Deep Behind Enemy Lines, page 23
Chapter 40
Both men had enjoyed a terrific weekend with their ladies so when they started the morning of 6th January their heads needed to come out of the clouds because they had work and departing’s to address.
‘We ought to get our heads around preparations to leave, there’s only a few days left,’ said Josh as they ate breakfast.
‘You’re right, as always. You know boyo, you have an uncanny knack of stating the obvious,’ Bill teased. ‘Incidentally, it might be a good idea if we check invitations to the mess members have gone out for the bash tomorrow evening.’
Josh grinned, taking no offence. ‘Good idea Bill. The weekend must have put us on the same wavelength. I should also make sure that the Garrison Regimental Sergeant Major has one. I’ve no doubt the mess caterer is in the loop and already planning the eats.’
‘Right, and I’ll give the OC and Travers a call and ask if they and Mrs Brown are free on Tuesday evening. I’d be surprised if they didn’t know about it by now but best to check. I’ll also get hold of Mo to make sure she hasn’t pulled any last-minute duty for the evening and get her to check Angela will be free too. Assuming there are no problems, I’ve arranged for a taxi to pick them up at 1745 hours. Bit early but it’s the last time we get to see them,’ said Bill smiling a little sadly.
‘OK thanks, mate. Angela and I are really getting on well and it would make my evening if she’s there; hell, it would make my whole bloody life.’ Josh really did have such a genteel way of putting things! They went their separate ways to make calls.
Bill called the OC concerning him, Mrs Brown and Mr Travers attending the farewell function to which the OC confirmed on all their behalves they would attend and thanked him for the invite.
‘Whilst you’re on the phone Mr Scraggs, would you kindly come over to my office straight away if you have the time’ asked Major Brown.
‘Of course Sir, I shall be with you in fifteen minutes’ said Bill wondering what this was all about and rang off.
Bill arrived at the OC’s office, knocked and was invited to enter.
‘Come in Mr Scraggs.’
Bill saluted ‘good morning to you Sir, and Mr Travers, you wished to see me?’
‘Take a seat for a moment as he ushered Bill to the conference table where he was joined by both officers.
‘I have some extremely good news for you. It is with great pleasure that I can announce you have been recommended by the Commander of Kahawa Garrison, for the award of a GSM (General Service Medal) for gallantry in action during Operation Sea Eagle. The recommendation has been confirmed by your Commanding Officer at 17 Gurkha Signal Regiment and by the SO in C Royal Signals, Major-General Peter Bradley, and entered in the awards for the next military honours list by Royal Signals Records. Our sincere congratulations Mr Scraggs and very well earned’ said the OC with Mr Travers nodding in agreement.
‘Well I’m both honoured and shocked Sir and must say somewhat surprised’ whilst replying with the old cliché ‘I was only doing my duty’ Sir responded Bill smiling at the same time.
‘Modesty still prevailing Mr Scraggs but nevertheless, a nice surprise to be going away with’ retorted the OC.
After thanking both the OC and Mr Travers for all their support and faith in him, Bill left the office still thunderstruck by the award.
Returning to the mess Bill poured himself a coffee and sat down at the nearest table where Josh joined him.
‘What’s the matter Bill you look shell shocked?’
‘That’s an understatement Josh. I’ve just been informed by the OC that I am to be awarded a GSM for services rendered in Operation Sea Eagle would you believe?’
Here he goes again our golden wonder boy does it once more Josh thinking enviously, but nevertheless it’s an honour well deserved. You never know it might be me next time?
‘That’s wonderful news and congratulations, never a better man to receive such adulation. They both shook hands. That’s got to be worth a celebration and perhaps we should toast that together tonight.’
‘Agreed’ Bill replied excitedly.
Following Bill’s good news they received acknowledgement that the open invitation had been posted for the mess members when they went in for an early lunch. The catering was sorted, and their various calls confirmed attendance. Bill commented it should turn out to be a good social gathering. He was certainly looking forward to this event over the prospect of the previous one, which had turned out infinitely better than expected for both of them.
