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The Hungarian--Baka Imre
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Part I
Section 1-60 |
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6/30/10
“African Adventure” # 23. [Mortar Attack at
Chirundu.] Imre was highly pleased with his report to Captain Mac and was glad that the Captain so readily gave him permission to live off base. Tomorrow he will go to ‘Princess Place’ and secure that flat. For now it was back to the ‘A’ Squadron Stores to sell more of the smuggled guns. When he got to the stores, there were five people waiting at the door, however none of them were SAS soldiers. There were one or two from the artillery and three from the RLI (Rhodesian Light Infantry). None of them were of higher rank than a full corporal, so Imre just asked, “What do you blokes want?” One of the RLI Troopers spoke up, “We heard Corporal that there are some handguns for sale here.” “Where did you here a thing like that?” “An SAS Corporal had a real nice revolver, he said that he bought it here.” Imre knew right away, Les Van Bloek, God Bless him. “Did he happen to mention how much he paid?” “No he did not Corp, but we got money.” “OK, I show you what I got, come on in.” Imre unlocked the doors and the boys filed inside. Imre openned the weaponsbox and started to put the guns on the table. The soldiers attention were focussed on these. He decided to put a stop to it, before the qustions came, “Listen boys, before you start asking me, how much, what is it and will I have any more. I will tell you everything and we can do business. He picked up one of the 38 caliber revolvers, “OK, this is a 38 revolver, I have two, it costs 600 Rhodollars. You get a box of ammo with it, that is 50 rounds. No I do not have any more and not likely to get some.” Next he picked up one of the P35 Brownings, “You all should know what this is, if not, it is a Browning Hi-Power 9mm. It is used, but in excelent shape. I have three of these. It costs 600 Rhodollars, it only has one magazine and I give you new grips with it. The army has ammo up the ass for it.” The M59 S&W was next. “This is a S&W Model 59 Double action automatic 9mm. Pistol, brand new. You get two magazines and a cleaningrod with it. It costs 700 Rhodollars, I have only two, ammo is available through the army. If there are any more questions, ask them now because I don’t have time to fuck around. I want to be with my bird this evening.” The three RLI blokes went into a huddle, what Imre heard was fragmented, “How much you got? I got this much. I pay you back next month.” The full Corporal of the RLI Stepped forward, “We will take the three Brownings Corp, that would be 1800 Rhodollars, is that right?” “You are ablolutely correct Corporal, just count it out here on the table.” Money came out of pockets a vallets. Mostly twenties, but there were some ten’s too. Imre first counted the 10’s then the 20’s, it was all there. “Here are the new grips boys. Nice doing business with you. I hope you use them well.” “We will Corp, you can be sure of that.
Take care.” The RLI blokes departed and one of the Artillery guys said, “Crap, I wanted one of those Brownings.” It was the best deal of the three guns, no doubt. “You should have spoken up man, while they were discussing their finances. Sorry, but if you snooze you loose.” “How much longer will you be here Corporal?” “Not much longer, I want to get out of here.” “Will you stay here long enough for me to run back to my unit and borrow a hundred dollars. I want to buy one of those Model 59’s.” “OK, my man, I will wait for you for 15 more minutes and it has started.” The bloke disappeared in blink of an eye, when Imre looked out the door, he was runing at full speed toward the artillery barracks. The other bloke who stayed behind was eyeing the revolver on Imre’s side, “What are you asking for that one?” Said he pointing at the Ruger, “Sorry friend, that is not for sale. This is my personal piece.” “How much is sometning like that worth?” “All I can say is, here, it is worth a lot. I have a fastdraw holster for it too. Wanna see it?” “Yeah, I would.” Imre took out the belt and holster from the weapons box. The artillery bloke just said, “Wow.” His friend came back huffing an puffing, with another bloke in tow, “Hey man you made it, it only taken you thirteen minutes. Did you get the money?” “Yeah, I did, he loaned it me.” Pointing at his friend who followed him back. “OK then, one Model 59 S&W, two magazines and one cleaningrod.” “That’s what I wanted, here is the money.” H e counted out 35 20’s on the table. “It’s all yours my friend, may it serve you well.” “Would you show me how to take it apart?” This was not a strange request, “Sure, no problem. You only take it down to the 3 main components, that is the receiver, or the pistol grip, the slide and the barrel. It comes apart like this, push the slide back until this notch lines up with the slide release pin.” All three of the blokes were looking over Imre’s shoulder, “You pull out the pin, remove the slide and the barrel with the spring. To put it together, it just goes in reverse order.” The artillery bloke was very observent and paid close attention, because he put that M59 together as if he has been doing it for years. “Well, you don’t need any more instructions that is for sure. It has been nice fellas, but I have to go.” “OK, Corporal thanks for waiting.” “It was my pleasure guys.” Moreover, he was 2500 Rhodollars richer. The money folded double, with a rubber band around it, would choke a horse. He put it in the side pocket of his pants. Closed up the stores and headed for the cookhouse for some dinner.
While dining, Imre met up with several friends, one of them was Steve Donnelly. Later Rob Slingsby joined him at his table. This happy go lucky, blond haired Kenyan was a formidable soldier, however a gentle giant. “How did Tami like the barrette I sent her?” Asked Rob, “She was thrilled with it buddy, it is still a little big for her, she’ll grow in to it.” “I am just glad she liked it, I want one of those soft canteens too Imre.” “No problem, I have four more left. Do you happen to know where Color Sgt. Cole is? I have been back for almost four days and I have not seen him. I know he wants a soft canteen too.” “Just keep one for him; he will turn up sooner or later.” “I am sure he will too, I see you later Rob, I’m going to town.” “Yea have a good one Imre.” He went back to the Main Bloc, but before he went upstairs, he checked how much gas was in his motorcycle. It was more than half-full, more than enough for the weekend. Went up to his bunk opened his lockers collected all his money. He sat on the bunk and counted it all, he had over 5000 in Rhodollars and almost a thousand in US dollars, and he did not have to pay the Haynes kid. Into his handbag, he put a pair of jeans with a belt, a couple Tee Shirts, socks, some underwear, a light jacket and his cowboy boots. Grabbed his helmet, after he secured his lockers he went down to his bike. Tucked his barrette into his belt and donned the helmet. The engine came to life after the third kick, thump, thump, and thump. Imre swung a leg over, rocked the bike off the center stand and was on the way over to Sandy’s flat. It was the end of the month; he wondered what awaited him in August. Sandy came to the door with a towel wrapped around her, another around her head. “Hello babes, I just got out of the shower. I was hoping that you arrive soon. You must have had a busy time. Oh my, a full corporal too, we must celebrate.” “I am sorry darling; I don’t feel like celebrating unless you want to celebrate on your back.” “Oh Imre, you make me tingle all over, I like that kind of celebrating, very much. Why don’t you take a quick shower and we can begin.” “I was planning to do that baby.” He quickly undressed and went to the tiny shower, left the door open, because Sandy was asking a steady stream of questions. About the past three days, about when was he promoted, were his friends glad to see him and so on. Imre felt like he was answering from an aquarium. When he finished, wrapped a towel around himself and went in to the bedroom/dayroom. Sandy was drying her curly hair and the towel that was there before fell away from her upper torso exposing her beautiful breasts. Imre felt stirring in his groin and the mast was rising. “My, my, just look at you, you are ready to go.” “Just about baby, but forgive me for not asking, have you had dinner?” “No I have not and I don’t want any, I had a good lunch and I am not hungry. Besides, I want to lose a few pounds. While you were away, I wasn’t getting my regular workouts.” “Don’t be silly, when I go to the bush for eight weeks, what then?” “I have ways of satisfying myself.” “I am sure you do, but with who? I do not want to be someone’s cock sucker by proxy.” “How can you say such a thing Imre, don’t you trust me?” “Sure I do darling, I was just exploring the possibilities.” Imre left it at that, one does not miss a slice from a cut loaf.
“I have some news to tell you darling.” “Go ahead, tell me.” “I will
rent a flat at ‘Princess Place’ tomorrow.” “That is the place where
Tony Lynch has his flat.” “That’s right, on the same floor too. He
got the info for me. After that I will go and buy a car.” “And where
did you managed get your hands on that much money?” “Remember, I
told you that I had some things to attend to, well, I attended to
them. Other than that little pistol I brought you, I brought some
others and managed to sell most of them.”
It was a wonderful evening and a magical night. After the physical
exertion, Imre fell into such a deep sleep, that he didn’t even
dream. If he did, he did not remember any of it. The sun was up when
he awoke, this does not mean that he slept late. The sun shows its
bright face early in the southern hemisphere. Sandy was still
sleeping like a baby. Imre got out of bed without disturbing her and
went to brush his teeth. By the time he finished, Sandy was sitting
up in bed and did one of those morning stretching’s. It reminded
Imre of cat after it wakes up from a snooze. “Why are you up so
early babe?” She asked, “I have to go to the bank girl, I can’t be
walking around with all this cash on me. “Imre, the bank only opens
at 08:30; it’s not even seven yet.” “OK, I will be there when it
opens; you better get yourself together too, it you want to go with
me.” “What are we going to do?” “First, we will go to the bank,
then, have breakfasts at Zorba the Greek’s or at the Oasis.” “I
don’t want to go to the bank; you go and come back for me.” “I want
to buy a car today; don’t you want to be with me?” “Are you kidding
me?” “No I’m not, I don’t want your mother tell me again that I am
no longer welcome at the house on my Kaffir motorcycle.” “Did my
mother tell you that?” “She most certainly did, and it made me feel
very uncomfortable.” “I will have to talk to her about that.” “I
wish you would Sandy, she pissed me off, when she called at the
guard room.” Imre dressed and put the revolver into the small of his
back. Opened up the loading gate so that it would not slip out, when
he put on his light jacket, to covered it up. Imre, walked to the
Barclay’s bank on the corner of First Street and Jameson. When he
went into the bank, to his surprise, Mr. Sterling the foreign
exchange officer recognized him, “Good morning Corporal Boka. Did
you have a successful leave?” “The most successful Mr. Sterling, I
would like to make a deposit into my account.” “Just come with me
corporal, I will take care of it.” They went to Mr. Sterling’s desk;
he had all the necessary forms, “How much do you wish to deposit
Cpl. Boka?” “Just 55 hundred dollars Mr. Sterling.” Mr. Sterling’s
bushy eyebrows shot up on his forehead, this was not usual from an
army corporal.” “Corporal Boka, you must have had a successful
assignment.” “Yes I did Mr. Sterling, but remember, hush, hush.”
