Opening Moves

The full documents prepared and presented to the Council members detailed how the German Wehrmacht, occupation forces and prisoners alike, would be formed and integrated into the allied structure, firstly as small units supplementing allied divisions and given time and resources in larger formations, albeit still under allied corps command.

The de-Nazification of the forces was to be undertaken before any units were committed, from the removal of the swastika from the uniform eagle through to scouring the same symbol from medals and awards. The national flag was to revert to the three horizontal colour bars of the years prior to Nazi rule, with a central device considered appropriate by all parties.

German forces of battalion size or above were to be commanded in the field by Allied officers, with German or Austrian officers of equal rank as liaison. Guderian and Von Vietinghoff could see the humour in that and assured the other members of the Council that such stupidity would not stand past first contact.

Specifically mentioned and excluded were the Waffen-SS, for whom there was to be no place regardless of their élan and skill at arms. Their inclusion was deemed too much for the American and British public to accept, even in the face of adversity.

In return, the document reiterated stated Allied intents on the independence of the German State at some time in the near future, guarantees on national boundaries, alliances, and support across the whole spectrum, in order to facilitate the return of Germany to as close to normality as was possible post-apocalypse.

The document was fully endorsed by Truman, Attlee, and De Gaulle and for at least two of them it was sincerely done.

And at the moment of their signatures, the Council was born.

That evening orders were sent out to civilian and military posts throughout the western occupied area of Europe, warning of an important radio broadcast at 1500 hrs on Wednesday, specifically for the attention of German civilians and POW’s alike. Camp commanders were directed to ensure maximum audience amongst their German charges for the transmission and those officers dealing with civilian administrations were to ensure that as many high-ranking officials were able to listen as was possible in the available time.

Chapter 45 – THE ANNOUNCEMENT

A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.

Kemal Ataturk

0656 hrs Wednesday, 8th August 1945, Headquarters, Allied Forces in Europe. I.G.Farben, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany.

Eisenhower was slightly buoyed by the first piece of news. At last, some organisation was coming on line for his air assets, or more accurately, what was left of them.

Some aircraft on their way home had been turned around but his air force was still a fraction of what it had been prior to the attack.

None the less, it was a start.

The move to the new headquarters would be implemented in the late evening this very day, before the situation on the ground around Frankfurt became too difficult.

While he and his staff were on the move, Bradley would be in sole command from his army headquarters. That the new headquarters was in the Trianon Palace Hotel, Versailles, worried him a little, as it was the same place he had controlled the final defeat of Germany from in 44-45 and the Russians might come visiting if they understood that. However, its advantages were familiarity, facilities, and proven working layout so Ike went with it.

The loss of the Royal Navy battleship Queen Elizabeth, mined in the waters off Gibraltar, was unfortunate but, actually, not of immediate concern to the man trying to pull the proverbial coals out of the European fire.

Slipping the fifth cigarette of the day between his lips he watched the bustle as the briefing officers prepared themselves and then grimaced, as he looked at the situation map behind them, current as of 0530 according to the markings.

Not so good he thought.

“I need more men.”

Not realising he had spoken his thoughts aloud, he was surprised to receive an answer to his statement.

“And you shall have them Sir.”

Ike turned around to find an RN officer stood at attention and in the act of throwing up an impeccable salute.

Responding in kind or at least the best he could do holding coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other, he let the man continue.

“Rear-Admiral Roger Dalziel Sir, just flew in from Cherbourg.”

Eisenhower took in the man’s steady gaze.

“Good flight Admiral?”

“Exciting I admit. Prefer the water to the air for my jollies Sir.”

Dalziel left out the fact that his DC 3 aircraft was laying smashed and probably still burning on the Frankfurt runway where it had pancaked after barely escaping pursuing Soviet warplanes, the passenger next to him badly wounded by bullets. His mission was too important to be delayed on such matters.

Eisenhower unburdened himself of his mug and butt.