DD_Fenrir

Red Lion booked for 2 nights; Fenrir and Dadda-Fen in attendance!

The scoreboard as of the morning of the 8th November 1944: Rosters to follow....

Debrief for the 5th November 1944: 402nd - Air Patrol of the front-lines between Gerolstein and Nettersheim. 485th - Attacking Rail Targets in Bonn It would be difficult to have so productive a mission again today as we had on our previous outing, and so it bore out; that it is not to say that either squadron did not accomplish their missions, quite the opposite: both squadrons successfully completed their assigned tasks and then some, just that the level of over-achievement that has been in evidence with the groups activities of late was not quite so staggering today! As is becoming common the 402nd took a brace of 1,000lbers each today in case the Luftwaffe refused to show, and for the patrol portion of their mission, our erstwhile foes were conspicuously absent in the air. As such Lt. Efftee led the formation down below cloud level to search out the Boche on the ground. However, the Lts. run of ill-luck seems to be continuing as he was struck by flak on his first pass and yet again he was forced to retire early taking his faithful wingman, 2nd Lt. Dennis Wingy with him. We are glad to report he made a safe landing at home base. With 2nd Lt. Casey Baker taking over the lead further attacks were made on a lone gun position South of Nettersheim but this gun too found his mark, managing to hit Baker's aircraft as he pulled up from his bomb run. Despite a fuel tank leak, he decided to press on and with ground targets appearing to be meagre in their patrol sector, the formation set off towards the airfields East of Euskirchen in the hopes to find bounties as fruitful as the last outing. On Odendorf field there was a fairly brisk reception from the flak guns, but several well coordinated runs silenced these. Expecting to now have free reign to work over the aircraft on the field, the 402nd boys were somewhat bemused to find nothing but trucks and fuel bowsers dotted across the grass. Moving to the larger airfield of Strassfeld to the North to see if there were any more lucrative targets, they found the same, with further AAA to boot. A 485th aircaft was working over the field and the 402nd assisted in shutting down the remaining flak but with no valuable targets really in evidence, and with 2nd Lt. Baker's fuel situation suddenly becoming somewhat critical, the 402nd departed the area - though not before 2nd Lt. Finknottle set the entire fuel dump ablaze. With the remainder of Red section headed direct back to Florennes, Baker and his wingman, 2nd Lt. Fenton Rea set course for Bierset - it was looking all too unlikely that Baker would be able to return to home base, such was the rate at which his fuel was disappearing. Spotting a flak gun on the front line Rea asked permission to break off and attack, which was granted. Having attacked and destroyed the gun, Rea then attempted to rejoin his leader who was now several miles ahead and a good few thousand feet above, aiming to get above cloud and if necessary glide to a friendly field. Struggling to gain on his lead Rea watched Baker disappear into the cloud layer and was blindly following suit when through a chance gap in the clouds spotted two bogeys high above, and duly warned his leader. Sure enough these resolved into 2 long nosed Fw 190s who were setting up to jump Baker, though thanks to Rea's warning, Baker was able to evade their attack. Despite a couple of close calls, Rea and Baker (even with the damage to his aircraft) managed to down one bandit apiece. With the skies now apparently clear, Rea covered his leads forced landing at Bierset and then made his way home to Florennes. Total 402nd ground claims this mission, a respectable 17, though the two Fw 190D's and getting everyone back safe was a sweetener. The 485th did an exemplary job of wiping their assigned target from the map, with trains, wagons, trucks, AAA guns and half tracks in the target area being remorselessly annihilated. With no targets left, they pushed on to Bonn-Hangelar airfield to see if they too could repeat the outstanding levels of destruction they wrought last mission. However, as with the 402nd, they discovered only AAA and trucks, the AAA proving particularly effective and forcing the early withdrawal of two of their pilots and actually knocking down two more - it is with bitter-sweet tones that I have to inform you that both Lt. John Artiesbi and 2nd Lt. Sidney Gittins were the two unlucky pilots who went down; Artiesbi was made a PoW over the target and Gittins, despite a valiant effort to make the front lines, crash landed just a few hundred yards too short and practically on top of an enemy forward Observation Point. He too was captured. They are at least alive, for now, and god-willing may see the war out. With this attack seemingly of limited profit, the remainder of the 485th pushed on to Euskirchen & Zulipich where some of the number were working over Strassfeld airfield and 2nd Lt. John Mayer discovered a target actually worth some ordnance; he managed to dispatch an entire train single handed - on his first mission! Other performances of note include Maj. Mick Payne-Less, who alone accounted for nearly half of all the 485th total of ground targets destroyed, with 10 to his name, and 2nd Lt. Key Moe who solo dropped two of the bridges in Bonn city centre, thus hampering enemy troop and supply movements for weeks to come. Great work gents. All in, the 485th claimed 24 ground targets destroyed - it's a shame about the cost, but well done nonetheless. Regarding the cost... It would seem that the enemy is attempting to lure our aircraft over airfields, knowing that they (and the airframes that should be on them) are a high priority target for us, using the trucks as bait, teasing pilots to believe there are aircraft on the field when viewed at from distance. They put well sited flak guns with well trained crews in prime positions and when we bite, punish us for it with a flak-trap. Group HQ have reacted accordingly: you are now under strict orders that in the future, if there are no aircraft on an airfield that is being sized up for strafing then do not continue the attack. We cannot waste well trained pilots and valuable airplanes on a few - probably already immobilized or damaged - trucks. It's just not worth the cost. Take note gents. We await news of Lt Artiesbi and 2nd Lt. Gittins replacements. In the meantime looks like the weather will be clamping in again for a couple of days. Met seem to think the front might clear during the night of the 7th/8th thus leaving suitable weather for ops on the 8th November itself. [Event to be held Sunday 15th November] So kick back for a bit gentlemen. Though some of you might wanna go out and grab a bottle of something nice to give to your Chiefy, given the amount of flak damaged Lightnings dotted around the dispersal pans....

