The Last War? : Chapter 391

[Bernard Woolley]

D+33

*

0901 hours GMT. RAAF Base Learmonth, Western Australia.
Squadron Leader Ian 'Spence' Spenser climbed up into the cockpit of his ageing Mirage IIIO, as he prepared to fly his last patrol over the oil and gas fields. Very soon a detachment of No.84 Squadron would arrive to take over. Once this patrol was done, Spenser's command would relocate to RAAF Base Williamtown for other duties.

*

The detachment of No.82 Squadron that Spenser commander had three Mirages at Learmonth, which meant that patrols were flown solo. Keeping all three aircraft serviceable was something of an uphill struggle, but the ground-crew managed it. The detachment had yet to miss a scheduled patrol. Sharing Learmonth with the Mirage IIIO was an almost equally elderly 707 tanker from No.33 Squadron, a detachment of AP-3C Orions and a flight of S-2T Trackers from 850 Squadron, RAN. Various transport aircraft, such as C-130E, C-47 and HS 748 were frequent visitors. As were air force and army GA-8 Wirraway II. Ex-Ansett Australia airliners, now branded Government Air Services, were also being used to support the base and ADF forces in the region. [1]

*

While climbing aboard, Spenser had taken a second to look at the 'kill' markings on the fighter. Six small Indonesian roundels marked the kills he had scored while flying Mirage IIIO out of RAAF Base Baucau. As one of two RAAF aces from the period 2000-2005, Spenser had made sure that one Mirage IIIO of his detachment had his kills recorded on it. He did not always fly it, but it was always nice when he did. He had also, during his walk-around check, noted the single AIM-9L under each wing, along with two 500 litre drop-tanks. A 1,300 litre drop tank under the belly completed the aircraft's external load. A relatively short-ranged aircraft ('mossie on a string', as it pilots put it), the Mirage IIIO needed as much fuel as it could carry. Moreover, the 707 tanker would take off a little while after the fighter, so that it would be available to provide support.

Once airborne, Spenser looked down as his Mirage climbed over the Exmouth Gulf. Below him he could see an oceanic convoy assembling. As in the Last War, the gulf was being used by naval and merchant vessels, with a forward base having been established. Coastal convoys from Perth and Dampier would rendezvous at Exmouth, combining into larger ocean going convoys. Incoming convoys also used the gulf to disperse into smaller convoys. An anti-submarine boom had been established at the entrance to the gulf, and vessels of the 5th Squadron, 32nd Minesweeping Flotilla (Auxiliary Minesweeping Force) were keeping the area mine free. As he climbed higher he spotted the aerials of Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt.

“Mossie One-One, GCI, we've got some trade for you, over.” The Fighter Controller at Learmonth radioed an hour into Spencer's patrol.
“GCI, Mossie One-One, go ahead, over.”
“A Orion patrolling around the Cocos spotted what they think was a 'Bear'. They didn't have the fuel to pursue and ID it. However, ground radar has picked it up. Looks like it is on a course towards Exmouth. Your orders are to close to identify the bogie and engage if hostile, over.”
“Roger that, standing-by to follow steer, over.”

Spenser followed the directions of the Fighter Controller until he was in range of his aircraft's Cyrano II radar. The radar was not exactly the most modern, but it quickly picked up the large aircraft. Spenser manoeuvred so that he would be above and behind the target once within visual range. He and the other Mirage pilots based at Learmonth carried a simple pair of binoculars to make the job of visually identifying aircraft that bit easier. As soon as he saw the aircraft Spenser took out his binoculars from where he had stowed them, flipped up his visor and raised the binoculars to his eyes. Yes, it was almost certainly a 'Bear', though he could not tell what variant at this distance. What was odd was that it was not reacting to the fact that his radar was 'painting' it. He needed to get closer to the 'Bear' before he could positively ID it, but got ready to engage, stowing his binoculars away.

“Fuckin' Indians!” He exclaimed a few minutes later on spotting the roundels on the wings of the Tu-142MK-E. “GCI, Mossie One-One, the bogie is an Indian Navy 'Bear-F'. Repeat, it's the bloody Indian Navy. I'm going to stay with it for a while to see where it's going, so will need the tanker, over.”
“Mossie One-One, GCI, roger that. Confirm that the tanker is airborne. Request that you make contact with the 'Bear', over.”
“Roger that.”

