During the past twelve months Harvey has transformed the military situation. Under his direction the expanded Sultanate Forces have so strengthened their control over the plain that rebel activity there has been almost entirely eliminated; nearly half the mountain area has been cleared of enemy, and Sultanate Forces have also recaptured a number of other key localities. Thus the past year has been, in Dhofar, one of encouraging military progress for The Sultanate and her allies: it has also been one of striking personal success for Colonel Harvey. Assisted by a minuscule Headquarters, (located over six hundred miles from his superior Headquarters in Muscat), Harvey commands a strong SAF brigade group, a large, modern, tactical air force and elements of The Sultan´s Navy. In addition there are under his operational control substantial elements of the British Army, of the Royal Air Force Regiment and units of Dhofari Irregulars. By his tireless, resolute leadership Harvey has been the driving force behind all that his forces have achieved, in fighting on a scale unprecedented in the previous seven years of the Dhofar War. A further and very heavy burden borne by Harvey arises from the fact that virtually no civil administration exists in Dhofar. Thus in the civic as well as in the military field everything has to be foreseen, planned for and implemented over an area the size of Wales by him and his small, dedicated team of British Officers. His personal contribution to the safeguarding of British lives, property and interests in Dhofar at a critical time, as well as his great services to the Sultanate, clearly merit official recognition. It must be added that Harvey´s appointment currently carries only the rank of Colonel. This is dictated by the financial weakness of the Sultanate Government to which he is seconded. The work he is doing and the responsibilities he bears would in the British Service undoubtedly entitle him to the rank of Brigadier.´ O.B.E. London Gazette 1.1.1970 Lieutenant Colonel Maurice George Harvey, M.C., Gloucestershire Regiment, attached Sultan´s Armed Forces, Muscat, Commanding Officer, The Northern Frontier Regiment. The Recommendation covering the period 25.7.1967-25.7.1969 states: ´Lieutenant Colonel M.G. Harvey, M.C., has commanded his Regiment for two years, including operations in Dhofar for a year ending in April 1969. Thanks to his personal courage, capacity both to train and command men, and ability to predict enemy tactics, his Regiment have outfought the rebels inflicting on them far heavier casualties than they have themselves suffered. At the same time the rebels have been unable to come within striking distance of the Sultan himself, and the RAF Station. In the process Lieutenant Colonel Harvey has won the outspoken approbation of the Sultan - and he does not give praise easily. The Sultan´s esteem for Lieutenant Colonel Harvey by itself serves British interests well. Over and above that the welfare of British interests in this country (an Oil Company, RAF and BBC Stations at Masirah, British exports visible and invisible, and stability in an area adjacent to the U.A.E.) all hinge to a greater or lesser extent on the Dhofari rebels being denied their main objective, namely overthrowing the Sultan. It is therefore recommended most strongly that the outstanding and devoted service of this gallant and successful officer be recognised.´ M.C. London Gazette 29.6.1951 Captain (temporary) Maurice George Harvey (360192), The Royal Hampshire Regiment, attached the Gloucestershire Regiment. The Recommendation states: ´During the night of 22nd/23rd April, 1951, the company under Captain Harvey´s temporary command withstood continual attacks of an enemy, in numbers vastly superior to his own. Acting on the orders of the commanding officer, he withdrew his company in good order to a new position on the morning of 23rd April, 1951, where it remained in action giving a good account of itself until 25th April, 1951. Throughout this period, the cool and courageous leadership of Captain Harvey was outstanding. At 1030 hours on 25th April, Captain Harvey received orders to lead a party of officers and men through the enemy lines to safety, through country entirely dominated by the enemy. This was the only formed party of the Regiment to get through enemy lines. Again, it was Captain Harvey´s leadership that maintained a sufficient standard of discipline to bring them through successfully.