All COs (and all of us smaller guys and gals)...
...Please feel free to comment. What seemed to work. What didn't. Etc...
The Axis attack was a relatively simple plan with moving parts and required coordination.
At launch, a main effort of Bf109E-4s were sent in directly to create an entry point for the attack that was coming. This included squadrons assigned ONLY to the fighter roll and the 109s that were in squads filling a minimum of the He111s.
The Bf110Cs were launched from a different base and were designed to arrive to the fight within 3 to 5 minutes of contact.
All of the fighters flew to a "split point" then separated to their assigned targets (A40 and A44). As this was going on I grouped the Ju87s to fly in a slightly different but close mirror route of the fighters. The Ju87s were to arrive on target by T plus 50. There were two squads assigned (VF-17 & G3-MF). They each filled 6 Ju87 slots and put the balance of their squad into Bf109E-4s). They were slight sweep / embedded. Their role was dedicated solely to the Ju87s.
The He111s were assigned to The Unforgiven, Anti-Horde, & Arabian Knights. They were assigned to go in without formations and NOE.
Having learned last week that the radar is murder to climbing slow bombers I decided to try something that would force Allies to decide and have to decide quick.
I showed the 109s and 110s on DAR. Then I showed the Ju87s with escort on DAR. I hid the DAR for the He111s. This was to force Allies that are watching DAR to commit to what they see.
The plan was to plow thru with the 109s, and 110s slightly behind. Immediately engage, and continue to engage.
I suspected at least 1 squad would be paying attention and skirt around the initial sweep and follow the DAR appearing to be moving much slower. Intent was to wrap them up with our embedded escorts and even turn the Ju87s a few times with the suspected Hurricanes and Spits. Grudgingly, I assigned this tough assignment to G3-MF and VF-17. In the end we had a handful of 109s make it and 2 Ju87s for each field made it to target. That was well defended at altitude and a very fun fight.
As this was happening over the English shoreline, the He111s were pulling up from NOE to hit target. They began immediate egress to the south. On their egress fighters were trying to swarm them. Fortunately the fighters did a fantastic job. As they left, within 5 minutes of their egress the remaining Ju87s hit target and beat feet.
I had one guy travel 30 to 50 miles with the dive breaks on and lost enough fuel to get home. He had to ditch within site of the field...
The end result was 4 hangers went down at A40 and 2 hangers went down at A44.
Axis forces suffered acceptable losses.
I appreciate all of the COs coming over to VOX 150 for a clarification briefing. It is tricky bringing in large elements to a small area on time to a split point like that and fight like that the rest of the way coordinating with two attack groups coming from two locations at different times.
The coordination and communications were absolutely perfect on text 150. Our fighters got engaged early and stayed busy until T plus 1:15. Once the attack groups recovered the fighters were released to hunt and engage all contacts until the 15 minute mark.
Needless to say, I was impressed by all of the Axis squads last night. Please pass along to your members a job well done from the Frame 2 CiC.
I'd like to pass along a special SALUTE to SKAlpo. I believe he lost a half a wing over England. Somehow he was able to wrestle his plane all the way back home and recovered it. The Iron Cross has been awarded to SKAlpo. Great save, Sir! <<S>>
I encourage anyone to please post on this thread. Good or bad. I still learn how to deploy certain strategies and tactics every time I do this. All comments welcome.
Well done Axis forces! Room temperature beer and sauerkraut sammiches for all!!!
<<S>>
SlipKnoT
Frame 2 CiC
XO, G3-MF
