Well-
We started a little late (as usual, having a wee bit o' trouble setting fields just right). We rounded up about 20 brave souls to run this one. We wound up (eventually) more-or-less even in numbers- initially 12:8 Allied favor, but two latecomers helped fill out the Axis ranks. This would prove ironic later on...
The bombers launched from A15, the P47's from A22. Our target- V59. We climbed for what seemed forever, eventually reaching approximately 18K (at least, that is as high as I managed!). The first two 109's were met by our escort (Dozz and EddieK). They attempted to break through, and one was quickly struck by the tailgunner of a B26. I had been separated from the pack due to radio trouble (hint; set RW
before you launch!). I watched the second 109 target me, and he made his pass. He was rushed, and came in a little too shallow. My .50's quickly discouraged him, but he reversed for another try. He came under, nose-to-stern, and again I peppered him. He rolled out neatly on my 6 for a tail chase.
I pour it on, and so does he. I can see hits all over him, but meanwhile I lose one elevator and engine. Finally I take his wing, and away he flutters.
Hurt, losing alt, and far from target, I decide to play the decoy and move away from the pack. My hope is that I will be too inviting a target to ignore. As it happened, the rest of the 109's ignored me and went for the group. I quickly lost so much distance I couldn't see what happened next, but the buffer indicated that more LW types were falling.
Soon I hear Ghost calling vis on the target, and in quick succession the group drops its load. They reverse, and run for home.
Dammit, I have never once made a target in a scenario- today I at least get there! Though losing alt and in hostile territory I press on. I arrive over the target to see the heavy water facilities are still intact- good thing I pushed on, or the whole raid was a bust!
I drop, accurately striking the most critical aspect of the target.
Now to get home. The sky is full of unhappy LW (ok, I looked up and saw 3 109's overhead). I dive for the deck, as there is nothing else left to do. I run along the earth, more hovercraft than aircraft, hoping I can somehow nurse this poor crate home. It is a long flight on one engine, hanging on the edge of stall, watching the fighters circling overhead. TS bravely defends against the marauding 109's, but I tell him I am done for, save himself. Onward I press. Ironically, the latecoming LW pilots arrive at A6 in time to catch the B26 formation in pattern. Very quickly 3 buffs die. I have no choice but to press into the area. I am on the brushtops, listing dangerously to one side as I try to maintain course.
In the end, TS distracts the A6 109 long enough for me to bring that mechanic's nightmare in for a smooth landing. He and the 109 conduct a 5 minute duel that ends in a draw. After TS leaves, the 109 crashed on landing.
It was a good time, and marks the first time the Allied bombers reached any target in force during a scenario. Salute to all who came and had the patience to bear with us.
