After the Last War: Chapter 2

[Bernard Woolley]

Chapter 2

*

D+100

*

1021 hours GMT, 31st July. Soviet Embassy, Harare, Zimbabwe.
The sound of small-arms fire could be heard from the embassy, so General Major Pavel Lebedev had taken to the roof to see what he could. Lebedev was a bitter man, he had seen all his plans turn to ash when an agreement between the United States and his government had seen the withdrawal of Soviet and East German combat forces from Zimbabwe. His MAAG had been reduced to a handful of instructors, although at least a company of Spetsnaz had been allow to remain as embassy 'guards'. Moreover, the Soviets and East Germans had left their armoured vehicles and heavy weapons behind, handing them over to the Zimbabweans. The disengagement agreement had also seriously undermined Lebedev's position with President Mugabe, who had only recently placed in charge of the Zimbabwe Defence Force, minus any units deployed for internal policing.

When Mugabe had heard of the agreement he had, predictably, gone mad. He had publicly denounced the Soviets and East Germans as 'cowards' and 'revisionists'. As the combat troops of the MAAG had driven towards the border with Mozambique, they were pelted with various missiles by crowds that had gathered 'spontaneously'. He had also stripped Lebedev of command and taken command personally. Declaring that he would sweep the South African 'race-traitors' from Zimbabwe. The SANDF had rather pulled the rug out from under him on that point, by withdrawing back to South African and Botswana. The purges in the ZDF had also begun to bare poisonous fruit. Military personnel and senior members of the ruling ZANU-PF had begun to wonder who Mugabe would come for next. Moreover, his orders to attack South Africa and Botswana made no sense, given that the earlier fighting had inflicted crippling losses on the ZDF. Coincidentally, most of the 'regime protection' units, such as the Presidential Guard and 5 Brigade, had been shattered. Furthermore, the East Germans who had taken over the guard of the State House were now gone.

Fearing that they were about to be purged, in the early hours of 31st July, senior ZDF officers, supported by elements of the ZANU-PF leadership, had launched a coup. They had rapidly seized television and radio stations and had began to broadcast that what was happening was not a military coup. Instead they were 'targeting criminals' who had deceived the President and were responsible for the country's problems. With no serious opposition, the coup forces had quickly seized key sites around the city. The only serious opposition came around the State House, where Mugabe loyalists had gathered. The small-arms fire that Lebedev could hear was coming from the fighting around the building.

The general could not see any fighting, but he could see smoke rising from the area where the State House was. As he watched he heard the distinctive 'crack' of tank cannon. He recognised the firing as coming from 125mm cannons, which meant that there was a good chance that the coup forces were using T-72s that had once belonged to the MAAG's tank battalion. He sighed. Lebedev had wanted to replace Mugabe with someone who was more predicable and amenable to Soviet 'advice', but who knew how this coup would end.

“Comrade General, Comrade General, you need to come down and see this!” A junior officer from the MAAG called to Lebedev. “There is an important broadcast on ZBC!”
“I am coming, Comrade Senior Lieutenant.”

A television had been set up in the ad hoc 'command centre' that had been established in the part of the embassy complex used by the MAAG. It was permanently tuned to ZBC TV. As Lebedev entered the room the screen showed a man in the uniform of a ZNA general speaking. He recognised him as the ZDF Chief of Staff, a man he had regarded as something akin to a friend.

“It is with great sadness that I have to report the tragic death of our beloved Comrade President Robert Mugabe. The criminals that we were moving against today took the Comrade President hostage before loyal forces could reach the State House. Despite appeals from us calling on them to surrender, the criminals murdered Comrade President Mugabe and the First Vice President, before setting the State House on fire in an effort to aid their escape. However, loyal units of the army have arrested or killed the criminal who murdered our beloved Comrade President...”

Lebedev shook his head, deciding that it was a long time since he had heard such total b*llshit. As far as he was concerned, the coup plotters had probably killed Mugabe and his wife.

