CHAPTER 14
Routledge had arranged to brief Edrich and the other two officers in his office the morning after Edrich had met with Young. The schedule set by the colonel was for he and Edrich to have a preliminary discussion before the two junior officers joined them for the full meeting. Routledge had been briefing Edrich for about twenty minutes about his proposed role in Kashgar when the General Harris entered the room.
‘Good morning to you both and to you, Colonel Edrich, congratulations on your promotion.’ The general shook Edrich’s hand, ‘I thought I’d just call in to see you as I don’t think we have met for about ten years.’
‘No, sir, that would be about right’ said Edrich and saw this as his opportunity. ‘The colonel has been telling me what is happening but I wonder if I can make a suggestion about the role I am to play. I was just about to mention it to him. Would you prefer for us to discuss it first?’
‘Well, Colonel Edrich,’ said the general looking at Routledge who nodded his head, ‘Colonel Routledge does not seem to mind.’
‘This mission into Tashkent is pretty damn significant. I am the senior officer going up to Kashgar and I was wondering whether I should go on the mission into Tashkent rather than Washbrook.’
‘But you don’t speak Russian. One of the reasons that Washbrook and Hutton were selected was for that fact,’ said Routledge after making eye contact with the general.
‘Well yes that is true, sir,’ Edrich’s gaze flicked from the general, to Routledge and back to the general, ‘I was thinking that these Bolshevik chaps will be more impressed by the appearance of a colonel than by dare I say it - a major. I will be with Robbins and Hutton who can do all the translating for me. Actually, a lack of Russian may make the Bolos less suspicious of me so that I can get on and find out all the military information about the Germans that we need.’
Edrich paused to give the others time to think about his proposal. When neither man said anything he began again. ‘Our shortest line of communication from Tashkent to you here in India is via Kashgar, and it would be most useful to have a Russian speaker there. After all as the colonel said earlier, there are an awful lot of refugees crossing from Russia into China and some of them may well be up to no good. A Russian speaker might be able to ferret out those blighters. I won’t be able to do that until I have learned some Russian, which will take me time. Also,’ Edrich hesitated for a moment before he received an almost imperceptible nod from the general, ‘I think that the Tashkent role requires recent military knowledge about the Germans. I don’t think either Washbrook or Hutton have served on the Western Front like myself. I understand they have both been involved on the Northwest Frontier which, whilst we all know it is highly dangerous, is not like fighting Europeans. If India is to be invaded by the Germans my recent combat experience as to their methods and equipment might be useful. Of course I do not wish to impute any shortcomings about the military capabilities of either of the other two officers.’
‘Good point, colonel, about your experience and I for one did not think you implied anything about your fellow officers,’ said the general with uncharacteristic familiarity.
‘Yes, agreed, general,’ added Routledge rubbing his chin with his hands before he glanced up to meet the general’s eyes. ‘I have already told the colonel that this consular position is very important to us and so are all these shenanigans going on in Russia.’
Harris looked at Edrich. ‘Would you, Colonel Edrich, excuse us for a moment whilst Colonel Routledge and I discuss your suggestion?’
Edrich left the office and went and stood by a window overlooking the parade ground but close enough to the office so that he could hear the voices though he was unable to hear exactly what was being said. After only a few minutes Routledge appeared at the office door and instructed Edrich to return inside.
Once Edrich was seated Routledge began, ‘we have discussed your suggestion and what we are going to do is this. Once you are up at Kashgar you will review the situation with Sir Walter Robbins. If you both agree that the situation warrants it, you will accompany him into Russia. Washbrook will temporarily act as the consul in Kashgar till your return, when you will replace him.’
‘Thank you, sir. What happens if I can’t get back to Kashgar but have to come out some other way?’
‘We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. It almost sounds as if you don’t want to go to Kashgar, colonel,’ Harris probed.
‘No! No! No sir. I’m looking forward to the challenge, immeasurably as it should be infinitely less hot for me, in various ways, than Persia.’
Routledge looked at the wall clock and said brusquely. ‘The others should be here now so let us wheel them in.’
