Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 6
‘I read something about it when I was in the UK,’ interrupted Bill.
Josh nodded. ‘There’s also the on-going situation between Malaya and Indonesia known as the Confrontation. You’ll know Britain, together with Australia and New Zealand, have intervened and the British Government has given warnings to Indonesian President Sukarno who has been sabre-rattling vis a vis his assertion Malaya and its people should really belong to Indonesia, which the British Government reject and interpret it as a case of expansionism.’
‘I did hear 5 Infantry Brigade were on standby to travel out to Kuching in Borneo on that one.’
‘Correct! Added to that, there’s the on-going problem of the British Protectorate in Aden and the Emergency Campaign escalating there. I understand it’s looking quite dire currently, and Yemeni terrorists have been creating havoc in both the Radfan and Crater areas of Aden. It’s been intimated 1st Battalion the Argyll & Southern Highlanders have been put on standby, as have the combined forces at the main base at Khormaksar.’
‘Bloody hell!’
‘Exactly. There are also reports coming through that Egyptian pilots are flying Egyptian Yak Aircraft on local bombing runs. It seems that Egypt is in support of the Yemen cause and are attacking Omani rural installations.’
‘There’s certainly a lot going on. But getting back to Africa, is the Rhodesia situation likely to get nasty do you think?’
‘Yep. I understand that the Rhodesian Light Infantry and their SAS are getting very well prepared in the event of any confrontation likely to occur with the UK and/or UN armed forces. Local intelligence indicates any declaration would clearly state Rhodesia’s loyalty is to the British Crown and therefore be unaffected. On the other hand, the sympathy of Rhodesian soldiers and officers, it has been revealed, lies firmly with their own country, not the Queen.
When Rhodesian officers training in Britain were recently given an ultimatum to this effect, all but one returned home. However, Smith is confidently predicting that between Kenneth Kaunda’s sabre rattling and the UK’s politicians, the British armed forces would never agree to engage in what could amount to a fratricidal war against Rhodesia.’
Bill needed a drink, and suggested a top up, to which Josh readily agreed.
‘But let me just finish the Rhodesian issue. British intelligence has also revealed the Rhodesian Security Forces have prepared Operation Wizard, which is a secret contingency plan to counter any invasion by British or UN forces in the event Britain did feel it necessary to take a stand. However, Smith was proven correct when a British Ministry of Defence Council, headed by Denis Healey, determined such intervention impossible, thus leading the PM to rule out the use of military force; at least in the interim. So, that’s the scuttle-butt there.’
‘It seems there’s no end to the global unrest in which Britain appears to be involved,’ Bill said.
‘And again, another area of concern is the forthcoming independence elections in Bechuanaland. The British Protectorate High Commission and seat of Government is situated in Mafikeng but is expected to be moved to the newly established Gabarone, currently in the domain of South Africa. Seretse Khama, who is the leader of the independence movement and the legitimate claimant to the Ngwato chieftainship, is expected to be the first president of the country which would be renamed Botswana,’ Josh explained.
‘So how does that affect us here in Kenya in particular, and Britain in general,’ asked Bill.
‘How the situation would affect us is, we’ve heard unofficially, Britain is on standby for their independence elections with a contingent of Special Forces and Foreign Office officials ready for dispatch. It could even include members from this unit providing a level of military and British Government supervision. Primarily, it would be to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and without violence. Some hope! So, mate, keep watching this space.’
‘Well, Josh, thanks for giving me such a comprehensive overview. It’s all good information to be armed with and well worth bearing in mind, particularly for when I get to my reporting-in interview with the OC. I have to admit to some trepidation about the occasion, so it’s comforting to know I won’t come across as a complete schmuck if I’m called upon to air knowledge on any of the scenarios.
Anyhow, getting back to our discussion regarding the potential involvement we might have, on the assumption all might well have been moved on by the time any of the events have kicked off, I’m sure GWS personnel will be involved in some of the global problems.’
‘Again, these are just a few of the potential confrontations Britain will be expected to address. I suspect the boss will brief you a lot more during your meeting, and certainly at subsequent ones,’ Josh said.
‘How’s the current manpower set up in our unit?’
‘We’ve forty parachute-trained and high security-cleared active servicemen ready who will, in all probability, be split between you and me to undertake long and short-range infiltration, reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering duties and patrols and in some cases behind enemy lines.’
Bill opted for a strong black coffee. He didn’t want to turn up to his interview with the OC three sheets to the wind and smelling like a brewery. They chatted about less weighty subjects for a few more minutes, and then Bill left to report in. The arrangement was, he would return to the mess afterwards to have his evening meal with Josh and bring him up to speed vis a vis his interview. There was no doubt about it, Josh was well informed and knowledgeable regarding both local and global affairs, and Bill was highly intrigued by all the information.
Even with some trepidation, he was actually looking forward to the meeting with his new OC. First impressions from both sides of the desk were important and could make or break a working relationship. Whilst he was aware of the major’s track record from what little he’d been able to learn, he felt sure his own record of achievement would be well known to the man and, hopefully, stand Bill in good stead.
