Aces High Bulletin Board
Special Events Forums => Special Events General => Topic started by: Wilfrid on October 28, 2000, 06:40:00 PM
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346th BS (B17 Flying Fortress)
Pilots:
Wilfrid
Dowding
Skipper
Sling322
Ozkansas
EZdoc
Gunners:
Bragg
Skiiwa1
1Wmaker1
Hazed
Weather was SUNNY.
We took off from A12 and completed one left turn over the field as we waited for allied command to get organised on the radio. We then proceeded north east to attack the acks at A19 Catania. At this point EZDoc had to drop out of formation with a medical emergency on board. Hope it worked out OK EZoc.
Flying east some way past the target, we then headed north to the IP. During this leg, we spied a solitary JU88 flying south at our low 11 O`clock. It was obviously quite surprised to see us, flew past and then got on the formations 6 but well back - no doubt radioing his fighter friends to try their luck. I sent out a request for escort on Ch2 and Kbman and his outfit responded. We had just noticed another large aircraft (which we surmised was another JU88) at our 9 O`clock low when I had to leave the formation due to a burst water pipe somewhere at the back of my B17. I handed command over to Dowding at that point, I`m sure he will fill out the rest of this AAR. All other members of the 346th are free to do likewise.
Wilfrid
CO 346th BS
[This message has been edited by Wilfrid (edited 10-28-2000).]
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Once Wilfrid dropped out of the formation, the four remaining B17's took up a diamond formation and continued on course to the target. The Ju88 made a half-hearted attempt to intercept the flight, but the formation continued unhindered. Expecting enemy fighters at any moment, our gunners kept a watchful lookout as we turned West heading for Catania.
Because of the incorrect loadout of 100% fuel (service crews incorrectly briefed - i.e. buggy mission planner) we had to ditch 50% of our bomb-load. This allowed us to climb to an altitude of about 21k before we made land landfall over Sicily. By this point Busc had organised a fighter escort which was unopposed as we made two bomb-runs over the target. The AAA was completely wiped out as well as fuel stores and ammo-dumps.
With only 15 minutes left in the frame, the flight reformed East of Catania and made best speed for Malta, diving steeply as we went. The return flight was uneventful and we landed with several mintutes to spare.
Mission accomplished, A19 Catania was subsequently captured by the Allies.
Dowding
XO 346th BS
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Nice one Dowding, and WTG 346th!
If it looks like we`re the best, well, thats because we are.
Wilfrid
CO 346th BS
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A great milk run (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) WTG! BuSc
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Ummm....do we get to count dolphin kills? I dropped 6 500 pounders over the Med and I am sure I killed a few fish. It was pretty funny to see craters in the surface of the ocean under us (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)