Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 27
‘We’ll start first with mat work exercises which will include landing position instruction,’ said the OC.
Every man involved worked hard until Saturday, the most enjoyable part being harnessed to the high wire and launching out from the fifty-foot tower, with the subsequent fast descent to trained landings at ground level.
Satisfied with the training effort and competence of his men, the OC decided everyone should have Sunday afternoon for relaxation, in readiness for the return to Changi to commence the airborne parachute training necessary to complete the course and gain the cherished parachute wings.
Bill found the Hindu religious beliefs of the men as implied by the OC had not manifested themselves during the ground training and he would see what happens in this regard when they actually commence parachuting he thought.
On Sunday afternoon the three special reconnaissance wireless NCOs were relaxing in the mess discussing the training so far.
‘In my opinion, they all did extremely well,’ said Seth.
‘Yes, I thought the same. It was evident they enjoyed the high ride. I hope they’ll see it the same way when they are told to drive out of the aircraft at 800 feet on their first descent,’ commented Darren with a grin.
‘Oh yes! That’ll be interesting. I for one look forward to seeing how they handle their six jumps and when carrying canisters. Then they get the night jumps. We’ll need to talk to the Major about his concerns and listen to the examples he mentioned probably question him about this when we get to Changi.’
Next morning, Bahadur Pun was at the mess ready to drive them out to the runway where the OC and trainees were gathered for departure. A Beverley aircraft (the same model they would be parachuting from during the next few days) was waiting on the runway. The trio said farewell to Sergeant Major Bahadur Pun and thanked him for all his assistance during their visit.
Just over an hour later the aircraft landed at RAF Changi and taxied to its parking bay. When they were all back on terra firma, the OC led them to the safety equipment section of 215 Squadron to get their parachute equipment which included webbing, harness, main and spare parachutes and helmets. Already wearing clean fatigues, they kitted up and assembled in the adjacent holding room to discuss jump procedure.
‘I now want you to split into two teams, or sticks, of fifteen. I will lead one stick and you, Mr Scraggs, will lead the other. Sergeants Stevens and Newell, you will both bring up the rear of each stick. ‘All clear and any questions?’
‘Yes, Sir. I assume we’ll have the teams in a contiguous formation, as close as possible to each other to ensure fast exit and achieve close landing, as explained during training,’ enquired Bill.
‘Correct.’ The OC then explained the purpose of this procedure to the trainees in their native tongue.
Reverting back to English he said, ‘I’ve no doubt you already know this but I’ll say it anyway. We will be double-door exiting from port and starboard which the RAF dispatchers will explain and direct when we’re on board.’
The approaching rumble of their aircraft was heard and the men were ordered to board the Beverley where they were met by two dispatchers who directed each team, one to port and the other to starboard inside the fuselage and told to sit, belt up and make ready for take-off.
The pilot taxied the aircraft to the runway and waited for instructions to take off. The sudden roar of the powerful Rolls Royce Spey engines signalled take off had commenced. They were heading for the Sembawang disused airfield, only ten minutes flying time away. When the aircraft achieved eight hundred and fifty feet, the dispatchers told the teams to stand up and hook onto the catenary wire strong point. After tell-off, the paratroopers shuffled towards the doors ready for exit where dispatchers were waiting as the aircraft approached the DZ or drop zone.
Bill got to the door experiencing the same old butterflies in his stomach. He turned to look at his stick of Gurkhas waiting for the green light to herald their first descent. A Nepalese facial expression is always one of a smile, but he detected a good measure of nervousness in these men, and their body language indicated discomfort at undertaking this alien activity. They had trained for this but were basically super fighting ground troops so their trepidation was understandable.
The pilot reduced speed to a hundred knots and the green light came on indicating action stations. The OC was standing at one door, with Seth bringing up the rear of the port stick and Bill was standing at the starboard door, with Darren bringing up the rear of his stick. The dispatchers shouted ‘GO!’ and the paratroopers exited either side of the aircraft one after the other at great speed.
