Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

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Teepee
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Teepee » Tue Oct 14, 2014 8:46 pm

Squadron: No.501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron code: "SD"
Pilot name: Flying Officer Teepee
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: RAF Gravesend
Type: Trusty Hawker Hurricane Mk 1A
Marking: "M for Marvel"
Serial number: N2617

Synopsis:

Once again the Boss was heading across the country only this time he was to pay a morale boosting visit to 64 Sqn. The chaps were aghast at the thought of our squadron Commander easing himself into the bryllcream stained cockpit of a Spittie. We had visions of his hands fumbling with the slippery controls while trying to shoot down the Hun. This was one situation which we trusty Hurricane pilots were not familiar with and the nervous glances around the crew room showed the true horror that each pilot was trying not to imagine.

In any event the Boss had left me in charge and I was at the helm of the mighty 501 Sqn in the company of the stoic chaps of Blue Section. Fearless PO Meaker was Blue 2, the heroic Sgt Mauf was Blue 3 and joining us from the Americas was Blue 4 in the form of the indomitable SAC Toxic. These chaps were itching to get at the Hun and it wouldn’t be long before they would get their chance!

It was the same form as before. The vermin were attacking the Channel Ports and extending into our green and pleasant land towards the Capital. Pretty soon the radio message from Ops told Blue Section to get into the air and patrol from Manston down to Hawkinge. For good measure we were to be accompanied by Red section. The sound of 7 Mighty Merlins was heard reverberating across the airfield as the incredible machines leapt into the air. First Blue Section, followed later by Red Section. We made a direct course to Manston climbing at an amazing speed and prepared ourselves for the onslaught from the Hun. We achieved our patrol altitude of 15,000ft in minutes and arrived at our destination soon after. Red Section was some way behind but they were on course to support our patrol.

After a few minutes into the patrol off the Kent coast the steely eyed SAC Toxic spotted 2 pairs of Bf110s below us, heading towards the coastline North of Manston. In typical Hurricane fashion we attacked the enemy with all guns blazing and gave the black crossed crates a hearty DeWilde welcome. Red Section joined the party and it wasn’t long before the hapless Hun was obliterated from the sky by our deadly salvoes. I managed to get above and behind one of the victims and gave a long burst of British lead. I broke off to let others join the fun so I didn’t confirm the inevitable contact with the ground by the Hun. It was a team effort and the team scored success by downing all four harbingers of doom in no time. Was this the best these 110s could do? They were in for a surprise if they thought this was going to be easy! Watch out Hermann.

We then heard the request from Ops to head towards Deal to meet another swarm of black death. The rest of 501 Sqn had been scrambled and were also heading for Deal. We were initially too low to be of any use so I took the Section inland to allow us to climb to altitude. It was while we were turning that the pesky 109s attacked. I heard the sound of enemy lead hitting my trusty airframe and thought the worst as the controls juddered in my hands. The Boffins at Hawkers had designed the Marvel Machine to absorb this sort of treatment but the damage I was receiving was beyond even their wildest dreams! I elected to make for Canterbury and radioed my intentions to the rest of my Section. The fearless PO Meaker led the chaps out towards Deal to intercept the Hun while I made a dead stick landing at Canterbury. I listened, for a while, to the commentary over the radio and was proud to hear the incredible Hurricanes dealing out a damn good thrashing to the invaders in true Hurricane style.

Pretty soon I was met at the runway by a crew bus. I left a scribbled message in the cockpit of my trusty warhorse promising the ground crew chief a double helping of Badgers if the chaps could recover my steed in record time. These chaps knew how to look after the amazing machine. I then boarded the bus and told the driver to get me back to Gravesend in double time. I was in the mood for a celebration with the chaps.

I arrived back at the Sqn dispersal and briefed the Sqn Adj on my activities. He was amazed at how quickly we had splashed the 110s before telling me that most of the chaps had made it back. I made my way to the mess sought out the trusty Meaks and demanded where he had hidden my beloved four string. The celebrations then launched but we were temporarily constrained as there weren’t any pianos to brew up. We all resolved to visit the town, the next day, and ‘rescue’ some for the following night. That meant there was only Badgers Bollocks to keep us going and we had plenty of supplies.

It was while I was at the bar that I met a nice young French filly, called Bernadette Frappemoi, who turned out to be a member of the newly formed Free French Resistance Unit. She, and a few of her colleagues, had travelled down from London to visit an operational Fighter Squadron. Bernadette told me that she had recently been practicing her unarmed, single handed combat and did I want to see her progress so far. I agreed, naturally, and told Bernadette that I also practiced an undercovers technique that she could help me with. ‘Mais Oui’, was her reply, so I suggested we stop by the Station Gymnasium to open the bottles of wine. I don’t remember anything else after that.

