you are sir; I will keep you briefed before it is official so that you know as much as I do,” Stan said.
“These two conversations didn’t happen, CSM,” Reynolds affirmed, “Carry on.”
“Sir,” Stan saluted and returned to the task at hand.
The Battalion Moves North
The orders to move came through with each platoon leapfrogging up the coast with Company HQ bringing up the stragglers. Because fitting in with other unit's movements was a priority rather than speed; it was the best part of six weeks before arriving in the Darwin area. Practice at blending into the bush and infantry minor tactics were carried out at every opportunity.
Travelling with Captain Reynolds became routine, combining intelligence reports and counter-insurgent tactics.
‘Orange’ was sword rattling over all sorts of obscure offences with all their neighbours indiscriminately; the RAAF flying the F111 direct to the USA and taking out the precision bombing championship always seemed to bring out the most angst. Reports of incursions into East Timor and Papua New Guinea were on the increase as were the fishing boats leaving signs of visits in the North.
Passing through Darwin, Col Roberts gathered the commanders with Stan and attended a briefing with Lt Col George as to the purpose and scope of our presence. “HQ moves in with Norforce as supernumeraries; the infantry platoons position themselves to provide rapid response task forces on call. The specialist platoons to be spread filling out the Norforce patrols,” Col Roberts suggested.
“How definite is the ‘Orange’ threat?” Col George asked.
“Currently, 85% rising every week up till four weeks before the Wet. Then it will fade back to the commencement of the Dry where it will again increment to 95% at the same period as now,” Corporal Travis supplied, “With the same pattern is the second year but now rising to definite. Subject to the regime not changing or detecting our presence.”
“Why are those timings significant?” Col George asked somewhat bemused that a junior NCO would be supplying this assessment.
“The routine exercises wind down about then when everyone evacuates before the Wet, even Norforce patrols reduces their activity,” Travis said, “Once ‘Orange’ gets enough troops in they can sit through the Wet ready to expand as soon as it starts to dry. No exercises are programmed 3 or 4 weeks either end of the Dry; Norforce recommences patrols about the same time.”
“What is the consensus for their next move?” Col George asked.
“Capture several ports and mining heads, hold the workers as hostages then claim sovereign rights because ancestors fished there,” Travis said, “The mining companies perhaps approached to continue operations giving some legitimacy to their occupation. Reinforcements by the planeload would be arriving daily together with heavier equipment by ship.”
“Once established it would take a full-scale war to dislodge them. 'Orange' can handle ten times the attrition rate that we can,” Col George commented, “Naturally I have been in part of the loop and have made preliminary deployment plans based on having three companies assimilating into our structure.”
“So as soon as the troops are ready, each company will deploy as designated and the reaction forces will position as close as practicable to the more vulnerable targets,” Col Roberts decided.
“If they note the extra units, they have the wherewithal to engage other targets, which Australian forces would then have to deploy more troops to protect,” Stan added, “Our allies could be discouraged from participating by closing the sea-lanes through their archipelago citing pirate activity.
“And if we succeed in disrupting their plans?” Col George asked.
“They will probably cut their losses, and deny any involvement or blame it on a rogue element,” Stan suggested.
The teams to accompany the Norforce teams were assigned, with Stan, Wendell and Bob forming one to see the format and remedy any shortcomings. After several hours winding their way through scenic bushland and coastline via remote bush roads, Stan commented, “And to think they pay us to do this. We must remember to emphasise the deprivations or everyone will want to come.”
At one estuary where some activity had occurred on previous visits, the team disembarked and did a foot recce to see if further signs were evident. Sgt Domige pointed to evidence of grooves from fishing boats; they were still there somewhat eroded by wind and water. Footprints in the mud further up the creek were consistent with bare feet as you would expect real fishermen. Five seconds thought would also give the fix by removing boots. “I counted four men when the tracks were fresh mostly they did as normal, filling water casks except for one who did an extensive wander, stopping at likely campsites before rejoining his crew and leaving,” Domige assessed.
“How many similar sites are there?” Travis asked.
“We have counted about a dozen on our run, some visited more often than others,” Domige supplied, “The favourite ones we inspect each time, removing our traces before moving on, about three seem to be in that category.”
“How close to mines and their associated ports?” Travis asked.
“Two of the most popular; which we will visit later in the day,” Sgt Domige answered, “Of course one is unlikely because visiting locals were wearing footwear, it being closer to the port.”
“OK, it’s your show, lead on,” Stan said.
After rounding a couple of headlands, we arrived at one of the busy spots, parking the vehicles well out of sight the party preceded cautiously being careful not to leave traces. Remaining standing upon the leaf litter, the Sgt pointed out the signs commenting that they were fresh.
“There is about a dozen this time, with three leaving with the boat,” Sgt Domige whispered. Then louder, “Nothing here we will move on. Tom’s probably wondering what is keeping us.”
Using field signals, he indicated not to look around and move back to the vehicles. Arriving near the trucks, he commented, “There is a small party hanging around, not close enough to do anything, I doubt that they would start something as long as we keep moving. When well clear I will send a duff signal covering a coded message,” He grinned, “Looks like I scoop the pool being the first to spot them.”
After putting what he thought was useful distance pulled over and reached for the radio. “Norforce 1, Norforce Foxtrot sitrep, road clear, a bag of green fruit without spots waiting on return, over.”
“Roger last, Norforce 1 out.”
“Norforce foxtrot out,” Switching off the radio Bert informed the others, “Bit obvious for an English speaker that was Green site; that I had seen signs of a small group but didn’t see anyone.”
“The next step is a platoon level recce coming from the port direction seeing if it cuts any sign,” Stan affirmed.
“Yeah believe I was at that brief too,” Bert rolled his eyes to indicate not to teach how to suck eggs.
Stan just laughed.
The radio crackled, “Norforce Foxtrot, Norforce 1, CSM locate caterpillar before returning, over.”
“Norforce Foxtrot, wait out.” Stan thought a minute then transmitted, “Norforce Foxtrot, Wilco, over.”
“Norforce 1 out.”
At the question unasked, “It seems that I need to grow my moustache for when I return to base,” Stan said, “The why, I suppose will have to wait. Bob, you can try as well.”
“Ha, my 5 o'clock shadow beats your week old,” Bob returned.
“Good thing young Travis doesn’t need one as well, beats me that you are old enough for the hooks?” Bert grinned running his fingers through the forest hiding most of his face.
And