Mission 5 : 24 July 1940

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Urizen
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Mission 5 : 24 July 1940

Post by Urizen » Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:51 pm

Second Storm of War Campaign

Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Duration: 40 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SH-K; Spitfire IIa

Corpses do not fill out Form 540ies. Which jerk submitted that, he´s in for cleaning the loos. Added is the original text.

Went from Gravesend to Eastchurch today. We are in for another boring CAP for today. Quickly took off and formed up, climbing east to Angels 18.
After being in the area of Ramsgate for 15 minutes, i lost control of elevators and ailerons. Odd thing though, loss was intermittently and not consistent.
Trying to save the plane and ditching near Manston using trim and rudder, my trusty spit decided to go for that hot chick in that lovely pub and i left a crater in the ground.

Plane: SH-K Spitfire MkIIa complete writeoff
Pilot: With da angelz
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Robo
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Mission 5 : 24 July 1940

Post by Robo » Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:56 pm

Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Duration: 40 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Hawkinge
Aircraft: SD-X; Hurricane Mk.I

CAP mission over shipping in Margate area, large formation of cca 30 Do-17s spotted underneath us, led Gold section into attack from 6 o'clock at 45 degrees. Scored multiple hits on the bomber in the rear left area of the bomber formation, setting it on fire with 2 second burst - but unfortunately happened to collide with the debris as I got too close, losing my port wing on the impact with what looked like part of the fuselage. I reported my position and position and altitude of the bombers, which just attacked the convoy - and I counted 6 out of 9 ships destroyed and then, as I failed to re-gain control over my trusty Hurricane, I bailed out right over Herne Bay. Landed safely less than 600 yards from the beach. Not too happy about the result of my attack, but lucky enough as I survived mid-air collision

Claims:
1x Do-17 destroyed

Plane: destroyed
Pilot: B/O safely

note: collision due to sudden FPS loss that happened to come right as the ships were bombed (and destroyed). The smoke from the burning Dornier didn't help either, I had undfortunately little chance to avoid the target at my speed. I claim this bomber anyway as it was on fire at the time of the impact.

Siddich
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Location: Illertissen, Germany

Re: Mission 5 : 17 November 1940

Post by Siddich » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:21 pm

Second Storm of War Campaign

Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Duration:35 minutes (?)
Home Airfield: RAF Gravesend
Aircraft: SD-H; Hurricane MkI 100oct

Today I took of from Gravesend on a mission to protect a convoy. I was Red 4 and in a flight with S/L Osprey,LAC Bully and SAC Hawes. We went along the coast, towards the convoy and soon spotted a huge formation of Do 17s. When we attacked we were engaged by some bf 109s. But I managed to damage one bomber, although one of the Bf109 damaged my radiator. Then Osprey engaged the 109, what prevented me from further damage. On my way back to the next airfield, what was Eastchurch, I spotted the bombers again and took some more shots on one of them. This time I saw one engine venting. Again I was chased by a 109, but he couldn't follow me in a steep climb. But to get my crate home, I left the bombers and dove down towards the airfield, where I managed a landing with a shaking engine, oil all over my windshield and a venting radiator. As soon as I was leaving the runway, my engine stopped.

Plane: Damaged Radiator, damaged engine
Pilot: ok

claims:
2 Do17s damaged

Hawes
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Re: Mission 5 : 24 July 1940

Post by Hawes » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:49 pm

Mission No.5 (17.11.2012)
Date: (24/7/1940)
Location: Gravesend airfield
A/C: Hurricane Mk1 (100 oct) - SD-T P3208
T/O: 11:05
Mission end: 11:34


I took off as Red 3 in Red flight with S/L Osprey (Red 1), LAC Bully (Red 2) and Cpl Siddich (Red 4). We climbed to 15,000 ft over Manston. We became separated from Gold section N/W of Manston. Gold section became separated from us after engaging 3 109s. While flying 270° we spotted a large bomber formation of 20+ Do17s. Having lost my wingman in our last turn, I dived on the formation on my own. I fired on the left hand man of the left hand vic of the formation and got his left engine smoking fairly well. I then pulled up to have a look around, I then attacked again, targeting the leader of the formation. I got good hits on him and suddenly he pulled up and I grazed his tail plane with my prop. He started to head in under semi- control, I think that I killed the bomber pilot or at any rate wounded him. I was then forced to head N for Eastchurch and landed. I had to make a belly landing as I couldn’t get my flaps or wheels down, but the ack-emmas might be able to salvage something.

