Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 28
‘Well guys, what’s your initial impression of our new head of intelligence?’
‘Seems an OK bloke to me, but I reckon we’ll learn more when we have our next meeting with him. I’ll reserve definite judgement ’til then,’ Seth responded.
Darren chortled. ‘It did feel like a convivial welcome and he came across OK, as you say Seth. But ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die, as the old cliché goes. What was your opinion, Skipper?’
‘Obviously, as head of intelligence, we’re going to need him and, as a team of reconnaissance specialists, he’s going to need us. However, our time won’t be spent directly in his line of sight so I guess he’s not really a problem when it comes to what we undertake in the field. What interests me is where we’ll be operating in Borneo; our tasks, objectives, targets and dependencies during Operation Supportive, or any other operation come to that,’ Bill stressed.
‘Now that’s going to be interesting to learn, eh? We’re not here for a tropical holiday!’ Sarcasm was always one of Seth’s strong points; or maybe it was just his version of humour!
Bill grinned. ‘OK, funny man, let’s go and feed ourselves, shall we?’
Next morning the team headed for Major Birtwhistle’s office where, after a sharp tap on the door, they were invited to enter.
‘Good morning, gentlemen. I trust you slept well? To commence this morning’s induction, I think we’ll find it more comfortable at the conference table,’ and ushered them to it.
When seated, Major Birtwhistle explained his Intelligence Corps involvement. ‘First, the need for reliable intelligence is for the containment of the Indonesian forces. Your Corps is adept at the interception of Indonesian military communications. Ciphers are decrypted by the Intelligence Corps and my people are based at GCHQ listening stations in Singapore, one of which is RAF Chia Keng that is linked directly to Far East Headquarters at RAF Changi.
Intelligence gathered by these sources is used in planning some aspects of Sandstone cross-border operations, about which I shall talk to you more about in a moment. I feel certain some, if not all of this, is known to you.
Now, second. To outline the situation concerning the confrontation with Indonesia and your team’s involvement and responsibilities,’ he pointed to the map of Borneo on the wall and continued ‘it is, as you can see, very mountainous running through central Borneo. The dark line delineates the border between the British treatise defenders of Sarawak, Brunei and British North Borneo, and Indonesia’s responsibility for Kalimantan.
This undeclared war is all about continuous incursions by the Indonesians across the border, in an attempt to subvert the Federation of Malaya and Indonesia’s continuing political and military intentions of destabilisation. Their aim is to annex North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei. A British offensive is shortly to take place in the shape of new top-secret cross-border attacks and raids by British forces, and are to be covert actions under the codename Operation Sandstone.
All British personnel involved in these cross-border operations will be sworn to secrecy and, for political reasons, it is not to be made common knowledge. I’m given to understand as part of the FO special reconnaissance force assigned to us, each of you are positively vetted and are security cleared. Is that correct?’
‘Yes, Sir, correct,’ replied Bill.
‘Excellent.’
‘Also, I should make you aware that under Sandstone’s special terms of engagement, known as the Special Forces Rules, assault troops are for the time being only permitted to engage identified enemy in hot pursuit up to 3000 yards across the border into Indonesian territory. This is to be reassessed by top brass shortly and may change later.
Most of the present action is occurring in the border area between Indonesia and East Malaya. The conflict is by isolated ground combat and low-level military tactics. Combat is usually undertaken by a company, but more often by platoon-sized operations either side of the border.’
‘So where are we operating in terms of our reconnaissance duties?’ asked Bill.
‘The area of greatest concern at present is the border running through Sarawak. Its capital is Kuching where we have a strong presence and military HQ.’ He referred back to the wall map. ‘Sarawak is broken up into five administrative divisions.
