http://www.squadselectseries.comNew map up, waiting on the S6 for a points summary.
The Allies decided to defend Sicily with two squadrons of P40s and with only two bombers available due to a sandstorm in Tunisia it was surprising they opened first by closing the seaplane base at 35 and the oil storage far in the rear at Messina(F23). Even more surpising was the fact it was heavy P38Fs, the few B25s were needed to attack the supply depot and attached bridges of Western Trapani. With help from P38s and P40s later in the frame this important logistic target was closed severely hampering any defense in the northwestern end of Sicily.
The Axis equally hampered by low strike numbers, only 3 bombers and 3 jabos, had to use their elite Macchi 205 force to help close Allied fields on the mainland. Once the two P40 squads were shotdown or run off they concentrated on the central airfields closing two important MAFs and two LS inside the invasion zone. With control of the air over the allied beachheads the Macchis were able to stymie attacks on two of their truck convoys and close a further HQ, radar and artillery site. Attacks on the lone allied beachhead at F162 resulted in several ship sinkings all with minimal loss in strike a\c, only a single FW190F8 being lost during the night to AAA.
The allied invasion is proving a very difficult slugfest without air superiority. In the south limited gains have been made with heavy losses among the veteran British divisions of the 8th Army. The Axis are holding tough south of the Catania plain where their major airfields are located. Supply problems in the west have forced the withdraw of Axis divisions there while Patton's 7th US Army has swung around the left flank and swept into Trapani Province hot on the heels of the retreating enemy. The Axis have always thought of Sicily as a delaying action but their success has them thinking maybe Sicily can be held and the enemy forced to retreat off the island. It all depends on if they can continue to win the air battles over the Italian island. Regardless non-essential personal have started to be withdrawn by ship from the major ports on the north coast.
Low turnouts for the Memorial Day weekend so there was much ad hoc planning by both frame COs, a tough assignment. Next year we will add this holiday to the list of required weekend byes.
Axis have a commanding lead in points having won the last two frames by a large margin.
Good Luck in Frame 4
jabo
