S3 Series

Fliegerführer Afrika After Action Report
Date: 03.06.1941

Planning made difficult by delayed Nachrichtenoffizier reports. Equipment status reports unreliable. Number of available flight crews unknown.

In order to support siege of Tobruk by holding the British at bay, actions were planned against the enemy airfield southeast of Sidi Barrani. Smaller airstrikes were to be arranged against British armored units around El Hamra. Our remaining fighter aircraft were to hold the RAF east of Sollum.

As the day started, it was reported that none of the promised Macchi C.200 aircraft would be available for attacks on the British ground forces; Bf-109E aircraft were quickly gathered for this task. Several airmen were unable to overcome aircraft technical failures and were grounded by these failures.

Immediately at dawn, Kampfgeschwader and Schlachtgeschwader units lifted; bombers (NS/Nomads) heading to the enemy airfield southeast of Sidi Barrani and the strike aircraft (23rd/Lf6) heading to destroy British armored units reported around El Hamra.

Within 5 minutes of launching Schlachtgeschwader pilots reported destroying British armored units and continued a steady attack into the daylight hours.

15 minutes after dawn, Jagdgeschwader (AE) units lifted and headed east from operational airfields at Retma and Bir el-Gubi. Within 15 minutes of being launched, Jadgeschwader units responded to reports of enemy aircraft approaching the port at Bardia. The RAF commenced a heavy attack on Bardia and Sollum with bombers and fighters. The Jagdgeschwader units engaged the RAF units at Bardia and destroyed numerous RAF bomber and fighter aircraft.

The Kampfgeschwader flight reached the airfield southeast of Sidi Barrani and destroyed numerous targets but were unable to destroy all ground targets as the RAF started to establish an air defense. Multiple bomber aircraft were lost to ground artillery and fighter aircraft on this raid into enemy held territory.

As the enemy attacks on Bardia and Sollum intensified, Schlachtgeschwader units were reassigned Jagdgeschwader type duties and were ordered north to the area of the enemy assault. More RAF bomber and fighter aircraft were downed or destroyed.

Kampfgeschwader attempted another attack on the enemy airfield southeast of Sidi Barrani with numerous crews experiencing severe equipment failure at launch. Those that were able to get airborne, courageously continued on to the target knowing that they would encounter a heavy air defense.

The air battle over Bardi and Sollum continued into the late afternoon as some Jagdgeschwader units pursued fleeing RAF aircraft well into British territory. Some went as far as Tarfayah and assisted Kampfgeschwader units that were able to approach the enemy airfield but were unable destroy the remaining ground targets.

Remaining units stood down as the enemy attack was over and Kampfgeschwader units were in need of repair. The repair ground crews will be kept busy for some time even though we are lacking even the most basic materials.

Later, toward the evening, some RAF dummkopf flew in solitary flight through flak infested skies to land at Tobruk. No aircraft were prepped to intercept.

Respectfully submitted,

-tmoa-
Fliegerführer Afrika



PS-We were all handed a large turd sandwich and everyone took a big bite. Most asked for seconds. Everyone was very understanding of the "on the fly" situation that we were handed and performed extremely well. Thank you to everyone that participated.

<S>
Nick

It seems Heir Dummkopf was Todzla. He was catching the rest of the Seahawks game so he gets a pass on this one

<S> tmoa

Under the circumstances you did an outstanding job.

Next time though, can you at least toast the bread before serving that turd sandwich?

Respectfully,

Swanee

Perhaps something gluten-free, oh delicate one? I'm surprised you could taste the bread over the smell!

Thanks again for shuffling the deck!

<S>
Nick

PS-Under other circumstances I did a crappy job?

tough spot Tmoa i think you diod a wounderful job considering the Snafu's that was all around

<S>

Thanks Besea. You and the rest of AE performed well, bad circumstances or not.

<S>
Nick