RAF Form 540 Pre-Campaign Mission Sunday 1st December

[Bunny]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Manston
Aeroplane: Hurricane Mk1 100 Oct/ SD-N/ P3084

Synopsis: It's crazy, but the waiting in the Ready Room is still that immeasurable mix of nerves, apprehension, anticipation and adrenalin. It's the archetypal 'fight or flight' syndrome, but we get to do both. FO Teepee had been called away on urgent business - probably another hush-hush, so I'd been left in charge. It was my first squadron lead, and whilst slightly nervous, the training had kicked in - how hard could it be? I'd been number 2 several times now, but it would be a change for the squadron - FO Teepee always came across as relaxed. Wing Co Osprey was, well, Wing Co Osprey! You'd never dare step out of line with him - I remember the time those Czech chaps started filling the channel with their own lingo! By Jove he gave it to them hard, though they did redeem themselves with a fair few kills if I recall correctly.

The siren went, we dropped our cards, stubbed out our fags and legged it to the Hurricanes. Orders were to climb and patrol sectors AX-AY, 27-28, angels 20. Going feet wet over Margate, heading north, we were hanging off our props as our planes gave everything they had. We needed the advantage height would give us - those bloody 109s had an entire channel to get a good height over the incoming bombers they were escorting. Cloud cover was heavy, and we lost Flt Sgt Meaker due to it. We were on a climb heading due north, so everyone knew which direction to rendezvous. SAC Fang called out with engine trouble and was RTB.

Once at angels 20 we commenced patrol of the four grids - a near miss from 64 on our noses prompted another short climb to angels 21 - didn't want to be the low-hanging fruit for a hungry Hun. By this time Flt Sgt Meaker was catching up with us as we dropped boost to 0lb and settled in for a long and chilly cruise. SAC Fang had also sorted out his engine, or rather it had sorted itself out, miraculously, so was making his way to us without bothering chiefy on the ground.

We'd probably been cruising for 5-10 minutes when the call came for all squadrons to head towards Manston ASAP - enemy spotted coming in from the north at angels 17. Blimey - they shouldn't be far in front of us, and they were below us - this was going too well. You could hear the urgency in the comms operator's falsetto - we didn't have much time to intercept. We pulled round to a heading of 180 and dropped our noses slightly, closing the rads and getting as much out of our old Hurris as we could, without snapping them in half. Pushing 380mph in the dive, it was Flt Sgt Meaker, on a convergence flight path with us not far in front, who called out contacts on our 11 o'clock - a beautiful line of 110s, ripe for the plucking. Wingspan setting 53ft, I gave the order to get stuck in. Who knows how much time we'd get before the 109s dropped on us - they wouldn't be far away.

Every man dropped on to the 110s, determined to bag at least one big, fat, black fish each. I pounded one on his six, his port engine started streaming, I could see pieces of cowling break away as I sped over and past him. I saw PO Bully get behind one as well, and I climbed, rolled, to have another pass. As I dropped down into firing line, I spotted a 109 on my port wing. He was so ruddy close I could have touched him, but the blighter didn't notice me! I dropped back behind and below him, he was flying straight and level, a distant hurricane on the tail of a 110 in his sights. He must be a rookie I thought to myself, poor bugger. Still - basic training teaches you the perils of straight lines in a combat zone - he was asking for this. I fired a long burst over his six and canopy. He started venting - bingo. He pulled up, then dived for the deck - he was giving up his energy too quickly. I followed him down - we were only at 7,000ft at this stage, I had a speed and height advantage. After a few turns I got more hits into both wings - he struggled to control the 109, and quickly bailed. All this time PO Bully was watching my six - great teamwork. The poor sod's chute failed to deploy and he plopped into the drink. Scratch one for King George.

By this time the 110s were far in the distance, and we were vectored for Deal where there was more action to be had. By this stage it was myself and PO Bully alone. Flt Sgt Meaker's radio had gone quiet, and we knew SAC Fang had downed a 110 himself. SAC Sabre and LAC Flick were busy getting stuck in too.

