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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

Even as early as the late 40s, early 50s, there was a real fear of a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union.

B-28 Nuclear Bomb, carried by the B-52 bomber in the 60s.

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With a 1 megaton yield, it would devastate a city and the surrounding area.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange. But we still prepared for the worst.

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Advice was provided by the local authorities, giving guidance on how best to defend yourself from the threat.

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Information was basic, but the authorities themselves knew very little about how the population could defend themselves against an all-out nuclear exchange. It was expected that over 300 megatons would be dropped on Great Britain alone, enough to blast it back into the dark ages.

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To assist local Government, in the event of a nuclear exchange, or other major catastrophe, Regional Control Centres would assume full powers over a specific area. They were provided with tools to help cope with the nuclear threat. 

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This Radiological Survey Meter was built in 1962, by the Victoreen Instrument Company in Cleveland Ohio. It is brand new, fortunately unused.

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It records the rate at which at which your body is being exposed to radiation. It is used to find the best shelter and evaluate shielding arrangements. Even stacks of books were seen as an aid to blocking out radiation.

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Very basic circuitry, powered by a 1.5 volt, D-Cell battery

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Made in 1962, the latest test date for the Ion Chamber is 1991, and it still works.

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Measures up to 500 roentgens per hour. Only a few hours at that level would usually be lethal for a human being.

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Basic Instruction Book

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CD V-175

Dosimeters. Design to be carried on the person to measure the body’s accumulated exposure to radiation.

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Dosimeter charger, used to ‘Zero’ the dosimeters.

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Total Exposure

0-50R – No visible effects

50-200R – Brief periods of nausea. 50% experience radiation sickness

200-450R – 50% deaths within two to four weeks.

450-600R – Serious radiation sickness. Death to 50% within one to three weeks.

Over 600R – Severe radiation sickness. 100% deaths within two weeks.

The thought of it ever happening is frightening.

i hope this has given you a further insight into what was happening during the Cold War Period, 1946-1989. Going forward I will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy.

The Blog is copyrighted to Harvey Black.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle and Paperback version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War.

.

. .

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange.

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Allied Forces Central Europe, AFCENT

Allied Forces Central Europe, AFCENT, would have to take the brunt of any attack by the Warsaw Pact forces. With responsibility for Parts of Europe stretching from Denmark in the north to the borders of Austria in the south, it had three subordinate commands. The two key ones, Northern Army Group, NORTHAG, and Central Army Group, CENTAG. For this and the next Post, I will concentrate on CENTAG:

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The Corps sectors of responsibility for NATO forces in the 80s. The layer cake principle was used.

CENTAG, Central Army Group, had four powerful frontline Corps to defend its sector from just south of Kassel to the border with Austria. III German Corps in the north, then the V and VII US Corps with II German Corps in the south. For this Post I will focus on V US Corps, who had the prime responsibility for defending the well known Fulda-Gap.

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V Corps shoulder badge insignia.

V US Corps had three key units to provide the defence of the Fulda Gap. More on the Fulda-Gap later.

V US Corps. HQ – Frankfurt

3rd  (US) Armoured (Spearhead) Division (Frankfurt-am-Main

1st Brigade – Kirchgoens

• 2nd and 4th Battalion, 32nd Armoured Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 2nd and 3rd mechanised Infantry Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment

2nd Brigade

• 3rd and 4th Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 1st Battalion, 48th Mechanised Infantry Regiment

3rd Brigade

• 2nd and 4th Battalion, 67th Cavalry Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment. 

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An XM1 at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1969

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105mm M1 Abrams of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment at a training area, Germany, 1986. First introduced in in 1980, it was the replacement for the ageing M-60. Armed with the licence-built version of the 105mm Royal Ordnance L7 gun.

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Abrams during desert Storm in 1991. Honeywell AGT1500C multi-fuel turbine engine powering the 60+ ton tank to speeds up 40mph.

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M1A1 in Iraq, September 2004.

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US Army M1A2 Abrams 

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M1A1 Abrams, Germany 2005.

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

• 2nd Battalion, 227th Attack Helicopter Regiment (21 x AH1F, 13 x OH58C, 3 x UH60A)
• 3rd battalion, 227th Attack Helicopter Regiment (18 x AH64A, 13 x OH58C, 3 x UH60A)
• G Company, 227th Attack Helicopter Regiment (6 x UH1H, 6 x OH58A, 6 x OH58D, 3 x EH60)
• H Company, 227th Attack Helicopter Regiment (15 x UH60A)

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Bell 207 Sioux Scout. A mockup of Bell’s D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named Iroquois Warrior.

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Israeli AH-1F Cobras. Crew of 2. 20mm M197 3-barreled gatling cannon, 70mm rockets and 4 or 8 TOW anti-tank missiles.

3rd Artillery Division.

• 72 x M109A3, 9 x MRLS

8th Infantry Division

1st Brigade

• 1st Armoured Battalion, 68th Armoured Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 4th Armoured Battalion, 69th Armoured Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 3rd and 5th Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

2nd Brigade

• 2nd  Armoured Battalion, 69th Armoured Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 1st Battalion, 13th Mechanised Infantry Regiment
• 1st Battalion, 39th Mechanised Infantry Regiment

3rd Brigade

• 5th Armoured Battalion, 68th Armoured Regiment (Abrams-M1)
• 5th Armoured Battalion, 77th Armoured Regiment (M60A3)
• 4th Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

8th Infantry Division Artillery.

