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#4496352 - 11/07/19 04:13 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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This time, I get back to the coast before my engine seizes.

[Linked Image]

Time to find a field into which to get down! I slide back the canopy, and if there was a keystroke to tighten my seat harness, I would have done that, too.

[Linked Image]

The scenery is now coming up fast. The ground ahead seems fairly level and - if I can get down between the trees - free of obstacles. Apart from those fences.

[Linked Image]

Nothing else for it! Down we go.

[Linked Image]

I flare and hold off for as long as I can, as low as I can, before brushing the ground. There's a cracking sound as my kite smashes through a fenceline, then we jerk to a halt. Made it! But at this rate, I'm in danger of becoming an ace in the Luftwaffe, before the RAF. Still, it's a good landing if you can walk away from it, as the saying goes.

[Linked Image]

This time, our results are a lot better than on the last show - though with two more pilots lost, there's hardly much cause for celebration. Still, we've knocked down six Huns, if you include the two I'll be claiming. Could have been worse!

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot11-06-19-21-11-25.jpgShot11-06-19-21-13-52.jpgShot11-06-19-21-14-13.jpgShot11-06-19-21-16-32.jpgShot11-06-19-21-17-06.jpg65 18 aug 1600 debrief.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/07/19 04:15 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)

#4496561 - 11/08/19 07:56 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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65 Squadron, Tangmere, morning, 15th August 1940

It's another fine day and we start with another patrol, this time to the factory in which our aircraft were built - Supermarine's, at Southampton. Which was pretty well wrecked by a daylight raid by KG55's Heinkels on 26 September 1940, supposedly after the Luftwaffe had lost the Battle of Britain. Hopefully not what will happen today, while we're looking after the place!

[Linked Image]

We've been told to expect replacements in men and machines. But for now, all we can put up are six Spitfires. No point fretting over that. Tangmere is soon falling away behind us...

[Linked Image]

...and I've swung around to the west, towards our patrol area.

[Linked Image]

The boys don't take too long to catch up and soon we're climbing steadily.

[Linked Image]

A quick look at the map reminds me of the basics of our sortie. The summary doesn't repeat the height, though - what was it, Angels sixteen?

[Linked Image]

The Coastal Command base at Thorney Island is soon slipping behind us. it's a good landmark; also somewhere you can get down, if you're out in this neck of the woods, but can't make it all the way home to Tangmere.

[Linked Image]

Rather than wait till we're on task, I ask the Controller for a fresh vector about half way there. It's as well that I do, for the Bandits are now reported to be coming in behind us.

[Linked Image]

Round we go!

[Linked Image]

And there they are! Sneaky beggars - just goes to show that you can never trust a Hun!

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files 65 15 aug 1000 brief.jpgShot11-08-19-18-12-50.jpgShot11-08-19-18-16-44.jpgShot11-08-19-18-17-02.jpgShot11-08-19-18-17-19.jpgShot11-08-19-18-18-54.jpgShot11-08-19-18-21-11.jpgShot11-08-19-18-21-48.jpgShot11-08-19-18-28-23.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/08/19 08:00 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)

#4496620 - 11/09/19 01:26 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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I lead the squadron towards the Bandits, who come under Ack Ack fire as they near the coast. I had thought that I could see one or two other aircraft near them, flying separately and higher up, but they seem to have disappeared. Escorts or attackers withdrawing, perhaps? Anyhow those other, indistinct specks seem to have gone, now it's just us and them. Whoever 'them' is.

[Linked Image]

I tell the boys to get stuck in and then roll in for my own attack, as the Huns pass ahead and below. Heinkels, they look like, and only about six of them - sheer tactical madness, German Oxo cubes being fed to the British lion. As I bank left, Red 2 is already announcing he's attacking. McAuley is a good pilot and keen as mustard, with a couple of scalps already under his belt.

[Linked Image]

I get hits on my own target before breaking hard right. At that very moment Taylor, Blue 3, announces he's bailing out!

[Linked Image]

I strongly suspect he has collided with the Heinkel that's going down in flames with its outer wing panels torn off. It's pretty unlikely hits from .303s alone could have done that so quickly. Not a great start!

[Linked Image]

I come around in a wide sweep to clear my tail and take stock. There's still no sign of escorts. And the bombers are clearly in a bit of a mess, already. Two of them are still ploughing on to the north-west, with Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, beyond them. Another two are breaking away to their left, harried by a couple of Spits. Another Heinkel is right over on his back, showing his pale blue belly, to their right rear.