The important thing was from a personal perspective, man to man, but of course with recognition of the rank difference. The priority at the moment was to learn what his role and responsibilities would be in this active theatre, together with what possible and predicted dangers and threats were likely to emanate from the Shifta insurgents. It was imperative he get a good handle on the current agenda in order to be effective in pre-empting those situations that had the potential to endanger the lives of his men and himself. His focus now had to be 100% centred on these objectives. No distractions whatsoever!
Chapter 11
It wasn’t the first time Bill had stood before other Commanding Officers as the new man in the unit. Although he was eager to get to this interview, he admitted to himself it was more a case of getting it over and done with than any narcissistic notions of self-importance. Obviously, he knew this was par for the course, and he was just one of some forty men under this OC’s command who were required to go through it. Nevertheless, he was experiencing the usual apprehension of initial interviews, particularly given Major Brown’s formidable reputation.
‘Come,’ was the gruff command when Bill knocked on the door, entered and walked to the desk.
He came to attention and saluted smartly. ‘Good afternoon, Sir. Staff Sergeant Scraggs reporting for duty.’ There was another man sitting beside the OC.
‘Afternoon, Staff. Welcome to Global Wireless Services. I’m Major James Brown, your officer commanding. This gentleman is Mr Sidney Travers of Her Majesty’s Foreign Office Global Wireless Services. He’s here because he’ll be involved with us when his specialist skills are required. Your achievement record tells me you come to us with good credentials.’
‘Thank you, Sir.’
Bill looked at the second man and bid him good afternoon. His expression was bland, showing no signs of either pleasure or distaste, so Bill assumed he was merely evincing the usual stamp of authority as a senior officer.
OK, thought Bill, we know the pecking order so let’s hope we can establish a measure of accord by the time I walk out of here.
The officer commanding was immaculately dressed and looked to be in his late thirties, early forties; young for an officer of his rank. Bill’s mental image of Major Brown was, and as common, incorrect. He’d pegged him as quite short and much older, but standing to attention in front of him, Bill made a guess he’d be a little less than six feet tall when on his feet. The large horizontal scar across his jaw would have most likely, been sustained in some previous posting’s skirmish, and his physique could be described as sinewy. Major Brown’s demeanour left no doubt he was a tough one who could be ruthless, particularly on the battlefield.
Conversely, Sidney Travers was an entirely different kettle of fish; a new one on Bill so he had no preconceived imagery. He appeared to be around the mid-fifties with unimpressive looks; a man you wouldn’t give a second glance at in a crowd. From what the major had just told him, Bill understood unit instructions from the Foreign Office came through him. He judged Travers’ equivalent military rank would probably be major or even lieutenant colonel. This civil servant’s body language projected an air of understated authority and not an individual to get on the wrong side of.
‘I trust you had a good flight and Staff Baines met you OK. Is your accommodation to your liking?’
Bill was surprised by the major’s first question. ‘Yes, yes and yes, Sir, all good. It’s been a long time since Staff Baines and I last served together. He’s made me most welcome and has already introduced me to several of the seniors in the mess, including old comrades. He’s also given me a very comprehensive rundown of general, local and global background information relating to our role here.’
‘Have you seen service in any other African environs before?’ Travers’ accent was distinctly Home Counties.
‘I’ve spent time in Libya and South Africa on occasion, but never East Africa. Out of interest, do our current activities and responsibilities extend globally from this region?’ Bill asked.
‘I’ll leave Major Brown to go into more detail about his unit’s activities,’ responded Travers.
‘Thanks, Sidney. You’ll know by now we’re a global reconnaissance and wireless unit with our regional areas of operation and information-gathering activities directed and controlled by the Foreign Office, via the auspices of Mr Travers here. As such, we operate as a military attachment to the FO. I receive my instructions from Mr Travers (OK, thought Bill, that message already received and understood) and am left to implement and expedite the necessary military strategy and activities with the manpower I have at my disposal,’ concluded the major.
Formalities over, and since it was going to take time for the OC to brief Bill, he was invited to sit. The major referred to a large map of Kenya on the wall.
‘So, this is how the Northern Frontier District of Kenya came into being. Britain retained control of the southern half of the territory that was later retitled the Northern Frontier District. On 26th June 1960, four days before granting British Somaliland its Independence, the British Government declared all Somali-inhabited areas of East Africa be unified into one administrative region and granted its administration to the Kenyan nationalists. At that time, the inhabitants of the NFD were mostly ethnic pastoral Somalis.
‘Permission to speak, Sir?’ and the major nodded. ‘Where do we fit into the equation?’
‘Basically, our role will be to gather intelligence by undertaking covert reconnaissance and surveillance duties only, and report findings back to the FO via their representative here in Nairobi. However, I will expand on that at a more appropriate time. So, to continue. Led by the Northern Province People’s Progressive Party, the Somalis in the NFD vigorously sought union with their kin in the Somali Republic to the north, effectively extending the Somali border to encompass the NFD area. This was not acceptable to the Kenyan Government and was followed by extreme unrest by the disillusioned ethnic Somalis; hence commencement of the Shifta war. All clear so far?’
