Thought I would post an AAR, I don't do it as much as I should.
USMC Lifted out of A26 in F4s grabbing as much ALT has we could, heading for a fighter sweep over A31. Being we had the best climbing plane in the Frame I was confident we would have an ALT advantage, and we did. Our primary mission was to maintain a Top cover for the other squads that were sweeping fighters over A31. we were to prevent reinforcements from the north from jumping our engaged fighters over A31. Hats off to my squadies, they showed a lot of discipline in not engaging a couple of small groups of lower bandits, but maintaining our ALT and letting lower friendlies handle the small bandit groups. as the battles went on it was clear the axis were in control of the engagements and our need to maintain high cover was becoming less important. We were directed to start moving north, making our way to A35 for refuel, and moving into the CAP role in the process.
As we arrived over A36 ,still with all that ALT
, we spent some time chasing Friendly contacts, But maintained our position near A36. Then we got to use some of that ALT. USGlove spotted a small group of low P-40s (3-4 I think) and decided to make a move on them. Several of us were in the area and started to move in that direction. By the time I got there, Glove had about 4 P-40s surrounded, and was kinda needing some help. He was just being joined by Cowboy (USNA4J) when I arrived, and the rest of the squad was just seconds behind me. There was a brief moment of hesitation from the squad as to weather or not to engage, as our CO had lost VOX and was directing us to another target, unaware we had stumbled across what was now a whole Squadron of P-40s 10-12! We moved into a FULL engagement with the bandits, and the FIGHT WAS ON!!:D
Most of us stayed with are E advantage and made a B&Z attack on the lower P-40s using our superior speed and climb rate to work the fight down while staying on top, The P-40 is a Good turner at speed, dives better than the 109, and has a better long range gun package. but was not able to compete with the 109F4 in a vertical fight, and the 109s much more powerful guns at close range. (we had the gondolas)
I made several B&Z passes attacking bandits from their high Six. I was able to bag my first one on a snap shot as he broke hard left, but I was to close and he flew right through my bullet stream, removing a wing. (P-40s need TWO of those don't they? :-) I broke High left and grabbed some ALT, when I saw USGriff dragging a bandit into the vertical at about dist. 2K. I hit the flaps rolled left into a High Yo-Yo, and made my dive at the P-40. I told griff "bring em' a little left" which he did, as I lined up at about D1000. When I got to D800 the bandit saw me and broke hard to his left (only way he could go) but I was ready for that, and at D400 I put a 20mil stream right in front of him. Removing his right wing. Somewhere along the fight I also pinged one for an assist. By that time the battle was mostly over , we wound up losing one plane, and dispatched all of the P-40s.
We made our way to A35 for the Hot pad, chasing a few phantoms on the way. After the Re-arm & fuel we lifted off for A18, we started as an escort group, but by this time we out numbered the allied by more than 2 to 1, and it was clear there wasn't much need for escort. about 20 or more planes arrived at A18 to destroy one convoy. I think ManeDog was the one to find it and he took it out solo.
Well, that was about it. We returned to A35. I know that all of USMC had a great time. I also know that FSO is my favorite part of AHII and I am glad to be a part of it.
(disclaimer)
these events are the way I remember them, and not necessarily the way it happened.
Anyone else have an AAR to post, please do.
