The Tides Of War Pt. 03

The men came back herding the horses. David ordered the saddles removed and the bodies draped over them, "Take then beyond the entrance and leave them for the wolves, we have no time to bury them".

Some of the men were butchering the dead horse; it would be a useful addition to their food.

"I shall have to take the horses back to the fort along with the weapons and valuables, can you spare two men to assist me" he asked Turin.

"Of cause Colonel Sahib, it will be many days before they send anyone else."

The horses of the men were returned to the horse line, when the men came back from dumping the bodies, they took the dead horses remains out too.

One of the riflemen saddled his stallion whilst two others saddled their horses.

Turin had said if a bigger force was sent against them they could easily defend the entrance to the narrow defile.

David looked at his watch it was a little after one. They set off herding the horses before them, one rifleman lead a horse with the packs on its back.

They reached the Fort at five, the horses were led into a paddock were food and water was provided for them. He gave the list of requirements to the Quartermaster, to find has much has he could within the Fort, saying a mule cart could return with the two riflemen in the morning.

Subedar Major Para listened has he described what had happened, ending by saying he intended to go to the city at first light taking the packs with him.

Hagar had unsaddled the stallion and had placed it in the stable.

David had a bath in the galvanised tin tub Hagar had found in the city. He changed his cloths knowing that Hangar would have them washed and ironed by his return from the city.

The Quartermaster came to report that he had 26 palliasses; a detail was stuffing them with straw. He had issued 25 pairs of socks, and three oil lamps with four one gallon cans of oil for them, and four five gallon water skims. But had not located fur hats, gloves, scarf's telescopes or a stove. They would be loaded on to the mule cart ready for the morning.

David thanked him, and ticked off those items from his list.

Hanga was cleaning his rifle when he entered his quarters.

"I'll have dinner early tonight Hanga, I intend leaving at first light, I'll be riding Sulkie" he told him.

Chapter 13

Hanga had his breakfast ready, it was still dark has he saddled Sulkie, he left his rifle scabbard off and his bedroll, Hanga had unpacked his saddlebags.

Kahn had snorted at seeing Sulkie saddled "don't worry boy your time will come "he murmured to him.

He mounted and accepted the rope for the packhorse from a rifleman. He noticed the two from herding the horses, were preparing to leave, one held the reins of the mule cart with his horse tied to the back.

They trotted out of the gate, the guard presenting arms has he passed.

They made good time considering the packhorse was not in the same league has Sulkie has they entered the city. Peshawar was waiting for him at the gate to the Palace; he had grooms take care of the horses.

Two other servants carried the packs has they followed them to the meeting room.

The Prince was waiting when he arrived; after the servants and Peshawar had left he began his report.

When told of where they had left the bodies, the Prince murmured, "It is fitting that the wolves devour the wolves".

The Prince examined the rifles he had brought, "Russian" he pronounced.

He asked David how the men had reacted to the combat.

"There Gurkhas Sir, they relish a fight, but the biggest enemy they face is the cold.

They are 1000 feet higher than at the entrance, due to the steepness of the cliffs, they only have sunlight for a few hours, when the sun is right above them.

The wind blows constantly down through the Pass creating a chill factor of nearly freezing. At night it falls well below freezing.

The men, who have lookout duty above them, have it even worse. The wind is even stronger up there and much colder than on the Pass floor.

The lookout can only stay for two hours now before he becomes frozen."

He went on to say what he had provided to ease their hardship, but there were items he had not yet been able to acquire.

The Prince looked at David's list, and then summoned Peshawar.

He turned to David "these items of clothing you will need for all your men?"

"Eventually Sir, but the immediate need is for the men on duty there now."

When Peshawar arrived, he gave him instructions.

When he had gone the Prince said, "We will eat, it will give him time to acquire what is needed".

They were enjoying a cheroot after the meal, the Prince had promised him some to take back to the Fort along with more whisky. Finding out that David had not taken a bottle to the Pass for fear off breaking it, he had given him a silver half pint hip flask.

Ashar Kahn had come to see him, finding out he had ridden Sulkie, and wishing to know how the training was going with Kahn.

