Battle of France - Part I has now been released!

[UncleTgt]

Wow, when you list it like that it shows the level of commitment made... and the losses incurred trying to stave off a French defeat.

[Rami]

Wow, when you list it like that it shows the level of commitment made... and the losses incurred trying to stave off a French defeat.

John,

For each day I'm working through, I start by consolidating the two lists and making coherent sense of it, and then figure out from which side the mission will be flown. I also am trying to avoid too much repitition, although in some cases it's unavoidable. Without having a ready-made mission and having to do every one from scratch, I plan and map it out in my mind before I turn mission builder into my own personal etch-a-sketch.

[UncleTgt]

Pity she's not really fast enough to catch anything once they knew you were around...

[baldy]

two can play this game




the first 'stealth' fighter

[Rami]

Baldy and UncleTgt,

Great pics. I've been plugging away, working through 22 May...

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Support the drive to Calais
"summary_string"=Kameraden, herhören! Allied forces are now about to be pushed out of Boulogne, and our kommanders want to eliminate any aerial resistance in the area as Panzer units will now start their push on Calais. To this end, you'll raid the airfield at Saint Omer and destroy any resistance there. Show the Allied soldiers their time in France is over! (In actuality, the British left this base the evening of 20 May)
"objective_string"=On the evening of 22 May, Stukas from III/StG 2 were intercepted just west of Hazebrouck, France by Hurricanes of 145 Squadron. It seems that one Stuka from 9/StG 2 was lost on this mission, along with a Bf-109 from 2/JG 51. No Hurricanes seem to have been lost. A target was not specified, but given where the Germans were intercepted and the locations where aircraft were lost, the airfield at Saint Omer was the likely target, & this has been reflected during the mission. The total number of planes involved is unknown.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will join the other Stukas and fly northwest toward the Channel. As you pass the airfields northeast of Reims, you will meet up with the escorts, whom will protect you over the target. As you approach Saint Omer, you will use the town of Hazebrouck (just off the starboard wing) as a reference point. Over this aerodrome, focus your attacks on hangars, fuel stores, ammo crates, and other buildings. When finished, quickly clear out to the southeast and fly back to base. NOTE: This mission will nearly exhaust your fuel stores, so do not linger too long over the target. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=France - Vassincourt

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Hunting over Hazebrouck
"summary_string"=Achtung, kameraden! The British have been thrown back at Arras; they are now trying desperately to hold on to the Channel ports as we push them back to the sea! You will hit a vehicle depot that recce units located in the town of Hazebrouck, east of Saint Omer. If we can destroy this depot, we may be able to paralyze their retreat, and be able to trap them in France! Let's do our part to make this happen!
"objective_string"=On the evening of 22 May 1940, whilst III/StG 2 was attacking Saint Omer, II/StG 77 was nearby, attacking vehicles on the roads east of this base. Unlike the Stukas of III/StG 2, this Stuka force lacked escort, & got intercepted by Hurricanes of 151 Squadron. Four Stukas were shot down, & the effectiveness of the raid is not known. Two major changes have been made to this mission; an escort of Bf-110s are included to improve survivability, and a vehicle depot in the town of Hazebrouck has been chosen as the target.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will join with the other Stukas and then head west into France. While StG 2 raids Saint Omer, your flight will raid an enemy vehicle depot in Hazebrouck, about fifteen kilometers to the east. Along the way, an escort of Bf-110s will meet you before leaving Belgium. Over the target, focus on destroying enemy vehicles, fuel stores, & buildings in the depot. When complete, break off and return to Brustem. Hopefully, the escorts can fend off enemy fighters so you can hit your targts accurately. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Belgium - Brustem

"title_string"=Battle of France - Supporting our forces at Bapaume
"summary_string"=Attention, pilotes! Aujourd'hui, nous aurons besoin de vos meilleurs effort! Allied forces took back & are still controlling the town of Bapaume, & we'll patrol over the area to try & ward off any German attacks. The town lies on a major road junction, & the Germans want to take it back. Let's show them that we will protect and support our comrades on the ground!
"objective_string"=The evening of 22 May 1940 saw Ju-87s in action all over the front. Prior to the evening attacks by StG 2 and StG 77, Stukas of I/Trägergruppe 186 were intercepted by Dewoitine D-520s of GC II/3 between Bapaume and Cambrai. These Stukas were escorted by Bf-110s. During this running dogfight, two Stukas were shot down and one damaged, but a D-520 was lost & two damaged. Another Bf-110 was lost in combat just east of Lille; this has been absorbed into the mission. Any Stukas lost are not known. The town of Bapaume has been selected as the target, but this can't be verified historically.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will join the other D-520s and head north-northeast, climbing up to 4,000 meters before you reach Bapaume. From here, continue to Cambrai, scanning for German fighters or bombers in the area. If you do run into any bombers, try to keep them from reaching Bapaume, where some of our forces are desperately keeping the town from enemy hands. Let's lend support to our friends on the ground and protect them from the Germans!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Dewoitine D520 Mai 1940
"airfield_string"=France - Dammartin-en-Goele

"title_string"=Battle of France - Martin Marylands entering the fray
"summary_string"=Écoutez aviateurs! Les véhicules allemands sont en mouvement, et nous devons les arrêter! Today, you will fly a new bomber, the 167F, which is fast and more nimble, so let's now put these planes to good use and knock out the Wehrmacht column. We must show the enemy that they cannot move around with impunity!
"objective_string"=Around noon on 22 May 1940, Martin 167Fs made their debut in the Battle of France with GB I/63, attacking German columns along the roads between Cambrai and Le Cateau. While raiding the columns, two of these bombers were holed by flak. Luckily, the bombers did not encounter any enemy fighters despite lacking escorts, & they all appear to have made it back. The effectiveness of the raid on the column is not known.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will head northeast toward the town of Cambrai. From there, you will continue to the east-southeast, sweeping the road and looking for any sign of enemy vehicle movement. When you find the enemy column, use your bombs to wipe out as many vehicles as possible. If German fighters are not nearby, you may use your machine guns to make a strafing run. Once your attack is complete, continue to Le Cateau to make sure the roads are clear, then return to your base at Evereux. Bonne chance!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Martin A167 GBI/62 1940
"airfield_string"=France - Evreux

"title_string"=Battle of France - Débuts des bombardiers américain
"summary_string"=Écoutez aviateurs! Les véhicules allemands sont en mouvement, et nous devons les arrêter! Today, you will fly a new bomber, the DB-7, which is fast and more nimble, so let's now put these planes to good use and knock out the Wehrmacht column. We must show the enemy that they cannot move around with impunity!
"objective_string"=Around noon on 22 May 1940, Douglas DB-7s made their debut in the Battle of France with GB II/19, attacking German columns along the roads between Cambrai & Saint Quentin. These were accompanied by Potez 633s of GBA II/52 & Breguet 693s from GBA I/51, who were attacking in the same area at the time. Over this column, they were intercepted by Bf-109s of I/JG 3. Two Potez 633s were shot down, together with two Douglas DB-7s, while one Breguet 693 was damaged by flak & then by 109s, but apparently survived. The escort of Bloch 152s for this mission is fictional, but provided for your protection.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will fly northeast, meeting up with these Breguet and Potez bombers before you reach Cambrai. From Cambrai, you will follow the roads south toward Saint Quentin. When you find the German column, use your bombs to wipe out as many vehicles as possible. If enemy fighters show up, the escorts should be able to handle it, while your bombers clear the area. After reaching Saint Quentin, turn southwest and make your way back to Evereux. The other bombers will break off and return to their base en route, as will the escorts. Bonne chance!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=TR_Boston
"airfield_string"=France - Evreux

[Killer Svend]

Rami,

I look forward to fight the battles on the day I was born, the 22nd May 1940.

Killer Svend

[Ravenna]

Rami,

I look forward to fight the battles on the day I was born, the 22nd May 1940.

Killer Svend

Would that be a milk run?

[Killer Svend]

Ravenna

Definitely!!!!!!

Killer Svend

[Rami]

Good morning,

Here are a couple of interesting missions...

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Raze the field at Aspelare
"summary_string"=Männer, herhören! A Henschel Hs-126 recce plane witnessed a British Lysander land at a small field near Aspelare, Belgium. Your Stukas will raid this field, hitting stores, aircraft, & the enemy forces now occupying the field. Let's show the enemy that they will not use this airbase to spy on our forces without being overrun!
"objective_string"=After dawn on 16 May 1940, a German recce plane spotted a British Lysander landing at a small grass field in Belgium, near the village of Aspelare. The German plane radioed the location of the airfield, & a large formation of Stukas were sent to hit the field. The RAF planes were a flight of six Lizzies detatched from 4 Sqn, based out of Lille-Ronchin. This mission differs from history by having a low chance of intercept by Belgian biplane fighters, & by having these Stukas also raid the nearby towns of Ninove and Geraardsbergen.
"intelligence_string"=After take off, form up with the other Stukas and climb up to 3,000 meters as you head into Belgium. Near Aspelare all Stukas will spread out, with one gruppe hitting Ninove, & another Geraardsbergen. After your attack, clear out toward the northeast and head back to Germany. The Belgian aircraft is not yet a defeated force, so keep those eyes open for all enemy fighters, just in case. Near Aspelare airfield, Make sure to pound parked aircraft, fuel stores, and ammo crates. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

"title_string"=BoF Kampfgeschwader - Set a trap for Lysanders
"summary_string"=Meine Herren! Our friends on the ground have set a trap to catch the British aircraft that have been recording our movements, & we'll finish them off. The shelling of their airbase has ceased, allowing them to escape. They are heading for Saint Omer, where we're attacking, and the fighters escorting your bombers will finish 'em off! Let's swat these enemy flies right out of the sky!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 22 May, the remaining thirteen Lysanders left Lille-Ronchin after a lull in German shelling allowed them to escape. However, it was a ploy; by the time they reached St. Omer they were met by an attack of some fifty Dorniers, Bf-109s, & Bf-110s. This lull in the shelling was a trap, and these remaining Lysanders were forced to scatter. This eliminated many of the remaining Lysanders, as they were picked off by fighters. For the sake of variety, this German version has the Lysanders attacked at St. Omer, the British mission will have the attack at Lille-Ronchin.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you'll fly west-northwest & climb to 3,250 meters. Along the way to Saint Omer, you will meet up with the escort of Bf-110s & Bf-109s. You'll be lower than usual for this raid; the 109s and 110s will try to intercept these Lysanders who should be reaching Saint Omer around the time of your raid. Your bombers are essentially "bait," so after you release, clear the field while the escort fighters mop up. Let's try to get all these bombers home, we have got the Brits on the ropes and will need all our resources to finish the job!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Dornier Do-17Z2
"airfield_string"=Germany - Gelnhausen

[Rami]

Good afternoon,

If you aim them right, they can be effective...

[UncleTgt]

There were lots of Blue on Blue incidents this early in the war.

This Blenheim IVF of 248 squadron was part of a vic of 3 that fought an air battle with three Bf-110s off the Belgian coast, claiming a kill. The British flight claimed two in total, with a single Bf-110 escaping. Only on their return to base did they find out they had shot down a Potez 631. The French similarly reported an air battle with Ju-88s...

One of the Frenchmen that bailed out was nearly lynched by Belgians on landing, who were also convinced he must be a German. Talk about a bad day!

[Rami]

Good evening,

A couple more in the books...

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Guard the Channel convoys
"summary_string"=To your fighters, gentlemen! British vessels are in the Channel and your Spitfires have been assigned to fly a patrol over the ships, defending 'em from attacks by German fighters and bombers. Meet the ships off of Boulogne, & then keep them safe until they get through the Channel, & show the Germans that the waters of the Channel belong to us!
"objective_string"=In the early afternoon on 22 May, Spitfires of 54 and 74 Squadron intercepted Ju-88s of III/LG 1, raiding British ships in the English Channel off of Boulogne. Two Ju-88s were shot down and another bomber damaged; in actuality, the total might have been as high as three, with another damaged after being attacked by 65 Squadron. She crash-landed near Montreuil-sur-Mer. It seems that no Spitfires were lost during this mission.
"intelligence_string"=After getting into the air, you'll form up with the other Spitfires & then head southeast to reach the Channel. Once over the water you'll trace the path of the ships from Boulogne up to the north & east, defending the convoy from attack. The tanker ship Cleary is the ship that we can least afford to lose. Once all attacks are repulsed, you'll sweep ahead of these ships to confirm their path remains clear, & then return to the airfield at Hornchurch. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Spitfire_MK1A 54 Sqn Deere
"airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Dusk patrol of Pas-de-Calais
"summary_string"=Get airborne now! A Blenheim bomber is about to overfly your base, and 32 Sqn will escort it while the recce bomber monitors German vehicle columns moving on the frontline. Try to protect the bomber if it's possible, but also attempt to get the better of any Germans you encounter. Let's show the hun that France has not been conquered yet!
"objective_string"=Just before dusk on 22 May, 32 Sqn undertook an evening patrol across France, flying from Merville to Arras. Above Arras, they ran right into Bf-109s of I/JG 1 and possibly I/JG 27. It seems that the Hurricanes got the better of these Bf-109s during the encounter, shooting down two, possibly three Bf-109s for the loss of a Hurricane. This mission has been combined with a single Blenheim bomber which crash-landed at Haucourt, just several miles southeast of Arras. It is unknown if there was any connection, but the two events happened in close proximity, so it appeared logical to combine them.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, your Squadron will form up around the Blenheim and follow her as the bomber sweeps from Merville down to Arras, looking for any signs of enemy vehicles, especially along the road from Cambrai to Arras. If German fighters are sighted, engage them and attempt to keep these away from the recce bomber. Even if this Blenheim is lost, be aggressive and take down as many fighters as you can. Once you exhaust all ammo, break off & make your way back to Manston, where you'll retire for the evening. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Hurricanemk1 32 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Ramsgate

[Rami]

Good afternoon,

More work completed....

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Quelling German movement
"summary_string"=Listen up! Tonight, we will attack crossings along the Meuse, focusing on the bridges being used to funnel enemy troops to the front. If we can knock out the bridges & factories in these towns we may blunt the German offensive in this area, and force them to divert forces from elsewhere. Let's keep the pressure on them!
"objective_string"=The evening of 22 May 1940 saw a force of some twenty-six Battles and Blenheims attack crossings along the Meuse near Fumay and Château-Regnault. (The town of Revin has been used as a substitute) No information on the effectiveness of the raid is available, except that nine of the planes returned without locating their targets. The Battles of 103 and 142 Squadrons, operating from Gaye, were in action primarily at night, but as the situation grew more desperate, they began being used in daylight operations again.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will fly north-northeast to hit the town of Fumay, which is along the Meuse River & has been used by the Germans as a crossing for their troops and for vehicle columns. A formation of Blenheims will hit the town of Revin just after your release. Over this target, focus on factories or bridges in the town, and watch out for German fire. Once your raid is complete, return to Gaye to refuel and reload. Do not linger too long over the target; these Battles are very vulnerable to enemy fire!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Battle Mk1
"airfield_string"=France - Gaye

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - The Blenheims test thier luck
"summary_string"=Listen up, airmen! Our brethren on the ground are trying to hold on to the port at Boulogne, and your bombers will bolster their effort by locating and attacking any German columns moving toward them along the road from Samer and Montreuil-sur-Mer. Let's show the Germans we won't hang our forces on the ground out to dry!
"objective_string"=In the early evening of 22 May, two Blenheims of 15 and 107 Squadron were lost over the course of two hours, with seven more being heavily damaged by ground fire while making attack runs on enemy columns between Montreuil-sur-Mer and Boulogne, concentrating at the town of Samer. Fortunately, the exposed bombers were not attacked by enemy fighters, but their overall effectiveness in halting the German columns appears to be minimal. By the end of the day, the situation for the British at the port seemed hopeless.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off you'll form up and fly southeast, crossing the French coastline near Boulogne. Your altitude for the sortie will remain low; your flight will release from 2,000 feet, while the other two flights will stack at intervals of 1,000 feet above you. As you approach Samer, look for any German columns moving north & attack them, destroying as many vehicles as you can. After you release, turn due north to clear the area and return to England. If these skies are clear, you may make a strafing pass, but be careful; we cannot afford to lose our bombers at this critical time. Get back safe, & be ready for the fight tomorrow!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Blenheim Mk4-1 105 Sqn RAF Hughie Edwards
"airfield_string"=England - Fowlmere

[Rami]

Good evening,

The last missions for 22 May...

"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Boulogne is now the focus
"summary_string"=Aufgepasst, kamerad! Luftwaffe bombers are now passing through Belgium, well on their way toward the Pas-de-Calais, where they will attack the Port of Boulogne. You'll meet the bombers & shield 'em from interception over France. Let's show the RAF that we will knock out these ports and prevent the British from escaping the continent!
"objective_string"=Just after noon on 22 May a formation of He-111s from III/KG 27 with a fighter escort of Bf-109s from I/JG 3 were intercepted north of Arras and west of Douai by 605 Sqn Hurricanes. During this ensuing fight four Hurricanes were brought down, but not without taking three enemy bombers down with them. It's unclear what the enemy target was. For the purposes of the mission Boulogne has been selected as the target, but this cannot be verified historically.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will head north-northwest to meet up with the bombers just northeast of Ypres, Belgium. After forming up you will head southwest back into France, remaining with these bombers as they raid the port of Boulogne. If British fighters appear, you will engage them and try to draw their fire away from the bomber formation. All escorts will be Bf-109s on this mission, so you won't have to worry about any Bf-110s on this mission. After the bombers clear the target, bring them back into Belgium before you depart the formation & return to Cambrai. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_BF109E_Witt_Schla geter-JG26
"airfield_string"=France - Cambrai-Forenville

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Early-morning Battle attacks
"summary_string"=To your planes! Our task is to fly an early morning armed reconnaissance, looking for enemy columns on the move at first light. You will patrol between Amiens and Abbeville, using your bombs to attack anything any enemy vehicle that moves! Let's show the Germans that we won't let them move along the frontline with impunity!
"objective_string"=Just after dawn on 22 May, Fairey Battles of 103 and 142 Squadrons attacked a German column near the village of Bernaville, just to the northwest of Amiens. While they were not intercepted by enemy fighters, three Battles were forced to crash-land with severe damage from ground fire. There were other Battle raids in this area throughout the day; these have been included in the mission.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you'll fly north & then northwest, heading for the front near Amiens and Abbeville. Your altitude for this mission will be low to ensure accuracy, but this also means you will be exposed to ground fire, so keep your speed as high as you can. When you locate the German column, attack at will. If you do miss with the bombs, make strafing passes. Once the raid is complete, clear out to the south & return to the airfield at Gaye. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Battle Mk1
"airfield_string"=France - Gaye

[Rami]

Good morning,

I'm doing a full CFS2 backup this evening to make sure I have everything saved for the final push. But to wet your whistle, Kdriver sent me a couple of small airfields for Lysander close support missions. This one pictured is Aspelare in Belgium, near the towns of Geraardsbergen and Ninove.

[Rami]

Hello again,

The second is Monchy-Lagache, which is close to the town of Péronne.

[Rami]

Hello again,

Here is Schiphol airfield at Amsterdam, now GSL; the roof textures are a work in progress.

[Rami]

Good afternoon,

Here is an interesting mission...

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Rescue of 74 Sqn Ldr White
"summary_string"=Attention!! C/O White of 74 Sqn had to force-land his damaged Spitfire at Calais-Marck following an engagement with a Henschel Hs126 reconnaissance plane. You've volunteered to get him back. A Miles Master advanced trainer is warmed up and waiting for you, and you'll head to Calais, land, and bring back this C/O. We can't lose experienced pilots at a time when our own country is the next in line to be attacked!
"objective_string"=During 74 Squadron's dawn patrol. C/O & Sqn Ldr White's Spitfire was damaged, & he was forced to set down at Calais. At 1030 hours, a Miles Master was sent to rescue the pilot at Calais, escorted by two 54 Sqn Spitfires. Over Calais, P/O Allen saw Bf-109s diving on them from 9,000ft, and both he & P/O Deere engaged 'em, claiming three of these Bf-109s, while the Germans reported two lost. One Spitifre was damaged. The Miles Master was able to escape, and the pilot reached England safely.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will head southeast and depart England over Dover, then heading over the Channel & coming ashore in France just east of the port of Calais. As you near Calais-Marck, set down on one of the two grass runways. Once you reach the spot where the runways cross, wait with engine running until you receive a notice Sqn Ldr White boarded the plane. Once this happens, clear out and return with Sqn Ldr White to Hornchurch. Two Spitfires will escort you & handle any German fighters that may interfere. However, if fighters do attack you, evade them and make good your escape. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Miles M9 Master Mk1a
"airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch

[UncleTgt]

...and this is what she looks like...

You'll have escort, so no problem, ehh.

[Rami]

John,

Very nice!

I actually sent Jamie a message regarding the Miles Master..."Could you please do me a big favor and check the Miles Master aircraft series to see if the contact points are "off," or perhaps there is another problem?...The problem that I am having is during the takeoff roll and when taxiing after landing, the aircraft will just blow up at a speed somewhere between thirty and fifty knots. I've tried it at several different airfields, and have gotten the same result."

I know he read the PM, but if you could take a look at it, that may help too.

[bearcat241]

...and this is what she looks like...

You'll have escort, so no problem, ehh.

Yikes! An escort will be an absolutely necessity for a rescue plane with that "here I am, come and get me" yellow scheme.

Just kiddin...nice paint tho.

[Rami]

Yikes! An escort will be an absolute necessity for a rescue plane with that "here I am, come and get me" yellow scheme.

Just kiddin...nice paint tho.

Bearcat,

You could always paint on the sides of the fuselage and the tops of the wings..."Ich bin ein Rettungsflugzeug, kein Kämpfer. Bitte schießen Sie nicht auf mich!"

[bearcat241]

And then add in small print "Sobald wir diesen Kerl zu Hause haben, werden wir ihn in eine andere Spit schnallen und ihn zurückschicken, um Sie abzuschießen, obwohl Sie ihn verschont haben".

[Rami]

And then add in small print "Sobald wir diesen Kerl zu Hause haben, werden wir ihn in eine andere Spit schnallen und ihn zurückschicken, um Sie abzuschießen, obwohl Sie ihn verschont haben".

Bearcat,

Somehow, I get the feeling that would go over like a ham sandwich at a Jewish wedding.

[Rami]

Good morning,

I bought this yesterday for Part II. Much of the focus is on the Battle of Abbeville and Luftwaffe action for Fall Rot, after Dunkirk.

The French Air Force got stronger, not weaker, into June with better aircraft. They didn’t have enough pilots to fly after heavy attrition, so they brought in Czechs and Poles to fly in the air and fight on the ground. Really interesting read.