Index Sons of the Brave New Zealand's Contribution The Triple-Headed Banner The Kelantan Jungle An Over-Suppy of Ration Packs Panthera Tigris Corbetti Attack by the Man-Eater Return of the Tiger Newspaper Report Meeting with the Tiger Hunter Special Operational Reports Combined Operation A US Marine served in the Emergency! An Unenviable Job Further Tiger Victims Return the Malayan Index E-Mail Frank Britain's Small Wars

A US Marine served in the Malayan Emergency! Major Bruce F. Meyers, 1/1 US Marine Corps, decided to go to Malaya after talking to friends during Operation Borneo "Saddle Up". This Operation was a joint manoeuvre held in Borneo, June 1959. One month later, Meyers arranged leave from 1/1, boarded a Marine transport for Hong Kong, flew to Bangkok, boarded a train, and ended up in Malaya. He spent the next three weeks participating in three separate patrols with 1 Battalion NZ Regiment, 28th Commonwealth Brigade. This is part of his report . . . I was assigned to Charlie Company, commanded by Major Jock Harvey, which was operating in the Liman Kati area on the Thai-Malayan border. Liman Kati is the name of the kampong that is situated on the floor of a large valley. This valley contains numerous rubber estates and a paved roadway connects with the towns of Kuala Kangsar to the south and Grik to the north. The area surrounding Liman Kati is secondary jungle with every conceivable type of grass, creeper, vine, plant and bamboo growing together to make a nearly impassable tangle of undergrowth. Such was the area for our operations. Most Malayan jungle operations are conducted on squad and platoon level. The NZ rifle platoons, though smaller, bear some similarity to Marine rifle platoons. There are three nine-man sections, or squads and each is broken down into three, three-man groups; a reconnaissance or contact group (scouts), a support group (with a Bren gun), and a rifle or reserve group. Charlie Company's camp was located about a quarter mile from the new village of Liman Kati, 100 yards off the road on the edge of a large rubber estate. It consisted of five tents similar to Marine Corps' squad tent in size and 7 and 8 Platoons were accommodated in one of these tents. Most of the patrols from this Company were of three kinds: ambush, curfew and jungle patrols - either combat or reconnaissance. I was fortunate to participate in all three types. AMBUSH PATROL Most ambush patrols are laid along known, or suspected CT tracks; some of which are set up on information from Special Branch (Intelligence) gained from interrogating prisoners or from informers. Seven Platoon was scheduled for an ambush patrol during my first evening in Liman Kati. The 12-man patrol, led by Lt Gilbert Duncan, consisted of three ambush parties and a three-man curfew 'cover' party. The patrol was to leave base camp early in the afternoon, taking a route through the rubber estates along llang grass parallel to the jungle edge. The route would take us in view of Chinese rubber tappers working the trees on the estates, but disguised as a curfew patrol, its real mission thus covered. The patrol quietly dropped off ambush parties along its route and continued back to the base camp at nightfall. Each of the ambush locations was covered in the patrol leader's briefing (the familiar five-paragraph order). A lance-corporal or senior private was in charge of each party and the party commander carried a Bren gun (similar to our BAR) and two riflemen had Stirling LMGs.

Our party was dropped off late in the afternoon about a quarter mile from our pre-selected ambush site. We took cover and rested in llang grass half a mile from the jungle edge. At about 1800 the smokeless cookers (similar to C-ration heat tabs) were broken out and the party 'brewed up'. A hot can of ration stew, some crackers and jam and the tea completed our meal. The jam, incidentally, comes in a tube like toothpaste - a better method than our flat C-ration can of jam.

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The site was in the centre of a large meadow-like area of llang grass bordering the rubber estate. It lay along the intersection of two trails cutting through a natural fence line of scrub. It seemed a logical route for any CT making a rendezvous for a food pickup. Moving as silently and as unobtrusively as possible (visual reconnaissance had been made earlier in the patrol as we passed the vicinity), we arrived just prior to dark. Our three ponchos were spread on the ground behind some grass cover two to three feet high. The Bren gun was set into position as the primary weapon and was centrally located for field of fire. Spare magazines were carefully positioned on the ponchos for immediate use. Wire was laid about 25 yards up the trails to RAF ground signal flares on both sides of the ambush. The flares, incidentally, burn for four minutes, and box-in the ambush with adequate light.

Our party was in position and the ambush was set soon after dark. The three of us took up prone or sitting positions an arm's length apart, and waited. We were to wait there until 0200 and then return to base.

I was to set off the ambush by spotting the target with a three-cell flashlight. Pvte R. A. Bowdler, at my left, was to detonate the two ground flares and use his Sterling. The Bren, sited to my right by the ambush commander, L/Cpl M. Hotere, was our main weapon. Site selection gave us grazing fire toward gently rising ground covered with short grass stubble.

