Personal Notes

Sergeant Dick “Hairy” Talen
120 Fighter Squadron RAAF (KNIL)

Disclaimer:
I am writing this as it appears in the sim: a pilot career for the Netherlands in the Pacific in IL2: 1946. Anything else I make up as I go along. Therefor this AAR might not be in line with any actual dates and facts. Also I am using Dutch ranks and names and perhaps some other words too. Please tell me if it confuses you or distracts from the story.


Sumatra, 1 Januari, 1942

“Dick, Dick.... HAIRY!! Wake up, they're expecting us at flight ops asap!” Wiebe shouted as he hurried to dress himself.

Wiebe Larz and I just arrived at the 120th yesterday. We met at the RAF flight school in Singapore last year and have been together since. Not by choice mind you. It's just the way things go when two guys are equally different from the rest. In this case both Dutch and no home to return to, unless you care to polish up your German that is.
I was in hiking through Scotland when my country was overrun back in May '40. But instead of joining up with the newly to be formed “Prinses Irene Brigade” I chose to travel to our Colonies in South-East Asia.
So one plane and a troop ship later and here I am: Waking up in a mosquito invested barrack and sweating like a pig. And it's only 08:30!

I put on my flight suit and we make haste to get to flight ops. It's in the right wing of 120th's staff building opposite the flight line. When we enter the other pilots are already there. Of course, as the new guys, we were last to receive the message.
“Talen, Larz, have a seat.” Luitenant Berg says as he sees us. The other 12 pilots that make up our squadron turn and nod or throw a “Goedemorgen!” our way as we do as we're told.
It's nice to feel welcome after months of being the outcast and ignored over at the RAF. They taught us to fly, but only so they could see us fly off I guess.

“Gentleman, listen up” continued Luitenant Berg:
“Three weeks ago, Japan declared war on the United States, striking the anchored Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour. It is both good and bad news: What is good is that now we can count on the United States' help in our struggle against the Axis forces; what is worse is the fact Japanese forces have already landed in Malaya. We must get ready for an eventuality. This evening, the Royal Navy will sail out from Singapore and look for enemy troopships. The RAF is to provide cover for our vessels and for Singapore city, which will certainly have to face air raids in a very near future. Our success or defeat in Malaya relies very much on the RAF: do not disappoint us and destroy the aggressor, or Singapore itself may have to fight for its very survival. Briefing is at 09:30, dismissed!”

He said no more, neither did he have to: We all very well understood that, should Singapore and Malaya fall, we were to face the full might of the Japanese forces. Long story short: end of story!

“Oh, Sergeant Larz, report to 2e Luitenant Ambrosius.” Berg said while pointing at a young officer to his right. “Sergeant Talen, with me if you please.” I made over to the Luitenant and we were joined by another Sergeant and a Sergeant-Majoor, looking a lot like the Luitenant, though older. “Listen, Dick is it? You will be joining my flight. This is Sergeant Zeeman, my wingman. And the ugly fellow here is Sergeant-Majoor Berg, my brother. You will be his wingman. Stay with him at all times, no heroics. We need every pilot on this island, alive! Now, let's get some breakfast.”
We shook hands and I promised to do whatever I was told and assured the rest of the flight I would do everything to keep up with the Luitenant's standards: staying alive that is.

We walked along the flight line towards the mess hall, past the Wellingtons and some Hurricanes (courtesy of the RAAF). On the other side of the runway our Buffaloes stand ready. They're fun little planes. They turn quite well though you have to be careful as it bleeds speed quickly and is easy to stall. With 3 .50's and a 30 call. It's reasonably well armed I guess. Though I'm not eager to find out. I try to make out no. 4, my crate, my very own airplane. I got a few hours in an RAF Buffalo, but this is the real deal. Though I must admit that the RAF one seemed better maintained to judge by the oily patch under the aircraft.
The Netherlands Airbase on Sumatra houses two bomber squadrons and us. All short on parts and personnel. Though run by and for the Dutch on the Island, we are dependant on the RAAF and obviously we are on the short end of their supply line.

Our little morning walk suddenly gets interrupted as a man runs out on the control tower balcony and yells: “Jap planes inbound from the North-West, Scramble!” His voice gets lost in the blearing air raid sirens and we turn and run back to the line. I'm starting to feel nauseous, unsure if it is war or the lack of breakfast that upsets my stomach. I try not to think about it as I get in no. 4 and buckle up.
“Don't worry Hairy,” Sergeant-Majoor Berg shouts over the starting engines, “The Luitenant may be better looking, but I'm a better pilot. Stay close and you'll be all right!”


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT REPORT
Date: 1 January 1942
Time: Take-off: 08:45, Contact: 08:55, Pancake 09:18.
Mission: Scramble

FORCES ENGAGED
Own: 4 Brewsters
Lt Berg
Sgt Zeeman
SM Berg
Sgt Talen
Friendly: 2 Brewsters
2 Hurricanes
Enemy: 15-20 Bettys, 10 Oscars

RESULTS
Enemy Losses:
Sgt Zeeman: 2 Kill(s)
SM Berg: 1 Kill(s)
Sgt Talen: 2 Kill(s)
Own Losses:
SM Berg Wounded
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


We scramble and bank right to get out of the bombers path of destruction.




