Jim P
United States
Sterling Heights
Michigan
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BG...................BB...................GB..................GG
“Gentlemen at ease. Job well done yesterday! Let us see if we can continue this trend on today’s mission, as we are going back to… ” Sgt. Murphy Pull the curtain please…”
We are still accepting new planes to join the group, as we start a second tour. For those of you just joining us, here is a summary of the "rules," as they are:
* I will be rolling up the mission parameters, fighter support, flak cover, weather and date for all missions.
* There is no required format for reporting your results, but the more info you present the more entertaining it is for everyone. If you track who gets injured, how many fighter kills, etc., then I can summarize that info at the end of the mission period for all bombers.
* All flights must be flown by the following Sunday (in this case, 12/01/29 ), and I will prepare an After Action Report the following Monday. If you happen to miss a week or two, no big deal, just join back in when you can.
* All planes are assigned to a squadron. If you are new, just post a response in the thread giving your plane name and you will be assigned a squadron. Squadrons are being given a position (High, Middle, Low or Low- Low.) by jasta6, as recorded here.
* Lead and Tail positions are still being assigned to volunteers. Please note that only bombers in MIDDLE position can be lead, and only bombers in LOW-LOW position can be tail. So if you are in one of those squadrons, and nobody has yet volunteered for a position, roll 1d6. If you get a 6, you are the lucky winner.
* Some optional rules can be found here.
”… “France, Le Bourget.”....” Good luck and Gods speed boys!”
MISSION Eighty-Three:
Date: Monday, August 16, 1943 (1 day from last mission)
Primary Target: Le Bourget Aerodrome, France. A/F
Secondary Target: None
Bomb Load: 16 x 300 lb H.E. M31 bombs
Bombing Altitude: 20,800 ft (Low Group)
Gazetteer:
Outbound & InBound: Zone 2: –2 W / Zone 3: -0 F / Zone 4: -0 F
Primary Target Flak O/B: Medium
Primary Target Flak I/B: Light
Primary Target Weather: Good 1/10 Cloud (No modifiers)
Secondary Target Weather: N/A
Base Weather: Good 2/10 Cloud Cover (No modifiers)
(4th FG P-47s) {Note; as of August we can pick up Friendly fighters in Zone 6, got-a love drop tanks.}
Zone 2 outbound: fair
Zone 3 outbound: good
Zone 4 outbound: good
Zone 4 inbound: good
Zone 3 inbound: good
Zone 2 inbound: fair
Note: Gents, don’t forget to add your Squadron Positions modifiers to the above Gazetteer values.
Mission Special Rules:
A) This mission only, if FW190’s attack they will only make the initial attacks, even if they hit your bomber on the first attack. No successive attacks by the Butcherbirds.
Mission Map:
-Historical Mission: (from “The Mighty 8th War Diary by R.A.Freeman) Mission 83 The Mighty Eighth 1BW flew to Le Bourget France. 4BW flew to Poix & Abbeville A/F’s in France. 246 Fortresses sortied with 237 bombing their targets. There were four planes lost and one crewman killed in returning Fortress’s. four men were wounded. Thirty-one men were listed MIA.
The 303rd operation notes, for their mission 59, The 303rd crews reported medium flak that was not very accurate. After action summaries collaborated that the P-47s kept the enemy fighters a bay, mostly FW190s. When they did make attacks they were hit and runs…
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Jim P
United States
Sterling Heights
Michigan
-
**Please read and follow as it will help me collate the information for the roster thread** Thank You!
Again, please remember I would like players to, at a minimum, list the Crew (pilots name with rank and Planes name of their Fortress at the beginning of all AAR post to help me facilitate updating the Roster List? Please use the format below as this will help me create the list in a timely manor.
If this format is not followed I may have to pass over your record as it takes more time to compile than it should have to. Adding this information will make it much easier to assemble this extra fluff for our campaign. Please remember to also add your pilot’s rank.
Thank You!
