I had the good fortune to be involved in one of the best big fights that I can recall seeing in a long time. Non-stop battles in the air and on the sea.
Setting the stage:
As of 7 PM EDT, the Rooks were still reeling from a considerable loss of fields during the day. Yet, despite a seriously undermanned force, the daytime players had retained enough real estate to provide the basis for a Rook comeback in the evening. Early in the evening, the Rooks launched a very large Lancaster raid to pork all Bish fields on the southeast peninsula. Meanwhile, another organized group consisting of elements of several different squads recaptured the east coast bases down through A33. Finally A32 was captured, and the Bish stiffened their resolve and were determined to get 32 back before they lost the entire peninsula. Having a significant initial advantage in numbers, it certainly appeared that the Bish had the people to get the job done.
The Fight:
Having grabbed 32, the Rooks launched a quick, but small attack on P39. Even though the port was badly damaged, the Rook attack petered out due to insufficient manpower. Now, the Bish counter-attacked towards A32 with large numbers from A42 and A38. At A32, the Rooks went over to the defensive as a Bish carrier task force headed north, shelling the field, added to the daunting firepower focused on retaking A32.
Yet, Rooks arrived at A32 in large numbers to defend the base. Different squads diverted to this fight, while others launched heavy bombers to take out the strats at the Bish fields where the offensive was originating.
Meanwhile the Bish air attacks were unrelenting.
All manner of aircraft were involved in the defense, everyone flying their personal favorites or whatever they thought would best work for them. Hammer and I took Ki-61s for their devastating guns and sterling maneuverability (it will out-turn the N1K2 and give the Spit IX fits). Some guys grabbed C-Hogs, and others grabbed Spit Vs for their turning ability.
A huge Typhoon raid arrived, diving in to pound the field. The Tiffies were devastated within minutes. However, they killed the VH, an FH and both bomber hangers before being blasted. Fuel was down to 25% too. Nonetheless, the Rooks held firm, being reinforced by fighters from A27 and A33. Smaller attacks continued for the next hour, but very few Bish were able to break through to the field. Meanwhile, their carrier had been sunk, further reducing the threat by placing the respawned task force at a greater distance. Events remained static, basically repulsing small attacks until the Bish mounted another huge attack, combining carrier and land based aircraft. This massive assault killed our FHs and the field swarmed with Bish fighters. Having expended all of my ammo, I flew mock attacks, forcing fighters to break off, while dodging still others. Finally, my fuel was gone and I was forced to attempt a landing under fire. The usual consequences occurred, with my Ki-61 being clobbered on short final. However, our VH was still up, so everyone was grabbing Flak Panzers and Mk.IV tanks. We drove close to the beach and fought it out with swarms of PTs, having spawned after the Bish CV was sunk yet again. Three Rooks combined to kill at least 17 PTs, and several fighters as well. Other Rooks were just as successful. At one point, no less than 14 Flaks and Panzers were operating at A32. Meanwhile, a large raid coming down from A33 captured A42, depriving the Bish of their closest airfield. The tide had now turned, with the fighter hangers now coming up at A32 too. P39 fell within minutes and the fight dwindled down nothing, both sides pausing to catch their breath.
I have never witnessed such a determined attack, nor an equally determined defense. It was a tremendous fight, the Bish having the edge in manpower, the Rooks having the edge in position and ease of reinforcement. It could have gone either way.
A big salute to the Rooks and Bishops involved in this monster fight. It doesn't get better than this and was worth $15 just to participate.
My regards,
Widewing
