Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Luftwaffe flight reports for the epic ACG Historical Campaign - "Peace In Our Time" covering the Fall of France and the Battle of Britain. We are recruiting new pilots so you can join this - post in the Reception to request a seat. This forum is publically viewable.

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Atreides
Posts: 1680
Joined: Thu Nov 07, 2013 7:16 pm

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Atreides » Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:45 pm

Name: Atreides
Rank: Leutnant
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E1
Markings: Black 3
Aerodrome: Marquise
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Landed safely on Calais-Marck

Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
1136Mid-Channel in front of CalaisHurricaneKW-PNo (Maybe by the Kriegsmarine)
The 5th Staffel had been assigned remodeled E1's today. The engineers were quite ecstatic, calling the new modifications to the 109 fleet a game changer. Oh, how we had been on the defensive these last few weeks, but now at last we would be able to engage the enemy on equal terms.

The wind was from the side this time, making the take off very difficult, chaotic almost. The new modifications, though maybe beneficial in the air, had made the ground handling extremely difficult. As the first plane to take off I had a clear runway. My 109 veered dangerously to the right, and with great difficulty I managed to stabilize it and get into the air. Others were not so lucky and some planes had spun or tipped over on the runway. Luckily we had some standby planes and we did manage to get the 2 Schwarms of the 5th together over Coquelles and Calais. We climbed towards Dunkirk and were the first of JG26 to spot the Dorniers heading out to sink the enemy convoy.

The moment we joined up with the bombers enemy fighters were spotted and we headed there. Soon the 5th found itself in the midst of a gigantic furball. My Schwarm soon engaged Hurricanes while the 2nd Schwarm lead by Unteroffizier Vlerkies encountered Spitfires.

Burma and I as a rotte found ourselves in a right turn with a pair of Hurricanes. The turn-rate was about equal but we were closer on their tails then they on ours. After a few turns the lead continued to go right while his wingman broke left. A smart move....almost like one I had developed together with that former friend in Bergen (NL), before the tea and beer incident....

I pushed these thoughts aside and Burma and I decided to follow the one who broke left. I let Burma take over the chase while I kept an eye out for the enemy lead. There he was, we passed each other at about 250 meters distance and for a moment time seemed to freeze as I realized in horror that it was unmistakably him again! Oh, the many times we had met in combat the last few weeks. Tea, why did he have to chose tea?
foto 1.jpg
I refocused on the fight at hand and saw that at that moment Burma unfortunately stalled out. My nemesis would have to wait. The Hurricane we were following tried to take advantage of this and dove down on Burma but I in turn was right behind him.

My prey as I now saw him decided to let my wingman go when I gave chase, and the 2 v 2 dogfight had become a 1 v 1. I followed him while we gradually lost altitude trying to push my advantage. My shots were inaccurate but I did manage to hit him a few times. When we were hugging the waves I shot him one more time and he crash landed in the Channel.
foto 2.jpg
I wanted to return to the Dorniers, however I noticed too late the low speeds of the dogfight had caused my engine to overheat. My radiator burst and I had to RTB. Luckily I managed to get some altitude and glide back to France. The clouds almost completely obscured the coast. When I glided through the cloud base at about 600 meters I noticed I was nearing Calais. I didn't have much time to orient myself. I was heading west. So that meant Calais Marck had to be to my left. Then through some clouds I saw the familiar A-oriented runways. I manually lowered my gear and landed without a problem.

