Lieutenant-Colonel John "Patch" Williams MBE, DCM. Patch was a true hero of Britain's Forgotten Wars.

Plaman Mapu was a small hilltop village in Borneo positioned 1,000 yards from the border with Indonesia. By 1965 its unique position had been recognized by the British Forces and it had been fortified into a forward company base with a connecting trench system, bunkers and with a command post in the centre. In February 1965, B Coy 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment arrived to make Plaman Mapu their home for the next few months. Foot patrols were organized for most days and sent into the surrounding jungle near the border to look for signs of Indonesian infiltration. The Commanding officer of B Coy, Ted Eberhardie, wanted as many of his men to get jungle experience as soon as possible, therefore only a small part of B Coy was left to defend the base while the rest were out on patrol. Over the next few months the foot patrols started to find signs of Indonesian forces in the area. Newly cleared areas of the jungle were thought to be prepared ambush positions, which the Indonesians intended to use against the Para's patrols. Signs of enemy troop movements also gave indication that the Indonesians planned to attack one of the local British bases soon, but which one? The security forces did not know.

On the morning of the 25th April they got their answer when the IBT (Indonesian Border Troops) attacked Plaman Mapu in force. At the time of the attack only 27 Paras were defending it. The senior Para officer was Captain John Fleming, a company commander. Under his command he had an artillery control officer, Captain Webb, a Platoon commander Captain Thomson, and seven men from the mortar section. He also had a Corporal Baughan who was in charge of a 15-man platoon of 18 year olds who had just arrived in Borneo after completing their jungle training in Malaya. Lastly, Company Sergeant Major John "Drummie" Williams, was to be decorated for his bravery on this night.

The first indication the defenders got of an attack was when the Indonesians launched a surprise artillery barrage. The main targets of this attack being the base's three machine gun bunkers and the two mortar bunkers killing or wounding most of the their occupants. This brought the defenders number down to 18.

C.S.M. Williams who was off duty and asleep at the time, woke up with a start, realized what was happening, leapt out of his bed and grabbing gun, boots and webbing he got dressed more or less on the run.

Outside he ran into one of the gunners from a machine gun bunker that had just been hit. The soldier's head was a mess, blood was running down his face and nose and he was wandering around like a drunk who didn't know which way was home. Then as if someone had doused him with water he became alert and screamed as he waved a revolver, "They're in the position, they are in the bloody position” Then he saw Williams and shouted " You’re one of them " and pointed his SLR at the C.S.M.'s stomach. Williams disarmed the man and ordered another soldier to get the wounded man to the aid post. Williams then made his way to the command post were he had a quick word with the company commander and smartly organized a counter attack with Captain Thomson’s section

As Williams and the platoon ran across the open ground to confront the Indonesians, a mortar round landed in the middle of them seriously injuring the platoon commander and about half the platoon. Undeterred by this, Williams lead the remaining 5 men across open ground to engage about 30 Indonesians who were advancing from the other side of the base. Cpl. Baughan, with another section gave William's and his men support fire. Williams shouted, "Anyone in front of us is the enemy and keep going but watch yourself". What followed was some of the most deadly hand-to-hand fighting of the war.

The Paras realized that if they did not push the Indonesians from their position they would be dead men by morning. Because of their survival instinct and training the Paras persevered and pushed the remaining Indonesians off the hill. It had been a bloody battle on both sides.

Williams now started to re-organize the defence of the base, but before this could be achieved the Indonesians launched a second attack on the same position they had just been removed from. Williams, seeing that only a heavy amount of firepower would stop this new attack, jumped into one of the abandoned bunkers and found one of the new GPMGs still in working order. He managed to lace several belts of ammo together and then opened fire on the advancing Indonesians. When the Indonesians realized that some one had got the GPMG going again, they attacked the bunker in platoon strength (30 men). The attackers charged the bunker firing machine guns and throwing grenades.

Williams kept firing until all his attackers were either dead or wounded. His GPMG was hit several times during the attack and he received a serious head wound. He also lost an eye in this action. Later after recovering from his wounds he was always affectingly known as "Patch".

While "Patch" Williams was engaged in his one man war, Cpl. Baughan's section had managed to drive off the second Indonesian attack with the help of the mortar platoon Sgt. Armstrong who, using the only surviving 3 inch mortar was bringing fire down on the advancing enemy. With the enemy so close the mortar was aimed so close to perpendicular that the firer was in danger from his own rounds. To do this required immense intestinal fortitude.

With the second attack now over, Williams, who was quite unaware of his terrible wounds, started to collect the wounded from the first attack and bring them back to the command post where they were being treated. They were
now down to 14 men. After conferring with the company commander who tried unsuccessfully to get Williams to have his wound looked at, Patch returned to the perimeter, knowing the Indonesians would soon attack again.

Sure enough the defenders could hear the Indonesians preparing for the next assault and were gathering in some dead ground 40 yards down hill.