“Get a flash message off to Moscow!” He ordered. “If any of you still have good contacts in the ZNA use them now. We need to know what is really going on. Also, see if you can get through to the Chief of Staff's office. I need to speak to him ASAP!”

1031 hours. MoD Main Building, Whitehall, London.
The Secretary of Defence had already had a busy day and it was still mid-morning. His day had started with a briefing from the Defence Intelligence Staff, before heading to the House of Commons for Defence Questions. Now that Parliament was sitting again, Members of Parliament expected to be kept as informed as national security allowed. The rest of his morning would be filled with meetings, attending the War Cabinet before lunch, more meetings after lunch, with the day being rounded off by a meeting of the full Cabinet.
His last meeting before heading off to the War Cabinet was one with the Chief of the Defence Staff and the three service chiefs. The CDS had indicated that it was vitally important, but would not elaborate further.

“Good morning, Sir Michael, gentlemen.” The Secretary of Defence said, as the military men filed into his office, reflecting that even dressed in civilian suits they still looked like senior military officers.

The previous Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Boyce, had on the announcement of the Armistice, requested to retire. He had already extended his term as CDS by almost two years and the request had been granted, with the Admiral being created a life peer as Baron Boyce of Pimlico shortly afterwards. He had been succeeded by Field Marshal Sir Michael Walker, the now promoted army Chief of the General Staff. The appointment had changed the balance of the service chiefs, which had until recently been dominated by the Royal Navy.

“I trust you're all well.” He continued. “The usual refreshments are available if you would like to partake.”
“Good morning, Minister.” Field Marshal Walker replied. “I think we're all well, and I will certainly take advantage of your hospitality.”

Once everybody had sat down and had gotten themselves cups of coffee, or tea and buscuits, Walker revealed the purpose of the meeting.

“Minister, we have a serious matter we have to bring to you. I'm sure you are aware that we have a significant deployment of forces to the Middle East, including an armoured brigade.”
“I am. I know that pre-war the army had a reinforced battalion group and SAS detachment in Kuwait, the RAF had a Tornado flight and tanker detachment, and of course the navy's Armilla Patrol was in the region. The army brought in forces from Suffield to bring their deployment up to brigade strength with an Omani battle group attached. Have I missed anything out?”

Walker was reminded that the current incumbant as Secretary of State took his brief very seriously and was very knowledgeable of military affairs.

“Not as far as I know, Minister. However, what we really want to bring to you is that we are finding it increasingly hard from a logistical perspective to support the armoured brigade. While we can share many types of ammunition and fuel with the Americans and some spare parts with Kuwait and Oman, there are some unique types of ammunition and spare parts that we have to send out from the UK. Those items are also in high demand here.”
“With the army expanding, Minister, we need as many of those things ourselves.” General Sir Mike Jackson, the new Chief of the General Staff added.
“Don't tell me, our brigade is getting short of things like 120mm tank ammunition, and spare engines that only our vehicles use? The Omanis also use that type of ammunition and have Challenger 2s, don't they?”

Walker and Jackson nodded in unison.

“They do, Minister, but only really enough for their own needs. In fact, they will soon need a resupply from us.” The CDS replied. “We're nearing a crunch point. Were this like 1991 again, it would not be a problem, but even with the Armistice, we continue to need to keep our forces in Europe at a high state of readiness and something has to give.”
“You want to withdraw the brigade, don't you?”

Again the CDS and CGS nodded.

“It pains me to say it, but I feel we have little choice, Minister. I understand that the Americans, Australians and New Zealanders will be unhappy, but circumstances demand it.” Jackson said. “It's really just a matter of timing and when the best moment is to withdraw it. We can't do it now, as the brigade is currently taking part in combat operations. Perhaps a month from now things may have be different, but in any case by then withdrawal will probably be imperative.”
“The PM is not going to be happy with this. I will need you to support me on this, Sir Michael. We also need to be able to offer something in partial compensation.”
“We've thought of that already, Minister.” The CDS replied. “We can offer a reinforcd task-force based on 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. It would have at least two artillery batteries attached, along with engineers, signals etc. We can offer it as a substantial reinforcement of the Special Operations Command. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup also has some good news.”

