The Central Front D+6 (15 July, 1987) Part IV

0700 Continued- Artillery barrages and airstrikes preceded the Soviet divisions westward advance. A full regiment of MiG-29 Fulcrums was on station over the area, keeping NATO airpower from inflicting damage on the advancing first-echelon regiments, and giving protection to the MiGs and Sukhoi attack planes flying strikes in support of the units on the ground.  …

The Central Front D+6 (15 July, 1987) Part II

Upon returning to  NORTHAG’s wartime headquarters just after midnight, General Martin Farndale took some time to reflect on the conduct of his command in the war so far. After six full days of fighting, the Northern Army Group’s performance had exceeded virtually all expectations. The Dutch, West German, British, and Belgian corps’ making up NORTHAG …

The Central Front D+6 (15 July, 1987) Part I

Minor adjustments were made to General Snetkov’s original attack plan, but it generally remained intact and entirely feasible. 2nd Guards Tank Army, reinforced with East German divisions, was in position to commence attacks against the Dutch 1st and 4th Divisions as originally intended. Simultaneously, 20th Guards Army’s lead divisions would advance towards the seam separating …

The Central Front D+4 (13 July, 1987) Part I

In the pre-dawn hours of D+4, Group Soviet Forces Germany commander General Snetkov stood over an expansive table map of the central front region. The latest positions of Warsaw Pact units, as well as the known, or suspected positions of enemy units were displayed. Every so often an intelligence officer would come over and make …