Operation Pagar, Ayer Kala, Perak, Malaysia 1977.
I took part and played a major role in a brigade-size cordon and search operation against a small group of communist terrorists (CTs) who were caught in a cordon in the night operation.
I was commanding Company D of 3rd Rangers and was one of three assault companies. We crossed Perak River (visible in the picture) at first light and started the sweep of the target area from the far bank of Perak River with the help of assault boats operated by 3rd Rangers Assault Pioneer Platoon.
The going was tough as we had to force our way up a slope covered by thick thorny underbrushes closely interwoven, much like concentina wire. Their sharp thorns pricked and scratched our bare hands and faces. As we came near the top of the hillock we were under fire. I could hear the thumping sounds of bullets as they whizzed over our heads. I tried to locate where the fire came from. As it was still dark, visibility was still bad. I couldn't see the CTs.
The target area was suddenly lightened up as flares were fired over our heads. We could hear the whistling sounds of empty canisters as they plunged down and landed uncomfortably close to us.
We reached the top of the hillock without a fight and went down the other side for another few more hundred meters into a rubber plantation. No CTs. We knew we were quite close to the cordon forces and for safety reason stopped where we were. The same story happened to the other two assaulting companies on my right. It was a disappointment for us.
Had the CTs slipped through the tight cordon at night? May be but the planners didn't think so. Leaftlets were dropped into the target area to persuade the CTs to come out. Loud speakers blared out similar messages. No response. The operation dragged on into its third day.
Finally, I was asked to bring a small group armed with tear gas. We were asked to throw the tear gas canisters into suspected hideouts - hoping to force the CTs out. As expected, there was no response.
The stark reality was that the CTs had slipped out of the cordon. Nevertheless, the operation was not a total failure. An independent group from 3rd Rangers operating just outside the cordon area made contact with a band of CTs on the first night. They killed one and captured another.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Operation Pagar, Perak 1977
Operation Pagar, Ayer Kala, Perak, Malaysia 1977.
I took part and played a major role in a brigade-size cordon and search operation against a small group of communist terrorists (CTs) who were caught in a cordon in the night operation.
I was commanding Company D of 3rd Rangers and was one of three assault companies. We crossed Perak River (visible in the picture) at first light and started the sweep of the target area from the far bank of Perak River with the help of assault boats operated by 3rd Rangers Assault Pioneer Platoon.
The going was tough as we had to force our way up a slope covered by thick thorny underbrushes closely interwoven, much like concentina wire. Their sharp thorns pricked and scratched our bare hands and faces. As we came near the top of the hillock we were under fire. I could hear the thumping sounds of bullets as they whizzed over our heads. I tried to locate where the fire came from. As it was still dark, visibility was still bad. I couldn't see the CTs.
The target area was suddenly lightened up as flares were fired over our heads. We could hear the whistling sounds of empty canisters as they plunged down and landed uncomfortably close to us.
We reached the top of the hillock without a fight and went down the other side for another few more hundred meters into a rubber plantation. No CTs. We knew we were quite close to the cordon forces and for safety reason stopped where we were. The same story happened to the other two assaulting companies on my right. It was a disappointment for us.
Had the CTs slipped through the tight cordon at night? May be but the planners didn't think so. Leaftlets were dropped into the target area to persuade the CTs to come out. Loud speakers blared out similar messages. No response. The operation dragged on into its third day.
Finally, I was asked to bring a small group armed with tear gas. We were asked to throw the tear gas canisters into suspected hideouts - hoping to force the CTs out. As expected, there was no response.
The stark reality was that the CTs had slipped out of the cordon. Nevertheless, the operation was not a total failure. An independent group from 3rd Rangers operating just outside the cordon area made contact with a band of CTs on the first night. They killed one and captured another.
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Ada baiknya jika coretan ini ditulis dalam Bahasa Malaysia, boleh juga dibaca oleh orang2 yang kurang tahu English terutamanya orang Melayu.
ReplyDeleteApa guna tulis dalam English, adakah mat salleh tu nak tahu tentang perkembangan tanah jajahan mereka ini?(Malaysia).
Jika dicoret dalam bahasa Melayu, sudah tentu ini dapat memupuk sifat menghargai pegorbanan tentera melawan komunis/semangat cintakan negara dengan lebih berkesan dikalangan orang2 kita.
The majority of Malaysians speak English. As I went to an English medium school (Sarawak), I am more comfortable when I write in English. Try to be multi-lingual. It will do you good.
DeleteWe Iban don't speak Malay much.
ReplyDeleteMy blog is actually my diary. It is where I record all my life's happening. It is not meant for "Mat Sallehs" - just because it is written in English. It is just that I'm more comfortable writing it in English. I was educated in English not in Bahasa Malaysia. But don't misjudge my loyalty and patriotism just because I write in English. Judge me by what I had been doing all my life. They are all recorded in my blog.
ReplyDeleteI just start to read your blog sir. Honestly it very great to have these combat experience and the young generation should read them and appreciate the peaceful and independence we have now. Keep up your work sir.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see this historical record written by the person involved in this op. I recall this when I was very young age. Remember the bright sky from the flare and sounds of those gun shots. I still do not know what is going on until I read this.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see this historical record written by the person involved in this op. I recall this when I was very young age. Remember the bright sky from the flare and sounds of those gun shots. I still do not know what is going on until I read this.
ReplyDeleteWhat weapon was used by the soldier in the picture above? I mean the one with a bipod. Was it M16A2?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the very late reply. The soldier with the bipod is me. That was a makeshift bipod I made from twigs.
Delete