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think them to be around the wooded area here,” he said tapping the map, “next to the village Wola-Gulowska, northeast of the town of Pulawy.”
    He paused while his orderly, Bachmeier, handed out coffees to the three Platoon Commanders and the company staff present, the Company Sergeant Major and two clerical assistants.
    Paul cupped the mug of coffee in his hands, savouring the warmth and the smell, waiting for it to cool further so he could also enjoy its taste.
    “When you are ready gentlemen,” he instructed impatiently.
    “The Second Company will assign a platoon on Hill 172, to the east of Wola-Gulowska, to cover the woods here. They will consist of two MG 34 sections and two rifle troops. The rest of Second Company will cover the woods to the South, a front of about three kilometres, Third Company will cover the North and West, and we will cover the East. You will be pleased to hear Brand that we will be using your platoon as our advanced patrol, supported by second platoon. Janke, your platoon will act as the company reserve.”
    Helmut looked at his colleagues, his disappointment obvious, their pleasure equally so.
    “Your platoon, Brand, will form up here,” informed Volkman pointing to a position on the map, east of some woods.
    “Second platoon will be on your right flank, slightly back from your line. You are to advance, in a shallow ‘V’ formation and will be the first unit to hit the tree line tomorrow. Leutnant Fleck, your platoon will give Brand a fifty metre head start and should they come into immediate contact with the enemy, you will be in a position to either cover their retreat or hit the enemy on the flank. Everyone understand so far?” questioned the Oberleutnant.
    They all nodded their assent.
    Paul placed his coffee cup down on the earthy but dry ground beneath his seat, and stared intently at the map.
    “I have a question though sir, when will the rest of the Battalion make their move, and if we do come into contact what are their orders?”
    “Good question Brand,” responded Volkman, leaving the map and walking back to his canvas seat and indicating to his orderly to refill their cups with coffee.
    “Drink up, we never know when supplies may dry up, so we might as well make the most of it.”
    “To answer your question Leutnant Brand, we are the beaters and the rest of the Battalion are the hunters. They will remain in position just outside the edge of the wood line. So, when you do come into contact with the enemy, which you will, you must force them west. Whatever direction they take after that the rest of the Battalion will be waiting for them. If you don’t make contact initially, then move further into the woods and flush them out. Once the action starts Brand, make all of the noise you can, make them think that there is a full Battalion coming towards them. That goes for you too Leutnant Fleck.”
    “What about my platoon?” chimed in Helmut, concerned that his men didn’t have a role to play.
    Volkman waited until Bachmeier finished refreshing their cups from a fresh pot of coffee before he answered the obvious concerns of the Platoon Commander.
    He could sense that they were all keen to get a piece of the upcoming action. But, the experienced Oberleutnant knew that even though a good percentage of his force would be needed for face to face combat with the enemy, a well positioned and effective reserve could turn a possible defeat in to a victory.
    “Your platoon will be the company reserve. Your role is just as key to the success of the operation as the other two platoons. If we’re taken by surprise, or the Poles decide to push back at Brand and go east, it will be your platoon that would plug the gaps and back up the rest of the company. Also, if any Polish troops filter back through one and two platoons’ lines, it will be up to you to deal with them.”
    “We move out at eight tomorrow. There will be a final briefing at one today, but in the meantime make