The Last War? : Chapter 380

[Bernard Woolley]

D+31

*

0011 hours GMT. Flughafen Bremen, northern West Germany.
The airport’s emergency services were on high alert. Fire appliances and ambulances were lined up ready to respond. It was almost time to put all those thousands of hours of training into action.

*

“Can you see the airport?” The Aircraft Commander asked the E-8C Co-Pilot.
“I have the lights at one O’clock.”
“I see them.” The AC replied. “Let’s see if this old b*tch can still turn. Reduce power on three and four but do it slowly.”

The Flight Engineer pulled back slowly on the throttles for the two starboard engines. While the AC and Co-Pilot turned gently so as to like the aircraft up with the runway.

“Okay, that’s enough. Hold it there.” The AC said. “Bremen Tower, J-STARS One-Three on final approach, over.”
“J-STARS One-Three, Bremen Tower. We have you. You are clear for straight in approach. Emergency Services are on stand-by. No need to acknowledge our radio messages after this one, over.”
“Roger that, Bremen.”

The Aircraft Commander picked up the interphone handset.

“AC to crew, we are on final approach. Just a reminder the landing may be rough, so double-check you are strapped in, and any loose objects are secure. We’ll give the brace call shortly and be ready to evacuate when we come to a halt.” Let’s hope we’re in one piece when that happens, he thought. “Give me half flaps and gear down.”

The crew heard the rumble of the landing gear deploying and felt the aircraft begin to vibrate.

“We’ve got three greens.” The Co-Pilot reported.
“That’s something.” The AC replied. “Feels like we’ve lost some of the port flaps, which is going to raise landing speed.”
“One-Three, Bremen Tower; you are five miles from the threshold. You’re looking good, over.”
“Give me full flaps.”

The Co-Pilot pulled the flaps handle back as far as it would go. A distant whine marked them deploying.

“One-Three, Bremen Tower; you are two miles from threshold. You are within the glide-path, over.”

The AC picked up the interphone handset again.

“Brace! Brace! Brace!”

“One-Three, Bremen Tower; you are one mile from threshold. Good luck, Sir, over.”

Despite the damage to the aircraft, the E-8C was approaching the runway relatively steadily. The pilots flared at the last moment, the main undercarriage slamming into the runway. As predicted, the landing was hard, the nose coming down with bump.

“Christ!” The AC exclaimed. “Give me full reverse on three and four!”

He stood on the breaks, while the Co-Pilot put on full reverse thrust on the two remaining TF-33s. With the port engines out, the J-STARS wanted to crab to the left, but both pilots fought against it. Keeping the aircraft straight.

‘BANG!’

The aircraft lurched violently but kept moving.

‘BANG!’

“Feels like we burst a couple of tyres.” The Flight Engineer remarked.
“We can burst the lot for all I care.” The AC replied.
“End of the runway is getting awfully close!” The Co-Pilot exclaimed.

Finally, the E-8C slowed to a safe speed, allowing the Aircraft Commander to taxi it off the runway.

“One-Three, Bremen Tower; please halt where you are. We can see smoke coming from your undercarriage. Our firefighters will reach you in a moment. Please wait on their clearance before evacuating, over.”
“Roger that, Bremen Tower. And thank you.”

The Aircraft Commander let out a long sigh, realising that he had been holding his breath since they had touched down.

“Nice work, guys. Beers are on me!”

0031 hours GMT. Signal from Commander, OP COBALT to CINCCENT.
‘From: COM Op COBALT
To: CINCCENT
For info: COMLANDJUT, SHAPE

‘The leading division of I (NL) and I (GE) Korps have crossed the Elbe successfully and are advancing against moderate opposition towards Lübeck and the Baltic coast. At present rate of advance, I expect to reach the outskirts of Lübeck within twenty-four hours. Request that LANDJUT and LANDJUT forces continue to pin down forces on my left and right flanks. Also request instructions on whether my forces should cross the border if they reach the IGB.’

‘From CINCCENT
To COM Op COBALT
For info: COMLANDJUT, COMNORTHAG, SHAPE

‘Your forces should not at this time cross the IGB. Unless it is vital for tactical reasons. If that becomes necessary, you are to immediately signal this headquarters. Any penetration of the IGB should be kept as shallow as possible.’

0045 hours GMT. Over the northern Baltic Sea.
“Coming up on launch co-ordinates, Comrade Pilot.” The Navigator reported.
“Roger that, Comrade Navigator.” Generál-leytenánt Zdorovetskiy replied. “Comrade WSO, fire when ready.
“Roger, Comrade Pilot. Launching in five…four…three…two…one…Weapons away! Weapons away!”

Zdorovetskiy felt the Tu-22M4 lurch as the pair of Kh-26 missiles dropped away. He waited a second before pulling back on the stick. His Co-pilot pushing the throttle to full military power. The general wanted to be well clear of the missiles as he could before their solid rocket motors fired. He need not have worried, the motor of the first Kh-26 fired successfully, boosting the missile away, accelerating it up to Mach 3. The rocket motor of the second missile failed to fire. The Kh-26 guidance system kept trying to steer the missile towards its pre-programmed target until the moment it slammed into the Baltic Sea. Around a third of the Kh-26 fired failed in one way or another, but at least none exploded. At least not before reaching their targets.

