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#4496634 - 11/09/19 03:45 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Or 'two weeks'? smile


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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#4496780 - 11/10/19 05:56 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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August 18th ends on much more positive note than I'd been expecting. From 'RAF near exhaustion' the day before, it's now 'generally a good day', with a bag of 113 claimed.

[Linked Image]

By 07:30 on the 19th, two 'hundred plus' raids are being plotted. I revector my paired squadron patrol from 12 Group - 310 and 229 Squadrons - to intercept Hostile 701. The AI has scrambled 79 and 65 Squadrons from 10 Group to the west, and I re-direct them to catch the other raid, Hostile 702. I know other raids are likely to follow in their heels but better concentrate what force I have, rather than spread it wafer thin for the sake of trying to ensure every raid is intercepted.

[Linked Image]

First in contact is 310, and by the time I've jumped in as Green 1, we're all in power dives after some 109s. Meanwhile, we can only hope that 65 catches the bombers, which are thundering on un-molested.

[Linked Image]

The air fighting claims an early victim. I can only hope it's a Hun.

[Linked Image]

I'm very nearly the next casualty, thanks to this fellow.

[Linked Image]

Don't ask me how, it's all a bit hazy, but I manage to get out of his way.

[Linked Image]

I even manage to turn the tables...

[Linked Image]

...and sent another 109 rolling for the deck, after putting a few holes in him.

[Linked Image]

Within seconds, some of his friends are returning the favour...

[Linked Image]

I roll out of the way and head for the deck in a diving turn, but the Huns won't let go...

[Linked Image]

...even though it's the Hun leader and not me who is trailing smoke.

[Linked Image]

More rounds whack into my kite and the last I see before my vision goes completely red are 109s flashing over the canopy of my doomed Hurricane.

[Linked Image]

Crikey! That didn't last long! But it was seriously vicious and intense, while it did!

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Last edited by 33lima; 11/10/19 08:29 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)

#4496897 - 11/11/19 06:54 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Without further ado, I accept an offer to fly a 65 Squadron Spitfire, which is the first of two scrambled squadrons to intercept the second raid, Hostile 702. This is another ‘hundred plus’ job, which thanks to the wonders of ground-controlled interception, we run into somewhere south of London. And a daunting prospect it is. What the heck can twelve Spitfires - the other nine are out of shot to the left - possibly do about this lot?

[Linked Image]

I call in the Bandits, if only to prompt the boss to answer that very question. Predictably, his decision is that we will do what we always do – attack, regardless of numbers. 'B' Flight, to which my Green Section belongs, is to go for the fighters. Which seem even more numerous than the bombers, and likely to object to our intervention.

As I draw near, the huge armada starts making a turn. Whether it’s for home after bombing or at an interim waypoint, is hard to tell. It’s also hard to tell whether the escorts are merely changing course, or trying to block us, or both.

[Linked Image]

The end result is that I find myself reasonably well-placed for a pass at a group of bombers. So in I go. Heinkels, they are. Their gunners seem above average – before I’m ready to fire, the air about my Spit is already being laced with their tracers.

[Linked Image]

This certainly rattles me and after jinking about, I have time for only a short firing pass...

[Linked Image]

...and then break above the Huns, glad to escape serious damage. And without seeing if the bomber I attacked is showing any signs of going down.

[Linked Image]

Coming around for another pass, I see the bombers make another turn, under Ack Ack fire...

[Linked Image]

...while a shower of Messerschmitts is wheeling protectively above them. I pull up towards them, thinking that these are possibly the people the boss wanted 'B' Flight to deal with. Before I can get there, one of the boys - Blue 2, who is indeed with 'B' Flight - nails a 109. The airwaves come to life as he reports his success...

[Linked Image]

…of which there is clearly no doubt!

[Linked Image]

Now it’s my turn, quickly, before the 109s react. They’re still turning left, and I’m coming up behind and underneath, where they can’t see me coming. I’m looking forward to this! I bank right to go for one of the Huns on the outside of their turn.