The Minister turned to look at the Chief of the Air Staff.

“Through a few sources, we've managed to obtain some additional Tornado GR.4s. I also believe that we can spare one additional tanker and a few Nimrods. The upshot will be that we can upgrade 1453 Flight to a full squadron. We were thinking of calling it 35 Squadron, which last flew Vulcans in 1982.”
“With the situation in the North Atlantic being what it is, I can spare at least two escorts and an additional fleet submarine to help cover both the Gulf and Indian Ocean.” Admiral Sir Alan West, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff added.

The Secretary of Defence considered things for a moment.

“If we can spare the Paras and the other reinforcements, I think we can sell this to the PM, never mind our allies.”
“We are standing up an additional battalion of the Parachute Regiment, which can take 1st Battalion's place, Minister.” Jackson said. “The 5th/6th Battalion. We're also planning to re-raise the 7th too.”
“Hm, good stuff. Combining historically Scottish and Welsh Para battalions, eh?”

It was the CGS's turn to be surprised, having forgotten that the Minister also had a good grasp of military history. Not waiting for the CGS to reply, the Minister turned to the Chief of the Air Staff.

“Out of interest, where did you find additional Tornados?”
“Four incomplete airframes were in storage at Warton, Minister. I believe they were supposed to be completed as attrition replacements for the Saudis. Well, we took them over and BAE completed them for us.” Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup replied. “We have also persuaded the Saudis to lease us some Tornados. Turns out that they have more aircraft than they can fly. On the other hand, we have some surplus aircrew now that reservists and recalled retired personnel have taken over a lot of our ground staff positions.”
“Good work, Gentlemen. We can soften the blow of withdrawin the armoured brigade somewhat.”

The Secretary of State paused for a moment and looked at his watch.

“We have thirty-five minutes before the War Cabinet is supposed to meet. I'm therefore going to close this meeting, unless there is anything else.”

The Service Chiefs shook their heads.

“Well then, I expect to see you all in the Cabinet Room in thirty-five, no thirty-four minutes from now.”

1101 hours GMT. AFB Ysterplaat, Cape Town, South Africa.
After spending much of the previous few months underground in the SANDF's main Command Post, it was nice to get out and about in the open air reflected General Christiaan Smuts. He was joining the Minister of Defence and the SAAF Chief of the Air Force for a special event at AFB Ysterplaat. A small delegation of US Navy personnel, attached to the US Embassy's Defence Attaché's staff was also present.

“Here they come!” Someone called up.

Smuts heard the drone of multiple turboprop engines approaching and looked skywards. The approaching formation was quite interesting, consisting of four of 35 Squadron's C-47TP ‘Turbo Dakota’ MPA and four P-3C Orions. The C-47TP wore a light-grey with white fuselage roof similar to the Shackleton MR.3 they had replaced. The quartet of P-3C also now wore this scheme, along with SAAF markings. The eight aircraft performed a low pass over the gathered dignitaries and senior military officers before breaking to land.

*

As part of the Disengagement Agreement with the USSR, the United States had agreed to withdraw all combat forces from southern Africa. That included the detachment of P-3C Orions that had been based at AFB Ysterplaat. To get around the restrictions of the agreement, the US Navy had offered to lease four Orions to the SAAF. That would, of course, require instructors to remain to train the South African air and ground crew. The SAAF had leapt at the chance of getting its hands on a modern MPA and regaining capabilities that it had lost with the retiral of the Shackleton in 1984. The training programme was still ongoing, and for the moment the Orions were being flown with mixed South African and American crews.

In a similar move, the two batteries of USMC operated MIM-120 that had been deployed to protect Cape Town, had been leased to the SAAF. Becoming a detachment of 120 Squadron. Around half of the two battery's marines had remained behind to 'train' the South Africans on the new missile system. The marines of Charlie FAST Company, deployed to help protect Naval Base Simonstown had been attached to the USMC embassy detachment. Somewhat mirroring the Soviet deployment of Spetsnaz as embassy 'guards' in Harare.

