Opening Moves

Again his vision misted and the headache surged, something he had been putting down to the pressure of work, whereas it was the pressure of blood from the Subarachnoid haemorrhage which was about to take his life.

Within a few seconds there was no way back and Ahbramov slumped on the bench, spending his last few minutes of life uncomprehending and alone.

The vacancy he left was too important to remain unfilled for long and before midday Pekunin promoted Tatiana Nazarbayeva because of her competence as well as his familiarity, creating the first female Colonel in Soviet Military Intelligence.

In the chess game of military intelligence, Nazarbayeva was a rising star indeed.

0721 hrs Wednesday, 8th August 1945, Headquarters of Red Banner Forces of Soviet Europe, Schloss Schönefeld, Leipzig.

The briefing had been delayed by a false air-raid alarm but was now about to start. Looking at his watch Zhukov noted that the damn fool aviators had cost him twenty minutes. Damn them. To guard against the reoccurrence of such stupidity, a humourless staff major with a wide range of powers was already on the way to the fighter regiment, having received a very loose brief from his irate Marshall regarding the futures of the two pilots concerned. There would be no second chances. Although reassured that his anti-aircraft defences were alert, aerobatic displays by imbeciles were guaranteed to incur his wrath.

Malinin, conducting the briefing that morning, waited patiently. Zhukov settled in his chair.

“Proceed Comrade General.”

Malinin turned to address the huge map behind him, extended pointer in hand.

“Comrade Marshall, there has been fierce fighting throughout the night as our forces press forward.”

Engaging his commanders eyes, Malinin took advantage of their special relationship.

“Resistance has exceeded our expectations in a number of areas and our casualties have been higher than anticipated.”

Zhukov remained impassive.

“The good news is that their air forces have been heavily disrupted by Kurgan, and we have seen little organised operational direction from them, and what there has been has been limited and we have inflicted some severe losses on those that have tried. We are winning the Air War convincingly.”

It was a bold claim but the facts could not be denied. Few allied sorties made any impact and a number were intercepted and put to the sword.

“Our navy has lost a number of small vessels but has inflicted serious losses on the enemy, although it should be remembered that they have huge maritime resources to call upon. However, the Baltic is definitely closed and our navy has started to interdict the reinforcement line, sinking one large ship and causing huge loss of life amongst the soldiers on board.”

Malinin took a sip of his water to wet his throat.

“The naval war is not a war we can win but our Soviet Fleets are performing magnificently and causing huge problems that will assist us in our goals.”

The General picked up a document in order to quote precisely.

“Pekunin informs us that Tito is extremely offended that he was not informed about our plans and has stated to both the Comrade General Secretary and the Allied leaders that he is remaining neutral until both sides ‘come to their senses’, at which time he will mediate between us.”

Malinin looked up at his boss, who looked less than amused.

“Pekunin reports that Tito’s submission also stated that his national borders are to be considered sacred and inviolable, either by land or air. Any violation will be met with force and the invader repulsed.”

Malinin skim read, hurrying to get to the crucial part.

“Contrary to previous reports, it is now the Yugoslavian position to remain neutral regardless and to guarantee their borders to both sides.”

Putting the report back in its rightful place, he spoke, almost as if to no one in particular

“It seems our General Pekunin has hitched his horse to the wrong sledge.”

A staff Major hurried up and placed a document before the General, who took in its contents quickly and dismissed the officer.

“In the Far East, our forces and those of Imperial Japan have been successful beyond all expectations, inflicting deep wounds on the American Navy and already using the German equipment well on mainland China.”

Addressing Zhukov directly, Malinin offered a shortcut.

“A briefing document on that operation has been prepared for later so that we can concentrate on the situation in Europe.”

Zhukov nodded his approval, especially as he had suggested the improvement to Malinin after the previous days briefing.

“Fighting continues in Lübeck, with 21st Army launching a direct assault on the northern suburbs and 10th Guards Army flanking to the south. Last reports received placed elements of the 8th Guards Rifle Corps here, north of Kastdorf.”

Looking down at his notes, he continued.

“We have identified enemy from the British 15th Infantry and 11th Armoured Division as well as the American 82nd US Airborne Division defending.”