Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 29
‘Yes, Mr Scraggs. All is ready and waiting to be collected from my store. Please let me know if there is anything else you require before your departure.’
‘How do we get to our first village location?’ enquired Bill.
‘I have tasked a Royal Air Force Whirlwind helicopter to fly you and all your ancillaries to the LZ at Tebedu. The long house is just off the centre of the village, where about fifty Ibans and their families live. It’s about 5,000 yards to the nearest border point, and there are some mountain ridges between the village and border as part of the main central mountain range.
You should be able to select a suitable location on the border-facing ridge at about 1,000 feet with a clear unobstructed view below. It could also have some convenient jungle coverage as well. It’s unfortunate the weather isn’t good at present. You should also be aware that a police station near Tebedu was attacked in the spring of last year by a party of Indonesian soldiers who were repelled by a troop of Gurkhas.’
‘Understood and noted Sir. I’m sure we’ll find a suitable location where we can spend significant covert observation time. Our training and experiences have honed us for such operations over a period of several years.’
‘Good to hear. So, having wrapped that all up the only item left is to tell you that you are scheduled to leave this location at 0900 hours on Tuesday 18th February.’
‘On a more personal note Sir, what is the likely schedule for short R&R breaks,’ asked Seth glancing at Bill and Darren.
‘Subject to emergencies, local circumstances and approval from BRITBOR, it’s usually normal for short breaks of one week to be granted here at Kuching after six weeks in post. After four months, it’s usually three weeks to regional locations of choice, including RAF indulgence to Singapore if required. All this of course, is subject to prevailing conditions and would be on a rotating personnel basis only.’
‘Understood and noted,’ replied Seth.
‘I think it’s time for you to meet Tuki.’
The captain asked Miss Soo to fetch the Murut Scout, who arrived ten minutes later.
‘Good morning Tuki, and welcome,’ said the captain.
‘Good morning, Sir.’
‘Let me introduce you to the team you’ll be joining for the next few months.’ The captain introduced the team and hands were shaken all round.
Bill’s first impression of Tuki was of a personable young man whose age was difficult to judge. He had a light brown complexion, smiling brown eyes and was well built with a bearing reminiscent of a Gurkha soldier. His understanding was that the scouts were very proficient at what they undertook, and excellent Bushmen. Tuki’s English was almost perfect, so there’d be no language problems for the team.
‘As it’s Saturday and lunch hour, I intend we close this meeting and you, Tuki, make arrangements to meet with the team either over the weekend or Monday prior to departing for Tebedu on Tuesday.’
Bill nodded and said he’d meet Tuki in the foyer of the mess on Monday at 0900 hours if the timing was OK. Tuki confirmed he would be there.
‘Oh, and by the way, I must just remind you in terms of safety, don’t forget to ensure your HP Binoculars don’t have reflective lenses We don’t want to alert the enemy and compromise your position, do we.’ said the captain.
‘Of course not, Sir. We have special filters for the purpose,’ replied Bill, feeling mild irritation.
The officer must think we are both stupid and amateurs in our work. It just reinforced his theory of what little knowledge some desk-bound officers had compared with those working in the field, when it came to the exigencies and details of their covert reconnaissance and operational roles. This officer was also rather arrogant. Most commissioned officers with the rank of captain usually respected the experience warrant officers could bring to them, particularly in an active command and environment such as the current situation.
Bill informed the captain he would get back to him on Tuesday morning to cover any final points before they left. The trio saluted and left the office.
As Bill was finishing his breakfast on Monday morning and catching up on the local news in the Straits Times, an orderly approached him and advised there was a Murut named Tuki asking for him and was waiting in the mess foyer. He folded his paper and walked out to meet Tuki.
‘Good morning Tuki, how are you?’
‘Good morning Sir, just fine thank you Sir.’
‘Come through and join us,’ Bill invited. The four sat and Bill ordered coffee. ‘How long have you been assigned to 99 Gurkha Brigade and Scouting duties?’
