Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

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Urizen
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Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Urizen » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:02 pm

Second Storm of War Campaign

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Duration: 35 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Hawkinge
Aircraft: SH-K; Spitfire IIa

Transferred to Hawkinge today. Todays mission: Protect a coal convoy, designated CW8, that got hit earlier today. Took off as no.3 of pink flight. On T/O P1 experienced engine malfunctions. Luckily, he could jump right into a spare spit. Circled the airfield climbing towards angels 9, before heading out south towards Cap Griz Nes, when the R/T became alive. Red flight was engaged by 109s Midchannel. We quickly headed that way, when we spotted a large formation of Ju-88s with escorting 109s. Scared by allied Hurricanes (who isn´t scared of something that resembles a plane, but is better suited for mowing a lawn), the flight got separated. Tyrone and i then investigated multiple sightings, which most of the time turned out to be allied. I tried to latch onto a 109, sixing a Hurricane, however, due to engine overheating, i couldn´t push my trusted spit to its limit and the 109 extended away, leaving me unable to follow. Circling the area, i suddenly received hits to my plane, leaving my left wing in shreds, my radiator shot up and me wounded. I instantly decided to disengage and RTB. I joined circuit at Littlestone, undercarriage engaged, but flaps were damaged and i decided to not use them. Got on the ground just fine, but overshot the runway and nosed over.

Plane: SH-K probable writeoff
Pilot: lightly wounded (the bloody hun messed up me hair !)
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Bunny
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Bunny » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:21 pm

Mission 6 (18/11/2012)
Date: 25th July 1940
Duration: 35 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SD-N, Hurricane Mk1 (100 oct)

Took off from Gravesend airfield as Blue 2, with SAC Hawes (Blue Leader) and LAC Kupsised (Blue 3). Objective was to fly to Dungeness to protect our shipping that had already had a bit of a hammering earlier in the day - poor buggers. We capped at 16,000ft over the convoy at AW21and immediately encountered mupltiple bf109 contacts. With some argy bargy, Blue section managed to reform over Dungeness, still with no sign of the bombers, despite seeing the wreckage of the ships they'd encountered. Within seconds of reforming, we were bounced by 109s again. I called break, but my old girl was violated by some hun's hot lead as I turned. Seeing flames licking the cockpit's edges I had no choice but to bail out - no chute for a few thousand feet made me worry that the flames had taken some of the silk out, but thank God it opened eventually. Quite unceremoniously I landed in the front garden of one Mrs Meaks, flattening her husband's prize begonias in the process. Luckily he was out with the Home Guard on patrol for fallen Jerrys, so several cups of tea and some fantastic iced buns (where did she get the sugar rations!), I hitched a lift back to Gravesend with a delivery truck, in time for a swift half of bitter with the other stragglers.

Claims: 0 aircraft, 2 begonias.
Aircraft: Scrap metal.
Pilot: Bruised but ready for the next encounter.

“It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes I-16s.” - Douglas Adams


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Siddich
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Siddich » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:29 pm

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Duration: 55 min ?
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SD-H; Hurricane MkI 100 oct

Today I flew as Red 3 with S/L Osprey as Red 1 and Moggel as 3 and LAC Bully as Red 4. After take off we headed towards Dungeness and out over the Channel, when we were attacked by some 109s. Whilst this figth me and my wingman managed to come away and spot a huge formation of bombers (Ju88s), escorted by some other 109s. So I justt attacked some bombers, that had fallen behind. Whilst these attacks I lost my wingman, who had to bail. I got some hits on two bombers, that soon broke off their formation and went down on decklevel, with each their left engine smoking black and streaming wings. When I had spent all of my ammunition I tried to return to Eastchurch,but was followed by 3 109s, trying to catch me. After I managed to get rid of them, in another steep dive and a very deep flight over the rooftops, I finally returned and circled the airfield to watch LAC Kupsised land. After that I came in for landing , which was a little bit rough, but didn't do any harm.

