RAID ON SCHWEINFURT

[chee911sc]

Image aero-JOURNAL #71

A chapter of Pierre Clostermann's "Grand Cirque" was entitled "Ball Bearings and Flying Fortress", which is the idea of this scenario featuring the B-17s of the 8th AF, the escort fighters of the USAF and RAF and the interception fighters of the Luftwaffe, a Defense Against Aircraft (Anti Air or FlaK) is also present.

The situation results in the absence of the "figures-pushers-friends"!?!, so it will be a solo battle vs AI. A 2.10 m x 0.98 m map is deployed representing the coast and the different objectives, allied planes at a maximum distance from the edge, defense planes entering from the sides as the bombers and escorts cross the coast.
The "full load" rule (BoB page 40) is applied for all the bombers, the escort fighters since they are equipped with drop tanks.

On the other hand, the Spitfire, P-47 and P-51 fighters respect the historical distance on the game map, then drop the tanks and fly briefly across the Channel.
Spitfire : 1/3 of the course, P-47 Thunderbolt : 1/2 and P-51 D Mustang all the way there and back.


From an Osprey map

Schweinfurt raids:
17-08-1943: Messerschmitt Regensburg factories + ball bearing factory at Schweinfurt out of 376 Bombers engaged 60 are lost and 55 damaged... Remember a B-17 crew is composed of 10 members...
14-10-1943: 291 B-17 F engaged on Schweinfurt
24-02-1944: Schweinfurt where 49 Bombers are lost
13-04-1944 626 Bombers escorted by 871 Fighters fly over Schweinfurt-Augsburg-Oberpfaffenhofen.

ORDER OF BATTLE


If we follow strictly this date of 17 August 1943 few planes will be able to be put on the mat, so the general idea is to use all the planes having worked from 43 to 45 in the North-West Europe sector.

The more observant and perceptive will find other historical errors... The most obvious one is that the planes painted with the black and white D-Day stripes would have no place there...


From an Osprey map

None of the three bombers participated in the raids and this B-17 F did not fly with the B-17 Gs
« Memphis Belle »
Mission 21 > April 17, 1943: Bremen-Germany / Focke-Wulf factories
Mission 25 > May 17, 1943: Lorient-France / submarine base (last mission)
« A Bit O' Lace »
Mission 28 > Sep 17, 1944 Capt J C Ray: Arnhem-Holland / flak towers (first aircraft mission so named)
« Li’L Eight Ball »
Mission 1 > May 7, 1944 and 123 missions in total
No aircraft on the set has the same registration, decoration, this B-17 G is a converted "A Bit o' Lace", the choice (.) was for a deco requiring very few modifications. Let's hope this "L'iL Eight Ball" brings luck to this B-17 in the scenario.



ALLIED MISSIONS :
1 - Bombing of the Schweinfurt ball bearing factories
2 - Escort the bombers and divert the Luftwaffe fighters (return to the departure base if short petrol, refuel and leave for 2nd escort)
3 - Diversion on a railroad convoy transporting tanks
4 - Photographic reconnaissance of the objectives.
5 - Strafing of FlaK batteries



AXIS MISSIONS:
1 - Intercept bomber formations with the JagdWaffe and FlaK before they drop their bombs. The Bf 109 attack of the fighters, the FW190 attack the VierMots (historical)
2 - To land for refueling and to take off again to intercept the return of the formations of B-17.



PLACEMENT TOUR 0

Only the Spitfire PRU is advanced to more than a ruler and evolves at altitude 8 (high altitude) to escape the FlaK.
The remaining escort of P-51 D are not placed because of lack of place... Let’s pay attention to the possible collisions.
The interceptor fighters are spread out on the edge of the map and will enter at the most appropriate moment.



Programming of all maneuvers 1 and 2... The dashboards are minimalist and everything fits under a clip; a lap marker die comes in handy to keep things straight.


If there are no questions we can go… Gentlemen start your engines

TURN 1

A - The option to bypass the AA batteries is taken but driving a Flying Fortress box is not obvious, hence a collision safety space.


B - The FlaK battery having been charged during the setup of Turn 0 (.) a salvo is engaged on the ZPoJ spitfire according to BoB rules pages 34 & 44; counter A = 2 and draw counter C = 0.


C - The high altitude cover is assured by the Spitfires MkIX and XIV on level 6.


D - The photo recce is progressing to level 8; but reading again the rule "photo recce" BoB page 41 it is stipulated that photos are taken at altitude 3 or less and slow speed ; so change of objective: first the factories and then on the way back the panzer convoy because even with maximum dive the altitude will be much higher than 3 when passing over the train.


TURN 2 to be continued

[mikeemagnus]

Interesting Chee. Quite an undertaking. I'm not really a WWII man, so don't altogether appreciate the complexities, but so far it is entertaining reading and I shall look forward to further instalments. Interesting presentation style too Thanks for sharing.

[BodeGier]

Wow . This big game is realy great.

[camel crew]

Nice intro Chee, await the next instalment

[Flying Helmut]

What a mammoth effort!

I too look forward to the next part!

[Stumptonian]

^^^^^^^
What they all said!

[milcoll73]

wow! looks complicated lol! good job!