[Linked Image]

But suddenly, there’s a bang and my kite rolls hard left. Outside, there’s smoke, parts of Spitfire and 109 wings and other debris, all mingled up.

[Linked Image]

One of the beggars has run into me! Probably, I because came up under his nose. Finished! No chance to bail out.

It’s at times like this that I’m glad I’m not playing a conventional pilot career campaign. There’s something to be said for both approaches, to be sure; but for me, it took getting to grips with a very different sim – Steel Armour Blaze of War – to appreciate the benefits of the ‘sim within a wargame’ system. And that a logbook, a squadron roster and a box of virtual medals aren't the be-all or end-all. BoB2 has the advantage, compared to SABOW, that you can play through campaigns by letting the AI play the wargame while you play just the missions that result. Just as I’m doing.

Plus of course, updates from the BDG modder group have given BoB2 a more conventional pilot campaign option, as well. I’m planning to start one soon for a Luftwaffe pilot, flying the Messerschmitt 110. But for now, my current RAF ‘commander’ campaign awaits me, and I’ve another mission to fly against the morning’s raids. Fighter Command is down, but we’re not out - not yet, anyhow

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Last edited by 33lima; 11/11/19 07:05 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)

#4497080 - 11/13/19 07:39 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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The last offer I accept to fly against the morning's raids is with the Hurricanes of 79 Squadron. Like 65, we've come over from 10 Group to the west, to intercept Hostile 702. But we have further to travel from our base at Warmwell, so arrive later. I'm in NV-L, at the head of 'B' Flight's Green Section, as usual, tucked in behind Blue Section. To 'B' Flight's left, Red Section leads Yellow, in 'A 'Flight.

[Linked Image]

And there are the Huns! Three groups of bombers, possibly, with rather ragged bunches of escorts above and just below and ahead.

[Linked Image]

The boys get stuck in regardless of course. I pull out then roll left after some 109s which are trying to get behind the rest of 'B' Flight.

[Linked Image]

There seem to be just two Messerschmitts...

[Linked Image]

...who quickly open fire on the others as they go for the bombers.

[Linked Image]

But I'm fired on myself from behind and have to break to save myself. Which I manage to do. Looking for someone upon whom to repay the favour, I roll in behind another small group of 109s...

[Linked Image]

...but end up after this yellow-nosed so-and-so instead, who passes in front of me and may have been the one who surprised me earlier.

[Linked Image]

By the time I have rolled after him he's pulling ahead of me...

[Linked Image]

...but I cut inside his turn without difficulty and let fly. The 109 pulls up into a sudden sharp climb which I follow, both of us rapidly bleeding off speed. But I manage to clobber him before we both lose momentum and start to fall back.

[Linked Image]

Recovering, clearing my tail and turning after him, I can see that he's going down trailing a lot of smoke, but possibly still under control.

[Linked Image]

I'm prevented from having another pop at him when another 109 appears and another merry chase develops. Fortunately, with me doing the chasing once more.

[Linked Image]

The Hun rolls over and goes down. I'm deterred from chasing him down in part because at that moment, the boss comes up on the R/T with a fresh set of orders, prompting me to look around to see which party I'm supposed to be joining.

[Linked Image]

Now, where is everybody?

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_590.jpgshot_591.jpgshot_592.jpgshot_593.jpgshot_594.jpgshot_596.jpgshot_597.jpgshot_598.jpgshot_599.jpgshot_600.jpgshot_601.jpgshot_602.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/13/19 07:51 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)

#4497085 - 11/13/19 08:15 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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There's one! Thoughts of re-joining the squadron vanish, as a 109 flashes past. I roll vertical and go for him.

[Linked Image]

I chase the Hun about the sky for a bit and manage to keep behind him, chopping away with short bursts when my sights come on.

[Linked Image]

After another burst, the 109 suddenly rolls level, slows down, and out pops the pilot! No doubt about that one!

[Linked Image]

But he has friends nearby, and they don't seem too happy with me.

