Back in SAFINCOS, there was a 3 day company Movement to Contact
exercise , which involved movement from Mandai forest , thru Dairy
Farm , thru' LCK cemetary and then end up in Area D.
The first part (Mandai and Dairy) was uneventful in terms of enemy
contact. But on the 2nd day when we reached LCK cemetary, the
instructors threw a big enemy reception ! Enemy had GPMG posts and
OPs , it was protecting their main laager area behind the cemetary,
scattered in the cemetary area. We spent a whole day clearing the
cemetary, until night fall. I remember there were plans to hold the
cemetary till the next day.... which meant over-nighting... but
luckily an order was issued to move out at 2300 hrs.
At this time, I was nominated platoon sergeant and had to walk at
the rear of the platoon extended column. My platoon was tail-end
Charlie for the company. So guess what, I had the awful job
together with the platoon medic to hang back to catch any
stragglers. Not pleasant, as you are walking thru' the tombstones
with the eerie black and white photos of the dead staring back at
you. And you have the terrible feeling that someone is following
you !!!