´ Brigadier Maurice George Harvey, C.B.E., M.C. (1923-2007), educated at Portsmouth Grammar School and Canterbury College of Art; served in the Royal Air Force Regiment during the Second World War attaining the rank of Flight Sergeant before transferring to the Hampshire Regiment and being commissioned Second Lieutenant, 30.11.1945; attached to the King´s African Rifles in Kenya, to help organise the demobilisation of African soldiers from the British Army; released from service 1947, ´I soon found civilian life exceptionally mundane. After the Korean War had started, there were television and press advertisements for ´K´ Volunteers. I applied. Within three weeks I was in Colchester, reporting to the 1st Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment - where ´K´ Volunteers and recalled Reservists were being inducted - and placed within the structure of the Battalion´s order of battle to bring it up to fighting strength for Korea´ (The War in Korea, by recipient refers); posted ´D´ Company 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, embarked from Southampton for Korea in the Empire Windrush, 7.10.1950; training of the men commenced enroute, with Harvey appointed training officer for ´D´ Company and expert on the 3.5. Rocket Launcher which they were to be issued with; arrived in Pusan, 9.11.1950 to the biting cold of the Korean winter, where Harvey was to be commander of 12 Platoon. Korea, Early Involvement At the end of November the Glosters, as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade, were tasked with holding the bridgehead over the Taedong River. They were to cover the retreat of the U.S. forces through Pyongyang, after a renewed offensive by the Chinese in the North, ´now established in our new positions, we heard a strange noise..... it sounded remarkably like the London rush hour traffic, and this grew into a continuous roar... for two days and nights unabating, American transport, all with full headlights blazing, poured south at breakneck speed and over the Pyongyang Bridge.... On my rounds of the Platoon´s positions at stand to, after this recent experience they all had but one question, "When the f.... are we going too!" We all now knew that the Chinese had clearly crossed the Yalu.´ (Ibid) Harvey carried out reconnaissance for routes of retreat south within the Chin-nampo area, with the Chinese rapidly advancing on Pyongyang, ´The Battalion was to withdraw south - 12 Platoon would be the Rearguard of ´D´ Company - who were the Battalion´s Rearguard. Sgt. Wheeler and I having the doubtful ´honour´ of being the last two soldiers of the UN retreat to cross [the bridge] shortly after which it was blown by the American Demolition Guard of Engineers.´ (Ibid) With the Chinese hard on their heels, ´then began a most gruelling march in near knee deep snow at the head of the column, mashed to rough pulp by marching feet at the rear which instantly froze into a crust of broken ice..... After a five hour slog without halt, which we were to find later was a sixteen mile forced march, we thankfully arrived at a dispersal point.... we found one soldier who we could not awaken and found on closer examination... he was covered in a sheet of ice.´ (Ibid) Over the course of the next two months the Glosters were transported to positions further south, before occupying a defensive position thirty-two kilometres south of Seoul in mid January 1951. First Contact With the Enemy On the 12th of February American troops took Hill 350, effecting heavy casualties on the Chinese. As a consequence of this the Chinese seemed to have disappeared, with ´D´ Company, ´then tasked to send out a series of reconnaissance patrols to seek them out. I [Harvey] took six men of 12 Platoon, and set out along the main ridge running north-west. It was a crisp moonlight night.... we kept to the shadows, avoiding the light. We frequently knelt down and listened intently and tried to penetrate the shadows ahead by stooping lower to get what little silhouetting effect we could to detect movement.... After a mile we became aware of a faint smell being carried on the breeze towards us. It was like garlic or Kim-Chee. This could only mean that there were Chinese or Koreans up-wind along the ridge. We spread out on the ridge in some rocks, which provided good cover and good positions for maximum fire production forward... My last whispered order to the patrol was, ´Rapid await my order.´ I heard after five minutes the unmistakable sound of gunmetal snagging a twig. The back of my neck prickled... a patrol took shape and form within the shadows... I could hear my own breath, which sounded so loud, I could but wonder if the closing enemy could hear it too? Clearly they could not, and came on to six yards from our position. ´Fire!´ I shouted, and all weapons opened up, firing rapid in immediate response. The enemy´s reaction was instinctive and a hail of lead poured from their Burp guns, which they all carried, but too late to save their three leading men, who fell in the first volley from us. The five seconds of flame, noise and death impaired our night vision totally for ten seconds, in which time the enemy disappeared into the blackness and silence. It had been a brief but ferocious contact.... One Chinese soldier on his back was draped over a rock, the blood from a gaping wound in his head, dripping and sizzling into a spreading stain in the snow. Both picture and sound, a memory I wished to forget!