Though euphoric about the downed Hurricane I was a bit upset about my nemesis who got away again, the Tea-drinking Dutchman. I will make him appreciate beer, I again promised myself. Next time...
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Last edited by Atreides on Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Trautloft
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2012 3:16 pm

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Trautloft » Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:47 pm

Mission Date: 24.07.1940

Name: Trautloft
Rank: Hauptmann
Unit: 6./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E3
Markings: Brown 8
Aerodrome: Marquise
Status: .....swimming to Calais.....
Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
-----

Wiesel
Posts: 877
Joined: Sat Aug 10, 2013 9:00 pm
Location: Aachen, Germany

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Wiesel » Mon Mar 24, 2014 7:28 am

Mission Date: 24-07-1940 1103-1151

Name: Wiesel
Rank: Unteroffizier
Unit: 6./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E3
Markings: Brown 4
Aerodrome: Marquise West
Status: Pilot OK / RTB
Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
-----
I confirm Pitti's kill of a Hurricane (No.615 Spud) at 1117.
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III./JG26 "Schlageter" | 8./JG51 "Mölders"

Warjunkie
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 2:01 pm

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Warjunkie » Mon Mar 24, 2014 9:57 am

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Name: Warjunkie
Rank: Unterfeldwebel
Unit: 6./JG26
Aircraft: Bf 109 E-3
Markings: 16
Aerodrome: Marquise
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Ok

Time-------Place-------------Aircraft---Opponent----Confirmed
21:00--North of Manston--BF 109 E3----Spitfire---------No
21:15--East of Dover------BF 109 E3----Spitfire-----Yes (Nik)

Stig
Posts: 504
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 2:16 pm

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Stig » Mon Mar 24, 2014 10:42 am

Mission Date: 24-07-1940

Name: Stig
Rank: Hauptgefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf 109E-1
Markings: Black 7
Aerodrome: Marquise
Status: RTB pilot ok/ AC no damage

Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
-----

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Vlerkies
Posts: 697
Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:34 am
Location: South Africa

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Vlerkies » Mon Mar 24, 2014 11:23 am

Mission Date: 24-07-1940

Name: Vlerkies
Rank: Unteroffizier
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: Bf-109 E1
Markings: Black 2
Aerodrome: Marquise
Pilot Status: Heavily wounded, crash mid channel, bled out KIA.
Aircraft Status: Destroyed
Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
-----
While waiting for our turn to take-off, Schwarm 2 of 5 Staffel were witness to the ballet dance of death that was Schwarm 1 5 Staffel and 6 Staffel getting (or trying to get ) airbourne.
It was like that poorly choreographed ballet we once witnessed shortly after invading Poland. POW's, malnourished, some missing limbs, dressed as woman in tutu's made from old hessian cloth sandbags trying to pirouette.
How awful. One cannot unsee this.

I think I even heard some muffled comments over our Schwarm 2 VHF to the effect of, ‘amateurs, pupes, noobs, etc’, but a request to repeat the messages for clarity was met with blank crackling static :lol:

Once this show had reached its crescendo and the dust had settled 2nd Schwarm got moving.
With a crosswind from the left all 5 planes of 2 Schwarm made it up and into formation in good order, with lead only having to circle the runway twice for all to form up.
We moved on to Calais where we bade France adieu and the devilish handshake of the channel waters passed beneath our wings.

It’s fucking freezing up here today!

Beads of sweat spurned from fear ran down my forehead through the ill fitting worn out flight goggles and into my eye. I found myself drifting off and reliving happier times in my youth when I first caught a glimpse of the ocean. How different it was back then.

I was 11, it was 1925 and Aunt Ute and Uncle Otto had kindly taken me along to Italy for a week. We were all supposed to go along courtesy of Uncle Otto. He had business to take care of there but Father was not doing well at all, still suffering severely from a hip injury he sustained in the 1st great war. He could hardly walk and was in great pain, so mother said I should go along anyway while she tended to Papa.

The azure waters of the Mediterranean sea, the white sands and bustling sounds were all to wonderful.
For many years after I pondered over how such thin fabric, that was Aunt Ute's bathing costume, could possibly withstand the forces it was subjected to as Aunt Ute frolicked in the shallows like a floundering wildebeest, such was the wonder of her ample bosom and the enormity of her derriere.
Good times.

The sweat is now burning my eye, how long have I been daydreaming here?