Spenser took up position off the port wing of the Tu-142MK-E, the internationally recognised procedure for an intercept. He spotted a few members of its crew waving cheerfully. Spenser sketched a casual salute in reply. A short radio exchange established that the Tu-142MK-E was on a long-range patrol and did not intend to close any further on the Australian coast. The Indian Navy pilot passed on that they had detected what they believed was a Soviet SSN to the west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, giving its last known position. Spenser thanked him and gave the 'Bear' plenty of room as it gracefully banked, turning back on course for home.

*

As he taxied back to his parking spot, Spenser saw that the replacement detachment from No.84 Squadron had arrived – six F-4E Phantoms. That squadron had been established to operate the AF-4I Greyfalcon, the first of that variant becoming operational at Townsville in March. However, the squadron still had a single flight of F-4E, which had been pressed into service in March. The first Greyfalcons had become operational in May. The longer range of the Phantoms would allow them to fly longer patrols and cover a wider area, without needing so much tanker support. Spenser was glad to see that, like his Mirage, the Phantoms wore a camouflage scheme and markings that were a close approximation of what RAAF F-4E had been painted in between 1970 and 1973. [2]

Shutting down his aircraft, Spenser climbed down onto the ground. He patted the Mirage IIIO on the port intake cowling. She had served him well and would now be relegated largely to training duties.

“Thanks, mate.” He said quietly, before walking away.

0945 hours GMT. Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen, Zealand.
“For security reasons I cannot reveal my location...ah...” The Soviet Army major who was translating the news broadcast from DR paused for a moment. “He is saying that he is embedded with Danish forces, but can't give any details of units, but that they came ashore successfully some hours ago.”
“Pause it!” General Lieutenant Sokolovskiy snapped. “Rewind it a few frames!”

Behind the reporter, who wore body armour and a Kevlar helmet over civilian clothes, was a tank. It drove from left to right before passing out of sight. A second tank passed by a moment later.

“Those are Swedish Leopard 2s.” The general commented. “Looks like the intelligence was correct. Let Zossen know we have confirmation of Swedish forces.
“What's the news from the 26th Guards Motorised Rifle Division?”
“Their hasty attack failed. The division and its attachments have pulled back to Fuglebjerg.” One of Sokolovsky's aides replied, butchering the Danish name. “Which is here.” He continued. “The division is re-grouping before mounting a deliberate attack on the enemy bridgehead. Generál-mayór Lebedev has requested reinforcements and air support.”
“He'll be lucky.” Sokolovsky muttered.

He shook his head.

“I'm not about to commit my last reserves. However, I need to speak to Zossen; we need all the air support we can get. I want you to get me General Kamov himself.”

*

It took half an hour for the H.Q of the 14th Combined Arms Army to make contact with the H.Q of the Field H.Q of the Western TVD. The connection was via a satellite radio, which made everyone at the other end sound like a robot.

“This is General Lieutenant Sokolovskiy, I need to speak to General Kamov urgently.”
“This is Generál-mayór Smirnoff, General Kamov's Chief of Staff. The Comrade General is unavailable at the moment. So you can pass your message to me, I speak with his authority.”

Sokolovskiy resisted the urge to bark his demands at Smirnoff. But, remembered that the man spoke with the authority of CINCWEST.

“It is important that I speak with him personally, Comrade Generál-mayór. Will he be long?”
“The Comrade General is in Warsaw for a meeting with Marshal Belikov. He will not return today.”

Sokolovskiy's heart sank. Marshal Belikov was the Supreme Commander of the Unified Armed Forces of the Warsaw Treaty Organisation. Nominally he was the counterpart of SACEUR, but in reality the post was a sinecure and CINCWEST was really in charge. However, as the holder of the post was also a Deputy Defence Minister, he did have some political and military authority and had to be regularly briefed.

“I see. In that case I must state my case to you. We urgently need any air support you can give us. My SAM stocks are low and NATO aircraft are flying over Zealand almost unopposed. It is also urgent that we get reinforcements and resupply if we are to hold the island.”

Smirnoff's reply was a laugh that sounded like a dog barking.

“We'll send you what air support we can, but most of our aircraft are committed elsewhere. As to reinforcements? You have two chances of that – slim and none. There's nothing available and even if there was, we wouldn't send it to a besieged island. We are also not going to risk transport aircraft, or ships in sending supplies. You will have to manage with what you have, Comrade General Lieutenant.”

Again, the commander of the 14th Combined Arms Army resisted the urge to bite the head off the man at the other end of the radio link. Instead, he vowed if he ever saw Smirnoff in person, he would snap his neck.

