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APPENDIX II
and SGT Rahim. They left in the early morning to recce from Joo Lim Estate to Bajau Hill
via Track 46, Red House Hill and Hill 286. CPT Teo planned and conducted an “O” group
using a sand table later in the morning. Preparations began at noon. I was appointed leader
of the demolition team which included 2LT Ronald Looi, SGT Chia and SGT Shafie. My
task was to carry the manpacked 35kg jerry can of petrol on my back all the way to the
ambush position. Inspector Chin would lead us to the ambush location to set up the petrol
tank bomb. Though we were given two hours’ rest till 1700 hrs, we were too fully occupied
with the preparations to take advantage of the rest period. By 1800 hrs, we mounted the
old faithful Bedford 3-tonner to Joo Lim Estate at the foot of Peng Kang Hill. At 1900
hrs, the main force was led on the 6km route to the ambush site by the recce team. The
pace was fast and we hastily went through the tactical observation posts at Red House Hill,
secured by CPT Michael Seth and WO Ong Hui Peng; the foot of Hill 286 was secured by
CPT Jagrup Singh and Staff Sergeant Harry Lim. During the approach, all rifles remained
unloaded and I had no problems carrying the 35kg jerry can petrol on my back though MAJ
Jacob showed concern. Despite poor visibility, we reached the ambush location at Bajau
Hill by 2030 hrs and were ready for action at 2100 hrs. We had a 45-minute wait before the
ambush was activated to drive home the fact that in such cases, the arrival of the enemy
was not predictable nor even guaranteed. At the appropriate time, the enemy arrival was
simulated by a few torch lights shining on to the road. Suddenly, there was a petrol tank
explosion, followed immediately with mortar firing illumination rounds in the sky to light
up the killing area. Tracers were flying everywhere. At ground level, trip flares illuminated
the road. The whole area was lighted up and there was a crackling sound of rifle fire. After
about 20 minutes of intense rifle and mortar fire, flares were fired from Verey pistols to
indicate the completion of mission and activate the withdrawal of the ambush force to the
nearest tactical RV which was the junction of Pasir Laba and Jurong Road. The forced march
to this location was demanding and taxing. Though exhausted, there was a lot of satisfaction
among the trainees who celebrated the achievement of the grand finale. LTC Vij and the Chief
Advisor were present at the quick debrief. They complimented us on the successful completion
of a tough and difficult exercise. We got onto the faithful Bedford 3-tonners for the journey
back to Jurong Primary School where we were served with lavish midnight snacks.
XII. END OF COURSE
After the challenging night vehicle ambush exercise, we all left for a well-earned weekend.
Before the course officially ended on 7
th
May, we were given one week’s break to settle
personal administration. During the week, some returned to their respective units and offices
to check on their routine office duties. The officers from the SIRs who were assigned to
write lesson formats stayed back. I was tasked to produce lesson formats on Section Fire
and Movement and the Platoon Quick Attack. When discussing with the Israeli advisors, I
realised that the advisors originally followed English military doctrine and made adjustments
according to their war experiences. They had few British training pamphlets and when I
showed them mine, theirs were not as current as what I had.