The radio crackles to life and the bombers are spotted heading out over Dunkirk to deliver a crushing blow to the Tommys. Focus dammit!!
We turned towards the Dunkirk harbor heading up the coast and soon enough spotted the wave of bombers split in 4 formations. They were only a minute or 2 out over the channel and we were instructed to take up position high six on the tail formation.
As we were approaching 6 Staffel reported Hurricanes high over the bombers, we were passing 3500m (bomber alt) in a climb when we caught our first glimpse of the enemy.
We were to low, we had no speed to engage so 2 Schwarm headed off to the left of the bombers and continued to climb while observing their left flank.

How the hell did the Hurricanes know where we are, how did they know? It seems we cannot leave the coast these days on a mission without being jumped by the bloody Tommies!!
There are rumors of some new technology called radar they have, but this is sorcery at best, I think there are spies at mission command.
Damn Goering, Damn Hitler, damn them all for this fucking mess!!!

6 Staffel was seen engaging the Hurricanes and from VHF comms 1 Schwarm 5 Staffel were in the mix as well.
As the fight was driven down, we reached equal altitude and turned in towards the bombers. On the first pass through I lost my wingman Grey. So many planes!
I could hear frantic calls from Lee saying he was engaged, Spitfires had appeared as well, coming in fast front in front of the bombers.
It was the inevitable chaos of war presenting itself to us bluntly, in its cold and merciless fashion as it had done so many times in the past.
I am so tired of this war!
It was every man for himself, stay as high as you can lads I shouted, keep checking you six!

I made some fleeting deflection shots at a number of aircraft managing to clear a 109’s tail in one instance but with no damage to the enemy.
Lee had engine failure.
Follow the bombers lads, don't get caught up here!!!
Turning back towards the bombers heading towards Manston 2 Spitfires engaged me, then a 3rd.
I maneuvered carefully but with intent to try and gain some advantage, but had to dive away a few times as there were just to many to handle.
Calling for support Krass answered and tried to find me. I was north of Margate now near the ships, above the clouds at 4000 - 5000m.

I just can't shake them!!!!

Krass is getting close, but I have to dive again as the Spitfires are within firing range on my 6. The constant changes of direction and altitude are making it difficult for my comrade to find me, but I have no choice, the devils are breathing down my neck.
I head for the clouds, only 1 follows. I make a hard right as I exit and keep my eye on the clouds. He has lost me briefly so I turn back on him to return the warm welcome I received however he picks me up as I am forming up to make an attack and turns hard towards me.
I climb again, but see the other 2 Spitfires coming back for me and break away again to extend, willing the E1 to fly faster.
Krass is close thank God. The 3rd Spitfire is no longer around. I am spending as much time looking at the 2 I can see as well as for the one I cannot see.

Were there even 3, am I going mad, I can’t think anymore!

The engine starts belting out a high pitched whine. Fuck, look at the rpm’s!!!! I pull back the pitch and try and refocus! I find myself pleading with my aircraft not to give up on me yet as the prop pitch comes back under control and I cast my eyes down to the temperature gauges.

How long was it even revving like that, Jesus!!

I get sight of Krass but he is equal FL in front of me, about 1km. I call and he turns 180 and engages the 2nd trailing Spitfire on his first pass, missing the one that is practically camping on my tail We break and try again, this time Krass gets him off with some fine interference shooting, but the other 1 is now forming up on him.
Check your six, check your six, I shout over the radio as Krass climbs to follow the Spitfires that was shooting at me.
I am almost within range but alas to late, as Krass is fixated on the target ahead and the other one gets his rads. If only I was a bit closer!
A valiant effort, worthy of a commendation for a brave Luftwaffe pilot indeed. I wonder if he made it back to dry land?

I was alone again in a very 2nd hand E1, 2 Spitfires on my 6 and not much hope. A sense of calmness came over me, as the .303 rounds ploughed into my aircraft and flew past the cockpit.
I unbuckled my straps to get a better look behind me.
I could see streams of white and grey fluid side by side bleeding from my aircraft as if its jugular had been violently yet clinically cut, providing perfect aiming references for the hunters in trail.

