The Last War? : Chapter 382

[Bernard Woolley]

With thanks to Matt Wiser.

*

D+31

*

1335 hours. Air Defence Range Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The drone began its run into the range. It was one of the brand-new Banshee Jet 40, which had only entered service in the last few months. It jinked hard as its operator made life hard for the AA system targeting it.

‘BRRRR!’

Despite its erratic flightpath, the Banshee was struck by around a hundred tungsten sub-projectiles. These shredded it, the fragments falling into the Bristol Channel, along with the sub-projectiles themselves.

Martin Frey lowered his binoculars and smiled. Despite its long journey, the system had performed as advertised. The components had been loaded into containers marked ‘agricultural equipment’ and ‘miscellaneous electronics and optical equipment – FRAGILE’ at the factory in Switzerland. They had then travelled to the UK by train via France and the Channel Tunnel. Being transferred to lorries at the Margam Knuckle Yard near Port Talbot in Wales, before being driven to Manorbier.

“Bring back any memories, Martin?” Wing Commander Mike Fonfé asked.

Frey nodded.

“Yes, I remember a day with poor weather in which you still managed to shred the target sleeve.”

Frey worked for the Swiss defence company, Oerlikon Contraves Defence, and back in the 1980s had been one of the senior members of the team that had helped Wing Commander Fonfé bring the Skyguard/Oerlikon system into service with the RAuxAF Regiment. Now he and his team were back in Wales to help with delivery of a new system. Well, actually, they were not in Wales. They were back in Switzerland. Frey’s team had been called up for service with the Swiss Army, crewing Swiss Skyguard/Oerlikon systems. It would have been a serious breach of Swiss neutrality were they to have been in the UK. Instead, there was actually a team from Oerlikon Contraves Defence’s West German partner, Rheinmetall Air Defence.
Wing Commander Fonfé had retired in 2000; however, he had been recalled to head the acquisition of additional and upgraded Skyguard/Oerlikon systems. The MoD had realised that there were few officers in the RAF with as much knowledge of the system as he had. Besides, he also knew the Swiss, sorry, West German team very well.

*

In 1999, Rheinmetall had attempted to purchase Oerlikon Contraves. However, the Swiss government had overruled the potential sale. Objecting to such an important Swiss defence company being owned by a company based in a NATO nation. One of the reasons given was that Swiss neutrality could be breached in the event of war. Instead, both companies instead formed a collaborative arrangement, with Rheinmetall buying shares in Oerlikon Contraves. The West German company took over marketing some of the Swiss weapons and would be responsible for after-sales service.

*

Frey’s team had also arrived by train, wearing civilian clothes, but now wearing green overalls. If anybody had asked, they had been told to say that they were West German technicians working with the British MoD. In the event, no civilians had questioned them. They were now assisting some RAF Regiment Gunners to crew the air defence system.

Frey and Fonfé raised their binoculars again as another Banshee hove into view, this time coming from the opposite direction. Again, it jinked, weaved and varied its altitude as its operator tried to keep it alive. For a second time the Skyguard radar tracked the elusive target, locking on. The GDF-007 gun mount tracked the target and opened up, firing a short burst of AHEAD 35mm rounds. Each of the rounds split into 152 Tungsten sub-projectiles, greatly increasing the chances of a kill. Once again, a Banshee drone was reduced to a collection of small bits.

Frey lowered his binoculars and nodded in satisfaction. He had known just how well the Skyguard system would work, but it was always good to see his confidence pay off.

“We can upgrade your existing guns to fire the AHEAD projectiles no problem, Mike.” He said. “It’s not difficult and there’s no need for any extensive training for the personnel. We have three guns in country, so I would recommend doing the upgrade one battery…sorry, flight at a time. Issue the flight with the new guns, while the existing guns are upgraded. Then issue those guns to the next flight.”
“And the ammunition?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem. A few NATO countries produce it, Canada for example, but, as far as I know, you already make it. I believe BAES picked up a contract to make rounds for Finland.”

Fonfé made a mental note to check. He checked his watch.

“We need to clear the range, ASAP, Martin. Got a team with some Bofors guns due to arrive shortly.”
“L/70s from your reserve?”

Fonfé nodded.

“Good gun.” Frey said simply. “Nice and simple to use.”

The Swiss could have chosen to be disparaging about the product of a rival company, but Frey genuinely appreciated the qualities of the Bofors gun.

