Channels

A. Encampment of security unit's soldiers near railway station
B. Mandatory arm carrier
C. Armored vehicle patrol along electricity line
D. Yaakov (R) and other guards, with group of kids and two armored vehicles at unidentified kibbutz
E. Armored security unit in front of workers' restaurant in Hadera
F. Security unit in group photo
G. Train engines and wagons derailed by Arab rioters

Guarding the homeland – part 2

Yaakov Pollack continues placing IPC oil line pipes towards the final destination – Haifa's oil facilities. When the 1936-39 events break out, he volunteers for the train guard. His photos document this period

In this article, the second in a series of stories dedicated to Yaakov Pollack, we include photographs documenting his activities alongside the workers of the IPC oil line, while the laborers placing the pipes crossed the Jordan River and arrived at the western part of the Land of Israel.

 

The oil line crossed near an electricity plant under construction in Naharaim, and in 1934 the pipes connecting it to the oil facilities in Haifa were laid – some 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) from its starting point.

 

After completing his work on the oil line, Yaakov recalled that the Naharaim electricity plant engaged in placing high voltage lines towards Haifa, and sought employment there as a security guard with the electrical company.

 

During the 1936-39 events, Arab rioters placed explosive charges near the electricity poles, set fire to the oil line and detonated railways. Yaakov also volunteered for the train guard.

 

During his work at the oil company, Yaakov learned Arabic and was well familiar with the Bedouins' customs. This knowledge was very useful to the commanders of the Hagana underground Jewish militia, and Yaakov was in close contact with Yosef (Rochel) Avidar, one of the organization's senior commanders.

 

Meanwhile, Yaakov engaged in other activities related to strengthening the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, including purchasing lands, guarding existing communities and helping the Homa Umigdal enterprise.

 

Naturally, "silence" was mandatory in most of these activities, and therefore even his son Hilik has no documentation of many of the activities. This article presents images from the Land of Israel during the Arab uprising, to which we added some scarce information Yaakov left behind.


  

1. Placing the telephone lines along the IPC oil line.


 

2. A historic moment: Workers placing IPC lines crossing the Jordan River near Kibbutz Gesher.


 

3. An armored combat vehicle loaded on a train at the Hadera East or Tulkarem railway station.


 

4. The headquarters of the unit for the protection of electricity lines (we don't know its exact location – either Hadera or Tulkarem).


 

5. A convoy of trucks near the unit's headquarters, led by the commander's car – a 5223 Austin.


 

6. The security unit soldiers' encampment.


 

7. Replacing an electricity pole on the Naharaim-Haifa line, after it had fallen following an explosive charge's explosion.


 

8. During the same event.


 

9. Armored vehicle patrol along electricity lines.


 

10. The security unit at work.


 

11. The security unit at work.


 

12-15. Train engines and wagons derailed by Arab rioters.


 

13.


 

14.


 

15.


 

16. A first aid wagon arriving at the scene of the attack.


 

17. An armored vehicle whose wheels were adjusted by British Police to travel over a railway.

 

  • For all trips to the past – click here

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.28.09, 16:03
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