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#4513325 - 03/29/20 01:16 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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Impatience gets the better of me and I start shooting at rather long range.

[Linked Image]

The bomber starts jinking desperately. This makes shooting bit more tricky, but enables me to close the range a bit faster.

[Linked Image]

I can see that I'm getting hits with nearly every burst but rounds are whacking into my kite, too. Time to break off my attack.

[Linked Image]

The Junkers is trailing smoke as I bank hard right to get out of his line of fire.

[Linked Image]

Once safely out of range, I reverse my turn for another pass. But it won't be necessary! The crew are bailing out!

[Linked Image]

I check the time for my combat report and realise that in my haste, I haven't checked my tail since first fighting the Huns. Lucky there seem to be no escorts around!

The action's far from over, though. Looking around, I can see three Hurricanes chasing down a bomber.

[Linked Image]

I turn towards them and as I watch, the Hun goes down, the crew once again taking to their 'chutes.

[Linked Image]

I turn towards another bomber which looms up in my windscreen. I quickly realise he's coming nearly straight at me!

[Linked Image]

Fair enough mate, you're next, I tell myself.

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot03-29-20-11-57-12.jpgShot03-29-20-11-57-23.jpgShot03-29-20-11-57-49.jpgShot03-29-20-11-58-21.jpgShot03-29-20-11-58-34.jpgShot03-29-20-11-58-43.jpgShot03-29-20-11-59-06.jpgShot03-29-20-11-59-32.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 03/29/20 01:19 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4513370 - 03/29/20 04:46 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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The Ju88 has gained a head start by the time I've come around after him, so I push up the revs again. Slightly right, I can see that another Hurricane is also chasing the Hun.

[Linked Image]

The other Hurri doesn't make a good job of cutting the corner and ends up in a tail chase. This gives me my chance, and I cut across and lay into the Ju88 with a series of short bursts. Fragments from the stricken Hun flash past me as I break away at the last minute.

[Linked Image]

I pull up vertically to get out of the way of return fire. The bomber is leaving a faint smoke trail from his starboard engine but otherwise, doesn't appear to be too badly bothered. At least the convoy seems also largely unscathed.

[Linked Image]

As I complete a wide circuit for another pass, I find the Hun is coming at me from the front again!

[Linked Image]

I can't get my guns onto him but have no difficulty reversing course and getting behind him.

[Linked Image]

The big Junkers starts jinking as I start shooting...

[Linked Image]

...then tips over into a right-handed turn, leaving my tracers tearing up the empty sky under his tail.

[Linked Image]

I hit him again, and he levels out...

[Linked Image]

...before jinking right again. By this time I'm really snapping at his heels. But just as I think he's all mine, my ammo runs out!

[Linked Image]

The Hun has plenty of holes in his wings and tail, but doesn't seem to have been hit anywhere important and the smoke trail looks to have petered out.

[Linked Image]

So there's nothing else for it, but to let him go, and make my own way home.

[Linked Image]

I think the same number of ships are afloat as when we arrived, so despite the rather late interception, we seem to have earned our crust; not to mention shooting down at least a couple of bombers, between us.

[Linked Image]

The R/T chatter has died down so I call the boys back and orbit for them to catch up. Soon, I'm leading three other Hurricanes back to North Weald.

[Linked Image]

Mission over, I'm delighted to find everyone is ok, despite damage to two other Hurricanes besides my own. And we're claiming no less that five Huns destroyed, including my victim!

[Linked Image]

If the Huns were relying on a small unescorted force of fast bombers being able to exploit the cloudy conditions, they've come rather badly unstuck! And Fifty-six has had a good day...although it's not over yet.

