AWW 30th November 2016: Mission Morris or Operation Rasmalho

 

 

AWW – RASMALHO – WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2016

Jim, Frank, John D, Russell, Terry A, Ken, Ros, Sue, Terry, Annie, Sue, Yves, Ray, Linda, Miriam, Geoff and 2 dogs.

On a grey, cloudy, yet extremely warm Wednesday morning, an elite unit of 15 Royal Marine Commandos, Unit 42 Parachute Regiment and one French Legionnaire (this is not a disease) met at the Café Casa De Pasto in Rasmalho. After coffees and a debrief, Operation Rasmalho began. Four off road vehicles were used to reach the start and so the pace was set, 70km per hour. The unit tense and excited at what was to come. After a group photo for posterity, in case someone didn’t return, Colour Sargent Morris 24270726 inspected his troops. A special mention must go to ex. D.I. Ken (last name withheld due to security reasons) for having the best bulled boots on parade. The mirror shine was to prove invaluable in the gloom. (If his improvement continues I will have no problem putting him forward for promotion to Lance Corporal).

In single line formation, we advanced at a lightening pace, hacking through the jungle of blood drawing bramble, the scars plain to see as we emerged at the other side. With stealth and silence, we advanced to meet the giant puddles, the pace never wavering, no casualties were incurred and so onward uphill for 90 minutes. Several layers of clothes stripped off in the process, but no dissension in the ranks. At last the top, toilet breaks were taken (plastic bags advised for a number 2).

The weather was still with us as we headed down into bandit country, but still no contact with the enemy. We were still exceeding 4km per hour, our unit still intact and no-one lost. Operation Morris on course for completion. Several members stocked up their fuel supply by eating as many Madronias as possible, interspersing into conversations about how much gin, vodka, wine, beers and Schweppes tonic with fresh lemon they drink. It makes me extremely proud to be amongst like-minded people. At the foot of the valley we again head up, and up, and up, not one murmur of dissent is heard, (probably through lack of oxygen and being out of breath) and up, and up, and up. Then out of the gloom, a chance encounter with deserters from an earlier AWW regiment, (Ian, Alex and 2 x females) still hiding in the forest, looking drawn and under nourished. We wished them luck!!!

At the top lunch is taken (no more K.P. ration packs), this unit has mature cheddar and home-made piccalilli sandwiches, smoked salmon and rocket salad and other varied snacks. Up and away after 20minutes and the pace has increased to 4.5kms per hour on the down-hill descent

After a little off piste, we engage the enemy as the valley is lit up with the sound of barking dogs. Our two attack dogs are put on the lead. No one falters and we press on remorselessly, everyone can sense our goal is close. Up the last slope and the giant puddles again appear in the distance. The stride pattern is not broken, the pace again picks up as we splash through the water, our single aim to reach the bar before it closes. The Lance Corporal-in-waiting attempts to build a Bailey bridge out of wood.

In the distance through the bramble jungle our transport can be seen. Mission is complete, 17kms in 3 hours and 50 minutes at 4.25km per hour. The names listed are all mentioned in dispatches and we will be happy to serve with them all again in future missions.

We would also like to commiserate with the Field Marshall David, whose tank lost a fuel pump on the way over. Hopefully it will be repaired in time for the Christmas Party.

Also thanks to Geoff for additional photos.

Thank you all for coming, your commitment and enthusiasm spurs us on to undertake more dangerous missions. Russell and Linda.