Plane: no damages, no extra boost used ;-)
Pilot: ok
claims:
-2 probable Ju88s

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Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Dickie » Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:45 pm

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Duration: 36 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SD-K; Hurricane L2329

After being patched up with a few scratches by a nice looking nurse after yesterdays scrape over the estuary I was ready to go and get back at Jerry. The AOC tried to stop me but knew I wasn't going to have it, I'd convinced him that I'd got enough rest in the hospital and was fit to go, hiding the limp rather well I thought.
The squadron had 10 aircraft today and we were sent off to Eastchurch first thing in the morning, a hop for us. No.64 had been there the day before and had left the place in a right state. Virtually all of the toilets were blocked, probably it's pre-match nerves and a yellow streak in their squadron as long as the runway.
The call came in just as the NAAFI wagon came out to the dispersal hut and I'd already paid for my mid morning tea and current bun, Jerry was after the same convoy again blast him. Blue section led by SAC Hawes took off first followed by F/O Robo leading Gold section. I was last onto the strip and took off with new pilot CPL Moggel as my number two. He is new to the group having transferred from Spitfires with No.64 squadron, he said he wanted some real action and was tired with 64 squadron turning around at the first sign of the enemy. CPL Siddich and LAC Bully made up Red three and four.

Mandrel were vectored 170 to Lympne at angels 15, soon after this order we encountered a group of Bf109s dead ahead. I sent red section breaking left and picked up the reversing 109 chasing blue section but couldn't get into range, then over the RT command told us a vector to the bombers. Gold section had found some Bf110's and I heard that Robo had got one. I advised Mandrel to turn to Dungeness and dive toward the bomber force. We caught them up, Ju88's, I set my gunsight and attacked with a 4000ft advantage, I picked out a tail end charlie and fired into his port engine for 2 seconds scoring hits and fuel and coolant poured out. As I passed, very fast and close, I hear a loud band, my straps cut in and the controls all went very slack. I was in a spin and could not recover, I had clearly hit him with the tailplane. I was accelerating and heading down fast, time to jump. Disconnecting the oxygen and R/T I popped the canopy clear, twisted the strap and was sucked out quickly. I decided to wait a little bit before pulling the chord to get clear, remembering to keep the ring puller because the RAF charge sixpence for those! I saw my machine go in, tailplane smashed up completely. I landed in the water 500 yards off the beach and some locals sent out a launch for me. Turns out they were enjoying the show and saw me strike the Ju88 and said it fell into the sea so I will claim this Ju88 as destroyed (not damaged as first thought) - not a traditional way but a downed Hun is a good Hun.

Claims:
Destroyed
1x Ju88

Lost
1x Hurricane
Pilot OK

Bully
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Bully » Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:40 pm

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SD-B; Hurricane 100 Oct

Today's flight involved me flying as Red 4 with CPL Siddich as Red 3. S/L Osprey as Red 1 and Moggel as Red 2 made up the rest of Red Section. Took off from RAF Eastchurch and headed out to offer a convoy some form of air cover as they passed along the coast. With ten hurricanes sat at the end of the runway, surely 501 could bag a few victories today.
After gaining altitude, and after a few course corrections, we arrived over the convoy. It took a while to spot the incoming bombers, but the smoke wreck of a few ships gave the game away. I was following CPL Siddich as we started to dive down, but lost visually on him. whilst scanning the sky, I felt the plane lurch and start to tip over. Thought I still had control for a few seconds until I glanced over where my left wing should have been, and it wasn't. Time to bail....
After a few tumbles my chute opened just in time to see my plane smash into the sea. Slowly drifted down and hot the water about 100 yards away from the coast. As the water was bloody cold, decided it would not be a good idea to just float there and await rescue, so swam ashore.
When ashore, got in touch with HQ to let them know I was damp but alive, and got a lift from some friendly locals back to the airfield. Was disheartend to see that only two others form 501 had made it back to base, although news soon came though that most of the other pilots, like me, had gone for a swim.

