Deep behind enemy lines, p.20
Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 20
‘Thanks. It was just a stray bullet that caught me. Hopefully, a week as one of the walking wounded should see me almost back to new. I can tell you, I’m relieved it’s all over and the objective achieved,’ breathed Bill weakly, but with heartfelt relief.
‘I think a week might be faith over optimism but, as soon as you’ve got yourself sorted, the old man would like to see you, possibly to bollock you for taking a bullet, but more likely for a post military operation debriefing. He’s aware of your injury so it will, of course, be in a couple of days.’
‘OK, I’ll be there. But I’ll have to see how the walking goes,’ replied Bill as his eyelids drooped again.
‘OK. You take care now and do as you’re told whilst you’re in here. Hopefully, I’ll see you back at Kahawa late tomorrow or the day after.’
The following day the MO looked at Bill’s leg wound, checked he could put weight on it and again emphatically stressed he walk with care. He had no desire to see Bill back with complications. He said the stitches would be removed in about ten days if flesh and skin had knitted satisfactorily, and he should check in at the medical centre to have the dressing changed to avoid infection. Only then did he sign him off and give permission for him to leave hospital. Bill got the Medcen ambulance to run him across to Kahawa Barracks.
Aided by a walking stick, Bill climbed from the ambulance and made his way slowly into the mess where Josh was waiting, and a few well-earned beers and a more than welcome lunch were ordered.
‘I’ve been told to lay off the booze for at least 24 hours ’til the anaesthetic washes out, and I’m also on painkillers. Best to make it coffee this time, thanks,’ said Bill, sitting down at the nearest table with his leg stretched out in front of him.
‘How’s the leg?’
‘Funnily enough it feels reasonably stable at the moment would you believe, and I can walk without too much of a limp.’ Actually, it was an attempt at a brave front. At that moment his leg was throbbing from ankle to groin.
‘That’s good news. Although from the look on your face it tells a different story! So, your claim to fame was the bagging of Khalid al Gurreh, eh?’
‘Well, we managed to apprehend him even though he got wounded. As was I come to that. Sort of tit for tat. He fired at me, so I fired back, thank God without either of us being killed. I’m told he’s being held in the prison at Buller Camp and will be transferred to the Nairobi prison at Wilson Road once his wound has sufficiently healed.’
‘Then, I suppose, this case will be handed over to the Nairobi judiciary where he and the other two insurgents will be incarcerated until the trial’ noted Josh.
‘Yep. It should be within a couple of months I’m sure,’ responded Bill.
‘And now the recent military operations have come to a successful conclusion I guess tomorrow we just carry on with business as usual; everyday duties and training personnel,’ said Josh.
‘I need to meet with the OC, so I’ll get over there when we’ve done with lunch.’
Bill left Josh in the mess and slowly limped over to the OC’s office, leaning heavily on the walking stick. He knocked on the door and entered.
‘Good afternoon, Sir. Reporting as requested. A bit late I’m afraid.’
‘Good afternoon, Staff.’ Major Brown shook Bill’s hand and Travers followed suit.
‘Have a seat man, or do you prefer to stand with your stick?’
‘Sit, thank you, Sir.’
‘We’re sorry to hear you were wounded. A sniper bullet caught me similarly as you can see from the scar on my face. However, I trust you’ve been well treated. How are you managing on the leg,’ enquired the OC.
‘Surprisingly well, Sir,’ he said again. ‘I guess the wound wasn’t as bad as I first thought.’ There was no point in whining. ‘It was clean through and through and didn’t hit any bone or vital blood vessel, so I was lucky there. It’s tightly bound up and, with care, should heal well. Let’s say it was an indirect parting gift from al Gurreh,’ grinned Bill.
‘A really tremendous achievement, so well done. This one will go down in Kenya’s military history, not to mention this unit’s. However, there’s still a lot of active intervention to follow up on because, regrettably, this unrest will probably continue for some time to come. Nonetheless, with the current achievements, we’ve successfully put a stop to one of the Shifta Islamic fundamentalist groups and their formidable leader in this region,’ he crowed.
