The Last War: 356.

[Bernard Woolley]

With thanks to Matt W and Jotun.

*

D+22

*

1348 hours GMT. South of Abdali, northern Kuwait.
As the armoured and mechanised units raced ahead towards the border, support units like engineers followed as closely as they could. MH, or Medicine Hat, Troop, one of the three troops of BATUS Squadron, Royal Engineer, was one of those units. It was formed from a rather motley collection of FV430 ‘Bulldog’, FV103 Spartan, Chieftain and Centurion AVRE and AVLB, marking it out as the armoured troop of the squadron. The other British troop, W (Wainwright) Troop, was a Field Troop, equipped with the FV430, Spartan and Combat Engineer Tractor. A third troop of Omani engineers made the squadron up to something like full strength. [1]

When BATUS Squadron had been formed in Canada there had been enough vehicles to form a full engineer squadron, although some of the vehicles held at Suffield and Wainwright were of dubious vintage. However, there had only been enough personnel available to form two oversized troops and a REME Light Aid Detachment. As part of the squadron’s pre-deployment measures, sappers had been sent to see what extra engineering equipment from BATUS’ stores – from pipe fascines to demolition charges to Medium Girder Bridge components. Not to mention as many additional weapons as they could find.

*

Sergeant David ‘Simon’ Templar, the troop sergeant of MH Troop, leant back in the commander’s hatch of his FV430 drinking from a plastic one litre water bottle. The contents of the bottle were lukewarm, but very welcome. Having finished the bottle, Templar dropped it back into the vehicle and went back to scanning the terrain in front of his vehicle. His ‘Bulldog’ had been modified by base REME personnel back at Suffield; a Browning HMG and a makeshift steel shield replacing the GPMG by the commander’s hatch. The GPMG had been relocated to a mount by the troop hatches, with another shield added to protect who was using it. Although, the various engineering stores being carried on the roof made using the rear mounted GPMG difficult, if not actually impossible.

“One of the AVLBs has broken down. Again. Over.”
“Sh*t.” Templar muttered. “Ted, turn us around, we’ll see what’s going on.” He told the APC’s driver.

*

While most of the Chieftain based vehicles based at BATUS were generally reliable; it had been found that the L60 diesel engine worked best when the vehicle was driven hard and fast on a regular basis; there were a few examples that had been parked up in storage for some time. One of the Chieftain AVLB assigned to MH Troop fell into the latter category. From the amount of blue smoke it emitted when it finally deigned to start, its engine was not in the best of health. Something confirmed by the amount of oil it decided to spray all over the engine bay. The REME mechanics had aged several years because of that particularly recalcitrant vehicle.

Given the shortage of bridging equipment in X Corps, having an AVLB out of action was a particularly serious matter. It was also rather unfortunate that the Chieftain AVLB in question was carrying a No.10 bridge, which at 24.5 meters, was the longest bridge available to X Corps. The bridge the American M60 AVLB carried being 19.19 meters by comparison.

*

Templar found the AVLB parked up next to an FV434, its crew sitting on the roof, while REME ‘mechs’ worked on the engine. From the amount of swearing, he could guess whatever had brough the vehicle to a halt was serious. The corporal commanding the AVLB clambered down and approached the sergeant’s APC.

“What up with her?” Templar asked.

The corporal glanced back at the AVLB, almost as if he was checking whether it was within hearing distance before replying.

“She’s f*cked, Sergeant.” He replied. “Kaput.
“What are laughingly called seals in the engine’s head gasket are leaking oil into the cylinders. I reckon that there is more oil on the outside of the engine than there is in it. As a result, its running hotter than a barbeque on the surface of the Sun. I pulled up before the engine seized up completely.”
“Any idea what the Spanner Monkeys think?”

The corporal shrugged by way of reply.

“F*ck knows. If they do actually think, they haven’t shared any of those thoughts with me.”
“Right. I see.” Templar said, before striding off towards the AVLB.

He arrived just as a rather oily figure wearing sergeant stripes emerged from the engine bay. Templar could just recognise him underneath the petrochemical products.

“Sergeant Macklin, as I live and breathe. How is my AVLB?”
“F*cked more ways than a porn star, Sergeant Templar. She’s going to need a whole new engine. The one in there needs to be taken out and shot!”
“Okay, how long? The Boss wants her on the road ASAP.”

Macklin sucked through his teeth while he thought.

“Take about an hour to take the old engine out…We don’t have a new one immediately handy, so maybe an hour to get one here…another hour to fit the new one…add some time for unexpected stuff…I’d say at least four hours.”
“Since I can’t spare anyone to stand stag while you work, you might want to get it done a bit faster.” Templar replied.

The REME sergeant shrugged.

“We’ll do our best. I guess your lads can stand stag for us.” He said nodding his head towards the AVLB crew.
“I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.” Templar said, before returning to his FV430.

He climbed back up onto the roof and dropped into the commander’s hatch.

“Right, Ted, let’s get back on the road.”
“AVLB not joining us, Sergeant?” The driver asked.
“Not any time soon.”

