Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 8
As luck would have it the OC had the time to see them immediately, so they walked along to his office to find Travers was also present.
‘OK, gentlemen, let’s have what you’ve got,’ the major said, indicating they sit down.
‘Well, Sir, the plan is to have the men climb Mounts Kenya and Kilimanjaro to assess their stamina, endurance and abilities in adverse conditions. The aim isn’t competitive, but if one or two types of record are broken so well and good. Once we reach our end goals we’d communicate to confirm status. At a rough estimate, the distance is approximately 200 miles between the two locations.’ Josh laid out his detailed plan on Mount Kilimanjaro for A-team, and when he’d finished Bill did likewise for Mount Kenya.
‘Of course, we’d require the use of two 3-ton trucks; one to transport us to Arusha and the other to Nanyuki, the start points for each climb. Regarding airdrops, perhaps you’d be good enough to contact OC Air Wing to task a Beaver, preferably with Staff Noakes as pilot since he knows our men and has carried out numerous similar drops,’ requested Bill.
Josh nodded. ‘Also, we’d ask you, Mr Travers, to provide us with portable radios and frequencies for communication between summits as well as contact in the event of emergency.’
‘OK, Mr Travers, you’ll see to the radios, I’ll liaise with OC Air Wing and you two can organise the trucks. So, what’s the planned schedule for the complete exercise?’
‘Tomorrow we’ll check the stores have all the equipment we need, and marshal it ready for loading on Monday morning, as well as getting confirmation that muleteers are available at both Nanyuki and Arusha. Furthermore, on Monday, we propose to hold a briefing to give the teams details and instructions about what’s expected of them. We think 1400 hours would be a good time for that. Kick-off would be very early Tuesday morning and the whole exercise should take no longer than eight days start to finish,’ concluded Josh.
‘Well, gentlemen, it’s put together in a satisfactory way and at such short notice; I’m impressed. A good example of your organisational skills and any future pressures you may encounter.’
Bill and Josh tried not to blush at the rare compliment the OC gave them, but it was hard to keep straight faces.
The OC consulted his diary and confirmed he and Travers would attend the briefing on Monday. When they closed the OC’s door on the way out, the slap on the back they gave each other nearly sent them tumbling down the steps outside. They walked back to the office and tidied their desks.
Bill smiled at Josh, ‘after all that brain-strain I’m starving. What say we meet in the mess in a couple of hours and get some food down us?’
Chapter 15
Josh knocked on Bill’s door at 0730 hours Sunday morning.
‘Not disturbing you, am I?’
‘Morning, Josh,’ Bill said cheerfully. ‘No, I was just reading the week-old Sunday papers which arrived on the early morning delivery flight. You haven’t come to tell me you’ve thought of more work that needs doing, have you?’
‘No, mate. R & R day, remember? It’s been full on and we haven’t had a break since you arrived. I’ve got transport, so if you can get yourself organised we’ll head out around 1000 hours to show you some of the countryside. I thought I’d introduce you to the Brown Trout at Limuru in the Central Highlands, a real favourite for Sunday lunch. The food’s mouth-watering. FYI, it’ll amuse you to learn Limuru is a corruption that translates as a place full of donkey droppings would you believe. We’ll get lunch there, OK?’
Bill’s face lit up and he nodded, hooting with laughter.
‘The Central Highlands is one of the main tea planting areas of Kenya so you’ll get to see some of the spectacular countryside along the way. After which we can relax and do a spot of sunbathing by the camp pool. How would that all grab you,’ said Josh.
‘Now that sounds just great. I can’t think of anything better I’d rather do with the day. Thanks,’ Bill enthused.
‘Good. So, meet me by my car and we’ll get started.’
Along the way they stopped at various places for Bill to take photographs of the absolutely stunning landscape. They passed swathes of lush pastureland demonstrating acres of wheat, tea and corn as well as grazing cattle and sheep. Some of the arable growing fields would be feedstuff for the animals, whilst others would produce high quality meat for human consumption. The white highland farmers had really made a remarkable job of cultivating the region, although it had to be remembered their toil and determination had not been without problems, vis a vis the atrocities perpetrated by the Mau Mau incursions less than a decade earlier.
