New Years Day began with a hangover for most, but these were quickly shaken off when the Brass finally passed down there orders. Most pilots were suprised to see glimpes of the sun, especially after the bad weather in the last few weeks. Both sides were given high value targets, the Airfields where the Luftwaffe and the RAF were operating the top of the line fighters were chosen, along with the pocket which had formed in the German Lines.
The Luftwaffe was determined to breakout, and had a lot of momentum when they struck V61 in force destroying the field and its supply lines. This sent the Allies in to momentary shock. They were also successfull in destroying A51, but there attempt to hit A63 floundered as the RAF and USAAF rose to the occasion. The turn of events so far behind enemy lines allowed the Allies to strike hard. All three of there targets were destroyed, and all order broke down in the German pocket. Groups of men were found deserting West, rather than East to regroup. It's been estimated that over 5,000 prisoners have been taken, Mostly elements of the regular Army. Its beleived that most SS units in the pocket have been killed, retreated or taken uniforms from dead or wounded regular army and surrendered.
Either way, Most resistance now is from Volksturm units that have stayed behind to allow there standing army to retreat back to the Oder to stop to the Russians. When American GI's captured A22, they found destroyed Me262's and other Jet and high performance aircraft. A German pilot described the losses of these units, "In the last three weeks of fighting, We've lost 13 Me262's and 10 Ar234's to enemy aircraft, These jet aircraft are top of the line, but no match for sheer numbers and skill".
The Allies have pushed all the way to the Rhine River, and are awaitng word to cross the river. The Luftwaffes Final Throw in the West has failed. And the noose around Germany has tightened.
Frame 3 Scores:
Axis: 1270
Allies: 1560
Over all scores:
Axis: 3400
Allies: 4515
Notable Aces (5 or more kills):
Allies:
Frame 1: DmdGoose (5 Kills)
Frame 2: The Bug (6 Kills)
Sour (5 Kills)
BluKitty (5 Kills)
Frame 3: 38MAW (5 kills)
TC3X (5 kills)
Axis:
Frame 1: None
Frame 2: COLT44 (7 Kills)
AKDogg (5 Kills)
Frame 3: None
Movement of the Front:
Black Line: Dec 16th 1944
Blue Line: Dec 24th 1944
Red Line: Jan 1st 1945
Green Line: Jan 7th 1945
WTG ALL!!! I couldnt have asked for more in my first FSO Design, Looking back a couple things I would have changed would have been the point values for the Jet Aircraft. These were the "make or break" units for the Germans, and played a huge role in the Allied Victory.
We also had an idea for the use of Vengeance weapons, but I didnt include these, might be something to try another time. I'm Looking forward to my next FSO. Thanks for making this a great FSO all!