*

General Smuts was listening patiently to the speech by the Defence Minister. The politician was praising the entry of the P-3C into South African service, talking about what a boost to the air force's capabilities it would bring. He was also being fulsome in praise of the United States Navy for its assistance in bringing the new aircraft into SAAF service. He was sure, he said, that it marked a continuing and growing friendship between their two nations.

“Sorry to interrupt, Sir.” One of Smuts aides whispered. “We've just received a message from defence H.Q. It's marked urgent.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Smuts replied quietly, taking the message.

'Apparent military coup underway in Harare.' The body of the message began. 'Situation unclear at the moment, but appears that the ZDF have taken control of key points in the city, including television and radio. ZBC is broadcasting that what is happening is not a coup, but an action against criminals who have deceived President Mugabe. Vital that the Defence Minister returns to H.Q ASAP.'

Smuts pocketed the message. Well, there went what he had thought was going to be an enjoyable day. Trust the Zimbabweans to ruin everything.

1129 hours. The RoI/Northern Irish border, near Belleek, Fermanagh.
The shadowy figures observed cars and other vehicles passing through the joint PSNI/British Army Vehicle Check Point just outside Belleek Village. The police officers were only stopping the odd car, or other vehicle for document checks. While a few vans and lorries were stopped and searched. A few hundred meters to the north-west was a similar Irish VCP. They could hear the sound of distant helicopters flying overhead. The trees and undergrowth provided excellent cover, which screened them from both VCPs.

*

The small KGB sabotage cell had been operating in the area around Ballyshannon, Belleek and Donegal. Despite an intensive search by both Irish and British Security Forces, it had managed to escape capture. Slipping back and forward across the border. However, it was now getting more dangerous to operate in the area, especially since contact had been lost with Moscow. The cell had been informed of the Armistice, but after that there had been no further communications. The leader of the cell had decided that they needed to find a way to escape from the area and find somewhere safe to wait and see what the result of the talks were.

As it happened, at one of the sessions in Geneva, the Irish delegate had openly asked his Soviet counterpart if there were any Soviet Special Forces, or any other unconventional forces still present in his country. The Soviet diplomat had flatly denied that any such forces had ever been present. But, had pointedly stated that he could not speak on behalf of those seeking a “democratic, socialist and united Ireland”. A pretty clear declaration that the Soviet authorities would deny knowledge of any Spetsnaz, or KGB personnel caught, or killed in Ireland.

The cell's last operation had been an attempt to sabotage the Cathaleen's Fall hydroelectric power station at Ballyshannon. The cell had managed to penetrate the power station and plant explosives on one of the two Kaplan turbines before they were detected. To cover their escape they had set off the explosives immediately, rather than set them on a timer, although that had resulted in the death of one cell member. Another had been shot by Irish soldiers, while the three survivors had managed to escape across country, before picking up a car they had stashed a short distance away. The cell had parked the car near the village of Rockfield and had approached the border to see how hard it would be to cross. From what they had observed, there was a good chance that they would be stopped at one of the Vehicle Checkpoints, especially as three men travelling together would probably be seen as potentially suspicious.

“We need to go back to the car and pick up what we can carry.” The leader of the cell whispered to the other two. “There's no way we can drive across the border. We'll need to cut across country on foot and then see if we can find a vehicle. Let's go.”

*

“Have three X-Rays one hundred meters from my pos moving towards the border.” A voice whispered into a radio headset. “All three appear to be armed with AKSU type weapons. Are currently moving towards Delta Three's pos, over.”

The voice belonged to a corporal of 4 Royal Irish Regiment's Close Observation Platoon. The joint Anglo-Irish force hunting the cell had made the correct educated guess that it would head towards the border after the attack on the power station. In addition to the overt Vehicle Check Points and patrolling helicopters, a number of covert Observation Posts had been established. The KGB cell was currently moving away from a British O.P, towards one manned by four members of the recce platoon of the 28th Infantry Battalion, Irish Army.

