A Generation of Three

By Gary Pettit

Arguably the most profound fifty years of American history came in the twentieth century with involvement in both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam.

The Taylors were caught in this period with three generations being sent to war, starting with Jeff flying over Western France where he commands an ambitious assassination mission. Unfortunately, it is a mission that is doomed to fail.

Returning home, Jeff marries and has a son, Robert. Jeff is assigned to flight training, where Robert grows up. Robert demonstrates a natural ability, best shown when he serves in the island hopping campaign across the Pacific. Unfortunately, Robert also has to deal with the threat of treason following the internment of his wife and child.

Roberts Son, Glen, demonstrates a remarkable level-headed approach to anything he does and follows his fathers footsteps into the US Navy. In 1968, Glen is shot down over Vietnam. Captured, he is imprisoned by the Vietnamese where fate sees him share incarceration with an old foe.

Eventually, returning home, Glen becomes a test pilot, where he meets and falls in love with an English adjutant. Love blossoms, and a surprising link is revealed one evening. However, tragedy strikes, leaving their future together in doubt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496984692

Gary Pettit

Born in Northampton, England Gary is married and has three grown up children. He is an insolvency practitioner in England where he is held in high regard for corporate restructuring and dealing with resolving financial difficulties of individuals and companies alike. Outside of his vocation Gary loves sport in general, but particularly rugby, golf and snooker. He even took up the whistle as a football referee for ten years. However, arguably his proudest moment was to run the London Marathon on three occasions, raising money for charity. Despite a hectic life Gary also enjoys casual reading of military history, from ancient Greece to the Gulf War. He insists it is purely an interest and that he should not be considered as a historian. Gary’s principal in life is to keep things simple. Never over-complicate matters as it merely adds unnecessary problems that cloud the message. The idea behind A Generation of Three came about 14 years before he put pen to paper. He says the story tries to stick to his principals and hopes readers will enjoy its simplicity in dealing with the emotions it covers.

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© 2014 Gary Pettit. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/23/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-8449-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-8469-2 (e)

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Contents

Chapter 1 A possible threat?

Chapter 2 A Plan is Conceived

Chapter 3 Volunteer

Chapter 4 A squadron is born

Chapter 5 Practice makes perfect

Chapter 6 The target awaits

Chapter 7 The wait is over

Chapter 8 The survivors

Chapter 9 Home

Chapter 10 Texas

Chapter 11 The war is over

Chapter 12 The boy grows

Chapter 13 Into the big, wide World

Chapter 14 USS Saratoga

Chapter 15 War is not an option

Chapter 16 But it is coming anyway

Chapter 17 Filled with terrible resolve

Chapter 18 Battles without enemies

Chapter 19 A turkey shoot

Chapter 20 Hit them where it hurts

Chapter 21 Operation Nuisance

Chapter 22 A terrible resolution

Chapter 23 Glen grows up

Chapter 24 Another joins the ranks

Chapter 25 Grounded

Chapter 26 Escape!

Chapter 27 Goodbye Vietnam

Chapter 28 Edwards

Chapter 1

A possible threat?

It was early February 1917 and Europe was still embroiled in a conflict that utilised old military tactics with modern weaponry, resulting in the inevitable slaughter on the battlefield as thousands of soldiers perished for mere yards of advance. However, in a large house on the outskirts of Brighton it was tranquil with the only indication of military intervention being the uniformed personnel occupying the grounds.

On the second floor of the building one room was bustling with several high-ranking officers standing around a table upon which a large map lay displaying the last reported positions of the opposing factions in the European theatre. Their principal discussion was the situation with Russia. Civil unrest had started with the Country’s people fast becoming disillusioned with the conflict on the eastern front and the increasing number of Russians killed with no tangible benefit. The key question had to be whether this trouble would have an adverse affect on Russia’s ability to see the war through to its end or whether they may sue for peace. The latter would result in a significant surplus of troops that could swell Hindenburg’s forces on the western front.