The Battle had been going for about 1 hour and the Paras knew that if they were to survive they would have to hold out until dawn when reinforcements could be flown in by helicopter.

Williams managed to get hold of two boxes of 36 grenades which he, Cpl. Baughan and what was left of the Platoon started throwing into the dead ground where the enemy was gathering. The 3-inch mortar was also brought back into action. From the screams that followed they knew they were hitting the enemy.

As the first light of dawn appeared, the Paras knew they had won the battle. There were no more attacks and the enemy could be heard moving back from the base of the hill, firing the occasional mortar round as they retreated.
When this fire faded out William's called for volunteers to come with him to carry out a clearing patrol. All 14 men volunteered. The day before they had been fresh faced new guys, now they were
battle hardened veterans and "Patch" was very proud of them.

Soon after first light, helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded. The Medical Officer was shocked to see Williams still standing with what seemed like half his head missing covered in blood and dressed in only his trousers and webbing. With the battle finally over C.S.M. Williams allowed himself to be cared for and was soon in a helicopter being airlifted out of what was left of Plaman Mapu. The Battle of Plaman Mapu was one of the turning points of the Confrontation. Never again would Indonesian forces cross the border in such force.

Pvt. McKeller who had received a serious head wound during the battle, died later in Singapore Hospital. Patch Williams attended his funeral in a wheel chair due to his own wounds.

Six months after the battle C.S.M. Williams, having recovered from his wounds and less one eye, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for " One of the most outstanding acts of bravery and leadership witnessed during the Borneo Confrontation".

Cpl. Malcolm Baughan was also awarded the Military Medal for his part in the Battle and Private Mcatagh, who was wounded in the first counter attack, received a Mention in Despatches.

Having only one eye did not stop John Williams from soldiering and he fought hard to save his military career and after many medical fitness exams was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Parachute Battalion. In 1983 Patch was appointed Staff Quartermaster (Lieutenant-Colonel) of the Army Staff Collage in Camberley, the senior SQM post in the British Army. That year he also received the MBE. Williams retired in 1989 with forty years of service under his belt.

C coy

Ye Gods John! I'd forgotten that you were that young once!!!
Third from left at the back if my eyesights's not failing..........still third from left at the back even it is failing

The photo above is of C (Independent) Patrol Coy, taken January 1965 in Brunie at our jungle training school, after our training we moved to Sibu which was our home base, the coy operated in Sabah and Sarawak until
June 1965.

C coy

Seem to be a number of faces on there that I recognise. You didn't get much of a break after that did you? Wasn't all thgat long before you were up country at Habilayn. Isn't thgere something about no rest for the wicked? You must have been REALLY naughty!!!
In fact I think that I'm aware of some of that naughtiness but we won't go there on an open site!!!!

Sad times there John with that chopper photo.

The above photo is of one C coy patrols being picked up on the border in Sabah, it was returning to our forward base at Nanga Gatt, but unfortunatley the two helicopters rotors touched as they were turning in the river to approach their heli pads, all of the patrol was lost on the 12/4/65.

2/Lt Johnson, Sgt P. McNeilly, L/cpl Jack 23 PFA, Pte R.G. Green, Pte Murray.

Royal Navy Sub/Lt Habwood, Lt Robertson, Air Mech Rothwell.

"LEST WE FORGET"[/u][/b]

Thanks Dan, yes a great bunch of blokes lost there Dan, can you reconise Dad Widdowson with the dog I think Slicka is near him as well, can't remember the OCs name very quiet bloke, Wally Young took over from him, Peter Bing CSM a great bloke.

All the best

Aussie

Saw Pete Bing on a video some years ago and he had got up to Capt I think. Yah, always had time for Pete...nothing nasty about him. I'll have to go back to that photo to see who else there is on there that I recall. I hope that all is well with you and that things are good with offspring.

I see that Ian (Jock) Wallace (RIP) is on there. I count myself fortunate to have been posted to his ptl when I joined the company. Had a lot of time for him. Crap way to die when he did. I think that that is Jim Robertson (Robinson) on there....remember him mainly for stealing my air one night resulting in me falling about 50 feet and ending up in RAF Wroughton (hospital). Not a happy bunny. Dougie Thomson is up near you on the photo and I see that Ted is on there as well. I think that I see Ged lewis bu I'm not sure on that one. I see dad but cannot spot Slicker. Gordon Wilkes who was the best morse operator ever and I see that Russ Rowan is on there too. Amongst the officers is that Hill and also 'Fred' Winters (RIP). I heard that he used a gun to end things once had found that he had got cancer. Got to Lt Col and was a bloody good officer. Ideal in some ways to take over from Wally after MOD got rid of him. Memory says that they moved him after he received an offer to buy us all out to go and work elsewhere..........the hunting grounds of 65. Do you know that being with Ptl Coy was the best time that I ever had. Neither before or since did I ever come across such a professional bunch of guys who also managed to enjoy themselves loads. And that doesn't take anything away from the other groups that I worked with.
Well I have got to go and see what needs doing....I've had my fix from being on here. Stay sane buddy, Danny

Danny,
He did indeed end up as Captain in charge of Careers at the Depot.
His lad was in the same platoon as me and BillS, who is now in the sandpit.
I fired him an email a couple of months ago as I received a request to contact his dad from one of his old mates, wondered if he was still alive.
Nothing yet!
Gil

Gil if you find out about Pete will you let us know like to get in touch with him again.
I will try and get a few names I have here of the blokes in the coy photo on the board, don't forget there are 23 PFA blokes 216 Sig sqn and that pair of buggars from the Kitchen.