[monse]

Impressive presentation.

[Spad VII]

Great scenario !

[chee911sc]

Update of rounds 2 to 6

TURN 2

Oops the photographer missed the tour; so little explanations about the FlaK:
A personal marking to distinguish the towers where the anti-aircraft gun can fire then from four to four



Summary table of some flak batteries in service during the conflict.

Link to anti-aircraft gun rules issues: (edited by Simon / monse)

https://wingsofwar.1fr1.net/t2274-ww...s-regles#30239

Little historical info:
During the year 1943 the escort of fighters was done mainly by P-47 in "smooth" then equipped with drop tanks but the autonomy was not sufficient to follow the four-engined aircraft on all the way. The Luftwaffe waited for the "Razorbacks" to leave the B-17 F boxes and the Bf 109s and other FW190s were tearing apart the formations despite the machine guns fitted to the B-17s, the losses were enormous for the 8th AF.
But in December 43 the P-51 B made its appearance and there big surprise for the Luftwaffe there is a new adversary which flies far over the German land.

Nevertheless, a mistake appears in the movie "Memphis Belle" where we see the Mustang D version leaving the formation, during the 25 missions the P-51 were not yet flying around the bombers:

I also deviate from the historical truth since 10 Mustangs are engaged in the scenario.

TURN 3

A - Four Focke-Wulf 190 A-3s enter on turn 2 and break formation: two are heading towards the Mk Vs and two towards the B-17 formation in the distance.
The AI is inadequate when there are so many aircraft in the vicinity and only applicable in case of dogfight; indeed a 190 is already engaged because it is within range of the 20mm guns and 0.303 caliber of the Spit. Although the German answers the next turns are going to be different for the planes of the Luftwaffe: most opportune movement (here a dive would have put at shelter the Focke Wulf) which will give advantage to the Germans because decided blow by blow whereas the programming of the allied planes follows the basic rule.

Shots: the ZPoE Spit inflicts a 3-0, the DUoP a 5-1 to the FW190 n°1, the ZPoJ in range but bad angle of shooting. The Kurt Tank-inspired plane hits the DUoP at 5-3.

The Mitchell continues to fly at altitude 2. The flak reloads while waiting to withdraw on turn 5.



B - On the Flying Fortress side it is a mess! Dislocated formation impossible to hold... Forking to avoid the Flak was a bad idea: and has for consequence to pack the escorts in limit of map.

The Spit PRU although being in range of a Flak is not worried because too high (rule scenario AA < or = 6)



C - Three P-51 D "Blue Nosed" entered on turn 2 as well as two "Red Tails":
Note that normally the latter operate on the Mediterranean front - Italian - southern Germany and are there as a surprise guest!

The full load escorts are extremely slow which I had not anticipated and have (will have) difficulty to get ahead of or catch up with the main troops... (Little advice: get the hunt in the vanguard)



TURN 4

A - The P-47 2Z*M (khaki) and the Memphis Belle overlap at altitude 5 but the B-17 F has two climb markers so no collision; after forgetting to put up the "tank" markers to distinguish the "slow" planes; especially when the first ones start to drop their tanks.
Reminder: The full load rule requires one more "climb" marker to pass to the higher altitude.

B - It's a fight on the other side of the map; the Spit DUoP altitude 3+2 and the 190 n°1 altitude 4+1 overlap but without collision.
The FW 190 react too slowly (surely young recruits !) and remain under the fire of the Spit:
Shots: DUoP on FW n°4 (alt 3) 0-5-1, the front gunner of the Mitchell cannot shoot on the FW n°1 at long range because only at altitude 2, ZPoE on FW n°1 (same altitude and long range) 2-7 + engine... for a total of 17 for the 190 A-3 which dives in a plume of smoke. The ZPoJ on the upper level does not touch by half a ruler.

C - The two Bf 109 n°1 & 2 go up and turn to put themselves in good position of their adversaries without being still in range (arrow).

D & E - Red Tails underway and last "Blue Nosed" to enter the runway weighed down by their 2 x 75 gallons.

F - First plane to fall with this 17 point count for the FW 190 n°1



G - In the distance the North American WZ*I & 528 start a dive to melt down on the black cross planes. the PRU Spit starts to line up on the factories to get there on level 3.



TURN 5

A - The two black and white striped Spitfires jettison their tanks and are now flying at high speed. The level 6 Mk IX JEoJ (whose card is at the end of the boom and under the support of the level 5 Mk XIV DLoF) avoids the collision. On the other hand a Bf 109 came closer and there exchange of shots at long range.
Shots : B = 2 cashed by the Mk XIV; A = 2 + C = 5 and wounded pilot for the Messerschmitt.
P-47 and Flying Fortress almost collided.



B - The Flak (turn 1 then 5 ...) reloads and shoots at the Mitchell and gets 3 damages.

All the Mk V having emptied and dropped their "bottles" there is little time left to work on spinning:
The ZPoJ at altitude 5 still has no target even at half a ruler but it and the P-51 D concentrated to aim the Focke-Wulf do not notice and there BAM! Collision: C=0 for the Supermarine and C=5 for the 628.