“Oh, of course corporal, my lips are sealed.” Imre almost smiled as
he handed his money over to this buffoon, who thought that he was
privy to something. Let him think so, so much better for me. After
he made the deposit, he went back to Sandy’s flat. She was ready to
go, “Where do you want to go for breakfast baby?” She asked, “Let’s
go to Zorba’s they always have a good menu and we can walk there.”
“You read my mind baby, Zorbas it is.” It was a leisurely walk over
to the restaurant. It was early and they were seated right away. The
waiter recognized Imre and was most courteous, “Please bring us two
English breakfast.” “Right away Sir.” A few minutes later came the
orange juice and the toast, lightly buttered. After that came the
sunny side up eggs with the crispy slices of bacon. Imre loved this
place, as many times as he has been here the past year, he has never
been disappointed. This morning has been the same, it was just as he
expected. As Imre was tucking in the last morsels of his breakfast,
he asked Sandy, “Do you want to walk or ride?” “We have to walk; the
bike is at the flat.” “I know that, you goof, I meant after we
walked back to the flat.” “Where are we going?” “Over to Princess Place to see Tony and rent a flat.” “Gee, I thought you were just joking.” “No, I was not; I have permission from Capt. Mac to live off base. After we see Tony we will go and look for a car.” Sandy’s eyes twinkled at the prospect, “Are you about ready to go?” “Just about.” She was munching her last piece of toast, Imre signaled the waiter. “Yes sir, what can I get you?” “The check please.” “Yes of course sir. Was everything satisfactory?” “It always is.” “Be right back sir.” Most patrons paid their bill by the cash register by the door. The waiter brought Imre’s on a little tray with the bill face down. Imre didn’t even look at it, he put a ten-dollar bill on the tray, and it was more than enough to cover the fare. After arriving at the flat, they got the helmets and headed for Princess Place. Tony answered the door after a few loud knocks, “Hey Imre, you came at a real bad time. I have female company.” “I am sorry my friend, I didn’t mean to intrude. I just want to talk to the manager about the flat that is available.” “Sorry Imre, I should have told you, he will not be here until noon.”
“OK mate, I will come back then.” Imre went down to the bike and
Sandy. “Well what gives?” She asked, “The manager will not be here
until noon, everything is on hold until then. Let’s go and buy a
car.” He fired up the Matchless and headed for Enterprise Road,
there were several car dealers there. They motored along at a
leisurely pace; Imre was looking at the cars on display when one
caught his eye. He slowed and turned around. The car that caught his
attention was a ’58 Chevy Corvette. This was the first Corvette with
dual headlights. He looked the car over for body damage and cracks
in the jell coat, but could find none. A few minutes into his
inspection an eager beaver sales clerk arrived, “This is a gem sir.
Moreover, under 80 thousand miles sir. Would you like to hear the
engine?” “Yea, sure, let’s hear it.” “Start it then.” Imre slipped
behind the sporty steering wheel and turned the key. The engine
broke into a low rumble of a V8. Stepped on the gas a couple times,
it revved up smoothly. When he looked to the rear, there was no sign
of blue smoke, “How much are you asking for this machine?” “Most
reasonable sir. Only 28 hundred sir.” “You must be kidding, it’s 19
years old. It was only 35 hundred when it was new.” “Yes I know,
however it is in excellent shape.” “I can see that, but I will not
be able to get enough gas coupons to keep it running. What else you
got?” Imre looked over the lot, Sandy was holding his arm.
“Come on Sandy hop in.” They went for a spin down on Enterprise
Road, the engine pulled well and the four-speed transmission was
smooth. Imre liked this car, so did Sandy. When they got back, he
asked the sales clerk, “Tell me how much do you want for it, then we
can haggle?” “As you can see sir, this is a fine car. I will have to
get 1,800 dollars for it.” “I know it’s a fine car, but I am not
prepared to pay that much.” “Well since I do want to sell the car
and I like you, I can come down a hundred dollars.” “Why don’t you
like me a little more and let me have it for 1,600 and I will write
you a check right now. You can take care of the paperwork and I will
be here for the car Monday after 17:00.” “But there are the taxes
and the registration fees.” I will take care of those on Monday.
Have we got a deal?” “Most certainly we have sir. I will have the
boys give the car a good cleaning.” Imre wrote a check for 1,600
dollars and him and Sandy departed. Imre directed the bike back
toward the center of town. Imre’s destination was the Oasis, hoped
to meet some friends there, however upon arrival he was
disappointed. There was no one there, other than three to four
people in the bar. The garden was empty; he looked at his watch,
10:28,
“Well sir, you can’t come in here unless you been invited by a
member.” Imre looked at the three corporals nursing their beers and
called out to them, “Hey oun’s, will you invite me in, since you’re
members?” Imre knew all three. “Yes Imre, you’re invited. John, give
him whatever he wants.” The joke was on the barman. “What will the
Madam and you have sir?” “Sandy, what is your pleasure?” “A Fanta
will be fine.” “Two Fanta Orange, John. You’re new here?” “Yes sir,
my first day.” “OK John, we will sit with those three members. You
bring over three beers; I will pay for them now.” Imre put four
dollars on the bar, “Keep the change John.” “Thank you sir.” Imre
and Sandy went to join the three Members. “Hello boys, you all know Sandy.” They all greeted her, “Hey boys, how come you are all vegetating here on a beautiful Saturday morning?” “There is nothing to do. Were you shooting on the range just now?” “Not me, Sandy was.” They all looked at her; it was not unusual these days for a young woman to go shooting. It was almost an everyday accurance to see a girl heading for the tennis courts with a racket in one hand and an FN rifle in the other. “What kind of gun were you shooting with Sandy?” Asked Thougey, “A small Colt, Imre brought me.” They almost said it at once, “Can we see it?” “Of course you can.” Said Sandy and reached into her purse. Here Imre interfered, “Sandy, remember, it’s still loaded.” “I know, I am not, penga.” She took out the gun, released the magazine. It fell back into her handbag; she pulled the slide to the rear and ejected the live round. It fell on the floor. The three corporals were on their hands and knees in a blink of an eye looking for it. “I got it, it sure is small.” Said the retriever. Sandy handed the gun to one of them. “How many of these things does it hold? I see it is a .25 ACP.” “It holds seven, six in the magazine, and one in the chamber.” John, the barman brought the beers. “Hey you, we didn’t order any more beers.” Said Jerry with a sting in his voice, “I know sir, your guest ordered it.” “He is not our guest you stupid kaffir. This Yank is a corporal in the SAS too; he claims he’s a Hungarian, but don’t you believe him.” “John gave an inquisitive look to Steve, “A Humgarian Sir? Where do they come from?” “How the fuck should I know, ups, sorry Sandy. Somewhere from the Steps of Russia, but I don’t even care. The next time he comes in here don’t you give him any shit, you hear me?” “Yes sir, John hears you sir” It was obvious that Steve was getting well oiled. Looking at his watch, Imre saw that it was 11:30, “Listen boys, we have to go, I have to see about a flat.” “Are you moving off the base?” “No, I will still have my bunk and lockers at Main Block; however Capt Mac gave me permission to live in town. Why don’t you oun’s come to the Oasis, I will be there by noon.” “OK, we will see you there Yank.” Sandy retrieved her pistol and they departed.
When they arrived at ‘Princess Place’ Imre had to find the manager, had no idea where he could be. In the entrance hall, a funny looking black man was mopping the terrazzo floor, “Sorry to bother you, could you tell me where I can find the manager?” “Manager collecting the rent now sir, you want Karafat to find?” “Yes Karafat, you find him for me.” Karafat threw the mop in the bucket and was gone. The manager was probably collecting the rent by poking a wife of a soldier in the bush. The manager was in the bush too. A few minutes went by and Karafat came back followed by a European man whom Imre assumed to be the manager, “Yes sir, how I can help you?” He seemed friendly enough, “Well sir, you can help me by letting me that one bedroom flat that my friend Corporal Lynch told me about.” “Most certainly sir, are you in the Army too?” “Yes, I am Corporal Imre Boka, but I want a place where I can unwind after a long bush trip.” “You can sure do that here sir, let me just write your name down.” He produced a little notebook and a pen, Imre just knew that he butchered his first name, “This is a nice quiet place. Far from the main roads and the noisy Night Clubs. Would you like to see the flat?” “Yes, I would if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, come along then. The flat is one flight up right above
the entrance.” Imre and Sandy followed When they went downstairs, Karafat was still moping the floors by the entrance, he stopped Imre, “Masta, can I work for you? I will be a good houseboy.” Imre needed someone to keep the place squared away, “Karafat, you come and see me after I moved in.” “Thank you Masta, I will come.”
They climbed on the Matchless and headed for the Oasis, it was just
a little past noon. By now this place was jumping, the band was
going full blast. Rock’N’Roll tunes were supplying the couples on
the stone dance floor with the rhythm. RLI, Air Force, SAS, and
Rhodesian Regiment ouns, plus some young farmers and tradesman that
were not on call up at the time. Of course, most of them with their
women. All the SAS oun’s were off to one side, it was not hard to
pick them out. They seem to move with much more self-confidence than
the others do. Most of them in their early twenties, Imre was an old
man among them at 33. He greeted everyone, in turn, him and Sandy.
Someone put a beer in his hand; Sandy opted for a shandy, which is a
beer with lemonade added. Imre asked Sandy to a slow dance, but when
the music got livelier, Imre had to turn her down. He was worried
that the revolver may slip out of his belt. He will have to have a
proper inside the belt holster made for it. Right after arriving Imre removed his helmet and handed it to Sandy, “I’m walking over to the Chink place, I will not be long.” It was not a long walk, when he entered the restaurant, the many fragrances of the foods made him hungrier. There were a couple people ordering before him, while he waited, there was time to look at the posted menu and salivate.