One hundred per cent alert was maintained for the first three hours. After that, one-third alert status gave us each a bit of rest. Finally, we left the ambush position after seven hours of waiting, stiff, sore and disappointed. No contact. All were bitten by the hordes of mosquitoes rising from a swampy jungle stream nearby, and, incidentally, most patrols and ambush parties never use insect repellent and rely on the Paludrine tablet taken to lessen an attack of malaria.

Curfew patrols are made at irregular intervals and by different routes. The military turns those apprehended over to the police for investigation. But some patrols have made 'kill' contacts, surprising CTs enroute into villages. Lt Gilbert Duncan was again the patrol leader. Our briefing gave the route, time of departure and return and a review of the arm and hand signals to be used. The signals are similar to Marine Corps signals. "Halt" and "forward" are the same. "Silence" is a finger to the lips. "Listen" is a cupping of the hand to the ear. The most important signal is that for the enemy - a clenched fist with the thumb pointed downward. Friendly troops are the reverse - thumbs up.

Our four-man patrol left base camp in the afternoon during a heavy rainstorm. It continued until our return at dark. Our jungle green uniforms, canvas boots and floppy jungle hats were quickly soaked and made us blend even more with the jungle. The canvas boots have rubber-cleated souls and are about the same height as our boon-dockers. The hats, though soaked, did a fine job of keeping the rain from dripping down my neck. Weapons included FN FAL (L1A1) 7.62mm self-loading weapons and three 9mm (L2A3) Sterling (Patchett) sub-machine guns.

A three-mile trek through rubber estates and up along the jungle edge gave the patrol quite a workout in the slippery mud and wet jungle floor. The rain helped considerably in silencing the movement of the patrol and it was pleasing to see a patrol moving silently by use of arm and hand signals, covering an area in a most thorough and professional manner.

Lack of contact and approaching darkness brought us back down to the road where we hailed a three-ton army lorry that returned us to our base camp. Troop morale, it would appear, would be a problem, but it wasn't. Men of the 1st Battalion New Zealand Regiment, from my observations, could be considered typical of those throughout Malaya. Many British soldiers were National Service, or short service enlisted. Without exception, morale remained very high after weeks, or even months, of monotonous patrolling. It was, indeed, gratifying to see the professional attitude of these New Zealand soldiers after nearly two years in the jungles of Malaya.

The British classify patrols by mission, either reconnaissance or fighting (combat). Like Marine patrols, the recon party is small (three to four men) and travels so as to avoid contact. The fighting patrol is larger (platoon or more) and seeks out the CT.

Our patrol was scheduled for four days in the area west of Liman Kati. It was larger than the normal recon patrol and smaller than the average combat patrol. The patrol leader made his final medical check of personnel. This reduced the patrol to nine men. A twisted leg and recent hospitalisation of two men, plus the normal leave and other administrative reasons, set the figure.

W.E.M. Stewart, of 8 Platoon was the patrol leader. L/Cpl R.L. Hales was second-in-command. Migan, a native Iban tracker, a signaller, four privates, and myself completed the complement. Weapons included an M5 .303 calibre Jungle Carbine carried by the tracker, three of the FNs and five 9mm Sterlings.

We had two sets of olive green uniforms, one worn and the other carried as a 'dry' spare in the pack and worn at night when bashered up. We wore canvas jungle boots and carried a pair of tennis shoes (hockey boots to the British) to wear at night. These are of Malayan manufacture (Chinese) and don't leave the telltale track of the British jungle boot. They are identical to the type worn by the CTs.

Two different types of packs are used, the standard British model 1944 web pack (similar to a large Marine Corps haversack) and the Bergin rucksack. The pack holds mess gear, three days rations (for a four-day patrol), a blanket, a poncho or plastic rain sheet for overhead cover, a nylon hammock (made from two gores of a parachute that had been used for aerial resupply on a previous deep patrol), a small heat tab cooker, and miscellaneous toilet articles.

Our assigned area west of Liman Kati was to take us into dense secondary jungle three miles from the jungle edge. The route took us from 200 feet upward to a ridgeline over 2,800 feet. The terrain was rough and broken. Many finger ridges with swift mountain streams gave us a complex of terrain compartments to patrol.

The patrol had been cleared for the area for four days. This meant Charlie Company and Battalion had affected liaison and any person contacted in the area was assumed to be enemy. The rules are basic. Once clearance has been obtained in an area, shoot on sight. Brevity of contact has been the history of most engagements. A unit may patrol for weeks and months and then when contact is established, the firefight may only last from 10 to 50 seconds. Obviously, it takes immediate recognition and accurate, well-aimed shots to get the "kills".

