Baracca's Last Victories ?

[flash]

Another solo mission based this time on Carl's WGF IF07 - Baracca's Last Victories scenario based in Northern Italy, 15 June 1918: As the Austro-Hungarian Army launched a massive offensive across the Piave River, leading Italian ace Maggiore Francesco Baracca and the rest of the pilots of his elite 91a Squadriglia fought for control of the skies over the battlefield.
I managed to more or less field the right planes and elected to fly Baracca. As usual the Ufag & the Albatros D.III were AI driven using my D8 charts, Altitude rules, firing is peg to peg and applying some OTT rules.

The protagonists approached each other warily from opposite ends of the table, not passing close enough to get a good firing solution Baracca whipped his Spad round smartly in an attempt to get on the Ufag's tail.


Baracca uses his acrobatic skill to turn out of his Immelmann, he almost hits the Ufag as it turns into him and he almost gets the chop from the Albatros cutting in behind him - fortunately he's a lucky so and so and that attack comes to nought !


Baracca whips into another Immel and exacts a small measure of revenge from his tormentor for no return. He takes fire from the Ufag's gunner but the gun is silenced by a jam before too much damage is done


Baracca finally gets on target and his rounds lance through the fabric of the Ufag

A missed opportunity for his shooting ace skills

Maybe he was worried by the Albatros turning in behind him ?


Baracca slots neatly into the Ufag's blind spot, more by luck than judgement..

Another missed opportunity for his shooting ace skills

Baracca decides to face the threat to the rear but no one is in range


A run back, another Immel and acrobatic skill and he's back onto the Ufag


But as the Ufag passes the gunner come into his own, shredding the Spad


Baracca turns away and tries to Split Rs, a split S ending in a climb, but the Ufag is on him to soon and he can't bring his guns to bear.


He turns away and Immels once more - this time he catches the Albatros and finally uses a gunnery skill !


Breaking from the Albatros he targets the Ufag once more and they exchange lead..


Baracca cuts behind the Ufag in his blind spot, Immels and goes for the Albatros, both machines open fire, pass, Immel once more and shoot once again.... did he hit the pilot ?

The final burst is too much, Baracca must retire or face extinction, the Albatros and Ufag are not in much better shape.

Butchers Tally:
Baracca: RTB / 0 kills 13/16 damage


Ufag: RTB / 0 Kills 12/16 damage


Albatros: RTB / WIA / 0 Kills 10/14 damage


A challenging game I found as the Ufag is quick, the Spad is quicker & the Albatros is slow ! No victories, no booms but one heck of a fight.
Lesson learnt - remember to use all the skills given !

Baracca's Last Victories ? Not this time, hope you chaps do better

[gully_raker]

Well that was an interesting game Dave. Did you forget to use his "skills" when you could have?

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Great AAR Dave. I am planning more of these featuring Ace pilots using Ace skills to get players used to their employment, they can make a massive difference in the outcome of a battle.

[zenlizard]

Interesting close one, there.

[flash]

Well that was an interesting game Dave. Did you forget to use his "skills" when you could have?

Yeah, not for the first time either Baz !
I get so wrapped up in the manoeuvres & pics I forget the blasted things. Still, practice makes perfect

[mikeemagnus]

Great AAR Dave. That lucky pilot card was worth having then Nice read. Thanks for sharing. Mike

[flash]

Great AAR Dave. That lucky pilot card was worth having then Nice read. Thanks for sharing. Mike

Ah yes, being a lucky git does help sometimes !

[Stumptonian]

Very interesting encounter, Dave.

Your pics, and especially your narrowed rulers, really bring the battle to life.

I must try this one since I have the planes and their cards in my Excel version of your D8 charts.

[Marechallannes]

Interesting mission, Dave.

Sometimes it's better to escape and fight another day.

[Baxter]

Excellent battle. Worthy of the great Barraca too.

[flash]

Thanks chaps. On this occasion discretion was the better part of valour but it did not detract from the game at all, in fact the tension was enhanced with each shot fired as that could easily be the finish for either side. A bloody draw in the end. Maybe next time ...