Operation Claret*
*
Location: Tawau, Malaysia*
Date: October, 1965*
Type: U.K. Delay v. Indonesian Advance*
Design: C. Berry*
*
*
Claret was the code name given to operations conducted from about July 1964 until July 1966 from East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) across the border in Indonesian Kalimantan during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation. Their purpose was to seize the initiative and put the Indonesians on the defensive instead of allowing Indonesian forces to be safely based in Kalimantan and attack when and where they chose. Such operations were to be ‘deniable’ as they may have represented a violation of state sovereignty, however they were justified at the time under the "right of hot pursuit".*
*
In late 1965 intelligence reported the existence of a previously unknown base in the estuarine area west of Tawau at the eastern end of the Border. The Reconnaissance Platoon of the Scots Guards, well into their second tour, conducted an operation to ascertain whether the base was in use and exploit any opportunities that arose. They found the base empty, and leaving 4 men there, started reconnoitering the surrounding area. The base's owners, a company of Indonesian marines (KKO), returned and there was immediate contact. The rest of the platoon returned, reunited and conducted a fighting withdrawal back to the border.*
*
Notes: No airflights were allowed across the border so the British had to carry their dead and wounded back across the border to maintain "deniability". The cost of U.K. units are increased to reflect the importance of keeping casualties to a minimum.*
*
Sources: http://www.britains-smallwars.com*