1429 hours GMT. H.Q CENTAG (Forward), near Heidelberg, FRG.
Sergeant First Class Henry Hopper climbed back up into the turret of his M60A3TTS, having gone to answer a ‘call of nature’. Hopper was the platoon sergeant of 1st Platoon, D Armor Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment ‘Warriors’. In peacetime the battalion fulfilled the OPFOR mission at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) at Hohenfels. The battalion ‘played’ a Soviet Motor Rifle Regiment, its M1126 representing BTR-80s and -90s and M60s representing T-80s.
On mobilisation, the battalion had taken on the mission of providing security for the headquarters of the US Seventh Army and the Central Army Group. For the M60s taking on an operational role had involved re-fitting the M85 machine gun the commander’s cupola and fitting reactive armour on the turret and hull. Slat armour had also been fitted around the rear if the turret and hull sides. All of the equipment associated with the OPFOR mission, such as the MILES had been removed. [1]

*

The 1-4th Infantry had ended up being split over three sites – CENTAG (Forward), CENTAG (Main), which were both in the field, and H.Q Seventh Army/CENTAG (Rear) which was at Campbell Barracks, in Heidelberg. It was lucky, therefore, that the battalion was overstrength as part of its OPFOR role. For example, each platoon of D Armor Company had ten tanks, rather than the usual four. [2] The tank platoons had been attached to the three infantry companies assigned to protect each H.Q site, with D Company forming a mobile reserve with the remaining tanks and two platoons of M1126 and one of M966 Humvee with TOW. As well as the 1-4th, the three H.Q sites were also protected by US Military Police and West German Feldjäger. Headquarters personnel also took their turn manning some fixed positions, such as machine-gun posts, freeing up the other security forces to mount mobile patrols.

*

As 1 Platoon was essentially a small company, it was now being run that way. Being split into two ‘sub-platoons’ commanded by staff sergeants, with Hopper acting as the second in command. His tank and the one that belonged to 1st Lieutenant Brooker were attached to the ‘company H.Q’.

Having relieved himself, Hopper ordered his driver to move off. It was time for him to inspect the positions occupied by the ‘sub-platoons. He could have simply taken one of the two Humvees attached to platoon H.Q, but he felt that his tank crew and the M60 itself would benefit from a short journey.

*

Despite the best efforts to conceal H.Q CENTAG (Forward); for example, all of its radio traffic was being broadcast from several remote sites; the Soviets identified its approximate position. One telling indicator of a major headquarters being in a location was the fact that most reconnaissance aircraft sent into that area did not come back. The forests in the region also made it hard to spot targets for missile attack. Instead, the Western TVD had decided that the best way to neutralise H.Q CENTAG (Forward), at least for a while, was a ground attack. A task force comprised of Spetsnaz and recently arrived VDV reservists had been assembled in western Czechoslovakia.
Ageing An-26 ‘Curl-A’ had been assembled from a number of different units for the mission. As the aircraft would probably not make it back, the An-26 were considered expendable. Senior officers were not willing to sacrifice more modern aircraft, like the An-72. Under cover of other air activity, the ‘Curls’ would land the assault force in pre-identified clearings, before returning to Czechoslovakia. If they survived. After the attack, the assault force would disperse and carry out further ‘hit and run’ attacks while it made its way back to friendly lines.

As SFC Hopper’s tank approached the position of the first ‘sub-platoon’, the first An-26 was touching down. The clearing was a little shorter than expected and the ‘Curl’ ran into the trees at the far end, fortunately at slow speed. The flight crew sustained light to moderate injuries, not that the Spetsnaz aboard were concerned. They de-planed and headed for the RV, leaving the crew of the aircraft to their own devices.

1545 Hours GMT. Al-Taji Military Prison, Iraq.
To the Coalition POWs, the day had been mixed. Though the sandstorm that had engulfed the Baghdad area had cleared out, the clear skies meant that the heat returned. With everyone in both compounds suffering from heat rash at the very least, if not outright boils, the renewed heat would make those only get worse. Even though their Iraqi captors were allowing refills on their drinking water buckets, and for the first time since the prison opened, everyone had been allowed a bath day. However, prisoners in both compounds noted that, while most of the guards were now, at best, indifferent, there were still some of the nasties who had come from Al-Rashid, and even a few new ones who were also no slouches when it came to showing their mean and nasty side.

In both compounds, the respective SROs had given their approval to attempts to somehow signal their presence at the prison. As far as anyone knew, the prison buildings were not marked as such, though the guard towers were a giveaway to photo interpreters. With no communications between compounds, both SROs had made the decision independently, and would sort it out later-whenever that was.