‘By the bye, did I mention our six newly made-up sergeants might like to join us? It’ll be their first function at the mess, as Senior Military Freshmen to coin an American phrase, of course.’
‘Good thinking. See, you can think outside the box! I must admit they slipped my mind what with everything else that’s been going on.’ Bill also told Josh he would be spending the rest of the day with Mo and after eating, headed over to Eastleigh to meet her.
He was waiting at the barrier gate when she walked through, slid into the car and met Bill’s lips with a firm kiss.
‘Hi sweetheart.’
‘Hi, Mr WO 2. I’m sure you’re feeling well pleased with yourself today,’ she laughed with a twinkle in her eyes.
They had agreed to take a leisurely drive through the Nairobi Game Park and take yet more photos of the wildlife and after a well-spent afternoon Bill said, ‘Shall we go to the Khyber again for supper, or would you prefer the Thorn Tree?’
‘Curry again for me, please,’ said Mo licking her lips.
The NJC didn’t open on Monday evenings so, by mutual agreement, they decided that an early night was in order and drove back to Eastleigh where they held hands, kissed passionately and reluctantly parted company. As Mo climbed out of the car she turned back to Bill and looked lovingly across at him.
‘I can’t wait for tomorrow evening. I’m missing you already.’
‘Me too,’ responded Bill, mirroring her look.
As she walked away she turned and, as always, blew him a kiss.
Chapter 41
The Christmas and New Year decorations were still up, which they were pleased about because the room looked and felt less like a sterile men’s club. Tables and chairs would be set up later in the day after usual business was finished, although today would be a couple of hours earlier due to the evening event.
Their day sped by quickly doing all manner of last minute chores, some important some not, and at last went to make themselves respectable for the evening function. They met outside the lounge as the girls, who looked just stunning, were walking towards the door. Protocol dictated no overt touching in public, so they exchanged polite cheek pecks and smiles, walked through the door, deposited wraps and made their way to the bar.
Bill ordered their drinks and they sat for a while talking about how things were going and other inconsequential things, then Bill ushered them to a nice table with four chairs where the girls sat down. Josh and Bill excused themselves and metaphorically donned their host hats to begin welcoming their guests and order requested drinks from the duty waiter. Whilst they stood at the door the OC, Mrs Brown and Travers arrived and were politely welcomed.
‘Good evening, Sir, Madam, Mr Travers, welcome to the mess.’
‘Thank you, both,’ said the OC and Mrs Brown gave them a radiant smile. Kathryn Brown was indeed a lovely lady!
Josh went to the bar to fetch their drinks as Bill ushered them to comfortable lounge chairs. Back at the door the Garrison RSM had just arrived and was introduced to the OC and his guests. He was followed with the arrival of Ken Noakes, and both Bill and Josh gave him a special welcome for all his services rendered to them during their tour of duty in Kenya.
The lounge was filling up now and the noise level increasing. A finger buffet had been laid out at the end of the room and at 2000 hours the President of the Entertainments Committee invited all the guests to help themselves to refreshments. During the buffet hiatus, the new troop sergeants were introduced to the Garrison RSM, the President of the Mess and most other seniors, visitors and mess members. At the same time and as agreed Josh ordered two shorts from the bar and raised his glass to Bill and his honours award. ‘Good luck for the future mate and stay well.’
‘You too boyo’
Notwithstanding their welcoming duty, Bill and Josh kept an eye out to make sure the girls weren’t being neglected. They shouldn’t have worried, or maybe it should be they ought to have known better; how could two lovely women like Mo and Angela remain unnoticed? Two very dashing young men in uniform were laughing with them and entertaining them.
Josh leaned over and muttered in Bill’s ear. ‘Let’s get this bloody chore over pronto or our evening will be a complete disaster.’