Men in the 1st Battalion New Zealand Regiment's Charlie Company wear a blue ribbon sewn on to their floppy jungle hats. Each unit has a different colour or design. In the split second before firing, the hatband serves to identify friend or foe. Fortunately, contacts between friendlies have been rare and with the close patrol coordination are now nonexistent.

The CT uniform, in contrast to the Security Forces', is khaki shirt and trousers and tennis shoes. Some wear a peaked soft khaki cap with the typical red star similar to those seen in Korea.

Prior to leaving the road and entering the jungle edge, Lt Stewart assigned primary sectors of fire. Techniques of patrolling were mainly identical to Marine methods.

Getting an early start in the morning, the patrol entered the jungle shortly after 0730. Winding upward toward our patrol objective, the high ridgeline west of Liman Kati, took most of the morning. The formation was a loose column through the llang grass. Entering the jungle proper, the formation tightened. Interval varied from 15 to 25 feet between men and in particularly dense undergrowth, it was necessary to close up to about five feet. Stops were made every hour. During these breaks each man faced outward towards his sector of responsibility. All communication between patrol members was by arm and hand signal.

When the patrol crossed a stream (sometimes five or six times a day), each man took a drink from his water bottle and replaced the water from the stream - not failing to add the purification tablet to prevent leptospirosis. (The British canteen is similar to ours. It has a larger mouth, making it easier to fill and empty. Another advantage is its noiseless soft rubber top). Even on high ridgelines the nearest stream is usually 400 yards down either side. On occasion, water vines were penetrated for drinking water. It had a slight peanut-like taste.

About lunchtime on the first day, the patrol came across an old Communist Terrorist camp, judged to be about a year old. It was on a small slope near a swift stream in an area relatively free of undergrowth, and comprised three bashas (jungle shelters made of bamboo). There are small sleeping platforms about six inches off the ground with an overhead framework of bamboo poles covered with attap leaves to keep the occupant dry. Each shelter could accommodate two men and from this the camp was estimated to have been for six men. A small area had been levelled and cleared for a parade ground and evidence of a lectern and several benches indicated the occupants had undergone indoctrination even deep in the jungle. Coordinates were taken and an appropriate report made.

The patrol continued toward the ridgeline and then circled back down-slope to an area selected for a base camp. The site was some distance off the trail and near a stream for an adequate water source - but not so near that the noise of the water would drown out jungle sounds and thus reduce security. As the patrol moved into the selected area, Lt Stewart indicated a base or 12 o'clock position. Once designated, each group moved into its assigned defensive position. All hands faced outward and listened for about a half hour. On occasion, patrols doing this have detected CT camps in the immediate area by the sound of chopping.

Once the area is determined secure, men take turns standing security while their buddies set up one-man shelters. The jungle parachute hammock is strung between two trees some 12 feet apart; overhead is stretched the poncho or plastic rain sheet; the pack and other equipment is stowed on the deck below the hammock. Cooking on the small metal cooker with heat tabs is done under shelter.

Most units base up early in the afternoon. A 20 to 30-minute period is set to cut poles, vines, etc., and all clearing must be done at this time. A quick bath in the nearby stream and change into dry uniform and tennis shoes does wonders for one's morale after a long day of patrolling. Individual weapons are always carried or within reach even when bathing.

On this patrol we had both the standard British ration and the local or Malayan-packed ration. Both were good. The standard British ration is similar to our C-ration with oatmeal, beans, bacon, corned-beef, cheeses, stews and other similar foods. The local ration pack includes rice and curry and makes a tasty Mulligan curry.

Members of the patrol slept in their clothes with weapons at hand. We slept with portions of the nylon parachute over our faces in protection against mosquitoes. The fact that most of the patrol slept at night may, at first, seem incongruous with the constant alert during the day. Such is not the case. Security Forces have found that in deep jungle, the CT does not usually move at night and bivouac sites are purposely selected away from jungle trails. The noise or the light from a flashlight that would have been used quickly detects any movement at night through heavy jungle.

The two most critical times in security are at dawn and dusk. All hands stand-to, each facing outward, weapon in hand, in complete alert. Personnel on night security awake the patrol about 15 minutes before dawn. The stand-to is maintained until visibility allows security of the position and at dark the same applies, hence the early stop in the afternoon so all cooking and lights will be extinguished by dusk.

Standard drill for basing up calls for establishing perimeter and connecting trails. Jungle vines are used for communication at night. Sentries can alert the patrol leader (usually located in the centre of the base) by tugging on a vine. Similarly, all hands can be alerted. After stand-to and an early breakfast, our patrol moved out next morning minus packs. Two men were left behind as base security. The patrol could move more quickly and silently without packs and a noon snack and tea were carried in a pouch on our web belts.