*

The Fighter Controller aboard the S 100B Argus directed the flight of JAS-39C Gripens led by Kapten Karlsson to intercept one of the groups of incoming missiles. Operating close to an air base, the six Gripens were only carrying a single belly drop-tank. Meaning they could carry four Rb.101 on the underwing pylons and two Rb.98 on the wing-tip pylons. It would be a difficult intercept, even for the fast Rb.101 missiles and shooting any missiles down with Rb.98 would be difficult, if not impossible. [1]

Under the direction of the Argus, the Gripens closed in on their targets, their radars shut down. The Argus had warned that there were hostile fighters around, so there was good reason to stay electronically quiet for as long as possible. At the right moment Karlsson illuminated his aircraft’s radar and pulled back gently on the stick. On hearing a continuous tone in his ears, he pressed the pickle button.

“Fox Three! Fox Three!”

Two Rb.101 missiles dropped away from the outer wing pylons and accelerate away. Once they were clear of the Gripen, he pushed the pickle button twice more, before turning away and diving. The other five Gripens also turned away, having fired their weapons. Karlsson led them away to a holding position to the west. Where they would orbit in case they were needed to re-engage.

*

Being directed to an intercept by someone who sounded like the Swedish chef from The Muppets had been a new experience for Wing Commander Macalister. He was leading a detachment of six Typhoons drawn from his own squadron, No.54 and its sister unit, No. 41 (F) Squadron. The detachment had originally been deployed to Sweden to provide support for the Buccaneer detachment. Now it was assisting the Swedes in defending their airspace. The Swedish fighter controllers had identified what they believed were enemy fighters, performing a sweep ahead of approaching bombers and had directed the British aircraft to deal with them.

The fact that Sweden had long ago adopted NATO compatible systems meant that the RAF aircraft could access the data-link system used by the Argus, Gripen and ground radars seamlessly. At the appropriate moment, Macalister energised his Typhoon’s CAPTOR radar and fired the first Meteor missile a moment later.

The eight Su-27 escorts were caught by surprise. As far as they were aware, the defending NATO fighters were now engaging the Kh-26 missiles. Which left them vulnerable to attack. Now the V-PVO aircraft were themselves under attack. They broke formation and attempted to evade, but it was too late for six of the ‘Flankers’, which were brought down by the British missiles. Demonstrating that if nothing else, the Soviet pilots did not lack for courage, the surviving pair turned back to engage their attackers. However, the Typhoons had sensibly pulled back to keep out of R-77M range. The Meteor had a small range advantage over the Soviet missile, which meant that the Typhoons could engage the surviving Su-27s, while remaining outside the range of their missiles.

*

Without enemy fighters to bother them, the Gripens could concentrate on engaging the Kh-26 missiles. Knocking down just over half of them before they entered the engagement zones of Ground Based Air Defences. The Gripens that still had fuel turned back to engage the ‘Backfires’ armed with ‘iron bombs’

0131 hours GMT. H.Q AAFCE, Ramstein Air Base, FRG.
“I want them gone. Destroyed.” Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Kingsley, Commander Allied Air Forces Central Europe, said calmly to his senior staff. “Find out where they are operating from and hit it hard.”

Kingsley was angry and wanted to yell and shout, but saw no purpose in berating his hard working, talented staff. Instead, he had taken a deep breath before saying his piece.

“They put a JSTARS out of action and damn near took out a pair of AWACS. We’ve been forced to pull the remaining aircraft west, which has degraded out radar coverage. So, tell me you have some information.”
“Sir, we have identified the shooters as being Su-35 ‘Flanker-M’ of the 833rd Fighter Aviation Regiment.” A USAF Colonel replied. “They are based at Jüterbog - Altes Lager. We reviewed radar data and positively tracked the Axehead shooters back to Jüterbog. All our available intelligence suggests that they are the only unit currently in theatre that is equipped with the Axehead missile.”
“The two ‘Flanker-M’ equipped regiments based in Poland are probably trained to use the Axehead.” A French Lieutenant-colonel interjected. “But they have not been deployed forward, although they were involved in the recent air battle, but there is no evidence of them using the Axehead missile.”

COMAAFCE considered the answer.

“I want a plan to hit Jüterbog and hit it hard ASAP. Can we also safely put a Target CAP of Raptors over the air base in the meantime?”
“We can put a pair of Raptors in the area on rotation, Sir.” Another USAF officer replied. “There will be risks attached, however, as the enemy has some serious air defences in the area. But we can work on a SEAD plan to support the Raptors and the eventual air strike.”
“There are always risks, unfortunately.” Kingsley observed. “If there is anything you need for the plan that we don’t have under our own control, let me know. I’ll go to SACEUR and ask for it if needed.”
“How about the Lancers based in the UK?” The USAF Colonel wondered. “They have some of the last stand-off missiles immediately available. We could use them to take out air defences ahead of any tactical aircraft.”
“Write the plan and I’ll get you the bombers, Colonel.” COMAAFCE replied.