Finding out he had ridden Kahn he was delighted with the news, "the Colonel Sahib must have a way with horses, to have progressed so fast" he said in praise.

An hour later Peshawar came to say if the Colonel Sahib would like to see what he had gathered. He led him to a room, laid on tables were fur gauntlets, large fur boots, which looked like riding boots. The scarf's Peshawar explained, were blankets that had been cut up. Two large brass telescopes, and fur hats that had flaps to protect the ears. The pot belled stove with smoke stack was outside on a cart with two mules.

David thanked him and said to have them loaded at once, has he was anxious to leave for the Fort.

He returned to thank the Prince and to say he was leaving.

"Goodbye my friend, take care" the Prince said embracing him.

Outside Sulkie was waiting alongside the cart with the packhorse tied to the back.

The stove although used, appeared to be about five feet high.

They set off at a trot, the driver of the cart urging the mules.

Night had fallen by the time they passed through the gates. David told the guard commander to take care of the mules and packhorse and to feed and find quarters for the driver. The driver lifted up a basket "this is for you Sahib" he said handing it to him.

Hanga was waiting by the stable has he dismounted, "I'll see to Sulkie Sahib" he said giving him an apple. He removed the bridle and fondled her head "you've been a good girl today darling" he murmured giving her the apple, she pushed her head against his chest has she chewed it.

In the bedroom he removed his boots then fell back onto the bed exhausted he was asleep in seconds. Hanga put a blanket over him, before turning out the light.

It was late morning by the time he awoke, he washed and shaved and dressed in the long johns and shirt before putting his jacket on, before having breakfast. Hanga packed his cutthroat razor and soap brush into his saddlebag along with the filled hip flask and cheroots, and went out to put it on the stallion, along with his bedroll. His rifle scabbard had been fitted to the saddle.

The cart had left at first light driven by Tiger riflemen, Hanga had said.

He set off in a fast trot to catch the cart.

He caught up with it a mile from the entrance of the Pass.

They passed the lookout stationed to watch for caravans coming down the Pass and finally arrived at the buttress.

From the road David had to look hard to recognise it.

Turin had further camouflaged the building breaking up its outline. The horses were behind a thick hedge off bushes that from the road seemed to grow against the cliff wall. They started to distribute the clothing out to the grateful Riflemen.

Turin sent one off with three sets off cloths and a telescope up to the guards on the top look out.

While one took care of his horse another brought him his sheepskin coat, which he gratefully put on.

Once the stove and pipe were unloaded the driver was ready to set off back to the Fort anxious to be away from this cold place.

David told him to hand the other telescope over to the Subedar Major.

The men had already started to cut a hole in the roof for the stovepipe; others were mixing up clay to go around it to protect the roof.

When he entered the blockhouse he chuckled, his bed had been lengthened.

A palliasse was now on it, along with socks fur boots, fur hat, gloves and scarf.

"They were the biggest Colonel Sahib" a rifleman told him with a grin.

The man who had taken the cloths up to the lookouts returned and gave him back his telescope. "They said to thank the Colonel Sahib and say they are most welcome"

Turin came in has he was fitting the fur boots on, "you have raised the men's spirits Colonel Sahib" he said. David smiled "you can tell the men that the Prince has authorised a 200 rupee bonus to each man this month". Turin's smile grew even wider.

He put on the scarf and hat has his saddlebag bedroll and rifle scabbard were brought in for him. He propped the scabbard up against the wall, then opened one of the bags taking out the hip flask and slipped it into his pocket, and went outside to make room for the men working inside the blockhouse.

Later he sat on a log by the cook fire a lit a cheroot, then took a sip from the flask, feeling the warmth of the whisky.

The men no longer looked like soldiers, more like bears, he thought but at least they were warmer now.

That night he was given steak to eat, albeit horse steak, it was chewy but he enjoyed it.

The blockhouse had the three oil lamps suspended along it giving some light, whilst the potbellied stove gave off a ruddy glow of heat.

He slept well that night.

Shortly after breakfast the lookout came racing back on his horse, he had sighted a caravan.

Turin gave the order to douse the fires, and for the men to stand by their horses holding their heads, to prevent them making a noise.