When clear we turn and climb towards the bombers. I do my best to keep up with Sergeant-Majoor Berg.


While Berg sets up behind a Betty, suddenly tracers rip up the air between us! Two Oscars swoop down on us to spoil the party.






Berg rolls out of the way as i try to get a shot at the attackers.










What little experience i have is completely undone by the fear and adrenaline running through my veins and not the least by the hindrance a wet pair of flying pants bring with them. My salvo's miss and the Oscars fly up and away. Major Berg tells me to regain my senses and spare my bullets. We try to pursue but the old Buffaloes just don't keep up with the Jap fighters.
We disengage and rejoin Luitenant Berg and Zeeman in pursuit of the Betties, only to be zoomed again by a pair of fighters, probably the same as before. Luckely for me, the pilot's aim is even worse than mine.


Once again, we helplessly watch the Japs climb out of the engagement. We are already running full throttle to catch up with the bomber formations and they just seem to play with us. Appereantly they ran out of fuel or ammo as they maintain a heading for Malaya and leave us be.


Near the North-East coast of Rupat Island we catch up with some straggling bombers. At this point we also picked up the last survivor from the other flight. He saw them first and dived to engage, Luitenant Berg close behind. I am third in line and this time i plan to finally hit something.


Unfortunately Luitenant Berg gets a present from the Betty's rear gunner in the radiator and has to disengage.


When it's my turn i open up with all barrels at the crippled bomber. It starts to bank and dive. When i assure myself that it is going down i pull away and search for another target.




There's no sign of Zeeman or Berg, but i did find me another Betty trying to get home. With the memory of Luitenant Berg's smoking Buffalo fresh in mind i set up at some distance from the enemy aircraft and try to put in some lucky hits. Like the Luitenant said: no heroics.








Unfortunately and all too soon, my guns go dry and i have to disengage while the Betty, while trailing smoke and fuel, steams on home. I guess Sergeant-Majoor Berg should have told me to save ammo a bit earlier!


I head North to get out of the way of the suspected route of any Jap fighters that might have lingered over our airbase and follow the coastline of Rupat back to Sumatra. The return trip was uneventfull and i enjoyed the silence. If only my darn hands would stop shaking for a minute!
As i closed the tarmac i was happy to see that there was little damage to the base. I can still get breakfast!


After almost mashing up my Buffalo on the tarmac (cutting the throttle a few meters above the ground is a bad idea if you don't act against the sudden change in torgue!) i pull up next to Luitenant Berg who appareantly made it home without incident too. We did got breakfast... and a new pair of pants.


About 1,5 hours later, Zeeman and Sergeant-Majoor Berg showed up. They said they flew all the way over Malaya to the Jap airfield to pay them a return visit. So much for no heroics! They both shot down an Oscar. They also confirmed my kill on the second Betty, crashed over Malaya. Sergeant-Majoor Berg managed to get a piece of ack-ack shrapnel in his foot. Of course, Luitenant Berg was rather cross of all this, risking lives and planes and all. But it seemed to have paid off for Zeeman as he got promoted to Sergeant-Majoor. And, because we both shot down something Japanese, we received the “Vliegerkruis”.

It seemed that the other flight got mangled pretty good by the Oscars, neither the Buffaloes or the Hurricanes returned and the pilots are unaccounted for at this time. That includes Wiebe too. I never got to meet the others. Anyway, I sure hope those Jap fighters stay put tomorrow!

Judging from today, my first day in active service for my country, I don't think I will ever enjoy this mosquito invested island where you sweat like a pig AND get shot at by Japs! Still, I have no wish to rot in a prison camp somewhere out in the sticks. Guess i'll be back up there soon enough.

Most enjoyable Derk. I haven't flown IL-2 in a long time. This brought back a lot of good memories. I love that little plane, never flew it in the pacific theater but flew it a lot as Finnish pilot on those beautiful Finnish maps. Well done sir.

Been quite a while since I played that campaign. Enjoyed the AAR and will be watching for more.


Wheels

Wauw, leuke AAR, Derk! Please continue them.

Nice AAR! Thanks!

Excellent, nice to see some Il-2 AAR's!

Very good read. Nicely detailed and good pic's.

More please.

Thanks for the comments guys, i hope i can find the time to keep it up. My holiday ends after this weekend so it's back to business as usual.

January 1942, 07:20 hours
Weather: 3/10, Clouds at 3000ft.

I could barely close my eyes tonight! So much happened yesterday and I can barely get a grasp of things. I knew we are at war, but the actual combat hit hard and the impressions of yesterday are hard felt by the squadron. Basically the Japs have the initiative and we are already being pushed on the defensive with not enough resources to adequately fight back. We only have a handful of serviceable fighters! Without proper support, our bombers squadrons can't do anything either. Sending them out now would be suicidal. Perhaps today we can at least get a decent CAP going before they hit us...