Approaching Deal we could see the dogfight in the wake of the 110s. I think we'd hit enough of the 110s to thin them out considerably, but the 109s were hanging around for a fight, taking a rear guard. I could make out 64 squadron giving jerry a bloody hard time - they really had no chance. I chased a venting 109 heading home, who had a Spitfire in tow but no tracers were visible. Assuming he might be out of ammo I dropped in and fired a few close shots off myself, but could see his prop was windmilling - no way he was getting any further. I pulled off him - Bully called out '109!'. It passed overhead - what a sound! I turned and heard Bully call out that he was tangling with one. I tried to get eyes on him but it must have been another 109, as the one I'd just been buzzed by was on to me! We both had our own to deal with. I was outmanoeuvring the 109, his heart didn't seem in it and I suspect we'd interrupted them heading home. I called out to Bully, trying to get some bearing on him...but his radio was dead. I looked around as much as I dare, with the 109 still attempting to get a lock on. I dived in the direction of Blighty - if, as I suspected, we'd interrupted their journey home, then he'd be loath to follow me back to Britain, and leave his comrade behind. They must be low on both fuel and ammo by now. It worked - I checked my six several times and nothing - clean as a whistle. Crossing the coast at Deal I vectored north to land at Manston. LAC Flick was also on finals as I approached from the south, I dropped in behind him and both made good landings. We found SAC Fang in the bar, along with SAC Sabre, and we all raised our glasses to Bully and Meaker. Good chaps both of them, but the Hun had paid heavily for their lives.

Claimed
Destroyed: 1 x 109 confirmed
Probable: 1 x 110
Damaged: 1 x 109

Lost
Pilot status: OK
Aeroplane status: Undamaged

[Vranac]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Rochester
Aeroplane: Spitfire IIa SH-V

Takeoff from Rochester as the leader of White flight. We climbed East toward Margate and when we got there we started looking for the enemy ride. We were at 22.000 ft and got some reports that Manston is under attack. We dived down and Pink flight leader Nitrous reported one aircraft coming towards them. It was 109 and I went for him. He made some maneuvers but I couldn't get closer than 250-300 ft.
I shot few short bursts and got some hits on the tail and port wing but he continued flying and climbed. I was following him but saw some tracers around so I broke and spotted another 109 diving on me and my wingman Redeye who stayed close to me all the time.
I turned on that 109 and followed him for a while but he was higher and I couldn't catch up so I turned toward Ramsgate where Nitrous reported that he is under attack. Went there but there was two Spitfires already on that poor hun.

I spotted another 109 who went feet wet South and followed him but again couldn't catch him. He made some attempts to attack Redeye and me but he failed and started to climb. Suddenly I saw white trails from his plane so probably he overheated his engine.
He knew that fight is over but tried another attack on Redeye. In that moment second 109 appeared to help him. He dived and missed but Redeye was still under attack so I jumped at that trailing one. He went down and probably crash landed somewhere North of Deal.

We regrouped over Deal and after few minutes got order to RTB. We went toward Manston but later I decided to land on Ramsgate.
At landing I saw the red flare but it was to late , I was already to slow to abandon so i crash landed on one wheel.
Probably I was hit and didn't notice that. Luckily I was fine and few scotch shots in the mess brought me back to life.


Claims
Damaged: 1 Me-109

Pilot status: OK
Aeroplane status: Damaged

[Baron le Scrope]

Mission date;1st December 1940.
Aerodrome-RAF. Manston.
Aeroplane-Mk1 Hurricane 100oct. KWB p3231

Weather, patches of dense cloud and low sun. Given the order to scramble by Control to patrol Ramsgate to Dover area. On the climb out hit dense cloud, became separated from sqdn, made contact again north of Ramsgate at 22k. Vapour trails at very high alt, unidentified, no engagement.
Redirected to Manston where we spotted contacts, saw a Hurricane turning to port followed by a 109 over the bay, could not close within range to get good hits so fired a 3sec burst to distract him from the Hurricane, but at that moment was fatally hit from below and behind, fell to the dreaded twosome tactic.