1405 hours. Signals between COMALFSOUTH to CINCSOUTH.
‘From: Commander Allied Land Forces Southern Europe
To: Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces South
CC: Commander Italian Army Group, Commander 5th Army Corps

‘It is now clear that the recent retreat forced on 5th Army Corps was caused by the enemy attacking during the relief of the 173rd Airborne Brigade by Mechanized Brigade ‘Vittorio Veneto’. Due to poor planning and staff work, the Mechanized Brigade ‘Vittorio Veneto’ was delayed while in transit, which should not in itself have caused any issues. However, the commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade had already ordered his troops to start withdrawing from front-line positions prior to relief. Why he chose to do this is unclear.
‘It appears that the enemy were aware that the 173rd had withdrawn from its defences and that the ‘Vittorio Veneto’ had not yet occupied them. Their attack caught the latter brigade while it was in transit, causing heavy losses and achieving a breakthrough. The neighbouring brigades, the ‘Ariete’ and ‘Garibaldi’ refused their flanks and were able to limit the breakthrough. However, they and the rest of the corps were forced to retreat to prevent the enemy from cutting them off.
‘To compound the situation, when the commander of the 5th Army Corps ordered the 173rd to return to the front to help establish a stop line with the Armored Brigade ‘Pozzuolo del Friuli’ (the corps reserve), the brigade commander refused, citing that his brigade was already packed up for transit and that to reverse this before the line was stabilised would lead to his brigade being destroyed. The brigade commander also sent an appeal to the American commander of the SETF, requesting that the brigade be immediately removed from the command of 5th Army Corps. Commander SETF forwarded the message to me, rather than reply to the brigade commander.
‘The commander of 5th Army Corps has offered his resignation, however I have not accepted this, as the fault was at brigade level. However, I have admonished him, as has COMITALG. On the other hand, I have immediately relieved the commander of the Mechanized Brigade ‘Vittorio Veneto’ and several of his staff. The brigade commander will be subject to a court martial, while junior staff will be reassigned. I have not relieved the commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as he is a US Army officer. Please provide further guidance.

- Generale Alessandro Diaz, Commander Allied Land Forces Southern Europe.’

‘From: Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces South
To: Commander Allied Land Forces Southern Europe
CC: Commander Italian Army Group, Commander 5th Army Corps

‘Don’t wait for instruction from me. You have the authority to relieve any officer under your command, whether they are Italian, American, or Martian. If you get any blowback, send the signals to me. I’ll answer them.

- Admiral Clark, CINCSOUTH’

‘From: Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces South
To: Commander Allied Land Forces Southern Europe
CC: Commander Italian Army Group, Commander 5th Army Corps

‘Having reviewed your signal in further detail I agree with the actions you have taken. There is no need to relieve the commander of the 5th Army Corps. The fault was not his and he will, I’m sure, keep a closer eye on his subordinates in future. The commanders of both the ‘Vittorio Veneto’ and 173rd should both be subject to courts martial. I have sent a recommendation to CINCUSAREUR, recommending that the American brigade commander be immediately sent back to CONUS for a court martial.
‘To reiterate was I said in my previous signal, you do not, repeat do not need to wait for permission from me, or this headquarters when it comes to relieving an officer under your command. All that I would ask is that you inform higher headquarters as soon as possible in case the national command of another NATO nation needs to take disciplinary action.

- Admiral Clark, CINCSOUTH’

1503 hours GMT. H.Q CENTCOM (Forward), Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.
“Thank you for coming gentlemen.” General John Abazid said to the commanders of the national contingents under his command. “Our ‘line straightening’ offensive has gone a great deal better than any of us expected. Iraqi troops are in full retreat, and it looks like that in a matter of hours X Corps and the Kuwaiti Army will have reached the border.
“That brings us to what we need to do next. I think that it is vitally important that we don’t give the Iraqis a chance to recover. They are off-balance at the moment, but that’s bound to change if we halt ground operations. My problem is, to be brutally honest, that I only have three heavy divisions, an armoured cavalry regiment and a reinforced marine regiment that I can rely on to carry out any cross-border operations. I have been promised one additional heavy division sometime in the future, but the only reinforcement that I can actually count on in the near term is a battalion group from New Zealand.
“I know that Australian, British and New Zealand governments have backed us continuing ground operations beyond the border.” Abazid saw the commanders of those contingents nod in agreement. “But I have to ask for the views of the rest of you.”

The Arab contingent commanders looked at each other to see who would speak first. The Omani Major General, who was their representative broke the silence.

“General Abazid, we have a battalion sized battle group attached to the British 3rd Armoured Brigade. We’re not about to hurt our British friends by withdrawing it from their command. That part of our contingent will go wherever the brigade it is attached to goes. As for our contingent attached to the PSF, well, that depends on what the other nations who contribute to it decide.
“I would ask what exactly you plan to do with regards to operations in southern Iraq. With the help of our, ahem, colleagues from the east, we would easily take Um Qasr. However, beyond that I understand that there is a shortage of military bridging equipment, which we would need to cross the various waterways in southern Iraq, such as the Euphrates. So, until that arrives, I would opine that the best we could do is to threaten Basra and operate on the western side of the Euphrates.”