Mapping is generally sketchy, since British maps of the country show very little topographic detail so we tend to use local terrain maps. Most of the divisions and residencies front the border with Kalimantan and numerous incursions by Indonesian troops have occurred, especially in the 1st division here,’ he said pointing it out on the map. ‘SAS and Gurkha troops have been monitoring the incursions and await permission to drive them back in hot pursuit. Accordingly, you’ll be flown to Kuching and there you are to establish yourselves in a long house of an Iban village in a friendly area of 1st division, which will be identified for you by my intelligence officer in Kuching, Captain John McBride. He’ll be giving you all the necessary orders to undertake your mission. A nominated Murut border scout named Tuki who speaks English and is very familiar with the topography of the region, will also join you.
It’s common sense for you to operate out of the long house and establish yourselves in suitable covert positions where you can monitor enemy movements and feed information back to me. I have an HF 100 and a VHF P225 FO radio for each of you, together with secure frequencies and call signs. I’ll forward information onto Captain Roberts in Singapore. Mr Reeves will instruct him as to the recipient of the information who will, in turn, disseminate to appropriate bodies.
Under no circumstances are you to cross the border into Kalimantan unless for an officially approved mission. Your job is covert observation only. Any information regarding enemy movement will be reported back here. Is that clear so far?’ asked the Major.
‘Yes Sir. Doubtless we’ll have further questions for you later,’ replied Bill.
‘Very good. The threat to the 1st division has increased and, in the short term, there are several planned major Sandstone operations by our forces. Recently the 2/10 Gurkha Rifles, operating in the 1st division, have been carrying out enemy reconnaissance on the ground near Trengani, which is a small Dayak village some three to four hundred yards inside the Kalimantan-side of the border approximately 4,000 yards from the neighbouring village of Beranger.
In fact, at the beginning of this month a strong contingent of the Indonesian 214 Storm Battalion attacked a patrol of the 1/6 Gurkha Rifles near Rasau, which is in the 1st division and a few days later troops of 2/10 Gurkha Rifles engaged elements of the Indonesian White Panther Battalion. In both cases the enemy was routed with significant Indonesian losses.
Current information from local border scouts indicate a concentration of troops, men of the Indonesian 214 Storm Battalion, and this is the area where Captain McBride will initially dispatch you on your arrival at Kuching. He’ll provide more operational details in due course. Any further questions so far?’
‘Yes, Sir. Are we to assume we’ll only be operating in this area? And how about divisions 2, 3 and 5,’ enquired Bill.
‘We’re still gathering intelligence concerning those divisions and where your next assignment is likely to be. Incidentally, I understand you’ve recently been giving training in Kluang to one of the Gurkha Parachute Companies?’
‘Yes Sir. We were assigned to assist Major Rory Kemple-Scott, OC the 3rd Gurkha Independent Parachute Company,’ replied Bill attempting a modest look.
‘You may be interested to know that he is shortly to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel R Kemple-Scott.’
‘Well deserved, please pass our congratulations to him when you speak and it is appropriate’ commented Bill.
‘The difficulties of limited forces along a lengthy border have been recognized, and border scouts were recruited to increase the infantry’s ability to create a surveillance network. Something that was considered a matter of some urgency.
Accordingly, the Sarawak government recently approved them as an auxiliary police force. Lieutenant Colonel Kemple-Scott has been appointed to create this special task force because of his jungle experience. A training centre has been established in a remote area at Mt. Murat in the 5th division and staffed mainly by SAS Troopers and shortly by Gurkha Paratroops. The 1st Gurkha Parachute Battalion are shortly to be posted to Kuching via HQ 51 Gurkha Brigade in Brunei.
I’m sure you’ll meet up with Lieutenant Colonel Kemple-Scott again. He apparently has patrols of the 1/6, 2/2 and 2/10 Gurkha Rifles seconded to his command, along with a platoon of his own Gurkha paratroopers, all of whom are operating along the 1st and 5th division borders with Kalimantan. I understand he’ll have a patrol of SAS working alongside the Gurkha paratroopers reconnoitring the regions and liaising on enemy movements on the ground.’