I claim 1 Dornier 17 destroyed
1 Dornier 17 damaged


Campaign tally:
1 JU 87 destroyed (confirmed by S/L Osprey)
1 JU 87 as a probable (confirmed by S/L Osprey)
2 JU 87s as damaged
1 Bf 109 destroyed (confirmed)1 Dornier 17 destroyed
1 Dornier 17 destroyed
1 Dornier 17 damaged

Bully
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Location: Gloucestershire, UK

Re: Mission 5 : 17 November 1940

Post by Bully » Sat Nov 17, 2012 11:02 pm

Second Storm of War Campaign

Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Home Airfield: RAF Gravesend
Aircraft: SD-B; Hurricane MkI 100oct

Flying as Red 2 today's Mission was convoy protection around the Thames estuary. After gaining altitude and patrolling for a while Gold Section spotted a formation of DO-17's heading for the convoy. Loosely following Red one in I Got a few rounds into a enemy bomber, knocking out a gunner and damaging an engine.
Had heard shouts that there were some 109's in the area so broke away from the bomber formation to try and regain some altitude, but while I was turning I took some hits, either from a Chasing 109 or the Bombers receiving some slight damage. Should have really headed home but decided to go in for one run more pass. I climbed up higher than the formation and stated to dive down on the bomber on the far left of the formation.
Misjudged the dive a bit and had to fly behind the formation for a few seconds, which I thought I had got away with until I heard the dreaded thudding noise of bullets hitting my aircraft, and then it all went black.

Plane: In numerous pieces at the bottom of the channel
Pilot: Also in numerous pieces at the bottom of the channel

claims:
1 DO-17 damaged
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Kupsised
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Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2012 9:06 pm

Re: Mission 5 : 17 November 1940

Post by Kupsised » Sat Nov 17, 2012 11:11 pm

Mission No.5 (17.11.2012)
Date: 24th July 1940
Location: Gravesend
A/C: Hurricane Mk1 (100 oct) - SD-A - L2045

Took off from Gravesend as Gold 2, with F/O Robo as Gold Leader and Valec as Red 3. We took off, climbed to altitude and CAP'ed over the ships at 14,000ft. Spotted some contacts over our 12 o'clock and we broke, but they turned out to be Spitfires. At this point I lost visual with Gold Leader, never to regain it, although he kept assuring me he was on my tail the whole time. As we were levelling out to CAP over the ships again, approaching from the Ramsgate area, I spotted some more contacts at our 9 o'clock high. These were 109's. Gold Leader ordered us to engage and we started to climb, but then bombers appeared on my six o'clock low (didn't see them until I was right on top of them). Dived in on the bombers, lined myself nicely up for a shot then the whole of Red section dived between me and my target just as I was about to pull the trigger. They caused some minor damage to my target, then after they had dived away I proceeded with my attack. I heard his engine screaming and saw his crew bail just as I dived away to the left. Scratch one Dornier (shared with almost all of Red section who seem to have an inability to know a queue when they see one. Not knowing how to queue is awfully un-British, I'll keep my eyes on them, could be Krauts in sheep's clothing). I wheeled round to the left and realigned myself with the bombers, hearing Gold leader go down and losing contact with Gold 3. I found another target and got good hits into his engine (multiple leaks + fire) and saw the hatches pop and the first crew member bail out. Scratch two Dorniers (all to my self this time). Just as the first crew member dropped from the aircraft and I was diving away, my aircraft took a series of hits from a 109 that had dropped down on to my 6. I knew I had loitered a little bit too long on the tail of that Dornier, so I was asking for it really. Everything went black. My Hurricane somehow landed itself inland, albeit not exactly in one piece, with most of the tail missing, both wings missing, the nose foward of blastwall missing, vertical stabalisers missing, full of holes with fuel leaking everywhere and on fire, but in otherwise mint condition. I'll write it down as 'Nearly New'. Finished the flight very happy with my achievements with only a minor quibble in that I was dead, but at least I died happy having finally made some kills. I guess the training paid off, so thanks to all those who've flown with me during the week!

