delta7

Our mission on Sunday will be a shipping and harbour strike. Starting at 2100 UK time

Congratulations on a job well done, after initial issues caused by cloud and fog , we were able to destroy the strongpoints around Monte Cassino and allow the army to capture this key defensive position No 73 squadron has been transferred to the Strategic, Coastal and Tactical Air Force command and will operate out of the island of Vis to support partisan operations in Yugoslavia. This will involve attacking shipping, ports,storage tanks,oil dumps,bridges and defensive emplacements. We hope that in doing so we will draw resources away from other fronts and weaken the enemys war efforts.

Reconnaissance has provided pictures of target. Green box is village which must not be bombed

Thanks for all your work , a bit frustrating last night but I can see the potential in this, much better flying missions together

Here are some tips for level bombing, wind settings are given in document below, we will be flying at 3000m bomb tutorial.docx

The last mission was the first time that I did not add the later enemy flight, usually I have secondary spawns around 30 and 45 mins. However this was designed to be a ground attack mission so I cut these out. In future these additional flights will normally be included unless for mission specific reasons

Following discussion with 352nd, as this falls on easter Sunday afternoon for the USA , we will reschedule this for the 27th April

Congratulations , we have seriously hampered the enemys retreat. Italy has capitulated but the German forces have established strong defensive lines in the mountains. A major obstacle is the Monte Cassino abbey which has been fortified. This overlooks our main roads north. Our troops have not been able to break this fortress and are suffering heavy casualties. Although a religious centre the high command has taken the decision that this will be bombed to destroy the enemy emplacements. We must drop accurately as a village lies just beyond. This will be a level bombing mission with escort. The bombers are b25s and escort P-51d. We except light air cover but we must protect the bombers to enable them to target accurately. One the abbey has been destroyed there are further targets of opportunity for ground attack. Mission is scheduled for the 20th april at 2100hrs uk time. The Battle of Monte Cassino, also known as the Battle for Rome, was a series of four military assaults by the Allies against German forces in Italy during the Italian Campaign of World War II. The objective was to break through the Winter Line and facilitate an advance towards Rome. In the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was anchored by German forces holding the Rapido-Gari, Liri, and Garigliano valleys and several surrounding peaks and ridges. Together, these features formed the Gustav Line. Monte Cassino, a historic hilltop abbey founded in 529 by Benedict of Nursia, dominated the nearby town of Cassino and the entrances to the Liri and Rapido valleys. Lying in a protected historic zone, it had been left unoccupied by the Germans, although they manned some positions set into the slopes below the abbey's walls. Repeated artillery attacks on assaulting allied troops caused their leaders to incorrectly conclude that the abbey was being used by the Germans as an observation post, at the very least. Fears escalated, along with casualties, and despite evidence, it was marked for destruction. On 15 February 1944, Allied bombers dropped 1,400 tonnes of high explosives, causing widespread damage.[5] Fallschirmjäger forces occupied the area and established defensive positions amid the ruins.

Gentlemen We have successfully cleared the enemy front lines. They are fighting a rear-guard action and preparing to withdraw troops and equipment to the north. Our next task is to hit the trains and transport convoys before they depart. Intelligence suggests that air opposition will not be as much as previously as the Luftwaffe regroup after heavy losses. The next round will be delayed as I am on holiday next week. Scheduled to take place on Sunday 6th April

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg1z42pkj8o

Thanks for your efforts Colin what are your thoughts on the amount of enemy air activity? I feel it is slightly too much as every time I loaded with bombs I had to ditch these and go air to air

Gentlemen The landings have been a success . Ground troops are preparing to push forward from the beachhead. Our task is to destroy enemy ground artillery and tanks which stand in their way. If successful we can try to take out enemy reinforcements and supplies. Mission is scheduled for Sunday 16nd March 2100 hrs,

I'm sorry but can't commit to Friday nights

Gentlemen Between our air effort and the SAS ground forces in destroying the bunkers the invasion fleet is ready to sail for the Italian mainland without fear from the guns. The fleet is gathering at the South East of Sicily, we must protect this from the enemy bombers who are en route to destroy the ships. Once enemy air cover is destroyed there are secondary targets of trucks and tanks that are transporting reinforcements to the key enemy defensive position in 0611. Mission is scheduled for Sunday 2nd March 2100 hrs

I made error in first post , mission start is usual time of 2100 uk time

Gentlemen Latest intelligence is that due to the dug in nature of the coastal gun emplacements, it will be difficult to destroy these from the air Our mission is still to soften up the defences to allow us to take the harbour Our new directive is to destroy the lighter guns and troop barracks in the area to allow a crack team of SAS and marines to land and destroy the large coastal guns. These are stationed mid channel awaiting the go ahead Primary targets is Fortress HQ and the smaller guns and troops dotted around the entrance to Boughrara Gun positions and HQ are on the map.

Gentlemen Despite our best efforts the enemy has succeeded in withdrawing significant amounts of men and material to the mainland. Our next task is to soften up the coastal batteries in preparation for a troop landing in Southern Italy The primary task is to eliminate the control and command HQ in a fortress and to eliminate the coastal guns guarding the entrance to the port of Boughrara The A20s will bomb , the spitfires will escort. Expect heavy air cover Mission is scheduled for 16th Feb 2100 uk time

Thanks we will run a hurricane mission on 16 th

Can you please confirm date you wish to use so I can plan next hurricane mission and let 352nd chaps know

We were planning to run missions on 2nd and 16th of February. If no other suitable date then I can postpone for a one off

We have successfully hindered the enemy withdrawal by sea, the next objective are enemy airfields. Transport planes have landed there to ferry men and material to the mainland , we have an opportunity to catch them on the ground as they refuel. P-38s will attack at low level and bomb the stationary planes. Spitfires will provide cover. Expect heavy flak and air cover as the enemy try to protect their comrades . P-38s are limited to 2*500 for first sortie then any bombload they like for further sorties It will be an air start with ground bases available to land at if required Mission scheduled for Sunday 2nd February

I use the phantom or F-5e on DCS Join us when it suits mate

Hi mate, good talking to you last night and to see you here, I'm sure someone will sort out the full forum access for you. The il2 group you met will be back online Sunday around 20:15 UK time

Briefing update for Sunday Primary target is shipping Planes available are P-38s for anti shipping and Spit Vc for air cover P-38s are limited to 2*500 for first sortie then any bombload they like for further sorties First sortie is ground start , further sorties you can use either of the 2 airstart bases provided Look forward to seeing you there on Sunday at 21:00 uk time

Operation Husky Gentlemen We have been reassigned to Malta and the conversion onto spitfires is proceeding apace. We must hurry , High Command are planning to invade Sicily and there are rumours that an enemy convoy is en route to help evacuate their troops, we must get ready to provide cover for our attack planes as they try to intercept the fleet. The next mission will take place on Sunday the 19th.