001: Summer Offensive, 2000 A.D.



original T2K cover art

 The strategic vision for the 2000 offensive in Poland was to push Pact units off the Baltic seaboard.  This would secure the Baltic Sea fisheries, establish control of the mouth of the Vistula River, and linkup with resistance fighters in the former Baltic Republics.

The start date was repeatedly delayed.  Late spring rains prevented the troops from getting the fields planted.  Still, by mid June, the German 3rd Army was ready for the push.

US XI Corps spearheaded the drive.  Initial gains were more than expected with enemy formations melting away along the coast.  US 8th ID(M) achieved a breakthrough, crossed the Vistula, and drove northeast for a linkup with the Free Latvian Army.  US 5th ID(M) exploited an opening to the south and conducted a deep penetration raid towards Lodz, Poland.  Then it all started to fall apart.

The last battle-worthy remnants of the Polish army counterattacked, battering themselves to pieces against the German and US divisions.  When the dust settled, the last heavy equipment of XI Corps was burning junk.  In the south, the remnants of four Soviet armies went on the offensive, driving towards German 3rd's catonments.  German formations began breaking up as the men returned to defend their homes.  Depleted of manpower, German 3rd officially gave the orders to fall back.

Finally, two additional Soviet formations, 4th Guards Tank and 22nd Cavalry rapidly deployed out of Beloruss towards Lodz.  With a combined strength of 21,000 men and more than 100 modern tanks, they enveloped US 5th ID(M).  In a confusing 3 day battle around the town of Kalisz, Poland, 5th ID(M) was plowed under.

Your last communication from divisional HQ was radioed in the clear.

"Delta Charlie Actual to all Red Diamond units.  This position has been overrun.  You're on your own.  Good luck."