As by a miracle, yesterday all missing pilots showed up one by one. Wiebe had to jump after his engine seized. Those big radials sure help against overheating in this climate, but they are somewhat vulnerable. He landed West of the base and hung in a tree for some hours before being cut down and was able to walk back. Luitenant Ambrosius, his flight leader, got a good swim as he ditched his Buffalo in the waters between the base and Rupat island. I am happy to see them and the others returning in relative good health. Now only if we had the planes to...

Suddenly the scramble horn rips through my muttering. I grap my flight jacket and run for the flightline. Luitenant. Berg, Sergeant de Wit, Sergeant-Majoor Wevers and I are the first on the line and buckle up. As we start and line up the tower comes in over the radio:
Enemy planes are approaching from the South-West, Presumably to attack us! Intercept them, take off immediately!

Great, now they are behind us! Again it seems we are playing their game. Six more Buffaloes come to life behind us as we prepare to take off. Though we seem badly organised, at least we have a greater number of planes in the air than last time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT REPORT
Date: 2 January 1942
Time: Take-off: 07:30, Contact: 07:40, Pancake 08:39.
Mission: Intercept

FORCES ENGAGED
Own: 4 Brewsters
Lt Berg
Sgt de Wit
SM Wevers
Sgt Talen
Friendly: 6 Brewsters
Enemy: 15-20 Bettys, 6 Oscars

RESULTS
Enemy Losses:
Luitenant Berg 3 Kill(s)
Sergeant de Wit 1 Kill(s)
Own Losses:
SM Wevers KIA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm number four for take-off. As soon as i hear Wevers' engine ref up i push the throttle and together we roll across the concrete. We bank left to an intercept course and climb towards the enemy. As we turn around again to stay with the bombers i can hear their bombs falling around me. No need to scare me even more you bastards!



We use the clouds above the base as cover for our approach but as we clear them...


The enemy politely informs us it's not only Betties that were waiting on the other side.


As i try to get a shot at the attacking Oscars, a second pair jumps on me.


I look back, only to find even more enemy fighters above and behind us!


It's the same game as yesterday. They make a pass in pairs. Then just as easely climb up and away. It's an uncontrollable situation for me and i find it very unsettling.


Soon the air is quiet and once more we make for the bombers.


Only to be zoomed by the Oscars again!



This time i return the favour and hit his wingman, who starts to lose some kind of fluid. The sight of my own bullets penetrating my would-be assasins give me a well needed boost of morale.


It did something to his companion too, though less uplifting i think. He seemed not too thrilled with me for shooting at his wingman. He turned about and grabbed me by the tail, firing at every opportunity he got. I scream over the radio for help, but the rest of the guys are long gone after the bombers. I played the game and walked into the trap!





When he finally did hit me, i thought i was done for and it took me a second to realise i was still flying. I rolled out of the turn and reversed direction while he fired yet another salvo at me.



Then all of the sudden, everything went quiet except for the sound of my own plane. The Oscar must have disengaged. I looked about but couldn't find any contacts around me. He must have flown into a cloud i guess.
I took a moment to get my bearings and realized i was still in the immediate area of the base. I did a quick damage check and took a look at the fuel gauges. I only used about 1/5th of my load! It's funny how things seem to slow down when the air around you heats up. I feel like i have been sparring with a tiger for hours!
Still i made the decission to head north after the bombers and hopefully catch up with my flight. Perhaps i could even add a bit of jap scrap to the war effort! Well, long story short: I flew about half an hour north over the Mallaca strait and up to RAF base at Port Swettenham and all i got to see were three dots that just wouldn't get any bigger. After checking out some of the frontline to the north i decided i had enough for today and turned heading 180, home!

It seems the clouds saved our airbase from destruction, at least for today. She has become a welcome sight fast!


As i squeese into the pattern i find Luitenant Berg in front of me and we land side by side. Well, sort of anyway, i came in a bit fast and bumped down the runway. I hope the Luitenant doesn't mind too much.




On a positive note, it would seem that the morning mail had a nice present for us: three new Hurricanes were transferred to our squadron. A welcome addition to our meager arsenal.


Todays brought forth our first casualty: Sergeant-Majoor Wevers. While i was tangled up with the Oscars, he continued to pursue a bomber, only to get riddled by machine gun fire. Two sorties and both times i got seperated from my wingman and both times they wind up either wounded or killed. Call it part of war, but i can't help but feeling somewhat responsible, even though i realise their wasn't anything i could have done to alter the course of events in either case.
Today also brought forth our first replacement. Sergeant Enno Jilt. I'll be sure to make him feel at home here, just like they did for Wiebe and me. He'd better live to make it worth the trouble though.

The Luitenant says the British are also hard pressed by the japanese advance. They have lost a lot of planes and the situation on the ground is worsening. The Japs captured the whole north part of the island and constructed another airstrip to the North-West. He says the RAF requested our support. If the enemy lays off a bit tomorrow, we might get a chance actually strike back at them. Though that would mean taking the initiative, something that i am all for, but i can't say i'm too thrilled at the idea of exposing myself over their lines. I wish he wouldn't have told us as now i foresee another sleepless night.