Abazid was slightly surprised that the Omani officer was so well informed but was also very grateful that they would at least support cross-border operations.

“Firstly, thank you, General. I appreciate your support.” Abazid replied. “And, yes, it’s true that at the moment we are short of corps level bridging equipment. Our divisions do have organic bridging vehicles and equipment; enough to conduct limited operations over water obstacles, but not enough to support major corps level operations. If any of you have equipment, I would appreciate any you would be willing to lend to us.”
“I’m sure we have at least some equipment, General Abazid; some armoured bridge layers and other bridging equipment. It’s yours.” The senior Kuwaiti said. “As to cross-border operations, my government is painfully aware that we have been invaded twice within recent memory. We don’t want it to happen again, therefore want the Iraqi Army defeated. However, logistically, we would struggle to support more than one, or two brigades beyond our borders. That said, we are willing to immediately commit the 35th Armoured Brigade, reinforced, to X Corps for any operations in southern Iraq.”
“Thank you, General. Any help you can give us would be much appreciated.” CINCCENTCOM replied.

The senior Saudi officer spoke next.

“General Abazid, my colleagues have asked that as the nation who commands the PSF that I speak on their behalf. In the recent past it would have been a difficult sell, shall we say, to convince our governments and our peoples to invade another Arab nation. Even after Saddam invaded both Kuwait and my nation during the previous conflict. However, since that madman in Baghdad used chemical weapons to attack many military and non-military targets in the opening hours of the war, we can no longer feel safe with a policy of containment.
“Quite frankly, His Majesty would like to see Saddam’s head on a pike. Several members of his extended family serving in the armed forces were killed, or badly injured by those attacks.”

Abazid raised an eyebrow at that revelation. He knew that many members of the extended Saudi Royal Family served in their military, but that some had become casualties was something that had been kept very quiet.

“For initial cross-border operations, we propose to attach the Peninsular Shield Force to your command. The Saudi Army would attach a mechanised infantry brigade, probably the 8th to the PSF to bring it up to full divisional standard. Each of the contributing nations will also check on what engineering equipment we have available. Can I ask when it is likely that American heavy bridging equipment will arrive?” [2]
“Again, first of all, thank you very much to you all for your support.” CINCCENTCOM said. “I’ve been promised that the equipment we need should arrive in theatre within two weeks.”

CINCENTCOM could see the looks of disappointment on the faces of the Arab officers. They had evidently become used to the Americans being able to deliver military largesse at the drop of a hat. Not something that was now possible, given that US Central Command was very much a lower priority to US forces in Europe.

1604 hours GMT. SABC News report.
‘SABC journalists attached to South African Army forces in Mozambique have reported hearing sounds of gunfire coming from the capital Maputo. According to unconfirmed reports militant forces from the opposition RENAMO have attempted to stage a coup to overthrow the FRELIMO government. While the Mozambique Civil War ended in 1992 with the Rome General Peace Accords, clashes between the Mozambican armed forces and RENAMO fighters have continued on and off since.
‘An SANDF spokesman has stated that no South African forces have entered the Mozambican capital. And that South African forces will continue to monitor the situation.
‘We will bring you more on this story as it develops.’

1625 hours. Catterick Garrison, Yorkshire.
Now that the men (and women) of the Scottish Horse had got the hang of the four Chieftain Mk.13s and the single CARRV, Warrant Officer 2 Morgan Davis had expected that his team would be recalled for training duties, or perhaps return to his regiment, The 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars. He was not entirely wrong in that assumption, but he had not expected to be posted to Catterick Garrison, which was the northern outpost of the RAC Training Regiment. Rather than being recalled to his previous posting at the RAC Centre at Bovington. [3]

The garrison seemed to be somewhat quieter than previous visits, Davis thought. Not surprising, given so many of the units based there had now deployed abroad. However, he saw quite a few soldiers evidently from the Infantry Training Centre on route marches. To get to the garrison itself, the Land Rovers carrying Davis and his team had to pass several Vehicle Check Points. Where their identity documents were closely examined. The same thing happened when they finally reached the main gate.
The team was directed by the gate guards to proceed to the building occupied by the training regiment.

*

“Welcome to Catterick, Mr Davis. It’s good to see you.” A Major wearing the black beret of the Royal Tank Regiment said warmly.
“Nice to see you again, Major Foley, Sir.” Davis replied.

As both men were members of the RAC Training Regiment, Davis knew Major John Foley. Although, it had been a while since they had worked together.

“We’ve got an interesting task ahead of us. Walk with me, Mr Davis.”

Foley got up from his desk and led Davis out of his office. The Warrant Officer noticed that the Major walked with a distinct limp in he left leg and remarked on it.

“I’m a stupid sod, Sarn’t Major. I slipped dismounting from a Chally a month ago and broke a couple of bones in my leg. I’m on the mend, but it kept me here, rather than commanding A Squadron in Norway, or one of the squadrons that make up the armoured delivery regiment.” He replied, leading Davis outside. “Anyway, we’ve got the task of raising and training two new armoured regiments ahead of us.” He continued.

