The Deepcut to Heather Ridge Supply Run*

Listen up, Private! Division needs to be resupplied. Because we are surrounded and without motorized transport, our supply run needs to be done on foot and one man at a time through the forest, much of which is heavily fortified by the enemy. Once you reach the Old Bisley road three clicks north of the barracks you’ll be safe, but the approach won’t be easy.

Once you’re in the forest, you’re going to be faced with a lot of uncut terrain that will all look the same and there are going to be a lot of paths intersecting with your route. Some of these paths may be in better condition than where you need to go and, therefore, may look tempting, but it’s important that you stick to the plan or you’ll just wind up lost or dead.

We’re outnumbered, but we do control a few safe zones inside the forest so it’s important that you stick to the path and hit all the marks or else you’ll just wind up another dead grunt, so pay attention!

Head north from the barracks and walk into the forest through the first western gate that you see. The gate is located just on the edge of a clearing. Head due west through the clearing along the paved road until it turns to dirt and heads into the forest. Take the first intersecting path running north-south and head to the right. You’ll notice the upturned roots of a fallen tree on your left to let you know that you’re on the right path. The route does one S-curve and heads up a steep hill that’s less than one hundred meters. At the top, take the path on your left heading northwest and follow it down over the ridge.

At the bottom of the ridge, along a thin creek, you should see a tire graveyard. The route then goes up another small incline to the left. Whatever you do, keep the tire graveyard on your right. You will be on a small path that will intersect with a wider path. Turn left along with this wider path and then immediately turn right on the next wide path. You should see the lower clearing in front of you. Take the western route around this clearing to the upper clearing less than 100 metres further north. These two clearings are visible from one another, but whatever you do, don’t expose yourself because enemy infantry controls the whole area.

Take the path at the northwestern end of the upper clearing. Just ten meters into the forest and on your left you should notice the foliage change. All the trees are tall and have no lower canopy and the brush is free and open. There is a hidden path through this area but you need to hit this mark just right. Enter too early and you risk missing where the path continues, enter too late and the enemy will turn you into minced meat. Where the hidden path hits the main path you’ll need to spot the concrete cylinder on your left and take the path off to the right heading northeast in the other direction. Whatever you do, don’t go west of the concrete cylinder or you’re toast. From here you’ll hit the main road.

The main road runs east-west and there is a major pathway running parallel to it that you need to get to. Turn west down the main road and walk until you come to where an armoured division has cut a pathway between the two routes. It’s the only clearing for several kilometres and you should be able to find it because of the deep tracks in the mud. It’s a mess and there are landmines everywhere so walk gingerly, but deliberately, and you’ll get through it. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the minefield if you see the four posts at the far end.

You’re halfway there. Head back into the forest and head west along the fringe of the first tee. The path will loop along the side of a green and then another tee. The red poop boxes are a good sign that you’re on the right course. Eventually the path curves around and heads due north which is where it gets tricky because a lot of paths intersect with each other, but you’ll need to take a right off the main path and through the ferns. The path will head slightly downhill and into our ambush site. Remember to call out “thunder” and wait until you hear “flash” or else our own boys might end you.

One hundred meters on from the ambush site is the crossroads. It should be fairly straightforward and fairly safe. There’s an enemy pillbox on the northeastern corner of the crossroads, but the reports are that it’s unmanned. Even still, try not to draw attention to yourself. Then it’s another 150 meters to the old fishing hole. Make sure to stay on the main path and keep the fishing hole on your left.

West of the fishing hole is the area of the forest most densely populated by the enemy. At this point, if you’re still alive you should almost expect to be spotted by the enemy,  but you’re almost home free.

Past the fishing hole and it’s a straight sprint, less than two hundred metres, to where our sentry, Bernhard, keeps a watchful eye. He’s a sharpshooter who is not to be messed with and the enemy knows it. He’s got a good eye and it’s an easy route from there to the gate at the north end by the Old Bisley road. Once you get to the road, you’re home free. It’s just another 500 metres through town to the depot.

It’s seven kilometres round trip and don’t forget that you’ll have to make the journey back carrying supplies this time, so be extra cautious. We have combat photos of some of the key markers on your route as well as a rough-drawn map. Memorize them. You should be able to draw a map with the key points on it from memory. Good luck, soldier! We’re counting on you!

* During World War II, Deepcut was the site of a major training centre and barracks. Though much of the surrounding area is now housing developments, golf courses, and cottages, the barracks is still in operation and the British Army still trains their soldiers here and in the woods nearby. I did not know this when I first arrived and was surprised to wake on my first morning, groggy and jetlagged, to the sound of gunfire. “Is this the end? Are we under attack?” I asked my hosts who then explained to me the history of Deepcut. The training exercises, where I am told soldiers use blanks, were a daily occurrence and made my walka through the woods to the Sainsbury’s in Heather Ridge all the more exciting. Over the years, Deepcut barracks made the news when, in a period between 1995 and 2002, four army officers were fatally shot in mysterious circumstances. All of the fatal shootings, at the time, were determined to have been self-inflicted despite scarce and murky evidence.