[Linked Image]

I'm soon fighting for my own virtual life...

[Linked Image]

...and losing!

[Linked Image]

In desperation, trailing smoke and collecting more hits every few seconds, I'm going for the deck in a steep turn...

[Linked Image]

...hoping to rub off the 109s on the ground. The fellow watching from the nearby parachute is probably the one I just shot down, enjoying the spectacle!

[Linked Image]

One of the pursuing Huns sticks to me like glue and won't let go. Below, on the ground, is a graphic reminder of what happens to the unlucky.

[Linked Image]

My own luck runs out immediately afterwards, hit too low to bail out - I should have jumped, while I still could!

Not a great morning's work, but the day is young!

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Last edited by 33lima; 11/13/19 08:21 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)

#4497148 - 11/14/19 03:44 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Originally Posted by 33lima
It’s at times like this that I’m glad I’m not playing a conventional pilot career campaign. There’s something to be said for both approaches, to be sure; but for me, it took getting to grips with a very different sim – Steel Armour Blaze of War – to appreciate the benefits of the ‘sim within a wargame’s...
Interesting point. I find conventional board war-games satisfying because I throw the dice and do the calculations. In these games I'm closer to the data and know the reason for a result.

In PC WGs the reason behind a result are obscured by calculation done by the computer. In PC games that combine simulation with a underlying WG (like BoB)the results are fascinating albeit even more obscure and unpredictable at times (hem?..RL?) The feeling I get is quite the opposite of a scripted mission. But I think thats one reason why I like BOB-there is no script.
Quote
I’m planning to start one soon for a Luftwaffe pilot, flying the Messerschmitt 110
I like the me110 for low level hit and run raids on radar and airfields also in the high altitude detached escort role they do ok. Stay fast, Bz attacks on groups of hurr and spits. Because you can overlap and direct flights of 109s and 110s, and time their arrival with bombers at different locations you can work them together and test different interesting possibilities.

The Me 110 In close escort is a disaster in BoB as it was historically. The AI fights tends to circle and wind down toward the deck in turn fights where the 110 performs poorly.

#4497176 - 11/14/19 08:24 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: Vox]  
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I've never played board wargames, just dabbled in miniatures, where the rules and mechanisms were always fascinating. The big plus for me with the PC variety is, no need for lots of space or an opponent, or models for that matter, though I still have all my 1/300 Cold War kit and scenery. And I don't much miss not being able to see the tables behind the results. GT:OS I find frustrating though, as its assigned outcomes are often militarily daft, eg you are likely get awarded a draw if you smash an inferior force, even with small losses. Still, like the revised WRG 1925-50 rules, GT:OS does make a stab at simulating war, rather than (as in the CM series) simulating wargaming.

Apart from being such an elegant aircraft, one reason I want to try the 110 (apart from challenge and a change from the usual single-seaters) was discovering that Christer Bergstrom's BoB book (which I don't have) apparently uses stats in an effort to prove the 110 was quite successful in the BoB, perhaps more so than the 109 in terms of kill-to-loss rate. I'm all in favour of a bit of revisionist history, and new angles to old stories, but I don't quite buy that. More to the point I think Bf110 crews at the time would not have bought it. But it has piqued me to see how well I can do myself, in BoB2. Though it looks like the sim's ErpGr 210 110C-4B is missing the bomb rack...

[Linked Image]

Attached Files shot_127.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/14/19 08:25 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)

#4497351 - 11/16/19 01:22 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Quote
Christer Bergstrom's BoB book (which I don't have) apparently uses stats in an effort to prove the 110 was quite successful in the BoB, perhaps more so than the 109 in terms of kill-to-loss rate. I'm all in favour of a bit of revisionist history, and new angles to old stories, but I don't quite buy it
I don't either. Messerschmitt's 110 design became one of compromise and ended mediocre in the end. If they were more successful in BOB as stated it would come down to pilot experience and training.
The 110 is certainly mediocre in the sim-They are crushed by Spits! I suspect that most LW player's use them to absorb punishment that otherwise would be directed at the bombers. I try to time it so they come in behind groups of 109s. And mix it up with the spits and hurrs. Sometimes I'll frag-in to see how the intercepts are forming , and move them to better position. Making the best tactical use of them is a challenge.