‘Plenty of wildlife around here,’ commented Bill, as a troop of baboons made their unhurried way across the road in front of the car. ‘I’d imagine it’s quite a headache, not to mention expense, keeping the growing areas fenced against animal invasion.’
‘Yes, but overall the wildlife mainly sticks to its own habitats in the bush and forests away from human activity. There’s much more wildlife where they came from and I’m sure you’ll get to see plenty including the big five whilst you’re here; lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and cape buffalo.’
‘It’s really amazing how, over the years, the expats have developed this land with such high-quality marketable produce.’
Yesterday’s rain had been refreshing and the terrain looked newly washed the higher they went. Today the sky was cloudless and although it was warm, the sun was not intense. Everywhere was so green.
Bill suddenly felt very poetic. ‘You know, driving up here reminds me very much of the Kent countryside.’
That was fanciful, but he knew what he meant and there was a wistful tone in his voice. Josh slowed the car as they passed white Kenyan farmers’ smallholdings. Bill admired the beautiful flowering trees surrounding the residential farmhouses. Josh schooled him on the tree names; Red Dogwood, Cleveland Pear, Yellow Laburnum, Mimosa, Pink and White Magnolia, Red Gulmoha, Crepe Myrtle Pink, Japanese Cherry Blossom and Violet Wisteria, all of which he identified from a small book on Kenyan trees and flowers he always carried for reference purposes.
In the centre of one vast well-kept lawn was a huge slice of natural wood cut from the bole of a tree, in the centre of which stood a large ornamental dish containing what he believed were orange slices. Flowering borders were attracting honeybees and butterflies of multiple colours surrounding the velvet lawn. Absolutely spectacular. Mum would think she’d died and gone to heaven if she saw this, Bill thought.
The journey had just brought them to the start of the escarpment road, and Josh announced he needed to take a leak so pulled the car over to the opposite side of the road and shot off into the bushes. When he got back Bill was sitting on the bank staring out at the stunning panoramic view across the Rift Valley. Josh walked over, sat down beside him and took a pack of Rex cigarettes from his pocket. To say Bill was surprised would be putting it mildly.
‘That’s a turn up. I had no idea you were a smoker! You learn something new every day, eh?’
‘I’m in the process of quitting but haven’t quite got there yet. Now and again, in extreme relaxation mode I indulge. For me it adds pleasure to the moment.’ Each to his own and who am I to criticise, thought Bill.
‘Do you ever reminisce about home, old friends, your other life,’ asked Bill, pensively. ‘We’ve worked together in the past but never really talked. It was all about army life, having fun, meeting girls, living for the moment... you know?’
‘You’re right. We didn’t, did we? OK, memory lane stuff, eh? So, let’s have your potted history mate?’
‘Not much to tell, really. It’s all very humdrum and ordinary. Mum ended up a single parent with two kids to support, my sister and me, because dad was shipped off to fight in the army at the beginning of the war and we were evacuated to Blyth in 1943. I was nine and my sister two. I got a lot of stick at school because I was a real sickly wimp. Dad was killed, and we went back to London at the end of the war when I was eleven.’
‘Oh, sorry, mate.’
Bill shrugged. ‘Even at that age I knew it was sink or swim where my chest problems were concerned, so I joined a local gym and gradually built up to local competition standard. Since then I’ve been fanatical about staying fit and keeping healthy. I took my HND in electrical engineering, and then joined the army in 1956 age twenty-two. Basically, it seemed the right option for me, post war employment being what it was. Since then my life has been army all the way; schooling, training, promotions, three squares, accommodation, postings and girls ad infinitum... Well, you know the story. I can’t begin to imagine any other life now. So, how about you, what’s your sorry tale?’