“All call-signs, this is Control. Take the X-Rays as they cross the border, over.” Crackled in numerous headsets.

Soldiers and police officers at the VCPs and O.Ps checked their weapons and prepared to move.

As the three KGB cell members scrambled through the bushes and hedges that straggled across the border, the corporal commanding the Irish O.P called out.

“Irish Army! Drop your weapons and put your hands in the air!”

The cell members turned towards the source of the voice. Two of them opened fire with their AKSUs, but were felled by rapid, accurate rifle fire. The third tried to run back into Northern Ireland. He caught his left foot on an exposed root and went flying. With soldiers and police closing in on his position he got to his feet and tried to hobble away as quickly as he could. He had dropped his carbine, but still had a PM pistol. His orders were that under no circumstances was he to let himself be captured and he intended to follow them. Two British soldiers appeared in front of him, rifles raised and yelling for him to get down on the ground. He started to draw his handgun and was almost instantly shot.

*

Captain Doherty looked down from the port door of the Wessex H.C.2 as it circled the scene. It looked like an emergency services and military vehicle convention below her. An Irish Air Corps AW139 circled a short distance away to the west. If she was right, the hunt for the Soviet sabotage cell was at an end. A great example of Anglo-Irish co-operation on the security front.

1145 hours. Off Aberporth, Wales.
Wing Commander Geoff McQuade turned his Hunter F.58 towards the target, which was gently banking away from him. He got a good tone from one of the AIM-9L his Hunter was armed with and pushed the pickle button.

“Fox Two! Fox Two!” He announced over the radio, while banking away.

The Sidewinder roared off the Hunter's port outer wing pylon, tracking the target. It 'saw' two different heat sources, which were close to each other. One of them was 'brighter' and the other. However, the missile's 'brain' was programmed to be suspicious of bright targets, which were likely to be decoy flares. However, as the two targets were close together the AIM-9L split the difference and headed for the gap in between them. It got close enough to fuze and its annular blast-fragmentation warhead exploded.

In this case the fragments from the warhead did not destroy a hostile aircraft. Instead they cut the cable linking a flare to the GAF Jindivik Mk 103B target drone that was towing it. The flare, and part of the cable fell into the sea, and went out, while the Jindivik flew on, heading back to Aberporth Airfield.

“Good hit.” The range control reported to McQuade.

*

While No.58 Squadron was primarily an attack squadron, assigned to the North Sea Strike Force, its ex-Swiss Air Force Hunter Mk.58A were wired to carry AIM-9L. So, with the cease-fire giving a good opportunity, all of the squadron's pilots were being given the chance to fire at least one live Sidewinder against a drone target. The pilots were also being given a chance to fire their ADEN cannon against a target drogue at a different range. They would also keep their attack skills current by employing the various weapons that the Hunter was cleared to carry.

*

With his time at the range over, Wing Commander McQuade flew his Hunter up the Welsh coast towards Anglessey. He had enough fuel to carry out a few practice 'touch-and-go' landings at RAF Mona, which served as a Relief Landing Ground for the nearby RAF Valley. A few Hawk T.1s from No. 4 Flight Training School were already in the circuit; the RAF had restarted aircrew training; and McQuade had to orbit for a few minutes before Air Traffic Control cleared him in. McQuade performed three 'touch-and-go' landings before recovering to RAF Valley to refuel. His camouflaged Hunter, which had a very noticeable Sidewinder on its starboard outer pylon and an obviously empty port outer pylon, stood out amongst the gloss black Hawks. Attracting quite a bit of notice.
Armourers from his squadron, who had been detached to Valley to support the missile firing, removed the unused AIM-9L. It would be attached to another Hunter a short time later. While his aircraft was being refuelled, McQuade too the chance to stretch his legs, go to the toilet and visit station operations to check on the latest weather reports.

