Maj. Gen. Orde Charles Wingate, leader of an Imperial air-borne Commando force who was killed in an airplane crash in Burma, was mourned here today by Zionist leaders who recalled his activities in Palestine during the 1936 Arab disturbances.
Gen. Wingate, one of the most colorful figures in modern warfare, taught the Jews in Palestine guerilla tactics to counteract the Arab terrorists. He spoke fluent Hebrew and was sympathetic with Jewish aspirations in Palestine.
Writing in the Manchester Guardian, L. Namier, a British Zionist leader, says: “Gen. Wingate was one of the greatest friends who the Jews particularly the Palestine Jews, had in cur time. He seemed predestined to become the leader of the Palestine Jewish fighting force. This was his ambition and dream, as it was the most fervent wish of the young Jews in Palestine to serve under him in this war. He became a legend among Jews and Arabs, but his friendship for Jews was frowned upon both in Jerusalem and in Cairo.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.