EXAMPLE wrote: Pilot: 1st Lt.. Andy Anybody
B-17: "Bombs Alot/Miss Alot"
Also please add your Bombardment Squadron somewhere at the top too. This will help me in data entry. i.e. 154th BS
P.S. As I am keeping stats of the campaign for mission reports could you list your enemy aircraft probable and damage information as well as your kills in one short entry. Example: (KIA = 5, Prob = 2 & Damg = 5)
Jim P 
Thanks....
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Jim P
United States
Sterling Heights
Michigan
-
281st BG (V) Aircraft Roster for Mission 83 [Le Bourget, Framce. A/F]
- Player's Squadron Assignment can be found at this thread: Squadron Assignment
- Squadron Positions for this mission can be found at this thread: Squadron Positions
Mission : (Volunteers)
---- Lead: 2nd Lt. Roger Daley's Crew in The Great Karzy (B-17F-30-VE-42-5858)
---- Tail: 2nd Lt Carl Robledo's Crew in "Lucky Lucy"
151st BS - BG:
Capt. Seth Gecko's Crew in "Santanico Pandemonium" [AAR]
1st Lt. Bob Feller's Crew in "Strike One" (B-17F-55-BO 43-12048) [AAR]
1st Lt. Lester Husby's Crew in "Maid'n America" [AAR]
2nd Lt. Andronicus Laskaris Crew in "Nike" (B-17F-110-B0 42-30536) [AAR]
152nd BS - BB:
1st Lt. I. Hull's Crew in "Spirit of 1812" [AAR] Aborted
1st Lt. Robert Schoens Crew in "Silver Dollar" [AAR] [AAR]
1st Lt. Kevin Ward's Crew in "Orange Roughy" (B17F-70-BO-42-120121) [AAR] Cat-E
2nd Lt Carl Robledo's Crew in "Lucky Lucy" [AAR] Tail
153rd BS - GB:
Capt. Benjamin Willard's Crew in "The Crystal Ship" [AAR]
Capt. Broderick Young's Crew in "Here We Go Again" [AAR]
1st Lt. Jack Armstrong's Crew in "Nasty Boys" (B-17F-40-B0 42-5246) [AAR] Aborted
2nd Lt. Joe Friday's Crew in "JUST THE FLAK MA'AM" [AAR]
2nd Lt Laurie LaPorte's Crew in "Anna's Touch" (B-17F-115 42-30669) [AAR]
154st BS - GG:
1st Lt. Walter Zabalaoui's Crew in "Tru Bella II" (B-17F-120-B0 42-30741) [AAR]
2nd Lt. Roger Daley's Crew in The Great Karzy (B-17F-30-VE-42-5858) [AAR] Lead
2nd Lt Jeffrey Grainger's Crew in "Havana Dancer" [AAR]
2nd Lt. John Koltek's Crew in "HONEY STAR" [AAR]
Lt. Col. Chase Pfalzstaff
Deptuy Commander
Elveden Hall, UK
3rd Bombardment Wing HQ
(edits; Crews added)
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Damo
Australia
Hobart
Tasmania
Plastic & Shiney!
Don't try this in a B-17!
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Sir, The Lucy volunteers to fly tail.
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David Lanphear
United States
Stockton
California
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Damjon wrote: ....volunteers....
Now there's an ugly word.  
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Damo
Australia
Hobart
Tasmania
Plastic & Shiney!
Don't try this in a B-17!
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StocktonDave wrote: Damjon wrote: ....volunteers.... Now there's an ugly word.
Yeah, I know.
Someone's got to do it though, and this gets the nervous waiting over. 
I'm off to tell the boys and get the Chief to steal some more ammo.
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Alexander Boucharelis
Greece
Drama
-
where are the notorious U boat targets? did we sunk them all?
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Jamie Yeardley
United Kingdom
High Wycombe
Bucks
-
The boys in the Great Karzy volunteer to fly lead.
yours Respectfully
1st Lt. Roger D.