Claims
Destroyed
Probable
Damaged

Lost
Pilot status-KIA
Aeroplane status-Lost

[Bully]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Manston
Aeroplane: Hurricane Mk.I (100 Oct), SD-B, L2038

The wait in the mess is always a nervy one, you are unsure of what fate awaits you and you squadron mates. You have to enjoy what could be you final hours. Conversation often turns to loved ones back home, with some startling revelations. Teepee even admitting he had a thing for a girl he had seen dance in competition at the local village hall the previous night - apparently it was the dance off tonight, and he was going down no matter what! He had apparently voted for this person more than once on the night, so shocked by this news of blatant breaking of rules, the room fell quiet, with everyone shuffling their feet, and not making eye contact.
The silence was broken - Control came over the radio SCRAMBLE! SCRAMBLE!
This was as thrilling as ever, after the 6 hurricanes from 501 were given clearance from Clarence in the control tower to get airborne ahead of 615 squadron. The ground thundered as we made our way to do battle with the deadly Hun. Teepee had managed to escape and we him pedal like mad in the direction of the village hall just as we cleared the hangers.
After take off I formed with Flick over Ramsgate as we headed North over to our patrol area. The others soon joined, with Bunny taking lead, and we continued to climb to angels 20 in anticipation of the Luftwaffe coming in at high altitude. With only a slightly lost Meaker (caused by some dense cloud at around angles 9), and engine trouble for Fang, all 6 brave fellows from 501 were soon at angles 20 keeping our eyes peeled for Jerry.
We continued patrolling, covering just North of Manston out to about AX27/28, with not much to report, except for being rudely interrupted by some pilots from 64 squadron. All three squadrons were in constant communication, which was a great help trying to find the enemy in a vast area. In was via these means, that we received orders to patrol slightly further North, AX28/29. Just as we were getting towards these grids references, we got another message from control to turn around and head back for Manston, and descend to angles 17.
With full power applied, we got back to Manston as quickly as we could, and it was Meaker who shouted out that he had spotted a group of 110's, just out from Ramsgate. It took me a while to get visual, but I soon caught a sight of the buggers. Diving down, I saw other Hurricanes causing damage to the foe, and soon I was in range. Opening up on the enemy to the far right of of the group, I got good hits into both his engines. He dived away, venting, destined not to make it home. Soon the leader of the group was in my sights, and he good a few bullets in his starboard wing, and cockpit area, again, another one who was likely to be getting wet feet.
I Pulled up after this attack, carrying plenty of speed, and formed up with Bunny. We had lost sight of the other 501 boys, but over the radio it was clear they were causing some damage to the 110's, with Sabre & Meaker both recording hits.
While on the look out for the inevitable 109 attack, Bunny noticed a single 109 flying straight and level towards England. With great accuracy, sent the enemy machine to the bottom of the channel.
Flick was now calling out that he was engaged around Deal, so Bunny and myself headed back in that direction to find Flick chasing a 109. With three of now around him, he was not going to last long, and while I stayed slightly higher watching the backs, Bunny and Flick made sure the 109 pilot wish had packed his water wings.
It went fairly quite over the radio, with most the the Luftwaffe now running for home. Or so we thought, 615 Squadron Leader Hawes sent a message calling out multiple bandits heading back from Manton towards France. Time for a nice kill. We started to give chase and soon spotted a dogfight at around angles 8-9 out from Deal but moving away from England towards France.
After dodging the clouds, and by complete accident, I found myself lined up on the 6 of a a 109!. I closed the range and gave him a few bursts of what ammo I had left, and he started to stream and dive, desperate to make it back sausage side.
Now was time to leg it home, running low on ammo and luck. I turned right, through some clouds, and pointed my nose in the direction of Manston. this was to be my final move, as my screen went black, at that was it.