Attached Files Shot03-29-20-11-59-50.jpgShot03-29-20-12-01-09.jpgShot03-29-20-12-01-34.jpgShot03-29-20-12-02-41.jpgShot03-29-20-12-03-41.jpgShot03-29-20-12-03-56.jpgShot03-29-20-12-04-05.jpgShot03-29-20-12-04-09.jpgShot03-29-20-12-04-21.jpgShot03-29-20-12-05-21.jpgShot03-29-20-12-06-31.jpgShot03-29-20-12-07-40.jpgShot03-29-20-12-09-38.jpg56 Sqn 13 Jul mission 1 debriefing.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 03/29/20 04:58 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514013 - 04/01/20 09:30 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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56 Squadron, North Weald, 14 July 1940

We've just about had time for breakfast when we're tasked to patrol in the area of Ramsgate. Which is actually on the coast, south of Margate, not where shown on the map below. Anyway, we know where we're going so that's not a problem. I've kept the 'reduced strength' option selected so for this phase of the Battle, where standing patrols were common even in 11 Group, we are not tying up the whole squadron.

[Linked Image]

It's not just a fluke - I'm definitely getting better at avoiding outrunning my flight-mates. According to the Hurricane Mk.I pilot notes reproduced in the Osprey 'Hurricane Pocket Manual', the recommended climbing speed is 170 MPH indicated (gradually reducing a tad over ten thousand feet) and at about this speed, once they have settled into formation, the boys keep up nicely.

[Linked Image]

As usual, I climb in steps towards our briefed height of between sixteen and seventeen thousand.

[Linked Image]

I decide that upon reaching the Thames Estuary, just ahead and right, I will cut out the dog-leg in our briefed route and fly straight to our patrol line.

[Linked Image]

That done, we're soon cutting across Kent, south of the Medway. I ease back to cruising revs and re-trim accordingly.

[Linked Image]

I'm fully prepared for this show to be a washout, so I'm pleasantly surprised when my first call to the Controller reveals he has some trade for us!

[Linked Image]

The only problem is that the raid is a couple of thousand feet higher, at eighteen thousand. Which I'm guessing means we're going up against fighters! Fair enough, Fifty-six will be ready and waiting for them. I open the throttle, turn slightly right onto the indicated vector, and begin to climb. The Huns are probably closing fast and I want to be above them when we meet.

[Linked Image]

Unless this is some sort of feint, it won't be long now.

...to be continued!

Attached Files 56 Sqn 14 Jul mission 1 briefing.jpgShot04-01-20-21-35-28.jpgShot04-01-20-21-36-12.jpgShot04-01-20-21-36-56.jpgShot04-01-20-21-44-55.jpgShot04-01-20-21-46-12.jpgShot04-01-20-21-46-42.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/01/20 09:34 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514110 - 04/02/20 01:38 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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A final check with the Controller shows we're now thirteen miles out and need to come a little to the right. I still haven't worked out whether the WotR vectors are - as I would guess - the relative bearing to the raid at the time they are given, or a bearing to a calculated interception point, taking account of the heading and or speed of the raid (which is how the control system worked, but would probably be very hard to implement). If the former, you ideally need to ask for several bearings over a period, to establish whether, and to which side, the raid is crossing your path. And 'aim off' accordingly, doing for yourself the calculation the real-life Controller would make for you.

[Linked Image]

There they are! Well, one of the boys sees them, just low and right. I can't yet see a dickey bird.

[Linked Image]

Now I see them, too! Two small groups of specks, one apparently spreading out and coming towards us, the other staying together and drifting out to out right, as if to outflank us while the others take us head-on. Wily devils, these WotR Huns.

[Linked Image]

The two closing formations come together quickly and explode in all directions. I come around onto the tail of one of the Huns, who are the usual yellow-nosed 109s. I'm acutely conscious of the R/T call for help from Red 2, but I can't see who's troubling him. Best I go for the Hun I can see, for now.

[Linked Image]

The 109 is himself closing on one of ours, who, in his turn, is chasing another 109! Anxious to scare off my target, I let fly with a deflection shot. A puff of smoke fast disappearing behind the Hun shows I'm getting some hits.

[Linked Image]

The 109 rolls over and goes down. I'm reluctant to leave the combat area to chase him and look around first. Up ahead is a pair of distant specks...

