An In-Depth History and Analysis of the Third World War
2nd Allied Tactical Air Force- Conclusion Author’s Note: This post will wrap up 2 ATAF losses on D+0. In April the first day air losses for 4 ATAF will be presented. Lufttwaffe Squadron 1, Jagdbombergeschwader 31, Nörvenich Air Base, Federal Republic of Germany AC Strength 0000 Hours D+0: 16 Tornado IDS AC Combat Losses: 5 …
Continue reading "WWIII Aircraft Losses: 2 ATAF, Central Front D+0 (9 July, 1987) Part III"
WWIII is a war defined by numbers. Literally. Mountains of numbers and figures have been released covering every conceivable topic. From ammunition expenditures of every weapon used in the war to the average lifespan of a Soviet infantry fighting vehicle on the Central Front, numbers told the final story. More impressive is the fact that …
In the battlefield nuclear exchanges that took place early on D+24, command and control elements and links were among the earliest casualties in both the NATO and Soviet formations that were targeted. This occurrence was anything but a surprise. Both sides had anticipated and prepared for the eventuality. Contingency plans for combat operations in a …
Salzglitter, FRG 0703 Zulu (0903 Local) The Soviet Mi-17 flared and landed. The pilot powered down the engines. Once they ceased turning, Marshal Snetkov disembarked from the helicopter with three aides in tow. They moved while under the watchful eyes of an Apache helicopter. SACEUR and own two aides walked out from the trees and …
Continue reading "Galvin and Snetkov Come Together D+25 (3 August, 1987) Part II"
1100 Zulu- In Western Poland Marshal Snetkov learns of multiple Soviet divisions in West Germany surrendering to NATO forces. Unfortunately for CINC-West, communication disruptions make it almost impossible to verify the authenticity of the reports. 1115 Zulu- Similar claims of Soviet surrenders are making their way to SACEUR in Belgium. Only his reports come from …
Continue reading "On The Edge Of The Precipice D+24 (2 August, 1987) 1100-1530 Zulu"
0335 Zulu- The 30 kiloton warhead from the Soviet SS-21 exploded 2000 meters over a nature preserve 5 kilometers west of the municipality of Schwienau. The impact point was slightly to the north of the rear area of the Dutch 5th Division. The blast caused horrifically heavy casualties as well as losses of equipment and …
Continue reading "Dealer’s Choice D+24 (2 August, 1987) 0330-0400 Zulu"
0253 Zulu- Romanov’s hotline message is summarized for President Reagan and his advisers in the Situation Room by the MOLINK duty officer. The general secretary explains that a direct response to the ‘unprovoked NATO nuclear attack on a Soviet military base in the GDR’ will be launched within minutes. He does not understand the purpose …
Continue reading "The Morning’s Second Artificial Sunrise D+24 (2 August, 1987) 0253-0330 Zulu"
Moscow, USSR 1215 Zulu (1615 Local) The mid-afternoon session of the Politburo concluded earlier than anticipated. The mood had soured very early on and before anyone could think of containment it was too late. Vladimir Dolgikh was the figure that the opposition rallied around, somewhat to Romanov’s surprise. He’d expected another twenty-four hours to pass …
Brussels, Belgium 0630 Zulu (0830 Local) News of the chemical weapon attack on LANDJUT units along the Danish-West German border reached NATO headquarters in Brussels less than seven minutes after the first CW rounds impacted. Initial reports were understandably lacking in detail, but it was clear beyond a doubt that the Soviets had deliberately initiated …
Hildesheim, West Germany 1 August, 1987 0030 Zulu (0230 Local) He should’ve left for the rear two hours ago, General Crosbie Saint, US Army reminded himself sourly. The commander of NATO’s Northern Army Group had assured his superiors in Brussels that he would be back at his headquarters by midnight. Now, thirty minutes into the …
Third World War 1987 