Claims:
Destroyed: None
Probable: 1 x Bf110 (Shared with Blue/Red Section)
Damaged: None

Losses:
Pilot: OK
A/C: Battle damaged but entirely recoverable (Badgers for the chaps)

Tea, Cakes and Medals due for helping the Resistance.
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Maltloaf
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Maltloaf » Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:09 pm

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Maltloaf
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: I for Ink
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

B Flt was released well after A Flt and missed the party. Blue Section cut around the sky for a while looking good and claiming air superiority, then went home.

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:
AC: ok
Pilot: ok
"I have never once lost my gratitude for those who were the sentinels and held the line between tyranny and civilisation"

Fang
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Fang » Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:35 am

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Sgt.Fang
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100oct
Marking: F for Freddie
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Gravesend
Serial: L1953

Ordered to scramble just behind Blue flight we made our way to Manston to assist with despatching a flight of BF 110's. Dave was first to spot them so we followed him in and they where quickly put to flight. The remaining elements of Blue and Red flight then made for the Deal area where a large raid had been spotted, as we closed to Blue flight they where bounced by 109's and in the confusion Red flight became detached and seperated. Now over Deal I spotted 2 Hurricanes from Green flight and formed with Bunny and Bonkin, soon after we spotted a 109 and has luck would have it I found myself behind him in a great position. Firing 3 bursts and getting good hits I pulled clear for Bunny to come in and have a bash, now with the 109 damaged and running for back across the channel we regrouped and made for home, tea and medals.

Claims: 1x 109 Shared with Bunny
Destroyed: 1
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses
A/C: Slight undercarriage damage.
Pilot: Okay

Broadsword
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Broadsword » Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:24 pm

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Broadsword
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100 Oct
Marking: E for Edward
Serial: P3582
Date: 14th Aug 1940
Time: 1130h
Base: Gravesend


I started the day sporting a rather fetching bandage for my knocked noggin following the previous day's nose-over on landing. I was strangely pleased by it, as I felt a little less shiny and new than before, and didn't seem to stand out quite so much amongst the scarred and grizzled veterans of 501 squadron. Tea, aspirin and a couple of hours in a deckchair in the good English sunshine had helped to nurse my headache, but by late morning the buzzing of flies was replaced by the rumbling of merlins, and it was time for the off.

WingCo had headed out early to go and visit 615 and 64 over at Kenley, something about making sure their radio procedures were up to snuff. Some of the lads were even joking about WingCo having a go in a Spitty, but I wasn't gullible enough to take their bait!

F/O Teepee assigned me and Dave to Red section under Fang - a good deal for me as I'd flown with both men before and new I could pick up some good tips. We'd barely had chance to strap in when R/T came to life and requested that 501 sent up a flight to patrol between Hawkinge and Manston at Angels 15. Teepee put Bonkin in charge of the rest of 501 and prepared to take Blue section up, but only a minute later R/T crackled again and Teepee was told to take up at least six birds for his patrol. He picked Red section to join Blue, and so I had to abandon my rivet-counting and turn my merlin over for a fast warm up. I had the radiator closed as soon as she was firing, then nudged the boost a little to warm the pots, trying to keep her just this side of shuddering. Forty seconds later Blue section were dodging ground crew jeeps and lifting off, as Red began to taxi.

Fang led us on an inland route to join up with Blue section near Manston, but as we arrived they were already tangling with the Bosch in the form of a quartet of 110's on a typically sneaky low level flight towards Blighty. I twisted my gunsight to 54 feet and started to sweat. Listening to Blue flight engaging over R/T was tense as bloody hell, and I was very glad when Dave spotted the furball and we were able to dive in.

I think our arrival caused some consternation amongst Blue section, focussed as they were on downing the Hun, because suddenly I heard Toxic blurt on on R/T, "Snappers! Snappers! Coming in, right on us!". Typically Yankee over-reaction, soon calmed by Dave's steely British reserve, "It's Red flight, don't worry mate," which brought a heavily exhaled, "Hoooly shit, you scared the piss outta me!" The scare was forgotten Dave pumped rounds into the Kraut 'superfighter' to finish off the job that Blue section had so ably begun, and we all watched the nazi crate fireball into a field just off the western end of Manston's runway.

After reforming we were ordered to head to Deal to meet more Goering's goons, but halfway there we got bounced by a bevy of 109's and had to skedaddle. Our seven magnificent Hurricanes splayed out in all directions across the Kentish sky like a finely practised display team, leaving the bewildered Teutons to gnash at their nazi joysticks in frustration, no doubt frothing at mouth a little as these continental types are wont to do. Sadly, a lucky Hun cannon shot disabled Teepee's bird, so he had to glide her in for a rest at Canterbury, but the rest of us were not disheartened and headed to the coast to take on the swarming Stukas.