Claims: Bugger all. Didn't even fire a bullet

Aircraft: Destroyed

Pilot: After a stiff drink, ok and ready to fly again.
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Kupsised
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Kupsised » Sun Nov 18, 2012 11:56 pm

Mission No.6 (18.11.2012)
Date: 25th July 1940
Location: Eastchurch
A/C: Hurricane Mk1 (100 oct) - SD-A - L2045

Took off from Gravesend as Blue 3 with SAC Hawes as Blue Leader and F/Sgt Bunny as Blue 2. We linked up with Red and Gold section and headed South towards Dungeness where the ships we were supposed to be. We climbed to altitude, then were warned by control that there were bombers forming over Cap Gris Nez, and we were to vector to intercept. As we did, Gold Leader called out 109's going over the top and coming down on us. Blue Section broke, and wheeled round to try and get a bead on them. In the ensuing chaos I lost contact with Blue Section. After being fairly confident we were all clear, we agreed to meet up at 11,000 over Dungeness. I was there and spotted two contacts that I assumed were blue section and tried to link up with them. We were then told that the bombers were right on top of us, and to engage, but I never saw them. Blue Leader and Blue 2 then both got jumped by 109's, and I heared Blue 2 bail, but did not hear what happened to Blue Leader. I was now the leader of Blue Section, commanding officer of myself and my aircraft. I headed out East towards Cap Gris Nez, where the bombers were said to be heading, but again I was exactly where they were supposed to be the whole time and never got so much as a whiff of them. I then spotted a 109 heading North, so stalked him for a bit, but he was flying straight and slow, so concerned that he was acting as bait for some as-yet unseen 109's above, I broke contact and headed back for the ships, where there were reports of 110's attacking. Once again, I never saw the 110's, but I saw multiple Hurricanes and 109's. I got on the tail of what I thought was a 109. squeezed a short burst off at him, only to find to my embarrassment that it was a Hurricane. I then got two 109's on my 6, but managed to comfortably out-manoeuver them, taking only minor damage and losing a vertical stabiliser. After dogifhgting for a while I managed to break off and headed back to base at Eastchurch. After a long run over the countryside I was on finals at Eastchurch when I hit the ground much harder than expected. Looking at my gear indicator, the lights were Red. After a perfect contact, with minimal damage suffered, to most damage that was done to my Hurricane was by my lack of attention to basic procedure. Chalk it all up to combat fatigue I think!

Claims: None
Aircraft: Left-hand vertical stabiliser missing and ditched at home base, but otherwise in working order. Suggest replacement pilot to ensure better operation next time.
Pilot: Half asleep, but ok.

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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Bounder » Mon Nov 19, 2012 2:15 am

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Duration: 1hour 4minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Hawkinge
Aircraft: SH-B; Spitfire 2a

Leaving Eastchurch we said goodbye to the local woman and tried to console them as they wept - both for our leaving and the imminent arrival of those ungentlemanly brutes from 501 who were due into Eastchurch later that day. 64 were reassigned to Hawkinge with orders to again protect an allied shipping convoy, this time in the channel. Command was anticipating a large raid on the shipping convoy near Dungeness and fielding 8 Spitfires, 64 were charged with flying interference over Cap Cris Nez in order to buy time for the battlebus' to get themselves organised. We were informed that Hurricanes from 71st would be flying CAP over Calais but since they were in Hurricanes and going from Manston we did not expect them to arrive for some time. So we would be sent out alone, far from allied air support, outnumbered - business as usual!