Davis was stunned. He was not aware that there were enough spare tanks available to form even one new regiment, never mind two.

“We’ve got enough Challys to form new regiments, Sir?”

Foley chuckled.

“No, of course not.” He replied. “Every available Chally is going to the existing regiments. We’ve been given something else…well…let me show you.”

On turning a corner Davis saw five Chieftains parked beside each other. Four of them appeared to be standard late mark variants, maybe Mark 12 or 13. The fifth vehicle was, however stood out. It was fitted with the nose reactive armour and ROMOR side-skirts worn by Challengers, but it was the angled armour on the turret that really differentiated it from its siblings.

“That looks like the Chieftain 900, Sir.” Davis observed. “I didn’t think it still existed in that configuration.”
“That, Mr Davis, is a Mark 14, as are all the other tanks. Although, they’ve not yet had their additional armour added.”

The soldiers working on the Chieftains stopped and came to attention as Foley and Davis approached, saluting once they were close enough.

“The tanks ready to go, Corporal?”
“Yes, Sir.” The senior soldier confirmed.
“Excellent. Start one of them up, please.”
“Sir.”

The Corporal indicated to one of the other soldiers to board one of the tanks and start it up. Davis waited for the distinctive smoky, occasionally reluctant start of the L60 engine. He was disappointed as the Chieftain started immediately and relatively cleanly and as for the engine note, it was different.

“That’s not an L60, Sir!” He exclaimed. “It’s familiar, but I can’t place it.”
“It’s a 900-horsepower variant of the Perkins CV8. Basically, a more powerful version of the engine in the Warrior. There’s a bunch of other new stuff in them, but we can go over that later. Let’s go back to my office and discuss our task over a cup of Julie Andrews.”

*

“You said two regiments, Sir?” Davis wondered once the two men were back in Foley’s office.
“That’s right.” The Major confirmed. “7 Royal Tank Regiment and The 1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry. I suspect that the latter will be operational first, as we’re taking soldiers from what’s now the 2nd Welsh Horse. However, initially we’ll be a single squadron sized unit. I’m acting C.O of the regiment and you’ll be acting Regimental Sergeant Major, means a temporary promotion to WO 1.”
“Suits me, Sir. Rather looking forward to the challenge.”

1635 hours GMT. Ministry of Defense, Tehran, Iran.
General Reza Mostafari, the Chairman of the Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff, came into the Ministry's Secure Conference room, and he was followed by the rest of the Joint Chiefs: the Commanders of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, all of whom were full generals or an Admiral, and all of them not only were combat veterans of the Iran-Iraq War, but they shared one other thing: a deep loathing for the previous government. To a man, they had despised its interference in military matters and giving priority in spending and procurement to the IRGC at the expense of the Regular Armed Forces. Along with its ideas of one day having a final confrontation with the U.S., The Gulf States, and Israel. At least the Green Revolution had put paid to that folly, and Iran had been rebuilding its relations with those countries ever since.

Now, with CENTCOM having launched an amphibious operation against Bubiyan Island, the JCS were discussing how to strike at Iraq without getting fully involved. Besides the Joint Chiefs, the Lieutenant General who was head of the Iranian Military Intelligence, or J2., and a representative from the DOI (Directorate of Intelligence-Iran's National-level Intelligence Service) as well.

“All right, gentlemen.” Mostafari said. “CENTCOM has opened an offensive aimed at pushing the Iraqis back across their border and to retake Bubiyan Island. We have plans for a limited incursion aimed at the Faw Peninsula, as well as those for a more general offensive, as you know. Now, are we ready for the latter?”

General Jalil Hazin, the Army Chief of Staff and an armour officer by training and experience, shook his head.

“Not yet. If we had the roads and railroads they have in Western Europe, we'd be ready. The 40th Armored Division from Qum has just now closed in along the border, and the First Brigade, 92nd Armored from Kerman has done so as well. The Second of the 92nd is just now beginning to deploy, and the Third? They have to wait for the Second.”
“And we have to wait for the 92nd to finish before we can even think about the 88th Armored at Zahedan.” Motafari nodded. Nothing he knew already, but.... “And that also means we have finish assembling our supplies-fuel, ammunition, food, and other supplies, correct?” Mostafari saw Hazin nod at that, along with one of his aides from the J-4, or Military Logistics.
“I'm afraid so, General.” Hazin said. “My J-4 says we only have enough for a week of sustained operations, and we need more before we're truly ready to go.”

Nothing I didn't know already, Mostafari thought, but he was glad that Hazin was putting it out for the record. Nobody wanted to go in with half measures, If Iran did go, it would be all-out, but he-and the other generals, the corps and division commanders especially, wanted to make sure that Iran had everything ready before taking that step.

“So, we need to get our logistics fully in place, along with those two divisions, then.” It wasn't a question.
“Yes, General.”
“General, if I may?” the Brigadier General from the J-2 asked. “There has been a recent development that may hinder the deployment.”
“Go on,” Mostafari said.