[Linked Image]

The one I think Blue 3 collided with has stopped burning, but is clearly done for.

[Linked Image]

And I very much doubt the one who's upside down will end up any better off.

[Linked Image]

He falls away, looking completely out of control, although a Spitfire, just beyond, seems to be keeping an eye on the Heinkel, in case he makes a dramatic recovery. Despite Blue 3 going down, we seem to have the situation pretty well taped.

[Linked Image]

The two bombers who haven't given up are soon under attack from astern.

[Linked Image]

The leader is hit and dropping behind by the time I come in for a pass at the other Heinkel.

[Linked Image]

I really should have steadied her up a bit more before letting fly, but I still get plenty of hits.

[Linked Image]

But not enough, it seems. The Hun is still flying level and leaving only a thin, intermittent smoke trail by the time I break off, untouched by any return fire.

[Linked Image]

So I'm quite pleased when I see the Huns bail out and the Heinkel begin to fall away.

[Linked Image]

You'll do!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-08-19-18-28-55.jpgShot11-08-19-18-29-03.jpgShot11-08-19-18-29-24.jpgShot11-08-19-18-30-33.jpgShot11-08-19-18-30-57.jpgShot11-08-19-18-31-48.jpgShot11-08-19-18-32-01.jpgShot11-08-19-18-32-19.jpgShot11-08-19-18-32-47.jpgShot11-08-19-18-33-01.jpgShot11-08-19-18-33-40.jpgShot11-08-19-18-33-48.jpgShot11-08-19-18-32-09.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/09/19 01:42 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)

#4496625 - 11/09/19 01:54 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Rick_Rawlings Offline
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A clean sweep! Very nice!


The older I get, the more I realize I don't need to be Han, Luke or Leia. I'm just happy to be rebel scum...
#4496630 - 11/09/19 03:12 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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Looking around again, the only other aircraft I can now see is another Spitfire. So I decide to chum up with him.

[Linked Image]

There he is, one of our boys obviously but I can't remember now who was flying YT-M.

[Linked Image]

I order a recall but it seems somebody is still engaged. Where and how I can't see, but I do see a group of half a dozen aircraft crossing left to right. I decide to investigate, recalling Mick Mannock's advice to treat other aircraft as hostile until confirmed otherwise.

[Linked Image]

Such confirmation comes when I identify the newcomers as Spitfires. Too many for our lot.

[Linked Image]

They turn out to be from 610 Squadron. If they came here looking for our Huns, they're a bit late.

[Linked Image]

I should really have tracked down the rest of my own squadron at that point. But they continue to excuse themselves with claims of being busy, and in the end I decide if they won't come to me, I'd be darned if I'm going to chase about the sky looking for them. So back to Tangmere I go.

[Linked Image]

There's nobody else in the circuit so I land straight away...

[Linked Image]

...and am soon safely down.

[Linked Image]

My screenshot of the debriefing failed but it showed we lost one pilot - Morrison, my Red 3 - and are officially claiming only three Heinkels, including my own. Strange! At least my first two claims have been confirmed. Unfortunately I neglected to put in for a couple of others in between, but at least I've now officially 'broken my duck'!

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot11-08-19-18-34-55.jpgShot11-08-19-18-35-11.jpgShot11-08-19-18-38-02.jpgShot11-08-19-18-38-28.jpgShot11-08-19-18-39-10.jpgShot11-08-19-18-47-07.jpgShot11-08-19-18-48-00.jpgShot11-08-19-18-48-51.jpgLogbook 15 Aug.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/09/19 03:25 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)

#4496677 - 11/09/19 08:32 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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65 Squadron, Tangmere, morning, 16th August 1940

The next show was an uneventful patrol to the west, around the airfield of Shoreham, next to Brighton (which happened to be where I put down my damaged Hurricane after my most recent RAF campaign mission in Battle of Britain II).

Basically we took off, turned, and climbed east...

[Linked Image]

...arrived over Shoreham...

[Linked Image]

...and tootled around for a bit...

[Linked Image]

...and then for a bit longer...

[Linked Image]

...and a bit longer still.