64 split into two flights of 4 (Red and Nitrous' Pink section). Red squadron consisting of myself, Gromic, Fenris and Yranac got airborne immediately and climbed over Hawkinge awaiting Pink section. However, Pink section leader had technical problems and had not managed to get airborne so command ordered the 4 Spitfires of Red section to depart Hawkinge without them and proceed to Cap Gris Nez. Arriving near Cap Gris Nez at around angels 17, a large formation (8+) of fast moving contacts were spotted at 2 moving to 3 o'clock co-alt. Since the contacts hadn't appeared to spot us, we carried on past them and then climbed, attempting to gain an altitude advantage. As we settled onto their long six they began to maneuver - turning and then zoom climbing up into the stratosphere, the contacts (109s) then vectored toward us and passed over our heads before commencing their zoom and boom attacks. Red section broke and engaged but clearly this was not a fight we could sustain - outnumbered by more than 2:1 we were unable to execute a surprise attack and, thanks to the appalling Spitfire FM at altitude, the 109s easily gained the altitude advantage. In the initial engagement I got good hits into a 109s six and he began to vent heavily. At first he dove away only to come back where we exchanged fire before he dove away for good this time and RTB'd (I claim this 109 heavily damaged). We had relayed our position to command but with no word on any help we could not stay in this fight forever - I had taken light damage but Gromic and Yranac had taken more heavy fire. We attempted to draw the 109s down and in the direction of any allied support. We had achieved our mission, to engage and disrupt Hun fighter cover over Gap Gris Nez and fought well when so heavily outnumbered.

Gromic and Yranac had to RTB due to damage received but Fenris and I were in good condition and reformed near Folkstone around angels 10. We spotted a fight near to Lymphe/Littlestone which dispersed and we became engaged with 109s over the convoy at around angels 6. As we attempted to close down 109s Fenris, who was on my close 4 o'clock, yelled for me to break and saved me, not for the first time, a 109 attempted to get in from my high six - I received light damage. I engaged an evasive 109 and got hits across his wing and fuselage - he dove away with his wing tip on fire but the fire went out following his dive (I claim this 109 as damaged). I then spotted a lone 110 strafing the convoy and dove down onto him, getting a short burst into his right engine which vented heavily. I climbed above the 110 and dove back down to finish him off but had to break off my attack to dodge friendly fire - a Hurricane pilot following at extreme range was now firing wildly in the direction of the slowing 110 and given his apparent blindness / homicidal tenancies I broke off and left the 110 to the mad man (I claim partial kill on this 110 which went down when the Hurricane caught up).

The fight began to ebb and flow from the convoy at Dungeness toward Cap Gris Nez as we drove off 109s. I got hits into a 109 (claim as damaged) before having to brake as his wingman closed in on me. I withdrew toward to convoy and headed back again in the direction of France chasing another 109 with Fenris on my close 4 o'clock. We struggled to close the 109 in our sluggish Spitfire 2a's but as I finally entered gun range near to Cap Gris Nez the 109 bucked and entered a zoom climb. With Fenris watching my six I cut the vertical corner and got a good 2-3 second burst into the 109 which lurched and vented heavily. As I attempted to finish him off, once again Fenris yelled to break as another 109 closed in on me. I broke and Fenris battered the 109 who was none other than the famous Herr Hans Gruber. Out of ammo Fenris and I left the battered 109s to limp home (I claim my 109 as a probable who had lost engine power over the sea near to Cap Gris Nez).

As we returned home command asked 64 to fly reconnaissance over the allied convoy since we were the last squadron still up. Fenris and I counted 11 merchant ships and one Destroyer type; as we flew over the convoy the sailors waved and thanked 64 for our work, I believe Fenris had some lacey underwear thrown onto his trusty Spit by a very grateful seaman. We met up with Tyrone from Pink section and headed for home and were vectored to land at Littlestone. 64 had been the first into action and the last out.

Claims: one 110 destroyed (partial); one 109 probable; one 109 heavily damaged and put out of action; two 109s damaged.
Plane: SH-B light damage to elevator trim and one gun in left platform.
Pilot: OK
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Hawes » Mon Nov 19, 2012 9:48 am

Mission No.6 (18.11.2012)
Date: ( 25/7/1940)
Location: Eastchurch airfield
A/C: Hurricane Mk1 (100 oct) - SD-T P3208
T/O: 13:01
Mission end: 13:33