As he walked back to his Hunter, McQuade spotted a pair of light Hawk T.2 landing. Like him they were visitors to Valley, probably aircraft from 1 Tactical Weapons Unit from RAF Brawdy, he surmised. They appeared to be carrying AIM-9 acquisition rounds on their outer pylons, as well as drop-tanks and the centreline 30mm ADEN cannon pod. Brawdy was not too far away and it had not been uncommon before the war for 1 TWU aircraft to fly up the Welsh coast to Anglesey. Not giving any further thoughts to the other visitors, McQuade climbed back up into this Hunter.

*

With the disbandment of the 'Ferry Pool', Flight Lieutenant Susan Jackson had found herself posted to No.79 Squadron, one of the two squadrons of 1 Tactical Weapons Unit. The air force had remembered that she was a Qualified Flight Instructor and there was a need to finish the training of a number of aircrew who's courses had been paused during the Transition to War. While some of the RAF's Hawk T.2s had remained assigned to Mixed Fighter Force, or Point Defence duties, most had returned to the air force's two Tactical Weapons Units. [1]

“Nice work, Peter.” Jackson said to the Flying Officer who had been in the front seat of the Hawk T.2 she had been in, as they walked to base operations. “You're coming on nicely, but you are still spending too much time flying straight and level when we're doing one V one. That will get you killed in combat. We'll work on it a bit more when we head back to Brawdy.”
“Thank you, Ma'am.” He replied. “I think I'm still a bit rusty; too much time spent flying a desk recently.”

Jackson nodded in understanding.

“Happens to us all, Peter. Took me a little while to readjust to flying after my ground posting.” She said. “I'm confident you'll get there.”

1230 hours GMT. HMS Exmouth, Newcastle, New South Wales.
Exmouth and her sister-ship, HMS Perth slowly came alongside at HMAS Namoi. They were returning from another 'routine' sweep off Newcastle. If any time spent taking part in the mine battle could be classed as 'routine'. Since their arrival, the RAN's 32nd Minesweeper Flotilla, 2nd Squadron had taken further losses. Additional vessels had arrived, but nothing could replace the sailors killed. The bodies that had been recovered were beginning to fill up what would become a new War Cemetery. The two Royal Navy AMS had been very lucky, although they had witnessed the destruction of some of their Australian counterparts and had pulled Australian sailors, alive and dead from the waters off Newcastle.

Lieutenant Commander Malcolm 'Tim' Healy, RN had spent as much time as he could, but not as much as he would have liked, aboard one, or other of the ships. Today, Healy had been aboard Exmouth, doing his best to keep out of the way of the lieutenant who actually commanded the AMS. Once Exmouth was alongside, Healy leapt ashore before the ship had even tied up, knowing that administrative tasks would have been building up in his office while he was at sea. He had often mused that the Soviets could do more damage by sending the flotilla more paperwork than mines.

“How was the trip, Tim?” Commander Mike McCann, RAN, asked.

The commander of the 2nd Squadron had been waiting for Healy to return. As relative newcomers to the mine battle, McCann had been keeping a bit more of an eye on the 'Poms' than the rest of his squadron. Healy did not mind, he would have done the same in McCann's place.

“Busy, Mike, very busy.” Healy replied. “Not sure how the Soviets are doing it, but they must be topping up the fields they've laid. We keep bringing up the damned things in places we've already swept.”
“Let's walk and talk.” McCann said, leading off towards the headquarters building. “We think that the Soviets are using old diesel boats to lay mines off our coast. They may also be using some disguised minelayers. Mines are also 'walking' down the coast and ending up here from elsewhere.
“I had wanted to ask you, there's no trouble from your government about you staying here, what with there being a ceasefire in Europe?”

Healy shook his head.

“If we were a couple of frigates actively hunting Soviet submarines maybe. But, there's no issue with a pair of minesweepers.” He said. “Of course, there's every chance that the MoD has forgotten we exist!” Healy added with a chuckle. “Oh, meant to say, saw your wife on the telly a wee while back. Looked very impressive in that interview. Did wonder where they dug those Commies up from. We locked all ours up months back; put all the Far Right nutters in the clink too. One silver lining of the war is that we've locked up all the political extremists of all persuasions. Sadly, we'll need to let them out again when it's over.
“How come you don't seem to have done the same thing?”
“Thanks, I'll let Tracy know. She'll appreciate that.” McCann replied.