[Linked Image]

Control could find no trade for us. All we saw was six distant specks also tootling about, just much lower down - another patrol, of Hurricanes as it turned out. Control didn't set us on them so I assumed them to be friendly and left them alone, while keeping a wary eye on them until they disappeared out of sight.

[Linked Image]

As soon as our time was up, I led the boys back to Tangmere. Why Sector doesn't simply scramble us when he has some trade, instead of having us fly these standing patrols to cover ground targets, I don't get.

[Linked Image]

On a sidenote, the duty roster says we have eight pilots 'in service' and three serviceable aircraft, but we're putting up five - can't quite work that out, as I don't have 'reduced strength' selected. Hopefully, we'll get replacements of both before long.

Attached Files Shot11-09-19-18-07-34.jpgShot11-09-19-18-13-04.jpgShot11-09-19-18-15-10.jpgShot11-09-19-18-17-38.jpgShot11-09-19-18-29-40.jpgShot11-09-19-18-45-44.jpgShot11-09-19-18-50-10.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/09/19 08:40 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)

#4496718 - 11/10/19 03:21 AM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Good reading

#4496775 - 11/10/19 04:11 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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65 Squadron, Tangmere, mid-afternoon, 16 August 1940

Unfortunately those stubborn Naval people have not yet given up on coastal convoys. Our next mission is to put up a patrol over one, happily not too far away to the south-east. We can manage only five Spitfires, but that's fair enough for this sort of mission.

[Linked Image]

I'm quickly leaving Tangmere behind and turning back towards the Channel.

[Linked Image]

By the time we're crossing the coast, the boys are in position, with Red 2 and 3 either side behind, and Blue 1 and 2 off to our left rear.

[Linked Image]

Climbing harder now, I ask the Controller if he has any trade for us. Which he has, as it happens. Pretty well straight ahead.

[Linked Image]

As we climb I'm conscious that Red 3 - Skidmore - is living up to his name. Watch what you're doing, you clot!

[Linked Image]

I push the stick forward and bank left to give him a bit more space, but it's too late. As the others look on in horror, Red 3 clips my Spitfire! Up ahead are the Bandits, but it seems this is as close a look as I'm going to get at them.

[Linked Image]

Red 3 goes straight down in a vertical dive; there's no sign of a 'chute. My own kite is still answering controls, but power is dropping and I'm trailing smoke, as I begin to fall behind the others.

[Linked Image]

I order them to split formation in the hope they'll go for the Huns. For myself, I'll be lucky to get home. I quickly turn back north towards the coast. I've been hurt as badly as my Spitfire, by the look and sound of it.

[Linked Image]

Fearful of passing out from shock and loss of blood, I bail out...

[Linked Image]

...leaving my abandoned Spitfire to her fate. Again.

[Linked Image]

Happily, I am saved, but Skidmore has bought it.

[Linked Image]

I spend an eventful ten days in hospital. My return isn't made any happier by the fact that (though not visible below) my trusty number 2, McAulley, with seven victories to his name, is reported killed while I am away.

[Linked Image]

Looking on the bright side of life, replacements in men and machines have brought us well back up to strength.

[Linked Image]

Time to have another crack at the Huns!

Attached Files 65 Sqn brief 1500 16 Aug.jpgShot11-10-19-15-05-43.jpgShot11-10-19-15-07-40.jpgShot11-10-19-15-09-11.jpgShot11-10-19-15-09-34.jpgShot11-10-19-15-12-13.jpgShot11-10-19-15-12-37.jpgShot11-10-19-15-14-40.jpgShot11-10-19-15-15-39.jpgShot11-10-19-15-15-03.jpg65 Sqn debrief 1500 16 Aug.jpg65 Sqn time advance summary Aug.jpg65 Sqn roster 26 Aug.jpg

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)

#4497288 - 11/15/19 06:35 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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Belfast, NI
65 Squadron, Tangmere, 27th August 1940

It's about 13:00 on another fine but cloudy summer day that we get our next call to arms. It's a squadron scramble against a raid to the north-east. Our Spitfires are soon on the way - twelve of them, although not all are visible below.

[Linked Image]

Our vector takes us towards Tonbridge, south-east of the metropolis...

[Linked Image]

...and we're soon climbing steadily, to at least the 14,000 feet indicated by the Controller.

[Linked Image]

The cloud cover increases, the further east we go...

[Linked Image]

...and soon we are amongst some rather dark stuff, behind which any number of dastardly Huns could be lurking.

