Opening Moves

“If I’m any judge the Reds are after Hamburg in your area. Make sure they do not get it. Hannover looks like it’s a main target too. Do not give it up easily but don’t be cut off. No Bastogne’s until I know what the heck is going on. They are already behind you in Denmark but I doubt it is in significant numbers. Get on to that, firm up your Intel everywhere and get back to me please. I will make sure your headquarters gets all my intelligence as soon as possible”

“And if they split my force at Hamburg? What then Sir?”

Eisenhower considered that for a moment, lighting another cigarette from the stub of the one he then tossed into a plant stand nearby.

“The loss of Hamburg would be severe indeed as I see it. If it happens, we will survive but I want you to make sure it doesn’t. Even with Hamburg standing, we may well suffer a split at that point, as communications and supply would be difficult. Have a contingency drawn up for a separate command of all forces north of Hamburg if it comes to it.”

Another thought crossed Ike’s mind.

“I will cut orders placing the American Divisions of 13 Corps north of Hannover under your direct command.”

That was not something done lightly but it did make sense.

McCreery nodded accepting the gift of more fighting men with suitable British aplomb.

It went without saying but Eisenhower felt the need anyway.

“I have every confidence in you. We will do what is necessary to prevail here.”

Eisenhower held out his hand.

“Good luck Dick. I shall inform your new command of your imminent arrival.”

The shake sealed the appointment.

“Thank you Sir and good luck to you too.”

A crisp salute and the new commander of British 21st Army Group went on his way to organise his command.

Gathering himself for a moment, Eisenhower looked at the demeanour of his senior men. Some agitated, some calmly absorbing the information that flowed in from all sources, coalescing on the map in front of them and in written reports arriving by hand.

With his back towards Ike, Omar Bradley stood apart, hands on hips, observing the map and his area of command alter minute by minute, red arrows appearing to indicate an all-points assault by the armies of the Soviet Union.

He became aware that Eisenhower was stood silently by his side, more because the smoke started to sting his eyes.

“Hell of a thing Ike, hell of a thing. One day someone will ask why we didn’t see this coming.”

Eisenhower cocked a sage eyebrow at the commander of his largest field force.

“Let us hope and pray that we will be there to contribute to the discussions General.” He said in a light tone.

Bradley retorted, similarly lightly.

“And that they are not conducted in Russian.”

That drew a light snort from Eisenhower as the calm exchange was interrupted by more reports from harried staff officers.

One Colonel, unruffled and competent, passed over a neat handwritten list. A visitor to the Headquarters, he was without responsibilities but had taken it upon himself to start compiling a list of units that had not made contact.

“Damn good thinking Colonel. Hustle up some more manpower and develop that as far as you can. Update me when anything really major comes to light. Carry on.”

A crisp salute exchanged and the bright Colonel went on his way.

The two generals exchanged satisfied nods and alone again, the businesslike talk of war took over.

“I have appointed McCreery to head up 21st. Monty won’t be fit for a long time, if ever. Very bad so I am told.”

Bradley, being Bradley, said nothing. He had always coexisted with Monty reasonably well but understood the man’s complex ego issues had not helped at times. McCreery was a different man and the appointment was sound. In many ways, it worked out very well.

“I gave him 13 Corps. Seemed sensible to me. Bill Simpson won’t be impressed but I’m sure you will sweet talk him. Alvan Gillem has been under the British before so he should be onside”

Bradley blew a soft raspberry by way of reply, as he cancelled off those units from his thinking.

“Sir, General Gillem was at the Schloss Kransberg. There is no news as yet. His deputy is in charge for now.”

Issues with the possible loss of a Corps commander aside, Eisenhower knew his man was not happy but hoped he would see the sense of it soon enough. Anyway, now was not the time for disagreement, as both men knew, so he moved straight into the task ahead.

“I’m sorry to hear that Brad, and he’s not the only fine officer we may have lost there today. I’m still waiting on the official list from Kransberg but you bet it won’t make pretty reading.”

He got no disagreement on that one.

Moving deftly onto the weighty matters of the new European war, Ike gestured at the map that was being prepared by the army of staff personnel in front of their eyes, preparing for a full briefing at the earliest possible moment.

“This is not what we expected from our understanding of Soviet doctrine. A broad front attack?” Ike left that hanging, inwardly working out the why’s and wherefore’s of the Soviet’s strategic departure.