‘Yes, Sir.’
‘Good. The Kenyan Government routinely placed the Somali leaders in preventative detention, where they remained, and news about the situation was very difficult to obtain. Several reports accused the Kenyans of the mass slaughter of Somali citizens and entire destruction of their villages; cattle were slaughtered in the thousands all more akin to genocide. The Government was also accused of setting up large protected villages. The Kenyan Government refused to acknowledge the Somalis’ ethnically based irredentist motives, citing constant reference to the regional Shifta bandit problem in their official statements.
The largest towns in the area are Garissa, Hola, Bura and Garsen, with Lamu on the Indian Ocean close by. The regions tend to be generally dry and prone to drought, despite the usual rainfall seasons, which are erratic at the best of times. Generally, it’s a good climate with both cool and warm ambience most of the year, but it’s considerably hotter in the NFD and conflicts have occurred between farmers and nomadic tribes over access to water and cattle grazing grounds. So, that’s the basic historical background of the situation here. Do you have any immediate questions, Staff?’
‘Not just now, Sir, but I’m sure I will have in due course,’ replied Bill.
‘Very well. Meantime, get yourself settled in and fully established. Discuss your team set up with Staff Baines and familiarise yourself with the other ranks, bearing in mind you both have fifteen personnel at your command at any one time. Of course, that’s provisional on those who could be on leave, off sick or become so. In such circumstances we have several floaters we can slot in and bring up to speed quickly.’
‘Understood, Sir.’
‘One final point. It’s possible we may have an operational rollout very shortly. I’ll give you and Staff Baines details when I have them and at the time, I’ll convene an O-Group to discuss said operation and give details on how it will be planned and implemented in the field.’
Bill stood, thanked Major Brown and Mr Travers for the comprehensive insight, and said he looked forward eagerly to when any such operation became imminent. It hadn’t exactly been a chummy session, but Bill was quietly confident it went well, taking all things into consideration.
Chapter 12
Although Chief Orango had never had any formal classroom-based education, he was a man who possessed innate tribal cunning, logical reasoning and exceptional fighting skills. Tactically, he knew to bide his time and allow the opposition to become complacent enough to believe they’d had yet another victory over the very poor Pokomo villagers, was the best policy in achieving his goal.
It was now edging towards late September, some four weeks since the attack by the Shifta insurgents on their previous village. Chief Orango and his surviving villagers had made the trek to a new piece of ground close to a water source and constructed kibanda’s (hut or shacks) and fashioned animal enclosures to establish their new village. Being people of limited needs, it didn’t take them long to resume their daily lives in much the same way as in their original village.
During this activity, the chief did the rounds of several other friendly villages to recruit more willing participants, in light of losing so many of his own able-bodied men in their rout. He was gratified with the response of ten who answered the call and these extra men, his village elders and warriors discussed the plan of action he’d been working on. Having learned the location of the Somali Shifta camp from Pokomo-friendly tribes in the area, their retaliatory strike would be at night when least expected and would give them the best chance of success.
All aspects were gone over, and it was agreed twenty warriors, led by Orango, would make ready for the next night. It was about fifteen miles to their target through dense bushland, so as far as was possible they needed to be well rested since stealth, surprise and alertness would be essential. The only weapons they possessed were bows, arrows with poisoned tips, spears and pangas. The Shifta men were likely to have some automatic small arms such as AK-47 automatic rifles. Further information from friendly local villagers estimated the Shifta band to be about fifteen strong.
When they had settled in their new homestead, Orango had put in place a rota of guard duty among those left behind – older men, boys not yet old enough to fight, women and girls. He didn’t want to be caught short again, but now he could leave his village in relative safety.
The war party set out as darkness approached. After the long trek they reached the enemy encampment quietly and stealthily to find, much to their amazement, there were no guards posted. Stone flagons were in evidence, indicating that these dogs had been drinking the local mealy-meal brew, locally known as Pombi, and were all fast asleep on top of their blankets, the night temperature and humidity being high. They were spread around the dying embers of a campfire and Orango saw four of the enemy had automatic rifles by their sides, presumably to ward off wild predators. In their drunken stupor they had obviously not given any thought to a possible ambush from incoming humans.
Orango’s first priority was to capture the weapons so on a signal from him four of his men quietly crept up on the slumbering bodies and carefully removed the guns. This accomplished, the Chief let out a loud whoop! whoop! rousing the insurgents who found themselves faced with a fierce barrage of poisoned arrows, thrusting spears and panga swipes. The band was duly slaughtered in very short shrift.
Chief Orango’s party didn’t come away unscathed; two of his men were killed and several others sustained injuries, albeit minor. The slain Pokomo warriors were laid on makeshift stretchers and carried back to their village to show them due respect, whilst the only attention the enemy corpses were given was to be spat on, kicked and left for the scavengers.
