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Thread: Duck Shooting Malta Style.

  1. #1

    Default Duck Shooting Malta Style.

    or bring on the sub. in which we are introduced to the boys of the Air.Sea.Rescue.





    The Walrus was just completing its last sweep of the night. It had been totally uneventful, unless the crew counted being vectored in by Malta Radar to attack a small convoy, which turned out to be a chain of islands. Lt. Cdr. John Cowley was about to call it when his Navigator Sub Lt. John Askwith drew his attention to a darker grey streak with an iridescent tail in the water below them.


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    Banking the aircraft, and approaching out of the dawn sky, Cowley soon made it out to be a surfaced submarine ploughing its way towards the Gozo Chanel. Without more ado he instructed his Navigator to prepare for a Depth Charge run.


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    As they moved in to attack, the enemy showed that they were not unready by putting up a barrage from the forrard deck gun followed by machine gun fire from the Bridge.


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    Too late to dive, they were then straddled by four depth charges, which succeeded in damaging the hydroplanes sufficiently to prevent the sub from submerging.


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    Swinging away, Cowley's radio operator radioed in a message to "Hot dog" informing them of the position of the sub, before heading back to the island as they were getting low on fuel.


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    It was not long before 852 Sq. Swordfish A flight were in the vicinity and receiving long range fire from the Italian sub now moving towards open water in an attempt to return to Sicily.


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    Leading his Flight in an arc around the sub to get the best angle of attack. Lt. Cdr. John Cunningham switched on his R.T.

    "Dean, John, swing into line astern of me for the run in."
    "Wilco that sir." was the response from Lt. John Hawkmoore, and PMs Dean Reynolds,
    With no more ado, Cunningham banked and dived towards the submarine, followed closely by his two wingmen.


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    As they dived both fore and aft deck guns now opened up on the slow moving Stringbags, but without any initial success.


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    Levelling out Cunningham steadied his aircraft despite the hail of incoming machine gun bullets which were now peppering his wings.

    "Torps away pilot." came the voice of Lt. Brian Woodward over the intercom.


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    no need for that info, as the Swordfish rose upward as the weight was released.
    "Torps running true" came the voice of the Navigator a minute later.


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    Followed by the gleeful cry "A hit." as they banked away from the frenzied AA and small arms fire of the sub, which had damaged his ailerons.


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    The AA now concentrated on "Hawkmoore" as he made his run.


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    Not as lucky as his leader, he took a near miss to the port wing which damaged his upper wing as a piece of shrapnel tore through the fabric, before he even reached the target.

    Undeterred he got his own Torpedo away.


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    As he banked to follow Cunningham, Another round from the forrard gun exploded close by and this time did much more serious damage to his rudder. John found his steering almost impossible to control.


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    To add insult to injury the torpedo failed to explode.


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    He now took a direct hit in his engine which slowed down his escape.



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    Fire was now split between him and "Deano" as he made his run in.


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    Releasing his torp, "Deano" immediately came under fire, taking a slight hit to his wing struts from shrapnel.
    Before he could bank away another near miss damaged his engine causing it to smoke furiously.


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    Nevertheless, his torpedo was dead on course.


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    As he finally managed to bank away his torpedo struck the submarine amidships just abaft the conning tower sending a geyser of spray into the sky and holing one of the ballast tanks.


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    Even with the fire continuing to burn on the after deck, this was not enough to sink the sub, and if anything its return fire got even more furious.



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    Slipping away between two more AA bursts, "Deno" followed his wingmen away from the damaged Italian vessel.


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    As the Swordfish ran for home "Deno" was the only machine still in range of the sub.


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    His smoke damage got worse but before it could turn to fire, another burst of fire from the Subs Forrard deck gun exploded under his tail section.


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    Without any control remaining the Stringbag flopped onto the surface of the sea, aquaplaned for several yards, and then settled by the stern.



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    As the crews dinghy inflated, the Cavalry arrived on the scene in the form of a Short Sunderland Flying boat.



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    Watching the sub continue to burn,

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    the Sunderland homed in on the Stricken submarine, at a height which shrugged off their attempts to damage it.



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    The Sunderland then delivered its full load of bombs.


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    As it swept overhead the aft deck gun scored a lucky hit, doing a moderate amount of damage to the Sunderland's belly.


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    In return the Flyingboat's bombs bracketed the sub, breaking its back in the concussive pressure wave generated.


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    Now dead in the water, and with fires breaking out throughout the ship, the gunners stuck to their task.