As I see it gentlemen, one officer continued, With the Russians in turmoil and facing revolution, the Hun must surely be thinking the Russians are at risk of being military ineffective. Looking ahead they will have a large quantity of men to turn west to re-enforce their lines against us. The voice was distinctive with its sharp tones of a man from Manhattan. His name, General Abraham Wilberforce Strachan. A stern but realistic man who was self confident while still accepting the views of others provided they could be justified. In my opinion the Hun will keep a watchful eye on where our boys turn up and consider that vicinity their target.

That is a bold comment, replied another American officer, (two-star) general Hawker, as he looked across the table toward Strachan, We are aiming to fill the European theatre with something like 10,000 men a day. Surely, at that rate our numbers will soon counter any re-enforcements that Germany may be able to introduce, if indeed Russia do become (how did you put it) military ineffective. Surely they will be aware of that and would consider using those additional men to strengthen positions further north where the British are pushing them hard.

Strachan raised an eyebrow before responding,

We may be planning to put large quantities of men on the soil but as General Pershing will only be too quick to acknowledge, the Hun have some three years of experience behind them. Our guys, on the other hand, while their heart is in the right place and their desire to defeat the Germans is absolute, are the novices of the battlefield. Personally, I would direct my forces against a bunch of novices rather than battle-hardened troops any day. Before Hawker could respond another intervened,

I have to say that makes sense to me, General Freunard of the French armies began, The Germans consider France a beaten enemy, an easily overcome adversary when pressed hard. While that perception is flawed, I see every reason why you would hit the southern (French) lines, coupled with the fledgling American army when you have that belief.

Absolutely, Stachan retorted, A major victory against us would have serious consequences for morale and could adversely affect the entire front line." This last remark was greeted by a series of nodding from other officers around the table,

I can only concur with the views of Messrs Strachan and Freunard who both make perfect sense, announced Brigadier Burns-Trevail, a British aristocrat whose family history was full of military service dating back generations. Whilst I would prefer them to swing north and feel the brunt of Haig and our English steel, it would be rather unsporting not to let you Yanks have a go. Gerry will look at quality and not quantity and your (what do you call them, doughboys is it?) are not battle ready. It makes all military logic to catch you Yanks while you are learning the sport, so we need to think about what to do.

I must protest, Hawker snapped, While I acknowledge our men do not have the actual battle experience of the other combatants they are all highly trained and battle ready. Strachan then leant forward,

Sounds very comforting that you have such confidence in our guys General Hawker, but training does not compensate for actual shelling and gas attacks.

Nor seeing death and suffering, added Freunard. It tests the mentality of a man beyond anything that can be taught in a class room. Hawker appeared to admit to defeat. He could not argue against Freunard’s point and, deep down, probably knew the frailties that may affect American troops in the initial confrontations. Another voice came forward, offering another view,

It seems all fine and dandy that we stand here and determine what may happen. The possibility of a thrust along the southern borders would be a direct threat on Paris, itself, and could undermine our efforts elsewhere.

Thank you Colonel Aston, Freunard responded, And what does Haig have to say about the position? At this question, several officers stopped and turned to address Major Dunsworth, an intelligence officer from Haig’s own advisory team. Dunsworth pursed his lips before pointing out these discussions were all theoretical and that Russia may overcome its domestic problems and not withdraw from the conflict.

At the moment General Haig does not consider the difficulties in the east too much of a concern, he continued, Russia are still fighting and draining the German forces in doing so. The allied offensive around northern France and Belgium are his principle concern and where his focus lies.

Well bully for General Haig! exclaimed Strachan. The loss of an eastern threat should be considered of prime importance and to simply dismiss this threat is reckless.

I think that is a slur on the British commanding officer sir, retorted Dunsworth, And I must insist you apologise for that remark. Strachan just looked across with distain,

Well even if your General Haig thinks there are no real concerns, his allies do and Pershing will be focussing the American forces on the southern lines.