[Linked Image]

At this point, though, it becomes apparent that the Huns may have decided against any such activities. A call to the Controller for an update reveals that he no longer has anything for us. It's a bit of a disappointment, to say the least. Over land, we rely on the eyes and ears of the Observer Corps, as RDF looks only out to sea, and the cloud cover is the likely culprit, here. Or the Huns have just gone home.

Nothing else for it, but to patrol our assigned piece of sky, in the hope things could change. So round and round we go.

[Linked Image]

As it happens, the Huns are still around, closer than we thought.

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-14-19-20-53-57.jpgShot11-14-19-20-55-45.jpgShot11-14-19-20-57-49.jpgShot11-14-19-21-04-36.jpgShot11-14-19-21-04-41.jpgShot11-14-19-21-06-30.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/16/19 12:01 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)

#4497289 - 11/15/19 07:16 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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We fly a few legs of our triangular patrol pattern...

[Linked Image]

...often unable to see much around or below us.

[Linked Image]

We do get a sighting of this large body of water, which turns out to be Bewl Water...a reservoir which wasn't created until the 1970s, apparently.

[Linked Image]

Just as I'm about to ask the Controller for a fresh report, one of the boys saves me the trouble. Huns - down there somewhere on the left!

[Linked Image]

Banking to get a better look, I see yellow-nosed 109s emerging from the murk and climbing up to get at us. I quickly order the boys to get stuck in, and try to roll down onto their tails myself. But I hit what feels like some rather bad adverse yaw, which nearly puts me into a spin. By the time I've recovered full control, two of the Huns have reached my level and are turning in behind me.

[Linked Image]

After a bit of dancing around merrily, I manage to turn the tables...

[Linked Image]

...and am soon after one of them, the other Hun having disappeared somewhere.

[Linked Image]

I get some hits on the 109 and he rolls over and goes down. At this point, I haven't noticed the group of aircraft visible some way off, near the top of the pic below.

[Linked Image]

My immediate concern is suddenly my erstwhile target's number 2, who hasn't disappeared after all. Saw him just in time! I break hard to get out of his way.

[Linked Image]

It's while looking back for the 109 that I notice the large formation, below and behind. Bombers with escorts above, by the look of it!

[Linked Image]

I've managed to open out some distance between myself and the 109 and I use this to make a dash for the raid, with everything pushed and pulled to get as much speed as I can from my kite. Thoughts of what the others are up to are forgotten. These are the people I came here to get, and I'm jolly well going to get them!

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-14-19-21-12-16.jpgShot11-14-19-21-12-37.jpgShot11-14-19-21-13-01.jpgShot11-14-19-21-13-36.jpgShot11-14-19-21-13-47.jpgShot11-14-19-21-14-28.jpgShot11-14-19-21-14-56.jpgShot11-14-19-21-18-25.jpgShot11-14-19-21-08-09.jpgShot11-14-19-21-07-29.jpgShot11-14-19-21-11-31.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/15/19 08:48 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)

#4497295 - 11/15/19 08:42 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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I've managed to put some distance between my Spitfire and the 109 who's trying to stop me...

[Linked Image]

...so I go straight for the nearest Junkers, at the rear of the gaggle of bombers, which is much the biggest formation I've seen so far in this campaign. I test the range with an early burst...

[Linked Image]

...then bore on in, snapping out short bursts, the empty cases streaming from underneath my wings...

[Linked Image]

...until the Hun, hit hard and streaming smoke, banks left, out of formation...

[Linked Image]

...leaving my last burst flailing empty sky. No matter - he's going down. And if there's any return fire, I'm not conscious of it.

[Linked Image]

I break right and up. Whatever happens now, there'll be one less load of bombs dropped on this lot's target!

[Linked Image]

I roll back left, determined to have another go, the pursuing Messerschmitt forgotten. Two 'chutes trail the doomed bomber. But there's plenty more where he came from.

[Linked Image]

I'm not done here yet!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-14-19-21-17-18.jpgShot11-14-19-21-18-55.jpgShot11-14-19-21-19-04.jpgShot11-14-19-21-19-42.jpgShot11-14-19-21-19-20.jpgShot11-14-19-21-20-24.jpgShot11-14-19-21-20-51.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/15/19 08:46 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)

#4497302 - 11/15/19 09:59 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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The Hun bombers rumble on, less one of their number but still a formidable force. I've forgotten the 109 that was chasing me, and the escorts I saw above the bombers, which were last seen moving away to the left. If I'm lucky, they are low on fuel and heading home, not circling around behind me.