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Jim P
United States
Sterling Heights
Michigan
-
To:
281st BG (H)
Subject:
Mission Lead/Tail End Charlie Assignments
Memo:
The following crews are assigned to lead and tail positions;
---- Lead: 2nd Lt. Roger Daley's Crew in The Great Karzy (B-17F-30-VE-42-5858)
---- Tail: 2nd Lt Carl Robledo's Crew in "Lucky Lucy"
Lt. Col. Chase Pfalzstaff
Deptuy Commander
Elveden Hall, UK
3rd Bombardment Wing HQ
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Todd R
United States
Michigan
-
After Action Report (AAR)
Pilot: 1st Lt. I. Hull
B-17: Spirit of 1812 (Mission 2)
Squadron: 152nd Bomber Squadron, 281st Bombardment Group
Mission: Mission 83 August 16, 1943
Target: Le Bourget Aerodrome, France Airfield
Crew Assigned: Position: Rank & Name (mission #) Casualties, Kills, Probable, Damaged
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. J. Lawrence (2)
Navigator: 2nd Lt. WH Harrison (2)
Pilot: 1st Lt. I. Hull (2) SW
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. S. Decatur (2) LW
Engineer: Mst. Sgt. OH Perry (2) K: 1-110, P: 1-109
Radio Oper.: T.Sgt. W. Scott (2)
Ball Gunner: Sgt. H. Dearborn (2)
Pt Waist G: Sgt. W. Hull (2) LW
Stbd Waist G: Sgt. P. Hanks (2) P: 1-109
Tail Gunner: Sgt. J. Elliott (2)
Fighters Encountered: Ace: 1, Average: 4, Green: 0
Enemy Fighters Hit: (KIA = 1, Prob = 2 , Damg =0 )
Bomb Run: Jettisoned bombs into Channel
B-17 Damage: Engine 2 out, Radio out
Landing: Safe landing at base in England
Mission Description: Filed by 2nd Lt. S. Decatur, acting commander
Today’s mission was a short one. Over Zone 2 outbound we were jumped by a single 109 that came down on us in a vertical dive. Despite a Probable Kill from Sgt. Perry, the 109 managed to shoot a single shell into the Port Wing and wreck Engine #2. Still laden with bombs and quickly falling behind the squadron, Lt. Hull decided to abort the mission. We jettisoned the bombs into the Channel and turned for home.
In Zone 2 inbound we were jumped by three 109s and a 110. The attack brought light wounds to me and Sgt. Hanks while seriously wounding Lt. Hull. After landing, Lt. Hull was taken to the base hospital. I visited him later in the evening and he was in good spirits and will recover. I am sorry to report that his slow recovery may force the nurses to listen to his bad jokes for a long time.
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Michael Bowker
United States
Washington
New Jersey
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After Action Report
A/C name: “Here We Go Again”
Pilot: Captain Broderick Young
Unit: 153rd Bombardment Squadron, 281st Bombardment Group
Mission #: 83
Primary Target: Le Bourget Aerodrome, France. A/F
Secondary Target: None
Primary Target Weather: Good 1/10 Cloud (No modifiers)
Secondary Target Weather: N/A
Base Weather: Good 2/10 Cloud Cover (No modifiers)
Position P/S: Middle/ High Squadron
Fighter Statistics : 0 K / 0 P / 0 D
Bomb Drop: On Target
Bombing Accuracy: 50%
Bomb Load: 16 x 300 lb H.E. M31 bombs
Crew/Status/Actions:
Pilot: Captain Broderick Young (35)
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt Robert Humprhies (7)
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Steven Bishop (9)
Aircraft Claimed - 1
Navigator: 2nd Lt Johnson Holland (4) - LW
Aircraft Claimed - 1
Flt Engineer: T Sgt Curt Trotter (10)
Aircraft claimed - 11
R/O: Sgt. Kerry Barrett (10)
Ball Gnr: Sgt. Hogan Sharpe (10)
Aircraft claimed - 3
Port Wst: Sgt. Samuel Jones (5)
Aircraft claimed -
Strb Wst: Sgt. Ricardo Gonzalez (9) –SW - Recovered
Aircraft claimed - 1
Tail Gnr: Sgt. Barry Hester (5)
Aircraft claimed – 2
() – Number of missions completed inclusive
Recommendations:
Enemy Aircraft Claimed:
B-17 Status:
Navigator equipment inoperable
Mission Description:
Another quick jump across to France. We didn’t see any enemy fighters until we reached the target zone. A lone 109 came at us in a vertical dive. It resulted in a minor cut to Lt. Holland’s face but no other damage. The flak actually did more damage than that. It blasted apart Holland’s navigation equipment and cut open Sgt. Gonzalez’s leg.