He and Turin checked the area, to make sure there was nothing to give them away.

Then went behind the screen to hold their horses.

The caravan came into view, ten wagons, and the drivers urging the mules on against the cold wind that funnelled through the narrow cleft. They never gave the camp a glance.

They waited until they had passed through the cleft, before lighting the fires again.

Havildar Turin smiled in satisfaction at the subterfuge.

"I am thinking Colonel Sahib that the Afghans may be thinking that their men have killed us and gone on to raid in Kana".

"It would be a logical answer, but I wonder how long it will be until they are missed,"

David climbed to the top off the lookout post, worked had been carried out to improve the path.

The wall the lookout sat behind had been improved and all that showed was a telescope pocking out of a hole.

When he looked through it he realised it was more powerful than his, the caravan was still in view.

When he asked the lookout how was conditions, he lowered the scarf from his mouth smiling, "much better Colonel Sahib."

The cave had been improved has well, they had walled it up so only an entrance was visible. In side there were only two beds one was occupied.

He motioned to the rifleman to stay has he was, and whispered, was everything all right and did they need anything. The man whispered back that everything was fine and they had everything they needed.

David noticed there were three blankets on the beds, and realised the men must be hot bunking, the man coming off lookout, using the bed off the man going on lookout.

He returned to the valley floor, a detail of five men, were just leaving with five horses on leads ropes.

"We send the men to collect and chop wood well away from the entrance, we don't wish to alert any one to our presence."

"But wouldn't the caravans be used to seeing troops at the entrance" David asked.

"Yes you are right Colonel Sahib, I will send five men to the entrance at once" he said.

"Tell them not to wear their furs at the entrance if a caravan comes into view, it's a pity we don't have Martini Henrys for them to have on show" David added.

"I'll order them to leave their fur cloths here, and I can dispatch a man, with a spare horse, to act has pack horse to the fort, to collect five Martini Henrys, he could be back before night fall."

David agreed, and soon Turin was giving orders.

They sat on the log smoking "Is there anything else we need to do Havildar" he asked.

Turin sat quietly considering the question, "the only thing I can think off Colonel Sahib, is if we were attacked by a much bigger force, we can hold the cleft quite easily. But if it was a long battle then ammunition could be a problem. We have, including the ammunition we brought seventy rounds a man."

David thought for a moment "I'll have 1500 rounds sent up, 500 rounds clipped up ready, but you will need to keep the ammunition separated form anything else. The position will need to be weather proofed against damp."

"I'll start preparing a position tomorrow Colonel Sahib."

"I'll return to the Fort tomorrow and have it sent up to you"

He left his fur clothing behind, when he left the following morning. Feeling the chill in his standard uniform. Not until he got lower down the Pass, were the sides let in more sunlight did he feel warmer.

The guards at the entrance under the command of a Lance Naik came to the present, with the Martini Henry rifles, he returned the salute.

He reined in at Subedar Major Para's office and entered, he told him about the fear of ammunition in the event of a major conflict, and his decision to send 1500 rounds up to the Pass. He asked that it be placed in a stout box covered with an oilskin. The Quartermaster was present and suggested that each box off 100 bullets could be wrapped in the greaseproof paper the rifles had wrapped around them.

The job off clipping the 500 rounds up could be taken by the remaining men of Tiger section.

Once he was sure they understood his orders he returned to his quarters, Hanga took care of the stallion, whilst he stripped of the shirt and long johns, sweat was running off of him. He had a bath, shaved and changed.

Later he walked round to the paddock Kahn and Sulkie galloped to the rails when they saw him, Kahn demanded first attention.

He placed his head against Kahn's head "we'll go riding tomorrow boy, and you can show me what you can do" he murmured has he gave him an apple.

Sulkie curled her lip has if smiling, has he fondled her head "I have one for you too darling" giving it to her.

Taraq was sitting on top of the rail looking over the Afghan horses in the big paddock, when he joined him.

"What do you think of them" he asked.

"Fifteen of them would be suitable for your Riflemen Colonel Sahib, the others could be used for pack houses. Julep is going to check if any need shoeing. I would use those fifteen has back up horses for when your mares come in season, they will need to be kept in a separate paddock away from the stallions.