Claims
Destroyed: None
Probable: 2 x 110
Damaged: 1 x 109

Lost
Pilot status: KIA
Aeroplane status: Lost

Very enjoyable evening as well. Motivation was starting to go down for playing but this is why its great to play! Having something to try and do rather than just flying around looking for bandits and good people to fly with as well. Kudos to Bunny for leading for the first time also, was thrust upon him after Teepees exit. A job well done Sir.

[Flick]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Manston
Aeroplane: Hurricane Mk1 100 Oct/ SD-A/ P3081

Scrambled as a squadron from Manston and once airbourne I found that I was in the Squadron lead position but after making numerous navigation errors I took up a posn as No.3.
We patrolled north of Ramsgate as requested but received a radio signal advising of multiple contacts over Sandwich bay. We all went buster to join the fray and immediately on arrival I scored hits on a dancing Me110 that was evading a 64SQN spitfire. It was my first contact with a real Kraut and I actually hit him.. With my spirits high I then spent what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only about 3 minutes, floundering around looking for another Jerry. I found myself fortuitously positioned with somewhat of an excess of energy behind a solitary Me109. I managed to hang on to his tail for long enough to get a bead on him and damage him fairly badly. During this fight the Me109 pilot showed his mettle and turned the tables on me and I took some hits. I'm sorry to say, due to my lack of composure I was desperately calling for assistance and I was thankful to see my Squad mates in attendance soon after. We all followed the 109 back towards France but he crashed into the sea whilst flying very low.
I attempted to chase other contacts mid channel but failed to make any further contribution before low fuel forced me back to base where I executed my finest landing ever with Pilot Officer Bunny touching down well just behind me. Wizard wheeze eh?

Claims:
1 Me109 Destroyed
1 Me110 damaged

Flick

[Thaine]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Rochester
Aeroplane: Spitfire IIa / SH-J / L1068

Synopsis: Slightly nervous but rather calm I waited, listening to the conversations of the veteran pilots, for the unavoidable news of german raids coming in. My primary goal for this first mission of mine was to come home alive, and hopefully with an intact plane as well. I was ordered to scramble with pink flight as their number three, alongside Fg Off Nitrous and Plt Off Looky.
Finally the call came. We were ordered to scramble from Rochester. Pink flight was going out first. Compass, Convergence, Radioter checked we took off and I took my place in the formation at the starboard side of Fg Off Nitrous. We were climbing eastbound towards Manston. Passing Ramsgate to the north at above 20000ft we still had no contact with the incoming raid.
We were going into a shallow dive to get rid of our contrails and performing a wide circle to the right, bringing us back to Manston from the north. Flak over the area was suggestive of enemy presence. Shortly after we spottet a single contact at our 12 o'clock position, same level, heading towards us. The 109 passed some hundred feet below pink flight. We got into a left turn when at least two more 109's dropped in behind us.
I was breaking to the left and low but could here the impacts of some enemy fire. After some more seconds of manoeuvring I saw the 109 passing behind my tail. The hits didn't seem to have caused any problematic damage.
Unfortunately I've lost contact to pink flight, which seemed to be busy engaging or being engaged by themselves. I commenced some shallow turns to get an overview over the situation. A streaming 109 was passing me somewhat higher head on. A couple of seconds later a second 109 appeared behind my six. The impact hit me before I was able to break. Instantaniously everything turned black. My first thought was that I have been killed. However, after some second I could still hear the rush of air around the canopy. In addition I got a faint glimpse of the dashboard and figured that I must be in a violent spin. keeping me blacked out.
I managed to open the canopy and bailed out. After landing save in some residential neighbourhood, I reported back to No.64 squadron.

