Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 11
Whilst the men were eating, an order was received that the next item on the agenda was to muster at 2000 hours in the conference billet for a debriefing vis a vis the completed exercise.
At the elected hour Josh stood at the lectern.
‘OK, men, apart from one accident, fortunately not fatal, we’re back safe and sound. We’re all bushed so this debrief will be short. Does anyone have any comments, complaints or observations to put forward?’
The room was silent, a clear indication they either had nothing they wanted to say or were just too tired to say it. Their beds were calling loud and clear; although a swift jar wouldn’t go amiss if they could raise the energy to get over to the bar.
Bill scanned the faces when he replaced Josh at the lectern.
‘Don’t worry lads I’m not about to launch into a full-blown speech. Since none of you have anything to say (and that would be a first if I know anything about squaddies), Staff Baines and I will take it, on the whole, you enjoyed your holiday and would be happy and willing to go back out again tomorrow for a repeat performance!’
Genuine laughter filled the room.
‘So, one last thing! You all acquitted yourselves admirably, as was expected, and Staff Baines and I want to extend our heartiest congratulations on an exercise well done. Now, get yourselves off to bed. Unless of course, if you haven’t already opted for a grog-stop first!’
Chapter 20
When Bill and Josh met for coffee next morning, their conversation ranged over a variety of subjects; the completed exercise, world affairs, the current and local political situation, and the Army’s unenviable task of trying to quell the insurgent activities in Kenya. When there was a lull in the desultory talk, Bill looked at Josh.
‘I owe you an apology don’t I, mate?’
‘What for,’ Josh said in genuine astonishment.
‘I came down pretty hard on you when you called me about your man’s accident. All I can say is sorry. Will you believe me when I tell you it was borne purely out of concern? There was no thought in my mind you couldn’t do your job. Bloody stupid of me I know, and I should have known better. I’m genuinely sorry.’
‘Enough said. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind at the time, which probably got your back up. Hell! Even if it had been the OC I’d been talking to at that moment I’d have been just as tetchy. Anyway, apology accepted and my apology as well for being a bit of a prick. So, now that’s out of the way maybe we should get over to the office and do some real work, eh?’
As they neared their office an admin clerk passed on a message from the OC that he required their presence immediately. Josh thanked the clerk and looked at Bill.
‘I wonder what that’s about! Maybe you’re getting a promotion and I’m not,’ he grinned.
‘Put your angst in your pocket,’ Bill grinned back. ‘He’s probably wanting a rundown of the exercise. But my guess is, he has information about the insurgence activity he touched on when we spoke to him last.’
They picked up mill boards so they could take notes and hustled across to the OC, came smartly to attention in front of the desk and saluted. Travers was standing alongside the major as usual, concern showing on his face.
The OC waved them to chairs. ‘Good morning gentlemen. First, barring the one unfortunate accident, I understand your exercise was a complete success.’
‘Yes, Sir,’ Josh responded. ‘The radios performed well peak to peak and the airdrops were spot on. The men held up well although at one point, since the temperature was below zero, my team could have mutinied because our boots were frozen to the ground after sleeping one morning and we had to use hot water to release them. Thankfully the men found it highly amusing.’
‘Good. OK, one final word on that subject Staff Baines. I would like your full written report regarding details of the accident ASAP.’
‘It will be on your desk by tomorrow Sir,’ replied Josh.
‘Now, second and more imperative is to expand on the immediate concern regarding active operations I briefly touched upon when we spoke. What I’m about to relate is classified under the heading of a formal O-Group meeting, and concerns an imminent covert operation. We’ve received instructions for this unit to mount a penetration and reconnaissance operation in the NFD.’
This was just what Bill had suspected, so the promise of some real action sent a tingle down his spine. He and Josh exchanged glances, knowing intuitively they were both experiencing the same reaction to this news.
‘Yes, Sir. We were obviously speculating about when something active was going to take place,’ said Josh.
‘It’s good to know you’re enthusiastic. Mr Travers will now fill you in with some details.’
‘Thank you, Major Brown. In the last forty-eight hours I’ve received disturbing intelligence from both my office at Alton Park and the management of the Tana River Irrigation Company at Hola, apropos attacks from Shifta insurgents in that area.’
He turned to the large map of the region pinned to the wall.
‘There have also been reports of a number of incursions into Lamu and the River Tana locations at Garsen, Hola and Bura, and hostile invasions across the Somali/Kenya border towns of Hosinghow and Kambooni. The most recent of these relates to an atrocity of a high-level nature. It’s apparent activity has escalated, emanating from the insurgent-controlled towns of Dabaab and Kolbio to the East and Garissa and Isiolo to the North West.’
The situation was really getting bad, and when Bill looked across at Josh he was scribbling fast, so he wouldn’t miss one iota of vital information. Travers continued to tap the pointer on the map and the notations on the white board next to it.