0236 hours. Brunswick Dock, Liverpool.
One of HMS Bronington’s Napier Deltic engines was running smoothly, providing electrical supply to the elderly Ton class minehunter. Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician Matt Tucker was in his element. He loved the old Deltic engines and had been gratified to find that the preservation trust that owned Bronington had kept excellent records of the work done to her mechanics. Including the fact that they had regularly started up both engines, which explained why the one now running had started so easily. Satisfied that this engine was running properly, he held down the button to start the second Deltic. The starter motor turned for a moment before the engine roared into life, settling down to steady revs after a minute, or two.

“Bridge, engineering, the kittens are purring nicely. I can give you all the power you need.”
“Thank you, Chief.” The voice of Lieutenant Ladd replied.

*

For the first time in decades, Bronington edged away from a dockside under her own power. Once clear of the dock she began to make her way towards the lock that led to the Mersey itself. Passing through the lock was relatively simple, much to the relief of Lieutenant Ladd.

“Ahead slow.” Ladd ordered once the ship was in the main shipping lane. “Make revolutions for eight knots but bring her up slowly.”

Ladd need not have worried, as Bronington accelerated smoothly. Her two Deltic engines working well. The minehunter made her way down river slowly accelerating up to ten knots. For the next hour Bronington patrolled the Mersey estuary, conducting some manoeuvres to test the various components of her propulsion system and steering. Ladd also took the opportunity to try out the Type 193 minehunting sonar. Which worked well, despite its age, successfully picking up a number of objects on the riverbed. Before turning back to proceed to the ship’s new home at Langton Dock, Bronington made one final sweep with her sonar. [2]

“Ah, Sir, I think we’ve picked up something that isn’t on the chart. Looks cylindrical…oh, hell, I think it could be a mine!”
“All, stop!” Ladd ordered. “Hold our position here and get me Eaglet.”

While Bronington held her position, making sure that any ships operating on the river did not blunder into the object, the duty officer at HMS Eaglet contacted H.Q 12th MCM Squadron. The nearest MCMV, HMS Ledbury, was despatched to examine the object. It took her a couple of hours to arrive, sending her Seafox-I ROV down once she was on station.

“Bronington from Ledbury. Congratulations on your find. It’s not a mine, but it does look like a German bomb from the Last War. A big one too. We’re going to send divers down, bring it up and blow it up at sea. We need you to withdraw at least two nautical miles. You can help us maintain a safe perimeter, over.”
“Ledbury from Bronington, we’ll get out of your way.” Ladd replied to the captain of the other minehunter. “Good luck, over.”

While Ledbury could have used one of her Seafox-C to deal with the suspected bomb, these valuable ‘fire and forget’ systems were only being used to dispose of sophisticated Soviet mines. Instead, she launched a RIB carrying two mine clearance divers, attached a lifting back to the bomb, bringing it up to within three meters of the surface. The RIB then towed the bomb out to a safe area off Formby, with Ledbury and Bronington following at a safe distance. Once in place a shaped charge was attached to the bomb, and it was lowered back down to the bottom. Everyone retreated to a safe distance and the charge was fired. A dirty brown waterspout broke the surface of the Irish Sea before subsiding.

An examination of images taken during the operation and analysis of the explosion determined that the bomb had indeed been German – an SC-500 – probably dropped some time in 1941. [3] The incident also led to mine clearance divers being assigned to Bronington, as she could have dealt with the bomb on her own, had they already been aboard.

0503 hours GMT. Outer Helsinki Defence Line, Finland.
With the arrival of the balance of the Swedish Infantry Brigade 11, the Finnish 36 Brigade was being withdrawn into reserve. Allowing the soldiers to get a chance to rest and the brigade absorb replacements.
Soldat Sanna Marin still ached in a few places from being thrown through the air by mortar explosion. She had been lucky, two other members of her section being killed, along with the pilot of the Viggen they were trying to rescue. Before climbing into the truck that had arrived to take the survivors of the platoon away, Marin took one last look at the positions that they had shed blood to defend, before slinging her RK 62 rifle.

As the truck drove away Marin leaned back and closed her eyes. She had not slept much over the last nine days and was looking forward to some uninterrupted sleep. She was therefore irritated to be tapped on the shoulder.

“Wake up, Marin!” The voice of the Korpraali who commanded her section barked.
“What is it, Korpraali? Marin asked wearily.
“That’s Alikersantti, Korpraali Marin!” The section commander said.
“What?” She said confused?”
“That’s right, Marin, you are now the assistant section commander. We’ll hopefully be getting some fresh blood to fill the gaps.”
“Do I get a pay rise, then?” Marin asked.

The Alikersantti chuckled.

“Sure. You may even live to collect it!”
“Well, that’s something then.” She replied before going back to sleep.

*

The replacements were a mix of soldiers drawn from military districts not on the front line, some new recruits and a handful of men who had recovered from wounds. That last group were marked by the more casual way they stood and the expressions most of them wore.

The Joukkue Kersantti divided the replacements up into groups, sending them to where they were needed. Marin soon found that the Alikersantti and one other soldier were now the only original members of the section that she had joined. At some level that disturbed her, but Marin put those thoughts away in a small compartment in her mind.