Bill exited and his canopy deployed. He looked all round to see where everyone was, thinking what an amazing sight to see thirty-three parachutists in the air at the same time and, with no malfunctions, descending gracefully to earth, their bodies inclined ready for landing. He was only used to working in teams of three or four on special reconnaissance missions, but the sight at Arnhem in WWII must have been mind-blowing when hundreds of paratroopers were in the sky at one time! To him though, this had to come a close second in his visual stakes.
It was gratifying to see both teams touch down safely, and both the OC and Bill were delighted all landed in close proximity, indicating they had all exited tightly, avoiding great distances between them on the ground with no injuries sustained. This was essential, especially during night descents. Transport was waiting to collect them for the return of their equipment to the safety equipment stores.
The descents for the second and third jumps on Tuesday and Wednesday also went without incident. The fourth descent on Thursday would be carrying canisters with an all-up weight of 300lbs. In preparation for this jump the OC called Bill, Seth and Darren to one side.
‘I mentioned the concerns I had about the Ghurkas believing God will always take care of things. So when they are parachuting with heavy canisters they could be accident-prone and careless.
Although now trained, my concern is that after exiting the aircraft and before jettisoning a canister on its 12-foot nylon rope, they take great care to check all around for parachutists, especially below them. If they activate their quick release too soon, a canister could inadvertently go straight through a canopy directly below with obvious consequences.’
‘Why would they be that careless, Sir?’
‘Well, potentially it is because as they see things, it is their God who makes the decision between life and death. They believe they have no control since it is their karma, which, of course, is nonsense. Perhaps it’s the reason they have so many victorious medals for bravery in battle,’ replied the OC, drily.
‘Then with respect, Sir, maybe it would be prudent if you emphasised the danger to them before we make the jump. I guess we just have to keep a close eye, fingers crossed and pray to our own God all will go well and safely,’ said Bill, caustically. His viewpoint was somewhat more agnostic.
‘Yes, Mr Scraggs, I’ll most certainly do that, in Gurkhali for complete clarity, just before we board.’
On Thursday the platoon was waiting, having already donned apparel and hefted the canisters. Again, as with the other descents, the men were seated either side of the fuselage with the canisters secured at the ankle of their right leg, and the other end resting at chest height. Shortly after take-off they received the command ‘action stations’ and they all stood, lifting the top end of their canisters onto the quick release mechanisms situated on the D rings attached to their chest webbing, and ensuring the pins and lanyards securing the leg attachments at the ankle were in place. With tell-off and individual check of apparel completed, they shuffled and led with their right foot. The canisters were secured in front of them with the full weight on their chest and right leg that was quite a complicated procedure. They then shuffled forward to the exit doors.
On the command, the anxious sticks of paratroopers exited into the slipstream. This time the exit and descent was uncompromisingly swift, due to the 300lb weight of the canisters. Canopies were deployed and after checking all round for other personnel, particularly below, they pulled the lanyards with pin at the end, ensuring the canister was released at the ankle, allowing it to slide smoothly down an individual’s lap and bent knees after the quick release mechanism had been activated.
The canisters descended below them tethered by a 12-foot nylon rope attached to the webbing belt.
The principle here was to ensure a canister struck the ground first, followed by the parachutist who would guide himself to one side, thereby preventing landing on top of it which could cause serious damage to the body. Luck, good fortune or maybe “God” watched over the descent, whatever, the landing was a success with zero injuries sustained.
The night descents on Friday and Saturday also proved uneventful, and the OC was extremely relieved and very pleased with their performance.
On Monday 10th February the platoon was mustered and Major Kemple-Scott congratulated his Gurkhas in Gurkhali, saying how very proud he was of them. With clenched fist raised above him he shouted Shabash with a responsive Shabash encore from the Gurkhas, meaning Bravo in English.
