Should England Fall

by M L Maki

  “Thank you. Later.”

  A radio talker, “Valkyrie 1 is lifting from Guys enroute to Kenley.”

  Spike, “Roger.” She picks up a phone.

  A tired voice answers, “Swede.”

  “Sorry to wake you. You’ve lost Percival 2. One of the crew is at Guys. The other is inbound on Valkyrie 1. Percival 1 is on final. You should meet them.”

  “On it.”

  She turns to Thud, “You alright?”

  “No. Damn it, Spike. I will be.”

  “You know, we’ve come a long way, you and I. It won’t be long before you get your own squadron.”

  “Yeah, it sure is a steep learning curve.”

  “It is, Thud. Do you know why the WWII generation was called the greatest generation?”

  He gives her a wry smile, “Because they had a hero complex?”

  Spike smiles back, “Nope, it’s because they faced struggles that allowed their hero complex to shine. Every generation has heroes, Thud, but not every generation has villains who polish the hero and let him shine.”

  “Right now, who is your villain?”

  “The faceless German officer dictating their air war. It’s a chess game, except each of us get new pieces. The side with the most resources has the advantage. At the beginning, that was Germany, but increasingly, it is us. Do you want to meet Percival 2 when Valkyrie 1 lands?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Go, Thud. I got it here.”

  Thud walks out and she sits and picks up her mail. The first letter is from Dixie:

  Hello, Darlin,

  I’m not ashamed to say I’m afraid for you and your people. I admit, I’m also jealous. Ashley and I are sending a care package. The letter will no doubt get there first.

  I hit my knee and made us official. Wished you could have been there for it, but I just couldn’t wait. You will stand up for me when we do the deed. Before I met you, I was broken. You put the pieces back together and helped my find functionality. Ashley has healed me. We’re looking out for Audrey and Donna. I’m campaigning to get the war brides here as soon as possible. It’s an up-hill battle.

  So, I was interviewed by Stars and Stripes. They couldn’t care less about this salty admiral. They wanted to know about you. I know you value your privacy, but please understand, you’ve reached a level of celebrity that is difficult to fathom. I think, if you met Elvis at his prime, he would ask for your autograph. I read a piece in a newspaper that said how you’re from a family of fighters because your grandfather shot at him with a shotgun. I’ve no doubt it happened. The weird thing is that the reporter wrote that more in awe than in anger.

  So, I told them a bit. I said you were always a gifted pilot. Admitted I knew you before the deployment that brought us back. I told them about you kicking my ass in training. I hope you don’t mind. Roosevelt was telling the truth when he said the people need heroes right now. They’re starving for good news. Each time you manage to pull off a victory, it lifts morale.

  Another thing I think you should know about, every now and again your pa gets invited into some very high-level meetings. I managed to successfully argue for the release of interned Japanese-Americans. The whole thing was a racist stain on our national identity. I’m pretty sure I pissed off some folks, but it was the right thing to do. It’s exactly what we’re fighting against out there.

  Ashley and I had dinner with Klindt and his fiancée, Evelyn. She’s a good fit for him. Laid back intensity, I think I’ll call it. Klindt has his fourth star now. Ashley and Evelyn get along pretty well, but they’re very different people. Evelyn is from one of those industrialist families in up-state New York. As far from good ole boy as you can get.

  I very much hope this letter finds you and all your people well. If you have need of anything, please let me know. As I learn relevant Washington gossip, I’ll share it.”

  Love you,

  Your Pa

  In the fold of the letter is a picture of Lee and Ashley on the Mall. She smiles. They look so happy. “Yeah, I love you too, Dad.”

  CHAPTER 24

  HELICOPTER PAD, RAF KENLEY

  Swede and Thud hang onto their hats as Valkyrie 1 lands. The door slides open and LT Cochran gets out. Swede says, ‘Welcome back, Cochran. Have you been checked out?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Right. Look, after each ejection a pilot has to be cleared medically before they can fly again.”

  “I’m not grounded, sir?”

  Swede, “Do you want to be?”

  “No, sir.”