The man went to a map showing the Soviet-Iranian border area and both the Transcauscus and Turkestan Military Districts.

“We've been getting some indications from various sources-including the DOI and CENTCOM, that the Soviets are up to something on their side of the border. We do know that their Category 2 divisions have completed their mobilization and are considered combat-ready, and a number of Category 3 units have also reached full combat readiness.”
“This is in both the Transcaucus area as well as Turkestan?” General Hazin asked.
“Yes.” The intelligence officer replied. “And quite possibly in the Central Asian MD as well. Not just their ground forces, but their air forces as well: that's the 34th Air Army in the Transcaucus-though they're also engaged against the Turks, the 73rd Air Army in Turkestan, along with the 49th Air Army in the Central Asian MD.”

Mostafari looked at the map.

“How many divisions?”
“In the Transcaucus? Three from 4th Army, along with the 104th Guards Air Assault Division, an air assault brigade, and a Spetsnatz brigade.” The J-2 said. “In Central Asia-that includes both the Turkestan and Central Asian MDs-they have the 1st Army in the former, with two divisions that are combat-ready, plus the 32nd Army with four more, and the 40th Army-which had been their Army in Afghanistan-with three additional Motor-Rifle divisions and two air assault divisions. Not to mention the six independent Motor-Rifle Regiments and two brigades that had been in Afghanistan. They are not likely to be available, but they are fully combat-ready.”

Mostafari paused.

“So, now. What are they up to?”
“No real idea, sir.” The J-2 man replied. “They could be intimidating us, reminding us that they can move into our northern provinces in force if they decide on that. Or they're shaking down, preparing to move to Europe and the fight against NATO,”-
“Or both.” The DOI man nodded.
“Or both.” The J-2 agreed.
“They could be getting ready to move south.” Hazin pointed out.

General Mostafari considered all three possibilities. He reviewed both maps-showing the current Iranian dispositions, the estimated dispositions of the Soviets, and what was known about the Iraqis and the Coalition. Then he nodded and came to a decision.

“Hazin, how fast can we move on Faw?”
“The 56th Air Assault Brigade can have a reinforced battalion on the ground there at first light tomorrow morning.” General Hazin replied.
“Very well. Navy?”

Admiral Jalil Shokrani nodded.

“The First Marine Brigade has a battalion landing group at Bushehr, ready to go. They can land tomorrow morning. But they'll have to leave port tonight.”
“Do that, and after I meet with the President, I'll issue the formal execute order.” Mostafari said. “But be prepared to turn back if he says no. The same for the 56th, Hazin.”

Both men nodded.

“Air support?” Mostafari asked.

General Reza Karami nodded.

“A CAP from the 5th TFW at Omidyeh and the 6th at Bushehr will be ready, and I'll have aircraft in the air, loaded for the close-air-support mission.”
“All right, then, I'll be meeting with the President. Be prepared to receive a formal execute order later tonight. And, in case he decides otherwise, a recall.” Mostafari turned to his Air Force Commander. “Karami? Hold on the CAS aircraft. CENTCOM's own aircraft will be busy over Southern Iraq, and any kind of incidents are the last thing we need. Let them handle the Iraqis on the ground.”

Heads nodded.

“I'll also recommend that we hold the rest of the 92nd Armored at Yazd, and the 88th Armored? When they deploy, hold them there as well. They'll become theatre reserve and can be available for either the move on Iraq, or to counter any Soviet incursion. We'll keep them there until we know what the Soviets are up to.”
“Understood.” Hazin replied.

He knew Western Area Command wouldn't be happy at that because he and the WAC commander wouldn't be certain of success against the Iraqis unless those two divisions were fully committed. And he also knew that General Mostafari knew it as well.

“I know, you want those two divisions, and so do I. But what good will it do us to overrun Baghdad and the Soviets are pushing into Tehran's outskirts? I'll inform the President.” the JCS Chairman said. “Thank you, Gentlemen.”

After the meeting, Mostafari left for a meeting with the President and Defense Minister. The President approved the measures Mostafari proposed, including the Faw operation, but said.

“Any further moves against Iraq must be approved by me. And we're not doing anything of the sort until we know with reasonable certainty what Renko in Moscow has in mind. Keep this incursion limited for the time being. Is that understood?”
“Perfectly, Mr. President.”

Mostafari hid his disappointment, but with Soviet intentions being unknown, and their own logistics still not in place, it was for the best to hold off for now.

As he left the meeting, Mostafari's ADC handed him a Japanese-made cell phone. He called the JCS Operations Center and gave the formal execute order for the Faw landings.

1648 hours GMT. HSwMS Halland, the Baltic Sea.
As expected, the submarine that had picked up Lt. Colonel Cox had been diverted to operate against the sortie by the Soviet Baltic Fleet. Having been out of position, however, Halland had been a bit late to the part. Instead of joining the main action by NATO aircraft and submarines, she was instead stalking the Dzerzhinsky group as the survivors made their way south to rendezvous with the group led by the Sovremenny class destroyer Otchayanny.