“I see. Comrade Generál-mayór, I still expect you to pass my requests onto General Kamov when he returns. I hold you responsible for any delays.”

Instead of a reply, Sokolovskiy heard a distinctive 'click', indicating that Smirnoff had cut the connection. He muttered an expletive under his breath, before turning to his own Choef of Staff.

“Start combing-out our rear-area services personnel and form them into provisional companies. Their jobs may not be rear-area for much longer. If there are any tanks, or other armoured vehicles that have broken down, but can still fight, have as many as possible moved to defensive positions covering Copenhagen. We also need to start laying any mines we have in reserve. If NATO wants Zealand back, I intend to make it as hard as possible for them.”

0958 hours GMT. HMS Illustrious, the G-I-UK Gap.
Heavy weather battered the carrier as she and her hunting group continued their vigil north of Iceland. Detections of Soviet submarines had dwindled, but that did not mean that vigilance could be reduced.

Illustrious' 'Goalkeeper' frigate, HMS Westminster was back on station having been repaired at the VT Shipyard in Portsmouth. A new Type 911 tracking radar had been fitted forward, replacing the one destroyed when the frigate had been damaged on 1st May. There had been no spare 911s in the logistics system when she arrived at 'Pompey', however, while under repair, HMS Brave had been towed into the naval base, having suffered a mine strike. The Type 22 frigate's back was broken, so had been declared a Constructive Total Loss. She had been stripped for spare parts, including both of her Type 911s. Westminster's other damage had been made good and she had re-joined Illustrious.

*

Lieutenant John 'Aussie' Wood, RAN, braved the spray battering the flight deck to climb aboard his Sea Harrier FA.2. Wood was one of six aviators, all ex-helicopter pilots, and a dozen maintainers of the RAN Fleet Air Arm who had been seconded to the RN Fleet Arm as part of 'Project Seedcorn'. The RAN had no short, or medium-term plans to re-introduce fixed-wing carrier aircraft, but it wanted to keep the possibility alive by seconding a small number of personnel to the RN and USMC's Harrier force. If the RAN did choose to re-introduce jet fighters, it would have a pool of experienced personnel. Two of Wood's fellow Aussies were with 800 and 801 NAS, while the remainder were finishing up their training with 899. The maintainers were also spread between the three frontline squadrons and 899 NAS.
In honour of Wood's nationality, some of the maintainers had painted a pale red Kangaroo by his name on one of 809 NAS' nine Sea Harriers and it was that aircraft that he found himself assigned to. It being his turn to sit on cockpit alert. A second Sea Harrier pilot was on standby in the crew-room.
Wood strapped himself into his Sea Harrier and performed the various start-up checks, minus starting the Pegasus engine. Everything seemed to be working and he got as comfortable as he could in the ejection seat.

*

Some distance to the north, a Tu-95RTS 'Bear-D' of the 392nd Independent Long-Range Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment was feeling its way south. It was using its ELINT sensors to try and locate the position of NATO ships in the Norwegian Sea. Once found, its crew would risk using their belly radar to get a fix, which would be passed on to attack submarines. At least two Oscar II SSGN were in a position from where they would be able to take advantage of any targeting information that the Tu-95 would be able to provide.
The 'Bear-D' was at the edge of NATO reliable radar coverage, but had still been noted. So long as it remained out over the Greenland Sea, controllers on the ground were not too concerned. They did continue to monitor it as the Tu-95RTS slowly made its way south. A warning was flashed to NATO shipping in the G-I-UK Gap. Finally, the aircraft appeared on the edge of the radar coverage of one of Illustrious' Sea King AsaC7. Conditions for flying helicopters were right the margin, but the Sea King had managed to get above the worst of it.

*

Lieutenant Wood started his Sea Harrier's Pegasus engine and once the tie-downs were released, he taxied to the take-off spot. The launch was conducted in total radio silence, so as not to alert the Soviets. The second alert Sea Harrier was rapidly being prepared, even as Wood climbed rapidly. He did not energise the aircraft's Blue Vixen radar, instead relying on data provided by the Sea King. Once he was within eighty kilometres of the 'Bear' he energised the Sea Harrier's radar and armed his missiles.

“Fox Three! Fox Three!” He announced as he fired two AIM-120C.