[Linked Image]

...but turning around to look for anything closer, I see a 109 in a shallow dive.

[Linked Image]

I give him a squirt and the Hun pulls up into me, then banks to my left. I chop the revs to reduce my momentum and start a sharpe left-hander after him. Round and round we go. The 109 is very fast, but after a few circles I'm on his tail and get in another burst. Down he goes like the last one, but this time, I roll after him immediately.

[Linked Image]

This Hun is determined not to be shot down and throws his kite all over the sky. The best I can manage is some brief high-deflection shots, with the 109 actually out of sight under my nose when I fire.. But after a minute or so of exhilarating dogfighting, I finally get onto his tail and let him have it.

[Linked Image]

The 109 seems suddenly to hang in the air, like he's thrown out an invisible sky anchor. He disappears on a cloud of smoke as I give him one last burst, before breaking off.

[Linked Image]

That settles his hash!

[Linked Image]

So far, so good. Now, where is everybody else?

...to be continued!


Attached Files Shot04-01-20-21-47-59.jpgShot04-01-20-21-49-01.jpgShot04-01-20-21-50-24.jpgShot04-01-20-21-50-59.jpgShot04-01-20-21-51-18.jpgShot04-01-20-21-52-30.jpgShot04-01-20-21-53-14.jpgShot04-01-20-21-53-27.jpgShot04-01-20-21-53-48.jpgShot04-01-20-21-54-32.jpgShot04-01-20-21-54-41.jpgShot04-01-20-21-55-07.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/02/20 01:47 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514139 - 04/02/20 03:11 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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I didn't see the Hun pilot get out but he certainly tried. He should have jettisoned the canopy properly, though, including the rear section and radio mast, rather than opening it on its hinge.

[Linked Image]

It's not long before I find another victim, a 109 on his own who seems to be running for home. He doesn't appear to see me coming...

[Linked Image]

...but gets his wake-up call when I shoot off his starboard wingtip.

[Linked Image]

I've also mangled his motor, for by the time I'm behind him again for another crack, his prop is spinning to a halt.

[Linked Image]

I hold my fire but he glides on towards France. Daft as a brush, he must be. The Straits of Dover might be the narrowest point of the Channel, but he'll never make anything like twenty-one miles in a glide. I reckon I'm actually doing him a favour when, with another burst, I knock him down just off the coast, where he's got a good chance of being picked up.

[Linked Image]

The sight of the White Cliffs either side of Dover gives me a good reference point for my claim in the combat report.

[Linked Image]

A last look down reveals plane and parachute heading for the drink just a few hundred yards off shore.

[Linked Image]

The R/T chatter has died away so I call the boys to order and turn for home.

[Linked Image]

A couple show up but that doesn't mean the others have gone for a burton. In WotR, flight-mates don't have a magical ability to locate and reform on their leader after being scattered during an air fight. Afterwards, I discover that there has been a fair bit of shooting, but not much shooting down, apart from my own two claims. One pilot is slightly wounded and three Hurricanes hit, but we've had no loses.

[Linked Image]

Not a bad result, in the circumstances!

Attached Files Shot04-01-20-21-55-28.jpgShot04-01-20-21-56-34.jpgShot04-01-20-21-57-09.jpgShot04-01-20-21-57-46.jpgShot04-01-20-21-58-59.jpgShot04-01-20-21-59-29.jpgShot04-01-20-21-59-48.jpgShot04-01-20-22-00-56.jpg56 Sqn 14 Jul mission 1 debriefing.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/02/20 04:44 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514176 - 04/02/20 05:35 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Great stuff Lima,really enjoyed reading these..Some cracking screenies aswell pal. cheers


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
#4514183 - 04/02/20 06:45 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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Cheers mate!


SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514763 - 04/05/20 03:09 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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56 Squadron, North Weald, lunchtime, 14 July 1940

We're off again - and this time it's a scramble. A raid is threatening shipping in the Thames Estuary!

[Linked Image]

I'm quickly airborne...