‘I’ll be off,’ said the general, ‘don’t get up.’ He left the room and they heard he say, ‘morning Major Washbrook, Captain Hutton, go straight in.’
Edrich had met neither Washbrook nor Hutton before and the perfunctory handshake he had with them left him with no clear impression except that whilst Hutton’s palms were the sweatier of the two his grip was the stronger.
The two newcomers listened as Routledge briefed them fully as to the current status of the Mission neither spoke until Routledge said. ‘There may be a change to your role on this Mission, Major Washbrook. Colonel Edrich has suggested that it might be a better idea for him to go to Tashkent and for you to stay in Kashgar.’
‘Can I ask why the change, sir?’ said a flushed Washbrook looking from Routledge to Edrich. ‘I was under the impression that being able to speak Russian was the key here. I believe that Colonel Edrich does not speak Russian so I don’t understand why he might go into Russia instead of me.’
‘Correct that I don’t speak the language, major,’ said Edrich having received visual permission to reply to the question from Routledge’s glance, ‘I believe that having a Russian speaker in Kashgar will be invaluable during the mission. There is a refugee problem there, and it is of the utmost importance that we stop non bona fide people from crossing into China en route into India. My lack of Russian will stop me being able to weed out any such undesirables. Your undoubted skills in Russian will enable you to do that which I cannot.’
‘Also,’ added Routledge carefully, ‘it has been decided that it is important to have someone who has had recent experience of fighting Europeans on the mission. Colonel Edrich has served on the Western Front and knows German military methods. He will therefore have more knowledge on what to look for.’ Routledge squirmed in his chair as he added, ‘unfortunately neither you Major Washbrook, nor you Captain Hutton, have had experience of fighting the Germans.’
‘Sir, I must dispute that.’ Washbrook spoke slowly as his face went white, ‘it is true I have not fought the Hun or Johnny Turk but the military experience I have from the frontier is just as likely to be relevant. After all the Germans will have to come through the mountains and no doubt they will get help from the Pathans and the Afghans. My recent service up on the Khyber Pass skirmishing with the former would be invaluable.’
‘Nobody doubts your military experience major. When I made the comment it was not intended to be derogatory. Captain Hutton has similar experience to you as indeed has Colonel Edrich on fighting the Pathan. Indeed we all have as well as the Afghan. However that may be, the general and I thought on reflection that it would be useful once the mission got to Tashkent to have someone with experience of fighting the Germans in the party.’ Routledge spoke soothingly yet firmly.
‘When I was asked about my availability for this trip, sir, I was released on the understanding that I was going on a mission to Russia and I would then return to my posting.’ Washbrook replied looking directly at Routledge whilst fighting to keep his face from showing anger.
Routledge shifted in his seat and glanced across at it Edrich who took the hint and spoke. ‘Colonel Routledge said major that this change was a possibility only. I will discuss with Sir Walter whether I accompany the mission, or whether you will. Our judgement will be made whe
n the time comes. With so many ifs and buts about getting approval to go ahead that it is more than likely that I will remain in Kashgar and you return here having been on a wild goose chase. Who knows,’ Edrich forced a smile, ‘by the time that we get up there the war may be over. I hope that satisfies you.’
‘Yes, sir, but what about my colonel?’ said Washbrook.
‘Colonel Simpson has released you for the duration of the mission major, he knows it may happen or it may not happen,’ Routledge replied sharply.
Edrich could feel Washbrook’ antagonism as he sat sulking in his chair so he decided to change the subject. ‘These Bolsheviks we will meet up in Tashkent, Colonel Routledge. Who actually are they? What do they believe in?’
‘Well,’ Routledge hesitated, ‘we don’t know much about them. London must know more than we do otherwise this mission would not have been dreamt up. I know they are some sort of socialists but we really don’t know what they stand for - a bunch of revolutionary thugs probably lusting for power. Anyway if you go, you’ll find out won’t you? Well let us continue, gentlemen,’ Routledge looked down at his notes lying before him on his desk, ‘going with you to Tashkent will be one of the last of the Emir of Bokhara’s relatives, Shahzada Iskander Beg. His duty will be to act as a translator from the Turkic language that these Sarts speak up there. Also being of royal blood we may use him as a focal point if we need to stir up the Sarts against these Bolos.’
