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  1. #1
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Question Decisions, decisions...

    Hey guys,

    I've been mulling over what to do about a series of miscellaneous missions I have in the ETO. An idea that I had for the ones from 1943 onto the end of the war were to add them to campaigns already in existence, rather than build an entirely new campaign.

    For example...

    "title_string"=Mosquito Squadron - Lancasters over Peenemünde
    "summary_string"=To your fighters, chaps! Though the actual mission occurred during the night, you have been asked to take part in a morning long-distance bombing raid on the Peenemünde V2 manufacturing facilities in Northern Germany. Your task is to provide escort for these Lancasters, with support from American fighters, and ensure that these bombers return to their bases safely!
    "objective_string"=British attacks on strategic targets during the war included the German research & development plant at Peenemünde, which was attacked in "Operation Hydra" the night of 17/18 August, 1943. This was immediately following the first American strike on Schweinfurt. It was from here at Peenemünde that their V2 "vengeance" rockets were manufactured that would have a terrorizing effect on the British citizens.
    "intelligence_string"=Because of its extreme strategic importance to the German war effort, the Peenemünde research and development complex is very heavily defended. As you approach the target, you should expect fierce flak & Luftwaffe fighters, so concentrate on the fighters first. Make sure to draw them away from the bombers, & then remain with them during their withdrawal across The Reich and the North Sea to ensure the Germans do not pursue them!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=DeHavilland Mosquito Mk. IV
    "airfield_string"=England - Methwold

    (Right now, this is just a single mission, I could also add it to "Royal Canadian Air Force")

    "title_string"=Royal Canadian Air Force - Fireworks over Lower Saxony
    "summary_string"=Listen up, chap! Your orders are to provide escort for a RAF daylight bombing strike on an industrial munitions manufacturing complex close to Bremen in Northern Germany. You could undoubtedly come under assault from Luftwaffe fighters, as this is an important industrial area. If Jerry fighters do appear, clear them up so the Lancasters can get on with their work and get back to base.
    "objective_string"=During the Summer and Fall of 1943, the period in which the American 8th Air Force sustained heavy losses with their bombers, the British participated in daylight bombing, and encountered many of the same problems. At this time, US P-47s and British Spitfires lacked the range to escort bombers deep into Germany. By the end of 1943 & into 1944, US P-38s & P-51s equipped with drop tanks were able to provide these bombers protection to the target and back to areas throughout the Third Reich.
    "intelligence_string"=Lancasters based at Coningsby have already taken off ahead of you, and you should rendezvous with them over the North Sea. Once you have caught up to them, stick with them to the target and back. As you near the target area, draw off any Luftwaffe fighters, but remember not to leave the Lancasters unguarded and vulnerable. Once you get back over the North Sea, the bombers will turn for home and you can return to Hornchurch. Good luck!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXc
    "airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch

    (Right now, I have you flying a Spitfire, which oddly enough can get to Bremen and back when equipped with a drop tank. I can easily swap out a Hawker Typhoon)

    "title_string"=Spitfire Offensive - Softening the ground at Calais!
    "summary_string"=To your Spitfires, chaps! Your orders today are to soften up the German airfield at Calais. Make sure to destroy as much of the enemy infrastructure as possible. Your specific target is the field control tower. If German aircraft attempt to get airborne, engage them and keep them busy so the Mosquitoes can attack and escape. Good luck!
    "objective_string"=It is now D-day plus two, & the Allied forces have gained and held onto a tenacious beachhead in the Normandy sector. To keep up the ruse and prevent reinforcements from being directed into the area, Allied fighters & fighter-bombers were instructed to continue assaulting targets in the Pas-de-Calais sector, thus keeping Hitler totally convinced that the Normandy landings were merely a diversion.
    "intelligence_string"=During this rhubarb sortie, you will be assisted by DeHavilland Mosquitoes, who will be loaded down with bombs & rockets. After you make your strike, keep the Axis aircraft off of these Mosquitoes so they can escape the carnage. After that, feel free to tangle with 'em until you run out of ammunition, then break off and make a run for Kent. Once you clear the coast, continue back to Hornchurch.
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXc
    "airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch

    (Because you are already flying a Spitfire, this would be perfect for the "Spitfire Offensive" campaign, but could also easily be swapped out for a Typhoon for the RCAF campaign)

