Opening Moves (The Red Gambit Series)

by Gee, Colin

  The clock had just pushed past 2100 hrs when Eisenhower received the reports of the fall of Bamberg, fighting in the heart of Regensburg and enemy troops approaching Amberg. It became obvious that some American units to the north-west of Nurnberg were at great risk. Swiftly orders were sent out to evacuate Bayreuth, although this would have the advantage providing him with a reserve force in the area of one armoured and one infantry division, the 9th in both cases, both of which were prime formations.

  The drive on Frankfurt, or more accurately one of them, had reached Geinhausen, thirty kilomteres to the east, where it was blunted by elements of the 7th US Armored Division already in place. 6th US Armored, who had moved aside and permitted the unchallenged incursion, started to filter back into Frankfurt and Bad Nauheim during the late afternoon and early evening.

  Once the circumstances were known no more was said, especially as the Brigadier-General responsible now lay dead on a stretcher in an aid station in Friedburg, victim of a strafing run by Yak fighters. The 6th’s commander, George Windle Read Jnr, was recovered enough to re-establish command of his division and was appropriately inspired to ‘kick some kraut ass’, his white fury and rage preventing his staff from reminding him that it was the Soviets who were the enemy this time.

  After some thought, the 6th was ordered back to Wiesbaden to regroup and prepare to act as an armored reserve.

  All down the map of the frontline the casual observer could see inroads into the allied positions.

  Eisenhower was in deep conversation with Bradley when the latest estimate of air force effectiveness came through, and it made better reading than either had dared hope. Losses in machines and pilots had been severe, and a few airfields were damaged beyond immediate repair. Control facilities had been badly hit but systems were being put in place for basic mission control over the coming days. It was not going to be perfect but it would provide something by way of ground support.

  Radar coverage had been badly hit, with losses in sets and trained staff quite high. These small installations seemed to have come in for particular attention from Soviet infiltrators and paratroopers.

  Clearly, the Soviets saw reducing the allied air force capability as crucial, something neither of the two generals could deny.

  Before the list had been fully read, another one arrived in the hands of a young and obviously nervous army officer, this time reflecting losses in general supply, ammunition and POL. Ike gestured for the Captain to hand it directly to Bradley and continued reading.

  Squadrons deploying home had been untouched and quite a number were still in France and available for the following days actions. Others could be returned from the UK to be ready for Wednesday.

  The air force Colonel who stood waiting beside Eisenhower was instructed to ask Tedder to work out a basing plan for all the squadrons that would return to his command, allowing for the further advance of the Soviet army for the next five days.

  As the officer strode briskly away Bradley’s sigh got his full attention.

  Eisenhower’s lighter flared as Bradley indicated a piece of paper in his hand.

  “You’ve seen the report from Kransberg I assume?”

  Eisenhower grimaced, as the list of the dead and wounded represented some stellar leadership talent lost to him.

  “Yes Brad. Shocking. They hurt us there.”

  A deep draw on his cigarette covered his emotions.

  “Deputies in place of course. I shall be writing to the family’s first chance I get.”

  Nodding his understanding, Bradley set aside that awful report, confirming the deaths of three US and one British Corps and four US Divisional Commanders. Two more Divisional commanders, one each from the British and the French had also succumbed. Moving to a different file, he raised an eyebrow in enquiry.

  “OK Brad, let me have the good news.”

  “In short, there is little except to say that we have reasonable supplies throughout Europe that will ensure we will be able to function. Attacks on the PLUTO facilities have reduced the supply of gas for everything but we won’t notice that for a little while as we still have some stockpiles left. Some are gone, by air raid or commando attack. You will not be surprised to learn that air force supplies were a favourite.”

  Eisenhower almost winced and motioned Bradley to go on.

  “Aircraft munitions are greatly reduced. Airfields that received visits from the reds all seem to have their stockpiles prioritised for destruction and it seems few of our air units retain enough bombs, rockets, and ammunition. We can get more to them all but it will take time. We can get that firmed up but I suspect that we will be told that offensively the air force is out for two-three days minimum, what with losses in machines and pilots as well.”

  Bradley read on as Eisenhower informed him about the transit squadrons in France.

  Nodding Bradley quoted from the piece he was just reading.

  “The report says we can do some offensive ops with the French based units but to continue them we need to marry the aircraft up with stocks in munitions and POL.” Taking his eyes away from the report, Bradley paused for thought.

  “If we can it will be nice but we will need to give the ground attack boys cover with fighters. Can’t afford any more losses.”

  “We will find plenty of work for those poor boys tomorrow and the days to follow. And we will make sure they are covered. Arthur will be working on that Brad.”

  Coffee arrived and the two rested their legs in two comfortable chairs facing the map.

  “So, I don’t think we were too far off the mark with our predictions this morning, do you Brad?”

  “No sir,” His comment punctuated by a sip of scalding coffee, “Hamburg was an easy one to call. Cuts Denmark and a lot of the Brits off. Atlantic access too, so let’s say Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven possibly.”

  Gesturing with his mug, he described the lines in the centre of Germany.