The green-eyed monster was hovering, and Bill nodded. They dispatched the last stragglers with alacrity and hurried back to the table and at down where the girls gave them brilliant and relieved smiles, very obviously pleased to see them back.
At 2030 hours the PEC rang the visitors’ bell and brought the mess to order.
‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to invite Major Brown to say a few words on this important occasion. Major Brown, if you will, Sir?’
‘Thank you, Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen. I’d like to thank you for inviting me, my lovely wife, and my colleague Mr Travers to this auspicious occasion. First, I want to congratulate Warrant Officers Scraggs and Baines on their recent and well deserved promotions, as well as the six newly promoted sergeants of my unit.’
He turned and looked towards each in turn.
‘As most of you here know, over the last few weeks my unit has been involved in active missions in several in-country locations. I want to thank Warrant Officer Scraggs and Baines for their hard work and resounding successes during these missions, not forgetting their teams, by the thwarting of incursions from large groups of insurgents, and also playing a major role in the apprehension and capture of their leader, Khalid al Gurreh.’
There was tumultuous applause from the assembled guests.
Mo and Angela were listening intently. They were overwhelmed with pride for their beaus. Their acquaintance was still short, and the work Bill and Josh had been involved in was highly confidential, so this was coming as a complete revelation.
Major Brown continued. ‘As you already know, some of the team are shortly to be leaving us for postings to other foreign climes and operational assignments, hence this farewell celebration. I’m sure, with me, you’ll all wish them well, God speed, certa cito, good hunting and a safe journey to their new destinations. And on that note, I’ll let you continue with the festivities, and thank you once again for giving me this opportunity.’
Major Brown sat down to loud applause, especially so from the two ladies who had actually risen to their feet.
‘I now call on Mr Travers for a few words,’ announced the PEC.
Travers stood. ‘Thank you, Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen. Following on from Major Brown’s words I, as a Senior Civil Servant of HM Foreign Office and attached to Global Wireless Services here, have been working closely with the said personnel in attendance this evening and found their efforts, training and active service capabilities to be beyond reproach. I congratulate them on their promotions, and feel sure they will keep up the good work at their new postings. Thank you.’ This was also followed by applause, again especially from the two ladies at the front whilst looking at their two men with pride once again.
‘I now call on Warrant Officer Baines to say a few words,’ said the PEC.
Josh got to his feet. ‘Thank you, Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen. I speak on behalf of Warrant Officer Scraggs and myself. We’ve worked closely together and been colleagues in other regiments of wireless communications over several years. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term certa cito, it comes from the Latin meaning swift and sure. It’s the badge motif or motto, of the Royal Corps of Signals and displays Mercury the God of speed.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Major Brown, Mr Travers, Officers and men of the KAR, the Oxfordshire Regiment, Officers of the AAC, pilots and the Garrison RSM for their invaluable support in our active endeavours and operations.
And, of course, not forgetting my own colleagues in action; Warrant Officer Bill Scraggs and our men who’ve done us so well in their tireless efforts, both in the air and on the ground in pursuit of the successful end game. Thank you all.’ Josh sat down to a thunderous ovation.
‘Will all present please be upstanding, raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the troops of Global Wireless Service,’ said the PEC.
The assembly rose as one, raised their glasses and made the heartfelt accolade. It was agreed by everyone present the evening was being a most enjoyable and well-deserved farewell tribute.
‘Now, I bid you all continue enjoying yourselves,’ concluded the PEC.
The four love birds continued chatting, drinking and dancing until the last waltz, as did a large number of the guests, and it was well past midnight when they looked around to find they were the only people left, not counting the barman, so wrapped up were they in their own private heavens.