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    Another explosion hammered the port wing, as the Sunderland tried to escape the flack being directed against it.


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    As the submarine continued to burn, the Forrard gun crew were finally forced to abandon their position due to the encroaching flames.



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    This did not however prevent the aft gunners setting fire to the Sunderland with their very last shot.


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    Even as the Sunderland's Observer turned his extinguisher onto the fire,
    The Italian vessel gave a last shudder and turned turtle. Filling rapidly with water, its stern rose up in what seemed like a last gesture of defiance, before disappearing forever amid a widening slick of oil into the deeps of the Mediterranean sea.


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    Half an hour later when the R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue Launch arrived from Kalafrana no sign of the sub was left save an abundance of flotsam and a life raft with the crew members in it.

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    Thus it was that the Fleet Air Arm struck the first offensive blow in the siege of Malta.



    The Butcher's Bill.


    852 Sq. F.A.A. The Bulldogs.


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    Lt Cdr. John Cunningham R.T.B.
    Lt. John Hawkmoore. R.T.B.
    PO. Dean Reynolds SD.S.
    Ms. George Farmer SD.S.
    Sub Lt. Brian Woodward. SD.S.
    Lt Cdr John Cowley and crew. of the Walrus. RTB. No damage.


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    Lt Cdr, James Nasmith, Lt. Richard Makepeace And crew of the Sunderland RTB.
    Fire extinguished.


    Regia Marina.


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    One submarine sunk, many of the crew rescued by Air Sea Rescue Launch and interned.

    Rob.

    Note to Neil. I will send you the full crew rosta for the Sunderland and Walrus as soon as I get the chance.
    R.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #2

  3. #3

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    What a snorter Sir, an absolute corker. A few full toss' there old chap. Didn't think the bally Italians played cricket.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  4. #4

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    I absolutely love the uniqueness of this campaign..... the Short Sunderland looks top shelf sir!

  5. #5

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    Love the sinking sub Nice Job

  6. #6

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    PO Reynolds wrestled with the 'stringbag' all the way down. He was glad he hadn't had time to gain much height. His controls were all but useless, his engine had stalled and he was trying to land a brick as safely as he could on the sea. Luckily there were no waves, the sea near the Straight of Gozo was like a mill pond, flat and like a blue mirror. He needed to balance the trim as the swordfish was canted to port. He shouted backwards over his shoulder, "Lean out to the right lads, get her level then sit back down sharpish, we're going in". Whether or not the 'lads' did as he said he didn't know but the strinbag pulled up its left wing and leveled out just as the stringbag hit the surface of the sea. Luckily it glided forward then just sank until the lower wing surface bit into the sea and jerked the plane to an abrupt stop. PO Reynols was thrown forward and bashed his nose on the edge of his cockpit and George Farmer behind bashed the back of his head on PO Reynolds head as his came backwards after bashing his nose. "Come on you two lets get into the dinghy, the Sunderlands about to finish off the sub, then he'll pick us up" Sub Lt Brian Woodward called out, already standing on the wing surface wrestling with the dinghy to get it inflated. A short while later they paddled away and still the plane hadn't sank.

    PO. Dean Reynolds SD.S.
    rolled:2 -1 (sea) +2 (low level and not very fast) = 3 = Crash landed ok WIA
    http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4613325/
    Wounded rolled: 4 = just a scratch
    http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4613326/

    Ms. George Farmer SD.S.
    rolled:2 - 1 (sea) +2 (low level not fast) = 3 = WIA
    http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4613328/
    wounded rolled:6 = just a scratch
    http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4613330/

    Sub Lt. Brian Woodward. SD.S.
    rolled: rolled 5 - 1 (sea) +2 (low level not fast) = 6 = Crash landed ok.
    http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4613331/
    See you on the Dark Side......

  7. #7

    Default

    Thanks Neil.
    I left the aftermath open ended deliberately so that you could produce a story to fit the results.
    Glad the chaps got off O.K. The RAF Launch was full of Italians.
    Just down to three Hurricanes, three Gladiators, A Sunderland, Walrus, and five Swordfish now.
    I hope a Convoy gets through soon.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  8. #8

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by FarEast View Post
    I absolutely love the uniqueness of this campaign..... the Short Sunderland looks top shelf sir!
    Once again it's all down to Clipper's fantastic casting skills.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #9

    Default

    OOh I dunno. I fancy the old Luftwaffe might have another go at the next one.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    OOh I dunno. I fancy the old Luftwaffe might have another go at the next one.
    I didn't know the Luftwaffe went in for sinking Italian subs this early on in the war!
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  11. #11

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    Marvelous AAR Rob! I loved all the minis, the sub, everything! And a question: Is this the start of you Malta campaing? Or i missed something?
    Thanks


    Nick

  12. #12

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    Magnificent, once again, my friend. The story telling is compelling, the planes are beautiful and the submarine amazing, and the sinking submarine a perfect detail. Thanks!