Claims: 1x Dornier (100%), 1x Dornier (50%, shared with four others, but I did almost all the critical damage). Both confirmed kills, both crews seen bailing out. SAC Hawes has said he'll be witness to both.
Aircraft: Writeoff, but landed itself (somehow).
Pilot: Dead, but happy at last.

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Re: Mission 5 : 17 November 1940

Post by Dickie » Sat Nov 17, 2012 11:35 pm

24th July 1940
Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Duration: 35 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Gravesend
Aircraft: Hurricane SH-K L2329

501 had 7 machines at readiness because of recent heavy action, and some heavy drinking at the White Hart. I led Red section with LAC Bully as my number 2 and SAC Hawes and Cpl Siddich as 3 and 4. F/O Robo led Gold section with LAC Kupsised as his number 2 and Czech volunteer Valec as Gold 3.
After a lazy morning in the sunshine we thought the Hun had had enough but fighter command gave a scramble order at 11am. A big raid was detected heading to our convoy leaving England. With No.64 thankfully out of the way at Eastchurch for the day we didn't have any bloody Spitfires in our way and we got away easily. Command directed us to Manston to angels 15 but after a circuit there we were turned around back to Eastchurch. It was then that Gold leader spotted a mass of Dorniers below him and we were amazed to see they were not escorted. I ordered an attack and 501 got stuck in.
With a 4000ft advantage I split S with red section and dropped onto the tail of one of the back of the group setting my gunsight to the correct width. I gave him 2 or 3 seconds from 250 yards into the portside but did not see many strikes. I claim this Do17 as damaged. I zoom climbed and watched over my shoulder having heard that 109's were about. On my second pass I fired heavily into the starboard tank and engine from 200 yards to close, black smoke poured from his machine and I watched the crew panicking inside as he wheeled left and fell down, the crew jumping out as quickly as possible. I claim the this Do17 as destroyed. I zoomed in a left climbing turn after this attack and looked over my left should. A 109 was closing hard onto my 7 OC so I tightened the turn to prevent him from hitting me. At the top of my loop I dived north and he lost me . I could see the beehive heading to Eastchurch so I climbed to angels 13 and picked out a suitable 109 who was chasing a Hurricane which happened to be flown by Cpl Siddich. Turning hard right with the tit pulled I got my gunsight onto him from 75 yards and fired, scored multiple hits all into his fuselage. He rocked violently and fell away left with glycol pouring from the radiators and engine bay on his starboard side. I let him dive away because there was no way he could get home in this condition and I had lots of ammunition left, I saw no value in following him home. I claim this Bf109 as probable.
I asked Command for a new vector because I had lost sight of the fighting and was told to head south, I pushed my Hurricane to the limit and gained sight of the fighting again but was distracted by two aircraft heading north appearing to fight. I turned to help but it was a blasted Spitfire and Hurricane - those clots cost me 10 miles! Fortunately heading back south again I soon spotted a Bf109 chasing a Spitfire heading north just to the south of Faversham so I gave chase. The Spitfire was looping and turning and the Hun followed. I used all of my strength to prevent blackout following a loop at over 350mph, pushing the RPM's high in the climb afterwards I gained rapidly, too rapidly and missed me shot. We both stalled yards apart and I cut power so as not to overshoot, then followed him vertically firing right behind him I scored hits onto his port wing which began to smoke. He dived faster and I was out of range, levelling out heading south I had 500ft on him so I dropped and briefly gained slightly and fired from 400 yards missing over his head. It was then that I heard loud bangs into my machine and a wretched sharp pain in my right calf. I look over my left should and another Jerry was less than 100 yards away. I pulled hard left and escaped further shots. My trusty Hurricane began to shake and the needles were all out of range, then oil sprayed over the canopy. I thought about jumping but at 500ft and over 250mph it looked a bit risky. Next I was concerned about fire and a quick check at my feet and no fuel had leaked in so figured I had enough time to find a field to pancake into. I opened the canopy to left me out of required and avoid glass, bleed off some speed and lowered full flaps. Belly up, 70mph she landed nicely but my straps cut my shoulder badly. A nearby farmer came up and helped me out and had to fend off those trigger happy idiots in the Home Guard who had already fired in my direction.