I can give you 10 min Tbone but that'll be a hard limit - one second after 21:09:59 and we're committed, with you or without. I've given others a little grace if they've been polite enough to forewarn us, so I don't see why you shouldn't get the same.

And it's MONSTROUS...!!! https://forums.eagle.ru/forum/english/licensed-third-party-projects/heatblur-simulations/dcs-f-14a-b/7126047-dcs-f-14-development-update-enter-the-a Wow! 3 variants of the -A model, a 10-mission campaign for the Caucasus that can be flown with a mate, either as RIO or wingman, external sound overhaul, plus AIM-54 improvements, and a host of other fixes.... wh00t! EDIT: Need to clarify; we're initially only getting the first of 3 -A variants. The one that will arrive two weeks from now will in essence be chronologically & technically similar to the -B we currently own with the older engines; later we will get an early -A with an older RWR system (with other detail systems differences) more typical to the version used in the 70's/80's by the US Navy; and then finally a similar timescale variant but uniquely configured to Iranian Air Force Specs, with some key systems removed and more restricted weapon loadout.

That, Christoph, was bloody marvellous! Great work chum!

Not so Nick: http://akvictoria.by/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/P-38-Lightning.pdf Pages 92-97 cover emergency landings, single engine, forced landing and ditching. Besides, you've done alright!

I know - you'd expect a bunch of individuals of such suave appearance to be somehow deficient in other areas, but our immaculateness is no mere veneer - it permeates to the core old boy.

Scoreboard as of 05/11/44: Rosters to follow.

Welcome to debrief gentlemen, for this mission of the 3rd November 1944. Even by initial accounts a most productive mission, very well done. The 402nd were slated to strike transportation hubs and attack trains and MET in Cologne; despite some stiff AAA opposition and some targets being obscured by buildings this they did beautifully, with much chaos being wrought upon the enemies ability to move men and material through the centre of the city. Lt. Per Fesser managed to drop one of the primary road bridges and 2nd Lt. Fenton Rea destroyed the Köln-Deutz station - and a train with it - with their squadron-mates taking a heavy toll of AAA guns trucks and half tracks in the vicinity. However, not finding themselves content with this haul and still possessed of much ammunition they moved to a lucrative target that they had spotted on their run-in to the city: that of Köln-Ostheim airfield, and they proceeded to wreak further terrible vengeance upon AAA guns, parked aircraft, fuel bowsers, trucks and the fuel storage depot. All in the 402nd are claiming a phenomenal 42 ground targets destroyed in a single mission - a new record, and one which pushes the 402nd into the vanguard as premier Ground Attack Outfit within the 370th FG - and all for no loss. Lt. Arjen Efftee did catch some Flak during the attack on the airfield but sensibly chose to call it a day and head for home where he landed without undue difficulty. That is outstanding work gentlemen. Well done. A tough act to follow, but the 485th did themselves proud nonetheless: despite the fact that their primarily air oriented mission to the area of Cologne-Bonn bore no fruit (the Luftwaffe frustratingly refusing - yet again - to come out and play), Maj. Payne-Less' decision to bring some more weighty hardware "just in case" certainly seems vindicated as the 485th went hunting for prey on their very airfields. At Köln-Wahn, Köln-Butzweilerhof and Bonn-Hangelar the 485th left a trail of blazing flak guns, parked aircraft, fuel bowsers & trucks in their wake and netted a grand total of 28 ground targets destroyed - their best ground target haul for a single mission yet! Special mention goes out to Maj. Payne-Less for his acumen in taking on - and out! - AAA guns (he claims 7 this sortie alone) and to 2nd Lts. Denis Richard and Sidney Gittins for their 3 e/a each destroyed. Shame they weren't airbourne boys, but strafing has hazards all it's own and if they're burning on their airfields then they ain't attacking our troops on the ground. Great work. The days only vicissitude comes from the tragic loss of 2nd Lt. Tom Petty. Hit badly by flak attacking one of the airfield targets he struggled back across the front-line leaking fuel at a prodigious rate; with controls damaged he was attempting to test whether his flaps and gear would function normally at a reasonable altitude when both engines failed due to fuel starvation. It appears that he lost control whilst endeavoring to perform a out-of-field belly landing and was killed in the subsequent crash. Although only with the squadron a lamentably short time, this taciturn yet affable fellow will be missed. We await news of his replacement. As for tomorrow, Met reports indicate we're in for some high winds and just to make things even better, a healthy dose of Europes finest rain to boot. Weather does appear to be flyable for the following day, so get some rest in boys, we're flying on the 5th [event to be held Tuesday 10th November].