“I presume that’s the Iron Felix and his group?” Lieutenant Commander Peter Lindh said, pointing to the sonar waterfall display.
“Yes, Captain.” The Förvaltare, who was the senior enlisted man in the sonar department, replied. “And down here we have the smaller group led by a Sovremenny class destroyer.
“The screen around Iron Felix looks pretty bad, but I can hear what sounds like a lot of helicopters doing their thing.”
“Thanks, Chief.” Lindh said, clapping the Förvaltare. “Keep your eyes…well, ears peeled.” He added with a grin.

Lind resumed his place in the Control Room, sitting down in the captain’s chair. It had once been covered in leather, from the same source that SAAB used for their cars. However, someone had decided that there was a tiny chance that the sound of leather cracking when someone sat down might just be picked up on a hostile sonar. So now it was covered in cheap cloth. Lind thought that the idea was ludicrous and missed his nice leather chair, but it was what it was.

“Sekond, it looks like we might just get a chance to get a crack at the Iron Felix after all.” He told the boat’s Executive Officer.
“Would be nice to be more than a taxi, Sir.” The Kapten replied.
“Gentlemen.” He said addressing the crew. “My intention is to close with the main enemy group and deliver an attack either against the Iron Felix himself or pick off one of his escorts. I need the Warfare Team to work out a plan to penetrate the screen without being detected.”

*

In the time it took for Halland to close with Dzerzhinsky and his group, the second, smaller group led by Otchayanny had closed and rendezvoused with the battlecruiser. That complicated things for the Swedish submarine, but her Warfare Team was able to update their plan.

Halland had a few of the new Torped 62 heavyweight torpedoes alongside the older Torped 613. The newer torpedoes had a longer range and Lindh intended to fire these first and, if circumstances allowed, employ the older ones in a second attack.

The Swedish submarine had just fired a pair of ‘fish’ when a member of the sonar team heard the distinctive sound of high speed screws.

“Torpedoes in the waters!” He warned urgently. “They’re not heading for us.” He added with relief evident in his voice. “They’re heading for the Iron Felix group!”
“Find that other sub. Now!” Lindh ordered.

He did not want to risk a ‘blue on blue’ with another NATO submarine. However, the sound of Soviet escorts and a Ka-27 ‘Helix’ heading towards Halland’s location drowned out any other submarines.

“Cut the wires and bring us about!” Lindh ordered, silently cursing whoever had ruined his perfect approach.

*

Having managed to evade their hunters, Lindh decided to review the sonar recordings to try any work out what had happened. After the other submarine had fired, it had provoked utter chaos, as escorts and ASW helicopters had dashed about ‘pinging’ away with active sonar.

“WO, talk to me. Anything new to glean from the recordings?”
“Captain, I have been replaying the action a few times and I am pretty certain that the last torpedo that hit Dzerzhinsky was a Warpac model. Heavyweight antishipping. Must have come from that other sub. Here, sir, look for yourself.”

He highlighted the relevant part on the waterfall display.

Lindh frowned as he looked at the graphics on the screen. He listened to the audio and finally said.

“Somebody has been either very dumb and went red on red or very, very smart. I wonder which it is and if we are ever going to learn the truth...the brass are going to find this very interesting. Compress the data and prepare to send it to Muskö by SATCOM at the earliest opportunity.”

Lindh turned to return to his chair, but remembered that he had forgotten to ask something important.

“By the way, did our ‘fish’ hit anything?”
“I think so, Captain. I can pick out at least one explosion from one of our ‘fish’. But after that, it’s all just too chaotic.”
“Well, I suppose we did at least salvage something from this sh*t show, WO.” Lind replied. “I’m going to speak to our guest, let him know what’s been going on.”

***

[1] Orbat of BATUS Squadron:

Squadron HQ
H.Q Troop: FV103 Spartan, FV430
- REME LAD: FV106 Sampson, FV434
MH Troop (armoured troop)
- Troop H.Q: 3x FV103, 1x Barmine layer
- Bridging Section: Chieftain AVLB
- Armoured Engineering Section: CHAVRE, Centurion AVRE 165
- 2x Support Section: FV103, FV430, CET
W Troop (field troop)
- Troop H.Q: 3x FV103, 1x Barmine layer
- 5x Field Section: FV430
Omani Troop
- Troop H.Q: FV103
- Armoured Engineering Section: M728 CEV
- 3x Field Section: FV103, Stormer


[2] Proposed orbat of the PSF:

