Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The rare Oman ‘Jebel Akhdar Campaign’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant C. T. ‘Taff’ Rees, 45 Commando, Royal Marines, who was one of 63 N.C.O’s. of the Corps to be attached to the Sultan of Oman’s Forces in 1958 to train and lead members of the Trucial State Forces against armed rebel formations, where he gained a unique M.M. to the Royal Marines for his gallantry whilst leading C Company “Special Patrol Section”, Northern Frontier Regiment in a fierce action at Dhala Talib on 22 December 1958 - The five-year Jebel Akhdar Campaign came to an end the following month when two squadrons of 22 Special Air Service Regiment famously scaled the ‘Green Mountain’ supported by members of the Northern Frontier Regiment

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st type (Ply. X.5547 Sgt. C. T. Rees. R.M.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (PLY/X5547 C. T. Rees A/Cpl RM); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Borneo (PLY/X 5547 C. T. Rees. Cl/Sgt. R.M.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd type (PLY/X.5547 Clr/Sgt. C. T. Rees. M.M., R.M.) some very light contact marks, otherwise nearly extremely fine and unique to the Royal Marines (4) £15000-20000

M.M. London Gazette, 25 August, 1959. 'For gallant and distinguished service with the Northern Frontier Regiment in operations in Oman, 1958-59'.

The original recommendation states:

'22nd-23rd December 1958. Sgt. Rees R.M., on this night was the leader of a fighting patrol to an enemy strong point known as the Dhala Talib. The aim of this patrol was to take up a position at night covering the enemy position and at first light to kill the sentries and any other rebels in the area of the cave. By first light the patrol had established itself within 100 yards of the enemy cave. No rebels were immediately apparent so Sgt. Rees went forward to inspect the sangars near the cave mouth. This alerted the enemy and heavy LMG and mortar fire came down on the patrol and a considerable battle lasted for approximately 30 minutes before Sgt. Rees was obliged to withdraw. Two rebels were definitely killed during the action. Sgt. Rees, by his coolness under fire, personal courage and devotion to duty surprised the rebels in their own position; by his daring leadership he inflicted enemy casualties whilst his patrol suffered only minor wounds.'

The following extracts are taken from the Globe and Laurel: The above action was fought by the 'Kamah Patrol'; Sgt. Rees was attached to the Northern Frontier Regiment of the Omani Army during guerilla warfare against rebels in the mountains. 'In early April, the London papers published for the first time the news that selected officers and men of the R.M. had not only been training, but had been in action, leading Trucial State forces of Omani and Baluchi infantrymen against rebel formations in the wild rocky mountains that lie along the frontiers of Oman and Saudi Arabia. A year or so ago came the first hints that R.M. had been engaged in training Arab irregulars in the area, but it is now known that a total of 20 officers and 63 N.C.O's had taken part in the guerilla warfare, leading patrols as well as training them.

The Kamah Patrol

On 22 December 1958, a strong fighting patrol was sent out with the task of harassing picquet positions on the Dhalal Talib. Sergeant Rees commanded part of this patrol, the 'Special Patrol Section'. The patrol left Kamah at 23:30 and by 03:00 they were only 600 yards from the feature. At 04:00, Rees led his section out with orders to take up position 200 yards from some sangars overlooking the Dhala Talib. The troops were to shoot any sentries and occupy the edge of a wadi. Dawn was at 06:30, and for half an hour Rees watched the sangars; however, there was no sign of life, and the patrol moved to the edge of the wadi. Rees went forward to inspect the position, but as he advanced he was spotted by a sentry; as the latter aimed, Rees fired from the hip but missed. Both men took cover, and began to fire at each other from 10 yards range. Rees had a snipers' rifle, unsuitable for close-range work. As both sides opened up a general engagement, Rees was aided by Sergeant Ali Raschid, who closed with his opponent and shot him. By now heavy fire was coming from the sangars, and the patrol was pinned down, unable to move from their cover. Mortar bombs were landing amongst Rees' men, but by his careful deployment of the men, there were no serious injuries. After 30 minutes, Rees managed to damp down the enemy fire and withdraw the patrol. The company commander wrote that 'the success of the section was largely due to the skill and courage of Sergeant Rees'.

Cecil Thomas ‘Taff’ Rees was awarded the M.M. for gallantry in Oman as well as an award from the Herbert Lott Trust Fund for fighting efficiency. His M.M. is unusual, in that as he was not on the strength of a British unit at the time of gaining the award there is no accompanying campaign medal or clasp.

Sold with original copy of Royal Marines Routine Orders, dated 4 September 1959, which gives details of his award and a photograph of recipient outside the gates at Buckingham Palace following the presentation of his M.M.