‘Much the same as yours really. I was born and raised in the Welsh valleys, Merthyr Tydfil to be precise. When I left school at fifteen I did an apprenticeship in an iron foundry, kicked around a bit locally and had a sort of puppy love girlfriend that wasn’t going anywhere. My fault I suppose because I admit I was a bit of a loner. The area, the people, the whole grinding almost poverty sort of life just bored and depressed me rigid. I knew I wanted something better and wanted out. Something, anything to break out of the monotony and greys of the Welsh valleys of those days, so I walked into the local recruitment office and joined up. Of course, putting it mildly, my mam and da were not pleased but I stuck to my guns. Now, here I am and, like you, I love the life and if it can be said of anyone, it’s certainly made a man of me and there’s never been a dull moment; at least not up ’til now!’
They stood quietly for a while, both remembering their beginnings. Then Bill came to a decision.
‘I want to say something, Josh, but I’m worried you may think I’m bang out of order.’
‘Go on then boyo. I’ll tell you if you’ve crossed the line!’
‘Ok, well here goes. We’re both Staff Sergeants but came here by different routes to meet up again which, from my point of view, is a really good break. But, and I hope it’s not going to be a big but, I get the impression you might just be feeling some angst where I’m concerned. Don’t get me wrong, you haven’t said or done anything out of place since I arrived, in fact quite the opposite. But once or twice I’ve detected some irritation. I tend to be one of those sad buggers that get a bit sensitive sometimes where others are concerned. It probably stems from being bullied at school and having to shoulder the man of the house role from the age of eleven I suspect. Therefore, if you do have any issues I’d far rather they get aired so I know where I stand since we have to work together; at least for the foreseeable future.’
Bill didn’t know what the outcome of this conversation was going to be and was experiencing a knot of apprehension. He stopped talking and waited.
‘Whew! You don’t pull any punches, do you? OK yes, you’re right and now you’ve raised it I’d like to get it out in the open as well. My beef is really disappointment, I suppose, at being passed over for the lead role in this posting, especially since I’ve been here ahead of you doing all the organising.
Rationally, I’m perfectly aware you had nothing to do with the decision to level peg us, so to speak. Such decision was made higher up the command chain. It could well be your qualifications top mine, although in that case you’d naturally be in pole position but, well, no-one likes rejection.
Childish, eh? Us taffies can do the drama queen if we feel short-changed, and the Celtic fire isn’t too far below the surface. Anyway, I’ll admit to a measure of resentment, and can get irritated sometimes. I did some hard self-analysis the other morning, gave myself a good talking to and pretty much got my head sorted.
Anyway, I am glad you’ve brought it up. If you ever think my tetchiness is unjustified, speak up. I know my shortcomings, taking things personally being one of them. But I assure you I’ll lay it down and work alongside you peaceably. Now, can we call it a day and shake on it?’
Josh grinned somewhat sheepishly. He wasn’t used to bearing his soul like this.
They shook hands.
‘Phew! That’s a relief,’ Bill said. ‘Now, how about lunch?’
The lunch period at the restaurant was still in full swing when the pair arrived at the Brown Trout, and Bill was awe-struck with the setting. He was really impressed with the carving skill of the native artists sitting outside whittling wood and displaying their completed handiwork for sale.
The restaurant was busy with white and Asian couples eating, laughing and exchanging local gossip. A young African waiter in a long white thwab and red fez showed them to a small table on the veranda. There was the usual hubbub of a very busy establishment, as Josh had said, very obviously a favourite with the locals, particularly on a Sunday.
When they’d finished their lunch (excellent barbecued trout from the nearby river), Bill took photos of the wood carvers and bought a couple of souvenirs, after which they drove at a casual pace around the highland area revealing yet more vast swathes of beautiful pasture. They arrived back at Kahawa just in time for late afternoon tiffin by the pool, and later adjourned to the mess dining room.