“How long have we got before we head back into the line?” She asked the Alikersantti.
“Dunno, Marin. You’ll know when I know.” He replied. “But if we get twenty-four hours out of the line I’ll be surprised.”
“So, we’ve probably just got enough time to find out how good the newbies are.” She observed. “Do we need to keep an eye on the guys who have come back from hospital?”

The Alikersantti nodded.

“They’ve seen action, so on one hand they know what they’re doing. But, on the other, there’s a chance some of them could be psychological casualties in waiting. You know what do look for, right?”

Marin nodded.

“I think so.”

While the two JNCO were talking a supply Ylikersantti wandered over, clipboard in hand.

“Your Kersantti wants your section to help my lads unload a truck of replacement kit.”

Said truck was filled with boxes stencilled Pansarskott m/86. Marin knew enough Swedish to guess that these were anti-tank weapons of some sort.

“Presents courtesy of our Swedish neighbours.” The Ylikersantti commented. “Something with a bit more punch than your old LAW rockets. Should make quite the mess of anything the Russkies send our way.”

0700 hours. Joint MoD/Department of Defence (Ireland) press release.
‘London/Dublin, for immediate release.
‘The UK Ministry of Defence and Irish Department of Defence have announced the formal pairing of D Squadron, The North Irish Horse (UK) and 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron (RoI) in a single regimental sized body, to be known as The Irish Horse. Both units will retain their individual regimental identities and histories. The Irish Horse will shortly be brought up to full regimental size. The Irish Horse will be assigned to 1 (UK) Corps.’
‘Note to editors: The name The Irish Horse recalls a pairing of a squadron of The North Irish Horse with a squadron of The South Irish Horse in 1914. The latter being a reserve regiment that was recruited from what is now the Republic of Ireland.’

0901 hours. RAF Finningley, South Yorkshire.
In peacetime the South Yorkshire RAF station’s primary task was training. With the major unit based there, No.6 Flight Training School being responsible for navigation training and hosting the Multi Engine Training School. The RAuxAF also had a presence, with three squadrons of Jaguar GR.3A and one of Tornado GR.4A calling Finningley home. The latter had now decamped to their war bases, while the aircraft of 6 FTS were being used for a variety of non-training tasks. For example, its Dominie T.2s were being employed on short-range maritime patrol duties over the North and Irish Seas.

Now the station was carrying out a very different role, one of combat. Two squadrons of F-16s from the Illinois Air National Guard and one from the Indiana Air National Guard were now in residence. The three squadrons being commanded by a provisional tactical fighter wing. [4]

Air Chief Marshal Johnson’s reason for visiting the station was not to visit the USAF wing, but he would drop in on them if he had time. Instead, he was visiting alongside the AOC 18 (Maritime) Group, Air Marshal Peter ‘Pete’ Liddle, to be present for the raising of the standard of No.203 Squadron. The squadron had last been operational in 1977. Flying Nimrod MR.1s from RAF Luqa in Malta. Now it was being reformed to control the Dominies of 6 FTS that were being used for the maritime patrol role. Along with four brand new aircraft. It was also his first trip away from RAF High Wycombe since he had been assigned a new aide de camp. Flight Lieutenant Jackson having requested a posting back to flying duties.

“Looking forward to seeing the new aircraft, Pete.” Johnson commented.
“Me too, Mike.” Liddle agreed. “They’ll bring some great new capabilities. I’m hoping that we can get another four pretty soon, so that we can divert the Dominie T.2s to other tasks.”

As well as being the peacetime Air Officer Commanding 18 (Maritime) Group, Liddle also held the NATO roles of Commander, Maritime Air, Eastern Atlantic, reporting to CINCEASTLANT, and Commander, Maritime Air, Joint Allied Command Western Approaches, reporting to CINCJACWA. In the latter role, No.203 Squadron would report to him.

The four new aircraft, painted in the same two-tone grey as the RAF’s Nimrods, made a single pass over the airfield before breaking formation and coming into land. The four Dominie MR.4 taxied to park next to four black and grey T.2s, which were lined up in front of the assembled squadron personnel. The MR.4s were similar to the U-125A used by the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force, though in the main used British electronics and avionics.

“Shame they’re still unarmed.” Johnson said. “Means that although they can drop sonobouys, they’ll still need to call up another platform if they find a sub.”
“Oh, not at all, Mike.” Liddle replied. “They can carry the LCAW mini torpedo. Not many, mind. But they can be dropped out of the same tube used for the sonobouys and illumination flares. They won’t kill any of the larger Soviet subs, but they will ruin their day.”

With the arrival of the MR.4s, the ceremony to mark the reformation of No. 203 Squadron began, with Johnson presenting a new squadron standard. It being the middle of wartime, the rest of the ceremony was short. With both Johnson and Liddle being on the way back to their respective headquarters within the hour. Shortly after the ceremony was over one of the MR.4s was already on transit to the North Sea to begin its first operational patrol.