“Can I help you sir?” Asked a Chinese teen of 16 or 18 years of age, “Yes you can, I know what I want, but I want a double order of everything.” “I understand sir.” “OK, I want fried rice, roast pork, sweet &sour sauce. Two egg rolls.” “Just two egg rolls sir?” “No, four! What did I say in the beginning?” “Double the orders on everything.” “Correct, if I said two egg rolls, I meant four.” “Yes sir, will there be anything else?” “I also like an order of tempura and a 2 liter Fanta Orange.” “It will be just a few minutes sir.” “I don’t want to wait, sent it over, it is the third building from here. Ground floor number 12.” “I have to put delivery charge on bill sir.” “You do that, I will pay it.” He remembered the last time he was here. All the little boxes were put into the flimsiest of paper bag, if he was to walk home with such a bag, half way there, he would be dropping boxes of food all over the place. He opened the door without knocking, Sandy was lying down on the bed. “Where is the Chink food?” She asked. “It will be brought by a Chink. I will turn on the tube; the News at Five should be on soon.” “When will the food get here?” Asked Sandy, “It should be here any minute now, just relax, not to worry.” The news came on with the usual, “The Headquarters of Combined Operations, regret to announce the death of, so and so, in a contact with terrorist forces.” This was the most dreaded announcement in all of Rhodesia. There was a knock on the door, Imre went and opened it. It was a Chink boy on a bicycle with a big basket above the front wheel. Of course, his paper bag didn’t break, Imre paid him and he departed. Sandy taken charge of the paper bag, removed all the little boxes and started to set the table. Imre thought it was a useless exercise, but left her to do her thing. On a previous occasion, when he just wanted to eat out of the boxes, she insisted on setting the table and told him, “We are not in the bush now; we will eat in a civilized manner.” The Chink food was consumed at the table properly, in a civilized manner. Imre was glad that he doubled up on the orders, what Sandy could not eat, when she was full, he was there to help her out. So much so, that when he put away the last spoonful, he just wanted to lay down and digest. When he got all comfortable, Sandy made a sly remark, as she was clearing the table, “I can see now that I will not be getting any loving tonight.” “Don’t you worry your curly little head about it baby, there will be twice as much for you in the morning.” She was happy about that and it seemed to pacify her. However, this was only for a while. Before too long she was acting like a she cat, rubbing up against him and stroking him. Imre was just to full to respond with much more enthusiasm, then a kiss and the gentle squeezing of her breast. Eventually they fell asleep; Imre awoke with a terrific urge to pee. The TV was on with nothing on the screen but snow, after he relieved himself, he turned off the TV and went back to bed. He had no trouble falling asleep.
The noises from the bathroom, woke him, Sandy was taking a shower.
He too got up and went o brush his teeth, Sandy was only aware of
his presence, when he turned on the hot water and her shower got
cooler. “I am glad you’re up babes and I hope you remember what you
said last night.” “Of course I remember you big breasted siren, you
would not let me forget anyway. Just hurry up and finish and I show
you how to play hide the weenie.” Even before Imre had a chance to
rinse out his mouth, the shower was turned off and Sandy was drying
herself. “You are just full of enthusiasm this morning.”
“You are right, I never played hide the weenie before.” “Well little
girl, I will be more than happy to teach
Imre called the headwaiter and paid the bill. It was a bright and
beautiful day, with a cobalt blue sky without a cloud. They walked
in the shadows of the buildings toward First Street, it was too hot
on the sunny side of the street. Imre was the one who spoke first,
after they crossed Jameson Avenue, “It just a cured to me, I don’t
have a stick of furniture to put into my flat. If I give you some
money, will you go to a furniture store and buy me some?” “Imre, it
would be foolish to buy new furniture, with so many people leaving
the country every month, the paper is full of good used furniture.”
“I have no objections to used furniture. First of all I need a big
bed, you have no idea how I hate to sleep on a narrow bunk.” “A bed
will be easy to find, I will look in the paper tomorrow. Come by
after you got your car and we might even go and look at it.” By now
they were crossing Baker Street. “Would you want to go to the
movies?” “No Sandy, I have seen the ‘Dirty Dozen’ half a dozen
times. Let’s go to the Clubby’s instead and have a drink.” ‘Club
Tomorrow’ was just a little ways up Baker Street, a flight of stairs
went down to the club from the street level. Inside, air-conditioned
comfort awaited the guests, I was here that Imre and Capt. Lasiter
got drunk, before Imre went on leave. The place was still the same,
it was too early for the night-club scene, only a dozen people were
present. “Do you want to sit at the bar or a table?” “A table
please.” said Sandy. Imre chose a table from where he had a good
view of the entrance. As soon as they parked their asses, a waiter
was there to take their order. “What can I bring the Madam and the
sir?” “Bring us two Rum and Cokes, with plenty of ice.” While
waiting for their drinks, Sandy asked, “What other kind of furniture
do you want for the flat? Just so I know what to look for.” “I would
want a small couch for the living room and two easy chairs. Oh, and
a bookshelf and a coffee table would be nice. For the kitchen see if
you can find some kitchen stuff.” “I will look in the paper
tomorrow, be sure to come by after you get the car.” Their drinks
arrived with plenty of ice, they were, most refreshing. “I will be there with bells on, I am anxious to what you can come up with. This evening I will go back to Cranborne, because I don’t have a clean uniform with me.” “In that case, we should walk back to the flat and play hide the weenie again.” That sounded like a good idea to Imre. While he was turning the thought over in his head, he heard a familiar voice behind him, ”If my eyes don’t deceive me, that looks like Corporal Boka. Well I’ll be damned if it ain’t.” Imre turned around; his ears did not deceive him. It was Captains Noland and Lasiter in civilian dress. “My God, you two were the last persons I thought I would run into. Let me make the introductions, Sandy these two gentleman are Captains Noland and Lasiter of the Rhodesian Air Force. Gentleman this is my girlfriend Miss Sandy Drysdale of Waterfalls.” “Hello Captains, the friends of Imre’s are a friends of mine.” Said Sandy, “We are charmed Miss Drysdale.” Complimented Capt. Nolan. “Please, do join us Sirs!” Said Imre, “I insist.” He signaled for a waiter and they came like vultures to a carrion. “Please bring whatever my friends want.” “We will have whatever they are having and bring them two more.” The waiter in the bananna yellow vest trotted off after the drinks. “Say, Corporal Boka, how was your leave?” “It was fine Captain, I enjoyed myself.” “Jack told me that you were going on leave, when he sobered up. When did you get back?” “It will be a week ago on Tuesday Captain.” “Have they made you a Sergeant yet?” “No Sir, however, I am on the way. My troop commander made me a full corporal.” “Congratulations Corporal Boka.” All this time Capt. Lasiter’s attention was focussed on Sandy’s breasts and she knew it. Instead of lookind at him and starting a conversation, she was taking sips from her drink. She was afraid to make eye contact with him. Imre thought that she may read it from his eye, “I want to fuck you.”
The drinks arrived, Capt. Lasiter went for his valet, this gave
Sandy’s breasts a break from close observation. “No Captain, you are
my guests. you’re money is no good here.” “I know Cpl. Boka, but
Nolan here ordered two drinks for you an your lady.” He pulled some
money from his pocket and put it on the waiters tray, “Thank you
sir.” Said the African and departed, “Drink up everyone and cheers.”
Said Capt. Lasiter and drank long from his glass. “Cheers to us all
and many smooth take-off’s and soft landings.” Was Capt. Noland
toast, “Cpl. Boka did you manage to find a C130 Hercules while on
leave?
You may remember, we talked about it when you and I were here the
last time.” “I remember Captain,
“I am very pleased Captains that we met up and I hope we get a
chance to fly together soon. I will talk to Sgt. Wiltshire and find
out when he will need some help.” “You do that Cpl. Boka, we’ll see
you later.”
Imre was genuinely glad that they met up with Noland and Lasiter,
furthermore, that second Rum&Coke Made him feel tipsy. He was not
worried, by the time he has to leave for Cranborne, he will be OK.
He signalled the waiter, “Yes sir, what can I get you?” “Just my
bill please.” “I have it here sir.” The Waiter torn the receipt out
of his book and put it face down on the table. It was for four
Rum&Cokes, a fiver covered it all and a tip for the waiter. Sandy
was already up and moving, Imre had no doubt that Capt. Lasiter
gazing at her globes turned her on. He followed her, after the dimm
lights of the club, the bright afternoon sun almost hurt the eyes.
Imre wished he had his shades, he had a pair of mirrored ones, but
Sandy didn’t like them. She said, it was because she could not see
his eyes. Hardly a word was said on the way back to the flat. Sandy
went straight to the bathroom, where Imre was soon to follow. When
he came out of the bathroom much relived, to his pleasant surprise
Sandy was on the bed. She was wearing, what could be called Baby
Doll pajamas. She was in a very provocative pose and had that
It was dark when he came back to the land of the living; the sun was
no longer shining outside. It was after 20:00 hours. Well he missed
dinner at the Cook House that is certain; however, he might be in
luck. Sometimes the blokes held a sundowner, a Braai at the Stagger
on Sunday. There just maybe, a
He rode up to the Stagger parking lot, it was just as he figured a
Braai was going on. The first person to greet him was Steve
Donnelly, “Hello my old Yank mate, have not seen you all weekend.”
“That is sure
“Then Bon Apetite my Yank friend. Would you like me to get you a
drink?” “No thank’s Steve, I got tippsy twice already today. As soon
as I kill this burawurst I’m goig to bed and hope to sleep until
revellie.” “I think, I will do the same Yank. I have been fucked up
since Friday night, I don’t even know where I slept. I ended up at
the Oasis on Saturday all wrinkled and needing a shave. Last night
I spent
Just like he anticipated, Sgt. Biederman’s Marshall Music announced revellie, oh, Imre could have slept for a couple more hours, but duty called. He conditioned himself, that as soon ar revellie sounded, he got right out of bed and with a towel and a bar of soap, he headed for the showers. Most of the time the first blast of watter from the hot spigot was cold, that woke him right up. He was all dressed in his crisp cammies and was just touching up his boots, when Sgt. Biederman found him, he was just straping on his revolver, “Cpl. Boka, you did such a perfect job on the ablutions on Friday, that I want you to do it again today.” “Yes, will do Sgt. Biederman, your genorosity escapes me. There are other corporals on this floor who should share this honor.” “I will chose someone else tomorrow Boka, this morning you were the first one to come to mind.” Imre was not exactly flattered by this statement, he will have to figure out how to blend into the woodwork and become invisable. However, that was not his nature, he liked the attention that is why he tried to preform better than others where it counted. He just wished he had the same attitude while he was still in school. Although he had the attention there too, but not for the things that earned him merrit. When he was presentable for the first parade, no loose buttons, loose threads, he looked for Steve Donnelly, “Cpl. Donnelly, find yourself three soldiers from the lower ranks and square away the ablutions. I will inspect them after the first parade.” “Hey Yank, why are you picking on me?” “I’m not picking buddy, you’re awake and sober, right?” “You know I am, Yank.” “Then there should be no problem.” “There will be no problem.” Imre knew Steve could handle the task and would not disappoint him. Everything went fine on the parade untill the end of the inspection, intead of just dismissing the troops the RSM ‘The Snake’ read fron a piece of paper, “Color Sgt. La Roux, Cpl. Boka, Cpl. Carvalho, report to Capt. Mackenzie right after the parade. Squadron, squadron, Dis-Missed!” Imre ran up to the first floor and inspected the ablutions. His friend did not failed him, Cpl. Donnelly did a sterling job. He was almost sure that Sgt. Biederman will give him the same task tomorrow. He hurried to Capt. Mackenzies office, Manny was waiting there already, Dumpy already was in the office.