The slight niggle in their relationship now put to bed, they sat and discussed their modus operandi for the proposed climb of the two giant mountains and reviewed the demands this operational exercise was going to place on them all. The main concern was their action in the event of any serious accident and being confident they carried sufficient medical supplies. During the evening meal they talked about the procedure for calling up the casevac air support in the event of such an emergency, as well as reviewing the re-supply airdrop arrangements. So many things to organise and put in place, and it were well on into the late evening before a halt was called. Tomorrow was D-day and they would get stuck in, very much in earnest.
Chapter 16
Again, the weather promised to be good. At 0600 hours Bill and Josh met for a quick coffee and bite to eat. It was going to be a very busy day. In fact, the next eight or nine days were going to be not only busy but challenging, if their plans ran true to form and everything was achieved.
‘Right,’ started Josh. ‘The first priority is to organise the men for workouts in the gym. We need them one hundred percent fit for the coming ordeal.’
‘Agreed, but I’m thinking it would be a better use of time if we have them load all the equipment first, to avoid any delay in the morning. It shouldn’t take more than, say, a couple of hours and then follow with the gym for workouts,’ countered Bill.
‘Right, breakfast should be completed by 0630 hours. Roll-call first, loading next, which shouldn’t take more than, as you say, a couple of hours, then over to the gym for three hours before lunch break. Then the meeting at 1400 hours to fill them in on all aspects of my team’s Kilimanjaro climb and yours of Kenya’s. You happy with that?’
‘Yep. Once we’ve summarised the whole exercise we throw it open for Q and A’s. I don’t think the total business should take more than a couple of hours, give or take. That gives us enough time to make final preparations for the trip.’
‘An early muster in the morning, say 0545 hours, should get us on the road by 0600 hours. I have to say, I’m really looking forward to this,’ said Bill, with a smile.
‘Me too. Right, so let’s go get roll-call done.’
When the men were mustered they were given their instructions for the day and told any questions would be addressed at the briefing after lunch.
Lunch over, the two teams reassembled in the conference billet and were ordered to stand when the OC and Travers walked in. The major addressed them.
‘Mr Travers and I are here to listen again to these plans, and we may have a few questions and comments arise of our own at the end. Please carry on, Staff Sergeant’s.’
Josh stood at the lectern to commence his brief.
‘Thank you, Sir. A-Team listen carefully.’ Turning, he referred to the map on the presentation board and, using a hand pointer, traced the route for the ascent of Kilimanjaro, which would terminate at the Uhuru peak summit.
‘We start off in the Kilimanjaro National Park at the Machame Gate. I’ve chosen the Machame route for our ascent, also known as the Whisky Route.’
A short burst of laughter echoed around the room. ‘You can draw your own conclusions on that! It’s probably one of the most popular routes, although might be considered difficult by some. The days are long and the walks steep, which is why we’re tackling it. It’s better suited for the more adventurous climbers and those with hiking and backpacking experience like us. The route begins from the south here, then heads east, traversing beneath the southern ice field before summiting here,’ he said, indicating with the pointer.
‘This trek requires six days minimum but, as a precaution, I’m allowing seven. I can tell you the route is scenically spectacular and very varied. For those interested in the natural world it’ll be a real treat. Since it’s October, it’s often colder with some snow covering. However, the higher we climb visibility improves with only occasional precipitation. The level of fitness required is paramount but, having said that, climbing Kilimanjaro is basically a walk in the park for the more experienced of our calibre.
The whole route should be comfortably completed in seven days, allowing sufficient time for gradual acclimatisation. There are, however, known difficulties on this route, and it should be particularly borne in mind we will pass an area near the Shira Ridge with the possible potential of having to climb the Barranco Wall, which could be physically demanding. However, I don’t anticipate it will prove troublesome for our team.
My plan is we take five days ascending and two days descending. I’ve hired muleteers to transport equipment up to the first hut at Machame Camp where we’ll spend nights one and two. Night three we spend at New Shira Camp, night four will be at Lava Tower Camp and night five at Crater Camp.
