The Allied Bastiges

[bloom25]

Here is the story of the brave defenders of Malta consisting of only 4 spitIXs.  (We were unable to get anymore to join us   )

After taking off with max internal fuel, rockets, and a DT; we proceded to the South East to gain altitude.  Once reaching 15k the flight turned N and proceded along the border between two sectors to hide our true strength.  Our CO assumed correctly that the JU88s based in the north of Sicily would be lagging their escorts.  At an altitude of 26k ft we spotted a vic of 4 planes, large ones.  2 spits at a time dove into the bomber formation, myself scoring the first kill of the scenario  .  MADMARK was able to down 2 bombers and wolf37/griz badly mauled the last (he could not have made it to his objective).  Unfortunately this fight left us at 10k and of course here came a flight of at least 6 109s with altitude advantage.  Griz and MADMARK were jumped by overwhelming numbers and quickly sent down into the sea.  I turned into the trailing 109 and looped with him, landing a 50 cal hit.  The 109, sensing danger, dove for the sea and foolishly I followed.  The 109 began scissoring and I was lucky enough to land a single cannon round on the 109 at a range of 370 yds.  Unfortunately for me Wolf37 was downed about this time in a fight with 2 109s.  That left me alone against 3 109s in my area.  Soon I found myself in a turning battle (playing to the strengths of the spit) with a pair of 109s.  One went for a front quarter shot and landed a few MG pings on me.  The battle continued with me constantly scissoring and turning into the attacks of the 109s.  I was able to land a single 50 cal ping on one of the 109s, but their E superiority began to tell.  Soon one of the 109s made a high front quarter pass and I was unable to pull my nose up to avoid it.  A cannon shell took off my left wing and flames began to fill the cockpit.  I bailed out and landed on Sicily.  (<S> Sox and wingmen, excellent fight.)

Current status of the 4 members of 234 RAF squadron, POWs.  Our flight did manage to destroy the entire JU88 flight and damage a few of the attacking 109s.  Unfortunately all the spits were lost.  Wolf37 decided that after our escape back to Malta beer and landing fees will be doubled in an effort to purchase new spitfires.  



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bloom25
THUNDERBIRDS

[kbman]

Well,
     Alot of firsts for me here. First time I have ever COd a squad and the first time I have flown in a scenario and the first time I had flown with a couple of the guys in my squad.. That said, it was a total blast and despite the utter confusion in the beginning and having recieved no prior instructions or plans other than our starting field and that we were a Spitfire squad I think we all aquitted ourselves rather nicely. I havent received my reports from my squaddies yet so I recap from memory.

We ended up with 5 pilots after Westy was called away to CO Cit's squad. Myself, Logan, SwolveFT(a brand new addition from FC FTs), Regurge and Thorin( a last minute walk on). I would like to thank them all for their spirit and cooperation in helping me manage the situation, it was a total group effort under my less than stellar leadership.