For Lieutenant Commander Lisa Eichhorn, figuring out what method to signal was the easy part. Since the Son Tay POWs had used laundry as a way to signal to reconnaissance aircraft or drones, she had finally decided that would be the best way to do it. The hard part was when. So far, their captors had not allowed the POWs to wash their clothes, and who knew when that would happen.

So far, the day had been tolerable. The morning had started out as had been the norm, with the wakeup before the morning call to prayer, with the “breakfast” such as it was, with that stale toasted bread and weak tea. She had gotten through her workout routine, doing her 3,000 counts on her right foot and some calisthenics before things really got hot. Though the heat was a bother, as usual now, but so far, her heat rash had not gotten worse, and no boils, she was glad to see. How long that would go was another question entirely. Though Commander Eichhorn did know through com that PFC Lynch, one of her neighbours, had zero boils, though she was fair-skinned, and yet only had the heat rash bothering her, while Mac MacKenzie, her other neighbour, had several.

The guards had brought the noon meal-what passed for lunch was the usual soup with greens, “Mystery Meat” (which she thought was scrawny chicken with a few pieces of fat), a bowl of rice, and stale bread. One thing that the prisoners had found out was to kill time, was to take as much time eating as possible. A meal that one could finish in ten or fifteen minutes could stretch out to an hour. And that meant an hour of one's time that was gone.

After that meal, and not being chosen for the dishwashing detail, Commander Eichhorn had settled down to try and kill the afternoon when her cell door opened, revealing two guards.

“Get Dressed!” one shouted.

He then tapped his sleeves, which meant the yellow POW pyjamas.

After getting dressed, she was blindfolded, and she knew that meant another interrogation. The guards walked her out of the compound to the HQ building and interrogation shed, and after being shoved into a room, they made her stand for a while. Then she was shoved onto a stool, and only then was the blindfold removed to reveal the Commandant sitting behind a desk.

“Commander.”
“Yes.” she nodded.
“There is someone here who wishes to speak with you. You will answer all questions and be polite and respectful at all times, or you will be punished. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“Good. Before we begin.” the Commandant said. “I have a question for you. Why are you and the other prisoners in your compound often....shall we say, underdressed?”

Commander Eichhorn was surprised. That was the last thing that she expected to be asked.

Not wanting to let slip that the POWs were communicating, she said, “I can only speak for myself.”
“Go on.”
“When you're not used to heat like this? I'll try anything. And if the others are doing the same? I don't blame them.”
“I see. Well, then. That answers that.”

The Commandant nodded, and to Commander Eichhorn's surprise, a female Iraqi officer came in. Dressed in the uniform of an Iraqi Air Force Major, complete with leather flight jacket and pilot's wings on said jacket and carrying a briefcase, the woman came in and stood behind the Commandant.

“You will be polite and respectful, as I said.” Then he left the room.
“I am Major Layla.” The woman said. Seeing Commander Eichhorn's jaw drop, she smiled. “Yes, Iraq's daughters can enter the Air Force and fly. We fly transports and are flight instructors, so that the sons of Iraq can become Saddam's Falcons.”

She then opened the briefcase and took out an Arabic-language magazine, with glossy photos of several Iraqi AF female pilots. She gave it to Eichhorn to go through.

“How many hours?” Commander Eichhorn asked as she saw the article, and the woman in front of her was in it.

This was new, though she knew that Jordan and the UAE had female pilots, this was a first. None of her intel briefings on the Iraqi AF had mentioned this. But she could tell this woman was talking the talk and walking the walk, as Jimmy Johnson said when he was coaching the Dallas Cowboys.

“About Fifteen hundred.” Layla said. “Mostly in the PC-9, then the L-29 and L-39 trainers.”
“So, you're a Flight Instructor.” Not unlike some of the first female Naval Aviators back in the 1970s and then on through the '80s, Eichhorn knew.
“Yes.” The Iraqi replied. “Now, have you been in combat before the current hostilities began? As in enforcing the so-called 'No Fly Zones?' Or in the criminal attacks in December 1998?”

Commander Eichhorn thought for a minute. The last thing she wanted now was to give this woman a reason to report to the Commandant, and then she'd get a beating at least, if not a full-blown session in the ropes. Best to play things by ear.

“No, I wasn't here in '98, and I did fly the No-Fly Zones, but didn't drop ordnance.”
“I see. So, your first combat was when the war began, correct?”
“Yes.”

‘Layla’ nodded. Then she showed Eichhorn an article from USA Today's International Edition. It was the same one that she'd been asked to point out if she knew the two all-female F-14 ace team members.

“Do you know these four?”
“I told someone some time ago, but I'll tell you. No. I may have bumped into them on the ship or seen them in the Officer's Mess (she didn't want to explain the term “Wardroom”) but haven't flown with them.”