I took off as Blue 1 with Sgt Bunny (Blue 3) and LAC Kupsised (Blue 2) to fly a convoy mission over AW21. We’ve had several pilots shot down recently so anyone with combat experience is being promoted to flight leaders, rank doesn’t count at 15,000 ft in a furball. We took off first and circled and joined up with Red Section and Gold section, heading 170°.
We arrived over the coast at Angels 14 and were soon after bounced by a flight of 109s. We broke and I lost my wingmen. I had to break off and dived to Angels 6 to evade the E/As. I found Blue 3 over Dungerness at Angels 8, then I saw a 109 coming down on Sgt Bunny. I called out the bandit, but it was too late. He bailed and landed safely, if somewhat sizzled. I managed to get a burst off before the E/A climbed out of range. I didn’t get any descent hits though.
I was then bounced myself and the next thing I remember is waking up in hospital a few hours later with a very attentive nurse. Needless to say, we both got a complete physical!

I claim nothing for this sortie except a renewed hatred for the Hun!

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

Robo
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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Robo » Mon Nov 19, 2012 11:21 am

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
25.07.1940
Duration: 40 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Eastchurch
Aircraft: SD-X; Hurricane Mk.I

CAP mission over shipping in Dungerness area, I led the Gold section with two Czech pilots, Sgt. Valec and SAC Cibule, we took off from Eastchurch in the afternoon. I managed to get some sleep in the morning as it was unusually quiet that day. I had a very busy night mind you, the local girls really really like us, especially after being treated by the uptight buggers from the 64th. This girl was very pretty and surprisingly honest about the situation. She said oh they're supposed to care but they never make me scream, they never make me scream. I don't quite know what she ment by that.

Following the Red and Blue sections, we approached Dungerness area at Angels 15 at which point we were advised about multiple 109 is the area North of us even higher than us. We had visual on our convoy and flew heading 170 as there was a imminent raid of 40+ bombers reported and we ought to intercept them. As we flew off shore, still climbing at Angels 18, to my horror and surprise, 5 contacts approached us from our 12 o'clock higher and closed in rapidly. They were Bf 109s and unfortunately, they spotted us. I reported the situation and our position to the leader and begun a swift defensive turn. SAC Cibule got attacked and he was warned alright and broke away safely. We had no chance to push through to the bombers and I was looking around if there are any Spitfires to our aid. We were on our own though, outperformed and outnumbered. I used all my speed to close at the 109 that was attacking Gold 3 and got a nice deflection shot from about 250 yards, bullets sank into his cowling and canopy area and continued all the way to his tail as he kept flying. He was certainly surprised as he pushed the stick only a second after I stopped shooting. He was leaking fuel or glycol. SAC Cibule reported he got a shot on another one that spun in, he did not follow it though so both claims are only for damaged 109s. Sgt. Valec got in trouble and after being hit he was leaking oil, he disengaged immediately and landed safely at Hawkinge. Poor lad has to put up with the 64 again. I was attacked just after I recovered from my previous attack, the 109 was firing from very far away but the tracers got uncomfortably close so I split S to shake him off. There was a furball of eight aircratft just a minute ago and suddenly, I am all on my own. I decided to carry on with our mission, and I was determined to shoot at least one Ju-88 down. Oh yes, the raid has been localised now and they were eighty-eights indeed. They are fust but they burn jolly good. I spotted the formation at least, right there over Dungerness at Angels 11 and reported this to whatever was left out of No.501 at this time. I tried to close in to the lot, there was awful lot of them, I counted 40+ dots staggered like an escalator at Piccadilly station, but they were fast, from the state of the convoy I assumed they were turning back home after they finished their bombing run. Flying at full power with no wingman, I was cursing quite a lot and banging with my fist into the cockpit glass as if that could make this poor thing to fly any faster. I lost too much speed in the tackle with the fighers, but I should be glad that I was alive. I had no means to attack the bombers as they were descending towards the French coast already. I have witnessed the fate of one of the JUs chewed up by some of our chaps - the machine was flying low and I noticed long streak of thich black smoke pouring from the starboard engine. The fuel tank was on fire and the orange flames were surprisingly long and almost beautiful. I watched three small dots separating from the wreckage and then pop - pop - pop, three white parachutes appeared. The last lad was unlucky though as his parachute became orange and more and more so and suddenly he was falling in the water like a stone. These Germans are truly bastards but I did not wish him that. Drowning or untreated syphillis would be enough I guess.