We assembled at A7 Bizerta and took off after getting the go ahead from Zigrat with 100% fuel and DTs(except their fearless leader who somehow forgot his DT ) We still had no plan so we circled the field grabbing and gathered from radio transmissions that Hangtime and his 26s were OTW to hit A16. So we picked up a NE heading and figured we'd intercept them somewhere close to their target. We were at 20k at that point and grabbed to 25k, leveled and headed due E towards Trapani. DAR showed a single contact off our 9:00 SE of Cagliari which we ignored continued towards our intercept. As we approached the 12,9 sector Thorin reports a large red blob on DAR at 1:00. We dropped tanks(except me) and pulled towards our fate. Suddenly, we see 8 dots appear at 27k above us and alarm goes up, "Bogies!! 12:00 high!!!". Seconds later we get Icons as we pulled up to meet them.Yikes!! 190s!! I give the order to engage at will and the melee was on. We passed through the pack and they descended slightly in a effort to get speed. I see a 190 that was a bit away from the pack and moved into position on him. At this point, the fog of war goes into full effect so the details are a little fuzzy. I saddled up on my target as he extended away and then pulled up to rev towards his friends. I start pinging with the 50s and he jinks a few times and then I get a good tight shot and opened with 20mm. Off with his wing and down he goes, 1st kill I reved hi and back to the rest of the pack and tell the guys to keep alt if possible as it seems we actually had the upper hand somehow. 6 calls start flying and a hi alt furball is in full swing.
I picked up another 190 closing on a mate and Logan calls out that a 205 has joined the fray. I never saw him and kept on the 190 as Regurge splitSed away I opened up on him and he pulls up and then rolls down and away. I followed and he scissored a couple times and then I get a good crossing shot and down he goes, 2nd kill. Pull back up and try to assess the situation. Seems we are still doing ok.Another 190 makes a front quarter pass at me and I rolled to avoid and see Thorin(I think) take out someone as I get a few MG pings in me. I see one mate is in the silk and I rev to the 190 as he pulls onto Logans 6. I call 6 and then pinged him with MG spray and he goes into a steep vert scissors and I followed him down. I used up my MGs in missed crossing shots and  he must have thought I was out. He leveled and I got what I thought was the killshot at D250 with 20mm on his wing. I pulled back up waiting to see the kill message and was dismayed to see that all my squaddies are floating towards the sea It turned out I only got his ron and I extend away a start looking for home port at 7k alt. I commend my mates on a battle well fought run for my life...feeling rather guilty at being the last one in the air. Frenchy then calls on the radio and asks if I need help and I say "4 on my long 6, thx, RTBing" He says "OTW" and I beat a hasty retreat towards Bizerta as my squaddies are making jokes about sharks as they swam. I have 18% fuel and 25 cannon left and apologize to my mates for their sad state and we are chatting about what happened I fly over the installation at Tunis at 7k and am surprised to take a few ack pings having forgotten it wasn't ours I dive and roll out of ack range as Frenchy's 47s are finishing their cleanup and I get the assist message on my approach to Bizerta with 5% fuel left.

WOW!! I cant beleive I am landing with 2 kills and a piece. I thank Frenchy and apologize to Hang for never having seen him and my squaddies again for my being the only RTB.
All in all, an exhilerating fight and a great time had by everyone. I look forward to a better showing next frame and a chance to improve my CO skills with a great bunch of guys.
I will be reforming the squad as the 43rd Squadron RAF China British because Nexx was kind enough to send me their noseart and researched them for me. They actually flew Spits in the Med after 1943 whereas the 88th didnt and was defaulted to me by Zigrat after I didnt choose a name myself.

A big salute to Zigrat for organizing this and to all who participated. Big,big fun!!

kbman

[Sunchaser]

Once again, I screwed up and got the 346th BS B17s in trouble.

Natt is missing in action and we hope to hear from him soon

Westy, thank you and Newguy for saving the remaining B17s over the target and on withdrawal to Malta.

The reports submitted so far by 346th pilots are accurate to my knowledge.

I spent most of the ingress trying to keep track of the message buffer and most of the egress regaining control after blackouts.

We took off with 5 B17Gs and 1 landed damaged at Malta.

Svalan, who was gunning with me from takeoff, and I bailed over the field at Malta due to massive damage to B17 and pilot of same.

We landed about 40 yards from the end of one of the runways and both saw SCGreyBeard land as Svalan carried me to the waiting jeep and I was off to the dispensary for lots of bandaids.

I was careless with our BOMBERS
 {please, I know you guys are used to referring to them as "buffs" but during historical stuff try to call them what they were please, please?}and with help from our new XO Wilfrid and the addition of SCGreyBeard to our already formidable ranks we will do better next time.

I would appreciate contact with the dedicated escort Squads and my email is enthor@aol.com

I also am new to scenarios and have much to learn but last night was worth the 30 bucks!