´ (Ibid) Hill 327 After carrying out several similar patrols Harvey was next in action at Hill 327 (16.2.1951), where the Battalion was tasked with securing the high ground from the enemy. The attack commenced mid-morning after a preparatory bombardment on the position, ´ D Company became held up by a well sighted dugout and tenacious Chinese Burp gunners. I was called forward by Major Wood to deal with it with the HQ 3.5. RCL. My first shot, because of the extreme angle of sight, fell short. The Chinese occupants objected strongly and fired their Burp guns in sustained bursts and threw a stick grenade to emphasise their displeasure! I was hit in the upper lip by a grenade splinter, fortunately not a 36 Mills.... As I pulled it out, the blood and sweat of the climb tasted very salty. I rapidly realigned the RCL and my second round entered the firing slit, exploding with an enormous flash and bang and lots of black smoke. It was completely silenced.´ (Ibid) After Harvey´s decisive blow the Hill was carried bunker by bunker, with the Glosters suffering 1 Officer and 9 men killed, and 27 wounded in the attack. Countdown to Imjin March heralded a new UN offensive, with Seoul being retaken in April and the 38th Parallel re-crossed. April also brought promotion to Harvey, now Captain and Second in Command of ´D´ Company. By the 30th of March 1951 the 29th Infantry Brigade came under the Command of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Division and on the next day they took over the line of the Imjin River. The 29th Infantry Brigade´s position extended from Choksong on the left to the junction of Imjin and Huntan Rivers on the right, a frontage of more than 12,000 metres, with the Glosters holding an area centred on Choksong. After the battle of Kapyong, where the Chinese committed approximately 6,000 troops against the 27th Commonwealth Brigade, they now turned their attention to the 29th Infantry Brigade. The Glosters and C Troop of the 170th Independent Mortar Battery, formed the left flank of the 29th Infantry Brigade´s sector. ´D´ Company was positioned on Hill 182, the highest small feature in the low ground on the approaches to the river bank. ´B´ and ´C´ Companies were dug in to the right rear. An amazing co-incidence occurred at this point - ´D´ Company´s Commanding Officer´s turn for leave (Harvey´s having been the month before) arrived and Harvey found himself temporarily promoted, ´Well, Mike, you know these positions well enough, look after my company while I am away - good-bye!´ We shouted after him, ´Have a good time!´ as he disappeared in a cloud of dust. Neither of us had the remotest idea of what loomed ahead, in just two days time!´ (Ibid) Nothing of any note had happened in the area for two weeks, and patrols had been carried out up to 12 miles on the northern side of the Imjin, with no trace of the enemy having been found. 22nd April - The Battle Begins On Harvey´s first day of command, small patrols of the enemy were observed on the north bank of the river. Counter patrols were sent out, with one managing to take a prisoner. The information acquired from the prisoner suggested that an all out Chinese attack was imminent. That night the Chinese started to cross the river, however a platoon of ´C´ Company was in position to ambush any advance, and this they did on four occasions before eventually being forced to retreat due to a lack of ammunition. 45 Field Artillery laid down a carpet of heavy shell fire on the far bank but, ´the continuous flow of men, like swarms of safari ants in Kenya, replaced those that perished at the head of their relentless advance - without emotion.´ (Ibid) ´D´ Company´s position on Hill 182 was to block access to the roads to Solma-ri and Seoul. 23rd April With daylight came an attack on ´A´ Company´s position on Castle Hill. The overwhelming numbers of the Chinese ousted ´A´ Company from its position, whilst ´D´ Company were grimly holding on. Lieutenant Philip Curtis of ´A´ Company was ordered to counter attack against the highest commanding position on Castle Hill where the Chinese had set up a MMG position. Curtis took twenty men and advanced over open ground completely devoid of cover. Three men were killed before 20 yards were covered, four more were wounded seconds later, with Curtis hit in the left side and right arm. Curtis shook off restraining hands and continued to advance alone. Once he fell, but he got back to his feet by a supreme effort and continued in a lone charge, leaving a trail of blood as he went. The MMG emptied its last burst into his sagging body - but too late to prevent the destruction of the post by grenades he had thrown into the bunker. Curtis was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. ´A´ Company had recieved severe punishment at the hands of the advancing Chinese, losing its Commanding Officer and two Lieutenants in the process. Now it was to be ´D´ Company´s turn, ´I received a call on the rear link and an order that Hill 182 must be held until ´A´ Company, the remnants at least, were withdrawn from Castle Hill, and we should where practicable try to provide covering fire. This withdrawal would start in two minutes. At two and a half minutes, I knew they had left the hill, as Chinese HMGs now poured their fire onto Hill 182, to cover their final assault on us.... The first burst from Castle Hill came just when we were moving men to re-establish our shortened perimeter. I was in the open, and the first burst hit ten men who were moving, and six of these were killed. I felt in that second a snatch at my trouser leg, and saw two bullets had passed through them without touching me - I was lucky! I was more saddened at the casualties of that fateful burst, as the men were from Denys´ Platoon and all were loyal and trusted friends. To see such men, full of life and courage one moment and dead the next, is a traumatic experience. I carried the pain of that incident for many years. As our withdrawal became imminent, I told the Company to centralise any available ammunition, and the non-walking wounded, in 10 Platoon area, which was on the reverse slope from the fire from Castle Hill, and the ridge up which the attack against Point 182 was forming up for the final assault, further developing from the north and being strengthened with reinforcements.