A scarce Posthumous K.P.M. for Gallantry awarded to Sergeant Zeidi Ramadan Ben Salem, Tripolitania Police

King’s Police Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, for Gallantry (250 Sgt. Zeidi Ramadan Ben Salem, Tripolitania Police) mounted on original investiture pin, nearly extremely fine £900-£1,200

K.P.F.S.M. for Gallantry London Gazette 25 May 1945: ‘No. 250 Sergeant Zeidi Ramadan Ben Salem, Tripolitania Police Force (Civil), since deceased.’

The original recommendation for K.P.M. for Gallantry (posthumous) states:

‘On the night of 27th December, 1944, this Sergeant set out with a small party of police to arrest a desperate and dangerous absconded criminal, El Hor Mohamed Ben Salem, who was known to be armed and determined at all costs to resist arrest. The absconder’s house was approached under cover of darkness. The Sergeant proceeded to cover and effect entrance at one side of the house. The absconder however, became alarmed, took up his rifle, sought to escape and when confronted by the Sergeant pointed his rifle at him. The latter, with complete disregard for his own life, advanced towards him and ordered him to surrender. When but three paces away the absconder shot him through the chest and tried to continue his escape. Although mortally wounded the Sergeant with remarkable determination and in the highest sense of duty shot him through the head, but fell dead immediately.’

Sold with copied gazette notice and recommendation, together with a 45 page copy of the ‘Administrative Report for the year ending 31st December 1946 - Tripolitania Police Force and Prisons Service.’