http://www.squadselectseries.com - new summary up - map remains unchanged
With the attack now only directed on Malta the only variable was if the RAF would try and seek out Axis targets across the Mediterranean. The Luftwaffe was counting on it to weaken the available forces to defend the thorn in Italy's side. Slowly a large raid built up over the course of the early morning. RAF strike squadrons were grounded and all defensive personnel put on alert. As greater numbers of Axis forces moved toward Malta the last Spitfires were scrambled and climbed to the southwest of the small islands. The initial Luftwaffe fighter sweep found the skies above Malta deserted and they turned toward their incoming bomb group. When the inbound Ju88s came into sight of Gozo the RAF struck single-minded in their determination to get at the German bombers. A total of 24 were shot down in an epic fight into their targets and away to to the north. A further 12 escorting Bf109s were lost but the RAF suffered heavily as well, 21 Spitfires were reported shot down. Malta's defenses were so weakened by this initial first battle that when a small group of bombers returned heavily escorted only a few Spitfires remained to oppose them. The Ju88s hit the central airfields on their first sortie and shipping in Valletta on their second. The intensity of the initial air battle saw poor BDA against the airfields but on the return trip at least 11 ships were sunk at anchor.
The RAF won Frame 3 - 126 to 80, closing the gap going into the final frame. The Luftwaffe leads 463 to 446. Both sides have won two frames each and frame 5 will be the determining.
Just waiting on the pilot losses to finalize the last frames final tally.
No Frame this weekend for Mothers Day. Final Frame is on May 15th.
Good Luck in Frame 5.
jabo
