He reminded himself that these units were also comprised of good fighting troops, men already tested in battles such as those to come.
Turning the sheet over, projections of a second and third tranche of units over the coming months drew his attention, the figures seeming to offer up so much hope at a time of near despair.
With the return of prisoners of war from Canada and the States, numbers would be further boosted. Certainly, Ike mused, unit strengths could be maintained with reinforcements.
Another piece of the report suggested training with allied weapons and equipment in case of shortages as captured German stocks became denuded, although there was a reference to a report from Minister Speer to come.
Goldstein interrupted his flow of thought.
“And here is a list of the contribution that the German Air Force can make, once logistics are put in place.”
The second list was no less impressive than the first, containing some twenty separate units, ranging from fighters to reconnaissance.
Speer had deferred to Dönitz, who was speaking very methodically to ensure Goldstein got every word.
“Herr Donitz stresses that these German Air force units are not ready to contribute as yet, as even spares and facilities have yet to be organised, let alone IFF and signals protocols. In the light of the clear and urgent need for a qualified and competent man to direct Luftwaffe matters, the Council requests that you arrange for General der Flieger Koller to be released from British custody to facilitate the organisation and integration of these units.”
Eisenhower couldn’t speak for the British but doubted there would be a problem, given the likely benefits to the Allied cause, plus he seemed to recall that Koller was not on the list of those who were unacceptable.
“I will make urgent enquiries as soon as we have concluded our business here, gentlemen.”
Acknowledging the translation from Goldstein, Donitz plunged on.
“There are a number of U-Boats that can be made available, but we are unsure how they would be employed or if they would be necessary. Clearly, there is a large manpower pool of naval personnel who wish to contribute. The Council wishes to liaise with a senior officer of the Royal Navy to discuss what is to be done.”
Eisenhower ignored the unintended snub to the USN.
“I assume that will be your responsibility, Herr Dönitz?”
A positive response allowed him to rapidly continue.
“Tomorrow, Admiral Somerville will be attending this headquarters. I will ask that he liaises with you and arrange it for the two of you to have an office to discuss the matter if that is satisfactory?”
Ike understood the simple ‘thank you’ without need for Goldstein skills.
Anxious to resolve the burning issue, Eisenhower picked up the first report and scanned it again, failing to see the answer he needed.
“Gentlemen, this report doesn’t tell me when I can expect these units to be available for combat use.”
The Germans received the translation with barely concealed amusement, exchanging glances before Von Vietinghoff picked up the report and pointed at the top of the document, speaking directly at Goldstein and fingering each word he recited.
Dropping the document back onto the table, he added a few more words for the benefit of his council colleagues and sat back in his seat, looking directly at an expectant but confused Eisenhower.
The Major leant across and pointed the same words out to his General, words whose true meaning were simply lost in the translation of the document.
“Sir, it states here that ‘the forces available are’. What Herr Vietinghoff states is that these formations are available…….now.”
Ike could not help but feel a surge of electricity through his frame at that news, a charge of both positive and negative thought.
Before he could summon up the right response, Goldstein continued.
“Herr Vietinghoff offers himself as a staff officer here in order to plan the integration and use of the German divisions and to act as liaison between SHAEF and the German Army Commander.”
Eisenhower knew he had been railroaded, as the Army command was supposed to, by mutual agreement, belong to a SHAEF appointee, with a senior German Officer as Chief of Staff, but somehow it didn’t seem to matter at that moment.
“Guderian, I assume?”
Goldstein was cut off as he drew breath.
“Jawohl. GeneralOberst Guderian.”
Pursing his lips, Eisenhower placed his hands palms down on the table, weighing up the pros and cons, quickly understanding that acceptance was the only real possibility.
“Very well.”
Eisenhower stood and walked briskly around the table, extending his hand to each man in turn.
“Thank you, Gentlemen.”
Eisenhower was alone in the room; the council, Goldstein, and the Tech NCO, all departed.
Speer had passed over his report, translated into English, with the original German version attached.
His forecast on German weapons production was extremely interesting, anticipating an Allied stand to preserve the Ruhr, and an Allied withdrawal in areas of Germany, necessitating the removal of some manufacturing plants to safer areas, such as were suggested in France.
Ike found this puzzling, and consumed two cigarettes as he pondered the facts. Speer had seemed surprised that so much ground was to be conceded, and yet had already prepared a proposal to evacuate much of the industry in south-west Germany.
The council had suggested that some of their forces commenced training on Allied weapons, and yet seemed to be suggesting that German industry could quickly start to manufacture replacements for losses incurred in the coming battles.
‘What am I missing here?’
After a number of calls to his senior commanders, Eisenhower was clear as to where he would commit the Northern European German units when they came on line. In truth, the commitment was blatantly obvious.
Inserting the Germans between McCreery’s 21st Army Group and Bradley’s 12th Army Group made sense, the more so as the Ruhr would offer a suitable area for the Germans to defend, and one that they would be well motivated to preserve.
That all pre-supposed that Bradley and McCreery could stifle the Soviet advances for long enough to get the Germans in position. Both had given an assurance that they would give ground slowly to buy time for the deployment, but that didn’t stop Ike being anxious and upping his cigarette consumption rate alarmingly.
He tried to convince himself that the imminent arrival of German divisions would have a positive effect on Bradley’s 12th, and make their defence in front of the Rhine more difficult for the Soviets to overcome.
The Italian based formations would free up some of Alexander’s divisions which would be sent north as soon as possible.
A visit that evening from Austrian leader Karl Renner, promising two and a half Bundesheer divisions was welcome, but did not ease the worry.
The darkness brought too little sleep, as Eisenhower debated and argued with himself into the night.
‘I am committed to using them.’
‘And why would you not? They are great soldiers.’
‘Because they are German, of course!’
‘And they fought the commies for four years.’
‘Look at the trouble there’s been already.’
‘Small stuff by provocateurs. Anyway, you need ‘em! The Allies need them, and will probably not prevail without them.’
Eisenhower woke, his breathing rapid, his body filled with the unease of a broken night.