Remember Remember

by Alan Wade

  “Jacky, look at it from their point of view, if you tell them; it’s an innocent holiday we’re going on; if you don’t tell them they may begin to wonder why such an innocent question was not answered truthfully. So just bloody well tell them,” he snapped.

  “OK, OK, don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’ll tell them, you get me my dress allowance.”

  He finished his beer, downed the pint mug on the bar, picked up his glasses and slid from the bar stool. “You’ll have it in two days Jacky, see you soon.” He walked around the bar and passed the two policemen.

  “Bye fellas, look after Jacky while I’m gone.”

  Lawrence turned as Alan walked past. “Yeah, see you Alan, oh by the way, do you wear those glasses with shades?”

  “Yeah, clip ons, why are you asking?”

  “Oh, no reason, I think I might buy some that’s all, better for reading in the sun. Goodbye Alan, see you soon.”

  Lawrence’s companion John turned to him, “what was all that about, the bit with the sunglasses?”

  “Something that task force guy Rock has asked me to find out. Evidently he’s looking for a guy who wears clip on sunglasses.” He looked around the empty bar to see if they were being overheard by Jacky, then continued “Now let’s change the subject eh, barmaids have big ears and friends. I’ll send Rock an email tomorrow afternoon; I’m on late turn so he’ll have to wait till then. Cheers John.” Lawrence downed his beer and John ordered two more pints.

  November 15th, Milton Keynes.

  Major Rock had received only two positive responses with regard to the wearing of clip on sunglasses from the 60 men still on his list. He had already interviewed one man in Stoke and had eliminated him from his enquiries. This left Sergeant Lawrence’s email regarding Alan Johnson, who seemed to fit the profile very well.

  Ken had been asked to work on a full profile of Johnson and the results now read by the Major were startling. He picked up the phone, dialled SBCT11 Headquarters and requested to speak with Commander Bagshaw. A female voice informed him that Bagshaw was out of the country until November the 19th but would be able to see the Major on the 22nd at 2.30 pm. The meeting was agreed and Rock decided to wait until that meeting before attempting to interview or begin surveillance operations on Alan Johnson.

  In the meantime a small task force would be brought together to work on the case, permission would be gained to tap phones and emails, plus search warrants obtained to enable covert examination and bugging of Johnson’s house. If possible a local house would be seconded to enable observation of the comings and goings from the suspect’s home.

  November 22nd, 14.30, SBCT11 HQ, London.

  After the quick pleasantries of welcome between the Commander and Rock, the Major was asked to present his reasons for requesting the urgent meeting.

  “I think I’ve got my man sir, the man in the Olu Deniz case and I would like 30 minutes of your time to give you an overview of this man and to enable us to decide, if appropriate, a plan of action.”

  Major Rock placed his briefcase on the polished mahogany desk, unzipped the pocket and extracted a sheaf of papers. He looked at the Commander who nodded for him to continue. Rock opened his papers and read the details;