Gonzalez was out for the rest of the mission.
Despite the flak, Lt. Bishop once more did an excellent job of hitting the target. On the return trip we saw a few fighters approaching but the fighter cover did its job and handled them.
Respectively submitted,
Captain Broderick Young
Replacements:
Notes:
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John McDonald
United States
Elkins
West Virginia
-
After Action Report #C3M83
August 16th 1943
A/C name (number): "Anna's Touch" (B-17F-115 42-30669)
Pilot: 1st Lt. Laurie LaPorte
Unit: 153rd Bombardment Squadron, 218th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
Callsign: Pushover Dog
Mission #: 83/9/13
Primary Target: , Occupied France
Secondary Target: None
Position P/S: Middle/High
Crew/Status/Actions:
Pilot: 1Lt. Laurie LaPorte/OK
-Home: Zap, North Dakota
-Serial Number: O-7974083 (DC)
-Purple Heart
-Missions Completed: 13
Co-Pilot: 2Lt. Irving Hardge/OK
-Home: Searchlight, Nevada (AC)
-Serial Number: O-9889587
-Purple Heart w/ cluster
-Missions Completed: 5
Bombardier: 1Lt. Melvin Sullivan/OK
-Home: Campton, New Hampshire
-Serial Number: O-2315381 (AC)
-Purple Heart w/ three clusters
-AC Total (mission inclusive): 4
-Missions Completed: 14
Navigator: 2Lt. Samuel Binder/OK
-Home: Nyack, New York
-Serial Number: O-759917 (USAR)
-AC Total (mission inclusive): .5
-Missions Completed: 6
Flt Engineer: T-3 Nelson Husbands/OK
-Home: Los Angeles, California
-Serial Number: 39506396 (DRF)
-Distinguished Flying Cross
-Air Medal w/ two clusters
-AC Total (mission inclusive): 26
-Missions Completed: 12
R/O: T-3 Norman Hall/OK
-Home: Frederick, Maryland
-Serial Number: 13199771 (RA)
-Distinguished Flying Cross
-Air Medal w/ two clusters
-Purple Heart
-AC Total (mission inclusive): 9
-Missions Completed: 16
Ball Gnr: Sgt. Lionel Riederer/OK
-Serial Number: 20893468 (NMNG)
-Distinguished Flying Cross w/ cluster
-Purple Heart w/ cluster
-Air Medal
-AC Total (mission inclusive): 22.5
-Missions Completed: 9
Port Wst: Sgt. Ted Maxham/OK
-Home: Duncan, Idaho
-Serial Number: 39901669 (DRF)
-Missions Completed: 1
Strb Wst: Sgt. Glen Aikin/OK
-Home: Berlin, New Hampshire
-Serial Number: 11270085 (RA)
-AC Total (mission inclusive):: 1
-Missions Completed: 3
Tail Gnr: Sgt. Rick Nowacki/
-Home: Fort Kent, Maine
-Serial Number: 31793491 (DRF)
-AC Total (mission inclusive):1
-Missions Completed: 3
Medal/Promotion Recommendations:
None
Enemy Aircraft Claimed:
Technician 3rd Grade Nelson Husbands: 1 x Fw-190, 2 x Fw-190 probables
Sergeant Louis Reiderer: 1 x Me-110, 1 x Fw-190 probable, 1 x Me-109 probable
Sergeant Glen Aikin: 1 x Me-109
Sergeant Rick Nowacki: 1 x Fw-190
Enemy Aircraft Encountered:
Single Engine: 8
Twin Engine: 1
Bomb Drop: ON
Bombing Accuracy: 40%
Bomb Load: 16 x 300 lb. M31 HE
Bombing Altitude: 20,800 ft.