M-60 tank. Slowly being replaced by the M1 Abrams

8th Combat Aviation Brigade

• 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment (M60A3)
• 2nd Battalion, 4th Attack Helicopter Regiment (21 x AH1F, 13 x OH58C, 3 x UH60A)
• 3rd battalion, 4th Attack Helicopter Regiment (21 x AH1F, 13 x OH58C, 3 x UH60A)
• G Company, 4th Attack Helicopter Regiment (6 x UH1H, 6 x OH58A, 6 x OH58D, 3 x EH60)
• H Company, 4th Attack Helicopter Regiment (15 x UH60A)

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OH-58 Kiowa. 

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OH-58D Kiowa. Unique IR suppression systems mounted on its turbine exhaust. Scout helicopters, some armed with AIM-92 air-to-air Stinger missiles.

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UH-60A Black Hawk. Troop carrier, minelayer and medical evacuation.

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UH-60A’s over Port Salinas during the invasion of Grenada, 1983. The first use of the Black-Hawk in a conflict.

11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cavalry Squadrons (Abrams-M1)
• 4th Air Cavalry Squadron (26 x AH1F, 27 x OH58C, 3 x UH60, 18 x UH60A

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M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Main armament is a 25mm M242 Chain Gun. TOW anti-tank missiles.

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Top speed of 40mph on roads. Six troops could be carried in the passenger compartment. 

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i hope this has given you a further insight into what NATO, in particular the US Army, had in its arsenal. Going forward I will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy, including maps and photographs.

The Blog is copyrighted to Harvey Black.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle and Paperback version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War.

.

. .

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange.

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It was anticipated that 1 British Corps would be up against the Soviet 3rd Shock Army, consisting of four armoured divisions. The first echelon of 3SA could consist of 10th Guards Tank Division and 7th Guards Tank Division. They alone would have in the region of 700 main battle tanks. Once through the British covering force, a thin screen to slow down the Soviet advance, they would attempt to punch through the main force, committing two further divisions to exploit any breakthrough. As it is likely that the Soviet army would attack a reduced sector, enabling them to consolidate their forces, a unit like the 1st Armoured Division, with about 200 tanks, would probably find two of it’s Brigades, with 100-150 Chieftain or Challenger tanks,  attempting to stop this onslaught. But, that is not all they would have to contend with:

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Soviet paratroopers drop from a Tupolev TB-3 in 1930.

After the initial experimental jump in 1930, during 1932/33, larger units were created. By 1941, the Soviet army had established  five airborne corps.

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Spetsnaz training facility, also often used by airborne forces.

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Present day Russian Airborne troops.

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The Soviet Airborne troops or VDV, Vozdushno=desantyne voyska (Air-Landing Forces), were classed as elite troops, hence the blue berets and blue and white horizontally striped shirt beneath their one-piece coveralls.

In the 80′s, the Soviet army had at least 6 Airborne Divisions and some 15 Air Assault Brigades.

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Soviet airborne troops waiting to board an Ilyushin II-76 ‘Candid’ aircraft.

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1984, Soviet airborne troops boarding a Candid, which was capable of carrying 140 armed troops, or 125 paratroopers.

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Two key types of forces were the airborne division and the Air Assault Brigade. An airborne division, made up of 3 BMD (BMD-airborne armoured personnel carrier) regiments, an artillery regiment, an assault gun, anti-aircraft, engineer, signal, transport and medical battalion, along with a reconnaissance and chemical defence company. Over 6,500 men, it was a force to be reckoned with. Should 1 British Corps find two of these divisions suddenly dropping behind their lines, it would cause havoc. Unless the 2nd Infantry Division had arrived from the UK to conduct rear area defence, the front-line divisions would have to divert reserves to deal with this additional menace.

A Soviet airborne amphibious tracked infantry combat vehicle. It can be palletised and dropped by parachute or off-loaded from an aircraft after a standard runway landing.

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Present day, airborne troops in Abkhazia.

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An ASU-85 of the Polish 6th Air Assault Division. In the 80′s, the Polish army had two airborne divisions that would have been used as part of the Warsaw Pact forces invading West Germany. The 15.5 ton, ASU-85, with its 85mm gun, gave the airborne forces some light infantry support and limited anti-tank capability once on the ground. It could be air-dropped, using a high-capacity multi-chute and retro-rocket systems, or underslung from a Mi-6 Hook helicopter.

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Soviet airborne troops in Kosovo.

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An Air Assault Brigade on the other hand was much smaller. It would have two BMD assault battalions and two parachute battalions. Supported by a reconnaissance company, artillery and air-defence battalion, along with signals, engineers, transport, supply, chemical defence and medical support. The Brigade would range from between 2,000 – 2,600 men. A mix of air assets would be used to land this force behind NATO lines. Again, 1 Br Corps could find perhaps two of these units, over a period of a couple of days, securing key river crossing points, securing high ground, cutting off reinforcements and supplies or airfields and even known Nuclear weapons storage sites.

Mi-8, Hip helicopter. Capable of carrying between 14 and 24, dependent on helicopter model, combat equipped troops. 