[Linked Image]

As I come in for another pass, the bombers are starting a turn to the right.

[Linked Image]

I pick a Junkers on the outside of the formation...

[Linked Image]

...and let fly. This time, I'm aware of the return fire. Hits smack into my Spitfire.

[Linked Image]

I stick with my target, who loses his nerve and dodges out of formation.

[Linked Image]

I set him smoking, but suddenly, even as I begin my break, tracers flash past me from behind.

[Linked Image]

The 109s have caught up, and the hunter is now the hunted!

...to be continued!


Attached Files Shot11-14-19-21-21-21.jpgShot11-14-19-21-21-43.jpgShot11-14-19-21-21-53.jpgShot11-14-19-21-21-54.jpgShot11-14-19-21-22-19.jpgShot11-14-19-21-22-46.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/15/19 10:02 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)

#4497338 - 11/16/19 05:21 AM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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Rick_Rawlings Offline
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Roh row!


The older I get, the more I realize I don't need to be Han, Luke or Leia. I'm just happy to be rebel scum...
#4497344 - 11/16/19 10:40 AM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
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33lima Offline
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If I had been a second later starting my break away from my pass at the Junkers, the 109 would have hit me fair and square. As it is, I'm already damaged by return fire, leaving a thin smoke trail which criss-crosses the fatter one left by the damaged bomber.

[Linked Image]

Down and away I go. The abandoned Junkers descends slowly, as the crew sail earthwards under their silken canopies.

[Linked Image]

Any hope that the 109 has decided to settle for scaring me off is soon dispelled. He's still hard on my heels, and I fired my last rounds at that bomber.

[Linked Image]

Meanwhile, the bombers are still turning, bomb doors now open. Their target can't be far away - I think there's a factory of some sort, near here somewhere.

[Linked Image]

But I've more pressing concerns, as I hurtle earthwards with the ground seemingly rushing up to meet me, and the 109 still determined to finish me off. I call for help on the R/T, which is acknowledged, but there are no friends in sight.

[Linked Image]

I try to pull out before smashing into the scenery. The engine noise is now being drowned out by a positively scary roaring or droning sound, rising in pitch. This could be it!

[Linked Image]

But the Hun isn't in the least bit put off.

[Linked Image]

I pull out just in time and bank left, aiming for a road which runs through a gap in the rows of buildings ahead. It's time to find out if the Hun is as desperate to get me, as I am to get away from him.

[Linked Image]

He's not! I bank right in triumph and relief as he breaks up and away, at last. You can just about see him under the tip of my raised wing. Suddenly he seems in a hurry to make himself scarce. Which suits me down to the ground...literally.

[Linked Image]

Time to go home, and file claims for those two bombers!

[Linked Image]

Back at Tangmere, I'm disappointed to see we have lost a pilot, Burby, flying as Yellow 3. How it happened, nobody seems to know. And I'm the only one to have fired my guns.

[Linked Image]

Still, whether they are ever confirmed or not, we did well to get two bombers, considering the odds. Not a bad lunchtime's work!

As a footnote, I was delighted to see for myself for the first time a respectably-large raid, of about gruppe strength, which I think needs to be the default for a convincing representation of the Battle of Britain. Today, I was convinced! Did FPS take a bit of a hit? Yes, a bit. Did it seriously affect playability? No, it didn't. Might it have, if more fighters had been attacking? Possibly. So while a bit of further optimisation or tweaking would likely help, I will remember this mission as proof of that Wings over the Reich can now achieve a visually pleasing, tactically challenging, personally engaging and historically convincing representation of flying for Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain.

Attached Files Shot11-14-19-21-23-02.jpgShot11-14-19-21-23-32.jpgShot11-14-19-21-23-47.jpgShot11-14-19-21-24-37.jpgShot11-14-19-21-24-54.jpgShot11-14-19-21-25-18.jpgShot11-14-19-21-25-37.jpgShot11-14-19-21-26-26.jpgShot11-14-19-21-26-44.jpg65 Sqn 27 Aug debrief.jpgShot11-14-19-21-25-58.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/17/19 09:42 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)

#4497349 - 11/16/19 12:44 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,079
Blade_Meister Offline
Member
Blade_Meister  Offline
Member

Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,079
Atlanta, GA, USA
Nice sorty 33lima. Yeppers, agreed, WOTR has its' moments. Overall it is just fun with some really good graphics, convincing AI most of the time and great immersion in Campaign. I think a lot of people are dismissing this little gem and don't know what they are missing.