B-17 Status:
Bombardier heat out, damage to the port wing root, superficial damage to the #4 engine
Mission Description:
Even quieter then the last mission sir. No casualties, no serious damage to the aircraft, and a decent amount of the payload on target. Can't ask for much more then that I suppose. We stayed in fairly steady contact throughout the mission, but nothing very serious. That short of range with that many fighters kept the Luftwaffe off our backs. Can't help but feel like they're letting us rest up for some reason though...
1st Lt. Laurie LaPorte
Anna's Touch
153rd BS, 218th BG(H)
Replacements:
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Michael Bowker
United States
Washington
New Jersey
-
As the planes came back from the mission to Le Bourget, Private Leroy Ignatius Robert (aka L.I.R.) Roomer was heard to tell the crews that he had the word for the next mission. "I heard it from a fella I know over at Group, who heard from a fella he knows, that he got it on good authority that the milk runs will continue and by the end of the week we are all going to stand down for a chance to go to London."
I think we should all believe him...
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ian morris
United Kingdom
lichfield
staffordshire
-
pvi99th wrote: As the planes came back from the mission to Le Bourget, Private Leroy Ignatius Robert (aka L.I.R.) Roomer was heard to tell the crews that he had the word for the next mission. "I heard it from a fella I know over at Group, who heard from a fella he knows, that he got it on good authority that the milk runs will continue and by the end of the week we are all going to stand down for a chance to go to London." I think we should all believe him...
Would that be Corporal Leadbetter, by any chance ?
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John McDonald
United States
Elkins
West Virginia
-
He's still a Corporal? Huh. How about that.
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John Kovacs
United States
Elyria
Ohio
-
I believe I know what the next mission is going to be, and it won't be a milk run. Check the date of the current mission, boys, because August 17, 1943 was a black day for the 8th AF - the first Schweinfurt raid.
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Michael Bowker
United States
Washington
New Jersey
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Infomanohio wrote: I believe I know what the next mission is going to be, and it won't be a milk run. Check the date of the current mission, boys, because August 17, 1943 was a black day for the 8th AF - the first Schweinfurt raid.
You mean you don't think that the rumor might be right???
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Damo
Australia
Hobart
Tasmania
Plastic & Shiney!
Don't try this in a B-17!
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pvi99th wrote: Infomanohio wrote: I believe I know what the next mission is going to be, and it won't be a milk run. Check the date of the current mission, boys, because August 17, 1943 was a black day for the 8th AF - the first Schweinfurt raid. You mean you don't think that the rumor might be right???
Especially about the milk run bit.
Corporal Allen was waiting nervously on the crash cart, watching the B-17s appear, one by one, in the sky over England.
"Sarge? That one that's just coming into sight? It's only got one wheel down, and it's just dropped flares!"
"Get moving son. Time to earn our pay."
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Damo
Australia
Hobart
Tasmania
Plastic & Shiney!
Don't try this in a B-17!
-
Pilot: 2nd Lt Carl Robledo
B17: Lucky Lucy
Sqdn: 152nd, 281st Bombardment Group
Mission#: 83 (this bomber 2)
Target: Le Bourget Aerodrome, France
Position (Sqdn/Aircraft): Low-Low/Tail.