  “Alan Leonard Johnson, born July the 17th 1958, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, mother Mary Johnson, housewife; father Leonard Johnson, electrician. Born at Wakefield General Hospital, first known address 59 Friargate, Alverthorpe, Wakefield. Religion C of E, working class background, some family history in the armed forces. Won scholarship to Wakefield Grammar school and left at 16 with 8 ‘O’ levels to join the Yorkshire Light Infantry. Selected for parachute regiment and later enlisted into Special Forces. Passed all fitness training and became eighth fastest completer of the 45 mile cross country endurance march carrying a full 50lb pack, belt kit and hand held weaponry. The time taken was 16 hours, 3 minutes in freezing snow conditions. Also successfully completed all behavioural skills training, especially self motivation and self reliance. The Major looked at Commander Bagshaw and continued, “After spending his initial training in the Brecon Beacons he specialised in the tactical skills of unarmed combat and explosives. Operations include SAS work in Italy in the NOCS team, (Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza) helping rescue General James Dozier. In May 1980 he took part in the Iranian embassy siege in London and operated throughout the early eighties in Belfast, but we have little record of what he did there. In March 1982 the Argentinean government invaded the Falkland Islands and you know we declared war on them shortly afterwards. Alan, along with the 21st SAS and 22nd SAS was again in action initially as a spotter for aircraft, ships, landing zones and Argentinean military activity. In a spectacular raid on Pebble Island in May, he and his group destroyed 11 Pucara ground attack aircraft and all operations to that date were successful. However, the admiral in charge of the conflict wanted the SAS to work in far larger numbers in co-ordinated attacks. We know from reports at the time that the SAS were against this, suffice it to say the admiral won this battle. An operation including 100’s of SAS members was to prepare for D-day landings from the assault ship Intrepid and Sea King helicopters were to land the SAS at San Carlos. The operation was a disaster and 2 helicopters were shot down killing 56 men, which was the greatest loss of life the SAS suffered since the Second World War.

  Many of these men were colleagues of Alan’s and it is known he filed a report stating the stupidity of such a mission, using large numbers of SAS troops who were trained only to work in small groups. He also stated the then strength of the Argentinean air force and the vulnerability of helicopters and even ships in some of the exposed bays around the Falklands.”

  He looked up and commented, “Some might argue that Alan was proven correct. On return from the Falklands in late 82 he asked to be relieved of his post, which was denied and he was sent out to the Middle East in 1985. Between 1982 and 1984 he took further specialised training in resistance to interrogation and field first aid. He was also now certificated to third dan in Ju Jitsu. In 1986 he trained in the Middle East in both Jordan and the United Arab Emirates and we believe Iraq. While out there he was involved in a major incident with a member of the ruling party in the UAE. Evidently he was driving through the desert in a jeep at night when he was overtaken at speed by another vehicle. This vehicle was disappearing at some speed when the brake lights came on and the vehicle then swerved to one side and came to rest off the main road. Apparently the vehicle had collided with a stray camel which was crossing the road, the vehicle hit the camel knocking it off its feet and breaking its legs. The camel had then careered along the bonnet of the vehicle, crashed through the windscreen and seriously injured the people in the car.”

  At this the Commander smiled, took a sip of water and commented, “What a nasty way to die.”

  “Evidently it happens quite often out there, you cannot see the bloody things until you’re on top of them and with their legs being so long, when you hit them they come straight at you through the windscreen and they can weigh over half a ton.”

  “Back to the point Major,” scolded the Commander.

  “Sorry Sir,” apologised Rock and continued, “Well there were three occupants in the vehicle who had serious injuries including one in the rear seats, and if it hadn’t been for the quick thinking of Johnson when he arrived at the scene, all three may have died from their injuries. The citation reads that he administered first aid at the scene, the gentleman in the rear was bleeding profusely from broken glass wounds and those in the front had serious internal injuries. Johnson then moved them to his jeep and drove them to a military hospital 30 kilometres away. Sadly, both men in the front of the vehicle later died from their injuries; however the third person in the rear survived. It turns out the gentleman in the rear of the vehicle was the son of a crown prince, who made a full recovery thanks to Alan’s help. Johnson was awarded the country’s highest honours, was invit
ed to attend royal functions and feted upon.”

  Bagshaw interrupted, “Might it also be true that Johnson could ask for and receive favours because of his actions?”

  “It is possible, highly probable, that the royal family believed they owed a debt to Johnson.”

  “And you think Johnson may have called in that debt?”

  “If he is involved in something with regard to those meetings and murder in Olu Deniz, then he or those others need a great deal of help and money to finance the operation, whatever that may be.”

  “And that money could have come from the Middle East you think?”

  “Almost definitely Sir.”

  “But why should an Englishman, Church of England, with an exemplary track record join in terrorism against his own?”

  “Let me read on Sir, it may provide some reason.”