‘Twelve months now but it seems much longer.’
‘So, I guess you’re familiar with most of the territory we’ll be observing?’
‘I have most experience in 1st division and the associated border region,’ replied Tuki.
‘That’s good news. Well, welcome to my team.’ Bill smiled encouragement at Seth and Darren.
‘Yes, good to be working with you, Tuki,’ enthused Seth.
‘And a hearty welcome from me too,’ stated Darren.
‘Thank you, gentlemen, I look forward to working with you all.’
‘So, take-off at 0900 hours eh! We’ll need to ensure our pallet of equipment is loaded beforehand. I said I’d check in with the captain prior to take-off, which I’ll do during today, so let’s meet at 0800 hours at the airstrip to check our stuff’s loaded onto the Whirlwind. Wouldn’t want to get all the way to Tebedu to find it’s been left behind. How long will it take us to reach our destination, Tuki?’
‘Approximately thirty minutes, when airborne,’ replied Tuki with confidence.
Once they had established all was arranged and agreed Tuki, left the mess.
Chapter 50
Base Reconnaissance Camp, Tebedu, Division One
Bill reported to Captain McBride at 0730 hours on Tuesday 18th February to inform him they were about to depart for Tebedu.
‘As soon as we arrive and have set up, I’ll radio you to confirm status,’ Bill told the captain.
‘Very good, Mr Scraggs. Have a safe trip.’
Although there had been a short respite from the deluge of rain during the previous twenty-four hours, it again started a downpour coupled with a descending mist. It wasn’t the best of flying weather. At 0800 hours, Bill met the team at the airstrip buildings where they had assembled with personal belongings. The RAF Whirlwind was parked waiting for the cargo and passengers and a forklift vehicle was standing by, to load the pallet on board.
‘Morning team.’
‘Morning, Skipper,’ they greeted in unison.
‘OK, let’s see this cargo loaded.’
The forklift driver engaged the pallet and manoeuvred it through the access door where it was moved into position and strapped down by two on-board air force handlers. By this time Bill’s poncho was soaking wet, and it was with relief he and his team climbed aboard.
At precisely 0900 hours the pilot fired up the two-coupled Gnome engines and after a few minutes the aircraft lifted off. Although the journey was short, looking at the terrain below them the jungle was dense and seemed almost impenetrable. At 1040 hours the Whirlwind ceased forward motion and settled into hover mode. This enabled the team to get a visual of the LZ close to the village of Tebedu. Below them were several Dayak tribesmen who had gathered to watch the incoming aircraft.
As soon as the pilot had touched down he cut the engines and the rotor blades ceased turning. Bill and his team, assisted by some of the villagers offloaded the pallet and carried the equipment to the nearby long house, depositing it inside. The pilot gave the thumbs up, started the main rotor and within minutes had lifted off heading back to Kuching.
Bill asked Tuki to speak to the local chief of the village and agree the necessary space in the long house for them to bunk down in. Ironically, long house was the right name for these locally constructed houses, built on stilts four feet off the ground, being some sixty feet long and perhaps 30 feet wide, but having very little window space they lacked ample internal light even during the day. Bill accompanied the chief, along with Tuki for interpretation purposes, entered the long house and discussed the areas they would occupy during their stay. The chief graciously invited them to eat their main cooked meals with his villagers if it would please them and Bill expressed his thanks, assuring the old chief they would be honoured to do so; anything to break the monotony of army compo rations! Seth and Darren grinned and nodded enthusiastically. Since there were no luxuries like chairs and tables, they all sat down on the wooden floor to go over the forward plans.
‘OK, team. First off, we’ll use the rest of the day to unpack the equipment and whatever personal items we require. Obviously, we need to do a lot of improvising but I’m sure we can knock-up temporary tables with the help of the villagers. That’s something Tuki can organise for us.’ Bill looked at the scout as he said this. ‘We’ll also need to mark off a small galley area for cooking our compo and brewing purposes.