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It could insert advance parties to secure landing zones ready for the main force.

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The Mi-8 Hip could also be used to provide air-to-ground support for landing troops.

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Armed with either Swatter anti-tank missiles, 192 x 67mm rockets and a 12.7mm nose mounted machine gun, it would make it hard work for the defenders to counter an assault. The Soviet Army would have nearly 2,000 of these to support air landings and to act as ground-to-air support.

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They would also bring in the big boys, the Hind. Again a phenomenal amount of weaponry was available. Starting with its four-barrel, 12.7mm gatling machine gun, four 57mm rocket-pods (32 rockets per pod) and four Swatter anti-tank guided missiles it would cause havoc on the front line and in the rear area. Over 1,000 tank busting helicopters would help to facilitate landings behind NATO front line.

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Mi-6 Hooks. They could deploy troops at speed, quickly enveloping smaller units in the rear.

Hip helicopter, landing an assault battalion from a Soviet division’s assets.

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So, 1 Br Corps would probably have to handle a full airborne division behind its front lines, if not two. Between 6,000 and 13,000 well trained, highly motivated, aggressive troops causing havoc, up to one hundred kilometres behind the the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT). They could cut-off a division’s resupply, disrupt reinforcements and even attack the defending units from behind. Then, perhaps one or two Air Assault Brigades would target key strategic areas and river crossing points. Perhaps another 2,500-5,000 men. Let’s put this into persecutive. They would target an area, defended by a British division, the division having up to 200 tanks and 9,000 men. Then, of course, there would be the attacking force to the front.

Is that all? Far from it. The Group of Soviet Forces had five Spetsnaz battalions at its disposal, each battalion able to operate in up to 25 groups of 10 men. In addition two Spetsnaz Brigades of 1,500 to 2,000 men each, operating in groups of 50-150. They would be used to target and destroy any Nuclear capability that the british forces might possess, neutralisation of any Surface-to-Air missile sites, seize airfields, bridges, logistics and centres of communication. The 16 Military Districts had one Brigade each along with one each for the Central Group of Soviet Forces, Northern Group of Soviet Forces and the Southern Group of Soviet Forces.

Spetsnaz units could be parachuted in under the cover of darkness. Some Spetsnaz units would have crossed over into West Germany prior to the invasion of the West, coming out of hiding to assassinate key leaders and destroy communications centres. The Spetsialnogo Naznacheniya (Special Designation) had a peacetime strength of 30,000. The peacetime strength of the British SAS was probably 300. The wartime strength of the Spetsnaz would increase to 100,000-120,000. They came under the jurisdiction of the 3rd department of the GRU’s 5th Directorate, commanded by a Colonel-General.

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Spetsnaz, highly trained and deadly.

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West of Helmstedt, July the 5th, 1984.

3 Shock Army has one of its first echelon divisions, 10th Guards Tank Division, with the its first echelon regiments, 62nd Tank Regiment and the 248th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, assaulting the covering force of 4th Armoured Division.

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South of Hannover and west of Hildesheim. Dispositions of 22nd Armoured Brigade.

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The 14th/20th Kings Hussars Battle Group has the task of defending a section of the River Leine. Combat Team Alpha, with a squadron of Chieftain tanks, east of Elze, Combat Team Bravo, with three tank troops and a platoon from the Royal Green Jackets, have the task of defending Gronau, Combat Team Charlie, with a tank squadron has been deployed in Eime as the combat team reserve. Combat Team Delta, a full tank squadron, has Banteln. A recce troop of Scimitars has been deployed in and around Banteln. To the north of 14/20th is the Royal Green jackets Battle group, and to the south, the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

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i hope this has given you a further insight into what NATO, in particular the British Army, would have been up against. Going forward I will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy, including maps and photographs. Part 5 will be out in 2 weeks.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War. Paperback edition imminent.

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She was a tough cookie and probably had more grit than most of her Cabinet colleagues.

Although not everybody’s favourite and hated by some, she always did her best to ensure the British Forces were given what was needed to complete their task, within the financial constraints that we all have to endure. I joined the same year she became PM and can remember receiving a substantial pay rise when it was discovered that soldiers getting killed and wounded in Northern Ireland, at the rate of two or more per week, were having to claim housing benefit in order to feed and house their families.

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A 22 carat Gold plated Silver Medal Crown struck to celebrate her inauguration as Prime Minister in 1979.

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Translation of the latin inscription on the reverse. ‘May the Lord protect my steps’.

Originally a research chemist before becoming a barrister, she was elected Member of Parliament for Finchley in 1959.

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Margaret Thatcher’s victory over Europe. When in European Union meetings, she was in the habit of looking her opponents in the eye and stating ‘I want my money back’.

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She quickly got the reputation as an Iron Lady. This cartoon sketched, and signed, by David Levine, an American artist and illustrator, and a political satirist,  very much portrays that image. Included in The New York Review of Books 1982.

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She also took a tough stance in respect to the Cold War and the threat that was ever present from the Soviets and the Warsaw Pact countries.

This first day cover, signed by Margaret Thatcher, takes pride of place on my writing desk where i pull together all the research for my novels.

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The personally signed Parachute Regiment 50th Anniversary first day cover.

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A close-up of some of the stamps on the cover.