Yes, I'd already noted it and also Chris' missing GK also. Looks like I was awarded one more than I actually got, presumably one of either of yours and that PWCG missed one entirely, so in actuality we scored 16 GKs total. Just working on a report to submit to Pat.

How did you find it Tbone? Hope you enjoyed it.

Rosters and scoreboard as of the morning of November 3rd 1944:

Welcome back gents, With a focus on air-to-air operations today, the 402nd were sweeping the front-lines in the vicinity of Snow-Eifel ahead of the 485th, who were to escort a squadron of RAF B-25s bombing an enemy strongpoint. The Jagdwaffe seemed shy again today with no sign of enemy fighters for either squadron to engage, however elements of the 485th spotted some juicy transports attempting a supply drop and engaged with alacrity; Lt. Artiesbi claimed two, with 2nd Lts. Scott and Reginald getting one apiece. After their air-focused operations were complete both squadrons dropped to the deck and engaged enemy ground units around the front, with the 402nd claiming a total of 15 AAA and artillery pieces and the 485th 10 of the same - good to see you fellows managing to give the Wehrmacht hell even on an ostensibly air-to-air mission! Some congratulations are in order; Lt. Arjen Efftee of the 402nd was awarded the Purple Heart for bringing back his badly damaged aircraft whilst wounded on the 30th November mission, and Lt. John Artiesbi has received the Bronze Star! Drinks on Artie this evening! Well done gents. Met say the good weather continues tomorrow for the 3rd November, so keep your heads clear boys. [Mission to be flown Sunday 1st November 2020]

Naturally old bean.

Cool. See you at 8pm!

Might be an idea to get some taxi practice in Tbone - we actually do more taxying in the campaign then any other of our events! It's a cold start at dispersal spawn (so you'll need to know how to start your engines if you have not already done so) and then we taxy from our dispersal to the into wind runway. P-38's a pussycat in that regards, but know that the rudder pedals do not steer the nose wheel; you'll need to have your left and right wheel brakes mapped to be able to make turns as that's the only way to steer! Are you available around 2000 tonight? If so I can help you through a few starts and taxying practise if you'd like?

Hey Tony, please see here: http://dangerdogz.com/forums/topic/13668-pwcg-p-38-lightning-strikes-co-op-campaign/page/19/?tab=comments#comment-140966

Two notices gents: 1. Changes to UK timezones are in effect. UK are now in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is the same as UTC. This will affect those joining the campaign from timezones further East and West, so make note and adjust accordingly. Cutoff for joining will be 2100 GMT. 2. 2nd Lt. Tony Bowen (Tbone) has joined the 402nd Fighter Squadron; welcome pilot, make sure you have the requisite skins downloaded and installed so that you are able to enjoy spectacle of the 370th Fighter Group pageantry in it's finest regalia: http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/841-p-38-campaign-skins/ https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/61698-scripted-campaign-lightning-strikes-discussion/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/853-bb_p38j25_402ndzip/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/852-bb-p38j25_401stzip/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/864-485-painlessdds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/880-485-pooka-green/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/879-485-kimo/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/866-485-reggiedds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/867-485-siddds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/868-485-aphilldds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/869-485-artiedds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/870-485-crashdds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/871-485-deltadds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/files/file/872-485-friardds/ http://dangerdogz.com/forums/topic/13668-pwcg-p-38-lightning-strikes-co-op-campaign/page/15/?tab=comments#comment-140599 http://dangerdogz.com/forums/topic/13668-pwcg-p-38-lightning-strikes-co-op-campaign/page/15/?tab=comments#comment-140656

Tbone, got any time free tomorrow eve for a P-38 session? I have a free evening and would happily chunter about in a Lightning with you for some familiarisation flying.

As a case in point as to what can be accomplished in a P-38: While Scharfi, bless her, is certainly no average pilot, it does show that the P-38 is more than capable of holding it's own dogfighting against the late war Jagdwaffe types. If you know what you're doing. And yes, all the opponents were breathers.

You and I are going to get on well. Minor edit required but I continue to like the cut of your jib. Oh dear. This was going so well. I had hope for you.... Vague recovery but...