Regarding sleep time, we’ll erect our jungle hammocks which will be preferable to the floor. Side arms will always be carried, and I want a guard rota during meals and time away from the hut to protect our remaining weapons, ammunition and other important items pertaining to our work.
The next job of importance for you two is to set up the antennae, military and FO connections to the radios and to erect the hand generators. I can leave you to deal with it, can’t I?’
‘No problem, Skipper.’
‘Right, next priority. Tomorrow Tuki I want you to reconnoitre the area towards the border and in the mountain reaches for a suitable location to set up our observation position overlooking the Koemba River, around the areas of Biawak and Cabjnet. I know I am repeating myself but I can’t stress enough the necessity of good overgrowth cover and a clear field of vision. We need to hold and control the high ground, at a preferable elevation of some 1,000ft to gain advantage.’
‘Yes, Sir, no problem. It will probably take me most of the day so I’ll leave after first meal in the morning.’
‘Good. So, let’s get to work and make life as comfortable as possible, and when we’re done we can discuss our on going operation.’
The rain outside was still torrential, although the mist that threatened to impede their flight had lifted somewhat. They worked doggedly to get their show on the road and apart from a short stop for lunch and a brew of tea, carried on late into the afternoon. During the day Bill made a stock check of all items on the pallet to satisfy himself nothing was missing, lost, stolen or had dropped off.
He issued 9mm ammunition rounds and instructed Seth and Darren to load their H2S side arms and ensure the weapons were in standard military procedure safe mode. They unpacked three magazines for the SMG Sten guns and held them separately and safely. Seth and Darren had erected the wire antennae for both the army Larkspur portable and FO HF 100 and VHF P225 transceivers, all with fully charged batteries. Bill decided it was time to make a secure radio sitrep to Captain McBride and Major Birtwhistle for onward transmission to Captain Roberts and Mr Reeves in Singapore. He switched the radios on, tuned them in and made his first call to Captain McBride on the secure frequency that was answered promptly.
‘Good afternoon, Sir, WO Scraggs reporting in as agreed. All’s good here.’
‘Acknowledged, Mr Scraggs.’ In the interests of security he abruptly closed the call.
Bill made his second call to Major Birtwhistle on the HF 100 transceiver using the FO secure frequency that again was promptly answered.
‘Good afternoon, Sir. WO Scraggs reporting with current sitrep to inform you all is well here. I’ll continue to make regular sitreps for your onward transmission as and when I have anything of importance to report.’
‘Afternoon Mr Scraggs. Heads-up acknowledged. I’ll await your next sitrep.’ Again, short and sweet and the transmission ended. Bill well understood brief calls aided security. After the calls, the radios were left open on stand-by.
Now it was time to eat. Tuki had just returned and announced that a hot meal was ready in the chief’s long house whence their presence would be welcomed.
‘Best news I’ve had all day Tuki’ replied Darren.
‘OK, rota duties commence now. Seth, you stay here with the equipment for about forty-five minutes and when Darren has finished eating he’ll relieve you to get your supper. OK?’
‘OK, Skipper.’
Bill, Darren and Tuki made the short walk to the chief’s long house. Whatever it was, the aroma of cooking smelled good. About twenty tribesmen were sitting cross-legged in a circle, and in the middle of the floor was a large rattan mat on which stood steaming pots of food. Tuki thanked the chief on their behalf and they sat down on the floor. Banana leaves were being used as plates and these were passed to them heaped with meats, various local vegetables, and bamboo shoots etcetera. There was no sign of cutlery since it was normal to eat with the fingers.
An earthenware pot containing an unidentifiable beverage was also passed to them in half-coconut shells as cups. Finger bowls for cleaning the hands was provided where they sat. The food was excellent and, out of courtesy, they didn’t ask Tuki to identify exactly what they were eating. It was certainly hot and spicy but politic not to know. Whilst they ate they surveyed the interior of the hut where more than a dozen shrunken-head trophies hung from the ceiling. These were the spoils of their former headhunting practice, which was now forbidden.