‘I don’t know much about socialism, sir,’ said Edrich, ‘but if these Bolos are real revolutionaries like they were in France in Napoleon’s time will they take kindly to a prince rolling up with us? They may want to kill him.’
‘Is it not up to us to protect him, colonel?’ Washbrook interjected.
‘I know that major,’ said Edrich not looking Washbrook.
‘Quite so,’ said Routledge quickly. ‘We have been at pains to point out to Shahzada that he must play down his royal antecedents until we need to use them if and when the time is ripe.’
‘Are we taking anyone else?’ asked Hutton.
‘I am just coming to that and the travel arrangements, captain,’ said Routledge testily. ‘You will take a detachment of troops from the Guides with you and these will meet you in Kashmir from where you will leave. As we have estimated the number of collies you need is in the region of a hundred and sixty you will have to travel in three separate parties. The reason being, of course, that the accommodation en route, as you all know is limited. Each party will be led by one of you officers. You are to leave immediately for Srinagar where you will organise your individual parties. I need hardly need to emphasise that as this is a secret mission you have to ensure everyone keeps mum.’
‘That will be difficult with such a large party, sir,’ said Edrich.
‘But not impossible, colonel,’ interjected Washbrook.
‘I know nothing is impossible, major,’ Edrich replied turning his head deliberately and slowly to look at Washbrook.
‘Good glad to hear it. Now, codes,’ said Routledge, ‘each one of you will have a code. I know the major and the captain have seen Major Young to get their code already. You see him directly after this meeting, Colonel Edrich, to get yours. Also, colonel, the general wishes to see you this evening so your departure will be the day after tomorrow so that you can get everything you need for your stay in Kashgar. Major Washbrook and Captain Hutton will leave by train to Rawalpindi this afternoon and then onto Srinagar.’ Routledge looked at the others and after several seconds, ‘thank you gentlemen.’
The two junior officers looked at Edrich and when he stood up they followed suit and the three men left the room in silence. In the anteroom outside the general’s office sat Fernee and Mawle who stood to attention when the three Kashgar bound officers came through the door. Brief introductions were exchanged between the five men before Mawle and Fernee were called into the general’s office for their briefing for Meshed.
‘Surly man, our Major Washbrook,’ said Edrich as he sat opposite Jack Young. ‘I had a word with him after the meeting with Routledge. He twittered on about how important it was to speak Russian on this trip. Then he said the visit to Russia was the reason his CO had let him go. He said the comment by Colonel Routledge about my fighting the Hun when he hadn’t, offended his honour. I told him that was poppycock and that in the meeting I had already said Colonel Routledge was not impugning his honour by making that remark merely stating a fact. Maybe up in Srinagar we can talk more easily.’
‘I think one of the problems he has is your promotion. Washbrook is close to your seniority but you were promoted rather than him – that annoys him immeasurably,’ Young shrugged.
‘Well that is the army for you. He has to get over it. Mind you,’ added Edrich with a twinkle, ‘it must be a disappointment being passed over for me.’
Young laughed. ‘You said it, Bill, not me. Let him stew. Now your code, you still take Sherlock Holmes with you wherever you go?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well ‘The Sign of the Four’ is your codebook. If you have to write secretly use lemon or onion. Now something I can tell you which, the others do not know. We can intercept wireless messages being transmitted from Moscow to Tashkent and other places in Russia. Using these intercepted messages allows us to know what these Bolos are thinking and going to do. Hopefully we may be able to arm you with any pertinent information these intercepts give us before you leave Kashgar. If we do then if you ever have to refer to a source of this information you must say the information comes from an agent not from an interception.’
‘I will remember that. I gather from Routledge that when we get to Kashgar we can send telegrams out via China. That sounds better than sending stuff down to India by runner. Is it?’
