S3 Series

At T+0 about 15 American Eagles lifted from F51: Besea-, Booner, Countt, Crommm, Darken, Foss-j, Heaven, Hookls, -Lehi-, Okdoc-, Ozzone, Pppepp, Rock--, Waggaa and Docgxx. We headed for our assigned Patrol Area at the north end of the Channel. We split up into a CAP with several lower wing pairs searching for enemy ships. Intelligence had informed us that the British main fleet had left its berth up north and was heading for the Channel. Command sent up Ju88 ship killers to linger off enemy radar until the fleet was found. It didn't take long. Foss-j spotted the fleet and the signal was sent. The Eagles set up a protective CAP and our Buffs laid waste to the fleet. It was a sight to behold with one capital ship after another going down. Good Job Buffers! No enemy air cover appeared to protect their fleet. However, the AAA over the ships was fierce and several buffs were hit during their runs. All ammo expended, the Buffs rtb'd while AE returned to F51 for fuel. On the way home, Foss-j found a solo Swordfish near the French coast and shot him down.

For sortie 2 AE lifted and headed south off enemy radar to rendezvous with our Buffs over F55. The target was the Southern British Fleet found by pilots of LF6. AE was assigned high cover for the Buffs. LF6 ran short of fuel and had to rtb. When we arrived with our Buff charges, it took some time to find the fleet. The enemy had apparently chosen to move towards friendly territory closer to their air cover. Our Buffs sank every ship they found but the formations were scattered and subject to violent AAA. The Eagles moved slightly west near the enemy coast and set up a BARCAP to keep the enemy air away. The enemy wasn't long in coming. AE encountered Spits high and low and had a running dogfight for a long time. We shot down 3 Spits in this encounter. The low Spits were hugging the protective Ack from their DD's and were difficult to get. We lost Rock to a system reported maneuver kill but two squaddies reported seeing him get nailed by Ack. As soon as the Buffs reported rtb, AE headed for F9 to refuel/rearm.

Nine AE lifted from F9 for sortie 3. The intent was to escort the remaining Buffs on another attack on the Southern Group. Halfway there, Wellingtons and a large group of enemy were reported inbound to Dover. All fighter assets were redirected to Dover to defend our port. Our Buffs continued their attack on the Southern Fleet unescorted. AE entered the Dover area at high altitude and cleared the sky from the top down. We encountered Spits at all levels but the majority were down low with the Wellingtons. Most of our work was dogfighting the escort but Okdoc managed to knock down a Wellington as well as getting 2 pieces of Spits. It was a heck of a fight with LF6, 4th FG, and AE supporting each other and swarming the allied forces. More Spits were shot down. I wish to personally thank all those who cleared my six so many times in this sortie. I truly earned my Bullet Sponge moniker tonight. Eventually we drove off the attack. AE rtb'd to F6 and stood down.

The Tally:
Kills 6: Foss-j 1, Lehi 1, Docgxx 2, Heaven 1, Okdoc 1+2 pieces
Losses 3: Rock, Pppepp, Hookls (t/o crash)

Thanks to Jabo and our side CO's for all their work.

S!
Crommm
American Eagles

Edited per the S6

Thank you for your expert execution on our right flank. I was expecting something more aggressive from the British but they did not take the aggressive approach.

Your being able to spot the Royal Navy ships early and guide the Strike Group to the target while providing cover, then moving down to help along the left and center was invaluable.

<S>

Nick

What Tmoa said is very accurate.


We had a milk run the first sortie, your contact reports were spot on and we were able to execute an easy attack.
Later we made things difficult for you as we got all discombobulated looking for ships in the south. Your presence was very visible and saved many lives. Thank you for a job well done.

Nice job guys! <Salute> bombr- 4FG/CC

Very nice example of teamwork and scouting to promote protected attacks by very vulnerable Ju88s. Only 1 player Ju88 was lost during the night.