Bombs Over Dover
Editor's Foreword. This was a prototype scenario of a single England Squadron Gotha carrying 7x50Kg bombs launching a diversionary raid on Dover in mid-1917. The Hun has been spotted, and three elderly DH2s in use by a training squadron at Hawkinge have set out to intercept. Please forgive the "dodgy" scenery and the fact that I haven't yet re-painted a Gotha in England Squadron colours - we also used a prototype bomb-load spread template.
Sirs,
I have the honour to report the outcome of the recent raid on Dover by a lone Gotha, and it's interception by three of our brave lads in elderly DH2s. The Gotha was spotted by a Royal Navy destroyer about 10 miles out from Dover, and a message was quickly passed to the Training Squadron based at Hawkinge. Three instructors, led by Captain Hurst, took to the air in DH2s and sped towards Dover.
They spotted the Gotha about 2 miles out to sea, and raced to intercept. With great skill they managed to put the Gotha in the centre of a vortex of fire, but were horrified to see it fly through their formation apparently unharmed! One DH2 suffered a jammed gun, but the other two turned and pursued the bomber. Unfortunately the rear gunner proved very skilled, sending one DH2 crashing into the English Channel just short of Dover - although I am pleased to report that the pilot was rescued by a RN launch from Dover harbour.
Almost immediately after this the Gotha's rear machine gun stopped firing abruptly, and the gunner was seen hammering his Spandau - obviously attempting to clear a jam! The remaining DH2s pressed home their attack, and the Gotha burst into flame! It immediately began a slow dive towards Dover - we assume in an attempt to both put out the fire and escape the deadly-accurate fire of our pilots.
As soon as the bomber crossed the coast it turned and dropped all 7 of it's bombs, seemingly at random as they fell across the residential area of Dover, and not one hit a target of any military value such as the docks or the castle. Angered by this evidence of the Hun's willingness to bomb innocent civilians our pilots once again pressed home the attack, and were rewarded by the Gotha falling to earth in flames.
Sad to relate that parts of the enemy machine fell on the Western Heights, and one engine fell amongst some supply trucks destined for the Western Front. Please pass FO Kyte our apologies as his consignment of Gin was destroyed - there will be a few days delay as we arrange for replacement bottles.
Civilian casualties were fortunately light, and we hope that the Hun has learnt that they cannot attack our coastal towns with impunity.
Editors Afterword. We all enjoyed the scenario, and the spreader template provided an extra element of uncertainty with the actual bombing. I think the balance was slightly off, but a Gotha is probably too much for 2 DH2s. I hope to get a better (i.e. larger) map of Dover for future use. NOTE - photos posted below
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A very impressive show by your boys Brian.
I will be forwarding my recommendations to Home Defence Establishment forthwith.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I will be unable to forward to you the usual crate of G&T.
Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte
Great 
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