Once missile would probably be enough, but Wood was not taking any chances when it came to the safety of the carrier group. As things stood, his decision turned out to be the correct one. The first AMRAAM, while launching successfully, failed to guide. Somewhere in the missile, a microchip had a microscopic fault. The errant missile simple disappeared off into the wide blue yonder. The missile would eventually crash into the southern end of Jan Mayen island. The second missile, on the other hand, performed flawlessly. Despite attempts at a combination of jamming, chaff and manoeuvring, the AMRAAM blew the port wing off the 'Bear'. Sending it spiralling into the Greenland Sea. With no other air threats, Wood turned his Sea Harrier back towards Illustrious, hoping that the 'Bear' had not transmitted the carrier's position.

1031 hours GMT. HMAS Namoi, Newcastle, New South Wales.
As the ceremony began, Commander Mike McCann, RAN, wondered when the last time any Royal Navy warships had been commissioned in Australia. 1945 maybe? It was almost certainly that long since the Poms had based any ships in his country. [3] With their own Auxiliary Minesweeping Force, the RN had been very interested in the Australian built AMS based on Japanese longliner fishing vessel designs. They had chosen to acquire two ships so that they could assess the design. Outbreak of war had thrown a spanner in the works and instead of assessing the ships in home waters, the two vessels would stay in Australia and be attached to the 32nd Minesweeper Flotilla, 2nd Squadron.
McCann also wondered if someone at the British MoD thought it was funny to give command of the small RN detachment to Lieutenant Commander Malcolm 'Tim' Healy, who was a Geordie. That a man from Newcastle sometimes found it hard to make himself understood in Newcastle must be some sort of cosmic joke.

The new British High Commissioner had agreed to sponsor HMS Perth (M58), while the wife the Naval Attaché had done the same for HMS Exmouth (M59). The names of both vessels having been chosen because they represented place names that the UK and Australia shared. McCann saluted smartly as the White Ensign was simultaneously raised over both AMS.

*

“What's this?” Lt. Commander Healy asked after sinking half of the glass in one go.
“A locally brewed pale ale. They give it to us at a reduced rate.” McCann replied.
“Huh. Well, it's no Newcastle Brown, but, aye, it will do, man.”

After the double commissioning ceremony had concluded, McCann and Healy had repaired to Namoi's wardroom. Which had previously been one of conference spaces. It had a bar at one end, serving a variety of drinks.

“Anyway, as I was saying, Tim, I'll have to send both of your ships straight to work. No time to work-up, though your men have done well on the other boats in training, so I expect good things from you.”
“Yup, they're all good lads, Mike. All done time on Hunts and Rivers, as you know, so know the ins and outs of sweeping. Still, we've had a lot of hard lessons to learn.” Healy replied. “We owe it to the men of Birchgrove Park and Yandra to get it right.”
“I appreciate that, Tim. I won't b*llshit you, I expect to lose more ships. The Soviets seems to taken an especial like to Newcastle and have gifted us some anti-sweeper mines along with the rest. We really need at least one minehunter.” McCann said.
“No chance of getting one, I suppose?”

The Australian shook his head.

“The Huons are all busy up north, can't be spared. Leaves only Shoalwater and Rushcutter down here and they are needed at Port Jackson. Would need to be really serious to get them up here, especially since they are just inshore vessels.”
“Well, you are full of good news, Mike!” Healy observed. “Well, as they saying goes, if you can't take a joke you shouldn’t have joined!”

McCann took a deep breath before making his next statement.

“When I heard that your ships were going to be staying in Australia, I told COMAUSMINFOR that I didn't want them. I recommended that they be sent to 3rd Squadron. You're going to ask me why, so you deserve an explanation. The mine battle here is brutal, its not for beginners. Your men are not going to learn anything if you get blown to bits. You'd have been better off down in Tasmania, learning the ropes there.”

If Healy was annoyed, or even irritated he did not show it.

“I understand where you're coming from, Mike. We're a bunch of 'Johnnie come latelys', parachuted in. But, we're not beginners. Every man jack of us has taken part in mine clearance. Now, sure, our experience is not in what you are doing here, but we've all put our lives at risk in the past. We're all volunteers, whether regular, or reserve. We've even got some blokes from the AMSS with us. They're fishermen who have put their careers on hold to be here. Sure, we'd have learned something of the trade pottering back and forward at Hobart, but nothing beats experience from a real battle. I think we also owe you something, even if its only small.”
“And that sort of attitude is why I changed my mind after I met you, Tim.” McCann replied, finishing off his drink. “I'm glad you didn't get shunted off to Tasmania after all.”