He then presented them all with advanced-issue red berets, not officially to be worn until the end of the year when they would be formally affiliated to the Parachute Brigade, and parachute winged badges would be displayed on their military clothing. They were so proud of this compliment it seemed likely they would, for the time being, wear the berets; even sleeping in them because they felt so honoured.
The OC dismissed his men and asked Bill, Seth and Darren to remain behind for a few minutes.
‘I want to thank you for the great contribution you have made and the professionalism you displayed during this training period. I’ll say farewell to you and will make my formal report to Captain Roberts shortly with a good commendation for the experience you’ve imparted whilst with us. I sincerely hope we have the privilege of meeting again across the water in Borneo during the confrontation campaign.’
Bill responded. ‘It’s been an honour and a privilege, and we would like to thank you, Sir, for giving us this opportunity. The guidance, patience and confidence you’ve extended us are much appreciated. I’m sure we’ll meet again somewhere and with luck, have future support from your Gurkha troops in coming operations.’
Chapter 47
Bill and his team returned to the mess at 215 Squadron to tidy themselves up ready to sit down and have a quiet beer together and discuss the last few days’ events. During their discussion, a mess orderly interrupted them and advised Bill there was a telephone call for him. It was Captain Roberts, asking him and the sergeants to report to him to discuss the trip to Kluang and forward travel arrangements to Borneo.
When they arrived, Reeves was standing next to the OC’s desk. Once they were all ushered and settled at the conference table Captain Roberts asked about the parachute training with Major Kemple-Scott and his Gurkhas.
‘It went extremely well Sir,’ Bill replied, looking at his two subordinates who were nodding in agreement. ‘A good result without incident, and all congratulations to the Gurkhas who are now the proud owners of their red berets and parachute wing shoulder badges. It was a job well done. We are informed Major Kemple-Scott will be writing a report to you shortly.’
‘That’s good to hear. I’ll inform the CO of 17 Gurkha Signal Regiment in Seremban once I receive Major Kemple-Scott’s report. Mr Reeves here will also inform his boss, Mr Wainwright, at the UKFO of your success.
Now, to the main item. You’ll be embarking on your journey to HQ BRITBOR on Labuan Island, reporting to the local OC, Major Birtwhistle. You have all day tomorrow in which to make your personal preparations, after which you should arrange to meet Mr Reeves at his store to sign for the FOC (Foreign Office Controlled) equipment and ancillaries that will go with you. All in order for you, Brian?’
‘Yes, let’s say 0900 hours,’ he said looking at Bill. ‘Keep in mind these items will need to be palletised for transit, covered and marked Confidential FOC Stores. I suggest it’s arranged for the pallet to be transported to the aircraft which has been tasked for the journey early tomorrow morning.’
The OC then advised he would arrange for this to be done, adding the RAF flight departure time of 1000 hours. ‘Do you have any questions?’
Seth looked at Reeves and asked, ‘When will you run through the FOC equipment and ancillaries with us, Mr Reeves?’
‘I’ll do it at 0700 hours tomorrow after which you’ll sign for them.’
‘Thank you, Sir.’
Bill nodded. ‘My first question is for Mr Reeves. Can you tell me when it will be convenient for you to issue me with secure frequencies, call signs, details of required sitreps and information on reporting schedules?’
‘Tomorrow morning, after you’ve signed for the FOC equipment and ancillaries,’ Reeves replied.
‘Thank you. My second question is for Captain Roberts. Am I to assume enemy movements, groupings and siting details will be passed on to the regional Battle HQs for military action and follow-up by you, Sir?’
‘Consolidation and assessment of such information will be passed to me by Mr Reeves and, upon receipt, it will be re-transmitted by secure military radio to the commanders at HQ BRITBOR in Labuan Island, HQ 17 Gurkha Division, HQ 99 Gurkha Infantry Brigade in Kuching, HQ 51 Gurkha Brigade in Brunei, HQ Malaysian Brigade in Sabah, HQ 3 Commando Brigade at Sibu and to Major Birtwhistle’s Department of Intelligence in Labuan.