0931 hours GMT. Flughafen Hamburg, Hamburg.
Generalmajor Karl Albrecht, commander of 1st Luftlande Division and soon to be former military governor of Hamburg had come to the airport to see off the men from 26th Luftlande Brigade “Saarland”. The commander of Operation COBALT had requested them for a special mission to support the armoured advance.
As this was going to be an airmobile operation, a force of mainly West German and Dutch helicopters, though there were also a handful from the US Army, had been assembled at Hamburg’s airport. Albrecht had heard that Generalleutnant Wieker had requested the whole NORTHAG Airmobile Division for whatever this mission would be but had been turned down by CINCCENT. Instead, he had been assigned a single brigade, and even then, it would take at least two lifts to deploy it.

Albrecht saluted as the first CH-53GA and NH90 TTH took off. Followed by an eclectic mix of helicopters from large CH-47D to smaller UH-1D, escorted by a mix of Tigers and Apaches. Luftwaffe Alpha Jets would provide top cover and Close Air Support alongside the attack helicopters.

The General turned away to head to the vehicle that would take him back to his headquarters. He had a lot a work to do before handing over his military governor duties to the commander of the Territorial 72nd Regiment. The 1st Luftlande Division and the 25th Luftlande Brigade “Schwarzwald” would return to being part of the Southern Army Group’s reserve. One of the jobs he regarded as being high in importance was to speak to the commander of the Provisorische Brigade, which had been formed to command Territorial troops left in the city and the American and British reinforcements. That brigade was being disbanded, its West German personnel being returned to their original units. The allied units were also being withdrawn to CINCCENT, or SACEUR’s reserve. The two Polizeibataillon would remain, but would be used as additional military police, rather than combat infantry. They would also be responsible for policing the small remaining civilian population. It had been made clear that anyone who defied orders to leave the city would remain there at the sufferance of the army and would be subject to its orders and requirements. [5]

Albrecht paused by his Wolf as the sound of helicopters faded away. He wished them a silent ‘good luck’ before boarding the vehicle.

0951 hours GMT. Near Hammoor, Schleswig-Holstein.
It felt good to be advancing, Major Christoph Märkl thought. Especially since once the Soviet and East German defensive crust had been broken, there seemed to be little to stop the advance of the 7th Panzer Division. It was handy that Bundesautobahn 1 ran roughly along the division’s route of advance, which had sped the advance up considerably.

Märkl could see smoke rising from the village of Hammor up ahead of his company. The battalion’s 5th Company, which was solely equipped with the LGS Fennek, had encountered an East German company equipped with the BRDM-2. The NVA vehicles had been wiped out in a sharp engagement, the 30mm cannons on the Fenneks cutting through the BRDM-2s like their armour was tinfoil. While they had been fitted with additional armour, a few Fenneks had taken damage and two had been disabled. The exchange of gunfire had also set a few buildings on fire. As 4th Company passed by Hammour, Märkl noted that some members of the other company had dismounted to guard some East German prisoners and try to repair the damaged Fenneks.

“No time to stop and help those boys, kinder.” Märkl remarked to his crew. “We’ve got our own job to do.”
“Amen to that, Chef.” Unteroffizier Grampp replied from the gunner’s seat. “They want to waste their time wet nursing some Ossie prisoners, well, they can knock themselves out as far as I’m concerned.”

Märkl chuckled before refocussing on the job in hand. His company was tank heavy, so acted as the ‘punch’ for the reconnaissance battalion. It had been given the task of linking up with 3rd Company, which was equipped with a mix of tanks and Fenneks. That company was scouting up ahead, searching for any threats. Märkl could not help but feel slightly uncomfortable. After the defensive Soviet crust had been breached, the enemy had seemed to almost melt away. Sure, there were isolated pockets of Soviet and East German troops and abandoned and wrecked vehicles. All signs of an army that had been caught by surprise and was hurriedly retreating.

“Maybe we’ll get to wash our Leos in the Baltic after all.” He mused out loud.
“Chef?” Grampp wondered.
“Oh, sorry, Oli.” Märkl replied. “Just thinking out loud. The enemy seems to have decided to go on holiday, so maybe we’ll get to Lübeck after all.”

*

As a group of four Fenneks approached the village of Pölitz, moving cautiously, a Soviet motor rifleman took aim with an RPG-27 Tavolga. He waited until the first vehicle had passed his position before holding his breath and squeezing the trigger. The rocket struck the West German vehicle on the right front wheel rim. The jet of molten metal created by the HEAT warhead punched through the vehicle and blew the left door off. However, thanks to the spall liner, the Fennek’s crew suffered only minor injuries. They rapidly bailed out of the now disabled vehicle, taking cover. [6]
The fourth Fennek was less lucky, being hit by two RPGs, which set it on fire. The remaining two vehicles found themselves cut-off and urgently requested assistance.

The commander of 3rd Company despatched the four Leopard 2s from one of his tank platoons to assist, along with another platoon of Fenneks. That force found itself being ambushed too, this time by a company of T-80U. The Leopard A7 was a far better tank than its Soviet counterpart, but they were outnumbered 10 – 4. They were also caught unawares.

*

Märkl touched the right earphone of his crewman’s helmet as he heard some garbled radio messages from callsigns belonging to 3rd Company. Something was very wrong. He tried to contact his counterpart at that company, but his messages went unanswered. So instead, he messaged the battalion H.Q, announcing that he was moving to assist 3rd Company and requesting air support.

“Looks like it’s not going to be a Sunday Drive after all.” He muttered.

*

All four Leopard 2s had been hit in the initial volley from the T-80s, as had all but one Fennek. One Leopard 2 had been really unlucky, a ‘fin’ round penetrating its mantlet, killing the commander and injuring the other turret crew. A second had its right track shot off, disabling it, while the armour of the other two tanks had rejected the ‘fin’ rounds, doing little damage other than to their crews’ nerves and underwear. The tanks still mobile popped smoke and sought cover before returning fire.

The disabled Leopard 2 was able to take out three T-80s before it was almost demolished in return. Taking at least a dozen hits before it was knocked out. Meanwhile the motor riflemen in the village had begun to stalk the surviving Fenneks from the first ambush.

***

[1] Rb.98 = IRIS-T, Rb.101 = Meteor

[2] While based at Brunswick Dock, due to tidal restrictions, RN minor warships based on the Mersey spend most of their time at Langton Dock.

[3] This section was partially inspired by a real-life incident from 2006. See link.

[4] The units in question were:

Illinois Air National Guard
183rd Tactical Fighter Wing
- 170th TFS - F-16C
Indiana Air National Guard
181st Tactical Fighter Wing
- 113th TFS - F-16C

The provisional wing H.Q was formed from the two peacetime TFW.

[5] Planned order of battle for the Hamburg garrison after the withdrawal of 1st Luftlande Division and allied units:

72nd Regiment
- 721st Jäger Battalion
- 722nd Jäger Battalion
- 723rd Jäger Battalion
- 720th Mortar Company: 120mm mortar
- Pioneer Battalion
- Polizeibataillon Eins
- Polizeibataillon Zwei

[6] Inspired by a real-life RPG hit on a Fennek in Afghanistan.

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[James1978]

Good chapter.

Question re. Swedish R.101. Way back in Ch.61, it sounded like Sweden had very limited Meteor stocks. Now it sounds like they have abundant stocks. What gives?

So where did the Dominie MR.4s come from? Or rather whose aircraft got taken over before delivery?
I wasn't familiar with the LCAW before. Neat little system.

Minor nitpick: US 169th TFS is already placed in Norway in that ORBAT. Which I probably ought to get reposted.

Keep up the good work!

[Eaglenine2]

Question what was the in Hamburg Garrison?

Current scholarship says that 1. Luftlandedivision was to defend Eastern Bavaria. 1. Luftlandedivision would have Luftlandebrigade 25 and Luftlandebrigade 26 reinforced by Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23, two Jägerbataillone of the 10. Panzerdivision, a Panzergrenadierbataillon of the 4. Panzergrenadierdivision and various smaller assets.
https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments ... _cold_war/

[jemhouston]

Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Kingsley needs to chill out. Getting your people killed now when waiting a short time means killing more of the enemy is normally the better course.

Always nice when people take care of loaned equipment.

[Jotun]

Question what was the in Hamburg Garrison?

Current scholarship says that 1. Luftlandedivision was to defend Eastern Bavaria. 1. Luftlandedivision would have Luftlandebrigade 25 and Luftlandebrigade 26 reinforced by Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23, two Jägerbataillone of the 10. Panzerdivision, a Panzergrenadierbataillon of the 4. Panzergrenadierdivision and various smaller assets.
https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments ... _cold_war/

In TLW, the French have rejoined the NATO command structure and have set up an army group (SOUTHAG) in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, made up of two French and the German II. Korps. There is also a shiny new additional ATAF in southern West Germany.
The three Luftlande Brigades are thus assigned to one of the West German Korps each, and NORTHAG has formed an ad hoc airborne division from the West German, Brit and Belgian para brigades. Edit: And the 11th Luchtmobiele Brigade from the Netherlands. In @, it was called Multinational Division Central.

[Matt Wiser]

Well done! And it lives! BZ as usual, my friend, and so to business:

That E-8 crew had a higher power looking out for them, no doubt about it. Now, it's a sitting duck on the tarmac. AAFCENT needs to take a deep breath, chill out, and CALM DOWN!

Soviets going for Stockholm...those Backfire crews going to drop iron need wills probated and sins confessed. They'll need it.

So Marin gets a promotion... No doubt a lot of that due to attrition.

Trying to close up on the Baltic and retake Kiel and Lubeck...going to be a tough job, and Ivan will have a say in the matter.

Nice work again, and get with 381!

[James1978]

Question what was the in Hamburg Garrison?

Current scholarship says that 1. Luftlandedivision was to defend Eastern Bavaria. 1. Luftlandedivision would have Luftlandebrigade 25 and Luftlandebrigade 26 reinforced by Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23, two Jägerbataillone of the 10. Panzerdivision, a Panzergrenadierbataillon of the 4. Panzergrenadierdivision and various smaller assets.
https://www.reddit.com/r/warno/comments ... _cold_war/

In TLW, the French have rejoined the NATO command structure and have set up an army group (SOUTHAG) in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, made up of two French and the German II. Korps. There is also a shiny new additional ATAF in southern West Germany.
The three Luftlande Brigades are thus assigned to one of the West German Korps each, and NORTHAG has formed an ad hoc airborne division from the West German, Brit and Belgian para brigades. Edit: And the 11th Luchtmobiele Brigade from the Netherlands. In @, it was called Multinational Division Central.

I'm pretty sure the Dutch 11th Luchtmobiele Brigade didn't happen in TLWverse.
Looking at the NORTHAG ORBAT, it's still 11e Pantserinfanteriebrigade.


For reference:

NORTHAG Airmobile Division [NOTE 1]
27th Luftlande Brigade
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 271
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 272
- Fallschirmpanzerabwehrbataillon 273: Wiesel 1
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 274 (Reserve Unit)
- Luftlande Mortar Company 270
1 Field Replacement Battalion
Para-Commando Brigade
- 1st Para-Commando Battalion
- 2nd Para-Commando Battalion
- 4th Para-Commando Battalion (Reserve)
- Para-Commando Anti-Tank Co: 12 Spike-MR ATGM
24th Airmobile Brigade
- 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's)
- 1st Battalion, The Irish Guards
- 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Divisional Artillery Group
- 47 Field Regiment, RA (+): L777
-- Artillery Battery (BE): L119
-- Battery, Luftlande Regiment 9: HIMARS
-- Air Defence Troop (HVM)
Divisional Assets
- Recce Squadron (Scorpion)
- 51 Field Squadron, RE
- Luftlande Engineer Company 270
- Luftlande Logistics Company 270
- Luftlande Medic Company 270
- 9 Regiment, AAC
-- 657 Squadron, AAC: Apache AH.1
-- 670 Squadron, AAC: Lynx AH.9
-- 672 Squadron, AAC: Lynx AH.9

1) Formed during Transition to War; had been trialled in a number of exercises; forms part of COMNORTHAG’s reserves.

[James1978]

Question what was the in Hamburg Garrison?

Roughly as follows:

Allied Forces - Hamburg Pocket

(FRG)1st Luftlande Division (-) (+)
Luftlande Fernmelde (Radio) Battalion 9
Luftlande Artillery Regiment 9 (-) (+): HIMARS
-- 413 (Essex Yeomanry) Battery, 104th (Essex Yeomanry) Regiment, RHA: L118 Light Gun
(US) 2-180th Infantry Regiment (TLAT): HMMWV TOW
(US) 1-75th Ranger Regiment
25th Luftlande Brigade “Schwarzwald” (+)
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 251
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 252
- Fallschirmpanzerabwehrbataillon Battalion 253
- FallschirmJäger Battalion 254 (Reserve Unit)
- Polizeibataillon Eins
- Luftlande Mortar Company 250
- Luftlande Engineer Company 250
- Luftlande Logistics Company 250
- Luftlande Medic Company 250
- 1 Field Replacement Battalion
26th Luftlande Brigade “Saarland” (-) (+) [NOTE 1]
- Fallschirmjäger Battalion 261
- Fallschirmjäger Battalion 262
- Fallschirmpanzerabwehrbataillon Battalion 264 (Reserve Unit)
- Polizeibataillon Zwei
- Luftlande Mortar Company 260
- Luftlande Engineer Company 260
- Luftlande Logistics Company 260
- Luftlande Medic Company 260
- 1 Field Replacement Battalion
Provisorische Brigade [NOTE 2]
- Provisorisches Bataillon Eins
- Provisorisches Bataillon Zwei
- (US) 1-153rd Infantry Regiment (Light)
- (UK) 6th Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (+)
-- Gurkha Company Catterick [NOTE 3]

NOTES
1) Fallschirmjäger Battalion 263 detached to AMF(L) in AFSOUTH.

2) Provisional Brigade; it was formed from Territorial Army troops who had stayed in Hamburg.

3) Detached from the British Army’s Infantry Training Centre, part of 6 Royal Anglian Regiment Battle Group.

[James1978]

Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Kingsley needs to chill out. Getting your people killed now when waiting a short time means killing more of the enemy is normally the better course.

That E-8 crew had a higher power looking out for them, no doubt about it. Now, it's a sitting duck on the tarmac. AAFCENT needs to take a deep breath, chill out, and CALM DOWN!

To be fair, when you've grown accustomed to disproportionately doing unto others in the air for thirty days, I'm sure it was more than a little unnerving to have Ivan spring a surprise and do unto YOU on D+30/31 when you thought you'd already seen everything Ivan had to throw.

On the other hand, his reaction could be an indication that things are much closer in the air than is commonly known, despite superior NATO C2 in the air thanks to AWACS birds, and having to pull the AWACS back significantly eats into NATO thin margin of superiority.

As far as doing something about the pests at Jüterbog . . . I'm guessing the nice folks who weren't at RAF Mildenhall and didn't lend a hand on the last Ploiești raid are still in theater? I can't imagine they've just been sitting around for the last 10 days lacking for gainful employment.

