Sneak attack at Trondheim

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Sneak attack at Trondheim (Or Trying to Punch Above Your Weight).

Having bought 2 Gladiators I needed to try them out. Hence the name of this scenario. A single HE III would try and bomb the harbour at Trondheim whilst 2 Gladiators would try and stop it.

The lone HE III sneaks in.

A Norwegian and a single RAF Gladiator move to intercept.
They decide to split and take the HE III from both sides.


The RAF strike the first blow...tickle more like and get hurt in return. (Punching above their weight)


The Norwegian was well out of it, the HE III finished its bomb run (partial hit) then turned for home and into the RAF again.


THE RAF managed to tail the HE III a trifle too close. The got blasted again.


Meanwhile the Norwegians joined in for a bit of one way traffic. And the RAF got shot up again and caught fire!


The HE III rear gunners were dishing it out but the Norwegian peppered the bomber hitting the pilot.


The Norwegian was taking some damage and then his engine got hit. The RAF succumbed to fire damage and went down. The Norwegian's engine was blasted again and down he went.


The Butchers Bill:

RAF: 17 damage. Sot down.
Norwegian: 8 damage. 2 engine hits. Shot down.


Luftwaffe: 4 damage. Pilot wounded. Target bombed (partial hit). RTB



Summary:
The two Gladiators were doing ok then it went pear shaped as I maneuvered in front of the HE III guns time after time. Mounting damage and 2 engine hits and it was all over. However only 1 wound on the pilot, 2 wounds and it would have been all over. But such is fate, fickle as ever.

Tactics: From the rear and both aircraft together to split fire. Well that's my thoughts anyway.

Now where next? Flying Tigers, China and easy to hit zero's!

[fast.git]

Nice report, and good advice... there's danger in punching above one's weight...

[ptownhiker]

This scenario is great use of the Norwegian Gladiator. If I recall correctly, there is a blind spot above and behind the He 111?

[Marechallannes]

No blind spot for the He. 111, David.


Neil - I see you used the optional multiple crew hit, but unfortunately only the pilot was hit. Take out one or two gunners and the story will take another end.

Another point: The Galdiators made not many and no close range hits.

Did you use altitude rules or the aim optional rule? (I never use aim rule for bomber gunners)

[Dan-Sam]

It looks like a fair game. I think Gladiators must attack from both rear sides - one gunner in the tail can not use right and left machinegun in one time and that would be chance. Maximalize bullets for He.111 and confuse gunners.
Of course, it will be a completely different game with more fighters (on both sides).
Interesting AAR, thank you for it (you inspired me).

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Always good to see how a one sided show pans out. this was especially interesting for me as I have not yet used my big German bombers. Maybe I will be a bit cautious how I attack them when the time comes.
Thanks for a stirring AAR Neil.
Rob.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

No altitude or aim rule. Rear gunner's were just too damn hot.

Neil

No blind spot for the He. 111, David.


Neil - I see you used the optional multiple crew hit, but unfortunately only the pilot was hit. Take out one or two gunners and the story will take another end.

Another point: The Galdiators made not many and no close range hits.

Did you use altitude rules or the aim optional rule? (I never use aim rule for bomber gunners)

[fast.git]

Maybe I will be a bit cautious how I attack them when the time comes.

That is a sound plan... I discovered that they're tougher than I initially thought. Too many damn guns!

[csadn]

Bad tactics -- the Gladiators don't have the firepower or hits to divide their attack; they have to come in on the same side, and overwhelm the gunners.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Doesn't help when you play 1 gladiator yourself and the other as AI. Which I thought was fair, ie language barrier, no co-ordinated attack. I just wanted to try both new planes out and the only target I could give them was a HE III. My thoughts are to re-paint them as Finnish as I intend to get more Russian Yaks and Polypockets (whatever they are called) to fight the Russo-Finnish war. Another project for later this year.

Bad tactics -- the Gladiators don't have the firepower or hits to divide their attack; they have to come in on the same side, and overwhelm the gunners.

PS: I know they are Polikarpov's, just jesting. I am also thinking of using them for the Russo-Sino war too.