Oh my, these are good.

Very good indeed.

Another good one.


Wheels

Thanks guys, glad you like 'em so far!
I have the next one set up, but because i fly without time compression and autopilot i need some time for this one. I am putting my money on the better part of Saturday. No guarantees though, need to get rid of the crew chief and the ground crew first. You can't imagine how they always come up with another set of chocks!

But tell me please, are those Hurricanes actually just ground object to populate the base or really flayble ones?

I didn´t play dynamic cmpaign so much, didn´tknow that could happen!

Great job anyway, looking forward for more!

They're fine examples of the suspension of disbelief
On a side note, the Dutch did receive (confiscate) a batch of hurricanes that should have been shipped to the RAF somewhere, sometime in the pacific theatre.

Well done. On an historical note, those Japanese planes wouldn't have gotten their male and female monikers this early in the war. We knew little about them , at that point. I used to have an old book that was written back in 1942! Showed lots of pictures of German and Japanese airplanes. There was a drawing of a Japanese torpedo bomber that they called a "Kokogeki 97." God knows where they got that from.
Anyway, good shots and fun read about a part of the air war we don't hear much about.

January 3, 1942 15:00 Hours
Weather: 7/10 Clouds at 2000ft

Today is a good day! It's well past 2pm, I had breakfast, ate lunch and all the while nobody tried to kill me yet! Even now, I'm taking in some sun in front of flight ops. Yes, that same sun that I had been cursing days before. Just doing nothing has never felt better! To me, this peaceful start of the day means either the RAF and RAAF got their act together or the Japanese were so underwhelmed by our actions these last two days that they already no longer consider us a priority to be dealt with. If the latter is true, I can't say I blame them.
Whatever the case, nobody woke up today having to dodge bullets or bombs so the CAP was set up and to add to the good news: I am surprised to say they are actually patrolling!

Luitenant Berg took us up as well and we did some mock dogfights this morning. He knows we need all the practise we can get. While we were out there a few miles West of the base, we saw several other Brewsters and Hurricanes come in from other parts of Sumatra. Something was brewing allright. After the mock battles there was time for coffee and a discussion with our newly arrived comrades on how to deal with the Jap fighters we enga... er, saw.
It was suggested we stay low, keep our speed and try to lure them in down with us so there is less advantage for them. The only problem with that, besides that they would still come in a lot faster than we can possibly fly, is the bombers stay save up there and happily tear up our only airbase in the region.
Another suggestion was to establish a continuous CAP over the base but the commander said that that would drain our fuel stock and put too much stress on our aircraft with the added maintenance. In the end I guess we'll just have to be ready for a fight at all times, try to avoid the fighter passes and do whatever damage to the enemy we can.

As I am contemplating whether or not to get yet another cup of that horrible surrogate coffee, the Luitenant steps out of flight ops. If I had the choice between the meaning of the look on his face and that surrogate coffee I would buy me a surrogate plantation!
We follow him back into flight ops and take a seat. There's no need for words: the lines from our position, going across the map all the way North-East say it all: Today is NOT a good day.

”Gentlemen!
look at the map. The objective is the enemy airfield in sector BB26. Expect the base to be fully operational and thus very dangerous. You can of course expect heavy flak greeting you on the way in, so be alert and come home safe. Let us see what we can do with four Brewsters. The remaining available flights will be flying escort and fighter-sweep duty. Good luck to all.

Well, here's a piece of typical Dutch international relationships for you:
Remember the RAF asked us to assist in any way we can? Well someone with bars on his shoulder and a map on his desk figured he'd tell someone with bars on his shoulder over at the RAF we could go and pay the Japs a bit of a visit over at their base since they did us the same pleasure. Of course it was only after that he learned our bomber squadrons aren't very operational so to speak.
So in comes another someone with bars on his shoulder who happens to know that Sergeant-Majoor Berg and Sergeant Zeeman already flew over the Jap base in our first encounter on the 1st of January. And as a result two someones and a lot of bars figure our flight would be capable of another such feat. Only this time we are to carry some added weight in the form of 2x100lbs bombs. That's eight 100lbs bombs in total. And for that we will risk losing our entire fighter squadron (except for the guys doing CAP of course) and those that came to fly as support over their side of the island. I'm sure the Japs and the RAF will be equally impressed...
I doubt they (we) will ever learn.

Luitenant Berg assigned the newly arrived Sergeant Jilt as his wingman. Perhaps because he wants to show him the ropes but more likely since he was the last of us to actually conduct bombing practise.
After serving, or lack thereof, the Sergeant-Majoors Berg and Wevers, the honour now befalls upon Sergeant-Majoor de Man to have me as his wingman. I sure hope that is where their similarities end.
Now, let's see if we can make it home before dinner.

In the meanwhile, our payload was installed. I strap myself in, take a deep breath and bring the Buffalo to life.


I can't help but feel proud when looking over my shoulder and seeing all those Dutch aircraft we will be flying with today.


No time to sit back and take in the view though. Sergeant-Majoor de Man pushes the throttle and i follow suit, rolling down the concrete. The added weight causes for a slightly longer take-off run, but all in all it isn't too bad.