*

Within hours of commissioning, both Perth and Exmouth departed Namoi to begin sweeping duties. As 'rookies', they were partnered with more experienced vessels, in this case Bombo and Vigilant respectfully. Healy had taken up position on the bridge of Perth; she was not his ship, but he would not ask his men to do something he would not. After the first few trips he would return to his office in Namoi, where no doubt mountains of paperwork were already building up. But, until then, he would be aboard one of the two British AMS.

1052 hours GMT. H.Q. Joint Forces New Zealand, Trentham Military Camp.
The Joint Ops Centre had gone quiet as they waited for news to come in. Commodore Dyke drummed the fingers of his right hand on his desk impatiently. Some survivors from MV Pacific Wanderer had been rescued, but none of them had been able to give much information.

“Admiral Ledson on the phone for you, Sir.” Commander Grant said from across the room.
“Dyke here, Sir.” The Commodore said after picking up the phone on his desk.
“Any news, Bill? The Minister is asking questions and the news media have picked up that something has happened.” The Chief of Navy asked.
“Sorry, Sir, nothing new yet. Rotoiti should be on scene shortly and Canterbury shortly after. The survivors we’ve picked up have been too shocked to tell us anything useful. We really need to rescue at least one of the ship’s officers.
“Can I ask how the media have picked up on it so quickly, Sir?”
“As soon as the ship crossed the 500 K mark it triggered a precautionary evacuation of the Beehive, Defence Ministry and other government buildings. Pretty hard to miss a couple of thousand people spilling out into the streets and the PM and some of the Cabinet being picked up by air force Hueys. I understand he’s not best pleased, so some positive news would go down really well.”
“I hope to have some news for you shortly, Sir.” Dyke assured the Chief of Navy, with more confidence than he felt.

Dyke replaced the handset and turned to the JOC staff around him.

“I could really do with some news, ladies and gentlemen.”

*

The Wasp HAS.1 buzzed overhead like its namesake as HMNZS Canterbury arrived on scene. The patrol ship Rotoiti was already standing off the floating wreckage and oil slick that marked the grave of MV Pacific Wanderer. Her RIB was in the water, continuing the search for survivors.

“Helo reports he can see some survivors in the water on the far side of the wreckage, Ma’am.”
“Launch the RIBs and alert the Doc and his team.” Commander Arden ordered.

Since the frigate’s action on and off Chatham Island she had been assigned a doctor to supplement the two Leading Medical Assistants and Petty Officer Medical Assistant. All of Canterbury’s crew were trained in First Aid, with the chefs having been given advanced First Aid training, so that they could assist the LMA and POMA in mass casualty incidents. Rather unfairly, some of the crew had been heard to whisper that this was to make up for the casualties the chefs caused with their cooking. The doctor was a member of the RNZVR who’s day job was as a trauma specialist at the ED of Christchurch Hospital.

Both of the frigate’s Rigid Inflatable Boats were lowered and raced to where the Wasp was circling. The helicopter had lowered a rescue strop, but evidently none of the survivors were strong enough to take hold of it. The RIBs picked up twelve survivors in various states of injury and rushed them back to Canterbury.

*

“You wanted to see me, Doc?” Commander Arden asked, on entering the Wardroom, which was being used as an overflow to the small sick bay.
“Yes, Captain. One of the survivors says he was the ship’s Second Officer. He wanted to speak to you.” Lieutenant Stuart Neilson, RNZNVR, replied.
“How is he?”
“Lucky.” The doctor said simply. “Some minor burns, abrasions, exposure and exhaustion. He’s fit to talk to you.”

Neilson led the captain across to the survivor. The man was wrapped up in a blanket, a saline drip in his left arm. He looked up as he saw the two officers approach, taking in the four rings on Arden’s rank insignia.

“You are Captain?”
“I am, what can I do for you?”
“Why you bomb us, Captain? We are a merchant vessel bound for Port Moresby.”
“Sounds like we need to have a bit of a talk.” Arden said, sitting down by the casualty’s cot.

*

“Oh, sh*t.” Commodore Dyke muttered on hearing the news. “Admiral Ledson’s going to have my guts for garters.” He looked across to Commander Grant, so she was an innocent merchant ship after all?”
“Looks like it, Sir.”
“Signal Canterbury and ask if this Second Officer Blackness, or whatever his name is, is fit to be flown ashore. If he is, get a helo out to her ASAP. We need to know why they ignored our attempts to contact us. Meanwhile, I have a phone call to make.”

1116 hours GMT. Near Nivå, Zealand.
As the Centurion was a British-built tank, Premierløjtnant Lisbeth Bechfeldt felt it was quite appropriate for her tank to be landed on Zealand by a British LCU Mk.10 crewed by Royal Marines. A beachhead had already been secured by 'Booties' from 40 Commando, who had moved inland to link up with the Swedish Airmobile Infantry Brigade 12. The Danish 3rd Zealand Brigade was now being landed as part of the follow-on. It was considered important to land Danish troops on the island as soon as possible. The brigade was currently the largest in the Danish Army, having been reinforced as part of preparations for Operation LION. [4]

The LCU grounded, dropping its ramp. Bechfeldt ordered her driver to advance, the Centurion driving forward and onto Danish soil. The second tank in the LCU followed a moment later. The landing-craft raised its ramp and backed up from the beach, having another load to pick up from Sweden.

*

Inland, 40 Commando had been held up by determined Soviet resistance, preventing them from reaching one of the Swedish Airmobile Jäger Battalions. The local Soviet commander had committed his reserve, which included a company of T-90 tanks. The 'Booties' and Jäger had stopped the counter-attacks with ATGW, but could not make any further progress. The nearest Allied armour were two troops from A Squadron, 5 Royal Tank Regiment. However, six tanks, even ones as good as the Challenger 2, were not going to defeat a full company. So, an urgent request was radioed to the 2nd Battalion, Den Kongelige Livgarde, which hurriedly despatched a composite battle-group made up of what units had already landed. Co-ordinating with the RTR, the Danish force, formed of half of 1st (Centurion) Squadron, Gardehusarregimentet and the battalion's E Company, attacked the Soviet force. The British tanks engaged from in front, keeping the enemy's attention, while the Danish Centurions and CV9035s hit them from the flank.

“Gunner! Target tank! Load fin!” Premierløjtnant Bechfeldt ordered.
“Identified!” The gunner, the tanks other woman crewman, reported.
“Loaded!” The loader confirmed.
“Fire!”
“Firing now!”

'KABOOM!'

The frontal armour of the T-90 would probably have prevented it from suffering from serious damage. However, its side armour could not stop the 105mm sabot round from penetrating. The Soviet tank blew up, sending its turret into the air.

“Target stop!” Bechfeldt barked. “Gunner, next target!”

Caught between two NATO armoured forces, with ATGW from the marines and Jäger adding to the destruction, the Soviet armoured force crumbled. Its remnants retreated, being pursued by attack helicopters and artillery. With that threat eliminated, the Airmobile Group of the Northern Force was able to expand the bridgehead before digging in. [5]

The rest of the day would be spent landing the balance of 2nd (US) Marine Division and the attached 3 Commando Brigade. The lead units of the Swedish 13. Division would also start to come ashore. A rapid advance by USMC units to the north liberated city of Helsingør, and its ferry terminal. While much of the equipment of II MEF would still come over the beaches, some of it would soon start to be unloaded at Helsingør instead. [6]

*

The second NATO landing put General Lieutenant Sokolovskiy in a very difficult situation. Was the new landing a diversion, or was it the main attack and the one in the south a diversion? Or, was NATO mounting a two-pronged attack and both were the main attack. Intelligence coming in had indicated that the enemy had managed to out-flank the 26th Guards Motorised Rifle Division and was pushing towards Ringstead. He ordered the division, plus its Naval Infantry and Airborne attachments to form a new defensive line outside the city, sending two of his new provisional infantry companies to reinforce it. His other decision was to commit the remains of 88th Motor Rifle Division, reinforced by the 14th CAA's Independent Tank Battalion to counter the northern landing. The new landing was closer to Copenhagen, moreover, NATO air power meant that trying to send it south would mean losing at least half of it. The remaining provisional infantry companies were ordered to start digging in on the outskirts of the capital, reinforced by tanks and armoured vehicles that could not move. Being instead dug in as bunkers.

*

Another senior officer, General Nicholas Sumner, CINCNORTH, was also monitoring the progress of the developing battle closely. He had appointed his deputy as overall commander, but wanted to make sure he kept a close eye on the situation. SACEUR had let Sumner know that the decision when to commit any of LION's reserves were up to him. However, CINCNORTH knew that such a decision would need to be taken quickly if it was needed. Therefore, he had already devolved the decision to his deputy. [7]

“Looks like things are going quite well.” He commented as he studied the situation maps. “I'm going to go and get some lunch. If anything serious happens, have someone come get me.” He told his Chief of Staff. “And get yourself something to eat too. It's going to be a long day.”

