Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 26
‘Sounds good to us,’ replied Bill. ‘How much traditional food do you consume?’
‘Gurkhas eat bhat twice daily, normally at 1000 and 1800 hours.’ Sergeant Rai explained this dish was made of barbecued goat meat, rice, lentils, herbs and spices. Bill thought glad we eat three squares a day more preferable to our culture.
The three newcomers thoroughly enjoyed the meal, doing it full justice and during the meal they discussed the JW training programme.
‘You should get a good night’s sleep tonight because we’ll be breaking camp for the jungle at 0600 hours tomorrow,’ said Sergeant Rai. ‘I’ll provide you with sets of fatigues this afternoon, necessary for changing clothes after spending time in the swamps, and give you rucksacks for your personal bits and pieces you feel you might need. I’ll also supply you with military mosquito repellent which has a dual purpose; keeping mosquitos away and killing bull leeches.’
‘What will the training actually consist of,’ Bill asked.
‘Six Gurkha troopers will be assisting me with the programme, which will be made up of covert battle tactics in primary swamp and jungle; building temporary jungle bashers, or camps, and very rough sleeping arrangements. We’ll be selecting edible plants and identifying poisonous vegetation, trapping wild animals for meat and some basic Gurkha-style fishing lessons. Reading the jungle floor for human and predator footprints is important, as well as tracking and navigation during the day and at night when operating in this type of terrain. The objective is obviously your ability to survive in the jungles of Borneo.
‘OK. And will we be working and training together,’ Bill asked, wondering whether this would be a good idea.
‘No, you’ll be split into three teams, each with two of my troopers, and this will enable us to create simulated activities of us and them vis-a-vis enemy and friendly forces. We can then conduct mini battles with myself acting as judge, to assess how well you’ve taken the training on board.’
Next morning they entered the jungle to commence training sessions and continued to follow the laid-out regime for the coming eight days. At the end of the course they were utterly exhausted, but confident they had learned a lot of very useful jungle warfare and survival tactics. They thanked and said farewell to Sergeant Rai and his team, climbed aboard the waiting Land Rover, and headed back to the mess at HQ RAF Changi.
The trio spent a quiet weekend nursing a fair number of leech sores, with Bill sustaining the most and talked over the salient points and activities of the JWS training which they now felt confident and comfortable with. Early on Monday morning they were ordered to report to the OC’s office where they made the required salute to Captain Roberts and acknowledged Reeves with a nod.
Once the five of them were seated Captain Roberts opened proceedings.
‘Sergeant Rai telephoned me with his verbal report and confirmed you acquitted yourselves admirably and enjoyed the experience, apart from complaining about having to remove numerous leeches. I can assure you there will be plenty more of those where you’re going!’ the OC said with genuine feeling.
‘The OC of the JWS will be sending me his written report on your performance, a copy of which will be transmitted to Mr Wainwright at UKFO by Mr Reeves and I will forward a copy to the CO of 17 Gurkha Signal Regiment in Seremban. Congratulations on your performance during training that I’m confident will stand you in good stead once you go live.
‘Would you like to make any comments or observations?’
‘It was excellent input and transfer of information. We learned a lot of special survival skills that will add to our experience in the field. I’m sure my team agrees.’ Bill glanced at Sergeants Stevens and Newell who both nodded in confirmation with satisfactory smiles. ‘I have to say I’m so glad that the Gurkhas are on our side. Their jungle craft is exemplary, and with their vast experience of combat skills in such terrain I think they could survive anywhere.’
‘It’s always good to hear such praise. The Gurkhas are indeed formidable, and their battle history is notorious and well documented. I will be pleased to pass along your praises to Sergeant Rai.
‘Now, down to business. As previously discussed, you are to report to Major Kemple-Scott at 3rd Gurkha Parachute Company in Kluang on Wednesday 29th to assist with the parachute ground training of his new intake of Gurkha paratroopers. We’re informed this training is for the preparation and selection of four platoons that will travel to Borneo with him in due course under his command.