And that cannards from all sides:
Shots: the DUoP before starting a Split-S shoots a 1-3 on a 190. The P-51 n°628 & WZ*I inflict a 2-6 & 2-3 short range at higher altitude.
I could have applied the rule in addition "shooting from a higher altitude" BoB page 20 but the 190 has already its account ...
The FW n° 4 and its powerful armament fires at 8-0 on the WZ*I. (short range from lower altitude)



C - The two FW 190 A-3 with their short wings turn dry to try to avoid the 50 caliber shots of the P-51.

The Merlin-Packards hummed to push the formation towards combat.



D - Removing the rulers and after adding up the total is quite clear; second black-crossed aircraft down.

The numerical superiority of the allies is felt in this beginning of the confrontation



TURN 6

A - The Focke-Wulf 190 A-8 n°11 and 24 as well as the Me Bf 109 K n°8 and "<" are about to enter.



B - The P-51 D HO*L, HO*E, HO*K, n°10 and 13 continue their road with low speed; in edge of mat the PE*P, HO*M and finally HO*W enter with their long autonomy tanks.



C - The Mk V's after their loops head for the exit watching the fuel gauge so as not to fall in the middle of the Channel. The Mitchell tries to align itself with the marshalling yard.

Overlap between on the one hand the Bf 109 F n°1 altitude 4 (the map and thus real position is on the Boeing), the B-17 altitude 5+2 and collision C = 0 with the P-47 khaki 2Z*M (map at the end of the arrow) altitude 5+1 collision C = 8. Finally the Spit Mk XIV DLoF also encroaches on the B-17 alt 4.

Shots: Bf 109 n°1 "exchanges" with Mk XVI short range, P-47 and B-17 front and ventral gunners higher altitude short range on Bf 109 n°2. The Messerschmitts then release flames or smoke.



D - The P-51 n°628 shoots at short range from altitude 3 on the FW 190 n°3 A = 4 B = 2 at altitude 4: altitude peaks (3) and markers (3) misses the 4th following climb.
The WZ*i starts a split-S to try to come back in the wake of the Focke-Wulf.



E - Let's stop a bit on the Memphis-Belle WoG which is, in my opinion , a successful and widely commented model:
https://wingsofwar.1fr1.net/t1425-ww...avro-lancaster
But it deserves some touching up as seen in period photos:
- lighter khaki on the control surfaces
- more pronounced black stripes on the leading edges, especially the vertical stabilizer
- machine guns in matt black
- cockpit top in khaki
- propeller hubs in aluminum as well as the inside of the engines and of course blade tips in yellow
- black wing root bands covered (strange this light aspect on the N&B: bright aluminum due to the back and forth on the wing?)
- khaki green touch-ups on the wings and everywhere more in accordance with the B&W pictures
- dirt on the engine and exhaust.
.This is a model that has done 25 missions


TURN 7 to be continued

[monse]

This a huge campaign undertaken by only one player.
A real hero !
Great new AARs.

[Stumptonian]

Update of rounds 2 to 6

Enjoying this immensely.
REP on the way.

[CaptMoonbeam]

Scénario absolument fantastique, j'espère qu'ils rentreront tous à la maison!

[malachi]

Awesome scenario and love that Memphis Belle
REP

[camelbeagle]

Impressive! Most impressive!

[Teaticket]

Incredible battle. How many planes are flying?

[chee911sc]

All

Scénario absolument fantastique, j'espère qu'ils rentreront tous à la maison!

Il faudra lire le scénario jusqu'à la fin pour le savoir !!! You will have to read the script to the end to find out!!!

Incredible battle. How many planes are flying?

39 planes are scheduled to fly, some of them have the right to come back a second time on the map; the detail is in the 3rd photo of the AAR "Order of Battle"

[chee911sc]

TURN 7

A - The Bf 109 F n°2 in flames pursues in direction of the B-17 G and the two overlap causing a collision C = 0 for the bomber and C = 6 plus mishmash of damage on the Messerschmitt which takes blows of all the sides: MkIX JEoJ, rear gunner of the B-17 F.

The Mk XIV Spit shoots arrow after arrow as well as the right side gunner on the smoking Bf 109 n°1; this one arrives at an opportunity shot on the P-51 D n° 10 passing not far at the same altitude.



B - Rulers removed at the end of the turn for the countdown I do not give much hope of the skin of the plane drawn by Willy:



C - On the "LiL'8 Ball" side, the two FW 190s that passed through the allied interceptors are facing the B-17 and one of them can fire at short range from altitude 4 on the "VierMots" located at altitude 5.
Front and belly gunners each respond with an additional A damage.



D - Total damage of the Bf n°1: 17 (for 18 !!!!) It is time to run away…



E - Confirmation it was too much the n°2 goes down.



TURN 8

A - Overview of the operations.

Allied maneuvers are either clamped, beside or under the map and/or aircraft support.

Since the beginning of the scenario we have been dealing with a lot of opportunity shots and no real pursuit between fighters.
It is more efficient (I think) to define an interception point with an enemy in the distance by programming the maneuvers accordingly rather than to launch into Immelmann-style acrobatics, split-S to follow a close opponent because when realized the enemy is already far away.