‘I think the greatest achievement was down to the coalition platoons who bagged Khalid al Gurreh alive,’ asserted Bill.
‘Oh, come now, Staff. Modesty is all well and good but take credit when it’s due. The platoon commanders told me it was down to your swift action in pursuit of al Gurreh when he made a break for it. So, congratulations. A job extremely well done,’ lauded the OC, which was echoed by Travers.
Bill flushed self-consciously feeling very honoured, and decidedly proud on behalf of all the men.
‘Anyway, we’ll talk more about Operation Sea Eagle once you’ve settled back into unit routine. Again, well done, Staff,’ concluded the OC. Bill saluted and limped from the office thinking, somewhat uncharitably, the successful operation would also be a nice big feather in the old man’s cap.
Major Brown turned to Travers and said ‘I think in this instance and Staff Scraggs’ action in the operation deserves a recommendation for the GSM (General Service Medal) what do you think?’
‘Certainly, perhaps you will follow this up with the Brigadier as part of an honours list award and I shall also refer it to the FO’ replied Travers.
‘Let’s take the initiative then’ said the OC.
As soon as he’d checked all equipment had been returned to the stores, and confirmed Travers would recover the radio equipment from the KAR and Oxfordshire regiments, Bill made his way back to the mess to rest his leg and enjoy the evening meal with Josh, planning on turning in early. He wasn’t surprised how weary he felt.
‘Sleep is what you need now mate. We’ve got a number of things to catch up on tomorrow, especially since New Year’s Eve is looming.’
‘Well, I’m ready to get back in the saddle, so to speak. I only hope this leg doesn’t hinder me too much whilst it’s healing.’
Chapter 37
Back in the office next morning they quickly dispatched the outstanding paperwork including Bill’s report for the OC. Bill’s leg had eased marginally, he suspected more as the result of the prescribed painkillers, his general fitness and a good night’s rest than the actual healing process, but it was early days yet. He didn’t like using the walking stick, but he’d be sensible and continue to use it under the Doc’s orders for a few days at least.
At 0900 hours the OC rang and summoned Bill and Josh to his office. They walked slowly over and after greeting them, they and Travers were ushered to the conference table by the OC, so Bill could stretch his leg.
‘Suffice it to say, your recent exercise regime, as well as both active operations, have been unqualified successes, the latter culminating in al Gurreh finally being apprehended,’ Major Brown said.
‘Without doubt we all benefitted immensely in every respect,’ responded Bill.
‘So, tell me, was the support you received from other units and personnel good, and was the equipment up to standard and fit for purpose?’
‘I’d say excellent from my standpoint, during both the exercise regimes and operations I was involved in. We wouldn’t have performed so well without the excellent support. Staff Scraggs should answer regarding his own experience during his operations,’ replied Josh.
The OC turned to Bill.
‘No reservations at all, Sir, all is in my written report to you’ responded Bill.
‘Good to hear. However, that’s not the main reason for asking you here this morning,’ said Major Brown.
Josh glanced at Bill.
‘Well, first the good news. Both of you have been promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, so I extend my congratulations,’ the OC said, smiling benevolently.
Bill and Josh exchanged a beaming look of delight at this unexpected turn of events and shook hands vigorously.
‘The second item of note is you, Staff Scraggs, have been recommended by the FO to undertake covert operations in the Indonesia Confrontation in Borneo, supporting the emergency there. Two other personnel from this unit will be assigned to accompany you.
Staff Baines, you’ve been recommended by the FO to undertake covert operations in the Aden Protectorate in the Middle East supporting the UK Emergency in that theatre, and two men from this unit will also accompany you.’ At last, thought Josh, I’ve finally been flagged up on the radar as having the experience and expertise equal to my contemporary. That issue has been bugging me for too long. He was ecstatic for both himself and Bill, and again, the two men shook hands and added hearty back slaps.
