Lord of Girth
07-20-2015, 08:42
171042
AFTER ACTION REPORT: Sat. July 18, 2015 -
Went back to the Battle of Britain - but we allowed Fockewulfs and Spit Mk IXs (Called this fictitious battle "Battle for England"). Started with more than 50 planes - 30 German and 20 British.
Germans started close to the channel, and to mimic the Brits radar, allowed the RAF to set up after the Germans were all on the board. Brits could set up no closer that 2 rulers and two altitude pegs from the closest Luftwaffe.
NEW RULES - You may have read of some changes to the rules that we play. I've heard from many that have tried it, that it adds substantially to the dog-fight play.
A. PITCH - Ability to add +1 or subtract up to -3 climb counters on every maneuver. In addition to a dive card (-1 peg) and climb card (+1 counter). This really makes altitude an integral part of play. Allowing banked dives or climbs and quicker climbing and diving.
B. PER BARREL DAMAGE - ramped up the damage each airplane inflicts by drawing damage chips for each barrel shooting. Really adds a "white knuckle" affect as damage has become more devastating. This is also well liked by other pilots. If you get someone in your sights, there is a good chance they are going down. Damage is more consistent across different armament configurations.
C. ONE CARD PLANNING - using one card to plan and then play allows more responsive flying and greater chance of tailing.
D. SIMPLIFIED BOMBING - Easier bomb runs that don't require "flying" a bomb. Resulting in more bombs on target. (Still a challenge, however)
(Please see attached.)
BATTLE RESULTS:
171037171038171039171040171041
A squadron of six Spit Mk IIs sped to intercept six Messer 110s that had bombs away on the closest RAF airfield. The airfield was a loss, the 110s paid a dear price, however, as three fell as the MkIIs ripped through the formation. The spits only losing one.
The MkIIs continued on to fall in behind a formation of four JU 87 Stukas that had evaded Beaufighters by slipping below. The MkIIs only lost one more, but took two Stukas with 'em.
The formation of nine Beaufighters was like a snow plow, clearing all that got in it's way. Only one 110 remained after meeting the Beaus.
The Stukas that had been ignored by the Beufighters now stung and took two Beaufighters with support from Heinkle tail gunners.
Meanwhile, to the West, a ferocious fight was underway between a flight of eight Fockewulfs and ten Spit Mk IXs on a collision course. Three intentional collisions took place as they jousted. Three Fockewulfs fell on the first pass to only one Spit. The Fockewulfs continued to try to get some bombs dropped on an airfield. But after the Spits re-grouped they descended upon the remaining FWs and decimated them in two vollies.
A squad of four Heinkles continued on to target, almost unscathed, as the fighters did their job to protect the bombers. Only later did the Spits catch up to them.
Conclusion: Even though the Germans were superior in number - The Brits out gun the Germans. Some bombs were dropped but the RAF did a good job tying the invasion force up in dog fights.
Participants:
Luftwaffe:
Brad - Fockewulfs
John - Heinkles and Stukas
Mike - Messer 110s
RAF:
Joe (me) - Spit MkIIs and Beaufighters
Roger - Spit Mk IXs
Really had fun and appreciate all the pilots that showed!
Mike brought a book he acquired at an estate sale from an US Air Force Colonel. The book is from 1976 and printed by the US Gov.
The book details ever US Army Air Corp battle from 1941 to 1945. Number of planes locations and results. No narrative, just the facts. AWESOME!
Next battle will be to pick a day from the book and recreate it. Should be fun and smaller in scale (If we pick a small one).
Then back to the Pacific in early Dec.
AFTER ACTION REPORT: Sat. July 18, 2015 -
Went back to the Battle of Britain - but we allowed Fockewulfs and Spit Mk IXs (Called this fictitious battle "Battle for England"). Started with more than 50 planes - 30 German and 20 British.
Germans started close to the channel, and to mimic the Brits radar, allowed the RAF to set up after the Germans were all on the board. Brits could set up no closer that 2 rulers and two altitude pegs from the closest Luftwaffe.
NEW RULES - You may have read of some changes to the rules that we play. I've heard from many that have tried it, that it adds substantially to the dog-fight play.
A. PITCH - Ability to add +1 or subtract up to -3 climb counters on every maneuver. In addition to a dive card (-1 peg) and climb card (+1 counter). This really makes altitude an integral part of play. Allowing banked dives or climbs and quicker climbing and diving.
B. PER BARREL DAMAGE - ramped up the damage each airplane inflicts by drawing damage chips for each barrel shooting. Really adds a "white knuckle" affect as damage has become more devastating. This is also well liked by other pilots. If you get someone in your sights, there is a good chance they are going down. Damage is more consistent across different armament configurations.
C. ONE CARD PLANNING - using one card to plan and then play allows more responsive flying and greater chance of tailing.
D. SIMPLIFIED BOMBING - Easier bomb runs that don't require "flying" a bomb. Resulting in more bombs on target. (Still a challenge, however)
(Please see attached.)
BATTLE RESULTS:
171037171038171039171040171041
A squadron of six Spit Mk IIs sped to intercept six Messer 110s that had bombs away on the closest RAF airfield. The airfield was a loss, the 110s paid a dear price, however, as three fell as the MkIIs ripped through the formation. The spits only losing one.
The MkIIs continued on to fall in behind a formation of four JU 87 Stukas that had evaded Beaufighters by slipping below. The MkIIs only lost one more, but took two Stukas with 'em.
The formation of nine Beaufighters was like a snow plow, clearing all that got in it's way. Only one 110 remained after meeting the Beaus.
The Stukas that had been ignored by the Beufighters now stung and took two Beaufighters with support from Heinkle tail gunners.
Meanwhile, to the West, a ferocious fight was underway between a flight of eight Fockewulfs and ten Spit Mk IXs on a collision course. Three intentional collisions took place as they jousted. Three Fockewulfs fell on the first pass to only one Spit. The Fockewulfs continued to try to get some bombs dropped on an airfield. But after the Spits re-grouped they descended upon the remaining FWs and decimated them in two vollies.
A squad of four Heinkles continued on to target, almost unscathed, as the fighters did their job to protect the bombers. Only later did the Spits catch up to them.
Conclusion: Even though the Germans were superior in number - The Brits out gun the Germans. Some bombs were dropped but the RAF did a good job tying the invasion force up in dog fights.
Participants:
Luftwaffe:
Brad - Fockewulfs
John - Heinkles and Stukas
Mike - Messer 110s
RAF:
Joe (me) - Spit MkIIs and Beaufighters
Roger - Spit Mk IXs
Really had fun and appreciate all the pilots that showed!
Mike brought a book he acquired at an estate sale from an US Air Force Colonel. The book is from 1976 and printed by the US Gov.
The book details ever US Army Air Corp battle from 1941 to 1945. Number of planes locations and results. No narrative, just the facts. AWESOME!
Next battle will be to pick a day from the book and recreate it. Should be fun and smaller in scale (If we pick a small one).
Then back to the Pacific in early Dec.