The bickering continued for a short period after that, accompanied by the occasional sweep of a hand over the map as a means of supporting any suggestion offered. Eventually, General Freunard leant forward, placing both hands down on the table and suggested all this talk and supposition was fine but a decision was needed and how best to address the position. Burns-Trevail then added,

So, what we need is a plan of action in order to rebut this possible onslaught of additional Germans. Hopefully, it is plan never to be required but it is prudent that we are prepared.

And on that basis we should review the personnel files and I would suggest we narrow it down to no more than three candidates who will be tasked to draw up such a plan, Strachan offered. This met with some murmuring and nodding of approval, although another thought was offered up in that could the Allies afford to take an experienced officer off the front line to consider and implement such a plan.

It probably needs a non-combative officer or preferably someone coming back from injury or absence from the front line for any other reason, Freunard suggested. Again, this produced pursed lips and nodding heads from those in the room. This lead to a sudden pregnant pause in the discussions as nobody wished to offer any more. Recognising this Strachan stepped forward,

Well gentlemen, he began, If we do not wish to disrupt existing command or start a selection process may I offer up Major Brett Grainger of the American Air Service? He is a very capable officer and is the sort of guy who can think outside of the box." Dunsworth looked puzzled,

Why would you assign this to someone serving in the air service? Surely, if such a plan is to be conceived you need an officer off the field. Someone who appreciates the conflict on the ground and what is needed, not someone who flies a few feet over the heads, he scoffed in a condescending manner.

I believe you will find they fly at around 10,000 feet Major, Strachan added, And, if your mentality is sound perhaps you could let me know how much experience General Haig has because clearly his planning is based upon Off the field experience! Dunsworth looked outraged but, before he could respond Burns-Trevail stepped in,

Major, he began, I think the phrase is Check mate. General Strachan may have little but theory when we look at experience, but he has top marks when it comes to making a valid point. Burns-Trevail smiled in the direction of Strachan before looking around the room while asking for a vote on whether a plan should be put together, just as a precaution.

The response was unanimous. Even the now seething Dunsworth had to concede precaution was more appropriate than assumption. With this agreed, a short discussion took place on whether Strachan’s suggestion of Major Grainger should be adopted or if there was a differing preference. Strachan then spoke up,

Grainger is a bright, young, guy, he started, He was in line to become a professional pitcher in major league baseball but decided the newly developed American Air Service was more of an attraction. Since joining up his work on developing and training our flyers has seen him elevated quickly up the ranks. While he does not have field experience he has a proven record of being a good tactician and communicator. I believe he has also been consulted by your British company, Sopwith, on some technicalities with aircraft development. That suggests, to me, that I am not the only one who thinks highly of him. Many of those present were impressed by this reference and were nodding in a slow, deliberate manner.

Having just listened to Strachan and feeling he needed to redeem some self-esteem, Dunsworth spoke up,

While I have no doubt Major Grainger is capable, may I suggest another to work alongside him? On being asked if he had any thoughts on this Dunsworth responded,

I do indeed, Major Mick Webster who is a tactical officer with the Royal Flying Corps. He had 12 kills within just three weeks before his knee was shattered by a gunshot wound, preventing him from flying again. After that he went into planning and ops where he has used his experience from actual combat flying to great effect. Freunard added his contribution by saying both candidates sounded ideal but, they were still of equal rank and that a superior ranking officer should act as liaison.

I would like to suggest Colonel Jacques Du Mont to oversee their planning. Most of you will be aware of Du Mont’s credentials. A highly decorated officer and a veteran of the western front who was wounded at Guise in 1914 and gassed at Verdun June 1916, he added.

He is also your Bother-in-law, I understand, highlighted Burns-Trevail.

That is correct, Freunard confirmed, But does that have any bearing on the fact he is a brilliant tactician with significant experience of German tactics?