A few minutes later Dumpy came out of the office and walked right up
to Imre, “And you said, you did not know when we will be deployed.”
“I didn’t know Serge.” Imre protested. Then he heard Color Sgt. Koos,
“Corporal Boka, front and center!” He marche right into the office
and stopped in front of Capt. Mac’s desk and saluted. The Captain
returned his salute and told him to stand at ease. “Do you know why
you’re here corporal?” “Sir, I have no idea Sir.” “That is good Cpl.
Boka and I want to keep it that way. I want you to get your vehicle,
round up as much help as you need, then go to your stores.
He hurried over to Main Block to find Cpl. Pete McAleese, Pete was
on the seconf floor working on his kit. “Hey, Pete, would you be
willing to give me a hand?” “Sure Yank, what do you need?” “I just
received an order from Capt. Mac to load the stores truck, since you
are familiar with the stores, you would be a great help. Have to
find a L/Cpl. and four troopies to help in the loading, we have to
be ready to go in record time. Come along I want to give you
something anyway.” Pete followed Imre to his locker
Imre opened the locker and pulled out the tactical vest. “Here Pete,
I brought this for you. It is made up to handle the magazines of an
AK or an RPK.” Pete tried it on, it still has to be adjusted to fit
his torso,
“Pete was waiting for him at the stores, with a L/ Cpl. and four
Troopies. After Imre unlocked the doors, Pete sent all the hired
help inside, then backed up the truck to the doors. With the
‘Deployment List’ in his hand, he started to read off the items to
be loaded on the truck first. Imre referenced his inventory
I need four cases of dry rations, I don’t have the time to go to
central supply. Can you let me have four cases and I will replace
them in the bush, when I order a resupply.” “Sure Imre, no problem.
Hey, Mr. Tomby and Mr. Bill, put four cases of dry rations on the
landing for the Corporal.” “Thanks Serge, my truck will be here in a
few minutes.” Think nothing of it Magyar; you do the same for me.”
“I surly would Serge.” A few minutes later, the truck arrived with
Pete and the hired help. “Hey Pete, is that everything?” “Everything
that has to be there. is on the truck.” “Good, hey, you oun’s, load
these four boxes on and we are done.” The boys made short work of
the four boxes. “Get on, it is almost tea time, we will drop you off
at the troopies mess and I have to report to Capt. Mac. Let’s go
Pete.” Pete jammed the gears and they rolled up to the troopies
mess. Imre jumped out and talked to the barmen, the four troops
followed him in, “Give these boys a beer each, I will come back and
take care of it after tea time.”
“All you Corporals, listen up, Capt. Mac wants all of ‘A’ Troop in
the troopies mess after tea that is all.”
The questions came from all directions, “What the fuck’s going on
Boka?” “Where the fuck are we going Boka?” He had no information,
“Boys, I don’t know any more than you do. Maybe Capt. Mac will
enlighten us, I will see all of you at the Troopies Mess.” Imre
hurried back to his store and Pete. “Hey, mate, what took you so
long?” “Sorry Pete, Capt. Mac sent me to the Stagger to tell all the
Corporals, to direct all of ‘A’ Troop to the Troopies mess after
tea. Which is just about now, I think we will get a warning order.
Let’s drive over there Pete, maybe we will be the first vehicle in
the convoy.” “That would be great, we would eat a lot less dust.”
Pete came to a stop in front of the Troopies mess; it looked like
the word got out, because most of ‘A’ Troop was already there. Manny
was still loading the ammo truck and the heavy weapons. The kitchen
was not too far behind. Imre had no idea where Dumpy and the boat
section was. It was close to the noon hour, when Capt. Mackenzie
arrived. Everyone, was present in the big hall, he stood behind the latten. Color Koos yelled, “Atten-tion.” The hall became quiet, the Capt. addressed all that was present, “Listen men, this is a warning order, we are being deployed. I want everyone to jack up their kit and be ready to go in a moment’s notice. I am not at liberty to tell you where we are going and I do not want you to speculate as to our deployment. If you should figure it out or take a wild guess and think that you are right, keep it to yourself. We can’t have any information leaking out about our deployment. So Mum’s the word, get to work.” Color/Sgt. Koos ordered “Atten-tion.” Again and Capt. Mac departed, the troops emptied the hall as if it was a disturbed ant colony. Everyone went to inspect his kit. Imre was hoping that that they will not get on the road before sundown. That would fuck up all his plans for the evening, after all, he had to pick up the Jag and give some money to Sandy, so she could buy furniture. After he taken the stores truck back to the MT(Motor Transport) he met up with Cpl. Tony Lynch, “Hey, Imre, I almost forgot, here are the keys to the flat. The manager told me to give it to you.” “Thank you man, you found me just in time. I am going into town shortly.” Imre’s kit was ready to go, he just had to get some .223 ammo for his M16 rifle and fill his magazines. His new tactical vest will substitute his old webbing, he only had to attach the canteens and fill up the pouches with dry rations and biltong. Biltong is dried beef, but it was also made from the four-legged herbivores of the bush. It was almost the end of the duty hours, Imre saw several NCO’s leaving. He went to the guardroom and told the trooper on duty to call him a taxi. The R4 arrived in short order, but Imre did not know the address of the used car dealer, he had to direct the driver. When they arrived, he paid the driver. The sales clerk was nervously waiting for him since it was after 5 pm. “Good Day to you Mr. Boka, I thought you never get here. The car is ready, you just have to sign some of the papers, of course there is the sales tax and the registration fee.” “OK sir, let’s get it done, I am ready.” Imre followed the clerk into his office, who kept looking back at him. In the office the clerk said, “I didn’t know you were in the army, do you always carry a sidearm?” “I never said I was and yes, I always do.” “OK then, this is the transfer of ownership, you sign here. This other form, is the application for registration, sign it here please. The sales tax and the registration fee comes to 183.00 dollars, last year because of the war the sales tax jumped to 10%. What unit are you with?” “Do you really need to know?” “Not really, I just have a curious nature, and I never saw a sidearm like that before.” Imre signed the papers, counted out the money, and handed it to the clerk. He handed him the keys to the car. “OK Mr. Curious, I am with the SAS.” “Oh, you are, but they wear sand colored beretts.” “Yes they do, I’m incognito.” Imre went to the car, and the clerk followed him. When got in the car and rolled down the window the clerk said, “You will have to go to the rationing office to get your gas ration; with this car you should get 8 liters a month.” “Thank you, I will do that.” Big fucken deal, a whole two gallons per month. Turned the key in the ignition switch and pushed the black button on the dashboard. The engine sparked to life, all the gauges indicated that all was well. He pushed down the clutch pedal and selected first gear. The car pulled away smoothly from the lot, he pulled out on Enterprise Road and headed for Sandy’s flat. When he pulled up I front of the flat, he laid on the horn and Sandy came running out. She got in the car on the left side. “I been waiting for you, let’s go somewhere.” “OK, but not too far, I don’t have too much gas.” “Oh damn, I wanted to go somewhere where we could fuck in the back seat. It looks so comfortable.” “Sorry baby, we have to give that a miss until I get my gas coupons. However, before I forget, here are the keys for the flat at 203 Princess Place. Furthermore, here is 300 dollars to get some of the things I wanted.” “Can’t we just go for a short ride?” “Sure we can, how about riding out on Jameson Avenue and back.” “That sounds super.” Imre pulled away from the curb and soon they were up to speed flowing along with traffic. They were almost to the city limits when Imre decided to turn around and told Sandy, “I have some news that you will not welcome.” “Go ahead, out with it.” “I think we will be deployed very shortly and I have to go back to Cranborne as soon as I drop you off.” “Why can’t you stay until morning, you can be there for the first parade in plenty of time.” “I have to sort out my kit Sandy, we may be leaving at the crack of dawn.” “This soldiering is getting most annoying you know, I was hoping that we will be setting up the flat together, but you are being sent away.” “Yes I am, however I didn’t come to Rhodesia to play house. The life of a soldier is all about being sent here or there.” He slowed and stopped in front of the flat; Sandy reached over and turned the engine off. Imre was surprised by her action, but in the next instant, she was practically in his lap. She laid a tremendous lip lock on him and her tongue darted in and out of his mouth. Just as he was starting to enjoy it, she stopped. She climbed back on her side and said, “You think about that for a while and I see you when you get back.” She got out of the car and went to her door, she opened the door turned around waved and closed the door behind her. Imre sat there for a few minutes and thought what was that all about, then gave up.
He drove back to Cranborne and caught the tail end of dinner. He
just started to eat when Sgt. Klaus sat
The next morning Sgt. Biederman did not choose him to deal with the ablutions, he was glad for that. He put on an older pair of boots, but those too were highly polished and a crisp new uniform. The first parade went off without a hitch, at the end of which the RSM “Snake” announced, “All the drivers to be ready to bring their vehicles to be lined up in the convoy. Imre, had to hurry, to the MT (motor transport) to get his truck, he parked by his stores. Sergeant Breythenbach came and said, “Capt. Mac wand’s to see all the drivers in front of his office in ten minutes.” That was good news, it may mean that they will be lined up in convoy order and be on the way. Within a short time all, the drivers were present by Capt. Mac’s office. The Capt. gave simple instructions, “Under no circumstances a vehicle is to stop. If a vehicle is hit in front of you, get around it by any means, to get out of the killing zone, even if you have to take to the bush. If no other possibility is afforded, ram it and push it off the road.” Someone asked, “How about mines Sir?” “There will be no mines.” From that, moment on every driver knew that they would be traveling on the great north road that was paved all the way to Chirundu.
mre never heard of Chirundu, he would have to find out more about
it, but that would be later. For now
Imre, first, went to his vehicle, and found Frank Tunney waiting
there, Frank was a corporal too.”
Imre stared to load his magazines; there were seven thirty rounder’s, 6 on the vest and one in the rifle. Once they left the city, the convoy speeded up, they did not have a radio, but several of the NCO’s had the A63’s that worked well in a convoy. Whoever was in the lead dictated the speed, he must knew what he was doing. At this pace, soon they will arrive in Sinoia. Farms were on both sides of the road, very few buildings could be seen, here and there small herds of Impala could be seen. When his magazines were loaded, he put them in the pouches of his vest. The convoy was rolling so well that they were not holding up civilian traffic, of course, there were always a few speeders who wanted to pass everyone. When they rolled into the town of Banket, Imre saw a sign that said ‘Sinoia 30 Km’s, he was sure that the convoy would stop there. He sure hoped, because he had to pee very badly. He even thought about; opening the door and stand on the running board and relieving himself that way. However, he decided aginst it, he probably get pee splashed all over his boots and pants. Frank was not talkative, he was just concentrating on driving. Finally, they were on the outskirts of Sinoia, soon after that, the convoy came to a stop close to the ‘Forces Canteen’. The generous town folk welcomed them; Imre couldn’t find a men’s room fast enough. After he found relief, he went into the canteen where the women were serving coffee and doughnuts. Imre passed up the coffee, but sampled the doughnuts.
