Post by Diarist on Jun 28, 2016 5:05:35 GMT 1
I also took CPT Bronisław Rakowski. "You two look around while I talk to COL van Voorhis."
Inside the HQ I saluted and asked, "You get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning, Colonel? The plan is good and General Gort has approved it. So what's your real problem, Sir?"
"It's not exactly a rosy situation here and our best armour is sitting on a train doing nothing for one. Secondly, I'm the senior armour officer here and I have this goddamned infantry job."
"I beg to differ, Colonel. You have an armour battalion, two infantry battalions and three battalions of artillery. That's not a goddamned infantry force! This combat command has firepower and all your potential targets are within range of this firepower. Your command is well supplied, the other two brigades are weaker than yours on the end of a fragile supply line. You've had time to dig in and choose the best defensive position. Yes, it's a tough position that's why our most experienced armour officer has been given this command." He wanted to say something, "I haven't finished yet, Sir. The 6th Infantry Bde is going to be engaged by Harry's Light Bde and will be totally up shit-creek when part of George's ISV BG attacks its rear. So all you have to worry about is their 4th Infantry Bde. The odds are more or less equal now and if they attack you should easily fend them off.
Look at my position. Two infantry platoons up against a whole battalion of infantry at the best if the 4th's commander decides to recapture his divisional HQ. It'll take hours before George can reach my unit so the only hope I have is your force. But I am fortunate because our most senior armour commander is in charge, and because he is well supplied with artillery ammunition I expect him to take his reserve battalion, add on some armour with a dedicated battery of artillery, and attack the funny 4th on one of their goddamned flanks while the rest of his artillery keeps their infantry pinned down. You do have a plan like that don't you, Colonel? If not, you have time to create the plan before General Gort arrives tomorrow evening. It would be nice if that reserve battalion started moving after dark tomorrow. That way you can show the General and maybe not only Winston Churchill and the CIGS but also the new U.S. Army CoS, Malin Craig, that despite being outnumbered 2.5 to 1 we are going on the offensive along the entire goddamned front and will kick those trench-warfare bastards to hell and back. Your turn, Sir."
"Actually, I did have that in mind, Major."
"So only your staff and I know of that plan. Let's keep it that way so you can surprise the top brass. I'm counting on you, Sir to keep the 4th busy."
"Once George has linked up with you and Harry has neutralized the 6th Bde you'll march on the 4th's rear."
"If they haven't already surrendered by then. I seem to recall you finding our comments hilarious a few weeks ago, Sir."
"Not anymore, Bob. It is a good plan."
"We shall offload the ISV's here at Gillingham where George's Bde meets the rail line again. That'll also be our railhead for supply purposes."
"Makes sense."
Irvine and Bronisław entered the HQ. "Now there's a goddamned infantry guy. Do you remember LTC Miller? His rank finally caught up with him. He's been inspecting your defences."
"Congratulations, Irvine. You look good in your uniform. So what am I doing wrong, Irvine."
"Bronisław speak for me, Sir." Bronisław had made notes and handed them to the Colonel.
"A few minor suggestions, Sir."
I liked the feint attack then withdrawing and hoping the enemy follows them into an ambush. We left there with everyone in a good mood.
Inside the HQ I saluted and asked, "You get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning, Colonel? The plan is good and General Gort has approved it. So what's your real problem, Sir?"
"It's not exactly a rosy situation here and our best armour is sitting on a train doing nothing for one. Secondly, I'm the senior armour officer here and I have this goddamned infantry job."
"I beg to differ, Colonel. You have an armour battalion, two infantry battalions and three battalions of artillery. That's not a goddamned infantry force! This combat command has firepower and all your potential targets are within range of this firepower. Your command is well supplied, the other two brigades are weaker than yours on the end of a fragile supply line. You've had time to dig in and choose the best defensive position. Yes, it's a tough position that's why our most experienced armour officer has been given this command." He wanted to say something, "I haven't finished yet, Sir. The 6th Infantry Bde is going to be engaged by Harry's Light Bde and will be totally up shit-creek when part of George's ISV BG attacks its rear. So all you have to worry about is their 4th Infantry Bde. The odds are more or less equal now and if they attack you should easily fend them off.
Look at my position. Two infantry platoons up against a whole battalion of infantry at the best if the 4th's commander decides to recapture his divisional HQ. It'll take hours before George can reach my unit so the only hope I have is your force. But I am fortunate because our most senior armour commander is in charge, and because he is well supplied with artillery ammunition I expect him to take his reserve battalion, add on some armour with a dedicated battery of artillery, and attack the funny 4th on one of their goddamned flanks while the rest of his artillery keeps their infantry pinned down. You do have a plan like that don't you, Colonel? If not, you have time to create the plan before General Gort arrives tomorrow evening. It would be nice if that reserve battalion started moving after dark tomorrow. That way you can show the General and maybe not only Winston Churchill and the CIGS but also the new U.S. Army CoS, Malin Craig, that despite being outnumbered 2.5 to 1 we are going on the offensive along the entire goddamned front and will kick those trench-warfare bastards to hell and back. Your turn, Sir."
"Actually, I did have that in mind, Major."
"So only your staff and I know of that plan. Let's keep it that way so you can surprise the top brass. I'm counting on you, Sir to keep the 4th busy."
"Once George has linked up with you and Harry has neutralized the 6th Bde you'll march on the 4th's rear."
"If they haven't already surrendered by then. I seem to recall you finding our comments hilarious a few weeks ago, Sir."
"Not anymore, Bob. It is a good plan."
"We shall offload the ISV's here at Gillingham where George's Bde meets the rail line again. That'll also be our railhead for supply purposes."
"Makes sense."
Irvine and Bronisław entered the HQ. "Now there's a goddamned infantry guy. Do you remember LTC Miller? His rank finally caught up with him. He's been inspecting your defences."
"Congratulations, Irvine. You look good in your uniform. So what am I doing wrong, Irvine."
"Bronisław speak for me, Sir." Bronisław had made notes and handed them to the Colonel.
"A few minor suggestions, Sir."
I liked the feint attack then withdrawing and hoping the enemy follows them into an ambush. We left there with everyone in a good mood.