  They turn and walk towards Swede’s jeep, “What happened?”

  “I didn’t break when I was told to.”

  “Did you get your target?”

  She stops and tilts her head, “My target?”

  Thud, “You were target fixated. Did you get your target?”

  “Yes, sir, I think so.”

  Swede, “Cochran, it happens. Learn from your mistake and move forward.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Commander Jackson will take you to medical. When you’re cleared, and when you’ve had some rest, you’ll be back on the roster. We’ll get you a new RIO.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Swede gets into his jeep and heads for the flight line.

  CONTROL ROOM, RAF KENLEY

  The next letter is from Mrs. Roosevelt:

  Dear Samantha,

  I hope this letter finds you well. I admit to listening to the news with fear in my heart. Franklin assures me that we, over here, are doing everything possible to aid you in your efforts. I have no doubt the military is solving every problem it can in the effort to support you. Please, be aware that our nation is praying for your success. What I do not yet know is whether you have any need, personal or professional. Please, tell me if there is anything you need and I will do my best to get it for you.

  With that in mind, I wish to give you some measure of good news. The Naval Equality Act of 1942 has passed and been signed into law. It opens all rates to all races based only on ability. It also integrates the naval air and surface fleets, but allows time for the integration to happen. All new vessels, cruiser sized and larger, must be built and manned with integrated crews. All existing ships, cruiser and larger, must be integrated as they go through overhauls. All smaller surface ships will start integration after two years in a like manner as the larger ships. Submarines, being uniquely limited, will stay all male.

  Also, the Wartime Resource Act has provided protections for women and minorities in the workplace, including precluding discrimination on hiring based on race or sex. On the surface this act seems to be a wartime exigency, but it does not have an expiration clause.

  These things are a beginning. The activities of you and your people were used as the argument for much we have achieved. If there is anything you are in need, whether personal or professional, please let me know so I can be of aid.

  Your friend,

  Eleanor

  Sam takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. The gratitude she feels threatens to overwhelm her and she feels tears forming.

  Andrews, “Are you okay?”

  She puts the letter down, “Colonel, it has been a hard day and I just got some good news.”

  “I’m glad, then. May I ask?”

  “Congress just passed a law saying that I and my female crews have a right to exist. It offers additional protections as well.”

  “That is good news. I have some more good news. We received a message saying we’re getting twelve more F/A-14s, with crews.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, Spike. They’re transitioning to the Tomcat right now.”

  “A new squadron?”

  “It said they’re for the Black Knights.”

  “Hmm, that’s odd. Can you get me Fluffy?”

  “Roger, Commodore.” He gets up, then stops and looks back, “May I ask why he is called that?”

  Sam smiles, “I know. There isn’t anything fluffy about him. It’
s one of those reverse names; the heavy guy called Slim; the bald guy called Harry.”

  “Got it. He’s outside the door.” He turns and heads out.

  HANGER 17, RAF KENLEY

  1731, 4 October, 1942

  Gloria and Byron climb out of their jet as the ground crew get to work checking out their bird. Swede walks in, “How are you two?”

  Gloria looks into her fiance’s eyes and smiles. Byron asks, “Any word on Cochran and Everling?”

  Swede, his gaze on Gloria, says, “Cochran’s in medical getting her post-ejection physical. Everling’s in Guys.”

  Byron, “Everling was fucking brilliant on the ground. He inflated his chute and tangled it in the foliage to act as concealment, and he was shooting back.”

  Swede, “Okay, write it up,” and he and Gloria start walking away.

  Byron, “It’ll be on your desk in couple of hours. Guys, will you two just kiss.”

  Swede stops, startled, and turns, “Not in public.”

  “It’s the worst kept secret of the war. We’re happy for you, now snog so we can finish the post brief.”

  Swede turns back to Gloria. With a big smile lighting her up, she steps up to him and puts her arms around his neck, pulling his head down, and kissing him. Byron and the crew watch, fascinated. Then, Swede pulls back and takes a deep breath, looking down at Gloria. They look up, startled, when they hear the crew and Byron applauding them. Swede blushes and Gloria takes a bow.