‘Theoretically, yes. It takes only eleven days to get to Peking as opposed to four weeks by runner to Gilgit and telegram from there. There is one slight snag. The telegrams we have received using the China route have all so far been jumbled and utterly useless. So stick to the runner or at least send copies of all messages by both routes. The Chinese may one day improve their service.’
‘Who knows anything about what they'll do - it's one reason to go to Russia instead. Why does the general want to see me by the way this evening?’
‘Well he has a soft spot for you ever since you won that cricket game you both played in.’ Young giggled, ‘apparently he had a bet with the opposing regiment’s colonel on that game and he won a lot of money thanks to your efforts. Probably he also feels you needed a bit of extra rest before you set out on the four to six-week journey north or it is possible that he is saving you from having to travel north with Washbrook.’ Young changed his voice tone to one of concern, ‘what did you think of Hutton by the way?’
‘He limped pretty badly when he came in and seemed to have problems with breathing. Are you sure he’s up to it? He didn’t say much. Perhaps being the most junior officer in the room he was over awed by all the intellects facing him. Any attributes?’
Young rested his chin on his hands and thought carefully before replying. ‘Let me say short of all our chaps being killed worldwide that he will not get promotion beyond major – and that will still be beyond his capability. He would be over awed by anyone with half a brain,’ Young hesitated, ‘possibly no brain.’
‘Great.’
‘Look, Bill, I can’t say you have been dealt with a hand from a full deck of cards with these two. Hutton has two things going for him he speaks Russian and there is literally nobody else. Perhaps he will grow on you.’
Edrich laughed ironically, ‘Well a four to six-week journey over some of the roughest and highest country in the world will give us a chance and we’ll be going in separate groups. I would have thought any doctor would not have approved of sending him on such a trip.’
‘It is as well then that I’m not a doctor.’ Young decided to change the subject, ‘will you get much painting in do you think?’
‘I hope in the afternoon
s when it gets too hot to march that I can find some shade do some sketching. I hope so. Anyway I better do some shopping and write to mother and get that off this afternoon. Thanks for your help, Jack. I wonder how long it will be before I see you again, six months - a year - two years.’
Young looked at his watch, ‘about six hours actually, because I’m dining with you and the general this evening.’
Edrich threw his head back and laughed then remembered, ‘what about money?’
‘Ah yes, money. I wondered when you would ask. I’ll split up the sovereigns between the three of you. It will be your and Robbins decision as to whether and how you spend it though suffice to say keep good records and get signatures when you parcel it out. Do be careful about to whom you give it and why you gave it to them because monetarily things are very tight.’
‘Of course, Jack.’
‘I have to say, Major Washbrook I thought it a bit off what the colonel said about us not fighting the Hun.’
‘A bit off, a bit off, it was a disgraceful thing to say. We both volunteered to fight in Europe. Well I did and I assume you did?’ Hutton nodded quickly before Washbrook continued, ‘however, the Empire needed us here to keep the bloody natives at bay. Edrich can’t speak Russian. So he says others will translate for him. That’s no good. You shouldn’t have to rely on others to do your talking. I wouldn’t have to because I speak the language really well. I came on this mission on the understanding that I was going to Russia. I’m not sure my CO would approve of this change of plan.’
‘Still, sir, the mission might not happen.’
‘Irrelevant, Captain, it is the principle of the matter and the slur to our personal military capability. “Oh I’ve fought the Hun I know better than you”.’ Washbrook stuck his tongue out put his thumbs in his ears and waggled his fingers.
Hutton laughed uncomfortably before he replied, ‘let us hope it is a wild goose chase then, Major Washbrook.’
‘Captain Hutton, I have better things to do than to go on wild goose chases. I have, or had, more important things to do up on the Khyber.’
‘Yes, sir, I can imagine.’
Washbrook returned to his newspaper in a manner that clearly indicated to Hutton that the conversation was at an end. The train suddenly stopped with a jolt that almost deposited Hutton head first into Washbrook lap.
‘For God sakes, Hutton sit down.’ Washbrook shook his newspaper violently.
Hutton flexed his back swaying backwards, forwards and then side to side in time with the train. He sat down promptly when he saw Washbrook frown at him over the top of his newspaper.