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The Parachute Regiment 1942-1992

This is not a Political Post. I just want to take the opportunity to pass on my condolences to her family and wish that she rests in peace.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War. Paperback edition imminent.

.

. .

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange.

.

In my last post i touched on the fact that the Soviets considered Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) weapons as a key part of their arsenal. NBC training was conducted by the British Army, and other NATO armies, in readiness of the Warsaw Pact using them in the event of a war. Although we trained hard, it was not always taken seriously. Fighting in full NBC kit was far from comfortable, but the consequences of not being prepared, for the individual soldier at least, would more than likely be death.

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A vacuum sealed, Mark IV protective smock.

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Vacuum packed Mark IV, protective NBC trousers.

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S6 NBC Respirator was issued to the British armed forces from 1966 until replaced by the S10 in 1986. A soldier would initially be supplied with two canisters, one on the respirator and one kept sealed in the respirator case.

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S6 respirator case. This would also contain Decontamination kit Personal 1, basically a ‘blot-bang’. A small pad full of fullers earth, with the instructions to blot, bang and rub. DKP2, a puffer bottle containing fullers earth. Anti-dimming compound, Detector paper (one colour) which turned dark blue if chemical liquid agents were present..

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NBC over-boots.

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Tread on the bottoms. Laced up over the soldiers combat boots. Unless tight, they had a tendency to slip sideways when running or moving across undulating ground.

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Black, rubberised protective gloves. White liner gloves would be worn beneath them.

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The trouser would be put on first.

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Straps/braces would hold them up.

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The smock, like the trousers, has a black, charcoal impregnated liner.

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Because it is semi-permeable, allowing perspiration to escape, once exposed to a liquid agent it needed to be replaced as soon as possible. 

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The Mark IV, unlike the Mark III, had a front-zipped smock.

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The Over-boots fitted.

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S6 Respirator with hood pulled over the top.

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Helmet and 58-pattern webbing and the transformation is complete.

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Chemical weapons consisted of the following types:

Blister Agents:

Mustard Gas and Nitrogen Mustards – Cause severe chemical burns resulting in painful water blisters. The fluid blisters heal slowly and can become infected. They are readily absorbed through eyes, kings and skin. Exposure to vapours become evident in 4-6 hours and through the skin, 2-48 hours.

As well as killing many soldiers, this also puts major pressure on the Army’s medical services.

Result of being exposed to a blister agent.

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Blood Agents:

Hydrogen Cyanide, Cyanogen Chloride and Arsine – Generally entering the body via inhalation, they inhibit the ability of blood cells to utilise and transfer oxygen, effectively causing the body to suffocate.

Hi-level protection required when handling Blood Agents.

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Nerve Agents:

Organo-phosphorous compounds, Tabun, Sarin, Soman, GF, VX – Nerve Agents acquired their name because they effect the transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system. Easily dispersed, highly toxic and can be rapidly absorbed through the skin and via respiration. Death would occur in a matter of minutes and it would be a horrible death.

There are persistent and non-persistent agents. The Warsaw Pact would use non-persistent to kill or debilitate the defenders, but the target would be clear of contamination for their assault. Persistent agents would used to potentially deny NATO forces access to bridges they need to use for logistics, ammunition depots and airfields.

VG Nerve Agent.

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Biological Agents:

Anthrax, Brucellosis, Lassa fever, Typhus, Botulinum Toxin, etc.

Nuclear

Speaks for itself, 

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Going forward i will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy, including maps and photographs. Part 4 will cover the Soviet Spetsnaz and Airborne. My maps weren’t ready for this post, but i promise they will be ready for the next.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War. Paperback edition imminent.

.

The first novel in my ‘Cold War’ trilogy, The Red Effect, published by SilverWood Books, is now available. Thoroughly enjoyed writing it, as i do with all my novels. There will be three books in total, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Warsaw Pact in the mid 1980′s. Book 1, ‘The Red Effect’, encompasses part of the intelligence build up leading to the initial Warsaw Pact strike against the NATO forces lined up against them. The purpose of the next few posts is to give the reader some additional background information to enhance their reading experience.

.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange.

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The Chinese Type 59, main battle tank. Top speed of 30mph.

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It is essentially a copy of the Soviet T-54 tank. Powered by a V-12 liquid cooled diesel engine.

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A rugged simple design, ideal for mass production.

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36 tons on torsion bar suspension.

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A 100mm, rifled main gun. Over 9,000 were built. .

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Although the tank was fairly dated in the 80′s, the Soviet army still possessed 35,000 T-54/55 and T-62s.

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T-62 main battle tank.

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This one was captured from the Iraqi forces during the Gulf War in 1991.

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Top speed of fifty miles an hour.

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It had a thirsty diesel engine, covering 2 miles to the gallon. 

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115mm main gun

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The BMP-1, another captured vehicle from the Iraq war. Above the the main gun, there is a Sagger anti-tank, wire guided missile. When the Israelis first came across the sagger missile, packed in a large suit-case type container, and set up on the ground, they destroyed their tanks with devastating effect.

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This can claim the mantle of the first ever mechanised infantry combat vehicle. The west followed later with vehicles such as the Warrior and the American.