As we fly out over Rupat island, I am slightly suprised to see the other pilots form up per three. I guess it makes sense since uptill now the Japs have been fighting in pairs. We need all the advantage we can get!
Their spirits seem higher than mine as they allow themselves a bit of hide and seek in the clouds.





We also tuck ourselves in between the clouds for cover as we head towards the strait. I constantly expect to be strafed by those Oscars that dominated our skies yesterday and the day before.


The Hurricanes we received only yesterday are being put to good use. It seems the other squadron got some too as i make out two - three ship - formations.


We fly accross the Malacca strait and into Malaya and apart from our small armada, the skies seem deserted. The sun is scorching and blinding as always, but with her warmth, our confidence slowly returns and it feels good to be flying on my own behalf. I am in control!


Or am I? A shiffer runs down my spine as Luitenant Berg calls out contacts at our 10 O' clock. The Luitenant says we are to assist our fellow pilots and immediately we break into pairs and i hang on to de Man's tail to intercept, though i can hardly keep up.



It appears there is only one enemy aircraft in sight, not an Oscar for sure! This one is slower, or has problems, besides the seven Brewsters on it's tale i mean.


We still have to push our airplanes hard to keep up, but before long one of the other pilots land a few hits and the white Jap starts billowing smoke.


Unable to outrun us, he starts taking evasive action. The turn rate of this little Jap has us suprised for a moment.




With a daring half loop ending what seems just centimeters from the ground, he shakes most of his pursuers. Luckely for me i come to the party a bit late and as he climbs out of the loop i settle on his tale.




My first salvoes are way off. I force to regain control and try to get my adrenaline level down a bit. This is my chance at taking down a Jap fighter, don't blow this!




I steady my aim, take my time and squeese the triggers.


He is right in my convergence zone and is litterally riddled with bullets. More and more strike his plane and then suddenly, a white-yellow ball of fire errupts from his left wing. I lit up his fueltank!









I can't help but cheer out loud over the radio while i bank away as he goes down in flames. My first fighter kill!




We soon reform and continue towards our target: the enemy base.
Hairy, you shot him down without losing your eggs?!
I wonder a few moments on de Man's suprised sounding comment when it strikes me. I forgot to dump my payload as we went after the Jap. No wonder i couldn't keep up!


We get out of the clouds and before us appears the enemy base, just accross the river. At least i have a present for them now!
Over the radio we hear the other pilots calling out kills too. It would seem we are not that defenseless afterall!


As we fly past the airfield the Luitenant comes over the radio:
Guys, there isn't anything we can do here without bombs. Hairy, drop your bombs. Heading 150, let's go home.
What the h...?! In silence i see the flight bank right. My finger is over the bomb release..


No! I got this far now. I might as well put these eggs to use. Afterall there are guns down there shooting at our guys!
I bank left, away from the flight and dive for the AA platforms.





Aargh, I overshot! No second chance here, the AA divert their attention to me. They seem a bit mad over the earth and grass i just bombed into oblivion. I bank and climb out of range. From the corner of my eye i see another lonesome Buffalo trying to get home while all the flak in the area concentrates on him. Only moments later they almost put a shell right into my cockpit!








Once I am out of range i check my fuel. I was afraid of this. Because of the dogfight i burned up too much. No way i can make it home on this bit. I quickly check my map and decide to head for a small airbase along the Eastern coast of Malaya.



After about 20 minutes i spot it to my left. Nice setting here! A small town and a rather large bridge complement the scenery. Also, like our base it's almost on the beach! I turn final and put her down on the grass.





After a lot of bumping i taxi to the refueling area and shut the Brewster up. First a cold one! Than we'll see about returning to Sumatra.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT REPORT
Date: 3 January 1942
Time: Take-off: 15:00, Contact: 15:33, Pancake 16:23.
Mission: Strike

FORCES ENGAGED
Own: 4 Brewsters
Lt Berg
Sgt Jilt
SM de Man
Sgt Talen
Friendly: 6 Brewsters
6 Hurricanes
Enemy: 10 Zekes

RESULTS
Enemy Losses:
Sergeant Talen 1 Kill(s)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sweeeeeeet!

Very cool.


Wheels

Outstanding !!!

Very very good.

Why did you have your carburator heat on ? You will get more engine power with cold air. Then carb heat for landing approach.

Thanks guys!


Er.. dunno really, guess it is on by default. Better take a look at UP's complex engine management and start learning lol!

More coming up soon!

