The Blue Effect (Cold War) by Black Harvey

Author:Black, Harvey [Black, Harvey]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: SilverWood Books
Published: 2014-04-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

2000, 9 JULY 1984. 2ND US DIVISION, US III CORPS. WEST GERMANY.

THE BLUE EFFECT -22 HOURS

The General climbed up onto the glacis of an M1 main battle tank and surveyed the officers gathered around below his position. “At last, we’ve got our orders from on high, men. Central Army Command have stopped dithering and 7th US Army have finally made a decision.”

The assembled officers smiled, used to the general bitching about higher command. The man’s uniform was immaculate, his boots a deep gloss shine, his uniform almost more starch than material. God help any officer he came across who didn’t meet his exacting standards. At only five foot five, with a crew cut that nearly went to the bone, and a bristled moustache, his head gave the impression of being too big for his body. But he was a good soldier, highly respected by his men.

“As you all know, III Corps’ task is to reinforce the Northern Army Group of Forces. Well, they can’t expect to fight the war without us now, can they?”

Another chuckle from the assembled officers.

“Well, can they?!”

“No, sir!” responded the jubilant soldiers, the odd whoop in the background.

“Now that we have finally got our equipment issued and sorted, we can fulfil that mission. But, we’ve had a further delay. Who do we support? Where do they need some real muscle to help knock those red bastards right back to where they belong in Moscow?”

This time, the grins were broader and supported by more laughter and whooping from the group.

“It has been decided, against my better judgement I might add…” More laughter. He held his hand up for silence. “It has been decided that the Corps is going to be split. The 1st Cavalry Division, along with the 5th Infantry Division, are going north, to support the Dutch and Germans. The Germans are doing OK, but the Dutch are in a bit of a mess. They were late getting to the party, and the Soviets took advantage of that landing an air assault brigade behind them and kicking ass. There’s also a Polish army pushing hard up against them. Higher command believe that the Warsaw Pact are ready for a big push, so we have to get these two formations ready to blunt that attack. Otherwise, the northern flank will collapse, and we’ll have reds running all over us.”

“What about us then, sir?” called one of the Brigade commanders.

“Patience has never been one of your strengths, has it, Brigadier Daniels? Your Fort Benning report said you were too smart for your own good.”

Laughter ensued, and some of his fellow commanders backslapped the Brigadier.

“Just want to get into the fight, now we’re ready, sir.”

The US III Corps had flown all the way from the United States. The 1st US Cavalry Division headquarters was based in Fort Hood, Texas, and the 5th US Infantry Division in Fort Polk with the 2nd US Division, consisting of three brigades, an aviation brigade and an artillery regiment, also from Fort Hood in Texas.

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