[Linked Image]

...and come around in wide turn to the east, which takes me back past North Weald.

[Linked Image]

The raid's height is estimated at fourteen thousand feet so we've got a bit of fast climbing to do, over the fifty-odd miles we'll have to cover.

[Linked Image]

About half-way to the coast, I make my first check with the Controller. The Huns are still there, and are now nearly due east of us.

[Linked Image]

The last thing I want to be is lower than the raid when we meet, so rather than easing off to make sure the others can stay with me, I keep climbing hard.

[Linked Image]

Today, the boys seem to be rather bad at keeping up.

[Linked Image]

No matter, there'll be a chance for them to catch up, after I've put on a bit of height. I hope.

Another check with the Controller confirms we're still in business, and that I need to adjust course slightly, to the right.

[Linked Image]

We're still short of the coast and the raid's estimated to be nearly thirty miles away. It'll be touch and go whether we get them, before they get our ships!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-14-38-41.jpgShot04-05-20-14-38-49.jpgShot04-05-20-14-41-15.jpgShot04-05-20-14-46-53.jpgShot04-05-20-14-49-48.jpgShot04-05-20-14-50-06.jpgShot04-05-20-14-51-54.jpgShot04-05-20-14-52-25.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/05/20 03:12 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514831 - 04/05/20 06:54 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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At about fifteen thousand, I level off and ease back slightly on the revs, to allow the rest of the flight to catch up...

[Linked Image]

...which they soon do.

[Linked Image]

Another check with the Controller indicates the raid seems to be crossing ahead from right to left. and is now only seven miles away, at about twelve thousand.

[Linked Image]

I can see no sign of them, but one of the boys evidently has better eyesight. He reports them slightly left and low. They're pretty well directly over the line of shipping, although I don't notice at the time.

[Linked Image]

Turning in the direction indicated, there's no sign of the compact formation I was expecting - just a ragged line of straggling specks. From experience, I reckon they are bombers, splitting up as they usually do in WotR when attacking ships - the ones we've come to protect and which I know are nearby. It looks like we're late for the party!

[Linked Image]

I quickly order the flight to get stuck in, and they're soon turning in behind me.

[Linked Image]

This is it!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-14-52-38.jpgShot04-05-20-14-55-07.jpgShot04-05-20-14-55-51.jpgShot04-05-20-14-56-01.jpgShot04-05-20-14-59-56.jpgShot04-05-20-15-00-06.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/05/20 08:04 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514842 - 04/05/20 07:54 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Down below and out of sight, a stick of bombs narrowly misses a merchantman.

[Linked Image]

Oblivious to this, I chase after the nearest pair of Huns. I suspect they are making off after bombing, but they could be circling around to make their run. So after them I go.

[Linked Image]

Closing in, I can see that they are Dornier 17s. Even at this distance, the stubby wings, lack of dihedral and unaggressive behaviour distinguish them from Messerschmitt 110s.

[Linked Image]

I don't see any enemy fighters, so I test my aim with a couple of short bursts at long range and medium deflection.

[Linked Image]

I close in and start getting hits. Return fire comes back at me and I'm hit too. I'm hoping my target will break formation with the other Dornier - the fewer rear gunners I have to deal with, the better.

[Linked Image]

The leading Dornier is actually the first one to break. He goes left, his ventral gunner giving me a final dose of tracer.

[Linked Image]

I close right in on my target and rake him mercilessly. Just before I break off, I see his escape hatch droop, then I'm down and away.

[Linked Image]

The Dornier rolls over and drops like a stone, slowly rolling around his longitudinal axis. I don't see any 'chutes, but clearly the bomber is doomed.

[Linked Image]

From the R/T chatter, it's evident that the air fight is still in full swing, so it's time I got back into it.