    "title_string"=Battle for Europe (Allied) - Mustang escort to Peenemünde
    "summary_string"=To your Mustangs, chaps! The Yankees are sending their bombers over The Reich today, and you have been asked to take part in a morning long-distance bombing raid on the Peenemünde V2 manufacturing plant in Northern Germany. Your task is to provide escort for the Lancasters, with some support from American fighters, and ensure that these bombers return to their bases safely! (This mission will use Lancasters rather than American B-17s to minimize extra downloads)
    "objective_string"=British attacks on strategic targets during the war included the German research & development plant at Peenemünde, which was heavily attacked by 8th Air Force B-17 bombers on 18 July 1944. This was the first time that the research facility had been attacked in eleven months, and the first time that it was ever attacked in daylight. It was from here at Peenemünde that their V2 "vengeance" rockets were manufactured that would have a terrorizing effect on the British citizens.
    "intelligence_string"=Because of its extreme strategic importance to the German war effort, the Peenemünde research and development complex is very heavily defended. As you approach the target, you should expect fierce flak & Luftwaffe fighters, so concentrate on the fighters first. Make sure to draw them away from the bombers, & then remain with them during their withdrawal across The Reich and the North Sea to ensure the Germans do not pursue them!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=North American P-51c Mustang
    "airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch

    My thoughts on this one would be either to include it for Battle for Europe, (and make a German Peenemünde defense mission) or have you fly it in a P-38 as part of the 20th Fighter Group campaign.

    What are your thoughts on this?
    "Rami"

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  2. #2
    SOH Staff Devildog73's Avatar
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    Rami,

    I like the idea of adding to the RCAF campaigns. Nothing against the UK missions and campaigns, but there are a plethora of British campaigns and American campaigns and just a couple of RCAF campaigns. The Canucks valiantly gave plenty of Canadian blood during the war and should be recognized for their efforts, IMO.

    You have started the research juices flowing to my wee small brain cells.

    Perhaps after I finish the BPF, I can return to the drawing board and research and build some RCAF missions/campaigns word-wide.

    DDog
    Devildog73

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  3. #3
    I like the idea of adding to an existing campaign. This sounds especially good: My thoughts on this one would be either to include it for Battle for Europe, (and make a German Peenemünde defense mission)

  4. #4
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good evening,

    Great feedback so far. See if this tickles your fancy...

    "title_string"=Royal Canadian Air Force - Happy birthday Adolf...
    "summary_string"=It's the Fuerher's birthday and the SS are having a party at Schloss Bodensee. In order for the SS forces to get there, they must get across the lake in armored E-boats. Let's put some candles on his cake! Your goal is to sink these SS E-boats before they get there, and then return home safely. Leave the destruction of the Schloss to the Mosquitoes.
    "objective_string"=RAF Mosquitoes, Hawker Typhoons, Tempests, as well as Avro Lancasters, used their abilities to hit selective targets very effectively. The Lancasters focused on hitting Hitler's retreat, communication stations, dams, power stations, & many other vital & strategic targets, while the Hawker Typhoons & Tempests made use of their speed and firepower in devastating hit-and-run attacks.
    "intelligence_string"=Our intelligence indicates you may very well catch the German troops by complete surprise, they will not be expecting you. Use the element of complete surprise to take out these German gunships before they have a chance to get you in their sights. This flight will be the first operational sortie with the Hawker Tempest, the successor to their Typhoon. On the way to the lake, use the opportunity to get familiar with the new machine. Good luck, and get back in one piece!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Hawker Tempest Mk. V
    "airfield_string"=England - Detling
    "Rami"

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  5. #5
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good afternoon,

    I think that I can squeeze a couple more missions into this. One of the missions I just finished last night was a precision bombing attack on a Gestapo headquarters, very close to a town. It requires precision bombing and strafing to avoid hitting the town. I made sure to use the Mosquito this time, rather than the Typhoon to continue expanding the Mosquito Squadron campaign.

    Thus far, the Mosquito Squadron has two additional missions - The Gestapo Headquarters raid, and the long-range escort to Peenemunde.

    The Royal Canadian Air Force campaign has undergone the most expansion. There are four new missions; A "turkey shoot" involving German bombers over the North Sea, an escort mission to a target in Lower Saxony, a strafing mission on Lake Constance to spoil Hitler's birthday in 1944, and a diversionary attack just after D-Day on the airfield at Calais.

    I still have a couple more to work with...the 1944 escort to Peenemunde which I will make dual-sided and add to Battle For Europe, a British raid to Berlin, a Lancaster raid on a German communications post in the Austrian Alps, and instead of another D-day landing cover mission, I'm going to call an audible and instead, with Devildog's comments about Canadian under-representation in mind, modify the mission to represent the Dieppe raid, and do a Canadian and British side with you flying a Spitfire IXc for the British and a Mustang Mk. I for the Canadians.

