Green Hell Frame 2 AAR

[daddog]

Allied Stats
Pilots – 241
Kills – 231
Assists – 259
Objects Destroyed – 206
Deaths 94

Axis Stats
Pilots – 261
Kills – 119
Assists – 121
Objects Destroyed – 95
Deaths – 173

It certainly looks good for the Allies, but I don't know the final score. Hats off to the Axis. It is tough to pull out a win in early war Pacific. Allies can carry a lot more ordinance.

I slotted our squad to defend the fleet. Not sure what time it was, but I would guess about 40 minutes into the frame we spotted low Val's and Kates. I kept the P-39's high and the rest of my squad dove in. It was over in about 5 minutes. I think the CV took a torp or two, but we did not lose any ships and shot down most or all of the attackers. 

Past the hour mark A1 seemed to be under constant attack and a couple of my guys had to RTB only to get jumped and killed. I then took a gamble and sent about 6 F4F pilots to sweep A1. They found some action and downed a few more AC and landed at A1. Mongrels had 25 pilots, with 21 kills and only 3 deaths. As good as my squad did we were still not even in the top 3 Allied squads. Allies really cleaned up Friday night.

No pictures to post as I just patrolled near our CV at 20k in a P-39.

Special note to my P-39 pilots who under orders to stay high never dove in (as tempting as it was) to help the F4F's clean up.   

Also Kudo's to the 880 Fleet Air Arm who also helped defend our fleet. They had 5 pilots, 13 kills and NO deaths! <S>

Top Squads: Objects Destroyed
   ~Air Raiders~: 65
   31st Fighter Group !: 55
   Arabian Knights: 37
Top Squads: Kills
   USMC/71sqn: 33
   Arabian Knights: 29
   Army Of Muppets: 28

[ghostdancer]

Preliminary analysis indicates that the allied CV was hit by 1 Torpedo and multiple bomb hits.

Notch of JV44 Butcher Birds flying a B5N2 hit
slayem of SWAMPDRAGONS flying a D3A1 hit
mike114 of SWAMPDRAGONS flying a D3A1 hit

[Saxman]

VMF-251 was initial defense of A1. Our 12-ship squadron (maxed out roster. Woo!) was the only defenders.

We got hit by at least 2 squadrons of Zeros. One of 17 pilots, one of 13 and BOTH of them at least 5000ft above us (most of my squadron was patrolling at 20k). PLUS a squadron of Kates 16 strong who appear to have made their drops from extreme altitude, as I was over 1 when two of our hangars blew up and I had nothing in visual range.

Why is it I get the feeling of having been thrown to the wolves?

[trax1]

Well the Clowns of Death had 6 pilots in P-39's, our orders were to search for the TG around 11-11, 11-10, 12-11, 12-10.  Before we launched 68Falcon was kind enough to spare 2 of his pilots to search the small area SW of Santa Isabel Island in the New Georgia Sound were they could hide the TG in 11-10-1.  We flew north out of A1 and started a diagonal search from 12-10 to 11-11.  We spotted the TG in 11-11-2 heading north, surprisingly the defensive cap over the TG was extremely light, I believe there was only 5-6 Zeke's protecting it. 

Unfortunately for myself a Zeke got on my 6 and hit my oil.  After my squad took out all the Zeke's over the TG I joined my XO as an observer to help coordinate the rest of the flight.

We linked up with the strike package to escort them into the TG, when we returned to the TG with the strike package there were still no enemy cons left, so they had no trouble in hitting there targets.  The CV was sunk, along with the Cruiser & 1 escort ship.

On the way back to rearm we passed A37 and noticed a couple low Zeke's coming into A37 to most likely rearm, we dove down to engage them, we took those out, but right after that an entire squadron of Zeke's appeared above us and swooped in to attack, it was one of the most hilarious things I've ever watched, I was in my XO(2fly) plane and he had a whole conga line of Zeke's right behind him, they were behind him for a good 5min trying to shoot him down but couldn't do it, the same thing was happening to another squadie HWICK, it was just so funny to see how many of them were right behind them and they still couldn't take them down for atleast 5min and they were right behind them. 