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-15-00-21.jpgShot04-05-20-15-01-27.jpgShot04-05-20-15-01-41.jpgShot04-05-20-15-01-52.jpgShot04-05-20-15-02-06.jpgShot04-05-20-15-02-33.jpgShot04-05-20-15-03-32.jpgShot04-05-20-15-03-45.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/05/20 07:59 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4514860 - 04/05/20 09:32 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Clearing my tail and looking around for another victim, I spot a distant aircraft making out to sea and turn to cut him off.

[Linked Image]

He turns out to be a solitary Dornier trying to make good his escape. He seems me coming and starts weaving in rather agile fashion for such a large aircraft.

[Linked Image]

I close in and start taking snap-shots when my sights are on, but have to stop when a Spitfire nips in ahead of me and lays into the Hun at point blank range.

[Linked Image]

Suddenly, the Spit collides with the Dorrnier! A large piece of airframe goes flying and the fighter tumbles crazily. It's a miracle that the pilot manages to bail out.

[Linked Image]

The bomber is also out of control and going down fast. Its crew doesn't seem to have been as fortunate - I see no 'chutes appear.

[Linked Image]

It's a sobering sight, but we're not done yet. There still seem to be Huns around here and there, but my own flight is re-forming.

[Linked Image]

This won't do! I point out some targets and tell them to get the finger out - and get stuck in again! No resting on laurels is permitted!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-15-03-57.jpgShot04-05-20-15-05-22.jpgShot04-05-20-15-06-10.jpgShot04-05-20-15-06-29.jpgShot04-05-20-15-06-44.jpgShot04-05-20-15-07-38.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/05/20 09:35 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515033 - 04/06/20 09:58 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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There’s a scattered but sizeable dogfight going on a mile or two away and I begin a turn towards it – Spits fighting bombers, or perhaps escorts. I reckon. Suddenly, a twin-finned aircraft detaches itself from the scrum and comes my way. Reversing my turn towards it, there’s a moment of alarm before I realise it’s an escaping Dornier, not an attacking Me110.

[Linked Image]

I turn after the Hun, but one of the Spitfires is on the job before I can get close enough for a shot.

[Linked Image]

Next second, another Dornier is chased across my nose by a Hurricane. Fair enough, that’s exactly what I had just ordered the boys to do.

[Linked Image]

Yet another Dornier slides into my view from the right, so I turn my attention onto him, instead.

[Linked Image]

I get off a few bursts at if not into him, and take more hits from return fire. Oil splashes onto my windscreen. This isn’t going terribly well!

[Linked Image]

After a few more bursts, the bomber stops jinking and I think I’ve got him. But then my guns fall silent as my ammo finally runs out. I really ought to resist the temptation to test my aim at long range and save it for when I’m in close. Easy to say, but not so easy to do, when they’re shooting at you and the urge to press the trigger is strong.

[Linked Image]

Time to go home! I ease off on the throttle, circle around to get my bearings, and settle onto a westerly course. I can’t see land, but I know that’s where it lies. I don’t bother calling off the pack – the lads might as well keep at it, until they too have expended their ammo.

[Linked Image]

What I can see is that while my oil and water temps are fine, the oil pressure is right down of the bottom of the vertical yellow scale. That can’t be good.

[Linked Image]

Up ahead, I can now see the coast through a gap in the clouds. A check on the map confirms I’m on course for the nearest airfield. Will I make it?

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-15-09-03.jpgShot04-05-20-15-09-48.jpgShot04-05-20-15-10-09.jpgShot04-05-20-15-10-25.jpgShot04-05-20-15-10-53.jpgShot04-05-20-15-11-08.jpgShot04-05-20-15-13-13.jpgShot04-05-20-15-13-34.jpgShot04-05-20-15-08-42.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/06/20 10:07 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515218 - 04/07/20 09:44 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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The rather brutal answer to my unspoken question 'Will I make it to the nearest airfield?' is soon revealed to be ‘No’. I hear, see and feel the power draining out of my engine. Then the prop spins to a stop and locks up.