Bombs hanging by threads. lol. Some other issues. The 110 always takes off with bombs, even when assigned as escort. (Hard coded since first BOB i think). Fortunately, AI jettisons on contact with the enemy. I suppose that weight/drag of these bombs occurs but it dosen't appear to effect range. ( ref Stickmans fuel ranges in docs folder.).

Another 110 issue are bombing missions. Escorts that are assigned as "attached" do not engage.
Thus 109s attached as escort are useless. However, 109s assigned as "detached"escorts do engage properly.

#4497593 - 11/18/19 07:51 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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It's shortly before mid-day on 19 August and Hostile 701, estimated at 60-plus, is nearing the south coast. I divert to intercept it the two squadrons from 12 Group who are coming down from the north to patrol 11 Group's battered airfields.

[Linked Image]

First to make contact is 229 Squadron and I jump into Green 1, flying KE-L (my sources say the squadron's identity letters were actually RE during the Battle).

[Linked Image]

I spot the raid directly ahead and report them on the R/T, to hear myself describing them as fighters. 'Help yourself, everybody' is the boss's cheery reply.

[Linked Image]

Fighters, these particular Huns are not - they're certainly single-engine aircraft, but I soon realise they're Stukas. And they're coming right at us, about thirty of the beggars.

[Linked Image]

Supressing a nagging doubt that there really are fighters around too, I make a near head-on pass at the closest Stuka. This causes a bit of a panic, with nearby aircraft jettisoning their bombs.

[Linked Image]

Which I'm quite happy about. I don't think I shot down my target, but to have effectively disarmed a few of them is still an entirely satisfactory outcome, in my book. I'm fairly sure whoever there are intending to bomb would agree with me.

[Linked Image]

I come around behind the Huns, who are struggling to reform after my initial attack...

[Linked Image]

...and this time I get some decent hits on one of them.

[Linked Image]

There's a sudden flash of intense bright light from my target...

[Linked Image]

...and as I break up and right, I can see the Stuka is ablaze and going down, less the pilot who has sensibly bailed out.

[Linked Image]

Now, that's what I call a good start to proceedings!

...to be continued!

Attached Files 19 Aug 1152.jpgshot_620.jpgshot_622.jpgshot_623.jpgshot_625.jpgshot_624.jpgshot_626.jpgshot_627.jpgshot_628.jpgshot_629.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/18/19 07:58 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)

#4497597 - 11/18/19 08:24 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Coming out of my turn behind the Stukas again, I see no sign of any other aircraft, friend or foe. So I decide I've time for another pass at the dive bombers, before I need to start worrying about where the rest of our boys have got to.

[Linked Image]

I pick the outside aircraft on the left of the Hun formation and quickly start hitting him.

[Linked Image]

But my shooting is a bit off, as my hits are mainly well out on his starboard wing. I adjust my aim slightly to the left...

[Linked Image]

...but underestimate how quickly I'm closing with the much slower aircraft. I start to break, but too late. There's a wrench and my aircraft starts shuddering violently. The controls don't seem to be working and suddenly, the view ahead goes completely green and starts rotating giddily, as my Hurricane's nose dips below the horizon.

I bale out, and am actually quite surprised to make it out of the aircraft. Looking down on my poor Hurricane, I can see that the collision has torn off most of one wing.

[Linked Image]

I free fall for a few seconds, while the dive bombers drone onwards, now back in formation - albeit with a few gaps.

[Linked Image]

I'm still free falling as another aircraft smacks into the deck - very possibly, it's either the Stuka with which I had collided or the one I shot down in flames earlier. At least, I like to think so.

[Linked Image]

My own luck holds - my fall is brought up with a jerk as my 'chute opens.

