WOW...if this doesn't show the world what an awsome creations this sim is, I don't know what does. That first shot with the sunrise in the background brought a lump in my throat. As CM, I don't get to fly...I was riding along as Jarbo's gunner tho (so I was no threat to the Luftwaffe

), and actually ducked when the butcherbirds came in on that classic head-on attack of historical fame.
I gave both sides full mission credit for this one. The LW had a slight numerical advantage over the escorting jugs. However, the escorts followed General Doolittle's guidance (rather than General Eaker), and sweeped ahead of the bombers to try and break up the forming LW attack. For their part, the German formation split, the Fw190s driving ahead to position for their attack, while the 109's did their job by keeping the escorts busy.
As for the wounded buffs, in real life its doubtful both (if either) would have made it home to England. Believe it or not, there was one more Allied casualty...SOB oversped in his haste to land at the alternate recovery base, pulled up to rapidly, and ripped his wings off! Hate it when that happens, eh?
Thanks for those who particpated, especially the buff drivers. The fighters were flown by TOD pilots who stood to gain something by flying. The buff drivers were just there to have fun and give the TOD pilots an objective beyond simply staying alive and going mono e mono with other fighters. Thanks, and "Salute!"
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Sabre, a.k.a. Rojo
(S-2, The Buccaneers)