[Linked Image]

Well, that’s settled, then. I have more than enough height to make a forced landing rather than having to ditch, but I’m going to bail out. Not for me coming down amongst those deadly WotR fences. The latter, incidentally, you can rationalise as a representing rather effectively the obstacles put down in many open spaces in the south-east of England in 1940, to deter the arrival of gliders and air-landed troops (whether or not dressed as Nuns). Which obstacles were more of a menace to force-landing RAF aircraft than anything else. Anyway, I've got a bit of time yet, and I'd rather not get my virtual feet wet, if I can possibly help it.

[Linked Image]

Crikey! Flames suddenly erupt from my Hurricane ahead of the cockpit, where a fuel tank lies between engine and instrument panel. No time to worry about whether I’ve reached dry land – it’s time to get out, double-quick!

[Linked Image]

I fumble for the right keystroke, find it, and away I go, the ‘chute opening almost at once. That was downright scary!

[Linked Image]

The abandoned Hurricane glides down straight ahead. The flames go out, but flare up again just before she hits the deck and blows up. I’m just glad I'm not still in the cockpit.

[Linked Image]

We’ve actually had quite a good time of it, with six Dorniers claimed, including my own. I’m uninjured despite the fire – keeping goggles down and oxygen mask up is healthy, in such eventualities. But thank goodness there weren’t any escorts!

[Linked Image]

Ideally, if you’ve got them, you’d want the option to take twelve aircraft, if responding to an order to scramble (referred to as an ‘Interception Patrol’), and six for a standing patrol (eg over a convoy). At the minute, you have to make that choice globally in advance, in Workshops. For the ‘convoys’ phase, where standing patrols were common, in the name of realism I’ll continue with the ‘reduced strength’ option, and take my chances. I hope not to regret that decision!

Attached Files Shot04-05-20-15-14-32.jpgShot04-05-20-15-14-54.jpgShot04-05-20-15-15-47.jpgShot04-05-20-15-16-06.jpgShot04-05-20-15-16-55.jpg56 Sqn 14 July mission 2 debrief.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/07/20 09:49 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515298 - 04/08/20 01:08 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Apr 2013
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Blade_Meister Offline
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Blade_Meister  Offline
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Atlanta, GA, USA
That was close Mate! Oil or petrol must have been spewing on those hot exhaust manifolds and erupted in flames. Glad you got out old bean! Saved your hide to fight another day. Your lass will be a bit worse for the wear, but there are more where that one came from chappy. Bend the Adjutants ear when you get home and convince him to have MU No. 5 whip up another Hurricane for you and send her over on the double! Those Jerries won't wait for you Mate, so hop to it!!! biggrin

S!Blade<><

#4515354 - 04/08/20 06:26 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
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33lima  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
Just so long as my replacement kite is not one of those clapped-out 'L' series jobs with the wooden prop and fabric-covered wings - certain published pictures seem to suggest that's all they've got left! smile

Last edited by 33lima; 04/08/20 06:26 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515661 - 04/10/20 03:55 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
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33lima  Offline
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Belfast, NI
56 Squadron, North Weald, afternoon, 14 July 1940

We're not long back from the last show, when six of us are tasked to patrol the area of the Chain Home RDF Station at Swingate, near Dover.

[Linked Image]

It's not long before we're off...

[Linked Image]

...and climbing to sixteen thousand on a direct course to the south-east.

[Linked Image]

There's a certain amount of cloud around, but it's localised and most of it, below us by the time we're at altitude.

[Linked Image]

A first check with the Controller indicates the skies around us are clear, at least of Huns.

[Linked Image]

Dover is soon coming up on our right...

[Linked Image]

...and we slip past it and out over the Channel.

[Linked Image]

There's still nothing doing, so I lead the patrol around in a wide orbit to the right, which takes us towards the White Cliffs between Dover and Folkestone.

[Linked Image]

I'm about half-way around the circle I'm flying when a precautionary call to the Controller reveals the Huns are coming in behind us, twenty-odd miles back.

[Linked Image]

Round I go. Settled onto a southerly course, I make another check. Yes, the raid is still up ahead and the range is falling steadily. We're in business!