[Linked Image]

Hardly a wonderful performance, but it could have been a whole lot worse!

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Last edited by 33lima; 11/18/19 08:32 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)

#4497604 - 11/18/19 09:27 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Very good report 33lima !

For info about Hurricane squadrons during battle of britain:

[Linked Image]

Last edited by Fred901; 11/18/19 09:28 PM.
#4497642 - 11/19/19 10:05 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Thanks Fred! That link's not working though, for me anyhow.


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)

#4497705 - 11/19/19 07:03 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Back in the Ops Room, I'm an unhappy spectator as numerous raids pound my remaining airfields. The bombing is now extending as far west as Exeter and Filton near Bristol, and as far north as Duxford. Against this show of might I have just two squadrons in action, 92 and 229. Their markers seem to be static and I wonder what they are up to. To find out, I take the opportunity to 'frag' back into the action, as BoB2 calls it. A couple of clicks later and I'm back with 229's Green Section, now down to two aircraft after I collided with a Stuka earlier. As acting leader of the section, BoB2 allocates me the same aircraft I lost earlier - KE-L.

[Linked Image]

It happens that 229 is engaged with a bunch of escorts. I've set the option that the action is paused when the game loads up, which helps me adjust when I'm pitched into the action straight from the Ops Room. Unpausing, I latch onto a 109 that's crossing ahead from left to right. The CO is calling for the squadron to reform, but that will have to come later.

[Linked Image]

The Hun sees me coming and banks hard right to get out of my way.

[Linked Image]

My deflection shooting is a bit rusty today. I recall one RAF veteran of the Battle saying he found that he got good results if he allowed about twice the lead he actually thought necessary!

[Linked Image]

I pull my nose up ahead of the 109's line of flight and get hits with one burst, then another. He starts to reverse his turn, slowing down as he does so. Just at that moment, rounds smack into my Hurricane and I am forced to break hard right and let the 109 go.

[Linked Image]

A tight turn takes me out of the line of fire of the Hun behind me, but he won't give up the chase.

[Linked Image]

I pull up in an effort to get behind him. As I go, my last view of my former target shows he's now some way off, and going down completely out of control.

[Linked Image]

Excellent! Now, I just need to get rid of his friend.

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_637.jpgshot_638.jpgshot_639.jpgshot_640.jpgshot_641.jpgshot_643.jpgshot_642.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/19/19 07:13 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)

#4497783 - 11/20/19 07:17 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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I throw my Hurricane over onto its back and into a tight downward spiral to get out of my pursuer’s line of fire. This works…

[Linked Image]

…but I black out completely from the G-forces. And stay blacked out, even after easing back on the stick. For what seems like ages, I can see nothing, and have no idea where I am or what I’m doing.

When the lights come back on, I find that I’m upside down…

[Linked Image]

I quickly roll right way up. Happily, the 109 hasn’t been able to stay with me, but I don’t notice him hanging in the air directly above me…

[Linked Image]

…and begin a curving dive for the deck. My rear view mirror shows my tail is clear.

[Linked Image]

Looks like I’ve got away with it!

[Linked Image]

…to be continued!

Attached Files shot_644.jpgshot_645.jpgshot_646.jpgshot_647.jpgshot_648.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/20/19 07:21 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)

#4497789 - 11/20/19 08:49 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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It’s only when rounds start whacking into my Hurricane again that I realise I’m still in deep trouble. The 109 is back on my tail and not letting go. I decide to do what I should have done earlier, and go for him, instead of settling for getting away from him.

[Linked Image]

I tighten my turn, this time holding it on the verge of blacking out.

[Linked Image]

But I’m hit again and can’t stop my kite from rolling over onto her back. I’m now just a sitting target in a Hun shooting gallery, with part of my tailplane shot away. Time to get out! I slide back the canopy...

[Linked Image]

...but he 109 is still shooting at me! Give a fellow a chance!

[Linked Image]

Next second I’m falling through space...

[Linked Image]

...and watching my crippled Hurricane do likewise, only faster.