As we arrived I could see the other RAF boys getting stuck in, and gleefully followed them down to puncture a few of the ungainly divebombers. Twisting my sights to 46 feet, I watched a Hurricane set a Stuka smoking with a stream of red-tracered .303, fine shooting given the chaos all around, then dived on the hun's oblivious wingman. My guns spat a veritable storm of rounds into the Bosch terror-weapon, turning the rear-gunner into cockpit lining and setting smoke pouring from the engine. I arced away knowing he had little chance of seeing 'the Fatherland' ever again.

On my second pass I watched again as a Hurricane poured rounds into two of the heavily-armoured Hun death-dealers, then gave two of their countrymen a taste of my own guns. Great sport, and all in a good cause! Lining up for my third pass I could see a glorious host of Hurricanes swooping around the remaining dozen or so Stukas. One burst into flames as I watched, whilst others were streaming glycol and dignity. I closed in behind one of the few undamaged targets, staying low to deny his rear-gunner a target, when suddenly a 109 buzzed right over my head, zeroing in on Donkey of 615 I think. Thankfully Donkey's trusty Hurricane had already carried him clear of danger but it was obviously time to leave this buffet. I lined up for one last burst, emptying my remaining rounds into Jerry's rump and seeing with satisfaction that this was one more pilot who would have no company for the long, cold journey home in a shredded crate. I didn't fancy his chances much.

As I turned back for merry old England disaster struck. Some lurking Bosch in a 109 sprayed a bit of lead in my direction as he raced for the safety of the continent, and as the Hurricane in some moments seems to be mainly made out of radiators the inevitable happened. I weaved a little just in case, but I knew the Hun have no stomach for anything more than a hit and run attack so I knew he wouldn't be following, and with a slow water leak it was time to get back to land sharpish.

Soon I was climbing up over the cliffs north of Dover, in the company of a couple of other lightly smoking Hurricanes. Feeling a little woozy, I looked down and realised that the Jerry blighter had managed to pop a hole in my thigh as well as the radiator. I opened my canopy to get a little fresh air and felt a lot better. Sadly, temperatures were climbing and it became obvious that I wouldn't make it to an airfield, so whilst I was still under power I started a descent and dropped my wheels. By the time I touched down in a rather fine wheatfield oil had begun to spray, and I'm afraid I must have looked a terrible sight to the poor farmer that came to help me, with blood all down one leg, oil all over my face, and my head still bandaged from the day before. Still, the whiskey he offered was most welcome, and he soon saw me back on my way to Gravesend for a knees-up and more aspirin.

Claims:
Destroyed: None
Probable: 2 x Ju87
Damaged: 2 x Ju87

Losses:
Pilot: Bally Jerry round took me in the leg. Still and all, it was a damn fine show, and worth the price of the ticket!
Plane: Will be fine, once someone can send a truck out to the farm to collect her, clean off the oil, and fit a new radiator. Actually, landing gear might have been a bit bent too. And she's slightly upended, but not too bad really.
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I must go up to the skies again, to the peace of silent flight, To the gull’s way, and the hawk’s way, and the free wings’ delight;
And all I ask is a friendly joke with a laughing fellow rover, And a large beer, and a deep sleep, when the long flight’s over.

Thaine
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Thaine » Sat Oct 18, 2014 3:28 pm

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Thaine
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: J for Johnnie
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

Flying as Blue 2 with Luke as Section Leader and Maltloaf as Blue 3. Our task was to protect No.615. We were heading toward Deal and patrolled the area between Deal and Dover. No e/a engaged. Met one streaming 109 on low altitude, south of Dover almost mid-channel. Markings were White 7. Group Leader Tyrone, Luke and me passed the aircraft and escorted it until it ditched into the channel. We reported it's position to ASR and returned to base.