Crew,*-previous Kills,(mission) Casualties, Kill(K), Probable(P), Damaged(D)
Pilot: 2nd Lt Carl Robledo(2)
Copilot: 2nd Lt Michael Broughton(2)LW
Bombardier: 2nd Lt Kevin Cosby(2)LW, K-1*Me110
Navigator: 2nd Lt Bryan Kealey(2)SW-Discharged, D-1*Fw190
Engineer: Mst Sgt Bruce Sarmiento*(2)K-3*Me109
Radio Operator: Rodney Hancock(2)
Ball Gunner: Sgt Jerry Coulson(2)K-2*Fw190+1*Me110,P-1*Me110,D-1*Me110
Port Waist: Sgt Tony Sizemore(2))SW-Discharged
Starboard Waist: Sgt Randy Marshall(2)LW
Tail Gunner: Sgt Willie Tidewell*(2)LW K-2*Me109,1*Me110,P-1*Me110,D-2*Me109
Bomb Drop: Off Target - 0%
Fighters Encountered:
Me109: 14, Me110: 5, Fw190: 12
Fighters Claimed:
Destroyed: 5* Me109, 3*Me110, 2*Fw190
Damaged: 2*Me109, 3*Me110, 1*Fw190
Medal/Promotion Recommendations:
2nd Lt Michael Broughton - Purple Heart
2nd Lt Kevin Cosby - Purple Heart
2nd Lt Bryan Kealey - Purple Heart
Sgt Jerry Coulson - Distinguished Flying Cross
Sgt Tony Sizemore - Purple Heart
Sgt Randy Marshall - Purple Heart
Sgt Willie Tidewell - Silver Star, Purple Heart
B17 Condition Report: Hits - 23 from fighters, 3 from flak.
Starboard landing gear inop, Starboard #4 engine feathered, Port Elevator inop, Port engine #1 superficial, Port wing root*1, Port aileron, Port outboard tank, Port brakes inop, Tail autopilot destroyed, Tail O2 supply-1, Tail – superficial, Port waist gun inop, Radio hit twice & destroyed, Superfical damage*6. Subsequent misc damage from landing.
Peckham Points = 278 (repairable – The Chief won’t take no for an answer.)
Replacements:
2nd Lt. Jimmy Phillips (Navigator)
Sgt. Jeff Baker (Port Waist gunner)
Mission Debrief:
Sounds like the Lucy had a different run of luck to the other crews. The Luftwaffe must have got off the ground late and only caught up to the rear of the formation. Our only saving grace was that they may have been getting low on fuel or ammo as some didn’t want to stick around.
Good weather on take off and flying over England it was quite a sight to see the whole Group spread out in front of us.
Over the Channel we were attacked from below by a Me110, and a Me109 from behind. Coulson in the ball turet took a large piece out of the 110 but didn’t see it hit the ground. Anyone who could get a gun to bear opened up on the 109. Sarmiento in the top turret was fastest to the draw and picked up his second kill.
The krauts must have got organised as we passed near Rouen. A wave of 190’s and a lone 109 attacked our front and around the port side to the tail. A couple missed (thank god) and kept on going. Our lone escorting P-47 dispatched another and both Coulson and Tidewell (in the tail) shot down a 190 and 109 respectively. The last 190 was engaged by Kealey on the port cheek gun. He took a nick out of it before it opened up in return. Kealey was badly hit in the chest and Cosby also caught some shrapnel. Broughton saw some rounds go into the starboard wing, but wasn’t sure what damage they did. The 190 didn’t come round for another go. Maybe Kealey did more damage then I thought.
Right after that six 109s came in from all over. I saw our lone angel get another kill before the rest closed with us. Sarmiento got his third kill and Tidewell damaged another. It must have put the 109s aim off as his burst went wide.
Cosby in the nose frightened off a third 109 and Marshall (starboard waist)reported shooting at one more but missed. Several more 109s missed wide. We took some hits in the waist from somewhere, Sarmiento said it was from above, and there was a scream over the intercom. Marshall reported he and Sizemore had been hit. Sizemore was in bad shape but Marshall was ok and looking after Sizemore. The last 109 came round from head on for another go and Sarmiento and Cosby let loose but missed. The 109 pilot must have flinched as he missed as well.