Since they were now well acquainted with this British Gurkha officer, it was not an unexpected event. However, it was a surprise to learn he and his men were either here or shortly to be and in the 1st division in particular. A comforting thought indeed! Bill glanced sideways at Seth and Darren with lifted eyebrows.
‘So, gentlemen, unless you have any further questions for me I’ll bring this meeting to a close.’
Bill had a couple more questions for Major Birtwhistle. ‘When do we make tracks for Kuching and could I have confirmation our pallet of specialist equipment that accompanied us from Singapore, will be onward shipped, either with us or under separate cover?’
‘You will be travelling to Kuching tomorrow morning. Your flight, a twin pioneer, will leave at 1000 hours. Regarding your equipment, I’ll ensure you have it one way or the other and will speak to Captain McBride about it being safely secured in his special equipment stores.’
‘Thank you, Sir. Anything else from you guys?’
They shook their heads.
‘Thank you, Major Birtwhistle, for your most enlightening and informative introduction to Borneo and the current state of affairs, all of which have been carefully noted. We’ll speak again quite shortly, I’m sure.’
The three soldiers saluted and left the office.
‘Well, that was all very interesting,’ Bill said. ‘So we can now look forward to meeting our next master, Captain McBride, in Kuching.’
‘OK. Let’s adjourn to the mess and discuss everything,’ Seth suggested. They turned as one and walked smartly across to the building.
Chapter 49
Bill met his companions at 0930 hours outside the aircraft boarding office sited at the end of the small runway where an RAF Twin Pioneer of 110 Squadron was waiting to fly them to Kuching.
‘Morning team,’ greeted Bill with a grin.
‘Morning Sir,’ Seth and Darren responded.
‘Fit for the off?’
‘Onwards and upwards. Sorry, not a pun,’ replied Seth with his usual barrack room humour. Both men were grinning broadly and it was obvious they were pretty hyped up with excitement.
‘I’m ready as always,’ echoed Darren punching Seth playfully on the arm.
It had started to rain quite hard so they hustled to climb aboard and when safely seated and take-off permission given to the pilot, the Twin Pioneer hurtled down the strip sending up great swathes of spray. The female Sergeant WRAF Purser, who instantly reminded Bill of Mo, announced due to the heavy downpour considerable turbulence could be expected, and seat belts were to remain fastened throughout the hour and a half flight.
The pilot touched down with skilful control in the continuing turbulence at HQ 99 Gurkha Brigade, Kuching a few minutes after 1130 hours as expected. On disembarking, everyone got drenched as they hurried across to the check-in building. It was still hot and very humid so all were eager to get to their fan-cooled accommodation in the mess. They were informed by a receiving RAF Sergeant that a Land Rover was waiting for them outside and after collecting their baggage, their driver whisked them off at speed. When they arrived and had signed in, a local native orderly showed them to their quarters that were excellent with all modern amenities.
It was now almost time for lunch so after quick showers they went into the bar and settled down to long ice-cold beers that slipped down their throats like nectar. Joint opinion on accommodation was most good hotels could not do better.
‘Can’t say I’m ecstatic about this monsoon,’ moaned Seth.
‘Can’t say I am either. I gather it goes on virtually nonstop for several weeks, apart from the odd day’s break here and there,’ remarked Darren.
Bill, however, didn’t join in this conversation. His mind was elsewhere, principally on being keen to meet Captain John McBride, and learn what he had in store for them. They were going to be living up the sharp end in long houses and jungle bashers with mother’s real compo home cooking to look forward to.
Lunch was more than acceptable; very tasty and Borneo cuisine would do them very well. The proof of this was they polished off extra helpings of rice and satay lei followed by papaya squeezed over with lime and ice cream, and really excellent black coffee to finish. Each of them let out contented sighs as they sat back from the table.
At 1400 hours Bill received a phone call in the mess. ‘Good afternoon, Mr Scraggs. This is Captain McBride’s Secretary Mary Soo.’