[Linked Image]

By some miracle, my ‘chute opens in time, dropping me to the ground quite close to where the Hurricane explodes, sending burning debris flying.

[Linked Image]

Lesson learnt – there’s a time for running away, and a time for fighting your way out of trouble. There’s also a time for hitting the silk, as soon as you realise you’ve made the wrong choice!

[Linked Image]

Attached Files shot_649.jpgshot_650.jpgshot_651.jpgshot_652.jpgshot_653.jpgshot_654.jpgshot_655.jpgshot_656.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 11/20/19 08:55 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)

#4501803 - 12/28/19 05:00 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
It's early evening on 19th August and another wave of raids has been detected. We've precious little left to throw at them.

[Linked Image]

What we do have left includes 54 Squadron's Spitfires, which per my orders have come down from Martlesham Heath to patrol 11 Group's airfields. The squadron sights one of the raids to the south of London, and I jump in leading Green Section on the right of our formation. The Hun bombers are visible enough, about thirty in three groups, but I can also see a similar number of other specks to the left - fighters!

[Linked Image]

Behind us as we go in there's another raid, which I doubt will even be intercepted, so thinly stretched is what's left of Fighter Command.

[Linked Image]

No point fretting - I report the Huns to the boss who acknowledges and orders us to select our own targets. I edge Green Section down towards the bombers...

[Linked Image]

...falling slightly below the others, who keep straight on.

[Linked Image]

At this point, the boss comes up on the blower again. Now he wants 'B' Flight, which includes my section, to take the fighters! I can now see that there are three groups of escorts, one left and above the bombers, the other two above and right. It looks like we'll soon be the meat in a Hun fighter sandwich!

[Linked Image]

The left-hand escorts are closest and I bank towards them. But they break formation and swing across to the right, disappearing under my nose.

[Linked Image]

I hastily reverse my turn to go after them. Down below is Croydon, London's main airport in time of peace, but now home to some of our fighters. It's probably the target of the raid we're trying to intercept.

[Linked Image]

I've lost sight of those Hun fighters but can still clearly see the bombers, which have started to take Ack Ack fire.

[Linked Image]

Irritated at the boss's change of plan, I decide I'll have a crack at the bombers first. They won't have dropped their eggs yet, so I have an opportunity to save somebody on the ground a certain amount of grief.

[Linked Image]

The airwaves are filling up with calls which confirm an air fight is under way. All I can see of it are some specks and contrails in my rear view mirror. My tail is clear and I hold my course, now seemingly on my own.

[Linked Image]

Another few seconds and I'll find out whether my disobedience will be rewarded...or punished.

...to be continued!

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Last edited by 33lima; 12/28/19 05:11 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)

#4501807 - 12/28/19 05:49 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
Long before I'm in range, the bombers begin a turn, seemingly away from me. If they're turning for home after bombing, I'm too late!

[Linked Image]

But no, the Huns reverse their turn, back towards me. I can now see that they're Heinkels.

[Linked Image]

They flash past before I can get into position for a decent pass. I resist the temptation to hose the sky in front as they cross my nose.

[Linked Image]

Instead, I come up and around after the Huns. They've now settled onto a steady course, and some of the boys are already attacking them, despite the escorts.

[Linked Image]

Soon enough, it's my turn. I let rip at a bomber on the left rear of the formation, which is now under fire from the ground and the air.

[Linked Image]

I get lots of hits on the Heinkel and pull up sharply at the very last minute, just in time to avoid a collision.

[Linked Image]

Whether or not I'll also avoid having the belly of my Spitfire laced by the Hun gunner, I'm about to find out!

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_670.jpgshot_671.jpgshot_672.jpgshot_673.jpgshot_674.jpgshot_675.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 12/28/19 05:53 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)

#4501818 - 12/28/19 09:21 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
I pull up so hard that I black out almost immediately, but I manage to avoid return fire.