    That also means I may have to create a port complex there, but that's par for the course.
    "Rami"

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  6. #6
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    Hi Rami,

    On the subject of lack of representation of the RCAF and the RNZAF (in the other thread), perhaps a mission or two about the Dallachy Strike Wing might be in order. This wing comprised of RAF, RAAF, RCAF and RNZAF Beaufighter squadrons operating from Scotland against shipping along the coast and in the fjords of Norway.

    KD

  7. #7
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good evening,

    Here are some others...

    "title_string"=Royal Canadian Air Force - North Sea crow shoot
    "summary_string"=Listen up, canucks! You and your flight are about to go on an evening anti-bomber patrol - expect to be busy. German bombers have been making pretty frequent assaults against Radar stations along the South and East coasts, and another seems to be on its way. You'll intercept them out over the Channel and destroy them before they can get to the coast. Take as many down as you can before you run out of ammo!
    "objective_string"=Despite their defeat during the Summer & Fall of 1940, Luftwaffe bombers occasionally made raids along the east and south coasts. Not only did their bombers stay involved, but fighter-bombers were also frequently involved in what became known as tip-&-run raids against Radar stations. Ironically, they found themselves attacking these same Radar stations they tried to eliminate nearly three years earlier.
    "intelligence_string"=The Luftwaffe bombers seem to like flying in at a height of between 4,000 and 5,000 meters. While over the Channel, focus on bringing down bombers and only fend off attacks from their fighters. The more bombers that they lose, the higher likelihood these remaining formations will abort the mission and turn back toward their bases in France. Other flights being dispatched will lend assistance once an intercept is made.
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Hawker Typhoon Mk. Ib
    "airfield_string"=England - Detling

    "title_string"=Mosquito Squadron - Destroy Gestapo Headquarters
    "summary_string"=To your Mossies, gentlemen! Gestapo forces have commandeered two barns in a Normandy town just prior to rounding up local villagers for reprisals. Your squadron has volunteered to make a precision strike on the target while keeping the French town safe. Our spies now tell us that a Gestapo convoy is rounding up citizens to bring into the barn. You must destroy the barns before the Gestapo convoy gets there, then have a go at the trucks and tanks!
    "objective_string"=Following their early victories in both Poland and Western Europe, the German forces that occupied these countries frequently used Gestapo forces to round up citizens in many local villages, towns, & cities whom they suspected of working with or for resistance movements in these countries. Many of those suspected ended up in concentration camps.
    "intelligence_string"=Make sure to examine the reconnaissance photo to familiarize yourself with your target. You want to focus on destroying the barn & flak encampments. Make sure NOT to target the cathedral & the town located just to the west, we want to avoid civilian casualties. After destroying these barns, use your remaining ordnance to destroy any enemy vehicles in the area. Spitfire escorts will meet up with you near the French coast to engage any fighters that try to jump you.
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=DeHavilland Mosquito Mk. IV
    "airfield_string"=England - Methwold

    "title_string"=Battle for Europe (Luftwaffe) - Peenemünde defense
    "summary_string"=Alarm! British Avro Lancasters, with heavy fighter escort were spotted high over Schleswig-Holstein, heading east. They are targeting the research and development facility at Peenemünde! You must get airborne to defend the complex from these raids, because the highly advanced weapons & rocketry that are being developed here could be destroyed! You must do all you can to defend our kamaraden!
    "objective_string"=The German research & development facilities at Peenemünde were thought to be almost impossible for the Allied Air Forces to reach, especially with escort fighters, being nearly 1,000km from bases in the east of England. However, long-range heavy bombers like the B-17, B-24, Halifax, & Lancaster could get there, and by 1944, so could long-range escort fighters. The advanced weapons & rockets being developed there became highly vulnerable to air attacks, although this only occurred on three recorded occasions. By early 1945, however, the same facilities were threatened by Soviet forces advancing from the east.
    "intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, head north of the inbound formation so that you can turn into the formations & in one turn, get on their tail to hack them out of the skies. Allow the Me-410 Zerstörers to engage the bombers alongside you and let Messerschmitts engage the enemy fighters. Keep fighting until you have suffered heavy damage or your ammunition is exhausted. Make sure these indianer know we will defend this place to the last!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Focke-Wulf Fw-190a-8
    "airfield_string"=Germany - Peenemuende
    "Rami"

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  8. #8
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good evening,

    One mission I am going to do is Operation Robinson with a fictional escort of Mosquitoes. The raid took place on 17 October, 1942.