B - More in detail:

JagdGeschwader 2's 190 marked with the black eagle climb to the top level; 4 new C damage taken by the Flying Fortress. Machine gunners are used but only get a total of 5 damage.



C - The 711st Bomber Squadron plane and the Spit are passing each other.
In the background, the fast Mk XIV turns sharply to hit the Bf 109 n°1 which escapes, stinging and masking its escape with black smoke...



D - Other side of the map like a fool I programmed a descent for the PRU which finds itself in front of the 109K, long range CC = 0-3. Note that on turn 8 a dca located next to the factories succeeded in firing at two distance rulers on the blue plane but with D = 0 damage.
The P-51 D PE*P, HO*M and HO*W finally cross the coast.



TURN 9

A - The flak next to the lake fires a shot (the first one on turn 9 so again on turn 13, then 17 etc...) with two rulers but only gets an A=2 successful shot but C=0 without effect.



B - The 88AAs are definitely sending out the junk on this turn!!! Fortunately for the B-17 it is an A=1 which is obtained.
The FW 190 n° 3 and 13 entered in the middle of the "flying fortress" box and are now facing the "trainard" of the group; they fire from level 4 at short range on the level 5 four-engine which returns fire with an "A" bonus. The n°13 CC = 3-8 the n°3 CC = 0-5. The gunners are effective in sending the FW 190 n°3 to the mat. (see total at the end of the turn)



C - The Mk IX passes within range of the Bf 109 f n°1 but really too high to worry it. The latter, still at 17 damage points, turns right before the sea towards a secondary field.



D - Two Me 110 of the ZG-26 are about to enter while the P-47s are returning towards England, oil "low level" but without having fired a single shot... Effectiveness to be reviewed during their return.



E - The coastal FlaK frames the trio of P-51 but without making any hit : A=0.



F - A third Focke-Wulf A-3 crashed with 20 damage; the "Jagdwaffe" should break off the fight before taking too many hits...

It is a rule I try to apply in the future, which is to "run away" as soon as you have reached the half of the fateful damage of the plane. It's hard to do when you're in the heat of the moment, but a quick dive or descent towards the friendly lines seems wiser, no ?



TURN 10

A - At the last moment before releasing the shooting the Spitfire PRU makes a last descent but as the result of the photographs will show it is inexploitable because blurred; the speed of passage on the first complex of factory is not in conformity with the rule; from where a partially missed objective for the moment...



B - Razorback and Spitfire try to lose altitude to frame the Bf 109 in their collimator but nothing makes it the Messerschmitt will escape them. In the distance, the Mustangs, always at slow speed, join their watchdog positions.



C - There it is not the same music the 30 mm Rheinmetall-Borsig of the 109-K completely tear apart a North-American; D-C-C = 10-6-0 + 0-3-0. A salvo from the Mustang is simultaneously sent on the yellow-nosed plane: B-B-B = 1-5-3 and the WZ*I pilot has just enough time to parachute as the P-51 ignites.
Without further delay the "blue nosed" HO*E adjusts a long range shot A-B = 2-3 on the 109 K n°8.



D - The "110" put full throttle to catch up with the bombers. We distinguish a FW 190 and a B-17 very close; but no possible shooting there is overlapping.



E - Meanwhile, the Mitchell had so much trouble lining up on the station that it gave up on opening the bomb bay doors and decided to make another run.

Tip for a successful bombing: line up as soon as possible on the target, for this case it is the XC Deck used; no choice of "micrometric" turn among the 11 movement cards: one meanders at slow speed with only one angle value for a left or right turn, a slip may be useful but too late the drop axis has been missed.



F - The losses then amount to 4 fighters lost for the Luftwaffe and 1 for the allies.



TURN 11 to be continued

[monse]

The first picture of turn 8 is so impressive : the global view shows the real difficulty to deal with so many planes.
It is interesting to get the secondary objectives in this turn involving the recon photographic Spitfire and the lone Mitchell and its bombing station mission.
This new report is a real masterpiece.

[chee911sc]

Thanks Simon for the comments... "masterpiece": let's be modest, it's not a musical composition.

Update !!!

TURN 11

A - First plane to withdraw from the fight the 109 n°1 "Franz" with a hole like a sieve will go to land; saving its pilot; but the plane is good for the scrap. The damage "4 + engine" was obtained during a collision thus without effect on the fast speed (the totals of the points will be done in final to count the losses, planes having broken the combat, damage, objectives reached etc...)



B - The 190's hanging on to their BMW's rise to altitude 4 and go on a rampage at close range on the Memphis Belle one level above. The #11 A-C-C = 1-0-6 + crew hit; the #24 A-C-C = 1 + engine(s) hit - 5 + rudder - 3 + smoke. The front, ventral and left lateral gunners make the gunpowder speak: 3-3 on the n°24, 1-1-0-3 + smoke on the n°11. Following the multi-engine rule and it is the upper turret gunner n°V who is wounded; the engines after 1 and 2 (on the left) emit white smoke and lose power.



C - The poorly maneuvered "red tail" #13 gets fatally framed by the two 109 K "Karl" the "<" C-C-D = 8-3-5 and the #8 C-C = 5-0 without having used the D unfortunately for the P-51 the count is already there.