We further understand a Captain Charles Pike will subsequently take over from Major Kemple-Scott, and go on to command the camp at Kluang when he moves to Brunei. Then later this year the remaining three platoons of the Gurkha Parachute Company will join Major Kemple-Scott and complete the unit’s move to Brunei. Whilst in Brunei the advance platoon will be housed together with SAS units in Borneo. The Gurkha Parachute Company will be on constant operations there. Any questions so far?’
‘How do we get to Kluang on Wednesday? When are we returning to Changi? And also, are you able to tell us of your forward plans for our commitments to active service in Borneo,’ enquired Bill. I’m pre-empting him again but he did ask for questions he thought.
‘Yes, I was just coming to that Mr Scraggs. You and your team are to report at 0900 hours to Hanger 3 next to the Changi runway and join a 215 Squadron RAF Twin Pioneer that will fly you to Kluang. There you’ll be met by one of 3rd Gurkha Parachute Company Sergeant Majors. You’ll spend five days undertaking Gurkha ground training duties and return to Changi with the OC and trainee Gurkha parachutists.
Then, on Monday 3rd February, you are to carry on assisting him with continuation training consisting of six descents from a 215 Squadron Blackburn Beverley Aircraft which has already been tasked for the purpose. This will be completed, it is hoped successfully, on Saturday 8th February. On Wednesday 12th you are due to ship out to Labuan Island on what we have called Operation Supportive. Questions?’ The OC paused.
‘When can we expect a detailed brief of our responsibilities and who’ll deliver it? If possible, it would be very useful to know our specific duties and the military background to the confrontation, local topology, demographics, local assistance if any, military support equipment and ancillaries and from where they’ll be obtained and who we report to locally and militarily. Also details of any other operations running simultaneously and finally how do we get to Labuan?’ The list isn’t exhaustive but would be a helpful start, thought Bill.
‘OK, most of the points you raise will be answered by a Major Birtwhistle of the Intelligence Corps when you get to Labuan. He’s based in the HQ at British Forces Borneo (BRITBOR), which is commanded by a Major General Walter Walker, Director of Borneo Operations (DOBOPS). Major Birtwhistle will cover all points relating to the campaign progress and requirements of your covert infiltration and reconnaissance sorties.
Mr Reeves and I are in regular contact and close liaison with Major Birtwhistle. Regarding the other points you raise concerning military support, equipment and ancillaries, this unit will provide them prior to your departure. You’re to fly to Labuan Island from Changi. The only other operation due to start, or may have commenced, is known as Operation Sandstone. Major Birtwhistle will also explain this to you. Any more questions, Mr Scraggs?’
‘Nothing more comes to mind at this moment Sir. I’m sure there will be after our training exercise with the Gurkha Parachute Platoon. Do you guys have any further questions for the OC,’ asked Bill turning to his two trusty companions.’
‘No Sir. Perhaps later,’ replied Sergeant Stevens.
They left the office and on arriving at the mess, Joe Crow beckoned Bill over and handed him a letter from RAF Eastleigh, Nairobi. Bill was ecstatic; a communication from his wonderful sweetheart. It had arrived just in time, before they left for Kluang, and he couldn’t wait to open and read it in private. But with very bad timing Seth and Darren arrived in the mess and the three sat down to discuss what they should expect at Kluang.
‘None of us have forgotten our own basic ground training, including continuation training for the jumps from the tasked aircraft so assuming they have all the proper ground and simulation equipment available, back here at Changi it should be a doddle and a thoroughly enjoyable respite before we take off for the jungle eh!’ Bill said with confidence.
‘The OC talked about four platoons to be trained. That’s going to be a fair old mission if we’re undertaking the training of the lot,’ observed Darren.
‘Too right it is!’ responded Seth, with some scepticism.
‘Take heart guys, let’s just wait and see what Major Kemple-Scott, the officer with the posh name, produces,’ said Bill, smiling.
