http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary up
Frame 4 saw the Allies plan on hitting the northern German targets around Hamburg and Kiel. First sortie was in fast flying B24s with a well coordinated fighter escort of P47s. The target was an avionics factory south of Hamburg and the defenders were on them as they neared the major German port. They continued on and hit a Ball-bearing plant at Lubeck. It was on the long return flight that most of the bombers fell. Five Liberators fell to mainly FW190 guns but nine defending fighters were shot down and no escorts lost. Both factories were completely destroyed.
The second sortie was by B17s to the two farthest avionics factories past Lubeck on the Baltic Sea. Fighting was furious into and out of the targets. Five B17s were lost on the way to the targets but 16 enemy fighters were shot down for the loss of 5 escorts. Both factories were destroyed and on the return trip a further five fortress bombers were lost but 11 Luftwaffe fighters were shot down with the escort having 6 fighters failing to return.
Overall it was a Allied victory mainly due to their low losses and destruction of 4 factories. They lead the series 445 to 420 after winning the last two frames with coordinated bomber and fighter escort missions.
Comes down to the wire in Frame 5. They have to go long and the Luftwaffe knows it.
Good Luck in Frame 5 and get ready for some IEN Korean jet action for two Sundays after.
jabo
