The Black Effect (Cold War) (29 page)

“Ah yes, of course. They use them to destroy particularly large bridges and block narrow passes.”

“Yes, Prime Minister. The German Chancellor is concerned that the use of these weapons could escalate to the use of tactical nuclear weapons by the Soviets.”

“Likely?”

“I doubt it. But, if necessary, the Soviets could use it as an excuse to launch a pre-emptive strike. Tactical, yes, but it would have devastating consequences.”

“Right, right. I will raise it with the NATO council. How is Berlin coping?”

“They are still very much on alert. As agreed, all troops have returned to barracks, but men and equipment have been dispersed around the barracks in case the Soviets change their mind and bomb the hell out of them.”

“Food?”

“Berlin has significant reserves, Prime Minister. Up to six months at least.”

“So there is no let-up from the Soviets...”

“None,” responded General Hamilton. “On the contrary, they seem even more determined to take West Germany. The use of chemical weapons supports that.”

“Then we must fight them. I must speak with the NATO ministers. We meet back here in four hours.”

C
hapter 37

1
800 8 JULY 1984. AID STATION. WEST OF HERFORD, WEST GERMANY.

THE BLACK EFFECT +14 HOURS.

From a distance, it could have been mistaken for any tented military complex. As you got closer, the sights, sounds and smells told a different story. Erected under a thin screen of trees, the dressing station was well laid out and organised. But the line of bagged bodies and the cries from some of the wounded and the almost manic, yet purposeful, actions of the soldiers manning it were indicative that their workload was high. The five treatment bays were in full swing, as were the two surgical teams. Capable of dealing with 450 casualties in twenty-four hours, they were currently having to manage twice that number, many of them civilians, children who had been brought to the station by desperate parents. Many of the German civilians were suffering from the effects of being exposed to chemical agents used by the Soviet army to target airfields and logistical depots of the NATO forces. The military personnel reluctantly turned away as many as they could, telling them they must use their own hospitals, even though they too were overflowing. On occasion, they relented.

Two vehicles from the evacuation troop, a 432 ambulance and a 1 Ton Land rover pulled up close to a treatment bay. The stretcher cases were quickly taken off for triage. A Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) medic completed the triage quickly, needing to know the state of each casualty so she could allocate them to the correct treatment station. The Land rover then sped off to the Chemical Decontamination Cell (CDC). Two further stretchers were slid out from the top and bottom rack on the rear right-hand side. Both were quickly carried into the first section of the tent where absorbent powder, bleach and slurry were used to remove any remnants of contamination before they removed the casualties’ clothing. Even as the two soldiers were being decontaminated, another 432 pulled up alongside, more casualties from the front. The surgical teams, some of them with doctors from the Territorial Army, had already had a long night and a long day.

As the Soviet Western TVD continued its thrust west, respite was not on the horizon.

About the Author

A qualified parachutist, Harvey Black served with British Army Intelligence for over ten years. His experience ranges from covert surveillance in Northern Ireland to operating in Communist East Berlin during the Cold War where he feared for his life after being dragged from his car by KGB soldiers. Since then he has lived a more sedate life in the private sector as a director for an international company and now enjoys the pleasures of writing. Harvey is married with four children. For more from Harvey, visit his website at
www.harveyblackauthor.org
.

Praise for Harvey Black

“Harvey Black’s geopolitical survey is beautifully intertwined with personal stories of his characters. He builds tension relentlessly… looking forward to the next book!” – Author Alison Morton

“… tension, suspense, action, intrigue and moments of tenderness too which are a nice touch. I recommend the book entirely.” – Steven Bird

“Factual along with gripping, takes me back to the days of the BAOR and what we all trained for… look forward to the next instalments.” – Jon Wallace

“This book needs another one to follow on and complete the story. A similar story to Tom Clancy and his
Red Storm Rising
.” – A Jones

“This is the best read I have had in ages very techno and extremely fast moving. It could have happened.” – TPK Alvis

“This is a thriller in the style of Robert Ludlum or Tom Clancy. Credible characters and fast pace… thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster ride!” – Author David Ebsworth

“The build-up is gripping and enthralling.” – Author Sue Fortin

“If you have enjoyed
Chieftans, Red Gambit, Red Storm Rising, Team Yankee
etc, then don’t miss this. Well written, realistic, unputdownable.” – R Hampshire

Also by Harvey Black:

Devils with Wings series

Devils with Wings

Silk Drop

Frozen Sun

The Cold War series

The Red Effect

The Black Effect

Coming Soon

The Blue Effect