It was a stormy day in Albuquerque. A handful of us retired to our FLGS for some WGS…
On August 15, 1940, at 7:10pm, Hauptmann Walter Rubensdorffer, a Swiss pilot in the Luftwaffe, executed a grand idea. He had convinced Goering that fighters could also execute bombing missions of RAF airfields, if properly equipped. Goering formed the experimental 210 Gruppe with Rubensdorffer in command. Still under expilicit directive from Hitler not to attack London, the Gruppe and its modified Bf-109Es and Me-110Cs headed towards RAF Kenley airfield. Unable to find the airfield, they turned north and found “an” airfield. Unfortunately, it was Croydon airfield on the outskirts ofLondon. Getting intercepted by Hurricanes from the 31st and 111thSquadrons, the 210th fighter-bombers released their bombs with lessaccuracy than hoped for. Many of them missed their marks and bombs fell in theneighboring suburbs of London.
Rubensdorffer did not return from the mission.
10 days later the RAF retaliated with the bombing of Berlin.
Hitler ordered the Blitz on London.
The RAF was given a reprieve, of sorts, to rebuild.
Goering ate his hat…
Schwarm of Me-110s at level 3 heading for Croydon airfield. The colored beads differentiate aircraft for card management.
Me-110 card management. Poker chips used for fuel allocation. Full Load rules are in effect. Luftwaffe previously released their drop tanks.
Vic of intercepting Hurricanes at level 4.
Hurricane management with airfield target in distance.
Initial moves.
Initial engagement - head on no less!
Trailing Hurricane calls for his mates to disengage.
Flying into the swarm.
Wingman follows while lead plane crashes.
First two bomb drops miss the airfield.
Airfield in sight while laying on the trigger.
Another unsuccessful, accidental ram.
Lead planes turn to go home, while the trailing two line up on the target.
Success!
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