‘I guess as a British Officer serving with a Gurkha Regiment, and being parachute-trained himself, he’s probably spent most of his commissioned career with them, seconded direct from officer training at Sandhurst to Nepal, no doubt. Most of the seconded British Officers seem to stay there for the whole of their signed-up career, as I understand it from friends who’ve served with the Gurkhas,’ commented Darren.
‘OK, guys, I think for the rest of the short time we have left here, we just relax and meet back in the mess on Wednesday morning for our trip to Kluang. Essential baggage only, OK?
Notwithstanding some trepidation, they were all looking forward to the pre-operational activities and getting to know their Gurkha companions in readiness for the more-than-probable activities in Borneo.
Bill eagerly returned to his room to read his precious letter. He got back there clutching it so hard he was almost crushing it. He flopped into the only chair in the room and, with shaking hands, carefully opened the envelope. Then he gave a great shout of laughter at Mo’s opening address.
Well, WO Scraggs, for a soldier bound by the Official Secrets Act, I would have thought you’d be more circumspect in an open letter! However, in the circumstances, I won’t be demoting you, rather you are promoted to the most wonderful man in the whole wide world. I’ll be sending your commendation next week!
Honestly, my darling, what a lovely, lovely letter. I believe you are in love and I’m wondering with whom? Could it be me I ask myself? Oh! I do hope so, because there’s no doubt in my mind that I am with you. She went on in the same vein for several pages, saying how much she loved the flowers, how she missed him (wet splodges indicating where tears had fallen) and telling him about the empty hole in her heart. She said she was researching any leave time she had, as well as dates when flights were coming in his direction. Could he give her some idea of when he might dovetail with those details? She ended, reluctantly it seemed to him, with a whole page of kisses and a small lock of her lovely hair tied round with a coral coloured ribbon.
Wow! Bill felt as if he was floating on the ceiling again. Thank God he hadn’t already left before this arrived. He folded the letter carefully, tucked it away with his other important paperwork, and pulled pen and paper towards him to reply.
Listen you little hussy! If you’re going to talk to someone you hardly know like that and, I might add, in an open letter as well, I think I should recommend court-martial, sentence to be banged up with me! I can’t tell you how happy, relieved and just over the moon I am to get your letter.
He told her he was away from tomorrow, and what date he hoped to be back, but couldn’t give any other firm details as yet. As soon as he knew he’d see if they could coordinate something.
He ended his reply with two pages of kisses; one-upmanship, huh!
Chapter 46
Bill, Seth and Darren met in the mess on Wednesday at 0700 hours, ready for their journey to Kluang. At precisely 0845 hours they boarded the waiting Land Rover that transported them to Hanger 3 where the RAF Twin Pioneer was waiting. Standing beside it to meet them was Pilot Officer John Rigby, who beamed and said ‘welcome,’ extending his hand to shake each of theirs.
‘So guys, let’s get this bird airborne. It should take us just over an hour to reach our destination,’ and the flight took off on schedule.
The scenery below them was quite spectacular; not dissimilar to the Borneo topography they guessed, although it was apparently even denser, with more rivers and large mountain ranges.
The pilot brought the aeroplane down with hardly a jolt, taxied it to the small terminal where they thanked him, disembarked and were met by a Gurkha Warrant Officer.
‘Namaskar Ram. Good morning gentlemen. I’m Sergeant Major Padam Bahadur Pun,’ he said, with his two hands placed together in front of his chest, head slightly bowed in the Hindu fashion of respect and welcome.
‘Good morning,’ said Bill, introducing himself and his team as they returned the greeting with respect.
‘Please, follow me to the quarters you have been assigned for the few days you will be here.’
‘Thank you, Sergeant Major.’
‘I will then take you to meet Major Kemple-Scott who is expecting you.’
Sergeant Major Bahadur Pun waited for them in the mess lounge whilst the three deposited their few belongings in the basic but adequate rooms, and then joined him some ten minutes later. The next port of call was the OC’s office in the administration building. The Sergeant Major knocked and all four entered, halted in front of the OC’s desk and saluted smartly.
‘Good afternoon, gentlemen.’ It was just past midday in Kluang.
‘Good afternoon, Sir.’
