THE COAST ARTILLERY JOURNAL - Air Defense Artillery

SHIPS ON THE BATTLEFIELD 257
assumed a similar role for enemy tanks. On all matters pertaining to the movement,
supply, and tactical use of armored vehicles, the war record of the
Blues maintains a .complete and eloquent silence.
The Reds had candidly recognized the value of fighting machines for ground
troops. The Red Tank Corps, supported by consistently adequate appropriations,
'had fostered the development of improved machines, and. had trained
other Red forces in the tactical use of the new weapon. Suitable reserves of
mechanized troops had been organized and partially trained. Educational
orders placed with commercial concerns had prepared for war production of
fighting machines for ground troops. At the outbreak of war, the Red Tank
Corps had two mechanized brigades fully equipped with modern vehicles and
ready for action. Each brigade had one regiment of fast tanks (130 fighting
machines), one regiment of mechanized artillery, one battalion of mechanized
infantry, armored cars, and various auxiliary units. Unknown to the Blues,
the 1st Red Mechanized Brigade moved last night to Baltimore.
We may now return to the battlefield. Darkness has fallen. The Blues are
moving masses of infantry and artillery into their final positions for the attack;
the Reds are strengthening their defenses. The Red commander, however, is
not willing to maintain a passive defense; he is preparing offensive measures
to thwart the Blue attack. In response to his urgent requests, Red GHQ has
attached the 1st Red Mechanized Brigade to his command. That Brigade, with
an escort of Red pursuit planes, is now moving from Baltimore to the
battle area.
Can it get there in time to change the situation? The distance to be covered
is less than seventy-five miles. Under the conditions of the problem, the Reds
will have to cross the Susquehanna River at Perryville. Beyond that point, a
network of suitable roads is available for movement to the battle area. Three
hours will be sufficientfor high-powered machines of the Christie type, traveling
on wheels, to cover the first sixty miles. A halt to refuel the machines, adjust
caterpillar tracks, and to issue orders for the approach march, will consume
another hour. An allowance of three hours more for the last fifteen miles is
liberal, because the Reds are operating in friendly country where reliable
guides are available. So far as time, space, and roads are concerned, the Red
Mechanized Brigad~ can easily reach the battlefield before the Blue attack
is launched.
If Blue observation planes discover and report the Red movement, their
reports will have little effect. The Blue main forces are so nearly committed
to action that any change in their orders will disrupt the whole plan. Blue air
forces may attempt to hinder the Red advance, but they will have extreme
difficulty in locating profitable targets, and will have to contend with the Red
pursuit planes. The Blues will pay a heavy price for any damage that they
may do tonight to the Mechanized Brigade; the net result will he to reduce the
effectiveness of the Blue air forces for employment in the forthcoming battle.
The Blue cavalry regiment, which has been providing security for the east flank,
is the only force in position to obstruct a Red advance against the left and rear