January 4 10:10 Hours
Weather: 7/10 Clouds at 2000ft

After I spend some time in Endau (RAF) waiting for their personnel to finish refuelling No. 4, flying back was the easy part. While I was waiting I had a little chat with some pilots. Though a good ale attended, the meeting was rather sobering.
According to them there's just no stopping the Japs at this point. Both the RAF and RAAF, as well as a RNZAF squadron are operating in Malaya and all have sustained heavy casualties. Like us, they're flying Buffaloes and Hurricanes mostly, Blenheims and Beaufighters too. On the ground the situation is pretty much the same. What is worse is that most of the local (indigenous) people seem to have no desire to resist to the coming Japanese invasion whatsoever. They feel it might bring them more independence. It seems only a matter of time before Singapore will fall and I fear that after that, Sumatra will be next. Compared to Malaya, Sumatra will probably be easy pickings for the Japs.
As I made my return flight I couldn't help but ponder at the sense of our actions here. It seems as we are fighting all on our own. And what for?!
When I got back I went straight for my barracks, though I didn't sleep much. In the morning the air raid horns started screaming and I was happy for it. When people are trying to shoot you down, you have less time to waste on the deeper meaning of it all.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT REPORT
Date: 4 January 1942
Time: Take-off: 10:15, Contact: 10:19, Pancake 10:36.
Mission: Scramble

FORCES ENGAGED
Own: 4 Brewsters
Lt Berg
Sgt Jilt
SM de Man
Sgt Talen
Friendly: 4 Hurricanes
Enemy: 15-20 Betties
6 Oscars

RESULTS
Enemy Losses:
1e Luitenant Berg 1 Kill(s)
SM de Man 1 Kill(s)
Sergeant Talen 1 Kill(s)
Own Losses:
1e Luitenant Berg KIA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two flights scramble to intercept the reported bombers. The new Hurricanes are starting to outnumber our Buffaloes, but with 12x .303 machine guns opposed to our 3x .30 and a single .50, who am I to argue with that.


I take off with Sergeant de Man and we immediately head for the bombers we spot at 1 o' clock. Meanwhile over the radio, reports are coming in of other formations approaching from the South and North-East. It's going to be a busy sky today! Something changed within me though. Compared to my previous flights i am less scared, almost comfortable in this crate. Perhaps this scares me even more!


As the betties pass overhead we perform a half loop and pursue, though we are still significantly below their altitude. Not much we can do about them. I see some oscars breaking with the bombers to strafe our airbase and turn about, hoping to be able to set up an attack. Sergeant-Majoor De Man won't have anything to do with it though and repeatedly tells me to rejoin and pursue the bombers. At this point, with yesterday and all, i just don't care. Damn right I'm looking for a fight! The Luitenant only said "no heroeics", nothing about no angry dutchman going after Jap fighters that outclasses his own because he's fed up with playing their game!


While I try to get a good position on what i expect to be their egress pattern, I suddenly hear the whistling of bombs past my airplane. A North-bound formation almost dropped their eggs on me! I have no issues with protecting the airbase, but this is a bit too much if you ask me. I look down and see the scattered impacts of their bombs on and near the runway. They don't seem to do much damage though. The guys back on the ground are lucky once more.




After this little distraction i look for the Oscars i saw earlier. Damn, i'm late! They are already climbing out, but this does give me an advantage in speed. I soon close the distance and am suprised to see, as i pursue their climb at about a full 90 degrees nose-up, the leading pilot lazely stalling his aircraft to do a wing-over! The arrogance of it all, it's like we're not even there to them!



As he hangs in the air i open up with all i got!


Then, a flash, almost instantly followed by the biggest fireworks show i ever witnessed! He blew up in mid air, just like he was never even there!


I level my plane and scan around for another target. I spot an Oscar trying to make a run for it, maybe his wingman. But as i try to close, the faster Hurricanes make short work of him.


After that i try to pursue another, but same old, same old: in comes a pair of Hurries to take over. I try to fly an intercept, but i just can't climb with the Oscar. Frustrated as i am, i pull back on the stick some more, but the air stops flowing and down i go, stupid!




Then Luitenant Berg comes over the radio asking for our help. Heck, anyones help! There's an Oscar on his tale and he can't shake it off! I look around and try to find them, but it's all Blue-White-Green: Sky, clouds and jungle.


Then again the Luitenant calls in: "He's gone I, wait, how did he..". Then silence.
The Jap pilot climbed out and then rolled back in straight at the Luitenant. Berg managed to meet his aim, but never got to pull the trigger as his engine got shot up. Alone and in silence, he went down over the narrows near the base. No-one saw him jump.




In the five minutes that followed, the rest of my flight went down. It was like after what happened to the Luitenant, they just gave up. Sergeant-Majoor de Man had to jump and landed in the straight. He was later recovered by a "Walrus". Sergeant Zeeman ditched in a field on Rupat Island and ran to find a way back to base.


Losing the guys you're supposed to fly with was very unnerving and i flew around, trying to find the hurricanes, just so i wouldn't be alone anymore. I saw one, or at least, i thought i did and tried to pull alongside. When i did see that big red sun i frose for a moment, then i kicked the rudder and fired away! For a second i fear i only put myself into more danger by putting up another fight, but the Jap just ignores my ill-aimed salvoes and keeps his heading, like i'm not even there, again! Before long he is out of range and i am about to cry. How on earth will we stop them?



I headed back over Rupat and directly onto final. No use in flying the pattern if there is no other air traffic, bah!



