http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary posted
Frame 4 saw the night time battle brought into the sunny skies of France. The Allies decided to again use the Lancaster in day because with a full load of fuel and bombs its powerful engines could get it to 22,000ft the fastest. The Luftwaffe brought even more nightfighter Bf110G2s into action because of the disappointing performance of their struggling FW190 series. The competitive Bf109G6 series was upgunned to the G6/R6 role to bring heavier guns against the heavies.
The Allies formed up their bombers and hit the central area of the V1 launch sites. The Germans waited and hit them first with their fast Bf109G14s stripping off the escorting P51s and Spitfires but suffering heavy losses to the escort, 8 being shotdown. This allowed the destroyer group of Bf110G2s and Bf109G6/R6s to come in front of the fight and rake the Lancasters with their gunpods. Nine Lancasters and a lone B24J were shotdown in the running fight primarily by the destroyer group. During the night a total of 16 enemy aircraft were taken down by the destroyers. Hauptman Gflyer was awarded the Knights Cross for his actions during the day. In his ancient Bf110G2 he shotdown not only 5 Lancasters but 2 Spitfire XIVs near the end of the day.
The Lancaster grounp continued on through the punishment their gunners claiming a Bf110G2, and closed 114 and 116. Escorting fighters shotdown a further 6 Bf110s or Bf109G6/R6.
Meanwhile a Mossie intruder was flying low beneath the fight taking out 4 canal boats at the Aire refinery and numerous bridge spans before being shot down by flak later on in the night.
Lancasters did a quick dangerous sortie at the end of the night coming in over the coast at less than 15,000ft with escorting fighters. Few Luftwaffe were left but they managed to shoot a Lanc, two Spit XIVs and two Typhoons for a loss of one Bf110G2. At such a low level the Lancs couldnt miss and closed launch site 81.
The V1 battle was not as hectic as in previous frames as less V1s were launched but they were ripple fired and often swamped the defenses. Of the 77 V1s launched 47 were shotdown and 30 hit London.
Overall the Luftwaffe claimed 10 bombers and 9 fighters\strike aircraft while the Allies claimed 21 fighters\destroyers.
Allies won frame 4 with a score of 119 to 104. They lead the series 426 to 396 going into the final frame.
With the closing of 81, 114 and 116 only 7 active launch sites remain for Frame 5.
Good Luck in the final frame. Come on Summer!
Notes :
1. Each pilot must make sure he flies the required rides. Some pilots on a free subscription may be limited to their ride choice and that is understood. We encourage new pilots and those that want to experience the S3s by flying with our veteran squads.
2. Sorry for the late post.
jabo