Peninsular Shield Force
- 5th Combined Arms Battalion (SANG): LAV
- 6th Combined Arms Battalion (SANG): LAV
- Battery, Artillery Battalion (Kuwait): MLRS
1st Brigade
- Armored Battalion Battle Group (Bahrain)
-- Armored Battalion: M60A3
-- Company, Mechanized Infantry Battalion: YPR-765
-- Artillery Battery: M109A5
--Troop, Artillery Battery: MLRS
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion Battle Group (Bahrain)
-- Mechanized Infantry Battalion (-): YPR-765
-- Company, Armored Battalion: M60A3
-- Artillery Battery: M109A5
- Tank Battalion Battle Group (Qatar)
-- Tank Battalion Battle Group (-): AMX-30
-- 2x Company, Mechanized Infantry Battalion: AMX-10P
-- Company, Anti-Tank Battalion: VAB HOT
-- Battery, Artillery Battalion: AMX F3
-- Platoon, Scout Company: AMX-10RC
2nd Brigade
- Mechanised Regiment Battle Group (Oman)
-- Mechanised Regiment (Oman) (-): Desert Warrior
-- Squadron, Medium Reconnaissance Regiment (-): FV101 Scorpion
-- Artillery Battery: AS-90D
-- Engineer Troop: FV105 Spartan
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion Battle Group (Qatar)
-- Company, Tank Battalion: AMX-30
-- Company, Anti-Tank Battalion: VAB HOT
-- Battery, Artillery Battalion: AMX F3
-- Platoon, Scout Company: AMX-10RC
- Armored Battalion Battle Group (UAE)
-- Armored Battalion: LeClerc
-- 2x Company, Mechanized Infantry Battalion: Marder 2
-- 2x Battery, Artillery Battalion: PzH 2000
(SA) 8 Mechanized Infantry Brigade
- Tank Battalion: M1A2
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion: M2A2
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion: M2A2
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion: M2A2
- Artillery Battalion: M109A5
- Anti-aircraft Battalion:
- Support Battalion


[3] The RAC Training Regiment (badged as 5 RTR) was split between Bovington (A & B Squadron) and Catterick (C & D Squadron).

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[James1978]

Good chapter!

Interesting that the pre-positioned equipment 40th ID fell in on didn't have M104 AVLBs. Of course, they might have brought there own M60 AVLBs over on C-5 or C-17. As I understand it, certain low density or specialized equipment was never pre-positioned.

Whatever the Soviets are up to near the Iranian border, at least the Iranian JCS are aware of their own limitations and are moving with caution.
Interesting that the Soviets have apparently reformed independent units that served in Afghanistan, but were deactivated pre-POD. That's either some good maskirovka, or the Soviets have been planning something.

Looks like a Polish Kilo skipper is one clever operator. That was unexpected.

Keep up the good work!

[Bernard Woolley]

Good chapter!

Thanks very much. Appreciate that.

Interesting that the pre-positioned equipment 40th ID fell in on didn't have M104 AVLBs. Of course, they might have brought there own M60 AVLBs over on C-5 or C-17. As I understand it, certain low density or specialized equipment was never pre-positioned.

As I understand it, the M104 was a very new system in 2005. In @ the first examples were not delivered until 2003. In TLW the priority for new AVLB would be Seventh Army. So, if there were AVLB pre-positioned in the ME, I'd argue that they would be M60 based vehicles.

Whatever the Soviets are up to near the Iranian border, at least the Iranian JCS are aware of their own limitations and are moving with caution.

Quite understandable. The Iranian military still has memories of what happened when they had to fight Iraq with serious political interference. Btw, as an aside, Iraqi disinformation propaganda about Iran's Chieftain Mk.5P still appears on Wiki. Despite my attempts to remove it & use reliable sources to refute it.

Looks like a Polish Kilo skipper is one clever operator. That was unexpected.

No comment...

Keep up the good work!

Thanks again and will try!

[Eaglenine2]

Question why 1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry and 7 Royal Tank Regiment? Isn't the next RTR number is 6?

[Bernard Woolley]

6 RTR is being raised at Bovington. It will have Challenger 1s (at least initially).

[James1978]

So The Welsh Horse that is currently an MHD regiment is providing the cadre for 1st Welsh Horse Yeomanry, and the former The Welsh Horse is now 2nd Welsh Horse Yeomanry?

[Bernard Woolley]

Exactly. A few MHD regiments/battalions will do the same.

[Matt Wiser]

Good one! BZ as usual to you and Jotun, and glad to be of service. And so to business:

Some house-cleaning at AFSOUTH looks like.... If deadwood needs cutting, do it and let the chips fall where they may.

CENTCOM needs that heavy bridging equipment and the Combat Engineers to use and maintain the bridges. Not to mention that heavy division. It's going to be a while before the engineers and their gear arrive, and longer for that division (likely a mech infantry one). Unlike 1991, where they were bombed for 38 straight days before the ground war, or OTL's OIF, where the Iraqi regular forces and some RGFC fell apart, the Iraqis here are more than willing to fight. Umm Qasr and Safwan will be the first indicators...

Either there was a real Charlie-Foxtrot with a Red-on-Red, or the single Polish Kilo decided to show where their true loyalties lay...

The Iranians are being cautious. Not knowing if the Soviets have reactivated those units-and they would be handy in a drive south to the Gulf, along with the three armies mentioned, their JCS have decided to play it safe. With the two "Immortals" divisions near Tehran, and a full armored division along with a division(-), they have a decent reserve. Just in case...

Good work again, and get with 357!

[trekchu]

Sunk or not, the ultimate fate of the Iron Felix is going to be good for a fair few spy novels/movies of varying quality if/when this particular part of the story becomes public.

