First off let me say, our escort did everything they could to get us there. We could ask for no better.
1. Only 7 bomber pilots joined the mission.
2. I'd only flown with a couple of them before.
3. Those who were communicating through vox or even text were all disco'd before we got feet wet.
4. The fighters did harrass us, and a couple of us had gunners so we were able to maintain somewhat of a formation. Those without seemed to veer off course due to rudder while gunning problems.
5. My biggest problem was the calibration. Lately I cannot calibrate at all. It must be my stick. I used to be able to do it with no more difficulty than the MA. Now it shows me going backwards, or sets my speed at 19 mph, or 1100 mph like last night. I just couldnt do it. Not one of my bombs hit the target. Some guys did hit though.
6. Having our escort fight alot of the enemy twice is alot to handle. Im thinking next time since the axis can reup and even at 20k easily re-engage the bombers, we should try for a larger escort force. At the heat of battle last night there were 26 allied and 28 axis flying. With about 5 of us at that time in bombers, the escort was not only outnumbered, but faced re-ups. Thats how good the 4th FG guys and compamy did, to allow us to even get to target.
7. Most of all, we need a larger bombing force. Especially for deep runs into enemy airspace.