‘These activities have unexpectedly coincided with a further recent incident on the Kenyan border near Isiolo, between Pokomo farmers and Somali Shiftas. A disturbing number of men, women and children, including warring persons from both sides, were killed. Accordingly, the FO has instructed me, under the auspices of Major Brown, to initiate a covert operation to infiltrate the said areas and gather as much information as possible on a surveillance basis, regarding movements and concentration of Shifta. We also want to get a good idea of the number of Shifta insurgents we’re dealing with. The main protagonist front and centre of all the unrest is, we’ve discovered, the infamous Somali warlord Khalid al Gurreh, all planning being down to him. This information will be passed to both the Oxfordshire Regiment here at Kahawa and to HQ of the KAR at Buller Camp. The aim will be to instigate immediate counter-insurgency measures coordinated between these two regiments. Now, I’ll cede the floor to Major Brown who’s going to discuss the military strategy with you,’ he concluded.
‘Thanks, Mr Travers. The operation will be codenamed Night Hawk. If you all move to the conference table we can discuss surveillance strategy and operational implementation.
‘Our intelligence indicates that the insurgent group is numbered in the hundreds. They’re mostly armed with old Kalashnikov AK47s and vehicle-mounted machine guns thought to be ancient, although the exact models are unknown. Therefore, the action will take place simultaneously at Isiolo, Hola, Bura, Garissa, Garsen and Kipini covering Lamu, all of which are either bordered by, or close to, the River Tana. The three methods of delivery and transport available to us for access into these areas is free fall parachute, amphibian and vehicle or foot approach. I’m interested to hear your initial thoughts and suggestions on the subject. You first, Staff Baines.’
Josh swallowed and stood before the map. Using his finger, he gave his preliminary potted suggestion.
‘Well, subject to more in-depth planning and information, I’d take a contingent of my men, plus inflatables, and approach the Isiolo and Garissa areas from, say, a launch point at Archer’s Post, close to the River Tana tributary.’
‘How many men would you estimate taking?’
‘I think fourteen, including myself, should be adequate. I’d drop a two-man detail at Archer’s Post after crossing the main bridge onto the north side of the river. My choice for the lead would be Corporal Wilson, since he’s one of my most experienced NCOs, assisted by another NCO. They’d observe and report any insurgent activity in that area.
The remaining eight men, four of which myself included, would use one of the inflatables to motor down the River Tana tributary. I’d land with three men on the north bank of the river at Isiolo, or as near to it as is practicable. Corporal Anthony, another with vast experience, would team-lead three others following my team and using the remaining inflatable continue down the tributary to where it joins the main River Tana at Kinna, landing at a suitable place on the north side. The remaining four, led by Corporal Jones, would travel direct from Nairobi to Garissa by LWB Land Rover using a trailer to transport the equipment.’
‘Yes, agreed. OK, so we requisition a three-ton truck and trailer for transporting you all to Archer’s Post, along with two amphibians plus outboard motors, weapons and ammunition for backup, should that prove necessary, and all other support equipment and personal military issue. We’re in the middle of the rainy season, so the river will be in full flood which would serve as an advantage to you,’ said the OC.
‘Yes. Once all are in place my first sitrep status call to my teams would be made, followed by another call to the Nairobi Radio Communications room at Kahawa here, with the whole communication network being synchronised for 2359 hours on the first day of Operation Night Hawk. At that point I’ll assume Staff Scraggs and his men are in position, unless I hear to the contrary. I understand Mr Travers will be supervising this.’
‘Yes, now talk me through your modus operandi once you’re all in situ,’ said the OC.
‘At each location, we split into two-man surveillance details. The amphibians would be secreted and four appropriate observation positions with good camouflage located, where we’ll dig in. I’m assuming Mr Travers will advise radio network call signs at a pre-manning meeting.’
‘Is that all logistically sound Mr Travers?’ enquired the OC.
‘Initially yes, although we obviously need to flesh it out in greater detail at the meeting tomorrow,’ responded Travers.
‘OK, Staff Scraggs, let’s have your initial suggestions subject, of course, to ironing out the finite details later.’
Bill went to the map and used his finger to lead them through his work-up.
‘My suggested plan favours using combined airborne, amphibian and vehicular teamwork. My first request would be to task either the De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter or the De Havilland DHC2 Beaver Bush aircraft, both of which are available over at Army Air Corps. Either one of these aircraft has good points of recommendation; a payload capability of eight free fallers and an altitude ceiling of around 15,000 feet to name but two. Therefore, I’d propose a total of sixteen men. Eight men, to include myself, would deploy by free fall; four at Bura and four at Hola. This would also be on the north side of the river. Exact DZs and coordinates would be identified when all the finite details are hammered out.
The other eight would be deployed by road in a three-ton Bedford truck and trailer to transport two inflatables and outboards, plus necessary gear, as with Staff Baines. Four of these men would stop off at Garsen and four at Kipini close to Lamu. I’d lead the detail at Bura along with three NCOs. Corporal Newell, who is experienced and highly capable, would lead with three at Hola. The detail at Garsen would be four led by Corporal Wright and the detail at Kipini, near Lamu would be led by Corporal Bevan plus three. The amphibians would take the two latter groups across the river, South to North. As soon as the truck is unloaded it would be despatched back to Kahawa.’
‘What radios would we be carrying, Mr Travers?’ Bill asked as he looked back at the GWS specialist.