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files 56 Sqn 14 July mission 3 brief.jpgShot04-10-20-14-50-50.jpgShot04-10-20-14-56-21.jpgShot04-10-20-15-01-34.jpgShot04-10-20-15-02-23.jpgShot04-10-20-15-08-45.jpgShot04-10-20-15-09-28.jpgShot04-10-20-15-11-49.jpgShot04-10-20-15-12-23.jpgShot04-10-20-15-16-32.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/10/20 03:59 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515706 - 04/10/20 07:34 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
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33lima  Offline
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Belfast, NI
Suddenly, while I'm waiting for the others to reform after my hasty turn towards the raid, the situation goes very badly wrong. Red 2 reports he's bailing out. An aircraft which can only be a Hurricane is going down behind a pillar of dark smoke. Next to the smoke trail, another aircraft is spinning down and a parachute is hanging in the sky.

[Linked Image]

It's worse than that, because a third Hurricane has turned away and is making for home; a fourth is no-where to be seen. Just a single aircraft is now closing in on me, from what seconds ago was a flight of six.

[Linked Image]

With perfect timing, the Huns now show up. Even better, from their behaviour, they're obviously fighters, about a dozen of them. Most carry on together, but about four split off and start cutting across to my right. If I run for it, we'll just be chased down. So I turn into them, ordering my surviving flight mate to attack also.

[Linked Image]

They're 109s and the ones who split off are racing across our front, as if in a pincer movement. They are keeping their distance for now so in an effort to be unpredictable, I swing left after the main group, hoping to scatter them then get away in the confusion.

I'm half-way there when one of the Huns who split off catches me. Rounds whack into my kite and I pull hard back on the stick and start rolling right, to get out of the line of fire. I feel exactly like someone who's in the course of being shot down, caught dead to rights.

[Linked Image]

Next second. there's a bang and my Hurricane lurches horribly. The silly b*gger's run into me!

[Linked Image]

The controls no longer answer and my stricken machine, less its port wing, noses rapidly down into a near-vertical dive, rolling rapidly and belching flame.

[Linked Image]

Secondary explosions ravage the doomed Hurricane. The canopy won't open, and I can't bail out. The reason's not hard to see. I should have gone home when my flight decided to wipe itself out!

[Linked Image]

So ended the operational career of Flight Lieutenant Richard Kennedy, AFC. Six confirmed victories from seven sorties wasn't a bad innings, even though it was a very short one.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot04-10-20-15-16-57.jpgShot04-10-20-15-17-28.jpgShot04-10-20-15-18-12.jpgShot04-10-20-15-19-32.jpgShot04-10-20-15-20-03.jpgShot04-10-20-15-20-25.jpgShot04-10-20-15-21-43.jpgLogbook final 56 sqn.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/10/20 07:40 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4515917 - 04/12/20 01:43 AM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,079
Blade_Meister Offline
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Blade_Meister  Offline
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Atlanta, GA, USA
That mustache! Oh, the tragedy of it all! I think he was trying to copy his pilots wings with his mustache, except upside down! Oh for the Love of Pete Ivor, how could you man? duh I think he would have matched up well with a Corsair later in the War. I mean that mustache and the gull wing, they would have made a perfect team and the Axis anywhere in the world would have turned tail at first sight of them and run for the hills! jawdrop
Sorry for your loss Sir. For all of our loses actually, I mean that is a once in a generation mustache!
S!Blade<><

#4516577 - 04/15/20 09:32 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
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33lima  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em...

I Gruppe Jagdgeschwader 26, Audembert, 26 July 1940

Resuming my paused Luftwaffe career finds me tasked to lead four aircraft on a fighter sweep over the Thames Estuary, to support the inevitable anti-shipping operations. I only remembered after flying this mission that I had left 'Reduced flight strength' turned on. Not that we would have had many more planes in the air otherwise, after the debacle in the last mission, when most of the flight were lost in dubious circumstances.