Du Mont was an experienced and tough campaigner. He was a captain in 1914 and demonstrated his ability when his platoon was cut off from the rest of the French division by German infantry. Despite overwhelming odds he led the platoon back to their own lines by falling back simultaneously with another German advance. His troops being disguised only by muddy uniforms and donning German spiked helmets that were scrounged from the dead. He was elevated to major as a result, although Du Mont was more annoyed his exploits failed to prevent 12 of his troop being killed by friendly fire. He was further promoted to colonel in early May 1916. However, on 1 June 1916 he was gassed while serving in Verdun, although he proved his determination by refusing to be sent to a military hospital, demanding instead the effects of being gassed was only minor and that he should remain with his men. However, even this bravery could not prevent his succumbing to breathing difficulties directly attributable to the gassing as the effect were to damage his lungs. This meant he struggled with the daily demands on the battlefield.

Notwithstanding the obvious technical and tactical abilities of both Grainger and Webster, the thought of a battlefield veteran like Du Mont could not be turned down and so the decision was reached that Du Mont would head this new team with immediate effect. Arrangements were then put in place for all three chosen officers to rendezvous in Calais where they were to be informed of their task.

Chapter 2

A Plan is Conceived

A week after the Brighton meeting Generals Freunard and Strachan were together in a makeshift office building at Calais docks. They were awaiting the arrival of the three selected officers who were due to arrive for briefing. The meeting was set for 11.00 a.m. and both officers would periodically gaze towards a wall clock while also passing the time discussing how the war was progressing. At 11.00 a.m. the duty sergeant entered and informed them all three officers have arrived and were outside. In response Freunard instructed the sergeant to send them in.

The sergeant soon returned and stood to one side of the door, revealing a tall, dark-haired man.

Ah, Colonel Du Mont, Freunard said in a pleasant tone as if he were surprised. Du Mont smiled towards his fellow Countryman, stopped and saluted. The two generals returned his salute before Strachan stepped forward and offered his hand while introducing himself. Following Du Mont came Grainger, resulting in more salute exchanges before, finally, a further round of salutes greeted Webster. All three officers were then ushered towards chairs at a table while the two generals made their way around to the opposite side; Freunard sitting down while Strachan stood behind his chair, grasping the top of the back rest with both hands.

Strachan looked over each of the three officers in turn before starting,

What do you know about events in Russia? Without exception, Du Mont, Webster and Grainger looked puzzled at this question before Grainger offered a response,

Well, sir, he began, If reports can be believed the Russians have seen sense and had enough of this war and want out. Strachan looked at him, nodding in acknowledgement,

Actually, Grainger isn’t it, Grainger winced a little as a means of acknowledging his recognition before Strachan continued, You are pretty much there. A civilian revolt is potentially undermining the Russian effort on the eastern front and, given estimated Russian casualties (both military and civilian) amount to something like 3 million on present estimates for, quite frankly, achieving very little it is reasonable to understand they are a little fed up.

Freunard then sat forward,

I can see you are all wondering why we are asking you about Russia. This received silence from all three, as if they anticipated the point to this would be forthcoming. Freunard did not disappoint,

1916 witnessed the two most costly battles on the western front to date. At the Somme allied casualties were in excess of 620,000 of which over 140,000 are fatalities. The other was at Verdun where (as colonel Du Mont can testify) over 330,000 French casualties were suffered. Half of which were killed in action. Du Mont backed the opinion shared by Strachan when he said his only surprise was casualties were not higher, given the length of the battle and the sheer bloody horror that Verdun represented.

You were there? asked Webster. Du Mont nodded slowly and explained,

I was caught in a German gas attack on the first of June but that was nothing compared to the sights I witnessed in that hell-hole. Strachan then intervened,

The reason you guys have been brought here is because allied command are concerned Russia may eventually pack their bags and quit. This would leave large numbers of German troops with nothing to do but turn around and swell enemy numbers against us on the western front lines, he explained, Now, given the level of casualties General Freunard has just mentioned there is an obvious concern that we could be facing stiffer resistance from a re-enforced German army. This could lead to higher (and possibly unacceptable) casualties that may even result in the war being prolonged for several years to come. During this explanation Freunard opened out a map of Europe in front of the officers that also showed the current front line of the allies. Strachan continued by pointing at specific points on the map and with sweeping gestures of his hand indicated the likely German drive and why command has concluded the southern region is most likely to be where the enemy could push, particularly if additional troops became available.