The Iraqi woman looked at her.

“So, you don't know them.” Seeing Commander Eichhorn nod, she said, “One last question: How long does it take to become a Naval Aviator in your Navy?”

Commander Eichhorn thought again. This wasn't classified by any means, and several books and magazine articles had mentioned how long the various syllabuses took. And, no doubt, that information was available on the Internet. Not worth a dozen or so smacks on the back with a rubber hose.

“About a year, depending on whether you're going helicopter, multiengine, or the carrier track.”
“About a year?”
“Give or take a month or two.”

Commander Eichhorn saw a smile on the woman's face, a pleasant one. That was a first.

“I see. You may go.” She nodded to a guard, who blindfolded her, then walked her back to the compound and her cell. After taking off the blindfold and shoving her in, Commander Eichhorn got on the wall to Mac and to Lynch, warning them about this interrogator and her session. Mac was surprised when she was told via tap code.

“A Female Iraqi AF pilot?”
“Yeah. She knows what she's talking about and is the real deal.” Eichhorn tapped. “Pass it on. So far, it's just stuff they can find out in World Air Power Journal or on the Web. If she asks that, play along. If she gets into stuff they really don't need to know, then we'll have to take it on the chin.”

She knew full well what that meant, and another session in the ropes or on her knees was something that she definitely didn't want.

“Been there, done that.” Mac replied, recalling her own previous torture sessions. “I'll pass it on.”

It wasn't long until Mac was taken to interrogation, then Laura Black's turn. After her, it was Sharon Park and Bev Lynne. Was this Layla planning on talking to all of the female pilots and aircrew? It looked that way. Though when she came back, Mac reported her interrogation was just like what Eichhorn had said. And so did the others, via com. And all of them said this “Layla” was the real deal, not an actor or some intel officer pretending to be a pilot. Well, would the next day confirm what she thought? One way or another, we'll find out.

After being fed in the evening, Commander Eichhorn got out of her pyjamas and got ready for bed. At least this beat-up mattress is better than the floor, she thought. She took the blanket she used as a pillow and laid down, just in her boxer shorts. Got through another day. She thought of not just her boyfriend, but her friends in both VA-185 and VA-115. Stay safe, everybody. Sure don't want any of you getting a room here. She then closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.

1615 hours GMT. Ecklingerode, DDR
The village of Ecklingerode sat just inside the DDR, in what had once been Thuringia. Being so close to the border, the East German authorities made sure that the majority of the residents were ‘politically reliable’ or were at least under the surveillance of those who were. The village was dominated by the nearby border fortifications and the ever-present Grenztruppen. Most of the male population who had not already been called up for military service, were members of the Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse.
Many of the Grepos and the local KdA unit had now been forward deployed into the West German city of Duderstadt, forming part of the occupation force. To make up for the departure of the KdA, older members of the Freie Deutsche Jugend had been issued firearms and put under the command of some men from the KdA considered too old or unfit to deploy away from their home village.

Nobody in that sector of the GDR border worried about the fact that most of the Soviet Army and NVA units had been redeployed to counter NATO attacks to the north and south. All they faced were the Belgians, who, while they were advancing, had proven to be very sluggish. There would be plenty of time to move any additional reserves to deal with them, if it proved necessary.

*

The FV101 Scorpions of 4e Régiment Chassuers a Cheval halted as they reached the edge of a strip of trees. Ahead of them the commander of the troop could see the border fortifications and the border crossing itself, which looked lightly defended. He could just see a few Grepos and light skinned vehicles. Patrols from 1er Compagnie d'Equipes Spéciales de Reconnaissance (ESR) had already advised that the IGB seemed to be lightly defended, and now it had been confirmed. On hearing the news, Lieutenant General Dehaese decided to take a chance. He ordered the Corp Reconnaissance Command to take the crossing, attaching 3de Linieregiment to reinforce it. He also ordered 16de Pantserdivisie to push towards the border and seize Ecklingerode. The corps’ engineers were also alerted to the fact that they would need to clear a path through the minefields and border fences.

Technically, Dehaese should have requested permission from COMNORTHAG before ordering any advance into East German territory; limited incursions were allowed. However, he had decided that it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Moreover, his corps needed a real morale boost. He did also need to worry about liberating Duderstadt. The general decided that most of his corps would bypass the city. However, thankfully 10e Pantserinfanteriebrigade had recently been brought back up to strength by soldiers from the Interior Forces. Liberating Duderstadt would be a good ‘blooding’ for the brigade. To give it additional infantry he ordered the 14th Line Regiment to join the brigade.