D - The Razorback 2Z*M after its Split-S of the previous turns and before setting the course to the north-west finds itself a little by chance in front of a Me 110; the two strafe each other, the P-47 receives a 0-5 + wounded pilot; the twin-engine 0-5.
The slightly damaged FW 190 A-3 went towards an airfield where it could rearm and refuel with "gasoline".



E - The second Mustang of the game to the heap...



TURN 12

A - FW 190 #13 leaves the map on turn 12 to land and refuel; it will be allowed to return via the same location starting on turn 15.

Exit/Re-entry rule for this scenario: slightly damaged Luftwaffe aircraft may reappear 3 turns later.
Only undamaged Allied aircraft may reappear but after 5 turns.



B - Me 110 and P-47 D graze each other as the ZPoJ finally reaches the edge of the map.



C - Two opposite angles of the same action: FW 190 n°24 is "under" (arrow) the "Memphis Belle" and shoots at the "Lil' 8 Ball"; FW 190 n°11 has no target but receives salvos from a P-51 D and the khaki B-17.



D - The Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group, although still equipped with their extra tanks, took part in the fight and fired at the P-47 which did not hesitate to shoot twice A-B : 1-2 + ?-8 at the Me 110 "Wespen". The latter released its cannons and machine guns on the B-17 at the rear of the formation.



E - The Reco-Photo aircraft of the party gets sharp shots as shown in this B&W print:



TURN 13

A - Two "long-noses" appear at the edge of the map. This time the FlaK strikes a blow since ignoring the Spitfire and as defender of the factories the gunners aim at the B-17 in the distance (2 rulers) and obtain a D: 10...



B - End of the FW 190 n°11 fallen under the blows of a "blue nosed", the last A-8 passes under the B-17 without being able to touch it of its guns.



C - 13th fatal turn for the planes with black crosses the Bf 109 K n°8 in sent to the ground by the P-51 with the green tail which totals 13 points of damage because touched by the One-O-Nine in its 8 hours... It is time to return to stay whole.



D - Oops another German plane that falls; the 110 gives way under the blows of the 6 brownings calibre .50. (12.7mm)
In the foreground the "red tail" n°10 takes the way back hoping to stay in the air with its 15 points of damage.



E - In the background we have: the Mitchell level 2, the Me 110 level 4 shooting (A-C) at the B-17 level 5. The "Gunners" of the flying fortress are not at all agile this time: A-A-A-A = 0-0-0-0 !!!



F - The objective according to the navigator is straight ahead but the thick cloud layer does not confirm.
nevertheless the pilot passes the orders to the bomber who opens the holds of the B-17 F. The 2nd Boeing is aligned on the other factory and will drop its bombs theoretically in 2 turns.



G - Counting of the losses on the German side... 6



TURN 14

A - The P-47 UN*T and UN*W leave the map without a scratch, followed by the Spit MkIX, they will be able to return to the map on turn 18.
Too much trouble for the Rolls-Royce Griffon (6 damage) and the Mk V (8 damage) they stay down for repairs.



B - Target in sight!!! Stall card, advance and drop the bombs which will hit in two turns (altitude 5).
The blue Spit picks up a shot from an FW 190 D... Decidedly it is better to fly at high altitude with a PRU than to "hang around" at level 3.
The smoking FW 190 A-8 n° 24 heads for the exit before a last shot that could be fatal.
Of the " blue-nose " Mustangs, two are sent to intercept the "long-nose" 190 D and the third goes to sniff out the "yellow - nose" 109 K to better assess its condition at
<<< sight of nose : "À VUE DE NEZ" >>> in french



BoB booklet page 38 - Bombing: Players are never allowed to take measurements, except in the cases of shooting and chasing. Measuring the distance to the target to see if the bombs will hit it or not is prohibited.
Nevertheless, it is possible to "appreciate" the distance between the front of the bomber's support and the target from a distance; taking into account the altitude and the speed.
Remark: the difficulty to hit the target correctly from a high altitude reflects well historically the capabilities of the Norden sight whose results were ... random.

D - The mustang 528 shoots with A-B = 1-2 and finishes with the Messerschmitt.



E - The (non!) maneuverability of the B-25 is hilarious; getting back to the panzer convoy will take a long time.
The Me 110 chasing the B-17 tried everything, but the gunners set fire to the twin-engine plane, which only inflicted a 0-0 before diving.



F - Full of hydrazine/methanol fuel and hydrogen peroxide oxidizer the two komet's take off.



G - It's time to take stock of the bombers' damage, plus their racks are getting too crowded:

L'il 8 Ball: 19 damage including a direct FlaK hit of D=10, one engine damaged and smoking.
Memphis Belle: 39 damage, two dusty engines and one wounded on board.
A Bit O' Lace: 22 damage but trailing the formation.



H - + 1 for German losses



TURN 15

A - Refueling and ammunition (never at the same time) for these two Mk V's for a new appearance in turn 17.
Notwithstanding the big difference in scale, the tanker illustrates the scene:



B - It's still a fight with the rear guard who definitely neutralizes the 110 survivor.