When the barman gently tapped Bill on the shoulder to say he had to close, Bill called for a taxi and they took Mo and Angela back to Eastleigh for the last time. They were all choked but there was no avoiding it. Goodbye was definitely not a word they wanted to use. Au revoir was so much less final but, even that produced as many tearful hugs and kisses. Promises of letters, phone calls and leaves were made and admonishments not to worry one of the other. The girls walked through the gates, turned, waved and the taxi pulled away. Would they ever see each other again? God, they hoped and prayed they would.
Thursday 9th January had finally arrived, and Bill and Josh met for coffee. Bill had already packed his holdall with his personal belongings ready for the morning departure. He paid his mess dues and they both left for the office to collect any last pieces of relevant paperwork and do a general tidy up of their desks. Then the two long-term friends shook hands.
‘It’s been great here for the last several months and working with you again,’ Bill said to Josh with sincerity.
Josh grinned. ‘Look after yourself and stay safe. Hwyl fawr a chyfaill pob lwc. I’m sure we’ll catch up again somewhere.’
‘All the very best to you too, Josh. I’m certain there’ll be good hunting for you in your Middle East assignment old pal. You also take great care of yourself until we meet next time. I’ll do my best to stay in touch periodically, as and when assignments permit,’ responded Bill.
They bear hugged, shook hands and Bill left the office.
He didn’t look back.
It was now 1130 hours, and after saying farewell to Major Brown, Travers, senior members of the mess and the men in the unit, Bill and his two sergeants, Seth Stevens and Darren Newell, boarded the transport and left for RAF Eastleigh check-in, and thence onward for their new assignment at the Borneo Campaign in the Far East, with Bill thinking of Mo and trusting the glorious bunch of red roses had reached her at the mess in RAF Eastleigh.
The same procedure would follow for Joshua Baines, together with Sergeants Jones and Smith, who’d be ready for their Friday departure and assignment to join the operational activities in the Aden Emergency. Josh met with Travers, as agreed on Friday morning prior to his departure, and was briefed in greater detail about his new posting. He confirmed he understood and accepted the information after he’d been given answers to several related questions.
At 1100 hours on Friday 10th January, Josh and his two companions said goodbye to Major Brown and Travers, having already taken leave of their contemporaries in the mess and their colleagues in the unit. They climbed into the Land Rover and drove out towards Eastleigh Airfield to report to RAF flight departures. They were bound for the Middle East in a bird provided by RAF Transport Command.
This was to be the beginning of new challenges for all of them as operational members of a special wireless counter terrorism and reconnaissance task force who had been trained, and were prepared to operate Deep Behind Enemy Lines.
Part Two
Above the Call of Duty
Map of part of Indonesia and Borneo in South East Asia
Note
Sabah on the north coast, the capital of which is Kota Kinabalu and is broken into several residencies - those of the interior with Tawau on the border. In the 1st and 2nd divisions there are some roads, including a continuous one from Kuching to Brunei, and to Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah. There’s only the coast road in the 3rd division, which is some 150 miles from the border, and there are no roads in the 4th and 5th divisions, or the interior residency. Lastly, the mountainous ridgeline in the fifth division runs along the length of the country, rising to almost 8,250ft.
Chapter 42
After checking in at the departure desk at RAF Eastleigh, Bill and Sergeants Stevens and Newell made their way out to the Argosy Turboprop aircraft. Bill was conscious of a strong smell of avgas hanging in the air as the mobile tankers fuelled the plane. This particular aircraft was fitted with auxiliary long-range wing-tip fuel tanks, specially designed for Armstrong Whitworth AW660 military aircraft, to extend the flight range. At the top of the boarding stairs Flight Sergeant Jake Styles waited to greet them.
‘Good afternoon gents, welcome aboard.’ He ushered them to their seats. I’m Flight Sergeant Styles, your journey purser, but everyone calls me Jake.’
‘Afternoon, Jake. I’m Warrant Officer Scraggs and this is my team,’ said Bill introducing the sergeants as they made themselves comfortable. Call us Bill, Seth and Darren.’