***

[1] As noted in an earlier chapter, when Ansett Australia failed in October 2001 (as in RL), the Australian Government took over most of the fleet and staff, as effectively a government owned airline (unlike IRL). Using the aircraft to support military garrisons in the Far North. Civilians can use these flights, but they have to fit in with military needs and are not eligible for any compensation if, for example, flights are delayed, cancelled, or diverted.

[2] Information on RAAF F-4E and the AF-4I can be found here.

[3] A number of Second World War 'T' class SSK were based in Australia to act as targets as late as the 1960s. See link.

[4] Order of battle:

3rd Zealand Brigade
- 3rd Sjællandske Armoured Regiment :
-- A (Danske Livregiment) Squadron: Leopard 2A5DK
-- B (Danske Livregiment) Squadron: Stridsvagn 121
-- C (Gardehusarregimentet): Stridsvagn 121
-- D (Gardehusarregimentet): Leopard 2A5DK
- 3rd Sjællandske Mechanised Infantry Battalion:
-- A (Sjællandske Livregiment): CV9035DK
-- B (Sjællandske Livregiment): CV9035DK
-- C (Gardehusarregimentet): CV9035DK
-- 3rd (Centurion) Squadron: Stridsvagn 104
-- Support Company: M125, TOW on Land Rover
- 1st Battalion, Sjællandske Livregiment:
-- A Company: CV9035DK
-- B Company: CV9035DK
-- C Company: CV9035DK
-- 4th (Centurion) Squadron: Stridsvagn 104
-- Support Company: M125, TOW on Land Rover
- 2nd Battalion, Den Kongelige Livgarde:
-- D Company: CV9035DK
-- E Company: CV9035DK
-- F Company: M113
-- 1st (Centurion) Squadron, Gardehusarregimentet: Centurion Mk.5/2DK
-- Support Company: M125, TOW on Land Rover
- 3rd Battalion, Den Kongelige Livgarde:
-- G Company: CV9035DK
-- H Company: CV9035DK
-- I Company: M113
-- 2nd (Centurion) Squadron: Stridsvagn 104
-- Support Company: M125, TOW on Land Rover
- 4th Battalion, Danske Livregiment
-- J Company:
-- K Company:
-- L Company:
-- 3rd (Centurion) Squadron: Centurion Mk.5/2DK
-- Support Company: M125, TOW on Land Rover
- Composite Artillery Battalion: M109A3/ M114/39
- Armoured Engineer Company: M113, Centurion AVLB
- Logistic Battalion
- Military Police Detachment

[5] Order of battle:

Airmobile Group
- (US) 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) (-)(+)
-- (SE) Airmobile Infantry Brigade 12
-- (SE) Army Aviation Brigade 1
- (US) 10th Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Light)

[6] II MEF
- (DK) Detachment, Frømandskorpset
- (US) 2nd Marine Division (-)(+)
-- (UK/NL) 3 Command Brigade (+)
- (DK) 3rd Zealand Brigade
- (SE) 13. Division
-- Artillery Regiment 3
-- Panzer Brigade 8
-- Panzer Brigade 9 (from Western Military Area)
-- Mechanized Brigade 15 (from Western Military Area)

[7] Reserves for LION:

- (FR) 11e Division Parachutiste (-)
- (SE) 3. Division
-- Artillery Regiment 2
-- Infantry Brigade 17
-- Infantry Brigade 45
-- Infantry Brigade 47

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[Eaglenine2]

Eh where did the American armor appear in Zealand?

[Bernard Woolley]

A short distance up the coast from where the Danish armour was landed. M1A1 of 2nd Tank Battalion took part in the liberation of Helsingør.

[jemhouston]

Things are getting interesting around the globe.

Not answering when the military calls will be fatal.

[Bernard Woolley]

Not responding when not all that long ago two merchant raiders were either in those waters, or not all that far away is sub-optimal. Especially, when one carried out the worst attack on Australian soil. Ever.

[Matt Wiser]

Man, that was fast in between chapters! BZ as usual, my friend, and on to business:

General Sokolovsky may be in a doomed command, but he's not going to make it easy. One wonders if the Soviets ever studied how the Japanese defended islands in the Pacific War, apart from their own amphib operation against the Kurils, where they almost got thrown off the beach.