A determined drive around the Marne Salient could cut deep into our lines and even threaten Paris, he added.

Webster frowned,

I hear what you say, sir, he began, But I thought you Yanks were swelling allied numbers. Surely this will counter any possible threat from increased German numbers? Freunard interrupted,

Quite correct Major, but until the…..Americans can gain some battle experience the concern is they will be little match for a large scale of battle-hardened and highly experienced German soldiers, even if they are provided with British and French support. Grainger then added his views as he ran a finger along the map,

It does seem to make sense what you are suggesting, he began, Driving across the Marne river and……, let us see, head south west, north of Chateau Thierry and the Germans have a straight run at Paris. This was greeted by a virtually simultaneous acknowledgement by all three officers who concluded with some trepidation that if successful such an advance could result in the capitalisation of France and ultimately, defeat for the allies.

Now, we could be guilty of over-cooking the possibility, Strachan assured them, The Russian government may quash the revolt and continue fighting. Freunard interjected,

Equally, the Russians could sue for peace but, by the time that happens, the allies must be prepared for any reinforcements the Germans can throw at us. It is all too uncertain and dangerous for us to simply ignore, irrespective of the fact the British are hitting the enemy hard in the northern sectors and any German reinforcements ought to be sent there in order to repel advances made.

Du Mont sat back in his chair,

It seems to me high command does not know what may happen. They are guessing. Freunard raised his voice at this impertinence and demanded an apology.

Impertinence? Du Mont replied, "With respect, sir, you have just informed us that the Russians may sue for peace and that may result in the enemy swelling numbers in the southern regions, but they may also send the surplus troops further north. That sounds like guesswork to me." Before Freunard could respond Strachan placed his hand on Freunard’s shoulder and stepped forward,

My dear colonel, unless you have direct access to Hindenburg’s battle plans most things in war happen from second guessing what your enemy may (or may not) do. The military powers like to call that intelligence. Du Mont smiled, appreciating the comment from his senior officer.

The three officers were then informed of their task,

We want you to consider the possible options and to devise the appropriate counter measures, Strachan explained. Freunard then informed them arrangements had been made to transport them to Rouen where all intelligence information available to enable them to fulfil their task will be available.

After a brief lunch the three chosen officers found themselves boarding a train heading south towards their destination. Du Mont broke the temporary silence by asking his two majors to provide a resume about themselves. Brett Grainger went first,

Well, as you know, I am Major Brett Grainger of the American Air Service. I am 26 years of age and have been in the service for just over 8 years now. He chuckled, I am afraid the people of Los Angeles disagreed with that decision as I was being touted as the next great pitcher for the Angels. Still, I liked the idea of flying so joined the service. It was probably a good idea too he continued, The military leaders clearly liked me and I was elevated up the ranks. In fact, I had just been promoted when President Wilson decided he had had enough with the Germans sinking American ships and before I could change the bars on my uniform I was promoted to major. During my short military career I have devised strategic methods of attack for both ground and air forces but no actual conflict experience as yet. He then turned towards Webster, I was also asked by your British aeroplane manufacturer, Sopwith, for opinions on one of their latest designs. Du Mont was surprised to hear just how short Grainger had served and was already a major, but he was also impressed as clearly the American military thought very highly of him. Du Mont then turned to Webster who sat back into the train seat,

Not a lot to say really, Webster began, Been in the army for 16 years, fought in the Boer War and transferred to the Royal Flying Corp in 1915 where my actual fighting career lasted a grand total of 24 days before some bugger on the ground took a pop shot at me as I flew past and the bugger hit my knee, shattering it in the process. Mind you, he continued, I did bag myself 12 confirmed kills in that time so I did have a bit of fun. Since then I have been a tactical advisor and, before you ask, no I was not involved with the Slaughter that marked the opening day of the Somme! Du Mont shuddered at the thought of what happened that day and it also brought back some vivid memories of his own experience further south from that murderous site at Verdun.