The relevant regional battle-group commanders will then decide necessary military intervention. More details will be given to you when you reach Labuan.’
‘Roger that, Sir, and thank you.’
‘What are our travel arrangements to the airfield on Wednesday morning Sir?’ asked Darren.
‘A Land Rover will be waiting outside the WOs’ and Sergeants’ Mess at 0830 hours to transport you across to the RAF Hastings aircraft. After you’re IDs and other relevant paperwork has been checked at the Changi Departure Office, you’ll board ready for take-off. The palletised equipment and ancillaries will have been transported and loaded separately as already advised.
If there are no further questions, that will be all gentlemen.’
The OC wished them a safe journey and good hunting in Operation Supportive. The trio saluted and left the office for the mess.
They spent the rest of the evening in the lounge, relaxing and reading the latest newspapers, and then supper in the dining room. In view of the very busy schedule they would have on the morrow, they opted for an early night ready for a fresh start in the morning.
After breakfast next day, a few minutes past 0700 hours, the trio headed for the FO store where they met Reeves. He went through the equipment and ancillaries, most of which they were already familiar with from operations in Kenya. Reeves ran through details of secure frequencies, call signs, crypto pads etc., with Bill, and handed them over. Once signing was completed, they bid Reeves adieu who in turn wished them good luck and a safe journey.
Chapter 48
After checking in at the Changi airfield departure office on Wednesday morning, 12th February, Bill satisfied himself the pallet of equipment had been loaded onto the RAF Hastings and then he, Seth and Darren embarked along with several other service personnel who were transiting to Labuan Island.
Once all were seated and seat belts fastened, the pilot fired up the engines, the bird taxied down the runway and, at precisely 1000 hours, lifted off into the crystal blue sky for the short journey. At cruising altitude, Bill looked down on the landscape below. Opinion indicated a very lack-lustre terrain. Of course, from this altitude his view was mostly of the sea, the South China Sea to be exact, and there was something like 550 miles of it to fly over. A relatively short flight to Labuan Island, he considered.
As the flight approached its destination, the view of the mainland towards Brunei came into view. They’d been given to understand the topography was not dissimilar to the territory they would be operating in; thick primary jungle, rivers and swamps. RAF pilots really were ace at their jobs, and the landing was smooth.
A driver was waiting to take them to HQ BRITBOR and when they arrived at the camp they were ushered into an office in the main building where they were to meet their new controller.
An officer appeared, ‘Good afternoon, gentlemen. Welcome to Labuan Island and Operation Supportive. I’m Major John Birtwhistle, Head of Local Intelligence and your mentor here for as long as it takes.’ He said this with a smile on his face.
He was a big man with greying hair and moustache to match. He had penetrating blue eyes, was probably in his late forties or early fifties and had a distinctive Scots accent.
‘Good afternoon, Sir, I’m Warrant Officer Scraggs and this is my surveillance team, Sergeant Stevens and Sergeant Newell. Speaking on behalf of us all, it’s a pleasure to be here.’
‘That’s good to hear, Mr Scraggs. I’ve arranged with the mess caterer for your rooms to be made ready. I suggest once you’ve settled in, we meet here in my office at 0900 hours tomorrow to go into the details of your assignment and the areas of activity to be undertaken.’
‘Very good, Sir,’ responded Bill. The trio saluted and left the office. They located the mess and found their rooms with the assistance of the caterer. These were large and comfortable, and they planned to make the most of them since there’d be none of this luxury where they’d be operating for the foreseeable future. It was gratifying to see the large ceiling fans in their rooms and after unpacking a few personal belongings and showering, they dressed in comfortable lightweight clothes and met at the mess bar for a few ice-cold beers followed by supper.