As i crossed the threashold i was shocked at the damage on the ground. Every able plane West of the runway had been badly damaged, or shot up beyond repair. I wonder what will happen now, without the Luitenant, without the Squadron leader, our leader. My body feels numb, as my mind lingers between fear and anger.



Tomorrow there will be another flight, another fight. Tomorrow comes a day too soon.

Really likng these AAR's.


Wheels

Love this campaign and plane. This was the first one I flew where I started feeling like I was accomplishing something.

I have been really, really enjoying this AAR. Because of you I am thinking of reinstalling IL-2. It has been years since I played. Superb work!

Wonderful stuff; simply wonderful.

Did you adjust carb heat setting ? Try it and see if it doesn't change your RPM by about 300.

Thanks again guys. I just wish i could find some more time to update regularly.

OG, I have looked and googled about the il2 carb heat, but i came up empty handed so far. Also there seems to be no control setting for it in the options menu. I would appreciate it if you can help me out with this one.
Also, anyone knows how to change the default skins? Those RAAF Tomahawks look weird down here in desert camo!

Make sure you make a copy before you edit anything so you can use it again if something doesn't work properly. A copy of the entire game folder isn't a bad idea either. You never know what will mess up the install once you start editing the files that DGen uses to generate missions.

How to change default skins in DGen campaigns?: http://www.mission4today.com/index.php?name=Knowledge_Base&op=show&kid=265


Wheels

Nice! I really need to spend some time with IL-2 again. It's been awhile...

Somehow, i forgot about M4T lol. Thanks wheels!
Anyone knows about carburetor heat in il2? Can't find a thing about it.

Thanks!

I don't use IL-2 so can't really help. But your cockpit picture clearly shows it on. Carb heat will reduce RPM and power, so that is why I mentioned it. Maybe the IL-2 forum can help. It may be that carb heat isn't modelled in the game and has no function. So it may not be an issue.

Anyway, these are really good tales and screen captures. You flesh out the story with good details. Well done.

Pretty sure carburetor heat is not modeled in IL-2. Complex engine management isn't quite that advanced in the stock version.


Wheels

O.T: Thanks Wheels, I'll stop worrying about it then, there's enough going on already that i can't keep track of lol. Ordered a Saitek Throttle Quadrant today, should help with managing mixture and prop pitch at least. Well, on we go..


January 5, 1942 14.15 hours
weather: Clear

Yesterday afternoon, as soon as all scrambled pilots were accounted for, I was told to report to 2nd flight's commander: 2e Luitenant Ambrosius. As it appeared, with the losses suffered by our squadron and Luitenant Berg's death, the remainder of 1st and 2nd flight were to merge in one expanded flight and operate under a single command with more planes in the air at the same time.

Dick, I know that what happened today affects you. It affects us all. In fact, the whole squadron as we knew it seized to exist with the loss of Berg. Unfortunately however, the war does not!
As I will be taking over the squadron and 1st flight, you must know there will be some changes, effective immediately.
First of all, these. Ambrosius said as he threw me a set of bars. I like the way you acted instead of re-acted yesterday and the day before. For that I am promoting you to Sergeant-Majoor, Dick.
Second: You will be assigned a wingman whenever the circumstances allow it and together you have permission to operate to your own discretion within the confines of the objective.
Tomorrow you will be leading a flight Majoor, now go get some food in you and take a rest.

Sergeant-Majoor.. Flightleader.. I fear this has more to do with our casualty rate then my courage and flying skills. However, I do like the prospect of making my own mistakes (I'm perfectly capable of doing THAT) and having someone along to back me up when I do.
Sergeant-Majoor... Major “hairy” Dick.. Oh brother, I'll never hear the end of it!
As I made my way to the mess, despite all we lost, I smiled for the first time in days. Feels good, even if because of the irony of it all.

The morning brought the expected jokes and congratulations, and a call from Singapore as well. We were requested to escort some RAF Blenheims up North to go visit a Jap airbase and stir up some trouble. They will fly via Sumatra as the inland routes are thoroughly patrolled by the IJA.
We spend the morning gathering info on the West part of the front. Things look pretty grim. Kuala Lumpur has already fallen to the Japanese advance and Port Swettenham seems to be their next target. That's about where we'll be making landfall today. Whether or not Kuala Lumpur Airbase is operational is unknown at this time. Let's just hope their fighters will be busy farther East.

As word goes around that the bombers are on the way, we make for Flight Ops:
Escort duty for you boys today. RAF Blenheims are going to be missing every possible target in the area, and you have to make sure they can't blame it on the Japanese. The task of protecting the Blenheims is assigned to six Brewsters under the command of Luitenant Ambrosius. Good luck!

Sergeant-Majoor Talen will lead the second flight. Sergeant Wit will fly his wing. Happy hunting to you!