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The Soviet soldiers would exit via the two rear doors. It weighed 13.5 tons and had armour 23mm thick. They could also exit through four hatches in the roof. The hollow doors also acted as fuel tanks, meaning a hit from behind would have a devastating effect. The internal fuel tank was located between the benches in the rear, putting the soldiers at risk.

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It was also amphibious, driven through the water by the movement of the tracks, hence the vanes at the rear.

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Although very cramped due to its low profile, it could carry eight soldiers in the troop compartment. Four ports either side allowed the soldiers to fire from within the vehicle.

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The 73mm main gun, was a low-pressure, semi-automatic smooth-bore gun.

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It could travel up to a speed of 40mph. It also had a radiation-shielded interior, allowing it to fight in contaminated areas. The Soviet military saw future being conducted using nuclear, biological and nuclear weapons.

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The Soviet BRDM-2. Although primarily a traditional reconnaissance vehicle, it also had other purposes.

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This version of the BRDM-2, another vehicle captured from the Iraqi forces, is a chemical reconnaissance vehicle.

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Equipped to locate areas of the battlefield contaminated with nuclear, biological or chemical weapons and mark a safe passage for advancing forces.

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The safe route was identified by firing the yellow flags into the ground as it moved through the area.

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Nuclear, chemical and biological weapons were a key part of the Soviet arsenal.

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Soviet Chemical Weapons:

Blister Agent

Causes severe skin,eye and mucosal pain. Breathe it in and the effects are far worse.

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Nerve Agents:

Sarin – Disrupts the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to vital organs. Contraction of the pupils, profuse salivation, involuntary urination and dedication and eventual death by asphyxiation.

Blood Agents:

Work at the cellular level by preventing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the body’s cells. Cells suffocate from lack of oxygen.

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This is the bog standard BRDM-2 Reconnaissance vehicle. Although a four-wheel vehicle, between the main wheels there are a pair of smaller wheels either side. These are chain driven from the gearbox and can be lowered to assist across touch country, 

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Much larger than the ideal reconnaissance vehicle, but the size was necessary as a consequence of it needing to be amphibious. In fact it is twice the size of a British Ferret reconnaissance vehicle.

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Powered by a Gaz V8 petrol engine.

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The engine also provides power for the ducted water jet that it uses when swimming. The flap at the back pivots sideways allowing the jet to push the vehicle through the water.

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Top speed of 60mph, a 14.5mm gun in the turret  and a crew of 4.

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Going forward i will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy, including maps and photographs. Part 3 will a set of maps covering the area quoted in my novel.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War.

.

The first novel in my ‘Cold War’ trilogy, The Red Effect, published by SilverWood Books, is now available. Thoroughly enjoyed writing it, as i do with all my novels. There will be three books in total, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Warsaw Pact in the mid 1980′s. Book 1, ‘The Red Effect’, encompasses part of the intelligence build up leading to the initial Warsaw Pact strike against the NATO forces lined up against them. The purpose of the next few posts is to give the reader some additional background information to enhance their reading experience.

.

.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

.

.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange.

The emergence of the Cold War started almost immediately after the end of World War 2. The capital of Germany, Berlin, was divided into four Sectors. The consequence being, that the three Western Allied powers now controlled territory deep within the Soviet Union Zone of Germany.

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The Soviet flag finally flew over the turret of the Reichstag in Berlin, 1945

Over time, the tensions between the four Allied powers increased, eventually resulting in the Berlin blockade in 1948, when the Soviets attempted to starve West Berlin into submission and force the other three Allied powers out. This failed and the Soviets eventually relented, but an ever-increasing number of East Germans fled to the West; between 150,000 and 300,000 a year during 1951-1953. As a consequence restrictions were placed on movement between the divided country. From 1961, the border was closed and Berlin completely encircled, first by barbed wire, then bricks and finally a concrete wall, along with the infamous ‘death strip’.

Access was now restricted between Berlin and the West. A wall, 124 mile miles in length, was placed around the three sectors of West Berlin, cutting off the city from the rest of the world.

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The famous photograph of the East German soldier making an escape to the West. The soldier in the photograph died recently. – The Cold War had begun.

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The four zones of Berlin – 1984

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In East Berlin, and other countries under the control of the Soviet Union, the communist state imposed ruthless control over the people of those countries.  A section of the wall that cut off access to the Brandenburg Gate.

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The Intelligence gathering mission commenced. On paper the Soviet Union and the West were allies. In reality both sides were constantly seeking to find chinks in their respective armour and looking for signs when one was preparing to strike. In East Berlin, it often came to a head with the local security forces.

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“Today, West German imperialism is United States’ chief ally in Europe in aggravating world tension. West Germany is increasingly becoming the seat of the war danger, where revenge-seeking passions are running high… The policy pursued by the Federal Republic of Germany is being increasingly determined by the same monopolies that brought Hitler to power.

The Rhineland politicians fancy that once they get the atomic bomb, frontier posts will topple and they will be able to achieve their cherished desire of carving up the map of Europe again and taking revenge for defeat in the second world war.

One of the most ominous factors endangering peace is the bilateral military alliance that is taking shape between the ruling circles of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. This factor remains an objective of unflagging attention.”