Grainger looked at the colonel and asked about his experience so far. Du Mont looked pained but simply responded,

I was shot early in the war, he began while tapping his right shoulder, indicating the location of the wound, And, on returning to the conflict I remained unscathed until June last year when I was caught in a German gas attack.

Gee, Grainger began, I have heard a lot about gas attacks and seen victims of it. What was it really like? Du Mont raised an eyebrow and smirked,

Have you ever put some fish in your mouth and realised it was far too hot to eat so you spat it out? Well, imagine double that heat, but you cannot spit it out. Instead it works slowly down your insides, scarring you all the way down. Grainger winced and suggested Du Mont must consider himself lucky to be alive.

Discussions continued throughout the remainder of their journey with Webster and Du Mont, in particular, each describing some of their experiences over the past 3 years. Although reluctant, Du Mont revealed some of the horrors he witnessed on the battlefields while Webster would describe some of the dogfights he was caught up in. However, both Du Mont and Grainger were intrigued on how Webster received a wound that left him needing the walking stick that was propped against his seat.

Oh I had just followed a Gerry plane to almost ground level and as I pulled up I found myself over German ground forces when one of them took a pot shot at me and got lucky.

Did you get the Gerry plane? Grainger enquired.

Oh I got him alright but nobody was able to confirm the kill so I finished on 12 before the doctors told my superiors I could not fly again. Grainger felt a little overwhelmed, being in the presence of two officers who had clearly experienced what the conflict really meant. All he could add to the conversation was his advisory experience and show a desire to inflict the maximum damage upon the enemy. Du Mont could sense this and would drop in the odd re-assurance like,

Now the Americans have joined then things should hot up a bit for Gerry.

The train came to a stop and the three officers disembarked, to be greeted by an English staff sergeant who ushered them to a staff car. He then drove them to their destination that, according to the staff sergeant, was only ten minutes drive. True to his word, just short of ten minutes later the car turned off the main road, through some gates and onto a drive that lead to an old farm house. The car pulled outside where they were met by two more soldiers who took control of their luggage while the staff sergeant lead them into the house and to their rooms. By now it was early evening and they all decided to freshen up before the evening meal.

Having now arrived at their destination the level of expectation could be felt and the responsibility they accepted readily when informed of the task back in Calais and the possible consequences of their possible conclusions began to dawn on them,

You do realise, Du Mont started, If we get our conclusions wrong and high command have followed them then it could result in many thousands of men losing their lives. Webster stepped in,

Or even worse than that, it could cost us the war.

Ah, c’mon you two, Grainger added, If they follow our recommendations then it is only because they have had other big wigs check and re-check our conclusions. They would hardly put the entire campaign on the line because of what three officers have to say, surely not. Both Du Mont and Webster concurred as they looked at each other over the dining table before Du Mont said,

I would suggest we three are the so-called Big wigs major and the only additional thought would be from staff themselves.

The following morning Du Mont and his fellow officers had a quick breakfast before making their way to the room where they were shown the available information for their deliberation. This included a large scale map showing both western and eastern fronts, what units were in operation and where they were situated according to latest intelligence reports. To the side of the map was a reference book, which detailed each known unit along these lines, including their estimated strength where it related to the enemy forces.

There are other points of reference over on that table, the staff sergeant explained as he gestured with his hand at a small table set standing against the wall. Du Mont thanked him and asked for some hot drinks before leaving them alone.

Over the next few hours the three officers read through the reference notes and compared these with the map and known movements of all belligerents along both the length of the western and eastern fronts. They also had notes of the two main protagonists, namely Hindenburg and Ludendorff who were the core strategists for the Axis powers. It was decided that Webster would look at tactics from a German perspective while Du Mont from the allied viewpoint. Grainger took the neutral stance with the aim to provide a critical assessment of each side.

