15apr08

15 April 2008

Twin Targets - Equal Destruction

AAR for Bombers with escorts.

Bombers grouped up at A10 and got their aircraft ready, B-17s with 50% fuel loaded with 12x500lb bombs, and warmed up for a northwest takeoff. As each pilot rolled the big engines over and ignited the cylinders, billow of white smoke were blown back over the wings. The sweet smell of victory once again permeated the air. Fighter escorts prepared at A9, just slightly north of the bombers. Fule load, engine water and oil temperatures were checked as well as oil pressure. Each pilot could be seen cyling through their flight control surfaces. The escorts were mainly Spitfires with orders calling for Fighter Of Choice, (FOC) without ordinance.
Bombers were not going to climb to high with a cruise and drop altitude of 10k so resistance was expected. Knowing this we probably should have had a few less bombers and a few more escorts but no adjustments were made. I believe we only had handful of escorts for the bombers.
Bombers rolled NW and climbed out of A10 getting altitude. About 8miles out we made a course change north to group up with the escorts and head to first target, vehicle base V62, which was very close to being captured. While V62 was the first target the primary target was airfield A1 which was under heavy attack already with a determined enemy defending it. The escorts took off from A9 and plotted an intercept path to the bombers. Shortly the rendezvous with the main bomber group took place and as it continued to climb to cruise altitude. V62 was captured so that attack was cancelled and we proceeded to A1. Enemy fighters were called out at our altitude over A1 so we knew it was no milk run today!! After we passed V62 we started to run into sporadic enemy defenders. They must have radioed for help because we soon were engaged by many enemy fighters including Spitfires, P-51 Mustangs , N1K2 Georges and a single Me262. Targets were assigned but due to the Knights ongoing attack at A1 it was tough to effectively do so. Personally my target was down and between that and trying to keep the group together and defending my bombers I don't believe I even dropped any bombs. Before the enemy shredded my formation I do know my gunner, Sku, did manage to shoot one of those pesky enemies down. After the bomb drop we circled to the right for another over-flight of A1 to drop any remaining ordinance and try to hit any targets we missed. By that time many bombers had been shot down and the remaining ones turned left and headed south-southeast to land at A2.
I think only a few bombers did manage to rtb to A2 and they were severely damaged by the time they did land.
We did have a new Specialist join us for the night and a large <S> to engr. Despite some equipment problems I hope he enjoyed it. Welcome aboard!!