Leonid Brezhnev

23^rd Party Congress

March 1966

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The British Army during the 80′s, although still made up of the traditional Infantry Battalion/Regiment and Tank Regiment, was broken down and recombined into Battle Groups and Combat Teams in order to provide the appropriate force to defend the front line in West Germany. An Infantry Battalion would have elements of a Tank Regiment attached and a Tank Regiment would have perhaps a mechanised infantry platoons assigned to them.

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The backbone of the British Tank Regiment in the 80′s was the Chieftain Tank.

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Although not without its problems, particularly the engine, when first brought into service, the Chieftain, with its formidable 120mm rifled gun was a main battle tank to be reckoned with.

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A Tank Regiment would be made up of four squadrons of 14 tanks, one for the Regimental HQ, making 57 tanks in total. .

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For the Infantry, the battle-taxi was the FV432. Armoured, but unarmed, it would carry a full section of ten men. There were four 432′s in a platoon, the fourth for the platoon headquarters, commanded by a Lieutenant.

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Some variants supported a turreted GPMG, General Purpose Machine Gun.

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Others had the 30mm, Rarden cannon mounted, similar to that found on the Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle.

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The modern day scimitar was not dissimilar from the 1980′s model. Upgraded armour and no longer powered by the Jaguar engine.

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The other reconnaissance vehicle was the scorpion. Similar chassis to the scimitar, but with a 76mm gun.

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During the early-mid 80′s, the Challenger was being introduced as a replacement for the Chieftain.

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The German Leopard was the mainstay of the Bundeswehr, the West German Army.

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They were up against some extremely modern Soviet main battle tanks.

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The Soviet T-72. This was very much a tank made for Export. The T-64 would have been the mainstay of any Soviet invasion of the West.

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Soviet T-64.

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The T-80, being introduced into the Soviet elite armies of the Group of Soviet Forces Germany in the 80′s

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Soviet Hind-D. The Soviet Army had hundreds of these available in the 80′s. They would have been a major issue for NATO forces.

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Going forward i will add more information in support of my Cold War trilogy, including maps and photographs. Part 2 will a new set of photographs not shown on my blog before.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War.

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The first novel in my ‘Cold War’ trilogy, will be sent to my publisher, SilverWood Books, this weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed writing it, as i do with all my novels. There will be three books in total, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Warsaw Pact in the mid 1980′s. Book 1, ‘The Red Effect’, will encompass the intelligence build up leading to the initial Warsaw Pact strike against the NATO forces lined up against them. Due out in April 2013.

Apart from sharing some more photographs, I would like to use this opportunity to get some feedback on my proposed book cover. The simple questions is, should the ‘Harvey Black’ part of the title be Black or Orange? What looks best?

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – due out in April 2013. The Cold War that became Hot

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – due out in April 2013. The Cold War that became Hot

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The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

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The capital of Germany, Berlin, was divided into four Sectors. The consequence being, that the three Western Allied powers now controlled territory deep within the Soviet Union Zone of Germany.

Over time, the tensions between the four Allied powers increased, eventually resulting in the Berlin blockade in 1948, when the Soviets attempted to starve West Berlin into submission and force the other three Allied powers out. This failed and the Soviets eventually relented, but an ever-increasing number of East Germans fled to the West; between 150,000 and 300,000 a year during 1951-1953. As a consequence restrictions were placed on movement between the divided country. From 1961, the border was closed and Berlin completely encircled, first by barbed wire, then bricks and finally a concrete wall, along with the infamous ‘death strip’.

Access was now restricted between Berlin and the West. A wall, 124 mile miles in length, was placed around the three sectors of West Berlin, cutting off the city from the rest of the world.

.

The famous photograph of the East German soldier making an escape to the West. The soldier in the photograph died recently. – The Cold War had begun.

.

The four zones of Berlin – 1984

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In East Berlin, and other countries under the control of the Soviet Union, the communist state imposed ruthless control over the people of those countries.  A section of the cells in the Stasi Prison, East Berlin.

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The Soviet Army occupied East Berlin, like they did many countries in Eastern Europe.

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“Today, West German imperialism is United States’ chief ally in Europe in aggravating world tension. West Germany is increasingly becoming the seat of the war danger, where revenge-seeking passions are running high… The policy pursued by the Federal Republic of Germany is being increasingly determined by the same monopolies that brought Hitler to power.

The Rhineland politicians fancy that once they get the atomic bomb, frontier posts will topple and they will be able to achieve their cherished desire of carving up the map of Europe again and taking revenge for defeat in the second world war.

One of the most ominous factors endangering peace is the bilateral military alliance that is taking shape between the ruling circles of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. This factor remains an objective of unflagging attention.”

Leonid Brezhnev

23^rd Party Congress

March 1966

First there was World War I

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The ‘Little Caterpillar’, the first tracked vehicle bought by the British Army in 1907.

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The Mark IV tank, H.M.S Excellent. Entered service in May 1914.

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Troops on the march.

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Then came World War II, the battle of the giants.

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From the famous Panther…

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…to the Panzer VI…

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…the Tiger II

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The Russian famous KVIB

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The American Sherman Firefly.

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The British Churchill Mark VII

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Then there was World War III

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“Today, West German imperialism is United States’ chief ally in Europe in aggravating world tension. West Germany is increasingly becoming the seat of the war danger, where revenge-seeking passions are running high… The policy pursued by the Federal Republic of Germany is being increasingly determined by the same monopolies that brought Hitler to power.

