The Northern Flank D+25 (3 August, 1987)

On land and air, the final hours of the Third World War on NATO’s Northern Flank was marked by grim vigilance as both sides readied their forces and troops for the seemingly imminent prospect of further escalation. AFNORTH’s plan for the use of nuclear weapons on the northern flank was dependent primarily upon air delivered …

Baltic Approaches D+22 (31 July, 1987) Part II

1400- The Danish attack commences. 1st and 2nd Brigades of the Jutland Division advance southeast from Bredebro. This division is in far better material shape than its West German counterpart to the east. The Danish sector of the front had been considerably quieter following the rebellion in Polish ranks. The division’s commander took advantage of …

Baltic Approaches D+22 (31 July, 1987) Part I

Author’s Note: I wanted to do the Baltic Approaches in a single entry. Unfortunately, a computer issue yesterday has brought on a delay. So, tomorrow or early Monday I’ll post the remainder of this entry tomorrow, followed by a Ukraine update later on Monday. Then we head farther north. LANDJUT’s offensive in southern Jutland commenced …

Baltic Approaches D+21 (30 July, 1987)

Early on D+21 the NATO counterattack on the North German Plain was underway. Unfortunately, allied land forces in the BALTAP region were nowhere near ready to commence offensive operations. Despite the best efforts of COMBALTAP and his ground commanders, the NATO brigades and divisions arrayed in Jutland appeared to need another twenty-four hours before their …

The Northern Flank D+20 (29 July, 1987)

In Lapland, the 54th Motor Rifle Division’s withdrawal back to Soviet territory was well underway and starting to make headway despite growing resistance from Finnish and newly arrived Swedish troops in the north. The 281st Motor Rifle Regiment was now screening the division’s rear. Its troops were dueling around the clock with Finnish and Swedish …

Baltic Approaches D+20 (29 July, 1987)

0035- Officers from the East German 28th Motor Rifle Regiment meet with a contingent of Danish officers at Viemose. The meeting lasts just twenty minutes and revolves around the terms and conditions necessary to bring about a formal surrender of the East German regiment. A second meeting is agreed upon and scheduled for later in …

The Northern Flank D+19 (28 July, 1987)

NATO and Soviet ground forces were largely inactive during the first part of the day. The confusion and anxiety formed by events elsewhere in the world dominated thoughts, preparation and action. NBC precautions were in place on both sides of the battleline. Troops moved around in bulky protective suits and masks. The restrictive nature of …

Baltic Approaches D+19 (28 July, 1987)

0500- With the shock and initial paralysis from the limited nuclear exchange on the previous day beginning to wear off, political leadership in the capital cities of allied nations were taking stock of the situation, which was evolving perilously. The Superpowers now occupied center stage with all but the most indispensable allies relegated to the …

The Northern Flank D+17 (26 July, 1987) Part II

F SACLANT approved a request from Naval Forces North Norway (NAVNON) for it to assume temporary control of the HMS Illustrious and her escorts. NAVNON planned to use the Sea Harriers embarked on the British carrier against Soviet warships when the next round of naval skirmishes in North Cape waters started. They carried the Sea …

The Northern Flank D+17 (26 July, 1987) Part I

AFNORTH’s preparations to commence offensive operations in the north were well underway on the morning of D+17. Additional US Marines, as well as their British counterparts were being airlifted to Banak, reinforcing the troops already on the ground there. The Norwegian air station, which had been under Soviet control until recently, would be established as …