All in all it was a really fun frame, just wish my oil hadn't gotten hit right away, <S>Allied & Axis pilots.

[evenhaim]

Muppets got gagnged by higher zekes multiple times and we didn't even see a single val or kate lol will post some pics later.

[Dantoo]

Muppets got gagnged by higher zekes

pppppt I was in a lower zeke and got ganged by muppets!

I did see some numbers guys come down and get m00t though.....

[evenhaim]

Lol dantoo we engaged in 3 different dogfights, one big one at the begining another light 1 then we decided to see if the reports of zekes over ez were correct. I dove in with kappa and killed a lone zeke or 2 then we got bounced by a whole squad on rtb lol I managed to snapstall my 39 turning low with a zeke and eventually I think 2 of us kappa and nova made it out lol

[humble]

USMC/71 had cap for A35, we were orbiting  a NE/SW racetrack and headed NW for some B5N's our scout flight reported. As soon as A35 started blinking Ramon and I were sent back to defend. After all we were the good guys and as Ben Affleck clearly showed in Pearl Harbor it only takes 2 guy in american iron to shoot down the entire IJNAA. As we flew back Ramon and I were heatly arguingwho was Ben and who played "cannon fodder" {U always need some guy screaming...I'm hit, get him off my 6...I'm going down...ahhhhhhhh}.

We're still debating the point when we noticed that the entire IJNAA (the zeke part at least) was roughly 30K over A35. Since the P-39 doesn't do 30k we dropped to 15k or so and tactically repositioned maximum saftely of official USAAF property. For some reason only 1 zeke dropped on us and Ramon and I played tag with him for 5 or more minutes. Ramon finally got the kill (turned out to be Vulcan) right on the deck. We ergressed and climbed and turned back at 8K or so and engaged B5N's and Zekes at A35. At this time our 2 ship scout combo had fallen on the B5N's with telling effect and the main body was trading snot with zekes at A37 so Ramon and I (joined by Sled I think) we're the "CAP".

Ramon and I teamed up on the few B5N's and dodged the zekes best we could. H cleared a few of me and I cleared a few off him as they rolled in from alt. At this point I noticed that we both where dinged up. I'm not sure if this is because we never did settle who played Ben or if the Japs aim was so bad that they actually damaged us instead of just making it look good. Ramon took a radiator hit and decided to defend in the ack umbrella at A35 till he went glider and then try for a deadstick. I popped of my last cannon rounds at a zeke to clear him a bit and had to scoot out to see with what looked to be 7-8 zekes in close pursuit. I had 2 inside 400 at one point but at high speed was able to bob and weave without absorbing anything fatal. I calmly vectored my squad toward my location (heeeeeeeeeellllllllpppppppppp ppp!!!!!, there a mess of riceballs and they SHOOTING at me...help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and they intervened.

A nice furball developed and assuming I was now in the role of "Big Ben" ventured back into the melee in my somewhat modified P-39. I got 5 or 6 shots with my 30 cals. Once again I noted for future use that the zekes didnt simply shudder and fall apart under my onslaught. I looked frantically around the cockpit of the lever that said (Big Ben uber drive) but alas my plane was not equipped with one (Is this a factory upgrade option?). We got a few and lost a few and once again I found myself egressing with a couple of zekes 400 or so off my 6.

I flew dead South toward our CV group 25 and finally out ran them and headed back to A1 to meet the rest of the guys. As I approached over V6/A44 it was clear A1 was under hvy attack and I joined the defense. Scoring hits but no kills (obviously I did get the "sidekick" loadout) and finally had to break for fuel. As I was asking the nice WAC at the pumps if I remended her of someone...oh maybe Ben Affleck? we got word that a high strike was inbound. As I valiently trundled out to the runway (with said WAC's number safely in hand) the ack started lighting up. Realizing that I was one of the good guys and firm in my belief that the screen writers wouldnt let me die on the runway (Ramon had landed at A35 so now I must be Ben...) I lited off with tracers and pockmarks all around me. As I trimmed out pickled my DT and headed back out to war a few things were obvious. There were alot fewer of us then a few minutes ago...and no one que'd the them music. Once I got to about 225 or so I whipped my my 39 around and waded back in to help the few duys in green (wow now I have a couple of sidekicks...i'm coming up in the world {next flick I want my own trailer}).