C - "Bombs away" for the "L'iL 8 Ball" which targets the second factory. The "Memphis Belle" takes a left turn at high speed to get out of the sector which is becoming unhealthy: "We worked for Uncle Sam now we're going back to protect ourselves"... The bombs will hit on the next turn.



D - Recap of the hits taken by the Messerschmitt.

[monse]

It’s a real slaughter for the Luftwaffe.
Keep up the good job, boys.
Let’s bomb the targets.

[Vagabond]

Thanks Simon for the comments... "masterpiece": let's be modest, it's not a musical composition.

You say that, but it's very well orchestrated

I'm reading this on a tablet and the pictures are quite small so it's a little difficult to identify the planes you are refering to but I greatly admire the effort and thought you've put into the scenario and the game report.
I'm waiting to see if all the blood spilled will result in the bombs hitting the target, as you said, trying to line up the planes is difficult and then it all rests on one final decision - when do you drop them. From high altitude it can be very tricky.
Good luck.

[chee911sc]

Now turns 16 to 20

TURN 16

A - Isolated from any enemy these planes maneuver without fear of being shot at:
- The P-51 #528 survives as best it can with its 13 points of damage and flies towards the exit.
- The Mitchell kept on turning to get back to the target.
- The blue Spit remains at altitude 3 with the railroad convoy in its axis (to be checked if the smoke plume should not be removed, which should last 6 turns).
- The Mustang #10 well damaged having taken 15 damages approaches the coast at the limit of the map.
- Same for the P-47 2Z*M and a seriously wounded pilot.
- The FW 190 A-8 n°24 is in bad shape but manages to get out of the combat zone.
- The two Komet continue their takeoff phase.



B - The pilot of the B-17 with white engine hoods had the very good idea to carry out a right slide (it can evolve at high speed) which makes it possible to the FW 190 D to overlap the flying fortress and thus to avoid the shootings >> Use of airplane cards to locate the two single-seaters.
The rear gunner of the khaki B-17 sends 2 points of damage to the Lange-Naze #4 for an A-C = 2-0 in reply.



The Boeing on the left of the image drops its bombs which will hit the ground in two rounds.

BUT I realize that at the same time a shot is sent to the FW #4 ... Is it allowed to aim/drop the bombs and shoot with the nose guns?

The composition of the B-17 G crew can be defined as follows:
II...
III-CHIN & CHEEK GUNNER : BOMBARDIER
IV-CHIN & CHEEK GUNNER : NAVIGATOR
V...
So bombing and shooting can be done together.

We have seen that crew members can be wounded and therefore unable to manage their position; if one of the two gunners III or IV is absent no joint sighting/shooting maneuver; at worst the two wounded no bombing and no shooting from the "CHIN" turret.

At that moment the bombs of the Memphis Belle hit the target:



C - The two Razorbacks and the Mk IX in the parking lot, the mechanics are busy for the "reset" for a takeoff as soon as possible and to succeed the appointment with the return of the big carriers.



TOUR 17

A - Reasonably the A-8 has returned to its airfield; badly damaged and unable to leave for a second round.



B - The Mk V appear again over the "Channel" focusing on the FlaK which remains dangerous, hence the level 2 kept to be ready to melt on the guns.



C - The FW 190 D #10 shoots a very efficient C-C-C = 0-8-8 while the side gunner defends himself at A = 2. The turns where the FlaK batteries fire ineffectively no image necessary but there it hurts: D = 12 on a P-51 to which it remains only to return.



D - Crossfire of the three four-engined planes on the FW #4 but only from the A-B; sober but effective; on the other hand the guns of the single-seater send at long range / same altitude a set A-C = 3-6 which hits:
17th turn fatal to the B-17 F



E - No matter how many times we count, this one will not return to Bassingbourn.



TURN 18

A - Cautious to the shots to be taken the PRU should "frame" the objective.

In addition to a special Deck R* the Me163's rate of climb is commensurate with its performance: two levels per card climb.



B - In spite of a descent card, the FW #4 takes again some grapeshot.
The final assessment of the state of the objectives will be made after the smoke that masks the sector has dissipated.

BoB page 38 "Bombardment": After counting the damage or victory points, discard the bomb card. Uh... no, it's better to wait until the aera has been cleared to count the points



C - Finally the 2Z*M comes home; but here a new loss for the Luftwaffe:



TOUR 19

A - The English Channel is not crossed with a single propeller stroke; again at low speed.



B - 15 + 4 = well 19: authorized shot: the FlaK pulls again and succeeds an A=2 + C=6 + engine(s) it becomes complicated for the "A Bit O' Lace".



C - Evasive maneuvers between two opponents and the B-25 which does not finish turning.



TURN 20

A - Mk IX again on the breach.



B - Pack of Mustangs chasing the Focke-Wulf: the HO*M at the same altitude shoots in A-B = 2-7 + engine, which means small speeds from now on for the German.



C - Hurray! Successful pictures for the "Delta-Papa" lens



D - To remain grouped is an imperative in spite of the deteriorated manoeuvrability of the two Boeings, in the distance the "Komet" are approaching at 800 kmh.

