http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary up
In the third frame the Allies had a coordinated plan with a feint up north to draw the Luftwaffe away from their primary targets in the south near Koln and Frankfurt. B17s hit and damaged the Koln aluminium plant severely but many small groups of interceptors made it through the escort to down eleven of the heavies. But they paid the price loosing 15 fighters to the escort and gunners. Only one escort was lost during this initial attack on Koln.
In the second phase the Allies were running out of daylight and after an initial form-up the B24Js headed directly south to Frankfurt. The Koln plant was completely destroyed on the way south before an avionics factory was demolished and another Aluminium plant heavily damaged just north of Frankfurt. The Luftwaffe had only a limited number of fighters left so was unable to completely disrupt the bombing patterns. Seven B24s were shotdown for the cost to the Germans of 19 fighters. Escorting fighters suffered heavier losses with 11 failing to return.
For the 3 hour duration the losses were relatively similar with each side loosing around 30 aircraft during the days operations. But the difference is the two industry targets the Allies destroyed giving them the win. Still waiting on the S6 for pilot losses but the Allies look to be either tied or just ahead of the Germans in points going into frame 4.
We are back for Frame 4 this Sunday.
jabo
