OTTCYM - Mission 11 - Attack Plane Surprise - Sept 19th 1916 by camelbeagle
While the earliest use of military aircraft was for observation and directing of artillery, strafing was frequently practiced in World War I. Trenches and supply columns were routinely attacked from the air. While there are not very many books (if any) dedicated to WWI strafing, it is very often the subject matter in the books and memoirs of various aces. A lot of individuals think of the grand dog fights that send many of the brave pilots to their grave. Strafing was a dangerous act that sent many pilots to the grave as well. Not only did the pilots have defensive ground fire to deal with, but also enemy scouts taking advantage of the strafing pilot's divided and often distracted focus.
Mission description
German two seaters are caught off guard by Entente scouts while strafing advancing British infantry. Meanwhile a German offensive fighter patrol has seen the situation and are trying to get into combat with the Entente planes. They must protect and escort home their two seaters.
Setup
This scenario is designed to use the following planes:
2 German Two Seaters
2 German Scouts
4 Entente Scouts
This setup is assuming 4 peg altitude. If you are using flying higher or some other altitude rules you will have to convert as necessary.
Two Mats long side matched up. Any two mats will do.
Left mat is No Man’s Land
Right mat is German Territory
Take a measuring tape/ruler/stick and measure 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) from the top of the mat. Take a range ruler and measure one full length in from the left side of the map. This will be the position of one of the two seaters. They will be pointed tails toward the top mat edge and propellers toward the bottom map edge. Place the rear side of the base at the 12.5 inches mark. Then at 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) mark place the rear side of the other two seater. You want the two planes in a single file line. These planes are strafing the British infantry. They will start at altitude 2.
In the Top Left (side towards Entente) place a range ruler. Place it so that the ruler is at 45 degrees from the top and left side of the map. At no further than one range ruler in, place 3 Entente Scouts. This is the initial intercept force. They will start at altitude 3.
Depending on the formation you choose for the Entente intercept planes, you may need to adjust a bit. Try and make the rear two seater is just a cm or so out of range of the closes Entente scout.
In the Bottom Left place another range ruler. Again, place it at a 45 degree angle from left and bottom side of the map. At one full range ruler length place 1 Entente Scout at altitude 4. This is the Entente Overwatch keeping an eye out for German Scouts.
Where the mats meet up. Take a range ruler and at full ruler length from the No Man’s Land mat (into German Territory) place the two German Scouts. They can be placed where ever you want, but they must be one full range ruler deep. This is a random offensive patrol who happened to fly into the action. They will be at altitude 4
The German two seaters are finishing a strafing run. For slower planes, their first turn should be a straight, straight, and left turn towards German Lines. If you are using faster two seaters, I would recommend substituting a stall for one of the straights. They are unaware of the Entente intercept planes until turn 2. In turn 1 they will not fire at the Entente scouts unless fired upon. For example, if an Entente scout fires on the two seater on card 2 of turn 1, the two seater can fire back on card 3 of turn 1. They can fire as normal starting turn 2.
Bulldog planes must exit the far left side of No Man’s Land board to be in Entente territory and to attempt a safe landing. If they exit the top or bottom of the No Man’s land board they are considered crashed in No Man’s Land. If they exit the top, bottom, or right side of the German board they are considered crashed in Enemy Territory.
Eagle planes must exit the top, bottom, or far right of the German board to be in Central territory for an attempted safe landing. If they exit the far left they are considered crashed in Enemy territory. If they exit the top or bottom of the No Man’s land they crash in No Man’s Land.
Objectives
Bulldogs: First, destroy the two seaters. Second, the scout planes.
Eagles: Protect the two seaters and escort them off of the far-right edge of the German mat.
Victory Conditions
Bulldog Points
Plane shot down 3 points
Scout plane forced from board 2 points
Two seater forced off any edge except objective line 2 points
Eagle Points
Plane shot down 3 points
Plane forced from board 2 points
Two seater crosses objective line 3 points
Reply With Quote
That looks a good one Dan!
Originally Posted by Vagabond
Oh, that's 6 letters!
Bookmarks