  “There they can go anywhere they want but I will bet the farm that they are after the Ruhr and the Rhine beyond that.”

  Eisenhower nodded, not yet courageous enough to sample his drink but savouring the rich aroma none the less.

  Taking the mug away from his face, he spoke in general terms.

  “A countrywide attack to find weaknesses, push us back on as broad a front as possible, clog the roads with refugees and to burn up as much of our supply as possible manoeuvring backwards. Destruction of our ground-attack capability so we cannot interfere with them as much as we would like. No-one ever said the Reds were stupid did they?”

  “That they certainly ain’t Ike, but there are some questions here.”

  Ike ventured his lips to the mug and encouraged Bradley to carry on.

  “They haven’t touched the bomber force; maybe they couldn’t or didn’t have enough assets. I would have tried at least. Why is that?”

  Coffee mug placed on the period table set between the two chairs, Ike cleared his throat and then fed his nicotine habit once more.

  “That’s occurred to me too Brad. Incredibly, I believe they don’t see them as a huge problem. Their use tactically is limited without planning and control, and we have lost so much of that control capability. Secondly, strategically, I am unsure if we can bomb the Urals or beyond but you can bet your bottom dollar they have worked out what they are risking to our mainstream bomber force and it’s acceptable to them.”

  Bradley nodded, as this was the conclusion he had also arrived at.

  “The Russians will have cities we can bomb and sure as hell we can bomb infrastructure like bridges and rail yards. I reckon they expect they can absorb the casualties, which we would have to say they can, and I guarantee you that they already have their supplies stockpiled near at hand and it would be the very devil to find. Another reason for their big hit on tac-air, limiting our ability to interfere with their resupply. Main bomber force can hit these dumps but I would be surprised if they are overly concentrated and not comprising smaller dumps nearer to
the points of delivery.”

  Eisenhower’s eyes narrowed as if something had just illuminated his thoughts, which it had.

  “Mind you, they don’t actually have a bomber force of heavies like we have, do they?”

  Bradley understood it was a rhetorical question and so left his commander to continue.

  “You might think they would have learned a little from the use we got outta them during Normandy operations.”

  For a second or two both men developed glazed eyes as their minds raced ahead.

  “When we go back at them then we can look at that, given time to get the control systems back online. In the meantime, I think we should scare up some plan to use them in support of defence as best we can.”

  “Or.”

  “Or if Intelligence can find us something worth bombing then we will attack it. Command and control and the like.”

  Bradley commented mischievously.

  “Tedder and his tribe will be busy.”

  Air-Chief Marshall Arthur Tedder was Ike’s number two and was already snowed under, having been given responsibility for cleaning up the air mess, as well as developing allied offensive air capability as quickly as possible.

  “We all will be Brad, especially you I think. I have something in mind for you.”

  That obviously got the General’s full attention.

  “You and your army are the best I got, and on you falls the bigger burden here.”

  Bradley drained the last of his coffee and waited.

  “I think we know we won’t be able to hold a solid front for some time to come, and I want you to buy me as much time as you can so I can get some real defensive positions organised aways back, lines we can hold.”

  Nothing unexpected for the quiet general.

  “We are going to have to relocate SHAEF soon, as I doubt we will hold Frankfurt for too long, even with you working a miracle or two.”

  It was not a stroke or flattery, just a statement of the trust one man had for the other.

  “I will get someone on that straight away but I am only going to move us once. We will nail our colours in place wherever we choose to stand.”

  Bradley nodded, a little surprised at the pugnacious tone of his commander.

  “What I need from you is your army intact at the end of it all. I see it as imperative that we preserve as much of our force as possible, and always have done here.”

  Eisenhower continued rapidly.

  “We will get more units in hand, and quite soon from what I hear. But the resources of the Soviets are huge and they are all here, now, ready and able, whereas we are strung out from here to New York City.”

  In an act unlike any previously seen from the General, Eisenhower smacked his extended palm into his cupped left hand to emphasise his point, sending a shower of sparks from a new cigarette that had magically appeared.

  “Even with what we have now and coming back we are outnumbered badly, you know that. So you must preserve your force Brad.”

  “I will do all I can to keep my soldiers alive, that goes without saying, but you will need time to get prepared and that will come at a cost, and one we will regret for many years to come Ike.”

  Eisenhower, as if suddenly weighed down with that thought, dropped his shoulders.

  “It will be hard, yes. And many mother’s sons will not be going home alive. But we will prevail Brad, for we must.”

  The moment passed and Eisenhower again stood resolute.

  A moment to gesture for another coffee and he took Bradley’s arm conspiratorially.

  “I have an idea on manpower you might like to hear. Controversial for sure but it will help us no end if we can pull it off.”

  Pausing only when the steward brought the fresh mugs, Eisenhower enlightened his man on the plan, interrupting his whisperd conversation only to order a new pack of cigarettes.

  The normally calm Bradley was genuinely roused by the concept.

  “Well ain’t that a thing. Can it be done?”