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barkmann View Post
    Marvelous AAR Rob! I loved all the minis, the sub, everything! And a question: Is this the start of you Malta campaing? Or i missed something?
    Thanks


    Nick
    You have actually missed quite a lot.
    Some background on the characters, two missions in North Africa by Peter Bouncer-Smythe and friends, and several attacks on Malta by various units of the Regia Aeronautica.
    There is also a link to some of my characters in the WWI late war. Bouncer-Smythe Senior, Triggers, Hawkwood, Perry, and of course Kyte himself who is now Air Commodore Operations under the GOC. Malta.
    You may also find Air Marshall Raymond cropping up from time to time.
    If you want a flavour of WWI without reading all the AARs go to my Blog and read the Nigel Letters.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  14. #14

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    You have actually missed quite a lot.
    Some background on the characters, two missions in North Africa by Peter Bouncer-Smythe and friends, and several attacks on Malta by various units of the Regia Aeronautica.
    There is also a link to some of my characters in the WWI late war. Bouncer-Smythe Senior, Triggers, Hawkwood, Perry, and of course Kyte himself who is now Air Commodore Operations under the GOC. Malta.
    You may also find Air Marshall Raymond cropping up from time to time.
    If you want a flavour of WWI without reading all the AARs go to my Blog and read the Nigel Letters.
    Rob.

    Cant believe i lost it! I am accompanying the Kindness of Strangers, by Joaquim, so i didn't know your campaing was that high! I guess i'll have to waste some time reading them now!
    Thanks Rob


    Nick

  15. #15

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    Not a waste of time but some highly educational and inspirational reading.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    Not a waste of time but some highly educational and inspirational reading.
    Sir you are too kind.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #17

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    Not a waste of time but some highly educational and inspirational reading.
    Oh sorry, i didn't meant a waste of time, but spent some time reading all the AARs. Does it make sense now?
    Thanks
    Last edited by Barkmann; 08-20-2014 at 17:00.

  18. #18

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    I do enjoy your AARs always great photos and read

  19. #19

    Thumbs up

    Another classic Malta encounter from the pen of Rob!
    Superb Aircraft & Targets. Love the sinking sub!

  20. #20

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Barkmann View Post
    Oh sorry, i didn't meant a waste of time, but spent some time reading all the AARs. Does it make sense now?
    Thanks
    Not A problem Nick. I understood exactly what you were trying to say.
    It was just nice of you to go to the trouble of reading them.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #21

    Default

    My apologies Nicolas that came out very abrupt and not how I meant it to be. Please accept my apologies. I missed a few smilies off which would have made it sound less officious.

    Neil

    Quote Originally Posted by Barkmann View Post
    Oh sorry, i didn't meant a waste of time, but spent some time reading all the AARs. Does it make sense now?
    Thanks
    See you on the Dark Side......

  22. #22

    Default

    Ah!! Dear Nicolas, Neil and Rob. How easy would be communication if everybody spoke Portuguese...

  23. #23

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    But of course Joaquim, when do you start your lessons?
    See you on the Dark Side......

  24. #24

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    I'm starting now, my friend... But it's very, very difficult...

  25. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    My apologies Nicolas that came out very abrupt and not how I meant it to be. Please accept my apologies. I missed a few smilies off which would have made it sound less officious.

    Neil
    No need to apologise. My english is not so good, so i should have improved my vocabulary.
    Thanks


    Nick

  26. #26

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Not A problem Nick. I understood exactly what you were trying to say.
    It was just nice of you to go to the trouble of reading them.
    Rob.
    Thanks Rob, but it isnt a trouble to read your AARs, its a pleasure.


    Nick
    Last edited by Barkmann; 08-26-2014 at 09:16.

  27. #27

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    Quote Originally Posted by Blackronin View Post
    Ah!! Dear Nicolas, Neil and Rob. How easy would be communication if everybody spoke Portuguese...
    Yeah, that would speed things up!

  28. #28

  29. #29

    Default

    Ah! Yes dear friend, and how wonderful it would be if all the English children I have taught spoke English as well as you do.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."



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