Eventually, Du Mont turned to Webster,

So, assuming you are the enemy and you are about to inherit around a quarter of a million men, what do you consider as your options? Webster looked at Du Mont and Grainger before laying down his options,

"Well, as I see it I have four options, which are:

1. I could focus the entire influx of troops around the southern sector and try to drive through Franco-American forces around the Marne Salient, pressing south of Soissons, possibly through Chateau Thierry. No disrespect to our American allies but they are novices in this conflict and it is reasonable to assume a hard, concentrated thrust by battle-hardened troops would be confronted by the Americans. This, in my opinion would mean the French have to draw additional troops away from other positions to support, therefore diluting those positions to a point of vulnerability. The drive would aim directly toward Paris and the degree of threat is so great to the allies it must surely create a drain on resources further north, possibly around the central area where the British and French forces meet up. If those forces are weakened then I have a second possibility of driving a wedge between the allies at … Amiens, I would suggest. This could create a pincer on the Franco-American sectors who would find themselves defending on two fronts.

2. Secondly, I attack the central sector and, again, drive a wedge between the French and British forces. From such an advance I could then defend/hold the northern front while driving south with my main force to, again, threaten Paris and drive France out of the war. Such a move would also mean I could swing south, then south east resulting in me trapping the American forces.

3. You will probably not be too surprised to hear my next option would be to concentrate on the northern sector around Flanders, with the aim of driving the British back into the Channel. This would provide me with control of channel ports, which in turn provides further avenue for supplies and restricts the British to the more southerly (and more distant) French ports for bringing in supplies. Once reaching the coast I could start pushing south.

4. The final option is to merely supplement my divisions along the entire front line. Providing my forces with fresh and battle-hardened troops could add impetus along the entire front. However, I would suggest this is the weaker argument as it must surely be a short term fix with no long term result. In other words, it would allow some enhancement for the Germans but I would suggest I could not sustain a continued drive and any initial momentum would fall away after a few days."

On hearing these conclusions Du Mont nodded thoughtfully,

Herr Webster, he quipped, we are in agreement with regards to the likely options available to you. The good thing about that is it has made my conclusions easier to reach. The bad side is how to execute those conclusions. Pursing his lips Du Mont then revealed his views, "In taking into consideration your options, I had in mind:

1. The obvious approach would be to focus on the southern sector and I would expect that to be the favourite approach. In anticipating this move I could either say to General Pershing your rapidly swelling number of inexperienced troops will have to learn quickly and simply hold a defensive position. I would probably suggest Pershing’s officers are assisted by French officers using their experience and acting as advisors. Alternatively, I would add no more than a couple of French divisions, placing them in front of the Americans who then act as a form of reserve. Personally, I think the military weight that I could move into that sector would be sufficient. However, as I mentioned a concentrated drive in the south is obvious and makes full military and strategic sense. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest Allied forces will be prepared for this.

2. So, my next option could be a central drive (from the Allied perspective) and Amiens is the ideal target as it would serve to divide the allied forces. To me this would be the most problematic thrust to defend as it means I must draw forces from both French and British divisions along the front line, possibly leaving other sectors vulnerable. Even if I brought reserve divisions forward it would leave those sectors vulnerable. I would probably do a fighting withdrawal back to the immediate eastern area of Amiens where I could concentrate the divisions I have drawn from the other sectors and deliver a concerted counter-attack from there, hoping the method of withdrawal has exhausted the German advance.

3. While tempting, I do not believe an attack on the northern sector is a plausible option. A vastly increased force could drive the British back but I would consider re-directing some of the American troops across the Channel to Calais and act as support and/or reserve to the British forces. This should help repel such an attack and cause sufficient delay to enable the main American forces on the southern extreme sector time to learn the game and, therefore, get stronger and wiser. This would be a serious threat to the Germans who must act to defend their lines.

4. I actually dismissed the thought of spreading these men across the line from a practical point of view and I just cannot believe the Germans would not look to utilise such a wealth of additional troops in what could be an aimless manner. No. My conclusion is Amiens."