´ The defensive positions of the UN troops changed rapidly during the course of the day, ´by this time the sounds of battle, except our own, were receding south and a significant gap developing between us on the Imjin, and the other UN units... We watched over ´A´ Company withdrawing and closing onto Solma-ri, and the order came, ´withdraw in two minutes!´ The remnants of 11 Platoon, now just thirteen in total, and Company HQ, held on to Point 182 to cover the withdrawal of 10 and 12 Platoons... we moved... just ahead of the arrival of the Chinese and shells were beginning to fall on our abandoned positions with deadly accuracy and effect, adding to the high cost the Chinese had paid for Point 182.´ 24th April ´D´ Company now had less than thirty rounds each. The Chinese attacks were relentless and it was estimated that approximately a Division attacked on the 29th Infantry Brigade´s front, with at least a Regiment´s numbers attacking the Gloster´s position, ´D Company, together with a section of Vickers MMGs, occupied the isolated knoll to the north of Point 235 [´Gloster Hill´], but well within the new perimeter. We again, the men without prompting, dug in, forming a tight Company perimeter within the Battalions linked to the Battalion HQ position by a brush covered saddle with 50 metres between us. ´A´ Company were on the ridge running approximately north-west, and ´C´ Company on the ridge running south-east to be joined later in the day by ´B´ Company. Our Battalion perimeter then was what one would expect in the conventional war to hold with a single company, which at that time was a little less than our fighting strength, rather than that of a battalion. We had contracted in three days from a front of four miles to under 200 yards - but we had retained the integrity of our perimeter.´ (Ibid) The Battalion strength at this stage of the battle was three hundred, ninety of whom were wounded. They received orders to hold on at all costs, even though the nearest other UN forces were approximately seven miles to the south. There was no chance of airlifting the wounded out, no chance of a relief column getting through (despite three failed attempts) and the artillery fire had severed all line communications in the combat area. Essentially Harvey and the Glosters were alone, and cut off, ´the day was spent under repeated short intense attacks, the Chinese strength significantly increasing in each brief lull for re-organisation from the bottomless pit of their reserves, in spite of heavy casualties being inflicted around our perimeter. Each attack repulsed, drawing heavily on our dwindling ammunition.´ (Ibid) 25th April Orders to withdraw the 29th Infantry Brigade to a position just north of Seoul were issued, ´at 0800hrs on the 25th, the forward troops, with the exception of ourselves, began to disengage, our feeling of isolation growing more apparent.... On the 25th after first light the perimeter was a scene of unbelievable carnage, the bodies of the Chinese in groups of platoon strength where they had fallen. Drum Major Buss took his bugle, and in defiance of the Chinese, sounded the long reveille and followed it with half-hour dress, cook house, and just for the hell of it, the American variations. It rang out clear and astonishing. Silence fell over the battle-ground for a brief minute, whilst the echoes reverberated through the hills. The Battalion then cheered, re-igniting the flame of battle.´ During the space of an hour seven Chinese attacks were repulsed, ´The rocks on the attack approach were now slippery with blood.´ Harvey was called to an ´O´ Group meeting at 0900hrs at Battalion HQ, during which he and the other officers of the Battalion were informed that the Artillery gun-lines had been over-run and there would be no supporting fire to cover an organised retreat, the Colonel also stipulated that, ´There will be no other attempts to reach us´ After a pause he then added, ´It will be every man to make his own way back!´ (Ibid) Harvey returned to his Company and briefed his surviving officers on his plan, ´the Company break out together, going north down the rocks and scree, swinging west in the low ground to clear the concentration of Chinese around our present positions, and then south. The nearest friendly forces are about seven miles away. We will be, because of our intended speed, unable to stop for casualties if sustained, which includes myself, when Tom [Conneely] would take over, as speed is vital! Once started - no stopping!