Some house-cleaning at AFSOUTH looks like.... If deadwood needs cutting, do it and let the chips fall where they may.

Some things apparently never change...

[jemhouston]

How hard would it be to fit a Soviet torpedo engine into a Mark 48?

[Belushi TD]

The Iron Felix unintentional dual attack is reminiscent of the one Chicago and the Norwegian sub do in Red Storm Rising.

Very good stuff. Can't wait for 357. Hopefully it will be a larger, stronger chapter.

Belushi TD

[M JOLLY]

excellent work .... also Mark 14 nice

[shermpotter]

Hmm, I have a cousin who said he wants to buy an armored vehicle next year. Wonder if there are any FV-180's available, would work real well on his farm. Another great chapter, looking forward to the next!!

[Bernard Woolley]

Good one! BZ as usual to you and Jotun, and glad to be of service. And so to business:

It's always appreciated.

Some house-cleaning at AFSOUTH looks like.... If deadwood needs cutting, do it and let the chips fall where they may.

Somebody evidently forgot he was a NATO commander under the command of another NATO officer. Rather than a US commander in a US chain of command. If he's not booted from the US Army, perhaps his next posting could be to somewhere hot counting sand particles, or somewhere cold counting trees?

Not to mention that heavy division.

That in itself could take a while. Most US Army heavy divisions have either been sent to Europe, or are on their way there.

Either there was a real Charlie-Foxtrot with a Red-on-Red, or the single Polish Kilo decided to show where their true loyalties lay...

Will be revealed in time.

Good work again, and get with 357!

Thanks again and will do.

Sunk or not, the ultimate fate of the Iron Felix is going to be good for a fair few spy novels/movies of varying quality if/when this particular part of the story becomes public.

That's a given.

Some things apparently never change...

If you look back at the First and Second World War there are quite a number of examples of officers who were good commanders in peacetime, who were utterly unsuitable for wartime. Or, those who performed well until they were presented with something unexpected. I doubt a conventional Third World War would be any different.

How hard would it be to fit a Soviet torpedo engine into a Mark 48?

Dunno. The question is why would you want to? Would it be worth the bother?

The Iron Felix unintentional dual attack is reminiscent of the one Chicago and the Norwegian sub do in Red Storm Rising.

I did have that at the back of my mind. At least the fact that the second sub mucks up Halland's careful approach.

Very good stuff. Can't wait for 357. Hopefully it will be a larger, stronger chapter.

Thanks again. 356 was actually slightly longer than a standard chapter. May be a little while till 357 is out, I'm going to be away for the next two weekends. They are when I do my writing.

excellent work .... also Mark 14 nice

Thanks very much. The Mark 14 is inspired by the various proposals for upgrading the Chieftain, including the prototype Chieftan 900. The big difference between the Mark 14 and the 900 is that the former won't have any Chobham/Dorchester type armour. The existing Stillbrew armour was felt to be good enough. Moreover, new Challenger 2s have priority for Dorchester armour. A more detailed description of the Chieftain Mk.14 can be found here.

Hmm, I have a cousin who said he wants to buy an armored vehicle next year. Wonder if there are any FV-180's available, would work real well on his farm.

Would this example fit the bill? AFAIK, however, Indonesia bought all the good CETs.

Another great chapter, looking forward to the next!!

Thanks very much. Appreciate that.

[jemhouston]

jemhouston wrote: ↑Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:18 am
How hard would it be to fit a Soviet torpedo engine into a Mark 48?
Dunno. The question is why would you want to? Would it be worth the bother?

If you want Russian to start wondering if various allied navies are going rogue, having what sounds like a Soviet torpedo hit a major Soviet Warship would do it.

[James1978]

Either there was a real Charlie-Foxtrot with a Red-on-Red, or the single Polish Kilo decided to show where their true loyalties lay...

Try three in TLWverse . . .

[Bernard Woolley]

If you want Russian to start wondering if various allied navies are going rogue, having what sounds like a Soviet torpedo hit a major Soviet Warship would do it.

Sounds like a lot of trouble, to be honest. IMVHO it could only really work in the Baltic, which would mean modifying the torpedoes used by the West German, Danish and Norwegian navies.

[Belushi TD]

With regards to 357 being a longer and stronger chapter....

.357 Magnum is a longer, stronger .357 cartridge.

Bad joke, I suppose, since I had to explain it...

Belushi TD

[trekchu]

Some things apparently never change...

If you look back at the First and Second World War there are quite a number of examples of officers who were good commanders in peacetime, who were utterly unsuitable for wartime. Or, those who performed well until they were presented with something unexpected. I doubt a conventional Third World War would be any different.

I was jokingly referring to this being memetically Italian, especially when you consider where a lot of that fighting is taking place.

Sounds like a lot of trouble, to be honest. IMVHO it could only really work in the Baltic, which would mean modifying the torpedoes used by the West German, Danish and Norwegian navies.

I suppose you could seed the doubt by making sure that the Soviet leadership knows that it was a WarPact warhead that did the final hit. The old men in the Kremlin are paranoid as all get already, so that should cause fun (for NATO) shenanigans already.