Details of the sequence of cards played for the rocket plane: take-off and level 1; followed by three "climbs" for an engine cut at level 7. Then, a straight line "high speed" card must be played immediately followed by the chosen maneuver card. As Me163 pilots are "aces", there are no "recovery" markers after a card <>



It's going to get even hotter the next few rounds

[monse]

Wow, these are epic turns.
What a pity for the Memphis Belle.
Next turns might be terrible for the two remaining B-17, as the Me.163 are flying straight and fast.

[Mike George]

Nicely done.

[chee911sc]

I'm reading this on a tablet and the pictures are quite small so it's a little difficult to identify the planes you are refering to but I greatly admire the effort and thought you've put into the scenario and the game report.

Yes I imagine that from a tablet the images are reduced and the planes hard to identify...
My problem is that originally my images are 5 MB but the reception and the layout reduces them to 80 to 110 KB (logically the site does not have infinite space so reduces our images ...) So the resolution is no longer optimum ... Sorry

Wow, these are epic turns.
What a pity for the Memphis Belle.
Next turns might be terrible for the two remaining B-17, as the Me.163 are flying straight and fast.

Yes I know the history of the Memphis Belle has not been respected... But two Komets arrive and the crews of the remaining Boeings have only to make wishes to save themselves... Or prepare their machine guns

Nicely done.

All

[chee911sc]

Update !

TURN 21

A - American crossfire on the FW 190 D which retaliates with an A-C = 4 + engine and 6 on the B-17. The mustang in the 6 h of the black cross fighter fires a second timein B-B-B + A = 5-0-1-0 added to the 3A = 0-0-2 of the bomber + another Mustang in the 9 h by A-B = 1-2 in total 11 points of damage plus those already taken...It's time to extricate from the monoplane along with the parachute. "pébroke" in French slang.



B - The reloaded flak batteries try to frame two RAF planes without success.



C - The rocket planes go down one level and align themselves on the flying fortress box.



D - Once the rulers are removed from the field (picture below) it's time for the countdown; two opponents go down at the end of turn 21:



E - The "JagdWaffe" has completed its mission, two "VierMots" (at least) will not return; note the "Red Tail" #10 which returns to its base well damaged.



TURN 22

A - Now the 30mm Komet's are unleashed on the only surviving B-17; one at short range and the other further away at long range at the same altitude as the four-engine aircraft: D-D-D = 5-0-5 while the turret "chin" sends in A-B = 1 + engine - 3 well adjusted and the left side gunner inflicts an A = 2. A Mustang materialized by a "red tail!" card adjusts the Me163 with an A-B = 3-4 shot.



B - Not far from there a P-51 with D-Day stripes finishes its Immelmann by crossing a cloud; but it will be too late to come back in the wake of the Komet.



C - The fatigue of a second flight is felt: error of programming two Mk V collide and receive a D = 3 and a D = 5... Pfff depressed at not being attentive; and this with an advantageous rule change.



D - Arrived safely for this 528 and its 13 impacts.



TURN 23

A - A dramatic turn at the beginning of the turn between the tail gunner and the Mustang's fine shooter, 2 "wounded pilot" damages are fired and the Me 163 goes adrift... The second Messerschmitt still inflicts a D-D = 12-0 on the HO*M Mustang. In the distance a Flak battery tries a shot but misses its target.



B - On the other side of the map there is also a fight: the guns are still a target to be reached; here without success for the MkIX shots.



C - Let's go for a last picture of the Komet; it's not common for a Mustang to hit this elusive aircraft.



PS: the Mitchell announces that it will bomb

TURN 24

A - Clear sky over the factories we can now assess the damage: theoretically cqfd rule BoB page 38 victory points: 8 points if the red dot in the center of the target card is covered by the bomb card; 4 points if the red dot is not covered but the target card is partially covered. So here we have 16 points awarded.



B - Finally the B-25 can drop on its target; from altitude 2 the bombs hit immediately the wagons loaded with panzer (8 points more!?!) but the bridge and the locomotive are not hit.



C - For the purpose of the picture the Spit's map was put under the flak which received a .50 caliber burst at close range: B-B-B-B = 0-2-5-0.



D - Komet & Mustang overlap at different altitudes; the limited range of the Me 163 forces it to head for the exit.



E - To the credit of the allies: a battery of anti-aircraft gun HS.(Hors Service >> out of order)



TURN 25

A - Off the map and onto the field for this JG400 aircraft. The Mustang initiates a Split-S.



B - The Mitchell unloads its cargo and pushes its two engines full throttle and avoids a last 88mm shot.



C - Landing skid extended and landed near Leipzig.



A little rest and drink before the continuation...

[monse]

Exciting turns.
Dramatic ending for the second fortress.
The approach picture of the two Komets is impressive.
Hopefully for the last fortress, the damage chits were not as deadly as it could have been.
Love the Immelmann picture of the Mustang.
Good find for the Razorback beverage.

[chee911sc]

: no more !!! >> Update Be careful,it's falling!

TURN 26

A - Although not designated as the main target the locomotive is framed in the sights of the ZPoE which fires at low altitude and long range A-B = 3-7. Next image it is the ZPoJ which inflicts in the same conditions a 0-2 on the flak which is not yet destroyed.



TURN 27

A - The re-inflated FW 190 A-3 #13 re-emerges and heads for the last B-17 in flight.