The patrol worked up the steep slope some 1,000 yards to the ridgeline. The aborigines and subsequently the CTs found ridgelines offered the most rapid means of movement in the jungle. Thus, many of the major ridgelines have some form of jungle track or trail tracing their length, as did our ridgeline running up to Hill 2850. The tangle of creepers and vines, which covers the slopes, does not grow on the ridgelines. Instead, a plant called attap, which is 12 to 15 feet in height, grows here. Its large, narrow, spike-like leaves dry and drop to the ground, forming a noisy carpet. Only after rain is it easier to move with less noise.

Our Iban tracker stopped periodically to check for signs of CT movement. The Iban is a native of Sarawak in British North Borneo and is born in the jungle. His are mountain people and they are considered superior to the Dyak tribe who were used for a time for jungle tracking in Malaya.

Few wild animals were encountered on our patrol. On occasions, giant vultures could be seen through breaks in the overhead foliage, soaring over the treetops. They would emit a distinctive screeching sound. Periodically, monkeys would spot the patrol and set up a howling and hooting almost human. Four wild pigs were surprised one day, and ran grunting through the undergrowth.

There are two main types of leeches in Malaya. The bull, or water leech, and the grass leech. The former is larger than the grass leech and is darker in colour. The water leech lives in slow-moving streams and will attach itself to anything moving. Fortunately, we didn't encounter any of the water leeches. The grass leeches that attached themselves to us were about an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half in length and dark brown in colour. Small in diameter, they are about the size of a piece of insulated wire and once attached, they swell to two or three times their size as they fill themselves with blood. The grass leeches are found on the ground, vines, plants and grass. As the patrol made its way through this area, they would attach themselves to clothing and seek entry to the skin. It is amazing how they find even the smallest opening - such as the eyelet in the jungle boot, or small tear in the jungle trousers. Particular care had to be taken after halts. Once inside the trousers, they attach themselves to the inside of the legs near the crotch. Leeches are difficult to detach once they have bitten and if brushed off, the head may be detached in the skin. This will infect and form jungle sores.

Besides leeches, other medical problems patrols have were: scrub typhus, for which we hand-treated all of our jungle clothing with an oily substance, called DPT. This was supposed to protect for two weeks; leptospirosis, for which we treated all water with chlorine-smelling water purification tablets; and, malaria, for which we swallowed twice-daily tablet of Paludrine. Jungle sores are a modest problem. Most of us patrolled in the daytime with the sleeves of our bush jacket-like shirts rolled to the elbow because of the heat and intense humidity. During the course of the day, tuta mati, or other sharp jungle vines scratched one. All scratches festered easily and at the end of a patrol, most had a number of sores, treated with gentian violet to dry up.

Jungle navigation is difficult and made more so by heavy overhead cover that precludes orientation by resection from distant hills and peaks. In addition to constant references to compass and map, streams, stream intersections and ridgelines are commonly used. One technique, in deep rolling jungle with few landmarks, is the use of balloons. A large plastic, coloured balloon is inflated with a small, lightweight, chemical generator. It is raised 50 or so feet above the jungle cover and an Auster liaison aircraft (similar to the OE) is contacted by radio. The aircraft, having altitude, can quickly and usually quite accurately tell the patrol leader his location. However, care is applied that the plane does not circle the patrol's position and disclose it to possible CTs in the area.

Checking in on our pre-arranged radio schedule, the third day, we received a CW message on the small battery-powered Australian VHF 510 set. (This set is similar to, but smaller than, an AN/GRC-9). Six CTs were sighted several miles north of our patrol area. Therefore, a decision to withdraw our patrol was made; give the men a day to refit, and then move with reinforcements into the area of the sighting on a 20-day deep patrol.

We returned to Charlie Company's base camp at Liman Kati that afternoon, tired, wet, and disappointed yet again at the lack of contact. This was but one patrol of hundreds deep in the jungle day after day, year after year, with only an occasional contact. Small unit leadership is at its best to keep troops at a high peak of efficiency and morale under such circumstances - a tribute to the British and Commonwealth soldiers.

Particular thanks by Major Bruce F. Meyers is given to:
Col. James Eales, USA, Military Attache, US Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.
Lt.-Col. W.R.K. Morrison, DSO, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion New Zealand Regiment, 28th Commonwealth Brigade, 17th Ghurkha Division.
Maj. A. M. Cranstoun, Staffordshire Regiment, Office of the UK High Commission, Malaya.
Finally, thanks are extended to the men who made these remarks possible - the patrols.