Opening Moves

After some thought, the 6th was ordered back to Wiesbaden to regroup and prepare to act as an armored reserve.

All down the map of the frontline the casual observer could see inroads into the allied positions.

Eisenhower was in deep conversation with Bradley when the latest estimate of air force effectiveness came through, and it made better reading than either had dared hope. Losses in machines and pilots had been severe, and a few airfields were damaged beyond immediate repair. Control facilities had been badly hit but systems were being put in place for basic mission control over the coming days. It was not going to be perfect but it would provide something by way of ground support.

Radar coverage had been badly hit, with losses in sets and trained staff quite high. These small installations seemed to have come in for particular attention from Soviet infiltrators and paratroopers.

Clearly, the Soviets saw reducing the allied air force capability as crucial, something neither of the two generals could deny.

Before the list had been fully read, another one arrived in the hands of a young and obviously nervous army officer, this time reflecting losses in general supply, ammunition and POL. Ike gestured for the Captain to hand it directly to Bradley and continued reading.

Squadrons deploying home had been untouched and quite a number were still in France and available for the following days actions. Others could be returned from the UK to be ready for Wednesday.

The air force Colonel who stood waiting beside Eisenhower was instructed to ask Tedder to work out a basing plan for all the squadrons that would return to his command, allowing for the further advance of the Soviet army for the next five days.

As the officer strode briskly away Bradley’s sigh got his full attention.

Eisenhower’s lighter flared as Bradley indicated a piece of paper in his hand.

“You’ve seen the report from Kransberg I assume?”

Eisenhower grimaced, as the list of the dead and wounded represented some stellar leadership talent lost to him.

“Yes Brad. Shocking. They hurt us there.”

A deep draw on his cigarette covered his emotions.

“Deputies in place of course. I shall be writing to the family’s first chance I get.”

Nodding his understanding, Bradley set aside that awful report, confirming the deaths of three US and one British Corps and four US Divisional Commanders. Two more Divisional commanders, one each from the British and the French had also succumbed. Moving to a different file, he raised an eyebrow in enquiry.

“OK Brad, let me have the good news.”

“In short, there is little except to say that we have reasonable supplies throughout Europe that will ensure we will be able to function. Attacks on the PLUTO facilities have reduced the supply of gas for everything but we won’t notice that for a little while as we still have some stockpiles left. Some are gone, by air raid or commando attack. You will not be surprised to learn that air force supplies were a favourite.”

Eisenhower almost winced and motioned Bradley to go on.

“Aircraft munitions are greatly reduced. Airfields that received visits from the reds all seem to have their stockpiles prioritised for destruction and it seems few of our air units retain enough bombs, rockets, and ammunition. We can get more to them all but it will take time. We can get that firmed up but I suspect that we will be told that offensively the air force is out for two-three days minimum, what with losses in machines and pilots as well.”

Bradley read on as Eisenhower informed him about the transit squadrons in France.

Nodding Bradley quoted from the piece he was just reading.

“The report says we can do some offensive ops with the French based units but to continue them we need to marry the aircraft up with stocks in munitions and POL.” Taking his eyes away from the report, Bradley paused for thought.

“If we can it will be nice but we will need to give the ground attack boys cover with fighters. Can’t afford any more losses.”

“We will find plenty of work for those poor boys tomorrow and the days to follow. And we will make sure they are covered. Arthur will be working on that Brad.”

Coffee arrived and the two rested their legs in two comfortable chairs facing the map.

“So, I don’t think we were too far off the mark with our predictions this morning, do you Brad?”

“No sir,” His comment punctuated by a sip of scalding coffee, “Hamburg was an easy one to call. Cuts Denmark and a lot of the Brits off. Atlantic access too, so let’s say Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven possibly.”

Gesturing with his mug, he described the lines in the centre of Germany.

“There they can go anywhere they want but I will bet the farm that they are after the Ruhr and the Rhine beyond that.”

Eisenhower nodded, not yet courageous enough to sample his drink but savouring the rich aroma none the less.

Taking the mug away from his face, he spoke in general terms.