[Jotun]

I'm pretty sure the Dutch 11th Luchtmobiele Brigade didn't happen in TLWverse.
Looking at the NORTHAG ORBAT, it's still 11e Pantserinfanteriebrigade.

Yeah. Thanks for the correction.

[Jotun]

Very good update. When the Kh-26 were launched by the Backfires, the wording made me think the crew was firing nuclear-tipped missiles until I remembered the crews of Long Range Aviation would be very, very leery of firing any kind of missile after the Raduga sabotage debacle, and the Kingfish will also be way past its use-by date...phew...

[Johnnie Lyle]

Typo note - Bernard, I saw several instances where it looks like you used periods rather than commas, and so some of the sentences read a little choppy.

The air chief marshal is making a mistake, but it’s a very human and realistic one. Especially for people who have been in a high stress/high stakes situation for a very long time. And for literary purposes, people have to make mistakes to have it be realistic.

Keep it up!

[Lordroel]

Another good chapter Bernard and another one closer to the finish line.

[Jotun]

Flattening Jüterbog could be achieved with a battalion or two of MLRS loaded with ATACMS and fired from, say, behind the Leine river. Hildesheim-Jüterbog is roughly 240 km as the crow flies…

M48/M57 missiles should be available. I had NATO fire them at Rügen from Schleswig-Holstein way back when.

There is no need to risk aviator lives, precious planes and cruise missiles.

[James1978]

No doubt several ATACMS variants do have the range to Jüterbog, cluster and unitary.

Having said that, it's D+31. NATO hit Rügen on D+12, back when all flavors of PGMs were more widely available and their use virtually unrestricted.
Remember that MiG-29 field the RAF wrecked with Storm Shadows a while back? How many Storm Shadows did they use to wreck ONE air base?

I'm wondering just how many ATACMS unitary are available on D+31? My suspicion is that Corps commanders have been using them as their personal snipers ever since the air force PGM crunch hit.

[Jotun]

Yeah. Demand should far outstrip supply at this point…

[Bernard Woolley]

Thanks for the comments, folks. Going to be away from tomorrow morning until Monday. So, apologies, won’t be able to give a detailed response for a bit.

[Belushi TD]

Great chapter! Thanks again.

I've realized that I've not commented on The Last War in forever, so please keep up the good work, and know that your efforts are appreciated and greatly looked forward to.

Belushi TD

[Bernard Woolley]

Good chapter.

Thanks very much!

Question re. Swedish R.101. Way back in Ch.61, it sounded like Sweden had very limited Meteor stocks.

It's not so much that anything has changed with regards to Meteor stocks, more a case of reallocation of resources. The Swedish government don't want important things in Stockholm to suddenly become holes in the ground. That means that Grippens defending the city have priority for Meteors.

So where did the Dominie MR.4s come from? Or rather whose aircraft got taken over before delivery?

Some Hawker 800SPs were at Broughton waiting to be fitted out for a fractional aircraft leasing company. They were requisitioned for conversion. The TL:DR version is some civil customers did not get their private jets.

I wasn't familiar with the LCAW before. Neat little system.

Got to thank one of our Norwegian members, Pengoldth_SC (?) for bringing it to my attention many moons ago.

Minor nitpick: US 169th TFS is already placed in Norway in that ORBAT. Which I probably ought to get reposted.

I've updated the chapter accordingly.

Keep up the good work!

Will certainly do my best!

Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Kingsley needs to chill out. Getting your people killed now when waiting a short time means killing more of the enemy is normally the better course.

The air chief marshal is making a mistake, but it’s a very human and realistic one. Especially for people who have been in a high stress/high stakes situation for a very long time. And for literary purposes, people have to make mistakes to have it be realistic.

My intention when writing that scene is that Kingsley is calm and taking what he believes is a logical decision to eliminate a threat to his HVA. His planners will probably suggest the options that others have suggested in this thread.

Well done! And it lives! BZ as usual, my friend, and so to business:

Again, thanks very much. Appreciate it!

That E-8 crew had a higher power looking out for them, no doubt about it.

Luck, devine power, skill? Possibly one, or a conbination of all three!

So Marin gets a promotion... No doubt a lot of that due to attrition.

Bloody wars, sickly seasons etc.

Very good update. When the Kh-26 were launched by the Backfires, the wording made me think the crew was firing nuclear-tipped missiles until I remembered the crews of Long Range Aviation would be very, very leery of firing any kind of missile after the Raduga sabotage debacle, and the Kingfish will also be way past its use-by date...phew...

Things are not quite that bad for Stockholm!

Typo note - Bernard, I saw several instances where it looks like you used periods rather than commas, and so some of the sentences read a little choppy.

Appreciate the feedback, Mr L. Will need to go back and look at the chapter.

Another good chapter Bernard and another one closer to the finish line.

Thank you. The Finishing Line is quite a distance away yet!

Great chapter! Thanks again.

Thanks, appreciate it!

I've realized that I've not commented on The Last War in forever, so please keep up the good work, and know that your efforts are appreciated and greatly looked forward to.

Don't worry about it. I'm just glad that people are still reading it!