Frank was doing some sampling too and washing it down with several cups of coffee. Between the bites Imre told him, “I will drive for a while Frank and you can look at my rifle.” “Hey Imre, I’m not tired yet, we can switch off later.” “The truth is Frank that I want to drive now and you can admire the scenery.” “OK, you got it mate.” After the 10 to 15 minute stop, the convoy was on the way to Karoi. Frank was admiring his rifle and Imre was admiring the scenery of the countryside. Just like most places, the countryside was overrun with guinea fowl, they traveled in great big flocks. If they invaded a farm, the farmer used all his resources, farm boys with rattles, women and girls to make noise. The last desperate tool was the shotgun to get rid of the unwelcome guests. A large flock of these birds could do a lot of damage to a field of wheat or any kind of grain. “Hey Imre, can I shoot with you rifle?” “Sure can Frank, but watch where you shooting. Just pull back the T-handle below the sight ramp that will put a round in the chamber, the safety lever is on the left side.” “OK, I got it, does it have a soft trigger?” “It has a crisp trigger Frank, hardly any slack, then Bang.” The convoy was eating up the kilometers, it was hot, but they were getting plenty of fresh air thru the vents and the windows. Imre wished he put a five-gallon can of water into the cab. They were doing a comfy 60 Km. per hour when Frank spoke, “Holly shit, the side of the road is alive with Guinea Fowl.” Imre didn’t know how far Frank could see ahead, but he heard as he loaded the rifle. He was about to tell Frank, “It might not be a good idea to shoot.” But he should have spoke sooner, the M16 spoke. DRRRRRRA, DRRRRRRA, Frank let it rip, two long burst into the thick of them. There was no way of knowing, how many he got, however, feathers were flying all over. It was very fortunate that at the speed that they were traveling at and the bush, the noise of the rifle was not that noticeable. If it was, Imre was sure that one of the gun vehicles would have reacted by blasting that side of the road. Fortunately, this did not happen.
During the next hour and a half, they reached the outskirts of Karoi. They did not stop here and did not turn off toward the escarpment; they stayed on the North Road. Imre figured that they would make it to Chirundu before sundown. After Karoi, only a few farms could be observed from the road. It was in the Karoi area that the first terrorist incident has taken place in the mid sixties. It was there that the BSAP realized how ill prepared they were. The BSAP damned near got their asses waxed there. After that incident, they got rid of their dark blue coveralls and switched to camouflage uniforms. That was a long time ago, the BSAP learned a whole lot since then. Now they had highly skilled PATU units (Trackers) operating inside Rhodesia. The Convoy had to descend from the Escarpment, however, not on a narrow dangerous serpentine road. This was a wide blacktop to the floor of the Zambezi Valley. I was almost sundown when Imre saw the sign on the side of the road, ’Chirundu 10 Km’. He had no idea what awaited him there, he only new that it was a border post between Zambia and Rhodesia, that was closed since the 60’s. There was a bridge there across the Zambezi River. It was after the passing of fifteen minutes that the convoy started to slow and came to a stop. Imre leaned out the window and since his was only the sixth vehicle in the column, he could see what was going on up front. The Armored Pig blocked the road and Color Sgt. Koos was talking to the driver of the second vehicle. The sergeant was pointing to the turn off from the road, which seem to go up hill. He then jumped up on the running board of the truck; the driver started to move, turned left and went up the steep road. Imre moved his vehicle too an followed the procession. The top of the hill was flat with brick buildings and bunkers made from railroad ties with thick overhead covers. Sgt.Biederman appeared from nowhere and directed Imre to park in front of one of the buildings. All the buildings were painted in a camouflage pattern, even the tin roofs. Imre’s task was to set up his stores in this building, which consisted of one large room and a smaller one. The smaller room had an Air Conditioning unit in the wall at one time, because there was the appropriate hole in the brickwork for it. It was a damn shame that it was no longer there. Imre wanted to get a look at the rest of the place, so him and Frank shouldered their rifles and went for a walk. It was obvious, that this was a top of a hill that was flattened out. The buildings were arranged in such way that if they were connected with straight lines it would have formed a rough pentagon. Right in the middle was a large swimming pool, it was empty now, only in the deep end was a few inches of water. This few inches of water was occupied by thousands of tiny black frogs. If ‘A’ Troop wanted to use the pool, the frogs have to be cleaned out. Next to the pool were three 81-mm. mortars of the RLI. They were in residence when ‘A’ Troop arrived; they had a warthog for a mascot. The hog had sergeants stripes painted on his side and had the run of the whole encampment. Of course, outside of the cluster of buildings there was the bush and the sides of the hill was very steep. Sgt.Klaus set up his kitchen up in one of the buildings. Just west of the kitchen a narrow road ran on top of the hill to a very nice house. It must have belonged to a wealthy man at one time; the whole house was surrounded on three sides by a four-foot high stone wall. On the other side of the stonewall was almost a sheer drop of 30-40 feet down to the river. The view from here was worth at least a million dollars, from here the Chirundu Bridge can be seen and the Zambezi River to the west and the east. From here the Border Post could not be seen, Imre made a mental note that he will go down to the border post as soon as possible. He heard on the news that the exchange of fire between the border post and the Zambians were almost a daily accurance. He would like to be down there during one of those exchanges.
The Zambian side did not look any different from the Rhodesian side, except the difference could be seen on the bridge. While the Rhodesian side of the bridge to mid way was nicely painted, the Zambian half was rusty and fucked up looking. Ther Zambian border post was completely hidden from view, but Imre and Frank, both knew it was there behind the cover of the bush. They decided to walk back to the cluster of buildings and activity. Sgt. Klaus was just about to serve up dinner, so they got their mess kits and joined the line. The dinner was nothing special, just army beef stew that Sgt. Klaus managed to tune up to a very acceptable flavor. After dinner it was time to find a place to sleep, Imre found the small room in his building most favorable. There was a sharp drop off right outside of the hole in the wall, where the Air Conditioner should have been. To the right was a bunker with firing slits that looked out on the river. The closest bunker to the entrance to the building was reserved for Sergeant Willie the warthog and Imre was told by the RLI mortar men, “Don’t even think about going in there, Willie will run your ass off.” Sure, thought Imre, if in case of danger, if push comes to shove, he can get the best of a warthog. Him and Frank set up their camp cots in the small room and settle in for the evening. There was nothing to see or nothing to do for the rest of the evening. After the officers and the signals signed out the Coleman lanterns, there was one left for Imre to use. He read a book he brought along by the hiss and the light of the lantern. Frank fell asleep before he did, tomorrow he and Frank will set up the stores in the big room.
He had no idea what time it was, a sound of an explosion woke him.
As he lay on his cot and contemplated what was happening, he heard a
sound. It was as if someone wanted to enter the building through the
roof using a sledgehammer. It was very loud and unsettling, then
there was another crash of an explosion. There were more hammer
strikes on the roof and he could see some of the stars on the
African sky. All of a sudden, it registered, fucken hell, I am being
shot at. Frank was up too, just in his underwear and unlaced boots,
“Let’s get the fuck out of here Imre, this building might be zeroed
in.”
Imre agreed with Frank’s opinion 100% and did not need any further
prompting. Pulled on his boots and A cheer went up from the RLI mortar crews and the Zambian mortar bombs stopped falling. There were still some sporadic machinegun fire, but the danger of being shredded by some Russian or Chinese ordinance has passed. They filed out of the bunker, Imre looking at himself and the others almost laughed. It was a sight to behold, all these young men with unlaced boots on their feet with a rifle in their hands, naked, except for underwear. In the pale light of the moon, they looked comical. Another thing Imre noticed, that not two had the same kind of underwear. Some were in briefs others in boxer types and materials were a crazy quilt of colors and patterns. The reality was that the Rhodesian Army did not issue underwear. If you did not have your own, you did not wear any. Imre had a supply of his own Jockey brand shorts, many times, he was asked, and “Don’t they bother you on long marches?” His answer was, “No they don’t, but they keep my nuts from bouncing between my thighs. The RLI mortar teams looked the same, their faces were somewhat stained by the smoke of the mortars. They were pouring water on the lower part of the tubes to cool them down. One of them yelled out to them. “Hey, you oun’s, watch where you step, there is a lot of unexploded ordinance around here. We hit their ammo dump that is why they stopped shooting.” The RLI had the bragging rights, they hit at least one ammo dump. Carefully looking where they planted their feet, they went back to where from they were so rudely awakened.
The next morning even before Sgt. Klaus prepared breakfast, the
extent of the mortar attack could be surveyed. The pump and
filtration system for the swimming pool was hit and damaged beyond
repair.
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3/11/2010
This is one of the chapters from my new book "African
Adventures" or "Three Years in the SAS" I have not decided on
the title yet. The main thing is that my Hungarian publisher
bought the story after reading a few chapters and are going to
publish as soonas I am finished. Now I am looking for an
American publisher. Please give it a read and tell me what you
think. If you want to serve it up on the CT that is OK. I like
to know what the Big Piner's think. Best regards, Imre.
imrebaka@gmail.com
African Adventure # 5 Death of a Friend
Steve and Imre occupied one of the upstairs bedrooms; the windows gave them a good field of fire in front of the house. The back of the house was too difficult to approach for any attacker. The usual 'Modus Operandi' of terrorist gangs in farm attacks were, to simply walk up to the house after dark, and ring the doorbell, when the residents opened the door, the terrorists gunned them down. Johannes and Barbara Viljoen were killed like that just 25 kilometers from the town of Hartley. Now they were only 15 kilometers from Hartley, since then the double row of fences was built around the houses and dogs set loose between them. That stopped those kinds of attacks. Now they started the program, by sending an RPG Rocket (Rocket Propelled Grenade) through a window. Richard was cautious, and mounted a wire mesh screen outside of his bedroom window, but theirs were not protected in such manner. Boka and Steve had 8 hours of restful sleep, and were waken by Richard. The news was that Roger Beal had arrived, and all of them were invited over to his house for breakfast. Roger called the Harvey's and invited them over, but Richard said that they can't come because they had guests. "Well then, they can come too." Said Roger, "I will be right over to pick you all up." Steve and Boka just finished their morning toilet when Roger arrived, a typical farmer wearing a bush hat shorts, and knee socks, with veldskoons. He was most friendly, and had a very pleasant disposition. His house was on another farm about 4 kilometers away. Roger raised Brahman cattle; those are the ones with a hump. They all piled into Rogers Citroen, bringing all their shooters. It was a very short ride, and Roger never drove slowly, he was very pleased at the sight of the soldier’s rifles.