‘Hello, Miss Soo. How may I help you?’ Senior staff with the luxury of secretarial support, that’s a turn up for the book, thought Bill.
In her charming oriental lilt she said, ‘Captain McBride sends his regards and apologizes for not being able to see you at the moment. He’s tied up in meetings today and asks you to meet with him in his office in the main complex tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.’
‘Thank you, Miss Soo. Please advise the captain we’ll be there.’
‘Yes, I will do and I’ll schedule the meeting for 0900 hours and keep his diary clear until midday. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.’
Bill returned to the table. ‘So guys, that was Captain McBride’s Secretary. Sounds as though Operation Supportive is about to kick off!’
Just before 0900 hours next day, holding up large linseed and parchment umbrellas to protect them from the rain, the trio located Captain McBride’s office in the main complex where Miss Soo gave them a traditional bow.
‘Good morning, gentlemen. The captain is on the phone at the moment, so please take a seat and I will let him know you’ve arrived.’
After about ten minutes the captain opened his door and greeted them in a broad Scottish brogue. ‘Good morning, gentlemen, my apologies for the delay. Please come in.’
He was a solidly built man with red hair trimmed short to military standard. He was quite small in stature, only around five feet six inches tall, but then the Intelligence Corps didn’t particularly need tall fighting men after all.
‘Welcome to Kuching and 99 Gurkha Brigade. I’m Captain McBride, Royal Intelligence Corps and you are obviously Warrant Officer Scraggs and Sergeants Stevens and Newell, Royal Signals.’
‘That’s correct Sir’ replied Bill.
‘You have, unfortunately, just caught the start of the long monsoons. We’ve had to learn to get used to this weather since it rains in this region of the country for a large part of the year. I understand Major Birtwhistle has briefed you in detail about the situation in Borneo, so now it’s my responsibility, via our intelligence organization, to assign you to various covert reconnaissance and observation locations to assist us in identifying cross-border insurgence activities by the Indonesians. Am I correct so far?’
He was definitely adept at stating the obvious thought Bill.
‘Yes, Sir. However, in line with reporting protocol regarding confidential information, we’re advised all local intelligence concerning enemy activities we obtain is to be reported directly via secure FO radio to Major Birtwhistle, as Head of Intelligence. He will then forward it onto our FO masters in Singapore and the UK Cabinet Office requesting recommendations for military follow-up action as appropriate. Subsequent orders will be forwarded to HQ BRITBOR for dissemination and the authorisation of action by Major General Walter Walker, DOBOPS, especially in view of the current constraints of Operation Sandstone and the special terms of cross-border engagement, given the sensitivity of these operations.’
‘That advice is correct, Mr Scraggs. As I said, my responsibility, through intelligence feedback received from local Iban, Dayak and Murat Border Tribesmen, is to advise you of the site locations from which you will commence your assignment vis-a-vie reporting enemy movements and locations. I’ll also update you concerning each move you are to make and when such is to occur. My squadron commander, Major Birtwhistle, will eventually pass a copy of the information back down to me. Is all that understood, Mr Scraggs?’
‘Yes, Sir, completely,’ replied Bill, with some trepidation concerning this officer’s role in everything. Bill had misgivings or concern regarding the officer’s competence and/or experience of directing men who are going into highly dangerous terrain and situations.
‘Incidentally, you may have already been told a Murut border scout by the name of Tuki, will join you as a guide and interpreter. I’ll bring him in shortly and introduce you. Any further questions?’
‘I believe you’ve received a pallet from Labuan containing our specialist equipment.’
‘Yes, it’s locked up in my safe store.’
‘Good, thank you. We also understand you’ll be providing us with local terrain maps and associated map reference coordinates to use, local regional charts, compo rations, a quantity of 9mm and 7.62mm parabellum ammunition and a compatible portable military radio transceiver with hand generator, together with secure military frequencies and usual operating frequency selected so we are able to communicate with you. Am I again correct Sir?’