We completed the turn over Meulans, for the run into Le Bouget, and were attacked by a 190, 110 and 109. As the P-47 raced off after the 190, Broughton commented that our Little Friend would be very happy with the target rich environment that seemed to be around us.
Coulson picked up his second kill by downing the 110 and Tidewell, Hancock and Sarmiento all opened up on the lone 109. They all missed. The 109 didn’t and we took hits into the radio room and port wing. Hancock said the radio was out and lucky he was in the turret at the time or he would have been cut in half. I could see holes in the port wing and the cowling of #1 engine. No smoke though.
The 109 came around for another pass, straight at us. Cosby couldn’t get a good shot at him and the Lucy took another burst into the port wing. As the 109 came around for a third pass Sarmiento spoilt his day, setting him on fire.
Heading into Le Bourget we were bracketed by flak. The autopilot stopped responding and the port wing took another hit. Worse, the Lucy shook as #4 engine took a hit but it feathered ok. Cosby did his best, but with injury and all those flak hits the bombs went well off target.
The flak was ineffective leaving the target and we were sent on our way by two 190s and a 109. Our personal P-47 was back and dealt with the 190, Tidewell took out the trailing 109 and Coulson had a go at the last 190. He missed, but so did the 190.
West of Amiens we ran into more fighters, two 190s, 2 109s and a 110. We were getting so many fighters I can only think that these guys had passed through the main group and were now onto us.
A new P-47 was with us by then, nicknamed Gun Dog by Sarmiento, and it engaged a 109, Sarmiento and Hancock exchanged shots with a second 109 with no hits on either side. Coulson destroyed a 190 and Tidewell heavily damaged the 110 attacking from the rear, which broke off it's attack.
Cosby shot at the remaining 190 but missed. The 190 put a long burst into us, wounding Broughton, destroying the port waist gun and putting holes in a lot of other places.
A second wave of two 110s and a 109 came in, with Gun Dog seeing off the 109. Tidewell put a burst into a 110 behind us, destroying it. Tidewell’s third kill.
Coulson missed the second 110 who put a long burst into us. The worst hits included puncturing the port wing outboard fuel tank and lightly wounding Tidewell, damaging his O2 supply at the same time. The fuel tank self sealed, but I don’t know how much more the Lucy can take. The 110 came back around, head on. Cosby was swearing as he opened up and it must have helped as the 110 spiralled out of control.
We got a little lost heading towards the coast without Kealey to guide us. The Luftwaffe must have stayed with the main group of bombers as no fighters followed us. This breather allowed the crew to do what they could to tend to the wounded and transfer ammo around to the guns that were getting low.
Gun Dog stayed with us, which was good as two 190s and a 109 attacked us over the channel. Coulson missed a 190, but nothing came of it. Gun Dog went after a 190 and Tidewell, Sarmiento and Hancock shot at the last 109. Sarmiento and Hancock both missed, but Tidewell, though injured, managed to dole out some damage. Tidewell’s effort to damage the 109 made the difference between serious damage and the superficial damage we actually received. The 109s next attack was met by fire from Cosby and Sarmiento, both missed but the 109 was unable to lay anything on us. Tidewell had a shot as the 109 withdrew but did not hit.
I don’t think any of us could believe the empty skies over England and we kept searching for krauts all the way home. Gun Dog waggled his wings as he made his way off.
Hancock popped flares on the way in and we all got a surprise as the starboard landing gear failed to lower and the Lucy left a scar on the runway. But we’re down.
We got the wounded into ambulances (damned near all of us) and I looked at the Lucy as I got out the hatch, she’s full of holes. Everywhere.
The Chief had a shouting match with maintenance as they say she’s scrap, The Chief says with a new engine and a bit of patching up, she’ll be fine. My money’s on the Chief.