Despite my impending fate, there was a sense of serenity about it all. The grace of the Spitfires behind me jostling for position, the magical wing and how it transformed from being so graceful in flight to so menacing breathing streams of fire from each when nose on target. Time slowed down, seconds seemed like hours, and for a brief moment the only sound I could hear was my heartbeat.

Governor failure!!!! My ears almost exploded as another burst hits my plane!

No more power, a few last violent twists and turns in absolute defiance is all I can muster like a wounded antelope on the hunt trying futilely to escape when all is completely lost.
I am thrown around like a ragdoll all over the cockpit with the straps unbuckled, more rounds hammer into my aircraft.

My head hits the cockpit frame violently ripping off my goggles. Everything is red! The burning in my eyes and stabbing pain is intense as blood gushes from a wound in my throat over my face and across the shot out instrument panel in front of me. My vision fades, and the dark beckoning ocean races only meters below the fuselage.

Fleeting in and out of consciousness my mind wanders, for the last time, to that vacation in Italy where as a young boy I had first seen the sea, and the realization that it was indeed a whole lifetime away.

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Flyby
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Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Flyby » Mon Mar 24, 2014 3:01 pm

Mission Date: 24th July 1940

Name: Flyby
Rank: OGF
Unit: 5./26
Aircraft: Emil-1
Markings: Black 8
Aerodrome: Marquise
Pilot Status: KIA /
Aircraft Status: Lost
Formed up on the runway in good order, but takeoff was a bit of a challenge. I had to swerve across Krass in order to avoid the plane in front of my. I almost caught the pendulum-like swinging of my plane, but somehow managed to successfully bend the prop. I grabbed one of the spares, and raced into the air, out of take-off order, and formed up with my schwarm fuhrer and Burma. We headed for the rally point at Calais (our agreed-upon secondary form-up location), but were soon directed by our gruppenfuhrer to the rendezvous point with the bombers at Dunkirk. We soon picked up the "Flying Pencils" and took up a position to the high port side of the last formation, and proceeded towards the target area. It was not long before we saw Hurricanes attempting runs at the bombers. We responded by going immediately to the attack, and I soon found myself all alone as I had been slow in my turn with the schwarm, which had separated into fighting rottes. I maneuvered on one Hurricane, which was moving into firing position, but before I could intervene, that plane clipped a bomber, and lost part of it's starboard wing. It fluttered through my gunsight, but I held my fire, thinking it was already done for (which turned out not to be the case after all! It RTB'd!). Being alone, I tried to exit to the periphery of the fight to regain some altitude, and "E". As I kicked rudder left and right to clear my tail, I got caught with a burst from an unseen plane, and was severely wounded. My engine also took hits, and soon began to toss oil onto my wind screen. I tried to disengage, and thought I might be able to bail out over land, but I was weakening ever more quickly due to the loss of blood, finally blacking out. I vaguely heard my engine overspeeding in it's final dive, and could only wait to embrace the Grim Reaper (once more. we're on a first-name basis now, and he prefers to be called Bob. :mrgreen: ).
Flyby out
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Hypoxia
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Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Hypoxia » Mon Mar 24, 2014 4:04 pm

Mission Date: 3/23/2017
Unit: 4./JG26BF109-E3
Markings: White 12
Aerodrome: Marquis
Status: Returned. Landed at an Auxiliary field.
Victory Claims: 0
Time Place Aircraft Opponent Confirmed
- - - - -


Took off with Coolhand, Mason, and Aurora as Schwarm 1. Takeoff went well as there was much crashing and burning for the other staffels. Form up and climb went well. Picked up bombers and escorted into channel. Aurora s computer froze and Maple and I joined as a Rotte. Flew several passes on enemy aircraft off Manston and got seperated . Dove on a low contact to fast and lost right aileron. Stayed high and fast trying to protect my aircraft as roll rate was dismal. Got distracted by family matters and the clouds and ended up late in the wrong part of France. Landed at aux airfield.