When the general euphoria had subsided, the OC continued. ‘Staff Scraggs, you and your subordinates are to join 17 Ghurkha Signal Regiment, Seremban in Malaya on Thursday 9th January and detached to Changi, Singapore. Staff Baines, you and your subordinates will join the Army and Air Force Base at Khormaksar in the Aden Cantonment on Friday 10th January. I apologise for the short notice, but things are currently escalating in those theatres. Do you have any questions? You first Staff Scraggs.’
‘When’s our promotion effective, Sir?’
‘Today.’
‘Which NCOs will accompany us?’
‘It’s up to each of you to choose who’ll join you. They’ll be promoted to the rank of sergeant with immediate effect.’
‘What are our mobilisation orders? To whom do I report and where, Sir?’
‘Mr Travers and I will go into those details once I’ve listened to Staff Baines’ immediate questions.’
Bill leaned back in his chair to allow Josh face space with the major.
‘It’s good we have leave to choose the men who will accompany us, but who’ll be our replacements here at GWS? Also, can you tell us what our reporting and operational obligations will be at the theatres we’re to be seconded to,’ asked Josh.
‘In answer to your first question, I’ll replace you both with two of the most experienced corporals, based on your recommendations from Teams A and B. These men will be promoted to acting sergeants in the first instance and, hopefully, promoted to substantive sergeants a little later. In answer to your second question, Mr Travers will go through both assignments with you to highlight the modus operandi at each posting. Bearing in mind as these are British Foreign Office Global Wireless reconnaissance assignments, they’ll be directed by Alton Park in the UK as with our establishment here.’
‘Very good, Sir,’ said Josh.
‘As for your duties, those will be for your next Commanding Officers to decide. To summarise. Staff Scraggs, you’ll depart from RAF Eastleigh on the 9th and travel by Transport Command bound for RAF Changi in Singapore. There, a Captain Roberts of the Royal Signals and one of Mr Travers’ FO liaison contemporaries, namely Mr Reeves, will meet you on arrival. Mr Travers will explain more about it shortly. You’ll stay in the mess, and on the following Monday, 13th January, you’ll travel to the Jungle Warfare School at Johor Bahru, the capital of the Malaya State of Johor. There, you’ll undergo a ten-day intensive course of jungle warfare and survival training. This will be completed by Monday 20th January when you’ll travel back to the Royal Signals detachment at RAF Changi, and again meet Captain Roberts and Mr Reeves.
Finally, Royal Signals Records in Reading have instructed you’ll ultimately be under the military command of HQ 17 Division, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya and as I have already pointed out be attached to 17 Gurkha Signal Regiment which has its base in Seremban, Malaya. Now, over to you, Mr Travers.’
‘Thanks, major. The OC has covered all the salient points so, as a very brief addendum, your operations in Borneo will basically be controlled and directed by my colleague Mr Reeves who is based at Changi, Singapore and he will go into much more detail when you meet.’
The OC took over again. ‘Now, to summarise your assignment, Staff Baines you’re also to depart from RAF Eastleigh on Friday 10th, bound for RAF Khormaksar in the Aden Protectorate, by Transport Command and you can expect to be met by a Captain Philips of the Royal Signals. You’ll be based at Middle East Command, Aden, and Mr Travers will still be your FO liaison officer who, I’m advised, is to remain based here at Kahawa. Again, I’ll leave it to him to brief you a little more. Over to you, Mr Travers.’
‘Clearly your military assignments will be given to you by Captain Philips who, in turn, will receive Global Radio Services instructions from the FO via me. However, I’ll give you more information tomorrow regarding FO involvement so, once again, I’ll leave it at that for the moment,’ Travers concluded.
