RM Vol 4: War – Chapter 10: Case Yellow (Day 3 – Oops?)

RM Vol 4: War – Chapter 10: Case Yellow (Day 3 – Oops?)

Most Allied anti-tank weapons are either ineffective or obsolete against modern Belkan armor. This fact was proven when a Class-B Puma shrugged off a frontal shot from the rare 47 mm APX anti-tank gun of the Ustian Loyalists. Supposedly, the 47 mm APX is the best anti-tank gun the entire Allied forces has in its inventory. Yet, as evidenced by the astounding progress of the Belkans on all fronts, even the Allies' best is not enough to stop the iron tide. The Allies will have to bring out something bigger than 47 mm, something along the line of 75 mm or even 105 mm and 155 mm howitzer to destroy Belkan vehicles.

Using light and heavy artillery pieces to counter tanks isn't new. Born out of necessity in World War 1 during the emergence of land ships, this tactic is drilled into each artillery crew well into the contemporary era. Due to their defensive doctrine, Ustian Loyalists ensured their artillery could be used in a direct-fire engagement to a deadly effect. While the composite armor of a Belkan Leopard is impervious to common AT weapons, a direct hit from a 105 mm gun may cause a mission-kill on the MBT. In comparison, a hit from a 155 mm howitzer may even destroy the Leopard in the most unfortunate case. On the battlefield, a weapon's effectiveness can sometimes be decided with a dice roll.

If the Belkans attack the Connage axis, there's only one possible approach if they're to set out from Sedan. The Loyalists know this and have positioned their light and heavy artillery along the Connage axis, entrenched in the woods. These guns have a good field of fire in the avenue of approach and can dish out extremely fast and heavy shelling when Belkan armors are spotted on the horizon. To avoid a situation where these makeshift yet potent AT positions can be brought to bear against the 1st Panzer Division, the Belkan Air Force mobilizes a large contingent of its ground-attack aircraft. Deploying from Forward Operating Bases near the Central Maginot front, the 23rd Attack Group launches all 32 of its A-1 Skyraiders in two Squadrons.

At first, the Skyraider was designed to be a cheaper way to modernize the Naval Aviation and Air Force of the Reich to an acceptable standard. Yet, when the F-1 Phantom and AV-1 Harrier have been field en masse, the A-1 Skyraider seems a bit redundant. It's not as fast nor is it as powerful as the other aircraft in air-to-air warfare. Thus leading to it being singled out whenever a QRF is needed from an airbase or a carrier group. Yet, the Skyraider does have its strengths, enough that the Reich keeps the production line of the propeller-driven aircraft going. The Skyraider has excellent maneuverability at low speed and carries a large amount of ordnance over a considerable combat radius. It has a long loiter time for its size, compared to much heavier subsonic or supersonic jets. The aircraft is optimized for surface attack and is heavily armored against enemy interception fire. The Skyraider is also very easy to work with and maintain, with pilots and aircrews commenting that: 'If you can't handle a Skyraider, then you better go back to kindergarten. All of these pros make the aircraft perfect for deployment in low-intensity areas, additional force projection, long hunter-killer patrols, and Close Air Support. The latter of which has given the A-1 Skyraider a surge in popularity in the first couple of days of Case Yellow. Whenever a JTAC calls in for fire support in a constant hot zone, the aircraft that is almost certain to respond is the Skyraider. Owing to its lengthy air time, the Skyraider has grown to be a familiar and respected sight over a battlefield in the eyes of the Belkans and Reformists. In a way, the Skyraider is the living epitome of old but gold. As the last huzzah of propeller fighter craft in the Reich's service, it has somehow grown to be more than it ever meant to be.

Enough digression, however. The flight from the FOBs to Sedan isn't that long even with their turboprop plane. Soon enough, the 23rd Attack Group arrives above their intended AO. Already briefed and planned, the Attack Group contacts their local air controller.

"This is AWACS Long Caster." A confident voice greets the Skyraider pilots. "Some of you may know me, but for some that don't, I will introduce myself. I, and by extension we, are the best damn AWACS crew out there. So I vow on scout's honor that your sortie on this ungodly early morning hour will end with a victorious bang. Don't ask me how a carrier-based AWACS operates this far inland because frankly, I don't even fucking know. Guess we are just that good for the job. Anyway, let's focus on our tasking, shall we?"

As for the soldiers and weapons from three Loyalist Infantry Regiments that were deployed in that burning forest... Well, they're more well-cooked than normal at this point. It's a macabre sight, seeing screaming, burning men running for the river, only for the flame to still stick onto their skins and burn even as they sink to their death. Dying instantly is a blessing. Surviving for a second longer is a curse.

Ultimately, the windy conditions on the early morning of Day 3 decide to fan the fire even further, quite literally so. As a distance thunder rumbles across the air, the winds shift and pick up speed. The air seems to kick up as gusts of powerful winds kick the burning sparks beyond the shores of the river Bar. The winds, carry along with them the searing heat, and ashes, spread to Chéhéry and Connage. Some of the quick-witted Loyalists scream to get firefighting equipment even before all of them can register what's about to befall them. Unfortunately, the warning comes far too late as, already, many buildings, built with flammable material for roofings, are set ablaze. The burning embers carried by the winds have preyed on this new source of fuel, further spreading anarchy amongst the Loyalist ranks. Already, Chéhéry and Connage are forced to divest their attention from upholding their defense to pick up a bucket and run for the river. There's little to no coordination among their ranks. At this point, they fall back to their instincts and hope for the best. They weren't trained for this, after all. It's a miracle that not many of them book it and disappear.

As Chéhéry and Connage start fighting the fire, the 1st Panzer Division has already crept up closer to them amid all the chaos. Truly, these Loyalists can't just get a break from the Belkan boogeyman, can they?

On a side note, there was a town, putting a major emphasis on 'was' here, on the other side of the river Bar... Right, the flame swallowed it, literally. Omicourt was right next to the forest, a mere stone's throw away. It's no surprise that the fire could just hop and devour the entire densely packed town in little to no time at all. The town wasn't a bombing target per se, so at least the Loyalist soldiers and whatever civilians that were there did have ample time to run away. Only a fool would still stay in their house when a sea of fire raced at them like Hell opening its gate.

Regardless... Oops? Omicourt really wasn't a major target to destroy or anything. It literally got swept up in the heat of the moment, pun intended?