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Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Casca » Mon Mar 24, 2014 7:07 pm

Mission Date: 24th July 1940

Name: Casca
Rank: Obergefreiter
Unit: 4./JG26
Aircraft: BF109 E4
Markings: White 10
Aerodrome: Marquise
Pilot Status: OK
Aircraft Status: Pristine /untouched/immaculate/like new

Victory Claims: Zip – Nada - Zilch
Time Place Aircraft Opponent Confirmed
- - - - -

Dear Brother,

I hope you’re not too busy as an engineer constructing bunkers and gun emplacements on the French coast of Normandy. You do realize that your work is a waste of time, right? I mean, who would attack there?!

I think we're spending too much time gloating over our quick and decisive victories in France. Yes, too much time eating cheese, drinking wine and chasing French whores. It’s made us incompetent as pilots. Brothels are easily accessible and I have become addicted to these places making my drunken rounds whenever I can. To make matters worse, someone stole my personally signed, hard bound, first edition copy of Mein Kampf. Now, I must fly without it for the first time in my career, a bad omen...

This mission was a poor showing for JG26 - Everyone was excited about the new modifications to our aircraft! However, waiting for my turn to take off, I witnessed 5-crashes and several other ugly takeoffs due to complacency. One from my own Schwarm…(Vas was lucky that his machine didn't nose over - I've seen men burn to death being trapped upside-down in the cockpit by the ground preventing them from getting the canopy open). It seems that many of our pilots lacked the ability to get off the ground without some sort of problem. I can only conclude that this is because of the philosophy and JG26. Thank God I could pull my dick out of the French girls to practice takeoffs and landing a few hours Thursday night! I’m sure the British will be quite amused after reading the intelligence reports of this outing. We are our own worst enemy...

So brother, after that nightmare on the ground, we found ourselves making altitude and flying direct to our first way point. I kept slow so Vas could catch up in his spare aircraft (I realize now that this was the first of many mistakes - we were already late). Apparently Chumleigh and Reinhart did not hear or understand the instrument call-outs as we climbed through the clouds because once out, we were separated by several thousand kilometers and never rejoined again in anything I would call a formation. We had altered our course to Manston, leveling to 6K. Soon Chumleigh #3, called out a contact at his 12-low (4K?) and I released him and his wingman to intercept (another mistake - releasing them! We should have continued to the bomber positions rather than wasting time with our 4-aircraft chasing a single target going in an almost opposite direction. Clearly poor leadership on my behalf). For reasons unknown, Vas lost his coolant and had to RTB, and I ‘surprisingly’ lost sight of Chumleigh and his wingman. Alone again, I spent the next half hour looking to rejoin and keeping my 6 clear, I flew orbits over Hell’s corner and up and down the coast until fuel becoming critical. Ready to go home, I decided to strafe several Hurricanes landing at Manston! I made a hard diving pass and soon had one dead in my sights but ended up only making a high speed flyby screaming over his canopy at 700 kph. I couldn't pull the trigger…some bullshit order from our commanders about honor in war. Sometimes it’s very hard to follow orders. Looking back behind my machine, I swear I saw the Englanders’ head turn and smile as I flew by. I could only pound my fist on the canopy in frustration...will this be the fellow who shoots one of my comrades down tomorrow? Because of honor, a comrade will die...

I flew fast and low, departing South-Easterly only to RTB with zero fuel and a full load of ammo.

A glorious day for Casca and the Fatherland!

So Fritz, remember to wear sunscreen as you frolic on the Normandy beaches as pilots like me win the war for the Fatherland.

~Casca
Last edited by Casca on Thu Mar 27, 2014 2:05 am, edited 2 times in total.