  “In 1986 Johnson asked again to be allowed to leave the service, it seems that yet again the SAS were being asked to carry out duties for which they were not trained. Again this was denied and his commanding officer is reported to have noted that Johnson was becoming more introvert; with regard to the SAS, his comrades and his duties; but openly enjoying his relationship with his Arab friends.”

  Bagshaw nodded and began a short interrogation of the Major to gain a better understanding of the man in question. “Has he any brothers or sisters?”

  “None, an only child.”

  “Parents?”

  “Both dead.”

  “And what about his personal relationships?”

  “He’s single; perhaps the life he’s led so far is not conducive to marriage or relationships.”

  “Perhaps you are right.”

  “He did however have a relationship in the Middle East which evidently was frowned on by the female’s family.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “He was often seen in the company of a governess who was working with the children of a family related to the crown prince we mentioned earlier. They were forming a close relationship with each other and were seen together constantly. However the governess was Indian and from a high caste and it was understood by her family that she would eventually return to India for an arranged marriage. It is believed she had spoken with her family about her relationship with Johnson and stated that she wanted to refuse the marriage arranged for her and stay with Johnson. It seems she was very much in love with him and he with her. Coincidently at the time the Arabs were having problems with foreign nationals working on their territory, especially the Indians who were actively demonstrating and demanding better living conditions, working conditions, pay, etc. We have to remember that at this time demonstrations of any type were unheard of in Arabia and the Arabs asked the British government to help them police the situation.”

  The major paused, took a drink of water then continued, “we, the British government were worried about any destabilisation in the area and deployed troops and 2 warships to help prevent further escalation of trouble and provide a secure calming influence. The Foreign Office’s account of events in 1986 is well documented, if you require further reading Commander.”

  “No, that’s not necessary just yet,” he replied.

  Rock then continued, “In 1987 we despatched a division of troops under the command of a Colonel Adams who was newly promoted to the post. When the ex patriot Indians saw the deployment of British troops they began to protest even more vigorously. This led Colonel Adams to impose night curfews and to ban all demonstrations. This move, contrary to his expectations seemed to pour more petrol on the fire and the demonstrations became uglier by the day. They culminated in the storming of the British Embassy and a local government HQ in May 1987. The demonstrators were armed with bricks, stones, some guns and petrol bombs and when they would not disperse the British opened fire, killing over 20 demonstrators, before order was resumed. One of those killed by us was Tunde Khela, an Indian lady and the close friend of Alan. He evidently went ballistic at the news and had massive mood swings, ranging from physical aggression on others to attempted suicide. He was ordered to take psychiatric help and was nearly sectioned. He was eventually rehabilitated but was released from all serving duties in 1988 on compassionate grounds. There was further communication between Alan and the Army for the next two years because he felt he was owed certain medals which were not forthcoming. Plus his pension was cut due to him not completing the service for which he had signed. In 1990 he was offered a position with an Arab oil company working in Jordan and he seems to have spent many years out there doing different jobs. He returned to the UK in 1998 and it was assumed he had retired. He bought a house in Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire and very little was heard of him until now.”

  The commander took a sip of water, replaced his glass stayed silent for a few moments and then thanked Rock for his comprehensive overview of Johnson. “With that background and his contacts I can see why you may think of him as a suspect who is working for others against us, however it is all circumstantial so far, so bringing him in for questioning may be unwise.”

  “I agree sir, I don’t want to do that, I think he will be much more valuable to us out there, but sometime in the future I do think it will be wise to approach him and with your agreement I will plan that way ahead.”

  “It really does need planning, if he gets a scent of this he may bolt and disappear in the Middle East, then if he is your man we really will have a problem.

  “I do not want him to disappear in the Middle East, far from it; in fact I would like him here on our side sir. If he is the man I suspect he is then he has a network of contacts throughout Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, etc who may be of great use to us. I don’t know what he has done to date but at this moment in time I would like Johnson on our side in their camp rather than against us. Therefore I would like to set up a meeting with him through the local police supported by 24 hour surveillance. The object of that meeting will be to make him aware that we know who he is and perhaps that he is planning something, but also to offer a life line to him whereby if he works for us he will be immune from prosecution.”