Grainger stood up and started walking towards the front window, while grasping his chin and tapping his index finger on his cheek as if this aided his thought process,

Interesting gentlemen, he began, You have both looked at this independent of each other yet have reached pretty much the exact conclusions. Grainger then went on to suggest neither of them had given credit to Ludendorff, the German head tactician. I would suggest give the likes of Ludendorff an extra 250,000 experienced troops then he will use them both wisely and in a manner he considers causes us the most difficulty. I believe you are both thinking along the same lines only he will divide the influx of troops and hit both the southern sector and drive towards Amiens in a twin strike. However, if I were in his position I would select the best troops from all those available as the spearhead with the remaining numbers to follow up. That way the most experienced will hit the allies the hardest and maximise the chance of a successful advance. Do that in both areas and, in particularly against Pershing may create chaos.

Du Mont was puzzled. They had all reached similar conclusions in a reasonably short space of time and this suggested to him the joint chiefs of staff must surely have reached the same conclusions. If that was the case then why were they assigning the three of them to consider the possibilities. Both Webster and Grainger agreed and there was a period of deliberation on why they had been assigned to this task. Suddenly, it dawned on Grainger whose eyes widened,

Of course! he exclaimed, They know what the possibilities are and they know each one could be costly in terms of lives lost. The other two acknowledged this before Du Mont asked Grainger where he was going with this. They know what could happen and, let’s face it the last thing the allies want is another year like 1916. Again, both Du Mont and Webster showed their agreement before Grainger continued, They are looking for something outside of the box, something off the beaten track, something not so obvious.

You mean the sort of thing that needs volunteers, Webster responded. Grainger nodded before revealing his thoughts,

They want us to assassinate those who plan against us. They want the enemy leadership dead. Du Mont sat back in his chair,

Do not be so ridiculous, he retorted, Surely that is the golden aim of all combatants but it can never be achieved because they are always housed in the safest of places. And, in any event even if it could be achieved the advantage would surely only be short-lived at possibly great cost in lives. Webster merely shrugged his shoulders asking what is any different to throwing men into a suicide mission and the butchery taking place in the trenches. Du Mont conceded the point.

It had already been a long day so they decided to retire for the day, resuming in the morning to re-think their strategy. If Grainger’s views were correct then it is little wonder they were specifically selected for this task. Leaving the room, Du Mont locked the doors to ensure nobody could enter during their absence. After all, they had left their notes on the main table, together with all reference paper. Not something that should be left for anyone to merely walk in and look through.

The following morning Grainger woke to the sound of rain hammering against the window. He squinted toward the large curtains that were blocking the outside view before yawning while simultaneously pulling the sheets off his legs that now swung out to the side of his bed. He was just about to stand up when something dawned on him that made him simply sit up and think for a moment. Standing up he walked over to the curtains and pulled them apart to reveal the rain streaming down the windows. Stepping closer to the window he surveyed the scene outside before a smirk came across his face. Turning around, he went on his way to get ready for another day.

Arriving at the dining room, Grainger found Webster was already there,

Good morning Grainger, Webster said cheerily before taking another sip of his tea. Sitting down Grainger did not disclose his thoughts on the tactical issue going through his mind, but chose small talk like the atrocious weather outside as a more appropriate subject to discuss. Very soon Du Mont joined them

Reviews for A Generation of Three

[comixminx · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

What went for the second volume in this series goes even more for this one, except that it has a more action-packed plot that, once you look at it, is in some ways dodgier than what has gone before. Military coup? Yes, but that's alright because we're the good guys, dressed in shining white and conspicuously getting on with all the alien races.

[davidlerickson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This tale begins with Admiral Sassinak's desire for revenge against the aliens who enslaved her a millions of others. Along the way she cobbles together a small band in the pursuit of the truth behind the planetary pirates and the uneasy aliance that has kept war from engulfing all the known worlds.This read began a little slow and appeared to wallow in the mire of politics, but as the story began to come togther the cast of characters and situations turned this into a great experience. I found myself wondering just what was going to happen next as the characters figured their way out of dire straights.There is a reason why I prefer sci-fi, and this is one.