Last evening the SE (Screaming Eagles) attempted an NOE capture of A63 (Baltic map). I estimate that 15 players took part.
They came in on the deck from the south, but some enterprising Rook spotted them before they tripped the base alarm. Three of four of us took off to intercept the raid. They had the manpower to succeed but made some tactical errors that limited their effectiveness. Consider this constructive criticism, not a bash. You gents never avoid a fight and always do your best.
In my opinion, this is why you failed:
You didn't protect your C-47s adequately.
While you did knock down the fighter hangers and the VH, your goons were completely exposed. One was escorted by a Bf 110, but this was a case of the escort needing an escort. That 110 was dispatched in a blink. Your other goon circled west and tried to sneak in from the west. I found him quickly. It turned out that this did not matter as you left half of the town up anyway.
A few suggestions for next time.
Don't fly as many Buff formations. Once they drop their bombs, they are basically useless. One formation of Lancs can drop the FHs. Everything else should be heavy jabos with a few light fighters to deal with defenders (I like the Ki-84 and N1K2 for this as both have great range and are outstanding for closing a base down). One more buff formation can be useful, see below.
The best way to protect your C-47s is to send fighters well ahead to eliminate enemy fighters and close the field. Another option that often works is to escort the goons with bombers. I like using B-26s, with the C-47 flying right off the nose of the lead bomber. This provides protection from the rear and the goon pilot can maneuver to keep a bomber between his plane and an attacking fighter. Fly these at tree-top height to remove the low 6 attack.
I was late getting off to meet your attack, so I grabbed an La-7. I was able to get to your goons unmolested. No one made any effort to engage me, despite being relatively low and slow. Never let the goon hunter get loose without a fight. Anytime you have an opportunity to attack a low and slow La-7, go for it before he gets some speed and gets free to find and kill your goons.
Keep working on a formula that works.
It was a fun fight and no one can say the SEs aren't bold.
gents.
My regards,
Widewing
