TO Admiral H Stipes,
CinC JAC Grand Fleet, ASS NO PLAN SURVIVES
COPY Admiral Sir George Tryon,
CinC 1AF, ESS SHAKA
FROM Admiral of the Black (Brevet) AB Burwasher, COBE SCJACQ7, ESS TITANIC
DATE 3198.300
Subject: GRAND FLEET TACTICS AT GRANYT
FREE TEXT TRANSMISSION
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JOLLY SECRET - YOUR EYES ONLY
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This document is intended to convey my ideas on how OP SLEDGE HAMMER may be prosecuted at Granyt. It is not an order but is to stimulate discussion with your staff and promote the choice of optimum tactics against the Berserker Base at Granyt. Doubtless you will already be considering these points, so I do not wish to imply that you would not have addressed them.
1. SPACE SUPREMACY
The first operation of the Grand Fleet is to destroy Berserker ships (BSBs and individual Vikings) in the Granyt system. HST Vikings should be located and then destroyed as the first task. It would be advantageous if the Zionist scout ships could locate them before the arrival of the Grand Fleet.
Having removed the HSTs, the next step is the destruction of BSBs. The Grand Fleet is more than strong enough to overwhelm 1 or 2 BSBs. 3 BSBs will be more difficult; you will have noted that the Grand Fleet has fewer CVI than we had at Flypaper and I am dubious about the substitution of many DDI in place of 5 CVI. If there are more than 3 BSBs, you will have to judge whether, and then how best, to engage them most effectively. If the enemy have more than 3 BSBs, you will have to judge whether to call for a reinforcing JAC Fleet or to abort OP SLEDGE HAMMER. I will send such reinforcements as can be spared; a fourth JAC is a possibility.
Once space supremacy has been gained, you should no longer require all the ships to remain with the Grand Fleet. You should then send back to Q7 those ships not required for OP HOGAN'S HAMMER. I consider that it would be politically damaging to send back all of 5AF alone. I suggest that you should retain a fleet capable of defeating a single BSB (7 CVI plus supports), and those vessels required for OP HOGAN'S HAMMER. These would include the STUFT for attachment as mass drivers to asteroids, and those carrying the Earther and Sirian GF divisions.
2. DESTRUCTION OF BERSERKER BASE(S)
As you are aware, I heartily approve of OP HOGAN'S HAMMER. The use of mass drivers to destroy the Berserker Base will minimise our casualties. I am not opposed to the capture of Berserker kit, but it is a secondary objective. Nevertheless I do consider that the GF divisions will be required to search the Berserker installation(s) to ensure that they are completely put out of action.
You have been advised of the addition to the Grand Fleet of two Earther STUFT adapted to be mass drivers. I have requested that the Martians and Esteelers also provide two similar ships each. If you consider that six such ships are insufficient then order more immediately. If at Granyt you discover that more mass driver are needed you will no doubt commandeer STUFT supply ships.
I note your proposed ECLIPSE ATTACK. No doubt this would be effective, but I am advised that a single asteroid if large enough would be quite unstoppable. 10 mega tonnes or more cannot be destroyed by DEW fire in the few seconds it would be in range.
3. SCOUTING
You will already be in contact with the Zionist ships at Granyt. It is of course obvious that as much intelligence as possible is obtained about the Berserker Base in advance. It is also vital that the Berserkers do not become aware of the Zionist presence; it could jeopardize the entire operation. You will of course be promoting caution in the Zionist operation, but I should be obliged if you would specifically convey, to the Zionist scout ships, my considerable concern in the matter.
While OP SLEDGE HAMMER is proceeding it would be advantageous to search the inhabited systems nearby. Rear Admiral Barroso may continue OP WILD GOOSE at the direction of Admiral of the White Sir George Tryon, if you concur.
Please keep me up to date with the complete situation as it develops.