The Central Front D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part III

On D+7 1st Guards Tank Army had attacked west with two divisions (one tank, the other motorized rifle)  in the first echelon across a front of roughly 38 kilometers. This was essentially the area defended by the US V Corps 8th Infantry (Mechanized) and 3rd Armored divisions. Their covering forces were pulled back into the …

The Central Front D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part II

The 3rd Shock Army was heavily engaged from in front of Hanover to just south of Hildesheim. Two tank divisions and supporting elements were committed to the fighting there. 10th Guards Tank Division clashed with the British screen outside of Hanover, attempting to push the British back into the city and expose the left flank …

The Central Front D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part I

The focal point in the battle for West Germany was rapidly developing around Hanover. NATO and the Warsaw Pact each recognized the significance of the city and surrounding areas to their future operations, and overall war aims. Hanover was the gateway to the Weser River. Beyond that body of water lay the Ruhr Valley, the …

The North Atlantic D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part III

1030-1200 Hours- Following the emergency broadcast from the stricken Tu-95 Bear, and the ill-considered acknowledgements by other Soviet aircraft, the search for signs of the enemy surface action groups intensified. USAF F-15 Eagles did locate and dispatch the second Bear, but the Helix remained airborne and undetected. As time went on, radio traffic between Soviet …

The North Atlantic D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part II

On board the command ship USS Mount Whitney Strike Fleet Atlantic’s commander reminded himself that although the war could not be won in Norwegian Sea, it could easily be lost there. The strike fleet he commanded was the most powerful assemblage of naval power since the end of World War II. Along with the four …

The North Atlantic D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part I

Reconnaissance efforts were underway as D+8 began. As the hours crept by, more platforms and assets joined the respective searches that were in progress. The Soviets started the day with three Tu-95 Bears, and an equal number of Il-38 Mays patrolling the Norwegian Sea.  They searched passively with radars off, unwilling to reveal their own …

The Northern Flank D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part III

Land operations in Norway remained a secondary matter for both sides on D+8. In the last thirty-six hours, environmental, meteorological, and operational considerations all played roles of varying consequence for Soviet, and NATO ground commanders. As previously detailed, air and sea operations were assuming the lion’s share of prominence in theater. Even though AFNORTH and …

The Northern Flank D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part II

D+8 marked the onset of a decisive period for both NATO and Soviet fortunes on the northern flank. The fighting in Lapland, and arrival of the US and French aircraft carrier groups in the Norwegian Sea were making the northern reaches of Norway the most valuable plot of real estate in the world at the …

The Northern Flank D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part I

The Soviet 54th Motor Rifle Division’s advance into Finnish Lapland was contending with many of the same problems that its sister division dealt with when it crossed into Norwegian territory earlier in the war. The terrain in the area of Lapland where Soviet motor rifle troops were on the move was low. The fact that …

Baltic Approaches D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part II

As Carlsson and his government deliberated, Sweden’s military vigilance remained high. Swedish Royal Air Force combat air patrols possessively guarded Swedish airspace in increasing number and frequency. Surface ships, and submarines of Sweden’s naval arm stood guard at the edges of Sweden’s territorial waters, as well as around Gotland. No forays were made far into …