Ares Games
Results 1 to 27 of 27

Thread: Battle of britain Scenario 4 Malta alternative. 852 Sq.FAA. Bulldogs.

  1. #1

    Default Battle of britain Scenario 4 Malta alternative. 852 Sq.FAA. Bulldogs.


    Malta Convoy under Attack.



    As the resources on the island of Malta deteriorated it became essential to enable a convoy to run the gauntlet of the Mediterranean between the North African coast and Sardinia/ Sicily.
    On the night of 11th/12th October a convoy from Port Said at the Egyptian end of the Med managed to break through with Food and some supplies.
    The supporting carrier HMS. Illustrious even managing to fly off a Flight of Fairy Fulmars to aid in stiffening the defences.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	untitled.png 
Views:	35 
Size:	35.4 KB 
ID:	147895


    At the same time a fast Merchantman set out solo from Gibraltar with only a Destroyer escort hoping to slip through the air blockade whilst the Regia Aeronautica’s attention was focused upon the Eastern convoy.
    All went well until the morning of the 11th when the two ships were spotted by an Italian submarine 12 miles off the Libyan coast.
    The captain immediately signalled back to Palermo, and a Savoia Marchetti Bomber accompanied by a fighter escort was despatched to intercept the vessels.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5668.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	89.3 KB 
ID:	147896


    Air cover from the Carrier Eagle had been withdrawn the previous evening, and thus it fell out that two Fleet Air Arm Martlet Fighters from Luqa arrived to take over just before the Italian strike force homed in on the ships.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5685.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	110.7 KB 
ID:	147913


    Spotting the Italian aircraft almost immediately, the Flight Leader, Lt. Robert Frazer, broke the silence.” Bandits at one o-clock Ivan..... Let’s go get ‘em.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5669.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	85.5 KB 
ID:	147897


    As the Italian bomber lined up its run, the two Martlets dived into the attack.
    Whilst Frazer went head to head with the Bomber, Ivan side slipped to get an angle on the leading Falco II. Its pilot Capitano Umberto Cerretani was no novice and mirrored Ivan’s move to maintain the status quo.
    Even so, Ivan got the better of his opponent, and whilst taking some fire, delivered a stinging attack on Cerretani.
    Robert and the Savoia Bomber exchanged desultory fire, which did minimal damage to either machine.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5670.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	155.4 KB 
ID:	147898


    The head on attack had, however, achieved Robert’s intention of getting behind the Fighter cover.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5671.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	108.3 KB 
ID:	147899

    Meanwhile, the Falcos were now coming under fire from the AA guns of the convoy and were forced to take avoiding action.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	images3LTSPQXP.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	8.0 KB 
ID:	147915


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5672.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	152.8 KB 
ID:	147900


    This gave both Martlets a free run at the Bomber, and despite some spirited return fire from the Savoia’s rear gunner, they began to chew up the bomber’s tail.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5673.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	147.6 KB 
ID:	147901


    Robert also damaged its port engine, slowing the heavily loaded bomber even more.
    Turning away from the ships , Cerretani circled to try and get a position to attack Ivan, whilst his compatriot Immelmanned to come in on Robert’s starboard quarter.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5674.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	82.9 KB 
ID:	147902


    As the bomber positioned for its run on the MV Glen Orchy, both Martlets continued to inflict damage, and disabled it steering.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5675.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	140.7 KB 
ID:	147903


    Frazer now closed up on the bombers tail, and the Italian rear gunner took full advantage, damaging Robert’s ailerons.
    His return fire was devastating as a fire broke out amidships on the bomber causing consternation amongst the crew.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5676.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	147.9 KB 
ID:	147904


    Too late to do anything but release his bombs, the Italian bomb aimer let the full load go rather than have them destroy the aircraft by exploding in the fire.
    A veritable fusillade now hit the bomber from both ships AA and the two Martlets, bringing it down into the sea just short of the Glen Orchy.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5677.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	150.7 KB 
ID:	147905


    It was, nevertheless, too late to save the freighter which took the full impact of the explosions from the bombs just aft of the bridge.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5678.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	111.8 KB 
ID:	147906


    Severe, damage ensued, including a fire, which it took the damage parties some time to extinguish.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5679.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	115.9 KB 
ID:	147907


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	imagesW8R92LUQ.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	6.5 KB 
ID:	147914


    With their job done Capitano Umberto Cerretani and his wingman headed back to Palermo.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5680.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	112.8 KB 
ID:	147908


    It was left to the Destroyer and an RAF. Rescue launch from Gozo to pick up the victims from the water.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5686.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	155.4 KB 
ID:	147916

    The Butcher’s bill.

    852 Sq. FAA The Bulldogs.

    Lt. Robert Frazer. RTB. One Kill. 6 damage.
    Sub Lt. Ivan “the terrible” Smith RTB. 6 damage.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5684.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	134.8 KB 
ID:	147912


    MV. Glen Orchy severely damaged. 52 damage points.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5681.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	122.8 KB 
ID:	147909



    Regia Aeronautica.
    Capitano Umberto Cerretani . RTB. 11 damage.
    .................................................... RTB. No damage.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5683.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	134.8 KB 
ID:	147911


    Savoia Marchetti SD. 31 damage. Successful bombing raid on MV. Glen Orchy.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5682.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	110.6 KB 
ID:	147910
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 10-15-2014 at 01:20.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #2

    Default

    Despite reducing the enemy fighter escort to two aircraft, adding some AA fire, and getting incredible chit draws for the FAA. the bomber still got through, and from the British point of view the mission failed.
    Crippled by the bombing, the Freighter limped towards Malta only to be sunk by a torpedo attack from the Italian submarine, which had closed up during the night, whilst the Destroyer was still looking for survivors thrown overboard by the explosions.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  3. #3

    Default

    Great mission, Rob.

