Strategic Services by Phil Ward

Author:Phil Ward [Ward, Phil]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-22T22:00:00+00:00

Colonel John Randal, Major the Lady Jane Seaborn, Beverly Blackwell and Lana, who was working as Beverly’s bodyguard, were having a late lunch at the Gezira. As usual, they were at a table in the back of the restaurant behind a palm. The place was packed, even at this hour. There was a hum of excitement in the air . . . or maybe it was tension. Eighth Army was marshaling for its long-anticipated attack. Or counterattack, as it might more accurately be described. Rommel’s last effort had pushed the Allies all the way east—almost to Alexandria—before running out of steam and being forced to fall back to El Alamein. Panzerarmee Afrika was presently ensconced in massively mined defensive positions, short on fuel and tanks, with little hope of reinforcements any time soon.

Now Eighth Army had a new commander, new U.S. tanks and new hopes of winning a decisive victory.

Col. Randal said, “Let’s fly to Oasis X in the morning. I need Terry to bring me up to speed on the status of Raiding Regiment.”

“Love to,” Lady Jane said.

Beverly said, “Can I come?”

Lana flashed a dazzling smile. She did not say anything. But then, she never did—at least to Col. Randal.

Colonel Dudley Clarke and Commander Ian Fleming, out from England, arrived at their table. In addition to having a mission for Raiding Forces, Cdr. Fleming was in Egypt to meet with Lieutenant Douglas Fairbanks to discuss the idea of forming an OSS RED INDIAN-type team composed of U.S. Navy personnel trained to enter enemy ports during an Allied invasion with the express purpose of capturing classified documents and secret enemy technology.

That was classified.

Col. Clarke said, “Lady Jane, I realize we are not currently on the best of terms; however, Commander Fleming flew in because a RED INDIAN target has been identified. For my part, I need a word with Colonel Randal on a subject of major importance.”

Cdr. Fleming asked, “May we sit down?”

“You may, Ian,” Lady Jane said, “Dudley, I made it clear that as long as you are associated with Cuthbert Bowlby, you are not a welcome guest.”

“I understand Curly offended you, Lady Jane. What he did was inexcusable,” Col. Clarke said. “However, the matter I need to discuss with Colonel Randal is larger than A-Force, Raiding Forces, or an ill-advised affront to your personal integrity for that matter. Give me a moment to talk to Colonel Randal, then I shall be on my way.”

Col. Randal said, “Let’s step in the back.”

When they were alone in a corner, Col. Clarke said, “Everything I am about to tell you is classified Top Secret. No one else has the ‘Need to Know’. No one.”

Col. Randal said, “Understood.”

“Great Britain and the United States are in the final stage of preparing to open a second front called OPERATION TORCH. Where is not important. What you need to know is it’s the most ambitious, complex, high-risk amphibious operation in modern history. The British admiral commanding the fleet sailing from England has informed the Prime

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