His house was a ground level ranch style with a swimming pool and properly fortified for the times. Each window had three rows of sandbags, and protected by a grenade screen. His family gave them a genuine welcome, 3 daughters and a wife, the youngest was 10, the middle one was 15, and the oldest was18 years of age. After they saw Steve and Boka's weapons, they insisted on showing off theirs. In the gunroom, Roger showed them his hunting rifles along with his trophies of Lion, Rhino, Leopard, and Kudu. There were several smaller antelopes too. Then the girls came and showed their hardware, the smallest one had 12 bore sawed off shotgun. The two bigger girls cradled Mk.4 303. Enfield’s in their arms, these were a dangerous covey of little girls. Imre noticed when they arrived that Mrs. Beal wore a 9mm. Star automatic pistol in a holster. This family can take care of themselves in a pinch. To the terrorists their house was not a soft target. A wonderful English breakfast was served by smartly dressed houseboys, and everything that they ate was produced on this farm, other than the salt and pepper. After breakfast Boka, and Steve were asked to go riding, they went down to the stables, and Boka picked out a horse that he liked. The only thing Boka did not like was the English saddle; there were no place to hang on, if you must. Susie assured Boka that the horse he chose was gentle, and there be no trouble. Of course, Steve, and Boka brought their rifles along, the girls taken them on the tour of the ranch, from the cattle enclosures to the village of the employees. Roger had at least 30 employees, he provided them with land, where they can build a native style hut, raise chickens and pigs, and vegetables. Provided them with work clothes, basic foods, medical care, and paid them a salary. His workers come and go as they pleased; when they came to work, they had to sign a contract for the season, which was six month at the most. Most of his workers been with him for years. The ranch was huge, several hundreds of hectares. The farm that Richard and Fru lived on belonged to Roger also.
The ranch was adjacent to Lake McIllwane National Park; there were plenty of opportunity to view wild game. Imre and Steve were treated to the sight of zebra, ostrich, giraffe, and a rhino. It was almost noon when the young women suggested that they should head back to the house for lunch. The youngsters wanted that it to be a race back to the stables, Boka thought not, this horse didn't have any handlebars that he could hang onto. It was just a leisurely walk or a canter back to the barn. Mrs. Beal went out of her way to make the two soldiers welcome, the lunch that was laid on was fabulous. London broil with gravy, three kinds of potatoes, fresh peas swimming in butter, a tossed salad. Imre ate until it ouched, he had to pass up desert, but had to promise the woman of the house that he will have some later. The girls went to lay down for an afternoon nap, Steve, and Boka retired to the spacious living room, and occupied the overstuffed easy chairs to join Roger for a smoke. Some politics were the subject of the conversation and the status of the terrorist war. It was agreed that the government forces were holding their own aginst the terrorist threat, although at some places they were spread very thin. When the conversation tapered off, they all taken a little snooze. It was late in the afternoon when everyone awoke, Mrs. Beal asked the houseboy to bring some cold beers. The houseboy brought the beers with tall Pilsner glasses, It was cold and refreshing. Dinner was the repeat of lunch, not leftovers but just as scrumptious as lunch was. After dinner, the soldiers thanked the Beal’s for their generous hospitality, and before it got dark Roger drove them back to the farm.
The next morning Boka and Steve woke at first light, the sun just about peaked out on the eastern horizon, and there was enough light to shoot accurately. Richard provided cover from the house out to 250-300 meters with a scoped 300 Winchester magnum rifle. Imre, and Steve swept around the house in a big circle looking for the spoor of uninvited guests. The terrorists wore a special boot manufactured by Bata Shoes; this boot had an 8 pattern on the sole. This made it easy to ID the terrorist’s tracks, this morning they didn't find any. By the time, they got back Fru and Amman had breakfast ready, which they had in the garden in front of the house. With the breakfast over Boka and Steve gathered their rifles, and rode down to the workers compound. When they rode into the compound, a whole flock of children followed them to the to the headman’s hut. Steve stepped forward and asked him. "Madala (Elder) have you seen any strangers on the farm?" The old man was impressed by the weapons, the machines, and the uniforms. They received courteous greeting from him, "No Boss not here in the compound, but the boys guarding the corn to the northeast have seen some strangers, and they said they were workers from the next farm." "How do we get to this corn field?" "Just go with your machines along the road, it will take you right there, you will hear the boys with the rattles." "Thank you Madala, have a good day." Steve told him, they rode along the dirt road, and watched the track for any kind of unusual disturbance. The terrorists loved to plant mines on these roads, the Soviet TMH type anti-tank mine was their favorite. If Steve or Boka would detonate one of these, it would be pure luck if one of their boots would be found. They checked the outer boundaries of the field and the road for tracks, but only found the bare footprints of the guard boys. There were some adult footprints belonging to farm workers, the only important things they did find in the bush along the road were half a dozen wire snares.
One of them scored a young duiker, a small antelope, the size of collie dog. The snare tightened around the poor animals neck until it choked it to death, it is a horribly cruel way to take game. They taken down all the snares, and taken them back to show them to Richard. Richard was not a happy camper, "God damn it, I have told those boys not to set snares on this property. Not to worry, I will find out who did this. The Parks and Game police will come out and put a good scare into them, maybe even take them to Chikarubi for a week." "Will they do that for you Richard?" "Sure they will, it's better to nip it in the bud right now, I better go and take a picture of that duiker for evidence." Fru had lunch ready for them as soon as Richard got back with the pictures; the picture was very convincing that an illegal snaring has taken place. The poor little duiker with it's tongue hanging out, and eyes bulging obviously was choked to death. The rest of the day was a lazy afternoon under the African sun in the shade of the flat-topped acacias. About 4 pm., the boys started to get their things together for the trip back to Cranborne Barracks. The previous Saturday it was the end of September, and October was looming ahead. The task of the SAS was expanding, by trying to stop the terrorists before they entered the country. Call signs (made up four soldiers) were being sent across the border to Mozambique, to Zambia, and Botswana. The duty, of the four man teams, were, to find the training camps, and to disrupt the terrorist infrastructure as much as possible. This was done, by tracking the movements, of the cadre and eliminates them by ambush or have them depart in an explosion. Imre was busy in his storerooms one day when Steve showed up, "Hey Imre, I just received a warning order! I'm about to go out in the next 24 hours, I have to collect 7 days rations from you." "Not a problem man, I'll get it for you." Boka went and collected the seven boxes and gave them to Steve, "How is Cess? Does she know you're going out?" "No, not yet, I will tell her this evening." It has been only a week ago that Steve taken Boka to meet his girlfriend.
A very attractive English girl Cecilia Brennan, they rented an apartment in town. Steve was happy as a pig in mud, and was thinking of getting married. The next day Steve was deployed in Call Sign 21. The insertion was by parachute, at night. After disposing of their chute’s they are to find a terrorist camp and observe. It was a basic scouting task, 48 hours went by, and just by chance, Boka heard at the troopies canteen that 'Call Sign 21' ran into trouble. There was a KIA (Killed in action) and one wounded, Boka hoped that Steve was all right. The wounded was already at Andrew Fleming Hospital, the KIA would be brought to the SAS barracks for a shave and clean up. After supper, Boka was told to report to Captain Curtain in the orderly room. Boka saluted smartly, and reported, "Trooper Boka reporting as ordered sir." "Stand at ease Boka." When Boka looked, he was surprised to see Captain Mackenzie there too. Captain Mackenzie spoke next, "Boka, you and Seymour were good friends." Hearing the word, were, Imre knew that his friend was no more, he felt a real sense of loss, he just barely got to know the guy. Just the other day, they spoke, as he handed him his rations. Captain MacKenzie went on, "Seymour died of his wounds 24 hours ago, wounds he received in a contact while on a scouting mission." "I'm very sad to hear that Sir." "Did Seymour have anyone else he was close to?" "Yes sir he did, the girl he was planning to marry, Cecilia Brennan. She lives in town sir." "Could you give us the address Trooper Boka?" "Of course sir." Boka looked in his valet; he didn't know the address by heart. Captain Curtain wrote it down."Trooper Boka, the army will send a Chaplin to see Miss Brennan tomorrow, as Seymour’s friend, you do as you want. We will miss Trooper Seymour too. That's all." Imre saluted did about face, and departed. He felt like a dark cloud was hanging over his head. He felt that Cess should hear the sad news from someone she knew. He went to shave, brush his teeth, and put on a fresh uniform. Got on the Matchless and rode over to Cecilia’s apartment. He wondered what would happen to Steve's bike, as usual, all of Steve's personal stuff would be auctioned off at the squadron. Imre knew that Cess probably heard the bike when he pulled up in front of the house.
