http://www.squadselectseries.com - new summary up
Finally the Germans had enough fuel to begin the launching of their Vengeance weapons. But the Allies were prepared having several of their squadrons in their faster low-level aircraft ready to intercept. As well even RAF Bomber Command had decided to take a hand and send over Lancasters in daylight, such was the urgency to destroy the V1 launch sites. Both USAAF P47s and RAF Spitfires would escort the Lancasters into central France after an initial low-level escort mission of Typhoons sent against shipping of Le Treport(105). During the day the fast Typhoons would sink 2 German destroyers and 2 freighters in this general area. Meanwhile a lone Mossie intruder was taking on ships near Dunkirk sinking 2 freighters and taking out several important bridge spans in the Northern France area. Coming back to base between one sortie he complained about faulty intelligence, some bridge locations on the map did not exist! Unfortunately this brave pilot was later lost, the last enemy kill of the day.
The Luftwaffe had decided just to protect their V1 sites and not launch any anti-shipping attacks. A special unit of Bf110G2 bomber destroyers was taken off night activities and put on alert. At least 16 ironsides took to the air and waited for the expected bomber attack. This was not long showing up over the Channel. A squadron of 16 Lancasters escorted by Spit IXEs and P47Ds. Their target was the more distant V1 sites NW of Rouen. As high 109s engaged the escort, the 110 unit pounced. In a series of short brutal runs they managed to down 9 Lancasters but 5 were quickly shot down by the higher P47s. Another Lancaster fell later to a Bf109G14 making a total of 10 out of 16 shot down. Damage to two V1 sites was extensive but because the Lancs were hit so hard early in their runs these could not be closed in one pass and were soon operational again. On the return Bf109G14s tried to use their speed and intercept the Lancasters, 3 of which has smoking engines. Another was just above the waves struggling home, trailing the main group with four 109s closing. Two P47s dropped alt and engaged the enemy allowing the RAF bomber to escape. The American pilots fought well but were dispatched into the merciless Channel waters.
For the entire day the Germans launched V1 rockets from the 12 major sites still active. At least 8 salvos were sent against London but a screen of Typhoons intercepted them just past the English coast and throughout the day destroyed them one after another. 71 doodlebugs were claimed of the reported 96 that crossed into English airspace. Light damage was reported in London, but one of the oldest pubs, The Vulgar Unicorn, was destroyed.
The surprise uber-aircraft of Frame 2 was the Bf110G2 which claimed 11 kills, almost half the Luftwaffe total. Allied top-scorer was the P47, which claimed 8 German fighters during the day. Kapsyl shot down 4 lancasters in his Bf110, proving there is life still in an old airframe in 1944.
Still waiting the S6 for BDA but frame 2 is very close. The Germans have an 88 to 68 lead but Mossie intruders hit several important bridge spans as well ther is BDA at 140 and 141. Updated Frame 1 from the S6 which was an Alllied win 96 to 69.
Special thanks goes to Jman for leading the Lancasters and getting them formed and looking good on the way to target. Pretty sure 3 of 4 pilots returned to base damaged and missing most of their wingmen. The last Lanc pilot waited until English shores, streaming fire from one engine and missing rudders and other parts where he bailed safely.
Next week is Fathers Day and we have it off.
Frame 3 plays June 26.
jabo