Claims
Destroyed: None
Probable: None
Damaged: None

Lost
Pilot status: OK
Aeroplane status: Lost

Thaine

[Sabre]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome: Manston
Aeroplane: Hurricane Mk1 100 Oct/ SD-S/ P3397

Synopsis: The nerves were well and truly jangling as we sat around the Ready Room. The rest of the chaps chatted about this and that until the conversation turned to a rather strange focus on a dancing girl and what sounded like a bit of a bounder called Kevin from Grimsby. The mention of this Kevin chappie sent FO Teepee into a bit of an uncharacteristic rage and he disappeared from the room muttering under his breath. The apprehension and anticipation were almost tangible, more so for myself as it was my first time on operational duty since returning from a very long and protracted absence sitting behind a desk at HQ.

We were shaken from our idle chatter by the inevitable siren and off we trotted to the Hurricanes. Orders were to climb and patrol sectors AX-AY, 27-28, angels 20. Going feet wet over Margate, we were to climb heading due north and rendezvous. I was soon hooked up with PO Bunny and a very welcome sight he was too. The radio chattered and in the awful cloud cover we lost Flt Sgt Meaker and then SAC Fang called out with engine trouble and was RTB. Eventually the cloud cleared and 501 regrouped and commenced our patrol pattern in good order while No64 Squadron seemed intent on nothing more than an aerobatic display pulling contrails throughout the sky - bloody show-offs.

After what seemed an eternity the call came for all squadrons to head towards Manston ASAP - it wasn't long before we had "eyes on" a bunch of ugly 110's, seemingly all alone but deep down we all knew differently. We checked the skies all round and then we dropped hungry for our prey. The nerves really kicked in again with hands shaking on the stick, "steady now", "keep calm", "stay focussed" and then more by luck than good judgement I'm right on the six of a juicy 110, steadying the old girl I gently squeezed the trigger and landed some hits. Oh the joy, but alas this was to be short lived, the chatter continued over the radio and no sooner had the worrying call of 109's been relayed and rounds thudded into the old girl. I dived away into a turn and managed to lose my foe but it was no good she was damaged and streaming water and oil.

I called out to PO Bunny that I was attempting RTB and he wished me luck. I tried to maintain as much height as possible and pointed the old girl at Manston. Fingers crossed and with eyes on the sky for any unscrupulous Hun looking for easy pickings I continued homeward. "Come on we can make it" with a worrying glance at the picture of my sweetheart the world became a quiet place and the engine finally gave out. It wasn't all bad news as the beach was closer than I thought. I steady her up and managed to glide quite some distance, opening the canopy in readiness for what was sure to be a rather damp experience. The relatively calm gliding was very rudely interrupted as I finally ditched into the sea about 200 yards from the beach. After safely extricating myself from the old girl (sweetheart safely secured in pocket) I readied myself for a tiring swim ashore only to be pleasantly surprised to hear friendly voices calling to me from a local fishing boat. These kindly chaps had spotted my predicament come to transport me home.

Claimed
Destroyed:
Probable:
Damaged: 1 x 110

Lost
Pilot status: OK
Aeroplane status: Lost

[Redeye]

These reports are fantastic reads! I chuckled a bit by myself when I noticed that the LW reports were cold, hard and to the point, but our good chaps here love to paint a rather rich picture of their aviation feats. Keep it up!

[Fang]

Typical German efficiency

[Tyrone]

Mission date: 1st Dec 2013
Aerodrome:RAF Manston
Aeroplane:Hurricane Mk 11a

Synopsis:
64 sqd fired up at Rochester as pink/red/white took off in a organized manor I took lead for blue flight then the search began for the hun we spotted a huge dogfight over manston then the fight began i seen a 109 prowling around looking to bounce then i lead blue flight and pounced waiting for convergence distance finger steady on the trigger and keeping the wonderful spit in a sustained dive i fired guns and his plane went into a wild spin with radiator and oil streaming there was no way he was going back as the mayhem began we lost mc tavish but seen luke who was been chased i hit the 109 and he dived away fast we let him go and formed up we chased the 109 but he got away we were heading out feet wet of dover but our faithful leader gromic signalled to rtb me and luke returned home to put our feet up

Claims
Destroyed:x1 109
Probable:0
Damaged:1

Lost
Pilot status: ok
Aeroplane status: returned safe