Nothing wrong with killing a Bear over the Gap.. Just hope he didn't get a message out before being splashed.

Kiwis made a BIG oops. Now to find out why nobody on that ship bothered to respond to repeated radio hails.

Centurions can still bite... as that T-90 found out. And 2nd Marine Division can announce "The Marines have landed and have the situation in hand."

Nice job, and get with 392!

[Bernard Woolley]

Man, that was fast in between chapters! BZ as usual, my friend, and on to business:

I was quite surprised myself how quickly it all came togther so quickly. Thanks, appreciate it.

General Sokolovsky may be in a doomed command, but he's not going to make it easy.

I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. He is significantly outnumbers and with SAM stocks dwindling, NATO aircraft are pretty much unopposed. Worse, the 82nd and 101st can dance around by helicopter to their hearts' content. The Soviets will fight hard, but they're not fanatics like the SNLF and IJA were.

Nothing wrong with killing a Bear over the Gap.. Just hope he didn't get a message out before being splashed.

The Sea Harrier was conceived with the 'hack the shad' role in mind. They became a more sophisticated plane later on and 1982 showed that the Sea Harrier could take on supersonic jets and win. I wanted to write that scene as a contrast with the opening one with the Mirage IIIO. In contrast, it is a routine, peaceful interception of a similar aircraft.

Kiwis made a BIG oops. Now to find out why nobody on that ship bothered to respond to repeated radio hails.

I would argue that they made sure that everyone knew about the new rules and it was the merchant ship at fault. As a hint, think about a recent collision in the North Sea.

Centurions can still bite... as that T-90 found out.

IIRC, IDF Merkava Mark I and II were able to take out T-72s using basically the same gun as the Danish Centurion had. A frontal shot would have been ineffective, but a flank shot was effective.

[drmarkbailey]

Very nice, Jan!

And I really like the interweaving of the pre-conflict Australian stories with the main storyline here. It's very well done. I especially like the IAF Bear quietly passing information on.

We are back in Brisbane after finally retiring from full-time service with the RAN, my wife and I are steadily unpacking boxes. And I have to spend a chunk of tonight working on a presentation I'm giving to the artillery association's 'Firepower 2026' series in Melbourne in 10 days. Not looking forward to the drive as it's about 1,650km each way.

Hopefully my last removal bar one. My wife and I are both book addicts, we got rid of around 3,000 books a year ago, so now I think that our libraries will now fit into our house as we are down to maybe 5,000 or so between us. This is progress....I think.....

My PhD supervisor (He's Emeritus now) drastically reduced his personal library to a mere 9-10,000 books and his newly built house is a sight to behold, he has 10-foot ceilings and guess what the hall and his office are lined with floor to ceiling? if you guessed custom book shelving, you are correct!

Cheers: Mark

[jemhouston]

Sounds like heaven on earth to me.

[Bernard Woolley]

Very nice, Jan!

Thanks very much, Mark.

And I really like the interweaving of the pre-conflict Australian stories with the main storyline here. It's very well done.

I felt that the Mirage IIIO and F-4E Phantom parts of the RAAF backstory had not been explored enough. I'm sure that the RAAF would also want to keep both aircraft in 'classic' camouflage. The AF-4I no doubt has something more modern.

Shortly after I decided that the RN would acquire a pair of 'longliner' AMS, the gem of that scene came to me. Choosing names of places that the UK and Australia was also a 'no brainer'. I also figured that the RAN squadron might not initially like the idea of being 'saddled' with 'rookies'. Technically there is not a rookie amongst the RN personnel, but they are new to that sort of mine warfare. However, I do think the RN attitude of needing to learn from a 'real' battle and owing the RAN something would go a long way. I was also interested to discover during my research for this chapter that there was an RN submarine squadron based in Australia for ASW training as late as January 1969!

I especially like the IAF Bear quietly passing information on.

Just passing the time while flying together. As in, "you know, we detected what we think was a Soviet SSN a while back. Who would have expected one to be at this position?"

we got rid of around 3,000 books a year ago

That wailing sound you can hear all the way in Brisbane is me crying at the idea of getting rid of books!

so now I think that our libraries will now fit into our house as we are down to maybe 5,000 or so between us. This is progress....I think.....

Lightweight! (my emphasis!)

mere 9-10,000 books

Next time you are in the UK, I need to have you over and let you see our books! We must have at least that number (not including those in the loft)!