  “I will know tomorrow. I am having a little gathering in the music room at 1400 hrs and I will press them hard. Our civilian masters will come onside once I explain the need and advantages,” and casting a swift look at his wristwatch to check Ike grinned, “In fact I am due some calls very soon.”

  Bradley smiled, unfolding a number of the usual facial lines and replacing them with others more rarely seen.

  “Best of luck with that Ike.”

  Brad stood after downing half his coffee.

  “I must get to my command now. Need to be there by midnight.”

  The General stood to attention and threw up a salute, which was returned before Eisenhower stuck out his hand.

  The two shook hands and the firm grips lingered meaningfully, as only handshakes between friends who face imminent dangers can do.

  “You know there is a quote I heard a little while ago which goes like this. ‘History shows that there are no invincible armies.’ It’s true Brad, it’s true.”

  “That it is Ike.”

  “And do you know who spoke those words?”

  Bradley shook his head slowly.

  “Joseph Stalin.”

  The two hands slipped apart.

  “Amen.”

  I divide officers into four classes -- the clever, the lazy, the stupid, and the industrious. Each officer possesses at least two of these qualities. Those who are clever and industrious are fitted for the high staff appointments. Use can be made of those who are stupid and lazy. The man who is clever and lazy is fit for the very highest commands. He has the temperament and the requisite nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious must be removed immediately.

  General Baron Kurt Gebhard Adolf Philipp Freiherr Von Hammerstein-Equord

  Head of the Reichswehr [German Army] (1930-33)

  CHAPTER 43 – THE BETRAYAL

  0525 hrs Tuesday, 7th August 1945, Headquarters, US Forces in Europe. I.G.Farben, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany.

  Eisenhower had permitted himself the opportunity to sleep for a few hours and was gently woken to the new day by his orderly, more refreshed than most in his command.

  A swift wash and change, punctuated by coffee and cigarettes, and he moved towards his command centre downstairs. Before his feet touched down he was assailed by written reports from staff and his generals, as well as messages of enquiry from the political leadership.

  He decided they could wait for now and strode into the centre to receive the news from the Brigadier-General tasked with collating and briefing on these things.

  It was not all bad.

  Lubeck was just about being held by the British 15th Division and 11th Armoured Division.

  A number of Soviet spearheads were approaching Hamburg but, as yet, fighting was being kept away from the city.

  Luneberg was being held by paratroopers of the 82nd US Airborne Division, but at high cost.

  Braunschweig was being held without too many problems but was in danger of being surrounded for the same reason that Hannover was threatened. That being because of a poor piece of judgement from the temporary divisional commander of the 2nd US Armored Division who misconstrued his orders and withdrew his units rather than remaining in place and supporting 30th US Infantry Division. Which unit was now separated from 2nd Armored and falling back towards the Gottingen-Hameln line, despite having roughly handled the attacking Soviet infantry. This also unseated the northern flank of 83rd US Infantry Division that was withdrawing towards Gottingen itself.

  This was not bad news in itself as it meant that units that could have been trapped north of Gottingen were less likely to be threatened by the Soviet breakthrough towards Kassel, from where there were reports of heavy fighting. The 83rd had subsequently been ordered back into Kassel at top speed to help with the defence there.

  4th US Cavalry Group had probably been destroyed as there had been no contact with any of the units since mid-afternoon on the 6th, which also explained why Soviet t
anks, infantry and of all things horsed cavalry were in the south-eastern suburbs of Kassel itself.

  Bad Hersfeld had fallen in the late evening and some reports had the Soviet advance units at Alsfeld, although other reports stated that the forces engaging south of Alsfeld were paratroopers dropped to secure the road bridge. Either way, things north of Frankfurt were looking bad as this Soviet spearhead had made a deep penetration of approaching sixty miles since the attack started.

  6th US Armored’s difficulties had opened up the road through Fulda and Soviet troops were already in combat in Geinhausen with the steadfast 7th US Armored Division, who were being pressed hard and preparing to fall back to a second line at Hanau. This was not an ideal defensive force as tank units were better preserved for offence but, in this case, the need was great as the attacking Soviet forces included a large number of armoured vehicles and the road to Frankfurt would be laid bare without the Lucky Seventh.

  Eisenhower interrupted gently but firmly, calling a halt to the briefing and beckoning forward a one-armed infantry Colonel whose chest indicated the booty and the baggage of many exchanges in the service of his country.

  “Harry, we will be shifting our headquarters by tomorrow at 1800, handing over control to 12th Army Group, all personnel to be gone by 2300 latest. Get it sorted, advance party to get the new site prepared as best it can be. Organise some night air to shift us pronto. I want it to be up and running by 0300 latest. Any questions?”

  None forthcoming, the Colonel departed to set the wheels in motion.

  “My apologies. Carry on John.”

  Matters around and south of Nurnberg were a lot trickier it seemed.

  89th US Infantry had been pushed back to Schweinfurt but was in good order, despite losing a full company of riflemen to Soviet flame-throwing tanks in the failed defence of Munnerstadt.

  76th US Infantry had been battered back to Hochstadt and Erlangen but had managed to keep a tenuous hold on the right flank of the 89th.