FitS Mission D-2: Push for the Channel Ports
Axel Ziegler had joined JG26 well after the close to the Polish campaign. JG26 did not participate as the unit was still in training and being organized. Axel graduated flight school in late January 1940, then he was assigned to JG26.
The Phony War had been a quit time, even after they had been posted close to the French border near Saarlouis. When possible Axel and other pilots would take to the air to hone their skills or just try to get more comfortable in their 109s. Mentored by a seasoned flyer, Arno Roth, Axel was improving rapidly.
Axel, on this fine 3rd of May 1940, flew a large circuit around the airfield. Looking down below he could see some of his stablemates planes lined up next to the hangars.
Attentiveness had grown lax with the quite time. Most planes were not armed, only those readied for the next patrols were fully serviced.
All of a sudden the radio came to life.
“Achutng! Achtung! Enemy aircraft approaching low at heading 220”.
Axel frantically looked around and saw two spots close to the ground heading toward the airfield.
Immediately the flak crew got into action. Their first round shook one of the intruders but it kept on flying with mal intent.
As Axel passed the end of the runway Arno was already in take-off position.
The radio came alive again, “Oberfeldwebel Ziegler, engage the incoming enemy. Oberleutenant Roth will be joining you as soon as he can”.
Then Arno piped in, “Ax, hit them from the side and then get in behind them. I should be able to join you in a couple of minutes. Fly smart!”
Axel’s heart was pounding as the small spots quickly grew. Coming in on the enemies front quarter Axel squeezed his trigger for the first time ever at an airplane. He imagined that he saw sparks and bits flying off the French plane but he didn’t really know what he was looking at.
(First chit pulled was BOOM! But as Axel is a rookie I had to pull another. At least he did some real damage.)
While Axel approached one of the French aircraft the AA crew concentrated on the other. As he got closer it was tougher to range in.
Axel tries to turn on his target but the Frenchie slips under him where he can’t shoot.
Once past Axel, the two Frenchmen take aim on one of the parked 109s doing minimal damage.
The AA crew get another close round on #6 but it seems impervious. #6 dives down and wrecks a different parked 109.
#2 peppers the ground all around yet another parked 109 but does not damage to the plane.
Arno, after getting up enough speed Immelmanns and heads back over the runway towards the intruders as Axel comes in from behind.
#2 slows down so he can fire on the last of the parked 109s. Being so low he can’t lower his nose enough and does little.
Axel can’t stay with #2 but gets to line up on #6 with success again.
(Another great pair pulled for the rookie!)
“Great shooting Ax”, Arno was impressed and very happy with Axel’s shooting.
“Thanks”, Axel returned but lost concentration and missed his follow up shot.
(Yes, I forgot to pull an extra A for consecutive shooting.)
The AA crew this time do find #6 and put a good hole in his wing.
Frenchman #2 reverses hoping to destroy that plane on the field but Axel is right on him. They trade shots like brawlers in a ring.
Frenchie #2 has taken enough damage and has to leave.
Axel feels a sharp pain in his right leg as the planes pass each other. The pain is great and Axel breaks off, leaving the fight.
Arno flies over the burning wreck on the airfield as he lines up #6.
“Damned Frog. You should stay home where you belong!” Arno shouted as he fired his cannon into #6.
Frenchman #6 knows his plane has been hit hard and needs to head home. He passes as close to the German as possible so that he can’t be shot.
His ploy doesn’t work as Arno Immelmanns behind him sending cannon rounds into him. #6 can take no more and crashes straight down into the runway.
#2 tries to escape but Arno sees him and gives chase. Arno’s 109 is a bit faster than the MS 406 and he quickly gains on him. As soon as he gets into range Arno sends #2 into the ground.
“Ax, are you all right?” Arno tries to contact his friend.
“I’ve been hit. Lots of blood, lots of pain”, Arno hears in response.
“Ax, the French are gone, land as soon as you can. Keep calm and picture your perfect landing from yesterday”, Arno tried to calm Axel hoping he wouldn’t panic.
Axel fights the pain as he drops into his landing approach.
He touches down a bit heavy and bounces. Contact with the ground causes the pain to intensify and Axel closes his eyes. His plane veers to the left into the wreck of the French MS 406.
The ground crew run out and extract Axel from his plane. They quickly get him back into the mess and separate his 109 from the burning Frenchie.
Axel is badly hurt but will recover in time. His plane will be repaired and flying before it’s pilot will.
Butcher’s Bill
Oberleutenant Arno Roth RTB 2 Kills
Oberfeldwebel Axel Ziegler FRTB 0 Kills
L 6 -1(r) -1(wia) -1(dam) = 3 a difficult landing for sure! 4 = miss 4 missions
One 109 destroyed
Two minor damage
Two enemy downed
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