He paused while he considered the question.

“We have detained some of the worst Communists and fascists under emergency powers, so I'm not sure. I would guess they were smart and made sure they never joined any obviously far left organisations. Some of the Greenies have turned out to be watermelons, but the government seemed to be reluctant to go after them until after Canberra.
“An acquaintance of mine in the AFP did let me know that the pair who went after Tracy were interned a few days later.” McCann said with a smile. “Apparently as much for their own safety as for any subversive activities.”

Healy chuckled.

“Didn't go down well with the viewing public, eh? Doesn't surprise me. Anyway, to more serious matters. Any news on us getting even one minehunter? We're very much playing a game of Russian Roulette right now.”

McCann shook his head sadly.

“The Huons are still tied up, as are the two Rushcutters. I have been told that we have first refusal on Westernport when she's completed, but that won't be for a while yet. I am a little envious of the Kiwis having those two Utility Minehunters, even if they are an ugly as sin kludge. DSTO is working on a simple 'bolt on' solution for us based on the old WWII era Type 128 ASDIC. It won't make us minehunters, but will give us a chance to detect the damn things on hard ground at a minimum of 500 yards. The new spigot mortar we've been promised should also help a great deal. Any news from your neck of the woods?”
“I've sent a signal requesting any sort of minehunting equipment that can be spared. However, the Soviets managed to mine our waters and that of our neighbours pretty comprehensively. Our MCM forces are being kept pretty busy. I think the stuff we gave to the Kiwis was all we had spare.”
“Well, I suppose it was a long-shot.” McCann observed.

McCann and Healy paused in their walk, having reached the H.Q building. The two naval officers exchanged salutes with the sentries on duty outside. Despite being well known, they still had their passes checked on entering the building.

“Well, Tim, I shall catch up with you later on. I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on.”
“Likewise, Mike.” Healy replied. “I worry we'll run out of trees at some point!”

McCann chuckled. He appreciated the Geordie's dry sense of humour.

“One advantage of recycling, Tim, is that we'll never run out of paper.” He replied with a broad grin.

***

[1] Those were:

RAF Brawdy
No.1 Tactical Weapons Unit – Hawk T.2
- No.79 Squadron
- No.234 Squadron

and:

RAF Chivenor
No.2 Tactical Weapons Unit – Hawk T.2
- No. 63 Squadron
- No. 151 Squadron

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[jemhouston]

Clearing the decks for what comes next.

[Bernard Woolley]

Indeed.

[Eaglenine2]

Africa is still interesting.
What British Army formations are being stood up?

[Matt Wiser]

All right, a new chapter. BZ as usual, and so to business:

One way to get around the cease-fire re: Africa... The Navy aircrew and Marines were no doubt hoping to get redeployed elsewhere, but a "Training and Advisory" mission... And no doubt the P-3s and MIM-120s are "On loan" until the SANDF can afford outright purchases.

Zimbabwe is going to go to hell in a handbasket with the coup. They were knocking on the door with Mugabe in charge, but now... Civil War is not out of the question.

CINC-CENT is not going to be happy at losing the British Brigade. He will understand why, and be glad the 1st Para and supporting elements are coming, but it's still a hole in his OB that will need to be filled before going north. CENTAF won't mind the extra Tornados, and Fifth Fleet won't complain about the surface ships and the sub, but GEN Abazid will be asking the JCS for more U.S. ground forces to make up for losing the British, at General Sanchez' (X Corps) request. If still available, there's an armored brigade from Alabama (31st) and an infantry brigade from Indiana (76th) who have yet to go anywhere near a port of embarkation. Along with some independent ARNG or USAR battalions or those who have been detached from their parent unit as JBSC doesn't need heavy armor or field artillery.

Getting replacement aircrew trained and ready for the next round is something everyone's going to be doing.

Shouldn't surprise anyone if the Soviets are still covertly laying mines.

Good work, and get with the next one!