S!Blade<><

#4497485 - 11/17/19 05:00 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
65 Squadron, Tangmere, 29 August 1940

Our next show is another scramble, to intercept a raid heading towards the airfield at Gosport, just west of Portsmouth. We manage to field 11 Spitfires...

[Linked Image]

...and are soon on our way.

[Linked Image]

Contrary to the briefing, according to Peter Jacobs's 'Airfields of 11 Group', Gosport was not a Fighter Command satellite airfield, being a Coastal Command station not used by the fighter boys. Still, it was bombed on 12, 16 and 18 August.

[Linked Image]

Be that as it may, we are soon turning left and leaving Tangmere behind.

[Linked Image]

Canopy closed, I lead the pack on what should be a short hop, more concerned with putting on enough height than missing the raid altogether.

[Linked Image]

A check with the Controller back in the Sector Ops Room at Tangmere confirms we are still in business and heading the right way. Although the enemy's height is now given as 17,000 feet, a couple of thousand more than first reported.

[Linked Image]

Up we go! I'm flat out and pulling slightly ahead.

[Linked Image]

Another check with the Controller brings the unwelcome news that he has lost track of the raid, or no longer intends fro us to intercept it. We're left to patrol Gosport in the hope the situation will change.

[Linked Image]

We're not the only aircraft in the area, however. A flight of what I take to be other RAF fighters is slipping out towards the Channel. A patrol on its way to a convoy, perhaps?

[Linked Image]

They disappear into the haze to the south-west. I'm tempted to follow them, in case they know something we don't, but orders are orders.

We reach out patrol area and start to orbit. Another check with the Controller confirms the situation is unchanged and there are now no Bandits for us to intercept.

[Linked Image]

Yet another RAF patrol is heading out to sea. Or perhaps it's the same one, coming and going, patrolling its own assigned beat.

[Linked Image]

Hurricanes, they are, from 56 Squadron.

[Linked Image]

They too soon disappear out to seaward.

[Linked Image]

Our time is up and I decide just to go home. I lose height only slowly in case the Huns show up after all, but further checks with the Controller draw a blank.

[Linked Image]

When we reach Tangmere, the boys peel off to the right and go down.

[Linked Image]

Bit of a waste of 100 octane and engine hours, but at least we all made it back in one piece. I'm very well aware that we mightn't be so lucky, next time up. In the meantime, there is some good news - my two Junkers 88s are confirmed destroyed!

Attached Files Shot11-16-19-20-41-35.jpgShot11-16-19-20-41-57.jpgShot11-16-19-20-43-14.jpgShot11-16-19-20-42-08.jpgShot11-16-19-20-47-42.jpgShot11-16-19-20-48-48.jpgShot11-16-19-20-51-04.jpgShot11-16-19-20-52-52.jpgShot11-16-19-20-57-29.jpgShot11-16-19-21-05-07.jpgShot11-16-19-21-05-17.jpgShot11-16-19-21-06-11.jpgShot11-16-19-21-06-48.jpgShot11-16-19-21-12-40.jpgShot11-16-19-21-13-32.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/17/19 05:25 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)

#4497559 - 11/18/19 11:30 AM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
carrick58  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
nice

#4497862 - 11/21/19 07:32 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
65 Squadron, Tangmere, 31 August 1940

'Rain stopped play' on 30 August, but we get an early call the next day. It's a scramble, to intercept a raid reported to be heading for the famous Fighter Command base at Kenley, just south of London. We have more pilots that aeroplanes so can put up all eleven of our current serviceable Spitfires.

[Linked Image]

The sky is still dull and there's a lot of cloud about after yesterday's wet weather.

[Linked Image]

We're soon climbing north past a rather heavily built up Tangmere village...

[Linked Image]

...then to off to the north-east, up through the clouds...

[Linked Image]

...emerging into clearer skies above about ten thousand feet.

[Linked Image]

I request regular reports from the Controller, and am reassured that he keeps confirming we're on the right track.