 



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When did they put this thing in here and WTF is it for?

[Wotan]

AAR I./KG 77
Only 2 registered memembers of I./KG 77 were present however Happmsk, Amck and DrMaybe joined our flight.

I./KG 77
R2ch CO
Wotan
Happmsk
Amck
DrMaybe

 We launched south from Belvedre (a20) and headed south for a bit grabbin before turning toward Malta. Radar sector bar showed enemies at 15.6 and 16.6 at this point we were without escort. High cons were spotted to our east we tightened our formation and turned west. R2ch made a call for our escorts who were well south. The cons quickly closed on our position killing Happmsk first then R2ch then Amck. Drmaybe was out of my vis and had fallen well behind our formation. I went into a shallow dive toward a vehicle base and ack cover. Before I could make it a spitfire dived hard from my high 6 racked my left wing with mg's and hispanos. Leaking fuel I rolled hard left and the spit overshot and pulled up to regroup for next pass. I dumped all ord. and dove. The spit dives again knocking out left eng and left gear. At this point I'm sure I'm done but as I ease the stick up I shout out "SHE'LL FLY!!!" ... now where are those d**ned 'scorts? I'm on the deck now when I check 6 and see spit comin in again and above him my 7 I see freindlies but they fly over. WTF? I figure they assume I'm done. Spit now at d 1k my gunners open up and to my excited suprise the spit rips apart and falls into the drink (griz) . Before he does I am badly wounded and blacking out.
I check all damage and decide to run for A18. I'm at 50ft above the sea. I hear over radio (text log) Drmaybe just got his second kill. I assume command of I./KG 77  and debate weather to send Drmaybe onto Malta but decide to order him rtb then he reports both engines out and will attempt to make A19. I then lost contact with him assuming he did not make it. I am almost there if I can only keep my eyes open. Hoorah!! on final alt 15 ft above runway as I blackout and am awakened by gun fire...? WTF freindly fire? Beast shoots me down then exits arena...

I./KG 77
3 Ju 88 shot down outright
1 Ju88 lost presumed dead
1 ju 88 shot down by freindly fire

r2ch 0 kills
amck 0 kills
happmsk 0 kills
Drmaybe 2 kills (WTG!!!)
Wotan 1 kill

...ps I filmed whole flight but haven't viewed it yet I might post some screenshots later

...pss bloom25 griz was killed by me and  unless another spit flight joined the fight DrMaybe killed 2 of your flight.... fogs of war? which is understandable look at the number of edits to this reply.

[This message has been edited by Wotan (edited 10-11-2000).]

[Wilfrid]

Pongo, sorry if we claimed more kills than we should have. A new system should be in place before the next event. And  as you say, exagerated scores are historical  

After the climb out approaching the southern coast of Italy we spied dots high to our 12 and 9 O`clocks. I personally thought they might be friendlies come to help us out; Westy told us they had launched from A4 but I couln`t find it on the map, so didn`t know just how far they had to travel. Sunchser announced over RW that he thought all the dots were enemies - I thought "No way..." Turns out he was right.

As SCGreyB said, my left wing tip, no.1 engine and sundry other vital parts were hit during the 3 attacks I remember; Pollock was my gunner. It`s an amazing experience to have to sit in that cockpit, staying in close formation and watching the tracer fire go past without being able to dodge, watching other Forts drop away trailing smoke. Luckily Pollocks an excellent gunner...

After the wing was hit, I had to drop out of formation and salvo the bombs as it took full right aileron, right rudder and forward pressure on the stick so keep any semblance of flight - we were stuck in a constant left turn and dive. When Milo`s third attack came in the plane had a 50 degree bank! Still Pollock hammered away from the top turret. Milo set fire to number 2 engine and took out the flaps, and watching the flames streak back over the wing I decided enough was enough and bailed us out, into captivity.