I was about to turn back and RTB, but to my joy and surprise, one twin engine passed directly underneath me - was that a lost JU? No, 110. He didn't see me coming, I have seen the rear gunner grabbing his MG as I was closing but he had no time to point it at me - after the burst his gun pointed vertically and the glass of his small glasshouse turned all red. I felt no excitement as I shot this bugger to pieces - I did not repeat my attack nor did I hang around long enough to watch him go in, but he was done - streaming heavily, losing fuel, pieces flew of the tail, I certainly claim this one as probable, SE of Dungerness at Angels 15, he was on his own. I really started to think about flying back to base, but there was another contact in Dungerness area, the only 501 pilot in the area advised me that it was not safe - the contact was a 109 indeed. I followed him for a while, having some extra speed, but he spotted me before I could close the gap and dissapeared in a thick smoke above the convoy. I turn back inland and landed safely.

Claims:
1x Me 110 probably destroyed
1x Bf 109 damaged

Plane: OK
Pilot: OK

Gold section: 3 pilots, all RTB, 1 Hurricane damaged (engine hit)

Claims:
1x Me 109 probably destroyed
1x Me 110 probably destroyed
1x Bf 109 damaged

note: I didn't actuallt RTB as my game crashed as I got closer to the burning ships tailing a 109, my game seems to dislike smoking vessels :(

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Re: Mission 6 : 25 July 1940

Post by Gromic » Mon Nov 19, 2012 7:21 pm

Mission 6 (Sun 18/11/12):
Duration: 28 minutes
Home Airfield: RAF Hawkinge
Aircraft: SH-Q; Spitfire 2a

The hun wasn't taking no for an answer. They were up to it again. This time we were to CAP a fleet of transports in AW just south of dungerness that had been previously been hammered by stukas with a loss of three vessels. Our job was to make sure those events weren't repeated.

I followed red section leader (Bounder!) as number 2, taking off from Hawkinge and went into the blue sky with an anxious feel in my gut. Red 3 and 4 formed on my 5 as we climbed towards the french coast far in the distance. I communicated our position and altitude to channel command on the way up. 15 minutes into the flight we were vectored to angels 17 in the vicinity of Cap Gris Nez and told to lookout for any aircraft enroute towards blighty with intent to do harm to our side of the war effort. No sooner had the R/T cleared, my eyes straining against the french horizon, I made out numerous contacts at our 2 o'clock closing on us fast. I called out to red 2, alerting him of the impending danger.

Bounder! called out to maintain formation and started into a high speed, low deflection right hand turn as the hun had turned on our six further out. I released pressure on my rudder to widen the turn, allowing for some spacing between Bounder! and myself. This allowed me to make out any huns earlier, that may have my flight leader in his sights.

Loud thumping drowned out the roar of my merlin as bullets rained into my center fuselage from behind. I had succeded in covering my lead, but failed to judge the speed of the oncoming 109s to my rear. The thin, amour plating had protected me but my radiator was KIA by a far shot that normally wouldn't have hit the broad side of a barn. Temps on my IIa skyrocketed immediatly and it was a matter of seconds before my spit blew a gasket. I broke hard to the right in an evasive maneuver, avoiding another enemy burst which was tracing past my port side. The hun broke off his attack and zoomed towards the sun never to return. He didn't need to and he knew why. I was out of the fight.

I informed Bounder! of my condition and was immediatly redirected to RTB. I adjusted prop pitch to full course, reducing lag and proceeded to glide towards the english coast and RAF hawkinge which I soon saw in the distance. No hun followed me down.

10 minutes later I touched the ground, wheels down and rolled out on the runway at hawkinge. I survived but my pride had been killed.

Claims:
None

Aircraft: Radiator out of commision.
Pilot: Sulking it out in the bar.
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