It was something David had not considered. "How do I tell when one is in season" he asked.

Taraq chuckled, "the mare will tend to pee a lot, the pee may be a different colour, and she may lift her tail up high if a stallion is near. She will present her bottom to him. I have explained this to your men what to look for. At this time of the year they don't come into season all that often, but in the summer months it could be once a month. The season lasts about a week like a woman.

"I'll have to keep a close eye on Sulkie" he said.

"Colonel Sahib Kahn would give her a fine fowl, they both have the blood off Kings in their veins. I must return to my father soon, my work here is done, But Julep is wise in the ways of the horse, he will tell you what to do."

David walked slowly back to the Fort thinking it's not only the men, I have responsibilities too.

When he reached his office he found the latest muster report from Subedar Major Para.

The command now had 171 effective Riflemen not counting the 24 Fort Staff.

100 of those were either in Tiger or Cobra Company's.

Off the remaining71, 47 had served in the British Army.

6 were over 50 years of age, (all had held rank, and 1 has a Havildar Major)

5 were over 40.

9 were over 30

27 under 30

24 were under 20 from Nepal.

He had added a postscript

I recommend that the six fifty year olds join my staff.

The Havildar Major retains his rank. He and 2 Naik's to be used for drilling new recruits.

2, a Havildar, and a Lance Naik join the catering Staff. (They formally worked has cooks)

The remaining Naik be assigned to the Quartermaster Stores.

Sir it is my recommendation that the Quartermaster and Cook be promoted to Havildar Major.

David reread it, and then walked over to Subedar Majors Para's office.

Sat down opposite him, he asked how the kitchen coped with so many men now.

Para admitted that it was strained, and that men had to be detailed to cook house duty to help out, the fact, that the Havildar had to buy fresh meat every other day. Which meant he had to drive into the city puts a strain on the system.

David considered his remarks, before replying, that the cookhouse staff needed to be enlarged to be self-supporting. He knew that there were only currently, three full time cooks. They need at least five more along with the two you have recommended.

I intend to have Havildar Johan promoted to Havildar Major, his responsibility to be the administration and purchase of rations.

I intend also to promote the Quartermaster Hanga to Subedar with the same responsibility and his staff will need to be enlarged.

David knew that the Quartermaster not only had the responsibility off purchasing clothes, but the hundred and one other items required for the Fort from lamp oil to horse shoes.

"See if you can find the men amongst the forty year olds Subedar Major to volunteer.

You can put the promotions on the bulletin board tonight.

He stopped to salute the flag has it was slowly lowered as Last Post rang out over the Fort.

Hanga, had brought Kahn and Sulkie in from the paddock, he took time to fondle them seeing Hanga busy in his kitchen.

The next morning he watched through the window has he eat breakfast, has the mule cart protected by two mounted riflemen set off with the ammunition for the Pass.

Later has he saddled Kahn he saw the horses being led out to graze outside off the Fort.

They set of with a trot, then after a mile, he broke into a chanter.

He could feel Kahn quivering, eager to run.

He leaned over his neck "alright boy lets go" he said, giving his ribs a light kick.

Kahn went off like a rocket, his legs eating up the miles, has he stretched his neck out.

David had never ridden faster than this; he pulled up after five miles and leapt down from his back. Kahn was hardly breathing heavily and almost seemed disappointed at stopping. David held his bridle has he looked him in the face "you were showing off, wasn't you" he chuckled kissing his nose. Kahn lowered his head and pushed him in the chest gently. They returned to the Fort with David practicing knee and foot commands. After putting him in his stall he set about rubbing him down but he had hardly broken into a sweat.

In the afternoon the tailor arrived carrying the overcoat.

"I have made it in the Colonel Sahibs measurements" he said "It is made from heavy oiled wool and will offer protection from rain" he claimed.

David tried it on noticing it was in the brown colour, has the uniforms.

It appeared to be lined with a material that looked like silk and at the bottom off the coat were small belts.

"I have added them so you can fasten the skirts of the coat to your legs to prevent them blowing open" the tailor added.