Wilfrid

[bloom25]

You didn't shoot me down Wotan, I downed Happmsk and then was engaged by 109s.  After a long battle Sox took of my wing.  (You may have gotten griz.  Wolf37 was downed by ack while pursuing a 109.  MADMARK was downed by 109s after downing 2 JU 88s.



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bloom25
THUNDERBIRDS

[Wotan]

bloom25 never stated I killed ya? just that of your 4 spits (unless other spit flight joined the fight; which might have not all posted aar) possibly 3 were killed by Ju88's. I can email you film if you like. was great fun your guys did very well <S>

[grizz]

Wotan,

You are correct...I got greedy and tried to go in for the kill. But got killed instead    
Should have let you go when I saw the black smoke.

Sorry Bloom, I thought I stated after the fight that I had been killed outright...was too low for eject.

For my first scenario type flight...this was a blast! Edge of the seat stuff! <S> to all who participated...and if you didn't....Join UP!!    


Wotan....would love to see that film..email is in the profile.

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griz
THUNDERBIRDS
-234 RAF-  Malta
Med. League



[This message has been edited by grizz (edited 10-11-2000).]

[hblair]

Great stuff guys, keep the stories coming. kbman, your flight did its job well, you kept us away from the B26's...

[Minotaur]

 

Originally posted by Westy:
"My P-38 flight got smoked"

 ???   After Newguy and myself escorted the two remaining B-17 bombers south were you guys jumped or did you go lower into a fight? What happend?

  -Westy

We tried to chase some 109's that were in the weeds.  



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Mino
The Wrecking Crew

"Anyway, more golf..."
Humble

[Hangtime]

Muahahhahaaa.. it WAS a blast. Hope we get some more pilots.. the Allied squads are all staffed a little thin!.. we're at 40% strength now.

Most fun I've had in ages... and we're just gettin started!  

Hang

[Minotaur]

Ygsmilo;

I was the P-38 who smoked Cobra.  Right after that I got an engine knocked out and could no longer fight.  I crashed attempting to ditch and was killed.  I don't recall getting pinged at that time, but I don't know for sure what actually occured.  The adrenalin was really pumping.  

It was incredibly difficult to see those low 109's.  Virtually impossible without the Icon.  With the Icon range at d3.0 you have no time to set-up and very little time to react.  The AH color set-up and the very small size really gives the LW A/C a superior advantage when they are in the ground clutter.  

A good lesson in humility.  I will never do that again.  <S>  

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Mino
The Wrecking Crew

"Anyway, more golf..."
Humble

[LLv34_Camouflage]

Great reports guys! <S>

Seems like you had a blast, but I'm sure that we can top this on saturday.  

Looks like there were big tactical mishaps on both sides, but atleast the allied B26's reached their target.  The Ju88's and B17's got whacked before reaching their targets.

So far I've received reports from 3 axis fighter squadrons.  Seems like the other 3 axis fighter squadrons didn't take part in the action at all?!  If this is the case, we did really well!  Hblair's 190 A-5's and Pongo's G-6's bore the main weight of the fighting, while Dinger's flight of 2 205's were a "bit" outnumbered in their stuggle for survival.

I've been planning on using a modified historical axis points scoring system in this scenario. A few axis pilots have already managed to gather enough points for Iron Crosses, but these will have to be confirmed first.  

Axis CO's, when you get the AAR's from your pilots, count together the kills and assists, defining plane type.  This way we can count the points together and who knows, somebody might even reach 40 points for a Knights Cross!    

Here's a link to the "real thing": http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/score.htm

All in all, a well fought scenario!  <S>

Axis CO,

Camo

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Camouflage
XO, Lentolaivue 34
 www.muodos.fi/LLv34

Brewster into AH!

"The really good pilots use their superior judgement to keep them out of situations
where they might be required to demonstrate their superior skill."

[This message has been edited by LLv34_Camouflage (edited 10-12-2000).]