  Byron smiles and continues, “Cochran refused to break. She got target fixated.”

  Swede, “She said as much. Do you think she’s capable of learning from her mistake?”

  The three continue out of the hanger. Gloria says, “She’s smart and a good pilot. The problem is, she wants to be an ace so bad it impairs her judgement.” Gloria laughs, “That’s it. We hang it around her neck like an albatross. Her call sign should be ‘Ace.’”

  Swede and GQ chuckle, “Yeah. Make it so. What do we lay on Everling?”

  GQ, “He was the shit down there. Make him ‘Deuce.’”

  Swede nods, “So it is.” He looks around. They’re alone and no one is in earshot. “Can I ask you something, GQ?”

  GQ goes still, “You just did.”

  Swede, “We’re so close, I see no need for secrets between us. Gloria and I are transparent with each other about everything but you. So, who were you with in that hotel room?”

  GQ takes a breath and looks at Gloria. “I’m sorry, Byron. I haven’t said anything.” He turns back to Swede, “Are you asking as my commanding officer?”

  “No, Byron, never. I’m asking as your friend.”

  “I was with my boyfriend. I can’t share his name.” GQ is looking Swede straight in the eyes.

  Swede, “I thought so. It’s cool with me. If there’s anything we can do to protect you two, just ask, okay?” Swede pulls GQ into a hug, then reaches for Gloria. For a moment, they’re still, then GQ pulls back, “Thank you, Stephan, that means a lot.”

  FOREST EAST OF BIALYSTOK, POLAND

  2131, 4 October, 1942 (2031 GMT)

  LT Francis ‘Spooky’ Torrey is still, listening in the dark of the forest. A Russian infantry unit is only two hundred yards to his north. The Germans are six hundred yards to his south. He opens his pack and quickly spreads out some papers. He walks a few feet east, careful to avoid making tracks. He puts a Russian pattern cover on his boots and lays down a few tracks, then opens fire with a Russian PPSh-41 submachine gun. He swings up on a branch and jumps to a fallen tree. There, he removes the covers from his boots and stows them. He jumps back to the papers and moves out carefully and fast, spilling drops of blood from a bag.

  GERMAN OCCUPIED RAF OUSTON

  2100, 4 October, 1942

  LT Kegan stands in front of his commander, “I’m sorry, I lost my aircraft.”

  Major Gunter, “You killed one. It’s enough. If we could exchange one for one, they would be gone in a day. Are you fit to fly?”

  “Yes, Major.”

  “Good, but we first must address an issue with your uniform.”

  “Sir?”

  “Gunter smiles, “You need to start wearing the pip of an Oberlieutenant.” He hands Kegan his promotion insignia.

  The new Oberlieutenant salutes, “Thank you, sir. Heil Hitler.”

  HEADQUARTERS, COMMANDER, EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS

  2130, 4 October, 1942

  Spike, in dress greens, is escorted into Eisenhower’s office. She salutes and he returns it, standing to offer his hand. “Coffee, please, Kay.” His secretary nods and leaves. “How are you, Commodore?”

  She smiles, “Managing. Can we hold at the line?”

  Eisenhower motions for her to take a seat, settles into his chair, and steeples his hands. “We haven’t done so well in the holding department, have we?”

  “It isn’t a criticism, sir, it’s a question. I’m running our A-10s ragged and it’s getting harder to find German tanks. I’m hoping we’re making your soldier’s job a little easier.”

  “You are. We’ve lost the equivalent of two divisions of armor trying to stop Rommel. Materials and troops are starting to come in from Canada and the US, but these are all green troops and they’ll be facing Hitler’s elite.”

  Eisenhower’s secretary, Kay Summersby serves coffee and leaves. Spike smiles, remembering her history. Eisenhower, “Thank you, Kay.”

  Spike, “We trained the A-10 pilots on night vision devices and they’re getting really good. But, General, how are we preparing our defense of London?”

  “Trenches and fortifications and artillery spots are prepared. It’ll be an integrated, layered defense, the best I’ve ever seen.”