[Linked Image]

A change of skin goes awry when, for the second time, I mis-read the label and pick yellow 6 of JG2. I'll let the Richthofen Geschwader have their aircraft back later...if I manage to bring it back in one piece.

[Linked Image]

Our briefed height is 4-5,000 metres and we're over half way there by the time the White Cliffs are looming up ahead in the slightly hazy conditions.

[Linked Image]

As usual, in the Ramsgate-Manston area, we come in for some attention from the local flak people.

[Linked Image]

Taking no chances, I've brought a full tank of fuel for the ride and a quick check confirms I still have plenty left.

[Linked Image]

About half-way out over the Thames Estuary, we fly over a line of ships...

[Linked Image]

...which a few minutes later have been sunk, all apart from one!

[Linked Image]

That's all I saw of the bombing raid, but at least there was one. What I see next is a group of distant aircraft up ahead, buzzing about angrily. They're clearly not bombers - the RAF has arrived!

[Linked Image]

I must have been in the external view and had onscreen text turned off, to miss the warning from the boys - you only hear radio messages while in the cockpit view, something I wish would be changed, so you could hear in radio traffic in the external view as well, and didn't have to rely on leaving the 'gamey' text display turned on.

Be that as it may, it's time to get busy!

...to be continued!

Attached Files 26 July jg26am briefing.jpgShot04-15-20-20-00-35.jpgShot04-15-20-20-07-14.jpgShot04-15-20-20-12-30.jpgShot04-15-20-20-13-32.jpgShot04-15-20-20-14-57.jpgShot04-15-20-20-19-16.jpgShot04-15-20-20-19-41.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/15/20 09:37 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4516748 - 04/16/20 07:32 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
I order the newcomers attacked, after briefly turning on the Tactical Display and selecting one of them as a target. Which incidentally confirms that they are indeed enemies. It’s a bit artificial, not being able accidentally to order a ‘Blue on Blue’ as at the Battle of Barking Creek in 1939. But I suppose it compensates for the limitations of MonitorVision.

After a moment’s hesitation I turn right and transfer my attentions to a single fighter which is heading away from the pack.

[Linked Image]

He’s moving very fast, and can only be a Spitfire, I feel certain. I apply full combat power in short bursts but am barely catching up, until he begins a gentle right turn and I’m able to cut the corner. I place his silhouette to the left of my windscreen and adjust my own turn till he’s not moving left or right, just getting bigger – setting up the 'Tizzy angle’ as it was called in Fighter Command lore, according to 'Notes on Gunnery and Air Fighting' (1943), reproduced in the RAF Museum handbook 'Fighting in the Air'.

[Linked Image]

The Tommy levels out again and I’m forced back into a tail chase. But I've gained a lot of ground in the turn and another few seconds of full power bring me into range. I let fly with all weapons…

[Linked Image]

…and get many hits. A Spitfire wingtip flies past, and its owner rolls right and starts to lose speed and height.

[Linked Image]

I break away and come around in a wide turn to clear my tail and set up another pass. The Spit is now going down in a gentle right-hand turn, still flying more slowly.

[Linked Image]

I get more hits and the Spit levels out, giving me a nice, easy no-deflection shot to finish him off.

[Linked Image]

Or maybe it's to present me with an armour-plated arse. I throttle back, park myself right behind him and let rip again. Still, not much happens. I would have expected better results from cannon fire, but perhaps this is why a motor cannon beats two in the wings, if you're this close, or not a great shot.

[Linked Image]

Finally, down he goes. He soaked up all of my 2 cm rounds - and a fair number of the 7.92 variety, to boot.

[Linked Image]

Slightly taken aback but still game, I look around for any more Spit-panzers.

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot04-15-20-20-20-42.jpgShot04-15-20-20-21-47.jpgShot04-15-20-20-23-39.jpgShot04-15-20-20-24-06.jpgShot04-15-20-20-24-42.jpgShot04-15-20-20-25-40.jpgShot04-15-20-20-26-07.jpgShot04-15-20-20-26-36.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 04/16/20 07:40 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

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