Went to the second floor, and knocked on the door, "Come on in!" Came Cecilia’s voice from the inside, "Cess, it's me, Imre." Said Boka, the door opened and there was Cess with a confused look on her face, "Where is Steve, I heard his bike." "That was my bike you heard Cess, Steve is not coming." Boka should have known that his face spoke volumes. Cess knew in an instant what Boka meant, the corners of her mouth turned down, and she started to cry as her soul was being torn out of her. She ran into the apartment threw herself on the couch, buried her face in a pillow, and screamed, "No, no, no, it can't be. This is just a bad dream, a bad dream that I dreaded for weeks. I will wake up, and everything will be just like it was before."She sat up looked a Imre with the tears streaming down her face ,"Imreeee, tell me that this is just a bad dream, Steve is on the way up. Tell me, tell me, God damn you." "I wish I could Cess." The windows were open, and by now the whole of the apartment knew that something bad had happened. Imre was sure that any minute now somebody will come knocking on the door. Fortunately this didn't happen, but Cess was full of questions, "Imre, I want to know what, where, and how it happened?" "I'm sorry Cess, I'm not at liberty to tell you. If in your sorrow you should repeat it to someone and it gets to the wrong ears, I'll be in a whole lot of trouble." "Well, did he have any last words?" "I don't know Cess, I wasn't there." Now she was frustrated, and she was taking it out on Boka, "What the fuck do you know then, why were you not there? I thought you two would protect each other" "I only know, just what I told you, tomorrow a Chaplin will come to see you, and will tell you everything that I can't tell you. Anyway I got to go." "Oh please, don't go yet. I want to know what will happen next, what I will do with all his civilian clothes, and other personal things." "You must understand that I'm just guessing. The army will get in touch with Steve's parents." She cut in, "They're divorced!" "It doesn't make any difference, they will get in touch. One or both will come here to escort Steve home, unless they want him laid to rest here." "I will escort him back to Jersey, I don't want him buried here, in this land that killed him." "Since you were the closest to him here, the army should permit that. All his personal kit will be auctioned off at the squadron." "Will you call Richard, and Fru?" "I don't look forward to it." "Please do it Imre, I will just bust out crying, and won't be able to talk." "OK, I will call them tomorrow, but I will really have to go now, I will stop by tomorrow after we stand down." "Thanks’ for your time Imre." "You are most welcome, I'm just sorry that I was the bearer of bad news." Cess walked him to the door, and he departed. When he started the bike, he looked up at Cecilia’s window. She was there waving to him, and Boka wondered if she wished that he died instead of Steve. |
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African Adventure #6 Bad News, The White Crow
Boka didn't have time to call Richard and Fru during the day, he put it off until after duty hours. He called from the phone next to the Troopies Canteen. The phone only rang twice, it was Fru who answered, "Hello Harvey residence, Fru speaking." "Hello Fru, this is Imre." "Oh Imre, it's good to hear your voice......Oh My God... I saw a white crow in the pasture the day before yesterday. You are the bearer of bad news aren't you?" "Yes Fru." "The Africans say, when you see a white crow it means somebody died. What happened to Steve, Imre?" "Steve is dead Fru." Boka heard Fru starting to cry as she called Richard, "Richard...Richard, come quickly, Steve died. Here, here, Imre is on the phone." Boka could hear Richard take the phone, "Imre, how did it happen where did it happen?" " Richard, it wasn't a motorcycle accident, I'm not at liberty to give you any details, but the truth is I don't know shit. All I know is that he died in a contact." "Does Ceccilia already know about it?" "Yes, I talked to her yesterday, she asked me to call you two." "When are you coming to see us again?" "I don't know Richard, Steve’s parents will be arriving in a few days, I will know more then." "Imre, we must meet them, you know very well that we loved Steve, just like we love you. We would like them to come out here to the farm." I will see what I can do, after I tell them about you two, I'm sure they would want to meet you. I too might have to do a bush trip before long, perhaps before the weekend. I will call you." "OK Imre, be careful, take care." Klick, Richard hung up the phone. Boka thought for a few minutes, hell, nobody ever told him to be careful and take care with that kind of concern, just his mother whom he worried so much when he was young. Boka had a clear picture about the risks and the dangers, him, and Steve talked about it many times.
It was part of the job, if they were to worried about it, they wouldn’t have come. He was a risk taker, all his life he has taken risks. He has been accused of having a death wish, but that wasn't the case he wasn't afraid of death, but it saddend him because he knew that somewhere, sometime it will arrive. Risk taking, and cheating death, was fun. He would never do stupid stunts like jump from an airplane without a parachute, or sacrifice himself by charging in to a hail of machinegun fire. Anything where the percentage of survival was better than 70%, he was up for. The reality was that in this profession the one thing that you knew is, that you never knew. Life is like that, oh God how dull it would be if we did know. He could not go to Cecilia’s that evening, but he called her, he could tell by her voice that she has been crying all day, "Imre the Chaplin was here, he was a captain, but he didn't tell me anything." "Cess, please relax, I will talk to the boys who were there, they can tell me exactly what happened. For the time being, please don't be so hard on yourself." "Would you do that for me? I like that very much." "I will call you again Cess just relax everything will come right." The next day was Wednesday, after the morning formation, and breakfast the six guys that passed the last selection had to report to Color Sergeant La Roux. Color La Roux's domain was only a couple buildings away from Boka's stores, in fact they were identical. Color La Roux was the Diving and boat expert of the SAS, his stores were full of wood working tools, and power tools, outboard motors, and Zodiac inflatable’s. There were several bags of foldboats, KLEPPER kayaks. The other room had diving gear up the ass. Tanks, fins, masks, wet suits, and regulators. Since the Color Sergeant was larger around the middle than he should be, his nickname was Dumpy La Roux, and he accepted it. Dumpy set up a projector but before he started the film he told the soldiers to pay close attention because they will be expected to assemble a kayak themselves, then he started the film. The film was more than half over when Boka had a flashback. Lightly elbowed Norrad next to him, "Hey man I'm formiliar with these boats." Norrad looked at him with surprise, and whispered, "Did you have one of these boats?" "Hell no, it wasn't mine but I used it. A guy named Ted, who was sparking my cousin Susie They were going to the bay, and taken me and my brother along. I was about 15, when we got there he pulled two big bags from the trunk of his car, like those. I helped him put together a kayak, it even had sails." The projector was switched off and the agitated voice of Dumpy La Roux was heard, "Gentlemen, we will continue the film as soon as Trooper Boka is finished with his private conversation. Tell me Trooper Boka, do you know this equipment so well that you feel that you do not have need of this instruction?" Boka stood up and answered, "Yes Color, I'm familiar with this boat." "You will have a chance to prove that Trooper Boka, but if you are bullshiting me, you will do so many push up's, That you will know the ants on first name bases. For now we will finish the movie." Dumpy switched on the projector, and the film continued. With the film over, Dumpy stood in front of the soldiers, "Trooper Boka, front and center." Boka assumed the position of attention next to Dumpy, "Stand easy." gave the command Color La Roux, Now he spoke to the soldiers, "Now Trooper Boka will demonstrate to us how to assemble a KLEPPER kayak. Let me warn you Trooper Boka, the KLEPPER kayak doesn't lend it's self to force, hammering, or prying. I do not want to see any of that, do we understand each other?" "Yes Color Sergeant!" "OK, you can begin." He walked over to the two large bags and looked inside the first one. The outer skin of the kayak was in there, he went to the other and looked, it was full of all the wooden parts. Was just getting ready to dump the contense on the floor, when Dumpy spoke up, "Trooper we would like to hear some instruction with the demonstration." "Yes of course Color." He then turned to the boys, "Gentlemen, I will now show you ignorant people how to assemble a KLEPPER kayak, I want your undivided attention, and will not tolerate any talking or bullshit. The offenders not only will know the ants first names, but the names of their relatives too. Dumpy turned away from the boys, Boka noticed that he was trying to suppress a smile, and his stomach was shaking. Boka knew he was past the first hurdle, and now he was on steadier ground."Gentlemen, The KLEPPER kayak is made of wood, aluminum, rubber, and canvas.
The bag with the wooden parts he emptied on the floor, "The kayak has 15 ribs, and they are numbered 1 through 15. Number 1 rib goes to the bow of the kayak, for you non nautical people that's the front. Number 15 rib goes to the stern, that’s the back. I will put the ribs in numerical order, and it's plain to see that the ribs are smallest at the front and back. They progressively get bigger as they go toward the middle. The keel board consists of two pieces, and is numbered with corresponding numbers with the ribs. Only a total idiot couldn't put a kayak like this together.
There are 18 stringers or they can be called stiffeners, they help keep the ribs in place and hold the shape of the kayak." Boka showed them how the steering mechanism works from the rear sitting position, the Jib, and the Mainsail. The function of the lee boards. When the time came for the outer skin, Dumpy helped him to roll it out and fit the frame into the skin. At the beginning Boka was skeptical about success, but he forged ahead trusting in his own confidence that he will prevail. When they got a smoke break, Dumpy called him and said, "Boka your presentation was excellent, I will ask Major Barnes to transfer you over to the dive shop." Boka protested, "Please don't do that Color, I'm the "A" Troop store man and I want to stay there with Captain Mac." "I respect your loyalty Boka, but when I call on you help, don't refuse me."