*

The Leclerc tanks of 2de Jaagers te Paard burst on the Grepos like wolves on sheep. Like those animals, the border guards not killed fled in panic. Scattering in almost all directions. Joined by CV9035BE from 3de Linieregiment, the Belgians advanced towards Ecklingerode itself. The force halted at the edge of the village, splitting north and south to partially surround it. Some sporadic gunfire had come from Ecklingerode, though it had been ineffective and the few RPGs fired at Belgian armoured vehicles had fallen short.

*

Lieutenant Colonel Lambert’s AIFV-B-CP command vehicle slowed as it approached the border crossing. There had not been time to clear the bodies of the Grepos and they lay besides their burned-out vehicles and destroyed border crossing building. Now that 10e Pantserinfanteriebrigade had reached the IGB, Lambert’s 5e Régiment de Lanciers had been ordered to join the task force assigned to take Ecklingerode, before pushing a few kilometres east and take up defensive positions.

The Belgians had paused long enough to allow any civilians who wanted to leave the village to flee to the east. Most of those left were probably hostile and the brigade commander was happy to order Ecklingerode to be taken.

With 2de Jaagers te Paard and 3de Linieregiment providing covering fire from the flanks, 5e Régiment de Lanciers pushed into the village itself. The battle group’s Leclerc and HAFV rolled forward. Lambert had decided that his infantry would stay aboard the HAFV, until they needed to assault a building. That proved to be a wise decision, as the defenders of Ecklingerode did not poses any weapons that could penetrate the armour of the Belgian vehicles. A pair of HAFV and a Leclerc were disabled when the East Germans were able to hit their tracks with RPG rounds. However, that was the best they were able to achieve. With much of the village on fire, the surviving defenders were now concentrated in a few buildings at the eastern edge. The Leclercs fired 120mm HEAT rounds into the houses, followed by the HAFV pumping 30mm HE rounds into what was left. Infantrymen now dismounted and dealt with anyone who still showed any fight.

*

Lambert bent down and picked up the blood stained MPi-KMS-72 (AKMS) rifle from the ground. It was missing its magazine, and the wire stock was bent. Its former owner was lying just over a meter away. A burst of gunfire from the co-axial machine gun of an HAFV had struck him in the chest and removed most of his head.

“Can’t have been more than sixteen, or at most seventeen.” Lambert said, his voice flat.

He threw the battered rifle down by the dead body and shook his head.

“What a waste.” Lambert added, feeling sick.
“A member of the Freie Deutsche Jugend, Sir.” The commander of one of the attached infantry companies commented. “A high proportion of the defenders were FDJ. Plus, some old men who must have been KdA at one time.”
“What is it with the Germans and using kids and old men to fight their battles?” Lambert wondered. “Was hardly much of a battle; not that I’m not happy we took so few casualties, though.”

1731 hours GMT. Naval Air Station Barbers Point, O’ahu.
The US Navy C-130T touched down, waking Tara Chase from her slumber. She, Charlotte Purdey and the Soviet defector had ended up spending far more time in Australia than had been planned. ASIO had identified what it believed was a cell of KGB ‘sleepers’ who had been activated to kill the defector. So, the decision had been taken to keep the defector at the Sydney safe house until the Australian Federal Police located and arrested the cell. After that, the trio had been put aboard the first available plane heading east. Which just happened to be a US Navy Hercules heading to Hawai’i.

Tara Chase waited until all of the other passengers had left the aircraft before climbing down onto the tarmac. She saw two men in camouflage unform with USN rank insignia waiting for her.

“Tara Chase?” The younger of the two asked. “I’m Commander McGarrett, this is Commander Magnum. We’re here to escort you to the safe house.”
“Okay, let’s get moving, ASAP.” Chase replied, not bothering with small talk.

She turned and waved towards the C-130T. Purdey and the Soviet defector emerged. Chase took up position close to the Defector as McGarrett and Magnum led them to the vehicles. The three of them got into the rear of a vehicle driven by McGarrett, Magnum taking his place in the rear vehicle.

“This is my partner, Detective Sergeant Danny Williams.” McGarrett said, introducing the man sitting in the front passenger seat.
“Hi, welcome to Hawai’i.” Williams said simply.
“Thanks, I appreciate you doing this.” Chase asked. “Can I ask another favour?”
“Sure.”
“We had to leave our handguns back in Australia. For some reason your naval aviators don’t like people carrying guns on their aircraft.” Chase replied, a small smile appearing on her face.