Krass
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Location: Tannhauser Gate

Re: Kanalkampf. Mission 12: 24th July 1940

Post by Krass » Mon Mar 24, 2014 10:23 pm

Mission Date: 24-07-1940

Name: Krass
Rank: Obergefreiter
Unit: 5./JG26
Aircraft: BF-109 E1
Markings: Black 6
Aerodrome: Marquise
Status: Pilot OK, Aircraft Lost.
Victory Claims:
TimePlaceAircraftOpponentConfirmed
-----
22nd July 1940, 2 days before the mission, 5 Staffel training room:

We sit at our dusty wooden desks, the air filled with tobacco smoke and small talk. Our Staffelkapitan is busy scrawling some indecipherable diagrams on the black board while I wonder if the clock is broken or just needs winding. I begin to drift away, looking out of the half opened window at the beautiful summer morning. How I wish I was back in my home town, away from this relentless war. I dont know how long I have been day dreaming, but the sound of the Leutnant's hard bound, first edition Mein Kampf slamming on my desk brings me sharply back to life.

'Krass!! Please excuse me for bothering you, but I was wondering if you could answer my humble question to the group on the merits of pilot concentration? How about situational awareness? Or perhaps I could read aloud your Schwarm Fuhrer's report on my desk regarding 'target fixation?' I make my apologies but am saved further embarrassment by the noisy clatter of 'Helga' entering the room. The giant frame barely fits through the door but is a welcome sight. No one dares ask where he got the nickname, but a rumour he crushed a mans head with his bare hands is all we need to know. Helga informs the Leutnant our ground crews have fixed the gun convergence problems once and for all. Everyone seems relived, but I remain sceptical..

24th July 1940, mission day, Marquise airfield:

Climbing into our BF-109's, the anticipation and nerves are getting to some of the pilots. We seem to be constantly in the air these days, and takeoff today is in very windy conditions. Nevertheless, I am assigned to 2 Schwarm, led by Unteroffizier Vlerkies, a veteran of the Condor Legion and a very skilled E1 pilot with many victorys. Our Schwarm takes off in good order, and we rendezvous at Calais then proceed over the channel. Today, we escort our brave Dornier pilots on a bombing run to hit the Tommy's hard.

As we reach the bombers, multiple contacts are called out.. Hurricanes are spotted by 6 Staffel and 1 Schwarm go on the offensive. We in 2 Schwarm try to gain some altitude on the left of the bomber formations, but altitude is one advantage we will not have today. These Tommy's seem to have eyes in the sky.. Before long, Lee my wingman has a Spit on his tail and I see Grey go on an attack run. I look left and see a Spit diving down towards Untfzr. Vlerkies, the comms are filled with fervent voices. Lee reports a damaged engine, and Grey is in trouble too. We are around 4000m approaching Manston when I hear my schwarm fuhrer call for help and dive after a Spit letting him have burst of MG. I follow him down through the clouds, passing another Spitfire climbing up, on my 9, but my priority is now to find Untfzr. Vlerkies, who is now below me and fighting hard.

Dipping below cloud level, we are now at a low altitude of only 1k, and finally catch sight of his 109 trailed by two Spitfires. I need to turn 180 to get at the Spits, but bleed lots of energy and end up engaging the second trailing enemy. Our Schwarm fuhrer is an excellent pilot though, and twists and turns the enemy so I can engage the Spit stuck to his six. I send burst after burst at the Tommy who finally breaks left and climbs. My mind is racing and as I follow the Spit up I can hear Untfzr. Vlerkies warning me of the other Spit behind me. It seems only one or two rounds hit me but my rads are already gone.. I curse myself as he tries to help me, but I brought this on myself. Hindsight is indeed a wonderful thing..

I dive back down towards the waves, my engine shuddering and release the canopy. Cold air blasts across my face and the roar deafens me.. I battle to control the descent, using both hands, kicking the rudder, struggling to land my stricken aircraft on the waiting sea. The noise and spray hit me like a steam train as my plane hits the water, and I jump into the freezing sea catching my breath. Alive at least, but soon my thoughts are with my brave comrades.This is only the beginning, a new chapter awaits..


“War does not determine who is right - only who is left.” Bertrand Russell
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