"That would never happen Color, I will always be at your disposal." "Boka, you impressed me with your presentation, you really know your way around these kayaks." "Thank you Dumpy, a thousand pardon, Color Sergeant La Roux." "Don't think nothing of it Boka, eye to eye you can call me by my nickname, just don't do it with officers in earshot." "Thank you Dumpy." After lunch they went back to Dumpy's domain, and loaded a 5 ton Mercedes with bags of kayaks, and the target was 'Lake McIllwane National Park.' On the beach the boys assembled the four kayaks, and in the company of Dumpy, and went for a cruise. There were two troopers per kayak Dumpy was alone in one, they didn't know how far will Dumpy take them. Hopefully not far because they had no rations, they had arms, and ammo a plenty, even med. packs and a radio with Dumpy. In a shallow bay Dumpy LaRoux had them do Eskimo rolls, after a few of those they were soaked to the skin, but the water was pleasant. They practiced maneuvering the kayaks for the better part of the afternoon, when they moved across the lake to another bay. On approaching the shore Boka noticed a little girl observing them with interest. When they got closer Norrad spoke up, "Hey guys look at that Hog leg that little chick has." Boka asked Dumpy, "Color, can we go closer?" "Yes we will beach, men." They put more effort into the paddles, and headed for the grassy shore. Boka told Norrad in front of him, "I know that little girl." "I suspected you being a 'Pedophile'." "I'm going to steer right for her, stroke...stroke...stroke:" The kayak surged forward but the girl was just looking at them with her horse grazing in the background. Soon as they were in easy earshot, Boka called ou to her," Hello Becky, what are you doing here?" "See ya Imre, what are you doing here? How come you guys are not in the bush shooting terrorists?" "I thought this WAS the bush, with the bugs, crocks, and the hippos." Said Norrad, all the kayaks were on shore now the soldiers taking off their shirts and wringing them out. "Hey Becky where are your sisters?" "They are just riding, like me, I'll go get them." She jumped on her horse and was gone."Hey Boka she has sisters?" One of the others asked, "Yes, two." "All right."Came the approval almost in a chorus. They all heard the horses a few minutes later, "Hey guys, here comes the Sheila cavalry." That comment came from Kiwi Campion, "Look guys lay off of the coarse pig shit, these are nice young girls, not the kind you pick up at the 'La Bohem' or the 'Cock Door'." Advised Boka. "Yea guys, watch that shit, they're armed too." Added Norrad. Fiona and Susan had their rifles in scabbards, they rode up close, and dismounted. The wet sunbathing soldiers all got up, Fiona and Susan both greeted Boka, "Hey Imre, what gives? What are you doing here?" "Me, and my friends decided to clean the terr's out of the park."Introductions were in order, Boka thought he better start with Dumpy, "Girls, this is Color Sergeant La Roux. Color these are the Beal girls, Fiona and Susan. The little one you seen earlier is Becky. Where is she anyway?" "We sent her to the house for some beers, she should be back shortly." Answered Susan. This might be pushing Dumpy's easy going manner to far, so Boka turned to him, "Color, would you mind if we had a beer?" "No I would not, and I be not refusing one either." That prompted a sigh of relief, "Oh sorry girls these sorry looking drowned rats are my mates, Campion, McAleese, Collins, Norrad, and Cleary. Boys these are the Beal girls Fiona and Susan. Ladies the UN is here, we have a Kiwi, a Scott, a Paddy, a Yank, a Limey, and yours truly." Both girls said it at the same time, "The Hungarian." Boka did an appropriate bow. Just then, they heard the approach of a car, they all looked in that direction, Boka wasn't too surprised. It was Roger's Citroen, the suspension raised high to clear obstacles, his wife and Becky was with him, Boka introduced him first to Color Sergeant La Roux, Roger went to the Croix of the matter, "Sergeant I hope you don't mind, We brought something to eat and drink for you and your men." "I don’t mind at all Mr.Beal." The girls and the Mrs. were busying themselves, a portable table was set up, and a grill. Two cases of Castle Lager appeared out the back of the car, fresh bread was cut and the Boerwurst was sizzling , on the grill. The Troopers helped themselves to beers, and Mrs. Beal said, "Eats be ready in a few minutes boys." with slices of bread in their hands they pushed around the grill and were watching the sausages as they were getting cooked. It was plain to see that the girls, and Mrs. Beal enjoyed the way the soldiers were salivating, there was no shyness. Then the feed bag was on, as the soldiers were snatching the Boerwurst from the grill, Mrs. Beal and her daughters were taking some more tasty things from the car. There was fried chicken and a selection of meat pies. You were not left wanting if you had a sweet tooth, there was cake and sweet scans. Roger went over to Boka and asked him, "Have you found out any particulars about Steve? The girls don't know about it yet." If he didn't know any better, he would have thought that it was just morbid curiosity, "No, I don't know nothing more, I promised Cess that I will try to find out, but I haven't had a chance to talk to the boys." "I understand Imre, I was very happy when Becky rode in and told me that soldiers were down at the lake, and that you were with them. We thought that a few beers and some food will hit the spot." He turned toward Dumpy and held his beer high in a gesture of a salute, "To your health Sergeant La Roux, have some more food, we brought it to be eaten." Dumpy returned the salute, and said to Roger, "Thank you for your hospitality Mr.Beal, my boys appreciate it too." "You and the boys are most welcome Sergeant, no soldier will be hungry or thirsty on my ranch." The guys in a chorus yelled, "HURRAA!" Roger had a reason to be happy that they were here, the terr's gave the army a wide berth, even a half a dozen soldiers. On top of that, they were the most feared, and the highly dreaded SAS. The girls liked to go for a kayak ride, but Dumpy said, "Ladies it's too late in the day, but we will be here tomorrow too. Come down to the number 8 camping area, we will be at the boat ramp." "We will be there Serge." Came the answer, Boka liked hearing that. It was not often that he knew what will happen one day to the next. Dumpy ordered them," Gather all the bottles and the obvious litter, give the bottles to Mr. Beal the trash we take with us, use the water bags." They all said their good bye's to the Beal’s, and one at a time they were invited back. "Let's go, let's go Troopers, to the kayaks." Dumpy prompted them; Boka steadied the kayak while Norrad climbed in the front. Trooper Cleary, Kiwi, McAleese, and the others were well on the way when Boka and Norrad got waterborne. The rays of the setting sun danced on the water, they were a mere 25 meters from the shore when Dumpy ordered them, "Eskimo Roll, Execute!" Everyone was soaked again, from the shore they could hear the laughter of the girls. They waved to the Beal’s, and paddled toward the number 8. landing. They were still wet when they arrived at Cranborne Barracks, had to change boots, and uniforms. Boka made the decision that tomorrow he will take an extra set of camos along. He went down to the Troopie's Mess for a beer, the barman just put it down in front of him when he noticed the two other guys from 'Call Sign 21'. He went over and decided to ask about their wounded buddy, "Hey guys, would you mind if I join you? Barman, bring us a round!" "No, not at all Boka." "How is the wounded fellow?" "Haven't you heard, Boet Nel died yesterday." This had the affect on Boka like a bucket of ice water thrown in his face. He hardly knew Nel the South African, everyone always referred to him as Boety. He didn't like that because if a Limey or a Yank said it, it almost sounded like Betty. He would protest then, "Say my name properly YOU!" Boka wanted to share these guys sorrow, but he wanted to find out what happened, "I'm so sorry guys, I didn't know him well, but he was a good soldier." "He was that, Boka, he died protecting us." "I want you to tell me how did this whole thing went down. Steve was one of my best friends, and I like to know how and why he died. I know Steve wasn't an experienced operator, but you guys and Nel were not amateurs." "What are you fishing for Boka? Are you trying to find somebody to hang the blame on? Get the fuck out of here." "Excuse me guys, I have no such intentions, I wouldn't even ask if it wasn't for Cecilia, Steve's Fiancé." "OK, but you must understand why we are so cross, Captain McCormack grilled us, put us through the grinder for 3 hours trying to hang blame on us, but we didn't screw up. Listen, the insertion by parachute went fine. There wasn't a village or a farm nearby, after landing we buried our chutes, it was easy because the soil was sandy. There was a full moon, we didn't even need a light when we looked at the map. Thick bush was all around us, we could not see any features aginst which we could fix our position. We chose a compass heading, Boet was on point with the compass. He could keep a good pace and keep an eye on the compass too, he had one of the RPD's. Ian was behind him with the radio, armed with an AK. I was next with the second RPD, Steve was the rear guard. The bush wasn't too thick, most of the time we stuck to animal trails, that way no broken and disturbed bush were left in our wake. Sometimes we had to get down on our hands, and knees, when we thought to be nearing our target, we listened if we could hear the slightest out of place noise or sound. Our nerves were tighter then banjo strings, beads of sweat rolling off our forehead washed away our camo cream. We reapplied, Steve suggested that it would be a good idea to climb a tree. We agreed, since it was his idea, he was chosen to be the monkey. I gave him my binos, and we helped him up to the lower branches, this was a tall tree. Steve went up high 10 to 15 meters, he was up there a long time without any results. When he came down he said, "No sign of any life, everything as dark as grape jelly." When he was sliding down on the trunk of the tree, he ripped his pants from the crotch up to his belt. I remember as his pants ripped, it sounded very loud in that bush. The last thing that he said, "I hope nothing worse happens to me this trip." Boet got on point again, we fell in behind, Steve bringing up the rear. Went maybe 1or2 clicks, we went by a Boabab tree that was laying on it's side the dirt covered roots sticking up at it's base. It looked eerie in the moonlight, like hands reaching out. I didn't hear the shot, a green thing went by Boet. It even turned around in my head,' Man that was one fast firefly,' that’s when I heard the rattle of the RPD, as I threw myself down I saw the muzzle blast of the RPD, and could see Boet standing and returning fire. That is the way I will remember him, standing there and covering us, he saved our asses. The first blast must have knocked Steve down, Boet always loaded his first belt with tracer, he was lighting up the bush. I fired two long bursts toward the RPD gunner, and rolled to my right. This is when I noticed that Boet was not standing anymore, or firing, Ian was still pumping lead, and threw a grenade. I fired long bursts again, before Ian's grenade exploded I saw the terr change his position. I too pulled a pin on a grenade, and let the spoon fly, counted, Geronimo One, Geronimo Two. I put my grenade where the terr went to ground, my grenade exploded a few seconds after Ian's, there was a scream, "YEEEÁOW." And the terr quit firing, Ian and I both rushed toward the terr at a low crouch firing with each step. Ian fell, I got close to the terr first, and let burst after burst into his body. My tracers were lighting the holes and made them smoke, his buddy made like a rabbit because we found another AK. I went back where Ian fell, and asked him, "Are you hit?" He said, "No, I tripped over Steve’s body." We checked Steve, but couldn't find a pulse. Went to check Boet, he was hit three times in the upper torso, bright blood was coming from his mouth, and nose. I went to dress Boet's wounds while Ian was asking for an uplift on the radio. Had Boet all patched up when Ian said, "They want us to take him to the first RV (Rendezvous) point." Boet heard all that, and with blood bubbling from his nose said, "I'll never make it that far boys, I'm bleeding on the inside, I can feel it. Tell them to fly on a 278 compass heading, we will make a signal." Then he passed out. Ian told the FAF about the seriousness of Boet's wounds, and his suggestion, and got an OK. It was time to get the hell out of this area because heavy machinegun fire started to probe the bush, but still a good distance from us. We dumped our packs, and booby trapped them with grenades. Put a grenade under the dead terrorist too, destroyed the weapons by smashing them aginst trees, bending the barrels. Ian hung Boet's RPD around his neck and his ammo belts, and carried him piggyback, I stuffed all the codes in my pocket, picked up Steve in a firemans carry, my RPD around my neck, and we set off. It was hard going, but after about 15 - 20 minutes we heard the helicopter, we were ready to fall down anyway. As luck have it we were close to the edge of a clearing, I put Steve down and retrieved my Firefly flasher from my breast pocket and turned it on, my night vision was screwed. Ian fired a pencil flare. We heard mortars as they left the tubes...THUNK...THUNK...THUNK. The chopper came in over the bush, still hovering, we were already next to it. By the time the wheels touched the ground, we had the casualties loaded and jumped aboard. As we were lifting off mortar bombs started to hit the far side of the clearing. The pilot Mr. Cook didn't spare the bird, less than 20 minutes we landed at the FAF. Boet was stuck with IV's and came around, as soon as the chopper was fueled he was rushed to Andrew Fleming hospital. I looked at Steve then, he had no chance, the first burst caught him at the height of his belt. He fell backwards right into the RPD's beaten zone, he was hit through the head and the upper body 8 times. The terr had a good position, I don't know what the hell he was doing there, we were still to far from the base to run into an early warning post. I think this guy was an idiot, they told him, "Go out 500 meters and set up an early warning, He must have went 3 clicks. The bastard let us go by his position, and opened up on us from behind, knowing that he will get at least two of us before we finish with him. This is what happened Boka, it could happen with anyone. The one who thinks it could not happen to him, can kiss my ass." Boka had a clear picture now, and had something to tell Cecilia. Maybe hearing the facts would put her at ease. He ordered a another round, and after he looked at the bottom of that bottle he shook hands with the two guys, "Thank you for the info, it explained much." "No trouble at all Boka, thanks for the beers." He departed, it was too late to go over to Ceccílias, besides tomorrow there will be a lot of kayaking.
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