Mediterranean Theatre - Prequel 0.5: Last Barrier

[Blackronin]

June 1, 1940

Dear brother:

It seems that my fate was not to go to the Mediterranean Sea just now. We were sailing down west of Portugal when disaster stroke. I can tell you now that we were taking eight Swordfish torpedo bombers to Malta. Suddenly there was an explosion in the Eagle's engines room. As we were putting out the fire, another explosion destroyed several Swordfishes and Sea Gladiators. When we were able to put out the fire, it was almost night. We were able to hold cables so that the HMS Birmingham and the HMS Liverpool (both light cruisers) were able to start towing us back to Britain. All this time we were dead scared about U-boats and the traitor we had on board. But when danger came it was from another kind. As we were reaching the zone near Brest, Captain Bridge sent us to the skies We were the last barrier against incoming German bombers. That was May twenty nine. Admiral says that the Italians are about to declare war. There's a man in Malta that is very worried about the craters we weren't able to deliver him...

We'll stay here until the Eagle is in combat conditions, and we receive the first batch of the american carrier planes so I may well still be able to see you, my brother.

"Squadron Leader Lisbon, over?!" "This is Squadron Leader Lisbon. Go on." "A squadron of bandits is coming your direction, sir. Stukas, sir. You're the last barrier between them and the nest, sir." "Lieutenant Tilley?" "Yes, sir?" "The sun hasn't set yet so you've lost the bet.I'll return to collect it." "A fine bottle of malt, sir. I'll be waiting on deck with it." Thank you, Lieutenant Tilley. Very well, gentlemen. Let's intercept these gentlemen."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier01.jpg

"Squadron Leader?" "Yes, Lieutenant Akron?" "I'm seeing them. One ME one-oh-nine and two Stukas twelve o'clock high." "I see them. Ignore the fighter. Take down the Stukas." "Yes sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier02.jpg

"He's coming right at us!" "Don't engage. Stay away from its cannons. The Stukas are our priority!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier03.jpg

"Steady, wingman. Steady with me." "Yes, sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier04.jpg

"He bloody miss you by far, Lieutenant Akron!" "Yes he did, Zindorf! But it's still early to make a party out of it. Keep up with me." "Yes sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier05.jpg

"I also missed him. But you've got him Zindorf!" "It was just a scratch, sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier06.jpg

"The me one-oh-nine is going up for a loop, sir!" "We've seen it, Bromley. Concentrate on the Stukas."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier07.jpg

"They hit me sir! They hit me!" "Status, Bromley!" "Ah... All good, sir." "Then bloody calm down, man! Target the Stuka on the left." "Yes sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier08.jpg

"I hit him!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier09.jpg

"Lieutenant Akron, we'll take the Stuka on the right, take the left one." "Yes, Squadron Leader." "And, Karl, be careful with the shark behind you." "Yes sir."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier10.jpg

"What a mess!" "Pilot Officer Bromley!" "Sir!" "Quit the chattering and keep up with me." "yes sir!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier11.jpg

"They bite, these Stukas!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier12.jpg

"So do we! I hit the Stuka in its engine!" "Well done, Zindorf."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier13.jpg

"Mind the fighter, Squadron Leader!" "No worries. Keep pressing the Stukas. The nest is six miles away and limping. If one of them escapes..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier14.jpg

"Lucky me! He missed me!" "Indeed he missed you, Bromley, keep facing him to difficult his targeting."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier15.jpg

"Taking fire from the Stuka's gunner!" "Damage?" "Nothing to worry about, Squadron Leader!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier16.jpg

"I missed him, Squadron Leader!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier17.jpg

"So did I, Lieutenant Akron..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier18.jpg

"Three seems to be the number..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier19.jpg

"The one-oh-nine is going for another loop!" "He's fast and well armed. We'll be having a problem with this one..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier20.jpg

"These gunners are making a dent..." "We have to take them quickly don't we..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier21.jpg

"I hit the Stuka's engine!" "Has he dropped the bombs?" "No! This plane is a flying tank!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier22.jpg

"Keep them from getting close to the Eagle. Nights falling and they will have to retreat."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier23.jpg

"You've missed, old bean!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier24.jpg

"Take this!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier25.jpg

"I've hit his engine!" He's going down!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier26.jpg

"Well done, Squadron leader! That one won't drop his eggs on the Eagle!" "Thank you! But mind the one-oh-nine, Bromley!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier27.jpg

"Watch it, Bromley!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier28.jpg

"He's coming at me!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier29.jpg

"He hit me! I'm wounded! Going down..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier30.jpg

"Bail out, Bromley! Bail out!" "I can't sir! I'll try to land it on the surface."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier32.jpg

"Akron! Take down the other Stuka! I'll engage the bastard in the one-oh-nine." "Yes sir. Bromley?" "I don't know. Over."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier33.jpg

"Are you damaged sir?" "No worries with me, Zindorf. Move away from him so you can fire properly."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier34.jpg

"He's trying to shake us..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier35.jpg

"Won't happen, Zindorf."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier36.jpg

"Got him again..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier37.jpg


"The one-oh-nine is retreating... I don't have speed enough to get him!" "Calm down, Squadron leader." "Yes... You're right, Akron..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier38.jpg

"I've been pounded heavily..."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier39.jpg

"I've took him down!"