Claims:
Destroyed
1x Do17

Probable
1x Bf109

Damaged
1x Do17
1x Bf109

Aircraft a write off
Pilot a bit battered

Bounder
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Re: Mission 5 : 24 July 1940

Post by Bounder » Sun Nov 18, 2012 4:16 am

24th July 1940
Mission 5 (Sat 17/11/12):
Duration: ~40 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SH-B; Spitfire 2a

Orders today were, once again, to protect allied shipping. Totaling 5 Spitfires, 64 squadron scrambled from Eastchurch. Thankfully, the National Express Air Fleet were at Gravesend this morning and not clogging up our runway so we got up in record time and climbed toward Margate to fly CAP at angels 18. We arrived over Margate and appeared to be the first squadron in the area; we climbed to angels 19 and flew CAP. Intel began to come in, regarding an incoming Jerry raid and we received orders from command to drop to angels 15 over Ramsgate. Concerned that we would yield precious altitude should the 109s come in at their usual altitude, this was a difficult order to follow, nevertheless we knew from intel the bombers were at angels 10 and although begrudgingly, I immediately relayed the order to the squadron to begin our decent down from angels 19 to 15.

Following our decent to angels 15 over Ramsgate, we were buzzed by a squadron of Hurricanes. Although identified as Hurricanes, it caused quite the kerfuffle as with their flight bearing in on our six, some of the squadron broke (whilst frustrating I understand - we've all been on the receiving end of trigger happy bus drivers at one time or another). With flack beginning to be sent up around us and the engagement imminent, we were spread out, this really wasn't the time to be playing silly buggers with Hurricanes. We attempted to relay our position to one another and regroup. Then we spotted it - a large formation of enemy bombers, lower at around angels 10 over the Ramsgate area heading toward the convoy. With the squadron still spread out I tried to reform whilst relaying the intel to command, however, this soon became impossible as R/T began to light up, as separated members of 64 now reported they were under attack. I could not get intel as to where the 109s were as pilots fought. Desperately scanning I could see Hurricanes still on our rear and a group of contacts fast approaching us from head-on co-alt. As these contacts were coming into view, Fenris who was with me broke reporting being engaged by a 109, I spun my head back around desperately trying to see Fenris and where the 109s were coming from. Unable to pick out Fenris, with my head on swivel mode overdrive, I turned to see the incoming contacts at 12 o'clock were more Hurricanes, and as I desperately searched for Fenris I saw the 109 zip past my 4 o'clock and then another, diving in from above and behind. I took evasive action and the 109 zoomed up where I now spotted more 109s overhead at angels 18. Spotting a 109 in range, I sort after him only to be pressed down by the high 109s. Evasive again, I watched the skies above trying to track booming and zooming 109s. Now closer to the convoy I watched in horror the explosions below, I didn't dare imagine the fate of the seaman, besides we weren't out of it yet. Eventually I received engine damage from a diving 109 and with oil ejaculating across my cockpit, I descended to land at Manston.

Getting down to angels 7 I circled and despite knowing I wasn't in any shape to continue I couldn't quite bring myself to land. Despite the obvious damage, my engine still appeared to be running ok and I debated, trying to kid myself that I had time to remain in the fight. Throttling back up I realisied that I could not get enough power from my Merlin for combat and knowing I had a limited window before damage to the engine became terminal, I knew my only course of action was to land. I vectored to Manston and put down. Upon landing I believe our special guest pilot Yranac was the only member of the squadron still in the air, it had been a day to forget for 64 but thankfully word was that 501 had some success (double booo!). As I sat, slumped in my battered Spitfire we got word of Yranac downing a 109 which helped somewhat to soften the blow of an otherwise depressing sortie.

Claims: None
Aircraft: SH-B damage to engine
Pilot: OK
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