"Getting Rolling" (Narrative 3/4)
2300, 6 August 1944, I./Panzergrenadier-Regiment 156 HQ, W of Sourdeval
"Load extra HE, boys, we're going up against some Ami infantry tonight," said
Lt.Behn as he strolled around his Panther platoon in the grim darkness.
"Your men all ready, Oberleutnant?" asked von Magsburg, approaching his leading
tank platoon's assembly area.
Lt.Behn snapped a crisp army salute. "Yes, sir. Just making final preparations
and checks now."
"Good to hear. We're going to need your boys to fight well tonight."
"Don't worry, sir. You can count on my Panzertruppen."
"Good luck," von Magsburg said as he shook hands with the Frankfurter tank
commander. He began to walk away when he heard the telltale sound of a Kübelwagen
approaching. He squinted in the darkness, and was surprised to see that the
passenger was Generalmajor von Nordheim. Von Magsburg and Behn saluted.
"Good evening, sir." As von Nordheim approached, it was clear that the major
general was in a foul mood.
"No, it damn well isn't, Oberstleutnant," the divisional commander spat, tearing
his gloves off. He straightened up and softened his tone. "I'm sorry, von Magsburg.
Didn't mean to take it out on you. I've got some bad news, though. Apparently,
our division's deployment has 'delayed' 2. Panzerdivision, so the fact that
they're not going to be ready for another six hours is somehow OUR fault," he said
ruefully. "I've talked it over with my other officers, but I've waited for your
input to make a decision. Should we delay our advance ot coincide with theirs?
That'd delay our start time to 0500."
"It'd give us more visibility during the attack." Von Magsburg thought for a little.
"Is the weather report holding out?"
"I should think so; I imagine the morning will be pretty socked in."
"In that case, we should still be safe from the Jabos. Let's wait and make a concerted
punch with the 2. Panzerdivision."
Von Nordheim nodded. "I would have attacked now, but I trust your judgment.
Very well, we'll wait for them. Let your boys get some more rest."
***
|