[Linked Image]

Pushing forward on the stick and hoping for the best, the lights go back on. At the same moment, there's a loud bang as the bomber I attacked blows up! At least, I think it's him.

[Linked Image]

There are plenty of Heinkels left, though. Time to have another go.

[Linked Image]

I tip my kite over to the right and go down. I'm right above the bombers so I make a complete 360 degrees turn in a downward spiral, so as to come up behind them again.

[Linked Image]

This plan is interrupted when several fighters slide across in front of me. One of them doesn't have elliptical wings. So I go for him instead.

[Linked Image]

The 109 seems to know I'm there and goes into a tight left-hander. I have little difficulty in gaining on him.

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I get some hits from a couple of bursts, and he levels out behind the bombers, who are making another turn. Headed for home, no doubt.

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I get some more hits on the Messerschmitt with my next burst and he rolls left and goes down and around.

[Linked Image]

I watch him for a while in case he comes back up onto my tail. But no, he keeps on going down. I don't think he's finished but I'm generally reluctant to lose precious height to chase down an enemy who looks like he's out of the fight. Not while there are plenty of other targets clamouring for attention. So I pull up and around, after the bombers again.

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_676.jpgshot_677.jpgshot_678.jpgshot_679.jpgshot_680.jpgshot_681.jpgshot_682.jpgshot_683.jpgshot_684.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 12/28/19 09:50 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)

#4501855 - 12/29/19 01:32 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
I resume hostilities against the bombers where I left off, attacking a Heinkel on the left rear, next to my earlier victim. Sparks fly and smoke erupts from the Hun as my rounds smack into him. I've evidently hit the 'O' key (open cockpit canopy) instead of 'P' (to pause for a screenshot) at some point!

[Linked Image]

I see the bomber begin that tell-tale slide out of formation a break upwards to reduce the risk of running into him as he falls away.

[Linked Image]

Whether (even with the canopy back) you should be able to hear the roar of a nearby aero engine above your own and through your flying helmet's earphones, is a moot point. But in BoB2 you can and the Daimler Benz has a distinctive whine, so when I hear it I know one of the escorts has flashed past me somewhere - Yellow 7 with the running boar on a shield gruppe badge of I/JG52, as it happens.

[Linked Image]

I break hard right and get lucky, because my turn takes me in behind the Messerschmitt.

[Linked Image]

As with the earlier 109, I don't have much difficulty in catching him up.

[Linked Image]

He starts to reverse his turn after my first burst hits him, but there isn't going to be a second one. For at that point, my ammo runs out.

[Linked Image]

I quickly roll the other way and make myself scarce. The Hun doesn't follow, so it's time to go home. So I plot a course to the north-east towards our airfield at Martlesham Heath.

[Linked Image]

A check on the R/T reveals the others are now headed that way too. On the air, I hear the boss calling me back, and Green 2 plaintively telling me he can't catch me up, would I mind slowing down? There's still plenty going on, including some Ack Ack fire well below, close to an airfield which looks like Kenley.

[Linked Image]

Once again there's the roar of an aero engine as an unseen aircraft flashes past, but this time it's the softer, more civilised sound of a Merlin. Looking right, I can see that in his haste to rejoin, Green 2 has nearly run into me, giving me a bit of a fright. At least he's all right.

[Linked Image]

He's soon slotting neatly into position to my right rear, and home we go together.

[Linked Image]

I didn't check the squadron's post-mission statistics before quitting, but overall, our losses are only about a hundred less than the enemy's. Plus 11 Group's airfields have been savaged, and raids are now ranging wider, hitting 10 and 12 Group's bases as well. We're simply being overwhelmed!

Attached Files shot_685.jpgshot_686.jpgshot_687.jpgshot_688.jpgshot_689.jpgshot_690.jpgshot_691.jpgshot_692.jpgshot_694.jpgshot_693.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 12/29/19 01:49 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)

#4501907 - 12/30/19 06:48 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
Fred901 Offline
Junior Member
Fred901  Offline
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
Very interesting Lima33 ! And glad you tell us the rest !

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