    The other is the Operation Margin, again with a fictional Mosquito escort.
    "Rami"

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  9. #9
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good afternoon,

    Here is one out of two...

    "title_string"=Mosquito Squadron - Escort Operation Margin
    "summary_string"=Attention, brave volunteers! You signed up to help escort our newest Avro Lancasters on a dangerous mission. You will bring them deep into Germany to raid a U-boat engine factory in Augsburg at dusk, & bring them home intact. The mission will require your best effort, so be ready for anything! (Raids in April of 1942 would not have had Typhoons or Mosquitoes, neither were used operationally until later that year)
    "objective_string"=This is a semi-historical mission. On 17 April 1942, twelve Avro Lancasters of RAF 44 Squadron & 97 Squadron departed Waddington and Woodhall Spa at 1500 hours, and set off to raid the MAN diesel engine factories in Augsburg, Germany. They flew over Europe very low, often below treetop height to avoid detection. This failed when one formation strayed too close to a German airfield, and all but two were lost. Only five of the Lancasters made it back to the bases. All those who survived received medals for their efforts, & Squadron Leader John Nettleton received a Victoria Cross.
    "intelligence_string"=Due to the danger of this mission, you are flying a Dehavilland Mosquito to accompany these bombers & help 'em defend themselves. It's imperative that you bring the planes back, because the British and German press are unaware we've such an aircraft, and the disclosure of which will reveal this "ace" up our sleeve. We must not lose our advantage, so take great care to avoid flak. If you make it back unscathed, the squadron commander has a case of brandy with your name on it. Good luck!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=DeHavilland Mosquito Mk. IV
    "airfield_string"=England - Methwold
    "Rami"

    "Me? I'm just a Sea of Tranquility in an Ocean of Storms, babe."

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  10. #10
    Looks good... can't wait to try it.
    "De Oppresso Liber"

  11. #11
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Gaining a new respect for Bomber Command...

    Hey guys,

    Recreating the raid on Augsburg in April, 1942 and the following raid on Le Creusot six months later, I'm developing a greater appreciation for the intelligent use of resources and moxie of these British men in Bomber Command. The flight paths chosen for the Le Creusot raid, for example, are quite remarkable in that they knew exactly where the weakest points in the German defensive screens were, and that flying very low would keep them from being spotted.

    Using Whitleys flying ahead of the bomber flight path to scare off any U-boats and prevent them from spotting the Lancasters as they rounded Brittany, for example, is pretty brilliant.

    Unfortunately, many people over here believe that the British bombed by night exclusively, and the perception is that they were in essence "too chicken" to do it during the day like the Americans did. (Although this belief negates the whole idea of a 'round-the-clock' bombing campaign)

    So far, I have done the raid on Le Creusot and the raid on Augsburg. I'm thinking strongly about doing a raid on Montlucon, (the Dunlop tire plant) and a raid on the Gnisenau and Scharnhorst on 18 December, 1941 using Halifaxes and Manchesters.
    "Rami"

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  12. #12
    I'll give them credit.

    Some of those British bombers didn't have adequate defense. Must have been a bit nerve racking to fly in at night and know that you can't protect yourself from underneath.

    Then again we were a little over confident of the B-17's ability to defend its self.

    Besides some one had to take the night shift.
    "Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose."-Tom Krause

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  13. #13
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    None of them had really adequate defenses. There were some Lancs used by the all-Canadian No. 6 Group that featured hand-operated ventral machine guns but they were a rarity. There never was adequate defense on any RAF heavy bomber in WWII against an attack from below (not counting the Hampden because (a) not a heavy bomber, (b) the ventral observer had an extremely limited field of fire, and his armament was inadequate). After the introduction of Schrage Musik, there was an increasing amount of anecdotal information being provided by returning RAF aircrew observers, and damaged aircraft returning to Britain with holes in their wings/fuselages indicating near-vertical strikes by 20mm cannon rounds, where one would think Avro or H-P would have taken note and come up with some sort of countermeasure. This was never done. I'd love to see the minutes of the meeting at the Air Ministry where the decision was taken to ignore the evidence and just continue with things as they were.

    The courage routinely displayed by these men is still awe-inspiring, 69 years after it stopped happening.