´ Breakout! In preparation for moving out, all excess kit and arms were broken up and scattered, ´At 1000hrs, I stood in sadness and watched the shattered remnants of the Battalion moving off from the ridge going south. The cluster of wounded, now over a hundred, being left behind, was a very disturbing sight..... I gave the signal, and we left at 1000hrs, in some trepidation. We were on our way!´ Harvey´s party, including an MMG detachment, numbered 104 all ranks. The ragged column set off, sliding down the razor sharp scree slope, ´our intention was to clear the positions out of contact, swing west through the low ground devoid of Chinese - and then head south towards the re-established UN lines. I had my binoculars, a Colt 45 American pistol, but no ammunition left, as it had already been expended on Hill 235, in common with that of everybody else.´ The initial progress of the column was good, managing to avoid contact with the Chinese with the exception of a party of five who were quickly dispatched. The party made it to the riverbed, and despite the water being tainted, many quenched their thirst for the first time in 48 hours, ´suddenly a Mosquito liaison plane crossed above us and circled for closer inspection. No UN troops were expected this far north. We took our blue berets from out of concealment in our pullovers and waved them, and I hand-signalled our intention to continue south down the valley. The Mosquito waggled its wings, in acknowledgement and to us, encouragement, and thereafter repeatedly flew over us.... The valley now narrowed into a high-walled canyon, about 150 yards wide and still tapering. We kept to low ground and followed the left-hand side in the river-bed... We came to a cutting off to the left, and I paused for a moment as Bob Martin came up alongside me to speak. At that moment the all too familiar whip-lash crackle of MMG bullets passed closely over our heads, pouring into the valley from a dozen positions along the west wall. We began to run onwards, but Bob cut off up the cutting with several of the MMG Platoon. The fire was intense, shattering the rocks and adding sharp flying splinters, like shrapnel, to the hazard. Some people got down but did not move on, as several had attempted to raise their heads above the paddy-bund with fatal results. It was now uncomfortably like being the targets on a gallery range. The majority ran on in small groups from cover to cover in short bounds through the paddy-fields, one group running and one group in cover - like movement in fire and manoeuvre tactics. In each stumbling race for the next bound to cover, men were being hit and falling. The Chinese fire was taking its toll..... We then saw UN tanks ahead, and crawled and ran in turn eagerly ahead and got within five hundred yards of them, but they mistakenly took us for Chinese and opened rapid fire with HMGs and 75mm cannon, and our six leading men fell. Shouts from the rear of our thinning column told us clearly that Chinese were in pursuit and shooting and bayoneting the men at the tail, mercilessly killing what were now, unarmed soldiers. We were now compressed between the Americans and Chinese and halted, when we needed to move forward more rapidly to save the men at the rear. In near desperation I fixed my beret and face veil to a stick and waved it frantically at the tanks hoping it would be recognized? The next burst of fire shot it away! Hiding our identity leaving Gloster Hill had been sound, but now backfired as the Americans could not identify us either! The Mosquito pilot, horrified by this case of mistaken identity... flew frantically towards the tanks, diving almost on top of them, but they continued to fire, adding to our casualties. Then, on the second pass the pilot dropped a streamered note. The tanks, suddenly aware of their error, ceased firing at us and redirected everything they had onto the Chinese along the ridge.´ With the Chinese fire still heavy, the Glosters pressed on to the tanks and sheltered behind them. The weary party crawled onto the top of the tanks and in this position retreated three miles closer to safety, ´as soon as I reached a field telephone, I called Brigade HQ with the news of our return and strength. We were under the illusion that the fighting still continued under the pressure of the Chinese advance, and that we would be urgently needed. I then learned with shock, that ´D´ Company were the only elements to make it from Hill 235, and that everyone else was missing in action or unaccounted for. We had started out from ´Gloster Hill´ with 104 all ranks, and we returned with just 46 all ranks for duty, although six of these were wounded...... After a bath and a well cooked meal, which I found some difficulty in eating, I went to sleep on a borrowed camp bed and never woke up for 48 hours.