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:
AC: ok
Pilot: ok
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Tyrone
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Tyrone » Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:37 pm

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Tyrone
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: T
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley

took lead of B flight taken of a bit late to escort 615 for origanal but was no where near them so as our group started hunting for the hun we came across a new enemy they were brand spanking 110s we gave chase wow they are fast gave chase but soon as we got about half i called of the chase of and headed back come across a streamer and left him b flt scouted the coast for any lomesome 109s but to no luck rtb and did not see the truck at hawkinge and crashed not good

Claims:
Confirmed: 0
Probable: 0
Damaged: 0

Losses:
AC: ok
Pilot: ok

Bully
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Bully » Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:51 pm

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: SD
Pilot Name: Bully
Type: Hawker Hurricane Ia 100oct
Serial: L2038
Marking: B For Beer
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Gravesend
Time: 11.30

Claims
None

Took off with Green section, and headed to the reported contacts above Dover. Caught eyes on the Stukas, who by the time we arrived had attacked Deal. The enemy were already turning for home, so we had little time to attack. I lost altitude and headed for the bombers. I closed in on the Stukas and gave the rear Hun and good burst of De Wilde. No serious damage observed. But the dastardly 109s had caught sight of me so turning tail for Blighty, I hoped I would get away. But no chance, two 109's dived on me, and with the rest of Green section still hundreds of feet above me, engaged with another 109, I was stuck. I started to take multiple hits. My engine soon started to cough and splutter and 500 yards out from land, it died. With inches to spare I cleared the white cliffs, and managed to drop my Hurricane down in a field.

Claims
Damaged 1 x JU87

Losses
Plane: Damaged after belly landing on Cliffs
Pilot: OK, Ready to go next time!
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Bunny
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Bunny » Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:07 pm

Squadron: No. 501 "County of Gloucester" Squadron
Squadron Code: "SD"
Pilot Name: Fg Off. "Bunny" Hewitt
Date: 14th Aug 1940
Time: 1150
Base: RAF Station Kenley
Type: Hawker Hurricane Mk 1a (100 Oct)
Marking: "N" for Nuts
Serial Number: P3084

Synopsis:

Despite the best attempts by the airfield Naafi van to decommission our aircraft at speed, we successfully took to the air and held a formation tighter than a 64 pilot's, well, formation.

Blue section were once again given separate patrol orders, having no doubt plied the relevant individuals with their home made distilled beverage. Similar in appearance to pochine, with a subtle blend of latrine in there somewhere, it garnered the nickname after the question so many asked after their first taste and the subsequent reply - "Are You Taking the Piss? No, But You Are...". As it turned out, the nickname was far too long, and was unsurprisingly shortened simply to "Piss".

Bonkin led the three B's, with myself and Bully, and the orders were to head towards Manston, then meet up with Blue to then move to Hawkinge. The flight was rather uneventful, until we hit the coast near Deal, where a massive formation of Stukas were spotted by Bully below us. Above them their escorts, in the shape of deadly 109s, were tangling with some of our lads.

I tailed one for a short while, but left him as he dived to the ground. Despite myself, I eventually drifted downwards to where the fight was on the deck. Still paired with Bonkin, we crossed the coastline where I managed to get a few long hits into a climbing 109 that ran out of energy and spin-stalled. I, in turn, also stalled, and picked up another 109 being trailed by Fang. Fang pumped some lead into the hun, and broke off to give me a chance. I also emptied some lead into the enemy who, after both of our attempts, was leaking fuel from both wings. Following him briefly towards Manston I popped a couple more bursts into him, before Bonkin suggested we leave him as he wasn't going anywhere in a hurry.

I reformed up with Bonkin, and noticed to my astonishment that he'd decided to leave around 50% of his canvas on the ground - I could see right through to the other side where Fang was flying, via the massive hole a 110 had left in his fuselage. In fact, I could see Fang waving in my direction *through* the hole, grinning and pointing at Bonkin's hole. Bonkin muttered something about wondering why she felt a but sluggish, but I was more concerned about the the case of newly distilled Piss I'd seen Teepee secreting into Bonkin's fuselage compartment just before takeoff. He'd hide that stuff anywhere to stop the Stn Adj from getting his hands on it!

We performed a perfect three aircraft formation landing, as per usual, whereupon I gave Bonkin's crate a quick once over. Much to my astonishment, there was no evidence of any bullets entering his fuselage, but the metal damage was projected outwards from the inside. The only explanation was the fact that one of the bottles of Piss had exploded - and luckily for Bonkin it *was* only one!

The rest was carried over to the mess where, after using one bottle to help light a piano, we drank the rest.


Claims
2 x Bf109 Damaged

Aircraft: Fine and dandy.
Pilot: Amazed at Bonkin's hole.

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


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Robo
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Robo » Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:21 pm

...here, rare footage of Bunny dogfighting with the 109s:


Looky
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Re: Adlerangriff. Mission 27: 14th August

Post by Looky » Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:26 am

Squadron: No. 64 Squadron
Squadron Code: SH
Pilot Name: Looky
Type: Spitfire Ia 100 octane
Marking: A "for apple"
Date: 14 Aug 1940
Base: Kenley



Claims:
Confirmed: 2 x bf110
Probable: 0
Damaged: 1 x bf109

Losses:
AC: ok
Pilot: ok
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