Opening Moves

“We will then undertake a rolling programme of lectures, delivering to two to three candidates at a time, each of us dealing with Soviet tactics and doctrine in our area of specialist knowledge, and of course, how to defeat them. Each is a stand-alone lecture, so the order they are given in should not matter, therefore ensuring we can all be employed at the same time, giving more time for other matters.

“To clarify,” and proceeding without visible thought Knocke reeled off everyone’s remits, ‘Schmidt – Soviet divisional and corps set-up, logistics and control, Dr Von Arnesen – Soviet infantry tactics, Treschow – Soviet air force ground attack and close air-support tactics, Matthaus – Soviet tank tactics as applicable to infantry, Rettlinger – Soviet infantry cold-weather tactics, use and capability of ski and mountain troops, Von Hardegen- Soviet tank and anti-tank tactics, Menzel – Soviet artillery tactics and myself – Soviet military weaknesses. There is an absence in that list of a delivery on Soviet paratroops. Unless you possess significant intelligence to the contrary, it is our understanding that most Red Army paratrooper units that were jump qualified have committed to land action and can therefore be discounted. It is an obvious omission from our brief. In any case, we do not have the knowledge base here on that subject. If that needs to be addressed we can supply the name of a suitable addition to this group.” Another quick note made it onto De Walle’s mental list.

“Perhaps lecture is too strong a word, as this will be done as an informal face to face discussion and dissection of the enemy’s methods of war.”

A subtle change in Knocke’s posture clearly illustrated the importance the man placed on his next words.

“It is absolutely essential that discipline is maintained during the symposium and the absence of assurances in your documentation is noted, We request that each and every candidate is made to understand that we undertake this as volunteers through choice and have not been coerced. Also that our reasonable requests should be observed and all members should be correctly treated. We accept that it would be too much to ask for rank structure here.”

Knocke paused and waited for an indication of understanding.

Very carefully De Walle said to the wider audience, “Every allied officer attending this Colloque, regardless of his rank or nationality, will be informed that he is required to treat you and your comrades with full courtesy and afford the respect due to proven fellow professionals. Neither you nor I, gentlemen, would expect to give or receive less.”

It was a fair answer and so Knocke proceeded.

“The specifics of each officer’s lecture have been discussed already and we estimate a maximum of two and a half hour’s for any session, including questions and answers.”

Looking around at his assembled comrades in a way that challenged them to fail Knocke went on.

“Whilst we have already moved forward with the lectures as you will have seen from the initial document, we need more time to complete in full detail. The final specifics of those lectures will be available in hand-written form by 1300 hrs tomorrow but we understand that your requirements may not necessarily be those we anticipate, and so change may occur once the symposium has had the opportunity to review.”

“Given that candidates arrive by 1000 hrs on the first morning, we can safely assume that we will be able to commence by 1030 hrs. This permits an introduction to the aims of the symposium and to the personnel running it, namely us.”

Again, De Walle noticed the slightest change of posture as the German spoke.

“We request that we are permitted to wear our national uniform for this initial portion, political insignia removed of course, as we see it as a useful tool to focus the minds of those attending, establishing our own credentials, as well as adding a certain edge to the afternoon’s Kriegspiel. In that regard, we have prepared a listing of each officer’s decorations and uniform requirements, included in the package as addendum A.”

Knocke drove swiftly on from this startling group request in such a way as it was very obvious that it was a considered and non-negotiable statement of requirement. De Walle had read it earlier obviously but still found himself perturbed by it.

“Dinner will be taken early, and the candidates will be debriefed immediately afterwards.”

“The next two days will be intensive lectures with reasonable rest periods in between.”

A dry tickly cough gave a moment’s enforced pause.

“The fourth day will be dedicated to a detailed re-run of the Kriegspiel. We will employ standard Soviet doctrine as taught to our candidates and see what they have learned. Again that will be heavily de-briefed.”

Once more, the humour surfaced. “This time we would expect your officers to be much improved and victory would not be taken for granted”.