B - Too high; level 3; too fast for this Mustang which aimed at a flak after its descent card.



C - That's it for the locomotive which takes a B-C-C = 1-5-6 at short range: steam escapes. The other MkV also ends for a second shot at 6-3-0 on the FlaK.



D - Objective more than achieved with the panzer convoy destroyed, the loco out of action and the anti-air now inoperative.



TURN 28

By a measured inch the B-17 is at long range of the Focke-Wulf but the gunner does not hit: C-C = 0-0. Suspension for the flying-fortress?
In England in Rattlesden we count the minutes from now on because the first four-engine aircraft without damage should begin to cross the "Channel" after 28 turns...



TOUR 29

Pfffff hyper efficient shooting of the grey fighter at short range same altitude : A-C-C-C = 3-3-0-8. But what are the escort fighters doing? They turn to get closer but there the FW is not even worried by the B-17 gunners: 0-0-0 more ammunition?!?



TOUR 30

A - We had almost forgotten about this one, the PRU finally returns to turn 30 despite 9 hits but with its precious shots.



B - A Mustang still very far in the enemy lines flies low to silence this dca with a shot of A-B = 2-4; while at the same time the reloaded gun fires an ineffective A = 1.



C - The "Lil 8 ball" loses a level but the "tail-gunner" finally hits with a B = 3 on the monoplane within 6 h of the bomber. The V & VI gunners miss their shots: A-A = 0-0. Instead of turning right the FW starts a Split-S in order to be in the wake of the B-17.



TOUR 31

A - Figure accomplished for the German but surprise the HO*W Mustang has just lost a level and the two fighters find themselves face to face B-B-B = 4-3-0 for the 6 brownings and the guns inflict 1 A + 4 C = 0-0-8-6 on the P-51... The "A" is missing in the picture investigation to be conducted...
The MkIX in the 6 h too low (level 2) can not shoot.



B - On three engines the plane does not hold the altitude and the pilot will try to rally the English coast; but the rear gunner scans the sky to observe the return - or not - of the adverse hunting.



The epilogue is coming soon: will the last B-17 reach England?

[monse]

Effective attacks on many ground targets.
Congrats to the low altitude flying boys.
Now we watch for the last 4 engines bomber to land safely.

[chee911sc]

TURN 32

A - A sharp turn allowed the gray fighter to get back in the wake of the flying fortress but the B-17 is too far away and had lost another level of altitude.
For the FW the danger comes from elsewhere: a Mustang appears in the "6 O'clock" and with a modest A-B = 0-4 shot at long range awards the damage count of the 190 A-3 to 19... The last opponent leaves the field for good; nothing more to fear from the FlaK eliminated from their positions.



B - One aircraft to add to the total of the Luftwaffe losses in this scenario.



TOUR 33

A - The "LiL' 8 Ball" leaves the map on turn 39: the crew is particularly happy with this outcome... 50% of losses for all the bombers (B-17 + B-25) it is enormous.
44 points of damage a last fight could have been fatal for the four-engined plane.



B - Summary of all the allied survivors: the exit turn in insert plus the damage suffered; kind of memo which will be useful for the counts.



C - It remains to succeed a landing for the B-17 G handicapped by many breakdowns on the first airfield bordering the English coast while being inspired by this rescue:



D - Fortunately the belly gunner got out of his position before the crash which brings back the crew safely:



E - Next and last step a summary of the damages, losses and points attributions because at this stage we can not designate a winner





Not easy to declare a winner; 370 hits for the Allies against 300 for the Luftwaffe, 4 planes lost on the US side against 16 for the JagdGeschwader; 2/3 of the missions accomplished on both sides.

If we take the WoG rule: 18 points for a bomber; 12 points per fighter; 4 pts per FlaK; 8 pts per factory hit in the center if not 4. And these points according to the scenarios taken in example are weighted. moreover it misses the quotation of a successful mission...
Without drowning in accounts and counts the fact of having eliminated 2 bombers out of 3 gives a little more to the Luftwaffe in spite of enormous losses; also the factories of Schweinfurt are not completely destroyed thus the 8th AF will have to return... with what? BUT only 3 German planes out of 16 are survived for a possible new interception.
The escort fighters did not optimize the numerical superiority and go in front of the B-17 to protect them better; on the other hand they are still 16 on the 18 at the beginning.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND DILIGENCE IN FOLLOWING THIS STORY.

[Stumptonian]

Absolutely fantastic AAR with loads of detail and a terrific finish.

Very well-deserved REP incoming ...

[monse]

Congratulations for leading this huge multi turns report.
Very nice display of the belly landed B-17, along with the movie pictures.

From a historical point of view, I would say it is a failed mission for the allied side as the Germans have moved many of their armaments factories to underground places.

[Teaticket]

Wow, what an epic battle! Well done and REP cannot thank you enough.

[Spad VII]

Surely one of the longest solo scenarios that I have seen !
And we never tire of going back to review the images from the beginning "
"Bravo" again Jean-Luc " aka " chee911sc "

[milcoll73]

i see they dropped the ball turret before bellying in so as not to punch the stanchion through her back. shell fly again. and sooner rather then later!