As I pop off some 20mm to clear sidekick one and smoothly reverse to clear sidekcik #2 I observe two startling facts. Badguy number 1 isnt down....he isnt even burning...and once again there is a bad guy 400 out on my 6....and then he puts a @#$ hole in my plane...and another.
Now at this point I'm peeved, really peeved....so I whip the 39 around hit the brakes and do some pilot stuff...and set that now wingless wonder down on the grass. I dont have anymore time for the @#$%. I've got a WAC to go see, and then I'm talking to my Agent. How can I be expected to perform my craft under these appalling conditions .

[Scotch]

I had to fly (and fight) most of the frame with the  left flap stuck down!!!! Stupid P39!

[Kermit de frog]

Great plan to send in 3 strike packages to C7.

We foiled the third strike package, killing half before they could reach their target and the rest that made it to the target had a 25% hit percentage on our ships!  Those SBD's were brave to come in with their slower planes at 20k behind the main force.  But they were expected.    Your 347th FG escorts in the main group could only try to their best as they tried to get us from underneath.  Good job by the UF for coming in high behind the main force, as they must have been preoccupied during the route for a few minutes, delaying their arrival.  You guys gave a great fight up high just SE of CV7.  It's an FSO to remember.  Flying through the horde of the UF was exciting, and watching my wingman follow me through was remarkable.  Giving verbal orders during battle had it's toll on me.  With us 4, it soon became just 2 zeros against your two squads. 

With 1:4 odds, the defense for C7 did not have enough ammo to kill them all and we did our best against a great plan and great squadrons.  We had help in the beginning with a patrol squadron from A40, but that wasn't enough.  The CoD squad did a great job with their 4 P39s vs 4 zeros over the CV.  Great job at getting all the TBMS back home safely.

Oh and shreck, keep up the good work as a gunner!  They could use you in that position more often.

 

[daddog]

Why is it I get the feeling of having been thrown to the wolves?

Was never my intention to throw away a squad saxman. I went heavy on the offense and then assigned a single squad to each of our fields we had to defend.
*VMF-251 The Buccaneers fighter CAP of A1
*357th Death Dragon’s fighter CAP of A32
*USMC/71 sqn fighter CAP of A35

I have no way of knowing what will attack any particular field, what alt, when, how many, etc. Sorry you guys were so overwhelmed. I put my large squad and one smaller one over our fleet since it was worth a lot more than a field. I also put a lot of aircraft into finding and sinking the enemy fleet. And for what it is worth I sent several of my guys north to help out at A1. Too little too late for you guys I guess. 

[trax1]

The CoD squad did a great job with their 4 P39s vs 4 zeros over the CV.  Great job at getting all the TBMS back home safely.

Thanks Kermit, it was definitely a really fun fight.

[trax1]

I went heavy on the offense and then assigned a single squad to each of our fields we had to defend.

I think that the Axis CiC did the same thing because when we found the TG in 11-11-2 there were only 4 Zeke's defending it, after we killed them it was wide open.

[Dantoo]

I think that the Axis CiC did the same thing because when we found the TG in 11-11-2 there were only 4 Zeke's defending it, after we killed them it was wide open.

Nope There was 3 squads assigned to the fleet defence and a fourth was sent as a reserve (albeit too late to do much).  There was also a sweep across the line between the fleet and A1 to intercept the inbound force.  It would have been a wild evening for you if that sweep had found you.  It had 60 zekes in it.  I'd say, on balance, there was a reasonable effort at defending the fleet. 

[RSLQK186]

Great plan to send in 3 strike packages to C7.


Oh and shreck, keep up the good work as a gunner!  They could use you in that position more often.

 

I'd have to agree with ya there. RL delayed him and I managed to eek out my first kill in 2 years with him out of the way. Took 2 wingman hold him down for me though.
Sorry Hibbie. Told them you probably had friends coming. They killed all three of us 2 min later.