Leaderboard

485th had pretty much the same mission brief as 402nd. Flight of 3 and a flight of 2 proceeded with 2 x 500lb bombs allocated to the Weeze bosh types. However, once again we came across a gaggle of winged box heads, this time Bf 109 G14s near to the front lines. All but two aircraft ditched bombs to engage. All black hearted nasty Nazis were knocked down. As an encore yet more 109s entered the arena (K4s) and were afforded similar treatment. We then communicated with those splendid 402nd chaps and established a “don’t get in each other’s faces” ground attack strategy which avoided any collisions and associated name calling and fist waving, (mostly). Ground targets were sparse but we picked a few off using our remaining bombs for tricky bush bosh bashing. Patrolled north of Weeze along front lines picking off a few more anti social types on the ground before heading over to Emmerich where we found a number of AAA units to have a go at. All targets destroyed BUT, for the loss of Flt O John Johnson whilst attacking a particularly well concealed unit hiding in a pedestrian area adjacent to McDonalds and a Sainsbury’s food hall. Dam shame, he was killed only meters from the home of the Big Mac and a quantity of “taste the difference” Tiramisu. With very little ammo left we returned to our home base, one man down. 2nd Lt Jean Artage showed excellent accuracy with both bomb and bullet on a couple of occasions, well done that man. Lt David Reginald provided excellent wingman cover for my sorry arse, much appreciated. Capt Rea made the entire mission look like a casual sashay, not bad for a popinjay ! Top man.

Mission Date 07/12/44 402nd FS - Attack Infantry, Weeze 485th FS - Attack Infantry, Weeze 410th BG - Attack Infantry, Weeze Debrief: 370th FG 402nd FS: (Courtesy of Capt. Sean O'Sullivan) 485th FS: 410th BG 370th FG Awards and Promotions: Captain Sean O'Sullivan is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. 2nd Lt. Aaron Massengill is awarded the Bronze Star. 2nd Lt. Luke Zander is awarded the Bronze Star (posthumously). 2nd Lt. Lucas Rockwell is awarded the Bronze Star. Personnel: A new pilot has been posted to the 402nd Fighter Squadron - we await confirmation of his identity. A new pilot has been posted to the 485th Fighter Squadron - we await confirmation of his identity. Rosters: TBC 410th BG Awards and Promotions: 2nd Lt. David Crosby is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. 2nd Lt. Major Major is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Personnel: No changes. Roster: TBC

I was told to check in here before Sunday. 2nd Lt. H.P. Pookie, reporting as ordered.

Well, they are the commanders! Let them sort it out themselves!

402FS combat report - mission date 7/12 Our target for today - seemingly with the rest of the 9th AF - was infantry in and around the town of Weeze. We transited to the frontline at Angels 14 and slightly North of the 485th to avoid conflict and offer additional top cover. Upon our descended entry to the target area from the West, Red 3 spotted a trio of Ju52 transports flying below 5000ft and on a reciprocal heading. Following an initial attack from Red 3 and 4, Red leader and his wingman also dropped down for a taste of the action and between the flight, all three enemy Iron Annie's were swiftly sent to earth in flames. Good job. Regrouping, we continued on to attack ground targets of opportunity to the South East of Weeze, where unfortunately we lost Red 4 from Red 3's bomb blast on the first attack run. 2nd Lt Luke Zander, a distinguished canal boat enthusiast, was a man of few words but well liked in the mess for his ability to draw the perfect mallard whilst blindfolded. He will be missed. Let this be a reminder though gentlemen to always observe strict spacing on bomb runs in order to avoid these unnecessary 'own goals'. Either go in close together or keep it distant. After dispatching a number of tricky tree covered targets and with the 485th now in the area we decided to push South to the town of Geldern to see what the craic was down there. With minimal juicy targets around, we took one final punt to the East to strafe and pickle off the remainder of our bombs on the airfield of Bonningshardt-sud. Red leader strafed a lone parked Bf109 as well as blowing a few buildings to smithereens along with Red 2 who also took umbrage to some jerry storage tanks. Calling it there, the trio headed South West for home, picking up a further couple of AAA along the frontline on the way through. Well done gents, some decent team work and a reasonable haul of targets destroyed, marred only by the loss of 2nd Lt Zander. RIP.

Myself and FT are going to crew and Perf has agreed to start out as out Commander (we will see how long it takes for him to run screaming to the hills saying "never again with those two"!)

That's something you and I can only guess at....

Panther if possible please Col. 3 man crew : Sidly, Parts and myself, ( the three muskrat tears), will rotate positions and the turret as required.