  14. #14
    I have seen drawings of a Lancaster with a remote operated belly turret. I don't know if this was just a proposal, or it came too late in the war...

  15. #15
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon22 Reply...

    Good evening,

    And here is the second one...

    "title_string"=Mosquito Squadron - Level the Schneider plant
    "summary_string"=Attention! Lancaster crews are once again striking a vital industrial target at very low level, this time the huge Schneider armament works in Le Creusot, France. This sprawling plant is a major supplier of steam locomotives and many anti-aircraft weapons. However, it is rumored that they're also producing armored vehicles and tanks. These Lancasters plan to level the plant, & you are being sent to provide the protection!
    "objective_string"=The summer & fall of 1942 in Europe saw the more experienced crews of Bomber Command continuing to execute precision raids on important targets by day, whilst area bombing at night over the Reich. The strike on Le Creusot was executed flawlessly, with the Lancasters not being spotted during their long run to the plant. The massive plant was badly damaged, with several buildings being destroyed, while scores were damaged. Only four Lancasters were damaged during the mission by bird strikes; they were not intercepted by Luftwaffe fighters.
    "intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will meet the bombers at the South coast. To prevent detection, the Lancasters will fly around Brittany and enter France between St. Nazaire & La Rochelle. The town of Nevers, on the Loire, is the spot where the Lancs will climb to attacking altitude. Once you reach Le Creusot, the Lancs will maintain altitude for the journey home. Just be careful as you cross the Pas-de-Calais, we can't rule out the chance of interception over this area if it isn't dark yet!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=DeHavilland Mosquito Mk. IV
    "airfield_string"=England - Methwold
    "Rami"

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  16. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Rami View Post
    Hey guys,

    Recreating the raid on Augsburg in April, 1942 and the following raid on Le Creusot six months later, I'm developing a greater appreciation for the intelligent use of resources and moxie of these British men in Bomber Command. The flight paths chosen for the Le Creusot raid, for example, are quite remarkable in that they knew exactly where the weakest points in the German defensive screens were, and that flying very low would keep them from being spotted.

    Using Whitleys flying ahead of the bomber flight path to scare off any U-boats and prevent them from spotting the Lancasters as they rounded Brittany, for example, is pretty brilliant.

    Unfortunately, many people over here believe that the British bombed by night exclusively, and the perception is that they were in essence "too chicken" to do it during the day like the Americans did. (Although this belief negates the whole idea of a 'round-the-clock' bombing campaign)

    So far, I have done the raid on Le Creusot and the raid on Augsburg. I'm thinking strongly about doing a raid on Montlucon, (the Dunlop tire plant) and a raid on the Gnisenau and Scharnhorst on 18 December, 1941 using Halifaxes and Manchesters.
    Too chicken huh? Don't know where that comes from unless cockiness from the WWII USAAF bomber crews who didn't know any better. Bomber Command crews suffered an extremely high casualty rate: 55,573 killed out of a total of 125,000 aircrew (a 44.4% death rate), 8,403 were wounded in action (notice the disproportionate rate vs. killed) and 9,838 prisoners of war. It's said that a Bomber Command crew member had a worse chance of survival than an infantry officer in World War I. They knew they had a poor chance of surviving but they flew anyway. Salute ! to the bravery of those British and Commonwealth nations men.
    Cheers,

    Captain Kurt
    ------------------------------------------------------
    "Fly, you fools!" Gandalf the Gray

  17. #17
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon27 Reply...

    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Kurt View Post
    Too chicken huh?
    Kurt,

    Unfortunately, it's a perception I deal with in teaching far too often. Textbooks, especially, are extraordinarily Amero-centric, and British / Commonwealth efforts are largely marginalized.
    "Rami"

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  18. #18
    For what it is worth;

    my Mother's elder brother, Peter Valentine O'Sullivan, ran away from his parents in Merthyr & signed up in the army in 1916 and was gassed, aged 14 years.

    My Father's uncle, William Fennerty, was a stoker, first class, on HMS Defence. He was killed when Defence blew up during the Battle of Jutland, aged 16 years.

    I carry Peter's middle name as mine with extreme pride and especially this year, sadness, knowing that the 'chickens' and 'cowards' (popularly known today as Generals & politicians) enjoyed the wine. No change there then.........................

    'If the hat fits, wear it'.


    Graham.

  19. #19
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    Another thing to consider in this, Rami, is these casualties occurred among the children of the men of the WWI generation who themselves suffered such a terrific loss during that conflict. It was a double-dose of grief for Britain - and the Commonwealth - in a 21-year-period.

