International: Maneuvers

Under the watchful eyes of General Eisenhower, “Redland” aggressors and “Blueland” defenders battled each other across a 60-mile line stretching from Bremen to Hamburg. The cast in the big eight-day war play: 150,000 NATO troops. It was “Operation Counterthrust” —the largest allied maneuver since the war, and the first major test of how seven Atlantic Pact armies could work together.

Umpires praised the skilled British-Dutch-Belgian “Blueland” defense. Withdrawing in order to gain time to mobilize, they kept their vehicles properly spaced, lost only a few units in traps. The Belgians did particularly well fighting off a night paratroop attack. U.S. units in the “Redland” invader force were commended for aggressiveness—their patrols ranged far behind enemy lines, cutting off two companies. All units were cocky and enthusiastic; black shiners blossomed on both sides. Young officers argued bitterly with umpires. Americans of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment, slipped off nightly to deflate the tires of “enemy” vehicles, disable engines and snip telephone wires.

Americans praised British staff workers, but complained about British caution. They wanted more “hell-for-leather” lunges, George Patton-style. In the event of a Red attack on Germany, argued the British, the NATO troops should roll with the punch, save themselves for the counterattack. One major omission: “Counterthrust” featured no breakthrough and infiltration by “Redland”—favorite Red tactics.

The maneuvers dramatized the urgent need for arms standardization. The Belgian squadron flew wartime Spitfire XIVs, the Dutch used vintage Sherman tanks, and rifles varied from Garands to Lee-Enfields to the new Belgian .280 caliber. Coming this week: “Operation Cirrus,” the biggest air maneuvers yet undertaken by NATO air forces.

Said Ike to a British battalion: “Keep the peace, so you can go to see your girls again and I can go fishing.”