Frame 2 FTD's Axis AAR

[Dantoo]

A quick look at the options open to my worthy opponent showed limited avenues for his approach.

I figured for an early low attack on the northern field by Mossies probably with an escort.  I detailed the AK's to cover that sector.  The rest of the force I concentrated in the south with scouts to the west and the south.  I expected the buffs to come "up the line" like a large angry gorilla.

Early reports had this scenario was in fact firming up and the AK's did a brilliant job in the north where they were isolated.  Scouts spotted the buffs inbound from the south as expected and I ordered all squads to attack them and their escort as they approached the southernmost target field.  All looked set for a massive furball and then suddenly lots and lots of reports of discos.  

My own squad were in icon range of the 17's on an attack run when I joined the disco set.  By the time I took up a gun position the guys were on the deck in a turn fight with some 38's and a mossie.  A couple minutes later they were clear for the loss of two 110's.  The guys then had a long chase to get back to the fight.  Finally they caught up again only to be bounced by a mixed group of 47's and 38's and they had to accept a fighting retreat.

The other squads reported some good fights and lots of discos.

The allies lost a few but they got 99% of what they came for.  

I know we had a couple of guys that didnt get there in time because of the huge download.  I am sure this happened across the board.  Though our own numbers were good, I wouldn't like to see any squad pick up a penalty for low numbers in the circumstances.  You just can't plan for HTC to give you a 25MB penalty on race day.

[BlkKnit]

Dantoo, my esteemed opponent!

Man, anytime you look at that set up you know what the attacker has to do.  Its just so obvious that you will use the mossies up north, so the buffs can have time to climb for the southern bases.  I know I could have done it differently, but thats the plan that jumps out at me, and it seems it jumped out at you also.

I used the buffs on runs as groups (initially 2 groups because I missed JG44 in the orders), hitting 2 bases each.  Whatever damage the mossies did was just bonus, as they were basically bait to pull your planes away from the buffs.  Having all this set up, I then learned that JG44 had no orders and added them as another buff/escort group to come in to 38 and 39 from the NE.  So, every base was hit a minimum of twice.  I think our buff losses were reasonable, but our fighters took many losses keeping them safe.   Allied squads for great execution.

My squad was in one of the mossie raids, we were headed to 37.  We came in high, expecting heavy resistance, but only saw a single 190 over the target and that was after the attack was over.  We didn't do much damage, but I didn't really expect to (though I didn't expect to miss quite so bad on my own run. )

Coming out of 37, we formed up and met JG44 coming in, while a group of high 190's flew over us headed away from the buffs.  As we neared A38, a group of 109's came in from the south and just as we started to battle...... disco!  There were heavy fighter losses in that group of P38's and mossies, but they got the job done.

After I discoed, no one would let me gun ;( ....I think they have all seen me gun before

All in all, a good night, even with the disco frustrations.

[daddog]

I did not make it last night till the fields we closed due to the large download.

I do know that when my squad was about to engage most were disconnected. The two or three that were left were out numbered and shot down. The others were able to reup and saw some scattered action. A couple were disconnected more than once I think, but could not reup because it was too late in the frame.

Glad some had some fun.

[daddog]

Though our own numbers were good, I wouldn't like to see any squad pick up a penalty for low numbers in the circumstances. You just can't plan for HTC to give you a 25MB penalty on race day.

I agee. I am sure no one will be dinged for low numbers.

[doobs]

Originally posted by Dantoo
By the time I took up a gun position the guys were on the deck in a turn fight with some 38's and a mossie.  

I was in the p38 with the mossie(38MAW), we had a hell of a time
over there. we were able to fight off the high 190's, 3 of them, 38maw outstanding shooting bro. then the 110's were spotted low.
Amazing how over zealous ya can get, when ya spot something like that.
I never saw it comin.... pow...... tower

[Dantoo]

My squad was in one of the mossie raids, we were headed to 37. We came in high, expecting heavy resistance, but only saw a single 190 over the target and that was after the attack was over. We didn't do much damage, but I didn't really expect to (though I didn't expect to miss quite so bad on my own run. )

Just an explanation for that:
kReacher sent somebody down to see what you lot were doing.  He reported that you weren't doing anything to worry about so he kept his people up for the main game.

It seems to me that the Axis Squad CO's picked up pretty well on the overall plan which required us not to be distracted by feints and low level mossie incursions.   The AK's took on the role of keeping the low intruders honest.  According to Innominates stats they were one of 3 Axis squads with 15 kills.  You just got to love that level of honesty