The Rhineland politicians fancy that once they get the atomic bomb, frontier posts will topple and they will be able to achieve their cherished desire of carving up the map of Europe again and taking revenge for defeat in the second world war.

One of the most ominous factors endangering peace is the bilateral military alliance that is taking shape between the ruling circles of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. This factor remains an objective of unflagging attention.”

Leonid Brezhnev

23^rd Party Congress

March 1966

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The US M-60. They also had the more modern Abrams M1

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105mm. Abrams M1

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The 120mm, Chieftain main battle tank, the mainstay of the British Army of the Rhine in the 80′s. 

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During the early-mid 80′s, the Challenger was being introduced as a replacement for the Chieftain.

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The German Leopard

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The Soviet T-72. This was very much a tank made for Export. The T-64 would have been the mainstay of any Soviet invasion of the West.

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Soviet T-64.

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The T-80, being introduced into the Soviet elite armies of the Group of Soviet Forces Germany in the 80′s

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Soviet Hind-D. The Soviet Army had hundreds of these available in the 80′s. They would have been a major issue for NATO forces.

.

My intention is not to portray a particular message, but just share some of my research and experiences with you.  This is the first of my new ‘Cold War’ series, supporting the writing of my new ‘Cold War’ series of novels, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany by the Warsaw Pact in the 80′s. ‘The Red Effect’. so keep your eyes peeled.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – due out in April 2013. The Cold War that became Hot

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The Fallschirmjager qualification badge, WW2.

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I have just finished writing my third novel in the Devils with Wings series, Devils with Wings: Frozen Sun. The Fallschirmjager, after their successful battle taking Crete in only 10 days, are shipped to Poland to partake in Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

Leaving temperatures in excess of forty degrees to be used, not in an airborne operation, but as a fire brigade, plugging gaps in the line around Leningrad, particularly along the banks of the River Neva. They were Army Group North’s strategic reserve.  They were quickly placed into the fray, fighting along the River Neva, where temperatures dropped to below -30 degrees, sometimes as low as -40. They were successful at plugging the gaps and preventing the Soviet Union from exploiting their bridgeheads over the River Neva, but at a price. Some units suffered up to 75% casualties. Many who had survived the assault on the Fortress Eben Emael, (Devils with Wings) and the fierce fighting on the Island of Crete (Devils with Wings: Silk Drop) met their fate in this bitter struggle with the atrocious weather and the never ending Soviet hordes.

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The Fallschirmjager’s distinctive WW2 parachute helmet.

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The Fallschirmjager were formed under the command of General Student before the start of the second world war.

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Junkers Ju-52, one of their modes of transport. Known affectionately as Tante Ju – Auntie June.

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The Fallschirmjager were reinstated after the end of the second world war, and during the Cold War Years were a key part of NATOs strategic assault force.

Paratroopers beret badge of the Bundeswehr Fallschirmjager. The present day German army paratroopers. 

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T.10. Round cap Parachute.

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Close up of a Fallschirmjager gliding with a round parachute.

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Paratroopers of the Division Spezielle Operationen – Special Operations Division, jumping off a CH-53.

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The German Fallschirmjager using modern canopies.

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Bundeswehr – Fallschirmjäger.

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Fallschirmjager of the 26th Air Assault Battalion at the Bastille Day military parade, 2007.

Back to the original Fallschirmjager, who conducted the first ever glider landing assault, when they attacked the impregnable fortress of  Eben Emael.

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An aerial photograph which shows Fort Eben Emael alongside the Canal west of Maastricht.

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A DFS-230, the type of assault glider used by the WW2 Fallschirmjager to land the 79 paratroopers on top of the fort.

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The main entrance of Fort Eben Emael as it stands today. Well worth a visit.

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One of the retractable turrets that were put out of action.

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One of the Maastricht casemates, that housed three, 75mm Guns.

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Re-enactors re-living the Fallschirmjager assault on the fort.

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The first novel in my Devils with Wings Series.

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The qualification phase to become a paratrooper consisted of 6 jumps. The first would be a t height of around 200 metres, the next two at 150 metres, but in a stick of six trainees. Their fourth jump would be from the same height, but at dusk or dawn and as part of a much larger stick, of perhaps 10 men. For the fifth jump they would be part of a Kette formation, a V-formation, a Chain of three Junkers JU-52. The final jump would be made under simulated combat conditions, up to nine aircraft flying at little over 125 metres in height.

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Fallschirmschutzenabzeichen, parachutist badge.

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Devils with Wings

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The Parachutist’s “Ten Commandments”

The Fallschirmjager had ten commandments that they lived by as elite soldiers.

Number 5.  The most precious thing in the presence of the foe is ammunition. He who shoots uselessly, merely to comfort himself, is a man of straw who merits not the title of Parachutist.

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Devils with Wings- Clip by Nick Britten

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My intention is not to portray a particular message, but just share some of my photographs and information with you and help set the scene for my series of novels.

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Blog is copyrighted to Harvey Black

I am halfway through writing the first novel of my new ‘Cold War’ series. There will be three books in total, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Warsaw Pact in the mid 1980′s. Book 1, ‘The Red Effect’, will encompass the intelligence build up leading to the Warsaw Pact strike against the NATO forces lined up against them. Due out in April 2013.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

.