[Linked Image]

At about fifteen thousand, I ease off on our rate of climb. Eleven Spitfires slide over an almost unbroken layer of grey murk...

[Linked Image]

...guided to our as-yet-unseen prey by the wonders of modern science.

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-21-19-16-27-02.jpgShot11-21-19-16-28-18.jpgShot11-21-19-16-28-22.jpgShot11-21-19-16-32-47.jpgShot11-21-19-16-35-32.jpgShot11-21-19-16-36-48.jpgShot11-21-19-16-38-42.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/21/19 07:36 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)

#4497865 - 11/21/19 08:02 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
By now, Kenley must be not far ahead, down below the cloudbase. I throttle back a tad and scan the lightening eastern skies up ahead, anxiously.

[Linked Image]

Ten other pairs of virtual eyes are doubtless doing exactly the same thing.

[Linked Image]

After another check with the Controller, I adjust our course slightly to the south...

[Linked Image]

...but still, we see nothing, and begin to orbit. And a minute later, the Controller no longer has anything for us! Frustrating, to put it politely!

[Linked Image]

Suddenly, there they are! A small group of distant specks is crossing the murk ahead of us, moving off to our right. I turn after them...

[Linked Image]

...although I strongly suspect they are friendly. I doubt such a small force of Huns would dare trail their coats like that, in the skies south of London. And they are not reacting to our presence, even after we have started stalking them.

The other boys seem to think the same thing, because nobody reports them as Bandits, or even Bogies. But a fresh check with the Controller reveals we are still in business! There are Huns around, but they are now a bit further away and down to the south.

[Linked Image]

I settle us onto the ordered heading and open up the throttle. The chase is on, and the excitement is now building rapidly. Then we see them! One of the boys reports the raid on the R/T, but I've already seen them. Possibly twenty bombers, with eight or so visible escorts up above.

[Linked Image]

They are drifting slowly across our noses from right to left, at about the same height. And getting bigger and bigger.

[Linked Image]

The Controller down in the Sector Ops Room back at Tangmere has certainly made up for the brief loss of service, earlier - his fresh instructions have been spot on. Now, the ball's in our court!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-21-19-16-40-49.jpgShot11-21-19-16-41-10.jpgShot11-21-19-16-41-38.jpgShot11-21-19-16-42-42.jpgShot11-21-19-16-43-31.jpgShot11-21-19-16-45-41.jpgShot11-21-19-16-50-29.jpgShot11-21-19-16-50-43.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/21/19 08:09 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)

#4497967 - 11/22/19 05:57 PM Re: Combat Reports - AAR [Re: Polovski]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
The bombers look like Junkers 88s. Of more immediate concern are the escorts, a bunch of Messerschmitt 110s which are turning into us.

[Linked Image]

Rather than risk a head-on pass at the 110s - even for the sake of a clear run at the bombers once I'm through them - I pull up and around to come in behind them. A full deflection shot at that point could have been the end of me, but it doesn't come and the Huns flash past.

[Linked Image]

The bombers rumble on, but they wont stay unmolested for long. 'Sixty-five' has come to get them.

[Linked Image]

The 110s sweep around in a wide, fast circle and are well out of range before I can get behind them. A Spit is chasing three of them, while others are pulling up out of the way.

[Linked Image]

I single out a 110 who's harassing one of the Spitfires who seems to be trying to get at the bombers.

[Linked Image]

My second burst ruffles the Hun's tail feathers...

[Linked Image]

...and he rolls back to the right and falls away. I can't remember now why I let him go at that point, but as you can see, another Spit is keen to take over where I left off.

[Linked Image]

I find myself coming in behind the bombers, one of which has been hit hard and is going down. I can see other Spitfires chasing them, and 110s chasing the Spitfires.

[Linked Image]

I pick one of these fellows and sweep in towards him like an avenging angel.

[Linked Image]

Except this angel believes in getting his vengeance in first!

...to be continued!

Attached Files Shot11-21-19-16-51-37.jpgShot11-21-19-16-52-19.jpgShot11-21-19-16-52-44.jpgShot11-21-19-16-53-06.jpgShot11-21-19-16-53-23.jpgShot11-21-19-16-53-31.jpgShot11-21-19-16-54-44.jpgShot11-21-19-16-55-03.jpgShot11-21-19-16-53-53.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/22/19 06:08 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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