  “A thought, sir, we’ve been transporting troops over by ship with all their gear. Around London, it seems to me, that we need bodies as much as gear. Could we fly troops straight in and unite them with their heavy equipment later?”

  “Fantastic idea. I’ll implement that immediately. The 82nd is preparing to lift. I could use them as well.”

  “Sir, I have them tasked for taking back Ouston. We’ve a plan to destroy their air defenses, then static drop the division.”

  “Operation Sunset, right. That will clear the skies of some of them, but they’ll still be flying in from France.”

  “We have more aircraft and crews coming in. Once we retake Ouston, we’ll hit the German airfields and hammer their positions in France and Germany. Thus far, I’ve been a hawk acting like a sparrow. It’s time to go on the offensive.”

  “Agreed. You were tasked with defense, but you’re right, it’s time.”

  “Another thing, I placed BATDIV-5 off the Thames. When the Germans close within range, I’ll have them drive up the Thames for artillery support.”

  Eisenhower looks stunned, “Excellent. I got word they were moved, but not your intention. They should move on the next high tide. Notify the Admiralty and order them as far up the river into London as they can go and still safely fire their guns. What is their range?”

  “Yes, sir. About seven miles. Are the Germans that close?”

  “No, not yet, but they will be soon. At seven miles, they could cover much of London.”

  “That was my thought, sir.”

  Eisenhower takes a sip of coffee, “I heard about the sniper. I passed the news to our British friends and they’re searching diligently for any others.”

  “It was a gambit that failed. They’ll try something else next.”

  “You’re not worried?”

  “Sir, failure worries me. If I die, I die.”

  “The SEAL team that was in Kenley, can you tell me what their mission was?”

  “You don’t know?”

  “I do. What do you know?”

  “They were extracting, then re-inserting an OSS agent. The agent was to plant information meant to restart the eastern front. The President hopes it will take some of the pressure off England.”

  “Do you know the exact plan?”
>
  “No, sir. I didn’t need to know, so I didn’t ask.”

  “Commodore, you’re smart. Smart and wise.” He looks at her quizzically, “You know my future. What are you willing to share?”

  “Sir, please understand, none of what I know is inevitable. Our coming back changes everything.”

  “I understand, still it may help me to know.”

  “Yes, sir. Most relevant now, in Operation Overlord you plan and execute the invasion of France. This happens in 1944 because of the African and Italian campaigns. It’s Churchill who pushed for both of those. He rightly recognized that the allies needed war fighting experience before tackling fortress Europe. I think the British Theater has given us a great deal of experience.”

  “You know the name of the invasion?”

  “It’s historical record. We created an elaborate ruse to convince Hitler that we are landing at Calais and, instead, land at Normandy. The ruse was so powerful, so good, Hitler refused to reinforce at Normandy.”

  “Hitler would know all of this now?”

  “In the public consciousness, it’s known as D-Day. It’s celebrated each year. Also, we landed special forces at Point Du Hoc. This time it will have to be totally different.”

  “What would you recommend?”

  “Sir, invasion planning is way out of my wheel house.”

  “You’ve done well so far. We’ll develop a plane. I’d just like your gut opinion.”

  “Okay, it’s still going to take time. We need new, better equipment, and we need to train everyone on how to use it. You know the armor we have isn’t up to the task.”

  “I do.”

  “Armor is just the start. We need armored personnel carriers so infantry can keep up with the armor.”

  “What’s wrong with a truck?”

  “Tanks can go places trucks can’t, and trucks are terribly vulnerable. Trucks deliver supplies to the front, armor fights the battle, and Europe will be an armor battle. I’ve gotten word that Admiral Klindt is designing a tank. I sent him a message asking him to send someone out to brief your staff and the Brits on it. It gives the designers a chance to see what we need, too.”

  “Thank you. Where would you land?”

  “Why land in one place? By then, we’ll control the sea. Why not land one place, give a day or two for the Germans to orient, then land somewhere else? As they scramble to face two threats, give them three or four. If we land, or feint a landing, up near Bremerhaven, they have to respond. It draws forces away from the Atlantic wall.”