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier40.jpg

"Good shooting, Akron! Return home. I'll take a sweep looking for Bromley."

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i395/Bayushiseni/WW2%20Mega%20Campaign/Malta%20and%20Mediterranean/Chapter%20D-point5%20Last%20Barrier/Maltapoint5LastBarrier43.jpg

In this Mission:

801st Squadron Flight A - Red Section
Sqn Ldr Nicolau Lisbon - Evasion - Still on Sea Gladiators (Veteran) - 3 kills
PO Lee Bromley - Still on Sea Gladiators (Standard) - Shot down - wounded

Flt. Lt. Karl W. Akron (Flight Leader) - Evasion - Gloster Gladiator (Veteran) - 1 kill
PO Sven Zindorf - Evasion - Gloster Gladiator (Veteran)

1. The German me-109 and Ju-87 crews were Standard.
2. The Stukas had to cross the diagonal of the table and leave the other side with the bombs.

[Blackronin]

Neil!

Can you roll for my pilot Lee Bromley?

Thanks.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Well that was certainly packed full of action Joaquim.
I think we have struck a chord with the short R.T. transmissions, rather than my rather long winded WWI comments.
It seems far more personal and the rapid interaction fits the speed of a WWII Dog fight rather well.
Rob.

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Rob.
Radio chatter makes it easier to create a mood, doesn't it?

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Way to go Joaquim. I thought there was bound to be a collision there, they were so close. Got the idea of what a tight furball that was. Great AAR. Results to follow shortly.

Neil

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Neil. Try not to kill my young pilot. ;)

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Result is in the infirmary Joaquim. It's Good/Bad/Good news I'm afraid.

[gully_raker]

:thumbsup: Well 'Quim I see it did not take long for you to get back into battle after your leave in England!

What a close encounter that was. :eek: So many Aircraft in such a tight furball.

Well done those Gladiator boys. Just wait until they get those replacement Martlets!.:thumbsup:

[Blackronin]

:thumbsup: Well 'Quim I see it did not take long for you to get back into battle after your leave in England!

What a close encounter that was. :eek: So many Aircraft in such a tight furball.

Well done those Gladiator boys. Just wait until they get those replacement Martlets!.:thumbsup:

I was dying for some action. But work is being mad these days.
But I'm promising myself four planes painted and at least one AAR per week. ;)

[ptownhiker]

That was a great AAR, Joaquim. The Gladiators did very well. Looking at the initial setup, I thought they would need to lucky shots (explosions) against the 109, but they operated smartly by going past the fighter and focusing on their mission.

I especially loved your photograph just above the caption "So do we! I hit the Stuka in its engine!" "Well done, Zindorf.". The combination of the planes flying at each other and the crossing range markers provide a vivid sense of the fast moving action.

[Blackronin]

Thanks, David. Flying with the Gladiators is different, since the manoeuvre so well.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Any more on the saboteur Joaquim? Can't have the Eagle out of commission for too long.

[Blackronin]

Any more on the saboteur Joaquim? Can't have the Eagle out of commission for too long.

All will be revealed in the next letter to his brother, Neil. ;)

[Blackronin]

The Honorable discharge of PO Lee Bromley

PO Lee Bromley struggled to control his stricken aircraft. Knowing he was unable to bail out he fought valiantly to keep the Gladiator straight and level as he lost height. Disaster struck as he blacked out just before his aircraft would have landed safely on the wave tops. The Gladiator side slipped left as his grasp on the stick released and the Gladiator cartwheeled into the sea. Fortunately Bromley was thrown clear. Two hours later he was picked up by a launch from the Birmingham, alive. The MO's diagnosis was not good. If only he could have been got back to England there might have been a chance. But his injuries were to severe and for PO Bromley his flying days were over.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Tough luck on Bromley Joaquim.
He deserved better.
I will see to it that a letter will be sent home, and a gong will be forthcoming from Buck House.
Kyte.

[calm]

Excellent AAR Joaquim !

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Carlos. Next stop, Med.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Thanks, Carlos. Next stop, Med.

I await your support with anticipation Major.
Kyte.