McGarrett nodded.

“We’ll get you fixed up.” He said. “For the moment take mine and Danny’s back-up weapons.”

These turned out to be a P239 and a PPK. Chase took the offered weapons.

“I’ll have the PPK, thanks.” Purdey said. “Have a bit of a fondness for it.”

She checked it was loaded, before putting it away in a pocket. Hoping that it would not be needed.

*

Just before officers from New South Wales Police’s State Protection Group had smashed their front door down, the KGB cell in Sydney had managed to find out that the Defector was about to be flown to the USA in a military aircraft. Unfortunately for the AFP officers accompanying the raid, they did not get a chance to question the cell. One of them had reached for a gun and in the confusion all four members of the cell were shot dead. Therefore, the AFP and ASIO did not find out for some time that a message had been sent.

The KGB had moved with commendable quickness for once (killing the Defector had been given top priority). They sent warnings to assets they still had in American territory. One of those assets promptly replied that he would be more than happy to eliminate the Defector, for a price. This particular asset was a major figure in organised crime. He only helped the KGB and GRU when they paid him and paid him well. The KGB reluctantly transferred the requested amount of money to a bank account in the Cayman Islands. With the money in his account, Wo Fat put his considerable resources to work. Very soon, via an air traffic controller who owed a bookie a considerable amount of money, he found out that a US Navy aircraft carrying three civilian passengers was due to land at NAS Barbers Point. It was simplicity itself to position watchers on the roads that led away from the air station.

*

As the three-car convoy turned out of Barbers Point, Purdey suddenly felt uneasy. She had felt that feeling before many times in the past just before something really bad happened. She glanced across at Chase, who nodded in reply. She felt it too.

“Commander McGarrett, something isn’t right.” Chase said.

A moment later she was proven very right.

***

[1] The US Army procured the same reactive armour kit that the USMC used on its M60A1 RISE. Although, in @ it was only ever fitted for test purposes and never used operationally.

[2] D Armor Company had forty M60A3TTS representing T-80s. Ten with each platoon, with three attached to company H.Q (a total of thirty-three). Seven tanks were held as a replacements/spare-parts reserve. See: Vollert, Verlag Jochen, ‘M60 OPFOR – U.S M60 MBTs in the ‘T-80 Aggressor’ Role for Opposing Forces Training’ (Erlangen 2025), ps.3-4.

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[Lordroel]

Another good update, seems the roles of entering g Germany are being reversed.

[Bernard Woolley]

Thank you very much. Appreciate your comments.

I did think it would be interesting to have the Belgians be the first to enter the GDR in force.

[Jotun]

I keep asking myself if the Heer will enter the DDR. Legally under the Four Powers Agreement, they weren‘t allowed to, if I remember correctly.

Spetsnaz vs. (older) MBTs? Someone is going to have an exiciting but short time of it. FWIW, the Feldjäger could have acquired a specialty that was only developed in @ after the Bundeswehr went out of area, close protection.

[Bernard Woolley]

I keep asking myself if the Heer will enter the DDR. Legally under the Four Powers Agreement, they weren‘t allowed to, if I remember correctly.

I'm not sure the FPA is in force at this point.

FWIW, the Feldjäger could have acquired a specialty that was only developed in @ after the Bundeswehr went out of area, close protection.

Would make sense for them to have that capability to to protect senior Bundeswehr officers.

[Eaglenine2]

That one very large armor company.

[Bernard Woolley]

It represented a Soviet tank battalion. 30 odd tanks was about the right strength for one, IIRC.

[James1978]

Good chapter!

Refresh my memory, please. The Soviet defector is the one from the airliner that diverted to Diego Garcia?

Nice to see the Belgians get a win.

Keep up the good work!

[jemhouston]

I thought Magnum was a Captain?

[Simon Darkshade]

Right, we have:
1.) An already militarised and partially mobilised Australia
2.) Followed by an epoch defining attack that essentially wipes Canberra off the map
3.) A mass mobilisation of 800,000+ on top of several hundred thousand already in service
4.) After this, chronologically, we have a double layer of white gloves being pulled on regarding even the potential for anything connected with Russia at all, let alone a KGB sleeper cell
5.) Such a circumstance being treated as a 'police matter' and going for arrests.

It doesn't really follow. They aren't going to arrest them, but go in with a fair bit of blood up, with overt military force. Less of a quiet knock on the door a la Osama and more of how Uday and Qusay met their ends. It might be counterproductive in intelligence terms, but this is the first opportunity to kill literal commies since the Canberra atrocity.

In terms of weight of population, the impact of what has been canonically written for Canberra is equivalent to 320,000 Americans being killed on the day of 9/11. If any sense of human or storytelling logic applies, they aren't going to be going by Marquis of Queensbury/peacetime rules.

Besides this, there isn't going to be scope for a sleeper cell to have a go in public. There are going to be thousands of troops on the streets of Sydney and the place will be tighter than tight can be, replete with armoured vehicles, aircraft and more.

[James1978]

I hear what you're saying, Simon, but I don't read it that way. Or at least I think there is enough vagueness there that it's not a slam dunk.

I read it that ASIO identified a suspected KGB sleeper cell. Now unless I'm mistaken, even in wartime, ASIO is probably better equipped to track down foreign intelligence assets than military intelligence. Presumably, it would be nice to capture them alive and interrogate them - they may know about other, still dormant cells. And last I checked, you arrest spies, you don't take them as POWs. I suspect some small frustration at not having anyone to interrogate, but I doubt anyone is losing sleep over the dead spies.

I also assume that time is of the essence. I'm also guessing the SAS and Commandos were otherwise occupied, or at least not quickly available. The ideal unit for the job isn't always available. But a state level police tactical unit is probably better suited to the task at hand that whatever reserve infantry unit would get detailed, given time is of the essence and we can't wait for the SAS. Though I suspect the army did provide the outer perimeter and backup - the lesson of the Chicago PD going after a Spetsnaz safe house all on their own will not be lost.

Then there is this:

One of them had reached for a gun and in the confusion all four members of the cell were shot dead.

I can't be the only one who reads that as [sarcasm]"Honest Mr. ASIO Agent, hand on a bible, that nasty Russian reached for a gun, and well, we didn't mean to kill them all. Oopsie, our bad. "[/sarcasm].

As far as the cell having a go in public. Just because Moscow activated them and gave them a mission, doesn't mean accomplishing the mission was realistic. But without knowing the security arrangements at the safe house, or it's location, who knows what the chance of success was. The cell may have gotten their orders, but that doesn't mean they didn't think it was a suicide mission based on their local knowledge.

[Simon Darkshade]

I also see what you are saying, but the context is rather particular. Perhaps the only comparable event we can draw analogies from is the Menezes shooting on the Tube in 2005 so soon after the London bombings, but even that doesn’t compare to the level of the attack on Canberra. This wouldn’t just be ‘shoot first, ask questions much, much later, if at all’, but something more visceral.

20,000 dead is 0.1% of the whole population of Australia, not to mention the shock and decapitation of the government. There are going to be a lot of troops in Sydney on public duties, and they are going to be itchy.

What would the US reaction have been if Washington DC had been hit and 320,000 killed - not casualties, but dead? How would the British react if a hit on London had killed 65,000? Those are the levels we should think about here.

[Jotun]

I also see what you are saying, but the context is rather particular. Perhaps the only comparable event we can draw analogies from is the Menezes shooting on the Tube in 2005 so soon after the London bombings, but even that doesn’t compare to the level of the attack on Canberra. This wouldn’t just be ‘shoot first, ask questions much, much later, if at all’, but something more visceral.

20,000 dead is 0.1% of the whole population of Australia, not to mention the shock and decapitation of the government. There are going to be a lot of troops in Sydney on public duties, and they are going to be itchy.

What would the US reaction have been if Washington DC had been hit and 320,000 killed - not casualties, but dead? How would the British react if a hit on London had killed 65,000? Those are the levels we should think about here.

That‘s "roll up the 105mm howitzer and put a couple of rounds through the wall" territory.

That said, 320,000 dead in DC would mean a nuclear strike at whoever carried out that attack. Thank you for putting it in perspective.

[Simon Darkshade]

Home now, so more capacity to expand.

The entire flow of the event can work, but perhaps just with a bit of tweaking:

- Having ASIO (note that it is not 'the ASIO' anymore than it would be 'the MI5') get a further lead on a potential threat from a sleeper cell
- Emphasise very heavy security of the movement of the assets. possibly with a decoy 'very heavy convoy' of some older armoured vehicles on the streets, whilst defector and officers are slipped from the safe house to RAAF Base Richmond, then put aboard the first available plane
- Maybe throw in a sentence about there being a very noticeable military presence on the streets in response to the Canberra attack, which ended up delaying the KGB cell whilst they sought updated instructions
- Meanwhile, Tactical Assault Group East (which in the mobilised circumstances would still be present, but likely made up of reserve Commandos) attack the residence in a joint operation with the SPG and AFP
- The AFP are very, very, very disappointed that they did not get the opportunity to question the cell, as they were killed in (insert very heavy firepower reference) the process
- Thus, due to the Aussies having their blood up, a bit of time elapses before they realise that they made a bit of an understandable oopsie, and the Sovs managed to get the word out before being sent to meet Lenin

Thus, with a couple of changed sentences and a bit of juggling, it could work, should there be a desire to tweak it in this way.

Post Canberra, as per the thread on the same topic, I postulated that the Standby/Ready Reserve of 120,000 will be called up effective immediately. Those will be the men and women on the streets of Sydney (and other cities), as well as bases etc. The subsequent 100,000 conscripts for the Army and 320,000 CMF/Home Service Force won't be available yet, being just starting to be fed into the sausage machine.

[Matt Wiser]

Whoo-hoo! Great chapter, and BZ, my friend. Always glad to help out, and so to business:

The Swiss have to be looking the other way with this deal.. Not that anyone's complaining as yet.

Spetsnatz going after CENTAG's field HQ, and probably hoping to get Actual. With the only U.S. Army M-60s in Europe a very deadly obstacle. The Soviets may have an exciting, but short, life. Or maybe not.

The Iraqis are trying something a little different, trying to get the female aircrew POWs to open up a little. And yes, Saddam's air force did have female pilots-serving as flight instructors and even flying transports.

EGs finding out that their border can be crossed. There will be a violent Soviet and EG reaction to the incursion, though.

There's going to be a rolling gun battle along that Oahu road...Magnum and McGarrett will be heavily engaged.

Oh, I agree: if there had been 300K+ killed in an attack on D.C.? Nuclear strike follows on the guilty parties.

Good work again, and get with 383!

[James1978]

I thought Magnum was a Captain?

If Wiki is to be believed, he was a Lieutenant Commander, then became a Commander in he final episode.

[Jotun]

I thought Magnum was a Captain?

If Wiki is to be believed, he was a Lieutenant Commander, then became a Commander in he final episode.

IIRC, Bernard made him a captain.

At least McGarrett can get his rocks off shooting people again. For some reason, I dislike the character immensely.

[Pdf27]

Home now, so more capacity to expand.

The entire flow of the event can work, but perhaps just with a bit of tweaking:

- Having ASIO (note that it is not 'the ASIO' anymore than it would be 'the MI5') get a further lead on a potential threat from a sleeper cell
- Emphasise very heavy security of the movement of the assets. possibly with a decoy 'very heavy convoy' of some older armoured vehicles on the streets, whilst defector and officers are slipped from the safe house to RAAF Base Richmond, then put aboard the first available plane
- Maybe throw in a sentence about there being a very noticeable military presence on the streets in response to the Canberra attack, which ended up delaying the KGB cell whilst they sought updated instructions
- Meanwhile, Tactical Assault Group East (which in the mobilised circumstances would still be present, but likely made up of reserve Commandos) attack the residence in a joint operation with the SPG and AFP
- The AFP are very, very, very disappointed that they did not get the opportunity to question the cell, as they were killed in (insert very heavy firepower reference) the process
- Thus, due to the Aussies having their blood up, a bit of time elapses before they realise that they made a bit of an understandable oopsie, and the Sovs managed to get the word out before being sent to meet Lenin

Thus, with a couple of changed sentences and a bit of juggling, it could work, should there be a desire to tweak it in this way.

I think it's important to remember that we know this was the real cell. I have no doubt that at the time they were going in the strike force will not have known this - they will have been told that information has been received that the people in the house are maybe up to something, and they are being sent to take them in. Because if the nature of the war, they will be aware that there are Spetznaz/similar out there (hence the use of significant force) but they won't be aware that this particular target might be. And there will be dozens of similar raids happening in parallel because the entire intelligence apparatus got hit very hard and they'll be pushing hard to round up what they can with what they have - a recipe for poor signal:noise ratio in their information.
So the scenario is that a number of raids are going in, and due to good tradecraft on the part of the Soviets this isn't considered a particularly likely target so given to the Police rather than the armed forces. It also needs to be remembered that the Tier 1 SF troops who would handle this sort of thing in peacetime have their own very important war role to carry out so the choice is probably either Police, Line Infantry or Reservists.

[jemhouston]

I thought Magnum was a Captain?

If Wiki is to be believed, he was a Lieutenant Commander, then became a Commander in he final episode.

IIRC, Bernard made him a captain.

At least McGarrett can get his rocks off shooting people again. For some reason, I dislike the character immensely.

I didn't dislike McGarrett, I just didn't care enough to watch the 50 or Magnum reboots on a regular basis.