Opening Moves

Passing the paper to his General like it was solid gold, which in a way it was, he spoke to illustrate further the words Ike was reading.

“A Black Widow of the 425th was searching around his designated area, centred on Landshut. He became aware of enemy aircraft and pursued them, shooting both down. This receives a great deal of coverage in his report, as you will see. However, he also speaks of the large ground fire south-west of Münchsmünster, and witnessing additional explosions on the ground during his observations. Admittedly, he didn’t stay long as the light from the fire would not have been welcome but his report is timed at 0250 hrs when he claims shooting the last of the two Soviets down, whereas the 669th attacked their designated target at 0200 hrs on the button and place the secondary attack at approximately 0208 hrs.”

“So something was burning and causing secondary explosions.”

It was not a question, just a General thinking aloud.

‘Was there more’ he wondered?

There was and a second piece of paper was handed over.

“This report was delayed because it’s an RAF report, complicated by being of Polish origin.”

Eisenhower understood as it was ever thus in his cosmopolitan forces.

“A Halifax of 301 Polish Squadron was returning from bombing Nabburg when it suffered damage, losing radio, compass, everything of note except good old Mark 1 standard eyeball.”

Out of respect, Rossiter completed the section.

“They also lost the radio operator, flight engineer, and navigator.”

Both officers gave a respectful moment of silence, naturally and unbidden.

“They were already running late as you can see, and according to the report the pilot just needed some sort of ground reference so they could make sure they were going to go the right way home. They saw a big fire and steered towards it, hoping to catch sight of something on the ground to direct them. He and his gunner are adamant they made a positive identification, and they support their statement well as they were both on missions to nearby Regensburg in the last war.”

He stopped for an instant. ‘Is this a new war or just a continuation of the last one?’

“They identified the bends on the Danube near Kelheim and were able to orient themselves and return without further problems.”

Eisenhower checked the timings on all three reports and then looked up as a signal for the Marine to press on.

“They state that there was still a considerable fire with visible explosions at 0330 hrs, positively identified as the Dürnbucher Forest.”

“The Dürnbucher Forest?”

Rossiter’s feature took on a wry smile that persisted through his words. Placing a map on the round table he tapped his finger on the Durnbucherforst.

“Yes Sir, the Dürnbucher Forest,” and accompanying each statement with an imaginary line to the Forest he continued, “South of Oberwöhr, east of Höfartsmühle and south-west of Münchsmünster.”

Eisenhower felt the man’s discomfort and took up the trail.

“So we have bombers reporting fire and explosions at 0208 hrs, continuing through to last witnesses, the Poles, at 0330 hrs.”

Rossiter nodded.

“Explosives or fuel.”

Not a question as such, just a statement in the first instance.

“You’ve gone somewhere with this already haven’t you, Sam?”

Ike knew his man.

“Yes Sir. I figured you’d want to know so I’ve done some rooting around. The Soviet tank force that has stopped dead has not been meaningfully engaged, period.”

“Meaning, Sam?”

“Meaning it’s a fresh unit Sir, and it’s not attacking. There has to be a reason for that, as it doesn’t seem to be a military one that we have imposed.”

“Meaning?”

Eisenhower felt he knew why but wanted confirmation from a man he trusted.

“Meaning, in my view, it could be fuel Sir. It isn’t ammo because they haven’t fired any, pretty much the only thing they are consuming when advancing is POL and foodstuffs.”

“We discussed this quickly downstairs and not one of us felt that Ivan would pause because he didn’t have his K’s.”

Not that the Soviets had K ration packs but it illustrated the point he was making.

POL. Petrol, oil and lubricants to the uninitiated.

Eisenhower closed his eyes for just one moment, enough for two inner voices to congratulate themselves, before opening his eyes to reality once more.

“We have a team working on their military fuel reserves right now, but I guess we could be looking at an Ardennes repeat if we can interdict appropriately.”

Ignoring the fact that his cigarette had just deposited ash all over the remainder of his meal, Eisenhower took a deep draft of his coffee.

“Excellent work Sam, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Things get missed and the team picked it up before harm was done. Thank you and stay on it.”

Mentally terminating the discussion, Ike suddenly wondered if there was something else and refocused.

“Oh, anything else Sam?”

A question with unspoken meaning.

“Not at this time Sir.”

A reply addressing the concerns voiced.

“Keep me informed Sam, and thank you again.”