The Dubai Incident
Updated: Dec 29, 2023
Unit/ Formation: Royal Marines
Location: Dubai
Period/ Conflict: 20th Century
Year: 1910
Date/s: 24th December 1910
The East Indian Squadron was constantly on the watch to prevent gun-running in the Persian Gulf into Baluchistan etc.
A Naval Brigade from HMS Hyacinth under Captain Dick RN , with Major Heriot and Lieutenant Brewer RMLI and 33 NCOs and men were landed at Dubai to search for arms.
Though he had expected to meet the Sheikh on arrival, when the Sheikh failed to appear, Dick decided to press on.
His party made their way through the network of narrow streets to one particular house. After conducting a search, they remained suspicious and proceeded to dig up the floor of a certain room, where they found three rifles. The rifles were of an obsolete pattern (type), and would have been difficult to fire.
Half the force then began to make its way to the second house, but before long shots were heard and armed Arab men were seen running in the streets. In the fire fight that followed, a Royal Marine Sergeant and four Able Seamen were killed. Nine others were wounded.
Twelve Arabs were killed in the engagement and an unknown number wounded.
As the British party prepared to withdraw, the guns of the Hyacinth opened up to provide cover, firing six-inch lyddite shells (the precursor of ‘high explosive’ shells) into the houses near the beach. This resulted in the deaths of a further twenty-five Arabs. According to the British, when the Sheikh did appear, he seemed easily able to control the firing on his side.
Major Heriot was awarded the DSO.
References/ further reading:
British Library - Untold lives blog
Wikipedia - Hyacinth incident
Fascinating account of the 1910 Dubai Incident and an important piece of Royal Marines history. The detailed timeline and historical context make this a valuable read for anyone interested in Dubai’s past. For professionals building their careers in the UAE, having a strong and well-presented CV is equally important those looking for Hire The Best CV Writers In UAE can benefit from expert guidance when preparing for today’s competitive job market.