‘Unless I’ve missed anything you’ve asked I think finally, at the risk of repetition, I confirm you are both now officially Warrant Officers and the necessary paperwork will follow shortly. I wish you both all the very best in your new postings, and am only sorry to be losing two valuable members of my unit. Now I suggest you both find a quiet spot to discuss all you’ve been told today. By tomorrow morning at the very latest, and even though time is short, please advise me of the NCOs you’ll nominate to accompany you, as well as those you recommend for assuming your positions here. Mr Travers will contact you both tomorrow to arrange a mutually convenient time to give you a further short summary of FO involvement, methods of communication and information transfer.
As of tomorrow, don’t forget to wear your new badges of rank. Of course, the unit will be notified of your promotions, as will the men who will be accompanying you of theirs, which are also effective from tomorrow. The minute I have their names I’ll arrange to speak to them formally and congratulate them.’
‘Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.’
‘One further piece of information I’m sure will interest you both, I’ve heard from the FO, through Mr Travers, tentative talks will take place in the Spring between the British and Somali Governments concerning a Shifta war ceasefire, amnesty and period of reconciliation. However, there’s no certainty any proposed terms will be agreed, we must just wait and hope. And that gentlemen, concludes our business for the time being. Any other information will be forthcoming as and when available.’
‘That’s good news. As for everything else; yes, both of us have a lot to talk over. For my part may I say I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in me, and I’ll continue to do my best to justify it,’ Bill said earnestly.
Josh was nodding vigorously. ‘Yes, Sir. Please be assured of the same sentiments on my behalf.’ He was feeling too choked up to say more.
When Bill and Josh left the OC’s office it was safe to say although euphoric, they were utterly stunned by the unexpected turn of events to their lives. So much had happened in a very short period of time. But of course, that was army life for you, particularly in special wireless communications.
Josh let out a resounding whoop! and punched the air, releasing the pressure built in his chest and causing heads to turn. ‘Lead me to the bar, Gunga Din.’
‘I suggest it’s now definitely the right moment to get a few celebratory drinks on board,’ Bill said. They settled in a quiet corner of the mess lounge with pint glasses of their favourite tipple in front of them.
‘I’ve already decided on my two subs and now you’re back on terra firma I’m sure you have as well, Josh.’
‘I’m going for Corporals Jones and Smith for Aden, and Corporal Wilson to replace me.’ Josh replied. ‘How about you?’
‘Yes, I also have in mind the man who should cover my job here. I think Corporals Stevens and Newell would be the best choices to come with me to Borneo, and Corporal Gardner should take over my job here. I’d be surprised if any one of them raises objections.
All six men are reliable and responsible with the necessary experience under their belts. Not only that, they’ll also get an upgrade in rank. However, it would be prudent to only give them the news of their new responsibilities, nothing about promotion. That information should come from Major Brown when he speaks to them. It would be one less item for you and me to attend to if we talk to them now, inform the major and get a time when he can see them,’ said Bill.
‘Absolutely,’ agreed Josh. ‘Now all we have to do is to call them all to the office and give them the good news.’
They left the mess and called the duty clerk to summon all six NCOs to their office.
Chapter 38
The six NCOs waiting in the conference room with Bill and Josh after hearing the good news about their new assignments, had no undue expectations of anything other than being brought up to scratch regarding their new duties when the OC and Travers entered.
‘Good afternoon. I understand that Warrant Officer Baines and Scraggs have already given you brief details of what your new postings and assignments are.’
‘Yes, Sir,’ was the collective response.
‘Good, so let me say being members of a unit like ours, with directions coming from the UKFO, it’s always likely unexpected movements crop up in any one of the global theatres where covert operations are taking place, and these current changes are the result of such occasion. Two of you have been assigned to Warrant Officer Scraggs, two to Warrant Officer Baines and you remaining two have been recommended to assume the outgoing Warrant Officers’ duties here at Global Wireless Services. These on-post assignments, as I’ve no doubt you’re aware, carry significant responsibilities and, as such, you’ve been chosen for your recognisable dependability, seniority and expertise.’ Then he dropped the bombshell. ‘Accordingly, all six of you are, from tomorrow, promoted to Sergeant.’