  “Even if he is found to have murdered the man in Olu Deniz and maybe others?” queried the commander.

  “Even that sir, I really do think we either need this man on our side or dead.”

  “Yes, I agree and I support your thinking. Good Luck, I must go now,” said Bagshaw, who then stood and shook hands with Rock, bringing the meeting to an abrupt end.

  November 24th, Stockport Police Station.

  Sergeant Lawrence was summoned into Chief Inspector Burrows office.

  “Sergeant, we have a request from a Major Rock of SBCT11 which I think is a counter terrorism unit,” he paused then continued, “they want to work with you to gain knowledge of a Mr Alan Johnson. The said Major wants to carry out an interview with Johnson and to facilitate a 24 hour surveillance operation of him. Therefore I hope you are able to give me further information regarding the request Sergeant.”

  “Well sir, I know little about it, other than I was asked first to interview this Johnson bloke because he had travelled to Turkey and fitted the description of a man who may be able to help with Rock’s enquiries. I did interview Johnson and found him to be a middle aged affable guy who’d been on holiday with a barmaid from the Brown Cow. He seemed quite normal, just an average bloke who’d been on holiday with a woman. However, more recently we received another e-mail from Major Rock enquiring whether our man Johnson wore clip-on sunglasses and I found out he did and reported this back to Rock. I knew nothing more than that sir, until I came in here, but it seems this Johnson fellow may be the bloke they’re looking for. If it’s OK with you sir I’m happy to work on the case because I know Johnson a little and certainly know his drinking habits in the Brown Cow.”

  “I don’t want this to be an excuse to spend even more time in the Brown Cow Sergeant, but I do think you should
liaise with Rock. Here’s his number, please liaise directly with him, help him with his surveillance requirements and keep me posted. I want to know who this Johnson guy is and why counter terrorism are so interested in him.” Burrows rose and walked towards his office door signalling the meeting was over, “Good Luck Sergeant, keep me informed.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Lawrence stepped past the Chief Inspector, bowed his head slightly and left the office.

  One lengthy phone call later Lawrence knew that Major Rock would arrive in Stockport on November the 26th and book into the Alma Lodge Hotel. He would bring three colleagues with him who were trained in surveillance and they would all meet at 3.00 pm on the 26th in the residents lounge at the Alma Lodge.

  Chapter 7

  November 25th, Manchester Airport.

  Alan placed 2 pints of Fosters on a table close to the passage to their allocated gate. Jacky smiled and took a gulp of lager.

  “This is a far nicer terminal than the one we used when we flew to Turkey.”

  . “Yeah it is, it’s a lot smaller and cleaner and the service is OK,” he replied.

  He looked at her and thought she’d taken some time to make herself look good. Her hair and make up were OK and her dress sense appropriate. “Good,” he thought, “maybe she’s done it for me.” He remembered the last time in Turkey and smiled to himself thinking, “No wonder you remember the last time in Turkey, it was the bloody last time you had any.”

  After a couple of more beers their flight was called and they boarded and departed on time. He thought the flight was uneventful and at only 21/2 hours by the time he’d had a drink, some disgusting food in a plastic tray and a chance to buy a cheap watch or a Jimmy Jumbo, it was over. Then the tannoy announced, “Please fasten your seat belts and welcome to Venice. Thank you for flying British Airways we really do wish you a pleasant stay.”

  Costa had organised the trip well and the transfer from the airport to the Port of Venice was made within one hour of landing giving them plenty of time for a beer before embarkation. The ship, the Costa Victoria, at 78.000 tonnes looked magnificent docked in Costa’s private terminal, its 12 decks and yellow funnel towering over all other ships and the terminal buildings.