All the best

Aussie

Right Names of blokes I reconise in the Coy Photo above.

Front Row from Left: Paddy McKay,Paddy Costigan, ?, ?, Brummie Snellus, Davy Walker PFA, Dad Widdowson, ?, ?, Paddy Clark brothers, ?, ?, Les Charnock.

Next Row seated from Left: ?, Sgt PFA, Johnny Needham, Sgt 216 Sigs, Jimmy Knowles, Fred Winter, Peter Bing, ?, OC, Hill, Lt Johnson (RIP),?, Sid Andrews, Mick Lee.

Next Row from Left: Paddy Marlow, ?, Jimmy Dingwell, ?,?,?, Jock Wallace (RIP), ?,?, Terry (Slicka) Gallagher, Jock ?, Trev Emus, ?, Sid Taylor.

Next Row from left: 216 Sigs, Paddy McNally, ?, ?, ?, Mick Burston, Paddy ?, L/cpl Jack PFA (RIP), ?, ?, Russ ROWEN, ?, ?, ?, ?,

Next Row from left: ?, Scouse McIver, Taff ?, Gordon Winks, Ginge Marshal, Teddy Straw, Geordie ? ACC, ? ACC, Dicky Bond, ?, Gunny Gonnifus, ?, ?, Ron Vines (RIP).

Back Row From Left: ?, Danny Smythe, Aussie Owen, Dick Prosser, ?, ?, Geordie Peters, ?, Patch Ryder, ?, ? 216 sigs, John Illingworth 216, ? 216, ?, ?, ?,

If any one can put a name to some of the undentified ones would much be appreciated.

All the best
Aussie

Loads of guys on there i should have recognised......perhaps with a better photo? Surprising the number of guys that left Charlie Coy for one reason or another only to come back again....Ron Vines, Gonny, Sid Taylor, Fred Winter. All of those dead now of course. Was it Paddy Costigan that moved out to Denmark after the 68 trip out there? trying to remember if it was him destroyed the Danish army car on exercise when he threw a thunderflash under it! Don't think it was really designed to do that!!!!

Aussie,
I am awaiting his email address from Tony L.
I Lost it when I dumped AOL who are crap at passing on your address book.
No probs
Gil

G'Day Gil, Thanks mate for that, I pressume the photo of you and Peter Bing is his son, I thought jesus to young looking for the Pete Bing I knew.

Keep Warm and have a Merry & Safe Xmas

All the best

Aussie

Aussie,
If I said no, would it make you feel old???
Yes its his son. I did ask him some time back for his dad's contact details, but am assuming he's no longer with us on this DZ.
If I find out for pos I'll let you know.
Gil

Does anyone here remember Pte Adrian Robert Bruce, radio op, A coy, 2 Para 64-66.He recieved mention in dispatches for somthing he did during Borneo campaign. I am his son and I'm looking for info on the 'm.i.d' and if I could speak to anyone who new him personally it would be fantastic. Sadly he's now passed on and the bugger never told me owt about it!!

Hopefully there will be someone on here who served with your dad, however, If you want to trace the record of an MiD regarding your dad, you, as a relative must send proof of who you are as the enquirer specify what you want from his records and send it to:

ARMY SERVICE RECORDS,
DISCLOSURE 2,
MAILPOINT 515,
THE ARMY PERSONNEL CENTRE,
65 BROWN STREET
GLASGOW G28EX

They will then on clarificiation and checking of your identity to ensure you are who you say you are, hopefully send you what you seek. Noone outside of the immediate family can access his records except the Police under the Data Protection Act.
Good Luck

I remember that the reports from the little Ibans who wandered to and fro across the border as they liked, that sampans full of bodies of Indons went back down the river from the point they crossed back.

Interesting to note why we never found their bodies. Over months they had cut a track just one person wide to within striking distance of B Coy. Because it was on the edge of our territory with 2/10th Ghurkas we both missed it. As they retreated they dragged and threw their dead and wounded as they headed for the boarder.

Mike

Is there anybody who is on this site who was actually in camp at Nanga Gaat at the time of the helicopter crash on the 12th April 1965 and helped in the rescue please?

Is this any help Gil... http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Aden/units.html

Taff,
No mate. Thats why I am asking, as the article about Plaman Mapu is wrong too in many areas on what really happened, which is coroberated by those that were there..
So I was trying to find someone at the base camp at the time.
Thanks anyway.