We'll see about that. I'd rather put myself back down on the runway than in harms way. No heroics, still.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMBAT REPORT
Date: 5 January 1942
Time: Take-off: 14:15, Contact: 14:41, Pancake 14:49.
Mission: Strike Escort

FORCES ENGAGED
Own: 6 Brewsters
Lt Ambrosius
Sgt Zeeman
SM de Man
Sgt Jilt

SM Talen
Sgt Wit

Friendly: 6 Hurricanes
Enemy: 10 Zekes

RESULTS
Enemy Losses:
2e Luitenant Ambrosius 2 Kill(s)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Blenheims pass overhead, we take to the skies to meet them. As i roll right i notice that Wit wasn't taking off with me. Instead he waited his turn. Fine with me, if that makes him feel better, he'll have to play catch-up now.




As i climb out, i take a look at the formation overhead. Only six Blenheims with as many Brewsters as well as two three-ship hunting parties made up from our Hurries. They'll be sweeping ahead for fighters while we protect the bombers.



Soon I reach a position over the bombers i'm comfortable in. Wit catches up and we start weaving over the formation.



Crossing the straight of Malaya was uneventful, but as we crossed the coastline, the trailing hurries call out for help, they were jumped by Zekes at low altitude. Wit and I go full throttle to see if we can do anything for them. I suppose i might as well try to live up to Ambrosius' expectations. I am suprised to see the Luitenant do the same though. Guess he favours his own men over the mission.... good man! Well, good for us at least.



As we race to join the battle, i see tracers ripping through the air and landing on one of ours! One of the hurries got hit bad and the pilot jumps. As the plane goes down i realise we are right over the front lines. I hope he lands on the right side!



A zeke pops up from below my sight and i fire, knowing he already past (Stupid! Conserve your ammo!). We are quick to pursue and suddenly a little piece of sky is packed with aircraft as the zekes try to shake us by crossing flightpaths!





I pull hard to keep up with the Zeke (Stupid! Conserve your energy!) My vision blurs but down the tunnel i see the Luitenant coming in fast and spitting bullets. He's right on the mark and the Zeke explodes mid-air.




As i turn around, looking for the other Zeke, my mind goes back to the bombers for a second. What is their position right now, are we behind? Should i get back? By the way, where the heck did those Hurries go?!..
THUNK! I got hit! Instead of taking evasive action, i look around to what happened. Overhead comes a Zeke with a Buffalo in pursuit spitting bullets. Ambrosius? Probably.
At this point i have the energy and as the Zeke climbs, i am able to follow him. It is the Luitenant! This man turns out to be quite the flyboy, he knows his stuff. With the Luitenant more to the side i take a shot at the Zeke as he slows, missed!





As both the Jap and the Luitenant stall out i turn away to set up another pass but my speed doesn't increase at it should. I frantically check my instruments and find my RPM's dropping! That single hit must have been landed in the engine back there when. As i follow the fight with ever increasing distance, the Zeke gets caught in the crossfire from Ambrosius and Zeeman and errupts in a ball of fire.





Wit performs a damage check on my airplane and we agree that i better head back while he teams up with first flight. I turn South when the engine starts to make this grinding noise. Like sitting behind a blender. I calculate that my remaining flying time will probably be very short and try to make Swettenham Airbase. RPM keeps slowly dropping and so is my altitude.




I try to keep my speed up without losing too much altitude, but the ground closes fast. As i cross the sea-arm the engine comes to a grinding stop and the plane starts slipping. I quickly put the nose down and extend my gear and flaps. If I can make it just accross the swampy bit...





Made it over solid ground! Now to put her down gently. I flare too much and the left wings starts dropping. I loosen my grip some to prevent rolling the plane and i slam on the ground! It's a miracle the struts hold up. I bounce back up, stall, left wing scrapes some dirt and then the left gear gives in, throwing me down on the ground in a 180 degree turn. I slide some more backwards, looking at the dust and smoke i cause. Then all goes silent.






I'm just a few hundred meters from the airbase, but there's no sign of help coming my way.. I unstrap myself and crawl out of the cockpit. Apart from some cuts and bruces i should be allright. Now where is that ambulance?

Cool AAR Derk.

A little help on the crash landing. If at all possible don't let the tailwheel hit right away. A three point landing is a sure way to bounce the nose into the turf.
(No clue if that is how it works in the real world but in the IL-2 world landing on the main gear and trying to keep the tailwheel up as long as possible works the best.)

The ntrk's in this download of mine at M4T will explain it much better than I can with text. Even though I am still flying with full power authority in the ntrks the premis on how to land is still valid.
Italian Campaign Update: http://www.mission4today.com/index.php?name=Downloads&file=details&id=4104
The ntrks in my download will work just fine without installing the original Italian campaign files I reference. Just unzip the Italian Campaign Update files onto your desktop and copy the ntrks into your records folder.


Wheels

Love reading these. Can't wait for the next one and hoping for the switch to the Hurrie.

In IL-2, when landing in the rough, try keeping it on one wheel. Any bump will transfer the energy in a rotation around the roll axis and not into the vertical with a pitch up. Landings will be less stressful and ground behaviour more predictable. I know it's "gaming the game", but the story will go on longer.

I'm sorry for the lack of updates lately. I seem to have misplaced my spare time. Can't use my original time though. It's being divided between honey-do's and work atm.

to be continued...

Darn honey-do lists. Doesn't she know that you have people other than her hanging on your every word.


Wheels