Bill had the habit of running a person’s visual appearance through his head on first meeting and the OC was no exception. He had a rugged appearance, was probably around six feet tall, very powerfully built and had an Eton accent. He also noted the SAS wings emblem he wore at his right shoulder, identifying him as a qualified parachutist and indicated time-served with the SAS Regiment. Also on his uniform left chest he wore the wings of a qualified military pilot. Quite an accomplished officer it seemed.
The OC turned to the Sergeant Major and addressed him in what was assumed to be Gurkhali.
The Sergeant Major saluted and smartly marched from the room.
‘Take a seat gentleman,’ the OC said and ushered them to comfortable chairs at the table where he joined them.
‘As you have no doubt been informed, I command this camp and the Gurkha Parachute Company. We are shortly to be deployed by HQ 51 Gurkha Infantry Brigade for active service out of Brunei, and will ultimately be responsible for action in the east with the 4th and 5th Divisions of Brunei and Sabah.
However, that could well change. There are five divisions established in Borneo with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions in the western part of Sarawak, where HQ 99 Gurkha Brigade in Kuching have the combat responsibility for those divisional areas. The complete tactical makeup of the Commonwealth Battle Order will, no doubt, be explained to you more fully when you get to Borneo shortly. After working with me where are you to be deployed?’
‘I understand we’re to travel to Labuan Island, as part of HQ BRITBOR and report to a Major Birtwhistle of the Intelligence Corps. He’s based in the HQ at BRITBOR, commanded there, as you are aware by a Major General Walter Walker, DOBOPS. Major Birtwhistle will cover all points relating to the campaign progress and expectations of our infiltration and reconnaissance sorties,’ explained Bill.
‘OK, that’s clear now. Right, so to address your assistance duties here! We have plenty of apparatus; a tower with high wire connected for the purposes of simulating exiting an aircraft; the fast aerial run down with harnesses connected to test landing positions; indoor mats for body landing position training and general fitness workouts. Harness webbing for fitting is also provided.’
‘Will we be working in teams whilst here, Sir?’
‘I have an intake of thirty trainees for this course. My proposal is to put them through their paces and they be split between us into two teams of fifteen. When we get to Changi for their six airborne training jumps, the status quo will be maintained.
I must also point out to you that although the ground training and fitness will be no problem to them, the actual parachuting is quite an alien activity to the Gurkhas. Ordinarily, they are professional ground troops. However, it has been explained to them that parachuting is a means of reaching difficult locations which would otherwise be totally inaccessible by foot or vehicle and, at the same time, provides a strong element of stealth when advancing on enemy positions in active operations.’
‘Does that represent a problem for us during the course?’ asked Bill, looking at Seth and Darren with a frown.
‘Not exactly a problem, but they do need to be handled delicately, albeit firmly, as they believe dangers can be waived because their God takes care of everything. This is neither rational nor logical, which you’ll find will become more evident when we get to activities such as exiting the aircraft and descending.
I’ll go through examples with the three of you later, so you know what to watch out for to prevent unnecessary accidents. We commence training at 0800 hours tomorrow. Incidentally, is my information correct you are all static line and free fall trained and experienced?’
‘Yes, that is correct, Sir.’
‘Excellent.’
When the OC had finished they were dismissed and left the office where Sergeant Major Bahadur Pun joined them outside.
I think it will be a good idea if I introduce you to the men you will be training during bhat’.
‘That would be a good idea, Sergeant Major.’
Introductions were then made by the Sergeant Major to the Gurkha parachute trainees, with Bill’s team shaking hands with each and indicating they were looking forward to a good course.
Lunch over the three went back to the mess for a few jars and a chat about the next morning’s events.
On the Thursday morning at 0800 hours precisely, they were met by Bahadur Pun and walked with him to the ground training area where the OC awaited them. The idea was that the Sergeant Major would stay with them and translate instructions that weren’t exactly clear to the trainees in Gurkhali. Then the OC, Bill and his two sergeants selected their teams, assisted by Bahadur Pun.