    I know of no higher loss rate among Allied military personnel in that conflict. It's widely assumed infantrymen (US and British/Commonwealth) suffered a high rate, which logically has to be true - but would wager it was close to the BC rate. US submarine crews lost 25% of their total strength. What made them different was that probably 99.5% of this total were killed, only a tiny fraction survived their boats' sinkings. In the fleet boats, the general rule was you survived with a whole skin, or you didn't survive at all.

    Absolutely no one can beat two German stats - 75% of all German submarine crews were lost; a stat I've seen indicates 95% of Luftwaffe fighter pilots - all volunteers, BTW - lost their lives. You could never accuse them of not being willing to fight as long as there was a drop of gasoline or a round of ammunition left.

  20. #20
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    SS101,

    You're not hearing an argument from me. I am very conscious of the losses endured, but what has impressed me even more is the way they made the best use of what they had available, and the willingness of the men to do the job despite the odds. They also showed some real strategic brilliance with their daylight raids.

    Plus, the British aircraft industry did a remarkable job by taking the Whitleys and Hampdens off the frontline by 1941 and using aircraft which were at least two steps up like the Sterling, Halifax, and Wellington. And of course, the Mosquito could deliver a good punch as well by 1942.

    Still, the Lanc eclipsed them all.
    "Rami"

    "Me? I'm just a Sea of Tranquility in an Ocean of Storms, babe."

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  21. #21
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Icon14 For Shessi...baptism by fire!

    Mark,

    I just wanted to let you know that the Manchester has received its Rami baptism by fire...a raid by Bomber Command on 18 December, 1941 on the KMS Gnisenau and KMS Scharnhorst while anchored at Brest.

    Great work on the airfile...she's nice and stable in level flight...useful for 'dem bomber formations.

    Sterlings and Halifaxes are also part of the formation. The Spitfire escort is fictional.

    And, it looks like I need some prop textures for the Manc.
    "Rami"

    "Me? I'm just a Sea of Tranquility in an Ocean of Storms, babe."

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  22. #22
    SOH-CM-2018
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    Here is a link about one flightcrew, including my relation, Philip Derek Hemmens.

    Although he survived the crash and taken P.O.W, he was later to die on the 18th October 1944 at the Buchenwald concentration camp. They handed the survivors over to the SS instead of the Luftwaffe, so they were denied medical help, by the time the Luftwaffe arrrived to collect them, it was too late for my relation.

    http://www.aircrewremembered.com/raf...bellbryan.html
    I have always been a team player. I was once part of a human centipide.

  23. #23
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Mark,

    Here's the skinny...

    "title_string"=Hornchurch Squadron - Daylight assault on Brest
    "summary_string"=Listen up! RAF bombers are heading back to Brest today, and we have rigged your Spitfire up with a thirty-gallon slipper tank to get you there & back. Manchesters, Halifaxes, and Sterlings will pummel the two German vessels and your task is to provide protection. Make sure that these Manchesters get back in one piece! (This mission deviates from the historical records because the actual mission was unescorted)
    "objective_string"=18 December, 1941 saw RAF Bomber Command send bombers over the drydocks & anchorages at Brest, France. The Gnisenau and Scharnhorst were there from 22 March 1941 to 11 February, 1942. During this period, the British allotted approximately ten percent of their total force against these vessels. While they were damaged several times, they were never destroyed. However, the end result was that they were both eventually withdrawn to the Baltic. The departure from Brest became known in history as the "Channel Dash."
    "intelligence_string"=Following your departure from Hornchurch, you will head west over England toward Lundy Island, just off of Cornwall. Once you meet up with these bombers, proceed south toward Brest. You will be responsible for the Manchesters during the flight. Over Brittany, watch out for German planes trying to intercept you, and intense flak over the target. This target is one of the most heavily defended in Europe, so be ready for anything!
    "player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb
    "airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch
    "Rami"

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  24. #24
    Rami,

    I'm afraid you'll need to swap out the "Hallybag" for an earlier model - the BIII didn't appear until '43.

  25. #25
    Senior Administrator Rami's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by UncleTgt View Post
    Rami,

    I'm afraid you'll need to swap out the "Hallybag" for an earlier model - the BIII didn't appear until '43.
    UncleTgt,

    Very true, but there is not a Merlin-engined multi-lod Halifax available, and Stuart Green's model is getting increasingly crusty.
    "Rami"

    "Me? I'm just a Sea of Tranquility in an Ocean of Storms, babe."

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