´ In the space of a week the 29th Infantry Brigade suffered in excess of 1,000 killed, wounded or missing, whilst the Chinese suffered an estimated 10,000 killed or wounded. Harvey was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at the Battle of the Imjin, one of three awarded to the Regiment for the battle. Further Service in Korea After the battle Harvey was appointed Adjutant and attempted to reform the Battalion to operational strength as quickly as possible. After replacements were drafted in, the Glosters were posted to guard Kimpo Airfield. The United States of America honoured both the Glosters and C Troop 170th Independent Mortar Battery with the award of the Presidential Citation. The ceremony, which took place at Brigade HQ, was attended by detachments of every unit in the Brigade that was present during the battle. After speeches, General James Van Fleet presented the Citation emblems and Harvey was ´honoured when the General made a specific point of coming through the Parade to congratulate me in person, ´for a job well done´ ´ Home After handing over their position to the Welsh Regiment, the Glosters left Korea and returned to Southampton on the 20th December 1951. Harvey to be posted as ´training officer at Robinswood Camp, Gloucester, during 1952-1955, and rejoined the 1st Battalion in Bahrain, serving in the Cyprus Emergency, Germany and Dover. He served in Kenya during the mutiny [Lanet 24/25.1.1964] and was awarded the Kenya Army Commander´s Certificate of Commendation for, unaided, persuading 300 mutineers to lay down their arms after a battle.´ (an article from the Gloucestershire Echo included in the lot refers). Outside of the pressures of operational service Harvey also established the Army Judo Association within the British Judo Association. Over the course of the next two years Harvey moved from his position as Second in Command of the 2nd Battalion to become the last Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion before it was disbanded in 1966. A New Challenge in Oman Harvey´s next posting was on secondment to the Sultan of Oman´s Armed Forces (SAF) where he served as Commanding Officer of the Northern Frontier Regiment, 1967-69 (see O.B.E. Recommendation). In 1965 the mountain tribesmen of Dhofar (Oman) rose in revolt against the oppressive regime of Sultan Sa´ib bin Taimur. The latter declined to use the money gained from oil revenue to modernise his country, with the result that the revolt worsened in time for Harvey´s arrival in 1967, when the British left the neighbouring state of Aden. The new communist Government in what was now the People´s Democratic Republic of Yemen provided a secure sanctuary and source of supply for the rebels. Harvey brought his rigour and organisational skills to his new regiment, and the Sultan´s respect for him and his work are reflected in an address he gave to the regiment, ´Valiant Northern Frontier Regiment... It is my pleasure to meet you today, and to praise God that you are all in the best of health and spirits. We thank you very much for the gift you have presented to us, which we very much appreciate. Its real meaning is that this is the expression and fulfilment of your devoted loyalty to our service. This you have already proved in many other ways. You have carried out your duties completely and efficiently, and have inflicted strong blows on the band of brigands that bring corruption to the town. You have been successful in your operations by the grace of God, and under the skilled and courageous leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Harvey who enjoys our esteem and fullest confidence.... We wish to add, that the Northern Frontier Regiment is the best Regiment in our Armed Forces.´ (Address given by Sultan Sa´ib bin Taimur, 9.3.1969, refers) By 1970 it was clear that the Sultan would lose the war in Dhofar unless some fairly drastic steps were taken. On 23rd July, a bloodless palace coup, planned and executed by the Sultan´s son and heir Qaboos, provided the change of direction that was needed. Some of the worst excesses of his father´s regime were removed immediately, the Sultan´s Armed Forces were expanded and Britain was asked for help. Harvey´s return to Oman was personally requested by Qaboos, and during his second tour of duty he operated as a Brigade Commander in Dhofar, 12.2.1971-18.1.1972 (see C.B.E. Recommendation). During this period Harvey´s tactically astute mind was put to good effect in organising cross-border operations, including 22 SAS teams leading groups of local volunteers. In conjunction with Brigadier J. Graham (Commanding Officer SAF) he orchestrated the air and artillery attack on Hauf (a rebel stronghold in Yemen), and thus contributed to strengthening the Sultan´s position with his own people and indeed neighbouring Arab states. Life After Operational Service On return from Oman, Harvey Commanded the Support Weapons Wing of the School of Infantry, Warminster, before being posted as Brigadier, Deputy Commander Eastern District, Colchester - a position he held until his retirement in 1978. Between 1984-88 he was employed as the Customs and Excise Technical Adviser and Chief Instructor in Restraint and Arrest Systems. The latter was devised in 1970 for the Army, and he later went on to a similar instructorial position with the Metropolitan Police.

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