‘I think the lightweight HP portable P225s would be fit for purpose, together with hand generators and long wire antennae. I’ll make fully tested radios available for the operation, together with first line spares. I shall also arrange for sufficient suitably placed re-broadcast stations to handle radio propagation requirements for each out station and tested when all units are in location. We’ll agree the daily call schedules tomorrow.’
‘Thanks. The last thing I want to say is I think Staff Baines and I should get the men together to brief them. Perhaps you’d both like to attend? And that’s all I have to contribute for now,’ concluded Bill.
‘The operational proposals tabled by you both sound workable, pending finalising any related issues or unforeseen details at the unit meeting. Yes, I do wish to attend your meeting with the men, along with Mr Travers. I’m scheduling it for 0900 hours tomorrow in the main conference room,’ advised the OC, making a note in his diary. ‘Do you have anything further to add at this juncture, Mr Travers?’
‘Not for the time being although I’d like to talk to you when we’ve finished here.’
‘Very well, this meeting is officially adjourned and thank you both for your input.’
When the door closed behind the two Staff Sergeants, Major Brown turned to Travers. ‘Now would you like to sit down so we can review any points, and you can tell me what’s on your mind?’
Travers nodded. ‘My people back at the FO are, of course, concerned with both the safety and security elements of this operation, in particular the personnel involved.’
‘Of course, I understand their concerns. However, I must tell you they’re unfounded. Both Staff Sergeant Baines and Staff Sergeant Scraggs, along with all their nominated NCOs, have vast experience in this category of operation, as was emphatically stressed,’ assured Major Brown.
‘Specifically, what’s your opinion of Staff Sergeant Scraggs? He’s very new to this area of Africa in general, and this unit specifically.’
‘Staff Scraggs comes to us with exceptionally good references, carries top recommendation, and is highly qualified in all areas of experience and responsibility. He also has an excellent aptitude to absorb and assimilate knowledge relating to any scenario he’s confronted with. Confidentially, this information comes from our HQ in London and is contained in his ROA along with other personal qualities.
Staff Sergeant Baines’ ROA is of a similar ilk. Of course, my personal judgement of both these men will depend on their performance and reliability during this operation, since the men will be taking their lead from these two Senior NCOs. Both appear to have earned their confidence and there were no personal problems or issues during the very gruelling eight days they all lived through. The men are totally disciplined, obedient and follow orders to the letter; it wouldn’t take too long for any antagonism to show through. I’m not sensing that from any of the men who took part in the mountain exercises.
So, to put your mind at rest, I’ve every confidence they’ll do a good job, with the proviso I won’t be proved wrong,’ the major stated emphatically, metaphorically crossing his fingers.
‘Well, you give me a substantial level of comfort. I’ll reassure my masters back at the FO, especially Oliver Wainwright. Of course, we’ll be monitoring Operation Night Hawk very closely.’
This last statement was arrogant to say the least. Beneath the smooth conversational tone, the major detected the subtle note of warning.
‘In hindsight, perhaps it would be a good idea for Wainwright to come here himself and make his own assessment of the men. He’d then be better placed to personally appreciate the difficulties under which my men operate,’ replied the major, allowing a very thinly disguised element of disdain to creep into his tone.
‘Yes, I see what you mean. I’m sure the FO, and Mr Wainwright in particular, will be reassured when I call.’ This was a side of the major’s personality, up to this moment, Travers hadn’t encountered. He stretched his mouth into a polite smile at the none too subtle rebuke.
‘By the way, Sidney, Operation Night Hawk’s radio network equipment will, I trust, be tested here in situ tomorrow? I need to be confident my men will have reliable communication in the event of anything untoward taking them from behind. At kick-off, I’ll emphasise the importance of maintaining radio silence other than sitreps and intelligence updates. The only exception would, of course, be in the event of an emergency.’
Travers nodded as the major continued. ‘You’ve already said, as well as the operational and emergency channels, you’ll be providing the frequencies, codes and hopefully give the men a rundown on the actual equipment during network testing. Furthermore, I intend to schedule a meeting with OC Air Wing, Second in Commands of the Oxfordshire Regiment and KAR, to give them a detailed brief on what’s planned. I’ll endeavour to arrange it for 1400 hours tomorrow here in my office when, of course, I’ll expect you to be present,’ concluded Major Brown brusquely.
‘Of course and I agree to all your points and I’ll be here,’ assured Travers in a less arrogant tone.
‘Excellent and thank you. If you’re still on for supper in the mess I’ll be free since my wife’s chairing a wives’ meeting this evening. Shall we say 1900 hours?’
Travers smiled again, nodded and left the OC’s office.
As he watched Sidney Travers making his way back to the radio workshops, Brown felt decidedly annoyed. He didn’t like the implied FO threat, nor the veiled criticism of either his own integrity or of his men. He certainly had enough responsibility on his plate without some civilian impugning his judgement or their capabilities.
Chapter 21
Well before 0700 hours on the second day back in camp, Josh and Bill were sitting with coffee, note pads and pens in front of them discussing a preliminary bullet-point agenda for the unit meeting in a couple of hours.