    Unfortunately the bomber made it through the fighter screen.

    Amazing stuff you used for this mission.
    Voilà le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  4. #4

    Default

    Fantastic mission Rob. Thought you had it nailed there, lucky bomb aimer though. Well done will get results posted by weekend.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  5. #5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Marechallannes View Post
    Great mission, Rob.

    Unfortunately the bomber made it through the fighter screen.

    Amazing stuff you used for this mission.
    I still think that my idea was sound, to dodge the faster and better armed fighters, concentrate on the bomber, and hope that the fighters took too long to respond. It almost worked too. If both my fighters had attacked the bomber in that first pass the damage would have sent it down, or if the ships AA fire had done anything worthwhile. However, the scenario panned out quite like a lot of the action over Malta at this time. The bombers got through only to be taken out on the way home, and fighter actions were inconclusive a lot of the time. Then the Germans arrived.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  6. #6

    Default

    Great mission Rob!!! Especially now, that im reading a book that tells stories of WWII fights, including the "Aerosiluratori", Italian pilots that piloted SM.79s to sink British ships.:thumsup:
    But arent the Falcos allied?? Im a little confused.
    Thanks


    Nick

  7. #7

    Default

    Brilliant piece of fighting, Rob. Excellent mission, I liked the ships you've used there as well, they add visual effect to the game.

    Quote Originally Posted by Barkmann View Post
    But arent the Falcos allied?? Im a little confused.
    Thanks

    Nick
    Yes, they are. Nationality markings are for Allied Italy. Moreover, with description on the card saying it's Falco II CN, it means they are night fighter version of these planes. But... who cares if the battle was fun

  8. #8

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Thunderbolt View Post

    But... who cares if the battle was fun
    Yes!

  9. #9

    Default

    I had to run my battle before the end of the month, and with the timeline. To get things ready for Doncaster and then The World Championships at Derby, I just did not have time to re badge everything in the Regia Aeronautica yet.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  10. #10

    Default

    I am pretty sure it will come in right time. I liked the battle anyway, maybe I will recreate it some day, but probably with different planes (I do not have S.M.79 for. Instance, but NEXUS Ju-87 will do fine as well).

  11. #11

    Default

    Spreadsheet updated.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  12. #12

    Default

    Thanks Neil.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  13. #13

    Default

    Excellent battle report, my friend. I love your SM.79's.
    I'm dying to play a game.
    If time allows it, it will be this weekend.

  14. #14

    Default

    Thanks Quim.
    I have an SM 79 in the pipeline for you. Just got sidetracked with Mrs K's plane and trying to finish two Pups which have been standing around all year.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #15

    Default

    Thank you my friend. I know what you mean. So much to do, so little time...

  16. #16

    Default

    Well for the purists amongst us, I finally took the time to update the Falcos.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5721.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	82.1 KB 
ID:	148897


    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #17

    Default

    And amazing they are now, Rob!

  18. #18

    Default

    Here are a couple more shots of them.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5722.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	98.2 KB 
ID:	148898


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5723.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	72.5 KB 
ID:	148899


    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  19. #19

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Here are a couple more shots of them.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5722.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	98.2 KB 
ID:	148898


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5723.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	72.5 KB 
ID:	148899


    Rob.
    Beautiful ones! They look amazing now!

  20. #20

    Default

    Much much better than the original, in fact.

  21. #21

    Default

    Why thank you kind sir.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  22. #22

    Default

    What a pair of Beauties they are too Rob.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  23. #23

    Default

    Soon they will be a trio. The third one arrived from the Oberst this afternoon.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  24. #24

    Default

    Now we are three.



    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC_5747.jpg 
Views:	12 
Size:	146.2 KB 
ID:	149436

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  25. #25

    Default

    Beautiful!
    I must find one more for myself.

  26. #26

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Blackronin View Post
    Beautiful!
    I must find one more for myself.
    Keith still has them in stock Quim.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  27. #27

    Default

    These are marvelous Falcos Rob!!! Good job!
    Thanks


    Nick



Similar Missions

  1. AAR Scenario D1 ( The Malta Alternative) The first bombing of Hal Far Aerodrome.
    By Flying Officer Kyte in forum Fire in the Skies
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 07-30-2014, 02:43
  2. Replies: 13
    Last Post: 03-04-2014, 03:00
  3. BRF Battle of Britain Scenario 1: He who runs away lives to........
    By Lt. S.Kafloc in forum Fire in the Skies
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 02-10-2014, 13:39
  4. BRF Battle of Britain Scenario 2: Operation Dynamo
    By Lt. S.Kafloc in forum Fire in the Skies
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-09-2014, 07:19
  5. Baltimore-Washington Madicon 21 (Virginia): WW2 Battle of Britain Scenario
    By ptownhiker in forum US Wing
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-03-2012, 08:35

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •