Battle of France - Part I has now been released!

[Rami]

Good afternoon,

Here are three more...the last for 17 May.

"title_string"=Battle of France - French fighter sweep over Zeeland
"summary_string"=Vos combattants sont prêts et en attente! Your job this afternoon is to fly a patrol over Zeeland and then down the full western border of Luxembourg, looking for any German fighters or reconnaissance aircraft. It is imperative that we continue to show the Luftwaffe that we will never back down from defending our skies!
"objective_string"=During the late afternoon of 17 May 1940, a total of nine French P-36 Hawks from GC I/4 on patrol over Zeeland ran into Messerschmitts of I/JG 20 over the Island of Walcheren. In this tussle, two Hawks were lost & another damaged, in return for two Bf-109s. This mission has been combined with a patrol during 16 May where a group of five P-36 Hawks from GC II/5 shot down a Henschel Hs-126 over Mondercange, Luxembourg. No French Hawks were lost in this event.
"intelligence_string"=After takeoff, you will climb to 3,000 meters and head for the Dutch coastline. You will patrol near Flushing above the island of Walcheren, then turn southwest to fly across Belgium & sweep along the Luxembourg border before heading back to Vraux. You have clearance to engage any German aircraft you run into, just be sure that you get your crates back home intact!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=FDG2_P-36 Capt Jean Accart GC I 5 Pontarlier 1940
"airfield_string"=France - Vraux

"title_string"=Battle of France - Catching the exposed Panzer force
"summary_string"=Attention! Votre escadron a été sélectionné pour une mission importante. German Panzers have been seen near the Franco-Belgian border, and seem to have concentrated near the villages of Trelon and Chimay. Your mission is to locate them and attack, then relay results & their location so that we can launch further assaults. Flying at low level means you'll be exposed to heavy flak, so be careful up there!
"objective_string"=During the morning of 17 May, the French sent out Potez 631 and 633 light bombers to attack German Panzers between the towns of Trelon & Chimay on the border of France & Belgium. There is no clear record of whether their attacks were successful, but two Potez bombers from ECN 4/13 were badly damaged by flak, while four Potez from ECN 2/13 were shot down, together with another Potez from ECN 3/13.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you'll fly northeast to the border between France & Belgium. These Panzer columns were last reported to be near the towns of Trelon & Chimay. Your task is to locate & inflict as much damage as possible on the German columns & then report back to base; this information will be used to direct additional strikes. Our experiences have taught us that you will likely face intense flak, so keep your speed high & stay low to have your best chance at success, Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Potez 633
"airfield_string"=France - Dammartin-en-Goele

"title_string"=Battle of France - Mop-up the morning Panzer attack
"summary_string"=German Panzers were attacked this morning along the Franco-Belgian border by several Potez light bombers, and were cut to ribbons. These Panzers remain a threat to both ourselves and the British, & must be eliminated before they can wreck even more havoc behind our lines. Nous avons besoin de pilotes courageux pour cette mission, pouvez-vous faire un pas en avant?
"objective_string"=During the afternoon of 17 May 1940, the French sent out LeO 45 medium bombers to attack German Panzers between the towns of Trelon & Chimay on the border of France & Belgium. There is no clear record of whether their attacks were successful, but one LeO 45 of GB II/12 has its tail blown off by flak, three more LeO 45s of GB I/31 were lost to German 109s of II/JG 2, & eight more bombers from GB II/12 returned to base with flak damage. The escort in this mission is entirely fictional.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you'll fly northeast to the border between France & Belgium. These Panzer columns were last reported to be near the towns of Trelon & Chimay. Your task is to locate & inflict as much damage as possible on the German columns & then report back to base; this information will be used to direct additional strikes. Our experiences have taught us that you will likely face intense flak, so keep your speed high & stay low to have your best chance at success, Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=LeO 45 GBI 31 May 1940
"airfield_string"=France - Boissy-le-bois

[Rami]

Good evening,

I finally finished all of the missions for 17 May.

"title_string"=BoF Kampfgeschwader - KG 3 hits Merville airfield
"summary_string"=Piloten der Luftflotte! This evening, your unit will raid the airfield at Merville, which the British are using as a fighter base. With our Panzer units now thrusting toward the coast, the bases around Lille could serve to disrupt our ground offensive. It is imperative that we make every effort to put these bases out of commission and deny their use to the British and French!
"objective_string"=This is an amalgam of two separate missions flown on 17 May. In the evening, two Hurricanes from 3 Squadron were shot down in combat with Bf-109s of I/JG 3; the Messerschmitts were escorting the Do-17Zs to Merville, and it's presumed they were attacking the base there. About two hours prior to that, two sections of Hurricanes engaged Bf-109s of JG3. German pilots reported being attacked by "thirty Spitfires," but this is unlikely. During this earlier engagement, three Bf-109s were destroyed for the loss of two Hurricanes from 85 Squadron.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne & assembling, you will head just south of due west toward the area near Lille. Bf-109 escorts will meet you just before reaching Brussels. Once you reach Lille, your unit will raid the airbase at Merville. The Messerschmitt escort should keep fighters off your tails, but expect to be intercepted; the British have several squadrons in the Lille area. After you release, clear out and let the 109s keep their fighters busy. The Dornier units have taken a heavy beating over France, so it would be nice if everyone got back today!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Dornier Do-17Z2
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

"title_string"=Battle of France - Running into trouble west of Reims
"summary_string"=Ecoutez, les pilotes! Today, your flight will patrol just west & northwest of Reims, looking for roving enemy fighters! It's your job to bloody their nose, and show them that will not surrender our skies to this threat. Accédez à vos combattants, aviateurs. Ils sont réchauffés et attendent!
"objective_string"=Around noon on 17 May, a total of seven Bloch 152 fighters of GC 10 were destroyed in combat with Bf-109s from JG 3 and Bf-110s of ZG 76 between the French towns of Chauny & Roye. Other data is not readily available, however it can be surmised that the German fighters must have attacked from an advantageous position. There is also no record of how many fighters were involved in this fight; so the remainder of the mission data is essentially guesswork.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you will patrol to the west & northwest of Reims, scanning the skies carefully for any signs of roving German fighter or bomber formations. Your target height for this sortie will be 4,000 meters, while the second flight will keep 500 meters above. If you locate the Germans, take down as many as you can. You have the advantage over Bf-110s, but if you run into Bf-109s, you will be outclassed in practically all aspects of combat, so pick your battles carefully!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Bloch MB.152
"airfield_string"=France - Rouen (Boos)

[UncleTgt]

By way of a bump -

Not just Rami mission building, there's a bunch of us chipping in as best we can. Sander's old photoreal Texel scenery has had a makeover, it's less bright green now...

[Rami]

Good evening,

Continuing to work my way through 18 May and include some Stuka missions along the way...

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Soften the Maastricht area
"summary_string"=Meine Herren! Our Fallschirmjäger have been able to land on Eben Emael and are holding firm. We'll support their success by striking the nearby town of Vise, and leveling a railyard that could be used to shuttle Allied reinforcements to this area. It is imperative that we prevent this, so make sure that you place your bombs on target, so we do not have to return to the area. Viel Glück!
"objective_string"=On 11 May, Stuka units focused on raiding targets across Belgium in support of the ground offensive. This included striking positions in the Maastricht sector. Stukas of StG 2 bombed the town of Vise, just south of Eben Emael, as a part of this effort. Over the target, these Stukas were intercepted by Hurricanes of 607 Squadron, but thanks to cloud cover, only one Stuka was lost. The Bf-110 escort in this mission is entirely fictional.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, your escort of 110s will meet up with you before leaving Germany. As you approach the Belgian town of Vise, identify the railyard as your target, then make your assault as the escort keeps watch. Don't try to engage fighters in your Stuka; this will only lead to serious trouble. When finished, return to Bonn-Hangelar.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Clearing the roads ahead
"summary_string"=Aufgepasst, kameraden! With our Panzers pushing for the coast, you must fly a patrol along the axis of advance and eliminate any bombers or fighters being used to harass our forces! The Luftwaffe is planning a major attack in this area today, so any softening of their defenses from our efforts will be a big help!
"objective_string"=This mission represents an amalgam of about three different sorties that were flown on 18 May 1940 over the area betwen Cambrai, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe, and Le Cateau. Between the two morning missions and one evening mission, a total of four Blenheims were damaged on either recce or low-level attacks on German columns. In addition, a total of twelve Hurricanes from 85, 87, and 242/A Sqns engaged German Bf-110s from both I/ZG26 & I/ZG 76 over Le Cateau and Cambrai. During these missions, five Hurricanes were lost, including the section from 242 Sqn. For this, the British claimed two Bf-110s destroyed & two damaged/probable. Actual losses are somewhat questionable.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you'll fly directly west and climb to 3,000m. You will begin your patrol at Avesnes, then continue along to Le Cateau & finally over to Cambrai, looking for any British bombers on recce or hitting our Panzers. If you run into Hurricanes, use your speed to initiate and break contact, and avoid a turning fight at all costs. If all else fails, use your superior speed to just break away from combat. Once you complete your patrol, return to Wiesbaden to refuel and reload; there will likely be more action today.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=TR_BF110_C
"airfield_string"=Germany - Wiesbaden

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Low-level Dornier intercept
"summary_string"=Get to your Hurricanes! Enemy bombers have been spotted near the city of Arras. You must catch up to the German Dorniers before they can get out of range. The Do-17s were reported to be flying low, so you'll remain below 5,000ft during your patrol. Locate the German bombers & then show them that we refuse to give into their efforts to break us!
"objective_string"=Early on the morning of 18 May 1940, a section of Hurricanes from 3 Sqn, together with two more of 601-A Sqn intercepted a formation of nine Do-17z flying at 2,000 feet. Action reports of where this actually occurred are sketchy; they engaged south of Douai, France and apparently pursued them to a point east of Saint-Quentin. One of the Luftwaffe bombers were shot down and two more were badly damaged. Two 3 Sqn Hurricanes were also brought down in the process.
"intelligence_string"=Take off quickly! The German Dorniers should be retreating from the target by the time you will be able to intercept 'em. Observers report that these German bombers were flying low. When you locate them, watch closely for any escort before tearing into the enemy bombers. Take down as many as you can, then break away and return to Merville. Make sure that you get back in one piece, you will likely be busy today!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hurricane MK1 Early 3 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Merville

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Mid-level Dornier intercept
"summary_string"=To your fighters! Your section has been chosen to fly a defensive patrol over this immediate area to look for any signs of German fighters or bombers. If you choose to attack them, make sure to inflict maximum damage; we must take every opportunity to bloody the enemy's nose and show them we will not be overrun without a major fight!
"objective_string"=Later in the morning on 18 May 1940, two sections of Hurricanes from 79 and 213-B Sqn flew out of Merville on patrol. Near Arras, the British ran into a flight of seven Do-17 bombers of 5/KG 76. Four Dorniers were damaged by the British Hurricanes, and another Do-17 brought down, for an exchange of one damaged Hurricane from 79 Sqn which was damaged from return fire. No loss is reported, so it can be assumed the fighter landed safely.
"intelligence_string"=After leaving Merville, you'll head east & fly over Roubaix, Valenciennes, Cambrai, and Arras in that order before returning to Merville. It is important that we hold the line in this sector to prevent our forces from being pushed back to the sea. You are clear to engage whatever you encounter, but make sure to avoid damage if possible; replacements are tougher to come by, & this is likely not your only action of the day!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hurricane MK1 Early 3 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Merville

[Rami]

Good evening,

Here are a couple more...

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Focus our fire on Brussels
"summary_string"=Kamerad, herhören! With our forces taking control of Maastricht & the Albert Canal, we must now fly out ahead of the Panzer columns & do what we can to soften up the enemy defenses. Your assignment is to raid the city of Brussels as part of a massed formation tasked to inflict maximum damage. Hals und Beinbruch!
"objective_string"=After their morning run, StG 2 was in action later in the afternoon on 11 May, 1940. This time, they were part of a gaggle of sixty Stukas which were caught without escort over the city of Brussels by Hurricanes of 87 Squadron. These six Hurricanes had a field day; destroying six Stukas without any loss to themselves. These losses foretold the rate of loss that would force them out of the Battle of Britain months later. Your Bf-110 escort provided in this mission is entirely fictional.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll hold formation with the Stukas and head toward Brussels. Your target is a sprawling factory complex right in the middle of the city. The other Stuka flights will raid their assigned targets across the city. In order for this Blitzkrieg to succeed, you must attack accurately so that we will not have to continue focusing on a single area of the front. Let's show the enemy the might of the Luftwaffe!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Chievres in the crosshairs
"summary_string"=Besatzungen, aufgepasst! The orders are to assist the offensive on the ground by raiding the Belgian aerodrome at Chievres. You're to destroy hangars, fuel stores, & anything else of consequence at the airfield. The more of these aerodromes we can put out of action, the tougher it will be for the enemy to get their aircraft into the air!
"objective_string"=This is a semi-historical mission. On 12 May 1940, Hurricanes of 87 Squadron engaged both Bf-109s & Ju-87s just west of Liege, Belgium. These RAF fighters were tasked to escort Blenheims along to Maastricht, but the encounter prevented that. In a confused scramble, the Hurricanes shot down two Ju-87 Stukas and one Bf-109, exchanged for two RAF fighters shot down. The German fighter cover was led by Hauptmann Adolf Galland. This mission supposes an attack on Chievres aerodrome, and the Bf-110 high cover is fictional.
"intelligence_string"=Chievres airfield is being used by both the British and Belgians as a fighter base. Once airborne, you will stay in formation with the other Stuka flights & head for the aerodrome. Once there, all Stukas will attack hangars, fuel stores, and other targets to inflict maximum damage. Once completed, clear out & make your way back toward Germany. There are more sorties expected today in support of the Panzers, so make sure to return intact!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

[Rami]

And a couple more...

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Assist the Dutch campaign
"summary_string"=Männer, herhören! Dutch ground units are putting up incredible resistance, & our forces are having trouble making any headway. Your Stuka gruppe is being sent to attack any towns along the frontline, and Streefkerk has a big munitions factory that is helping to supply the Dutch units with ammunition. We'll destroy this factory and make it harder for the Dutch to resist!
"objective_string"=In the early morning of 13 May 1940, Stukas left their bases in Germany to raid Dutch towns along the axis of advance. Stukas from the unit pounded a large munitions plant in the town of Streefkerk. As they attacked, British Defiants attacked them, with Spitfires trailing behind. This mission brings the escort far closer to the action to provide some protection; during the actual mission the Spitfires & Defiants jumped the Stukas before the Bf-109s could fend them off.
"intelligence_string"=The Dutch town of Streefkerk lies a bit northwest of Koln. After taking off, you'll head up that way, meeting the escort between Koln-Ostheim and the Dutch border. Once you enter Holland, be on your guard for any Allied fighters. The Bf-109 fighter escort should offer protection, but we've learned the Stuka is very vulnerable if being attacked by fighters. Over the Dutch munitions complex, focus on raiding the warehouses first; knocking out the targets will make it hard for the Dutch to continue making new weapons to resist our efforts!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Fully exposed over Sedan
"summary_string"=Zuhören, Besatzungen! German forces are nearing the Meuse at Sedan and Dinant, & your Stukas are needed to attack targets along the far side of the Meuse in order to soften the enemy defenses. This will make it easier to get our forces across. Let's show our commanders that we are more than ready for this important task!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 12 May 1940, Stukas sent out to attack targets in the Sedan area ran into six P-36 Hawks of GC I/5. In what French pilots described as a "pigeon shoot," they claimed eleven of twelve unescorted Stukas. According to German records, only six of these French claims can be confirmed. The Bf-110 escort given for this sortie is entirely fictional, and only there for your protection.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you will head southwest to reach Sedan. The town will be a major apex of the action for the next two days. Your target today is a factory complex at the southwestern edge of the town. As you near the factory, your height will be 3,500 meters before making your dive. Be sure to watch out for enemy fighters over the target area, and make sure to put your bombs on target; we do not want to jeopardize the chances of our forces getting across the Meuse!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Stukas in action at Leuven
"summary_string"=Aufgepasst, kameraden! Your orders are to assist the offensive on the ground by striking cities and towns all along the entire axis of advance. To this end, StG 1 will attack selected targets in the city of Leuven. This city is a gateway to Brussels, and with StG 2 attacking that city, hopefully this will split the enemy defenses. Let's make sure to show the enemy our mettle today!
"objective_string"=Around the same time that StG 2 was caught over Brussels on the morning of 13 May, StG 1 was also in the air, bearing down on the city of Leuven. As the Stukas were about to make their attacks, they were caught by a flight of Hurricanes. The Bf-109 escorts didn't see the Hurricanes, and five Stukas were lost. This mission differs from the historical record by increasing both the number of escorts and intercepting fighters, and also providing some escort protection to allow for higher survivability.
"intelligence_string"=After getting into the air, you'll assemble with the other Stuka flights & then head west into Belgium. Once you reach Leuven, you'll focus on hitting the railyard as the other Stukas raid selected targets throughout the city. Focus on hitting buildings and sections of track, Once the run is complete, clear out to the southeast before returning to Germany. Make sure to keep your Stuka intact; we have a lot of work left to do, & we need to avoid losing high numbers of aircraft!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

[msfossey]

Looking forward to this one Rami. Thanks for all your efforts.

msfossey

[Rami]

Looking forward to this one Rami. Thanks for all your efforts.

msfossey

Msfossey,

Thank you! Here's a couple more off the presses this morning,

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Another unlucky encounter
"summary_string"=Aufgepasst, kameraden! Panzer units are breaking through at Sedan, & we'll support their push into France by attacking towns and other targets along the axis of advance! To this end, your Stukas will strike British tanks who have taken position in the town of Rethel. This town is a gateway to the city of Reims, and we mustn't allow the Allies to block this important path forward & thereby impede our progress!
"objective_string"=During the afternoon of 14 May 1940, Stukas from I(St)/TrGr187 were intercepted just northwest of Sedan by 3 Squadron Hurricanes as they escorted a mixed force of Battles and Blenheims away from Sedan. Despite escort from JG 54, the Hurricanes pounced & claimed eleven total Stukas shot down, when only eight were actually lost. As more German fighters arrived, these tables turned and fourteen of the Battles were lost to German fighters, along with two Hurricanes. The French town of Rethel has also been chosen as a target, but I can't verify if this is historically accurate.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, you will form up with the other Stukas & head southwest into France. Your target is the town of Rethel, which lies in the path of our advance. The Bf-109s should rendezvous with you before leaving Germany. Over the town, make sure to try and avoid collateral damage, focus only on hitting the tanks & destroying them so our forces can capture this town intact; Rethel is a strategic position and capturing it will allow us to cut off any retreating forces in the area! Once finished, do not loiter over the town, break off and return to Germany.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Jumped above Le Chesne
"summary_string"=Aufgepasst, kameraden! Panzer units are breaking through at Sedan, & we'll support their push into France by attacking towns and other targets along the axis of advance! To this end, your Stukas will raid the town of Vouziers, where the French have fuel depots. It is important that we hit this target accurately; the Allies must not utilize this facility for their own tanks to delay our advance!
"objective_string"=During the afternoon of 14 May 1940, Stukas from StG 77 ran into Hurricanes of 1 Squadron over Le Chesne as the British were heading toward Sedan. With the Bf-109s being late to the rendezvous, the Hurricanes broke from the escort to attack these Stukas, claiming five. For this mission, a flight of Bf-110s has been added to lend you some measure of protection until the Bf-109s arrive. The French town of Vouziers has also been chosen as a target, but I can't verify if this is historically accurate.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, you will form up with the other Stukas & head southwest into France. Your target is the town of Vouziers, which lies in the path of our advance. The Bf-109s should meet you before leaving Germany. Over this French town, focus on hitting the fuel depots, then clear out and return to Germany. Don't loiter over the target after you attack, we must not put our Stukas at further risk; we need to maintain our strength!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Bonn-Hangelar

[Typhoon Willy]

Hi Rami,

Have you created a separate install exclusively for your BOF campaign? If so, do are you using UIRES found on the net, or have you created your own? Also, could you post a list of aircraft you are using for your campaign?

Thanks in advance,

TW

[Rami]

Hi Rami,

Have you created a separate install exclusively for your BOF campaign? If so, do are you using UIRES found on the net, or have you created your own? Also, could you post a list of aircraft you are using for your campaign?

Thanks in advance,

TW

I'm not in right now, but if you leave your name, number, and a brief message, I will answer when I leave my home away from home...

[Typhoon Willy]

Hehe!, No problem, enjoy your vacation!

TW

[Rami]

Hello again,

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Splitting the British fighters
"summary_string"=Kameraden, herhören! To support this advance into Belgium, Luftwaffe staffeln must raid the enemy's transport network. You will spearhead this effort today by striking two railyards, one in Wavre and the second at Gembloux. Henschels will handle the southern target, while your Stukas will assault the northern. Show the enemy that further resistance will be very costly!
"objective_string"=During the morning of 15 May, a raid by Stukas of 2/StG 2 & Henschel Hs-123s were intercepted by Hurricanes of 85 and 87 Sqns between Wavre and Gembloux. The Bf-109 escorts were late getting to the scene & within that time, two Stukas had been shot down & a Henschel was badly damaged. This sortie differs from the historical record by using these towns as the intended targets, and splits up the formation prior to being attacked to allow for greater survivability.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll rendezvous with the Henschels & continue into Belgium. As you begin to approach Brussels, the formation will break. Your flight will swing northwest to raid the railyard at Wavre, while the Henschels will turn southwest to raid another railyard at Gembloux. You will have plenty of cover from Bf-109s during your attack, so focus on inflicting maximum damage. Once you complete your attack, don't loiter over the target, clear out and return to Germany. We must minimize attrition to sustain our rapid advance!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

Typhoon Willy - I will respond as soon as I complete this mission.

[Rami]

Hi Rami,

Have you created a separate install exclusively for your BOF campaign? If so, do are you using UIRES found on the net, or have you created your own? Also, could you post a list of aircraft you are using for your campaign?

Thanks in advance,

TW

Typhoon Willy,

1) Yes.

2) Captain Kurt made these, which we're using: http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforum...d=173&id=19528

3) The final question is more difficult, because it is in a state of constant flux. It's been fairly stable the last couple of months, but there are a couple of aircraft that are going to be removed because they are not needed/historically accurate, and others that we are using are not released yet, but will be included as part of the package when released.

If you want to fly these missions, I can include you as a beta tester. UncleTgt is working on scenery and aircraft mods, Kdriver is working on scenery, including new Dutch bases, and Hewman100 is providing historical documentation. We really don't have a mission tester other than me, and I am building them, so it would be nice to have someone to fly them without having to build them.

If you are interested, you can become the primary mission tester. As usual, the packages I send you will be auto-installers, and it includes all the aircraft, scenery, and other items. You will just have to keep pace with any updates I and others send along.

However, I don't want to break my rhythm right now. I'm almost done getting the Stuka missions in line with the rest of the campaigns as far as getting caught up to 18 May, and then I have a lot of missions still to do for 18 May to complete the day. As such, it will probably be another week or so before I will be able to complete this day's events and move on to 19 May. When that happens, I can update the auto-installers and send them to you.

[Rami]

Good afternoon,

The Stuka side of this package is now caught up to 18 May with these last two.

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Fox hunt over Valenciennes
"summary_string"=Listen up! Now that we are in France, let's get to work! Your nine Hurricanes will fly a brief patrol over Lille and Valenciennes, looking for any signs of German air activity. It's important we fend off any incursion in this sector of France; if we can't hold back the enemy, we could be pushed into the sea. Let's show the Germans we'll meet this threat head on!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 17 May, 151 Squadron, based in Abbeville for the day, departed for a patrol from Lille down to Valenciennes. Nearing Valenciennes, one of the Hurricane sections spotted two Stukas of II/StG 51, and soon discovered another twenty about to attack targets over the city. Lacking any escort, the Stukas were left to the mercy of these Hurricanes, who claimed six Stukas destroyed and four probable. Luftwaffe records indicate StG 51 lost seven aircraft.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will head northeast toward Lille and fly over the city, looking for any sign of enemy activity. If the skies are clear in this area, you will then turn southeast toward Valenciennes. If you run into any enemy aircraft in this sector, engage at will, but make sure to sweep for escort fighters before committing to avoid being jumped. Once your patrol is complete, return to Lille, this won't be our only action today!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hurricane MK1 Early 73 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Abbeville

"title_string"=Battle of France (Stuka) - Cutting their line of retreat
"summary_string"=Achtung, kameraden! Our forces are closing in on Brussels, & we are tasked with attacking the town of Ninove. This town west of Brussels on the main road between that city & areas to the west. If we can destroy this town, it will virtually cut off the line of retreat for any enemy force trying to flee Brussels. Let's make the job easier for our ground forces and eliminate this stronghold!
"objective_string"=As Stukas of IV (St)/LG 1 were heading in to raid targets in the town of Ninove on the afternoon of 17 May, they were jumped by eleven Hurricanes of 17 Squadron. Despite having a substantial escort, these Hurricane pilots made quick work of several Stukas, claiming five with one probable & another damaged. The Bf-109s did manage to shoot down two of the Hurricanes. Based on conflicting notes, there is some dispute about how many Stukas were actually lost.
"intelligence_string"=Ninove lies on an important road between Brussels & western Belgium. If the Allies continue to hold this town, it could stall our offensive in the area. After taking off and forming up, all Stuka fights will strike military targets in the town. Your flight will hit a large munitions factory. Unlike previous missions, your flight will be at the bottom of the formation, maintaining 3,000m until you reach the target, whilst the other flights stack above you. When finished, don't loiter over the target; head back to your base in Germany.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=JU87B Stuka 2-I-StG1 Maj.Werner Rench
"airfield_string"=Germany - Koln-Ostheim

[Typhoon Willy]

Hi Rami,

Thank you very much for the offer to be included as a beta tester, however, I don't believe my current rig has the right stuff to handle present scenery/aircraft loads. Perhaps Christmas will bring a new laptop allowing me to participate in some "reindeer games." Until then, I watch intently from the sidelines.

TW

[Rami]

Hey guys,

For an upcoming mission, there's one that has six Hurricanes taking on about sixty Bf-109s between Antwerp and Brussels. The British threw caution to the wind and dove into the fray. Any opinions on which side you'd want to fly it from?

[Roxane-21]

Is there a way to answer "both" ?

If not, I would answer German, since there are only a few German-side missions/campaigns around there.

[Killer Svend]

I will not fly any german or japanese missions or campaigns at all.

Killer Svend

[Rami]

I will not fly any german or japanese missions or campaigns at all.

Killer Svend

Killer Svend,

I completely understand. Not to worry, there's plenty of Allied action too.

[Rami]

Is there a way to answer "both"?

If not, I would answer German, since there are only a few German-side missions/campaigns around there.

Roxanne-21,

I understand your sentiment, but I'm facing a premium on time now that school is back in session, and I have a ton of work still to do on this. I only have time to do one side.

[Shadow Wolf 07]

I will not fly any german or japanese missions or campaigns at all.

Killer Svend

I can, but generally don't fly German and Italian missions, but not Japanese. I refuse to fly them at all. Rami, you know why.

[Rami]

Not Japanese. I refuse to fly them at all. Rami, you know why.

Yeup, I understand why that idea nips at you.

[UncleTgt]

Hey guys,

For an upcoming mission, there's one that has six Hurricanes taking on about sixty Bf-109s between Antwerp and Brussels. The British threw caution to the wind and dove into the fray. Any opinions on which side you'd want to fly it from?

Well the obvious challenge is to fly from the Brit side, but who knows, with the way the AI performs, you may win just by watching the 60 German AI collide with each other

[wiekniera]

Rami if you can make for both side that would be awesome..well i've to choose german as we only have few mission for german side

[Jenova]

Personally, I like to fly both sides of a mission, but if I had to choose, I'd choose British for the challenge.