.

The capital of Germany, Berlin, was divided into four Sectors. The consequence being, that the three Western Allied powers now controlled territory deep within the Soviet Union Zone of Germany.

Over time, the tensions between the four Allied powers increased, eventually resulting in the Berlin blockade in 1948, when the Soviets attempted to starve West Berlin into submission and force the other three Allied powers out. This failed and the Soviets eventually relented, but an ever-increasing number of East Germans fled to the West; between 150,000 and 300,000 a year during 1951-1953. As a consequence restrictions were placed on movement between the divided country. From 1961, the border was closed and Berlin completely encircled, first by barbed wire, then bricks and finally a concrete wall, along with the infamous ‘death strip’.

Access was now restricted between Berlin and the West. A wall, 124 mile miles in length, was placed around the three sectors of West Berlin, cutting off the city from the rest of the world.

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Section of the  Berlin Wall – 2011

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The Russians finally take Berlin towards the end of World War 2

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The four zones of Berlin – 1984

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I shall cover various aspects of the two opposing forces, providing the backdrop and background information in preparation for the release of my three novels. In the meantime, you could always read my WW2, Devils with Wings series. 

“Today, West German imperialism is United States’ chief ally in Europe in aggravating world tension. West Germany is increasingly becoming the seat of the war danger, where revenge-seeking passions are running high… The policy pursued by the Federal Republic of Germany is being increasingly determined by the same monopolies that brought Hitler to power.

The Rhineland politicians fancy that once they get the atomic bomb, frontier posts will topple and they will be able to achieve their cherished desire of carving up the map of Europe again and taking revenge for defeat in the second world war.

One of the most ominous factors endangering peace is the bilateral military alliance that is taking shape between the ruling circles of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. This factor remains an objective of unflagging attention.”

Leonid Brezhnev

23^rd Party Congress

March 1966

In 1984/85, the Warsaw Pact was already a significant force, the Soviet Union in particular. To counter this NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, assembled its own force of arms along the Iron Curtain. Not just as a show force against the communist ideals purported by the East, but because the likelihood of Warsaw Pact troops, led by the Soviet Union, crossing the Inner German Border was a real possibility.

This is just a supplementary post, building up a catalogue of equipment that would have been used in the event an invasion of the Federal Republic of Germany had gone ahead in the 1980′s

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The FV432, armoured personnel carrier, was a real battle taxi. Its main role was to move troops around the battlefield, but they would always have to dismount to fight.

The FV432 was the armoured personnel carrier variant of the British Army’s FV430 series of armoured fighting vehicles.

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Used for transporting troops on the 1980′s battlefield.

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Steel and composite armour.

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Weighed 15 tons 

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Generally, in the 80′s, it carried a British mechanised infantry section of ten men, inclusive of driver and section commander.

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Over 2,500 were in use at the time. A battlefield taxi.

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Torsion bar suspension with 5 road wheels.

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Powered by a Rolls-royce K60 multi-fuel 240 hp.

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Three smoke dischargers each side 

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Maximum of 12.7mm armour.

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Maximum speed of 32mph.

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Side hinged door at the rear for troops to exit.

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An NBC, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical filtration system gave the troops inside clean, safe air.

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Engine is at the front with the driving position on the right. Commander’s hatch is behind the drivers position and a large split-hatch opening in the passenger roof.

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FV434, recovery vehicle, operated by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

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Crew of four.

Can tow a layer for the L9 anti-tank Bar Mine, or can tow a Giant Viper mine-clearing system.

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Weighs 17,750 kg fully loaded.

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On the right hand side is an HIAB crane, a lifting capacity of 1,250 kg at 3.96m radius. Suspension can be locked when crane is being used.

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FV432 with General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) turret.

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Only a few were upgraded to mount a 7.62mm GMPG turret.

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Powered by a diesel engine.

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FV432 with Rarden Turret.

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Urban camouflage, similar to that used for Berlin Brigade units.

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The L2A1A1 Rarden 30mm weapon and its associated turret were designed to be compatible with a range of of vehicle chassis, including Fox, CVR(T) and Warrior.

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The basic 432 chassis wasn’t really big enough to allow this weapons combination and carry all the men and equipment to carry out its Infantry Fighting Vehicle role.

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The rate of fire was limited by the use of ammunition in three round clips, rather than belts. The 30mm calibre also limited the projectile performance, particularly the High Explosive capacity.

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The present day Infantry Fighting Vehicle. FV510 Warrior. 25 tons, powered by a Perkins V-8 Condor Diesel 550 hp engine. Capable of 46mph.

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Main armament, a 30mm L21A1 Rarden cannon. Capable of destroying most modern APC’s at a maximum range of 1500 metres. Secondary armament is an L94A1 Coaxial 7.62mm chain gun.

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FV432′s on the move.

Future posts will cover the Warsaw Pact,  the Soviet likely strategy and the Airborne and Spetsnaz force.

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My intention is not to portray a particular message, but just share some of my research and experiences with you.  This is the first of my new ‘Cold War’ series, supporting the writing of my new ‘Cold War’ series of novels, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany by the Warsaw Pact in the 80′s. ‘The Red Effect’. so keep your eyes peeled.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black

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