Bill took a drink of the liquid and gasped as it hit the back of his throat. It had to be well over 100% proof and his eyes began to water. After just a few sips he felt decidedly lightheaded. He glanced across at Darren and saw he too, was getting the same reaction. Tuki didn’t appear to be affected whatsoever.
‘This local booze is like rocket fuel,’ commented Bill looking at Darren and Tuki.
‘As you’re honoured guests it’s a very special brew concocted just for you, and known locally as tuak or bahar,’ said Tuki with a mischievous grin. As a local he was obviously well used to the dubious potent concoction.
‘OK, you better warn Seth about the brew when you get back,’ Bill told Darren, through lips that were going numb.
‘Will do. I’m just about ready to relieve Seth now,’ replied Darren as he rose on unsteady legs and tried not to stumble as he went outside.
Ten minutes later Seth arrived for his supper that he also thoroughly enjoyed. He was fervently hoping and praying it wasn’t orangutan they were eating because it was one of his favourite creatures.
When the meal was finished, Bill and Seth asked Tuki to compliment the chief on the excellent food and thank him for his hospitality. The chief said something to Tuki and they both laughed. Once outside, Tuki translated the chief’s comment that maybe they were still a little wet behind the ears, but when they left his village they’d be well trained in the art of village life. They were bordering on intoxication and very unsteady on their feet, not a dissimilar condition to a raucous night in the mess. There was no getting away from it, a good night’s sleep was guaranteed!
However, the barking of the village dogs roused them at around 0600 hours and needless to say, all were experiencing more than just mild hangovers. When the hexamine stove was fired up a strong brew of coffee was prepared and they started to feel more human. After their compo bacon, baked beans and potato, along with hardtack biscuits for breakfast they all felt pretty much back to normal although Bill thought the hair of the dog wouldn’t have gone amiss as well.
Once the breakfast debris had been cleared away, Tuki went off for the day to reconnoitre the border area. It was still raining heavily but he seemed not to notice. Bill had decided the rest of them would discuss plans for their forward reconnaissance.
‘When Tuki alerts us to a suitable observation post, Seth and I will take up position and work together for seven days after which you, Darren and Tuki will replace us. The two back at base will carry out admin and lookout duties, together with chill-out time. We’ll make routine daily radio contact at 0800 hours between here and the observation post. The exception would, of course, be for emergencies, casevac etc.
I’ll make routine sitreps to Major Birtwhistle to notify important enemy movements but other than that, in the interests of security, we maintain radio silence. Do either of you see any holes in the plan?’
‘My only observation is what about food rations and water at the observation post,’ proffered Seth.
‘We can ferry those as and when required.’
‘A seven-day rotation,’ noted Darren.
‘Correct, starting tomorrow. Is that a problem?’
‘No, just thinking aloud Skipper.’
At 1500 hours, still wearing his poncho and storm hat, a very wet Tuki returned to base. Bill asked Seth to brew tea, and when Tuki had dried out they sat to discuss his findings.
‘I think I’ve found the ideal spot. Good jungle cover surrounded by significant rock face with 100% field of vision to the east, south and west. Also an excellent view of river craft movement on the Koemba. It’s about two and a half miles due south,’ Tuki reported.
‘First class. In the morning you, Seth and I will take a look at the location and Darren can stand guard here.’
After the evening compo meal, courtesy HM Armed Forces, they opted for an early night. However, not long after getting their heads down, a fiercesome wind whipped up and there was a violent electric storm. Ear-splitting thunder rolled across the heavens and great streaks of forked lightning tore the darkness. The majesty of the spectacle was awesome and like no other meteorological condition on earth save perhaps a typhoon, cyclone or hurricane. This high velocity turbulence rarely lasted long in any one place as it tracked its way across the skies, they did eventually drift off as it eased and moved away.