2nd Lt Carl Robledo
*Game notes:
In Zone3 - I rolled the whole bl**dy Luftwaffe and bugger all FC [I consistently rolled poorly for fighter cover – 1(0) in and out.]
As Tail, that lurking Me109 at 6 high every wave makes a difference. Both gaming (ties up the tail gun) and because you “know” it’s out there, stalking you...
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Raymond Espiritu
United States
Virginia
-
Hey Guys,
I've been curious about these B-17 campaigns ever since I first heard of them, but until now have been hesitant to take off in one. I hope I'm posting in the right thread. I'd like to join, and if it makes sense to wait until the 2nd tour I can do so.
My plane: Maid'n America.
Thanks,
Ray
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Jim P
United States
Sterling Heights
Michigan
-
raydude_va wrote: Hey Guys,
I've been curious about these B-17 campaigns ever since I first heard of them, but until now have been hesitant to take off in one. I hope I'm posting in the right thread. I'd like to join, and if it makes sense to wait until the 2nd tour I can do so.
My plane: Maid'n America.
Thanks,
Ray
Lieutnant,
You can join anytime! "No time like the present my pappy use ta say..."
I will post you to the 151st BS as they are in need of reinforcements. You can start with this mission (83) or wait till mission (84), tough I think starting with this mission would be best.
You can billet in the 151st BS barracks. Then go over to the assignment board to see where you squadron is assignments and crew duty rosters. If you have questions, check with the squadron CO's or the Old Man. They will school you in the rules of engagement.
Corporal Leadbetter
Adjutant to LTC Pfalzstaff
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ian morris
United Kingdom
lichfield
staffordshire
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Le Bourget AAR
Mission 83/Bomber 7
Squadron : 153rd
Pilot : Captain Willard
B-17 : The Crystal Ship
Crew :-
Pilot Cptn Willard (7)
CoPilot Lt Morrison (7)
Navigator Lt Manzarek * (7)
Bombardier Lt Kurtz * (7)
Engineer Mstr Sgt Phillips #*^ (7)
Radio Operator Sgt Krieger ** (7)
Ball Turret Sgt Johnson ##**^ (7)
Waist Gunner Sgt Miller ** (7)
Waist Gunner Sgt Hicks * (7)
Tail Turret Sgt Densmore #* (7)
() : missions previously completed.
# : 5 fighters previously claimed.
* : fighters previously claimed.
^ : half fighter previously claimed.
Fighters claimed : 3 x Me 109, 2 x Me 110 KIA. 2 x FW 190 Probable, 1 x FW 190 damaged. Numerous enemy aircraft destroyed by fighter cover.
Bombing results : 0 % off target.
Injuries : Light wound for Sergeant Johnson.
Debrief
Another day, another milkrun. At least Hermann's boys made more of an effort today. We saw krauts gathering over the Channel, but squadron defensive fire kept them off us. We missed our rendezvous with the friendlies (I forgot to roll on the outward trip yet again - d'oh !) and picked up three 110s as we crossed the French coast. One of them put a coupla holes in the waist and tail, grazing Johnson, and Densmore downed one with a passing shot. The one that hit us pushed his luck, and Johnson blew him apart for it.
The squadron was doing a great job keeping the krauts at a distance, but four 109s got through and attacked us. Densmore and Johnson got one each, but one of the remnant hit our radio shack and knocked out the intercom. Chief Phillips flamed him on his second pass. A moderate flak barrage hit both wings, but we couldn't see any damage. The violent disruption put Kurtz off his aim, though, and we can't claim to have hit the target. The flak tried for us again on the other side of the bomb run, but it was spotty and inaccurate.
We turned for home, and finally met up with our fighter escort - not a moment too soon, as five 190s screamed in. The escort peeled off two, and Phillips and Hicks between them damaged a third, and the other two aborted and went looking for easier targets. The same happened to the three 109s following up. The Fritz attack in zone 3 was torn into a bloody shambles by Johnson, Krieger and the fighters, and I thought we might be home free, but just after our friendlies left us, two more butcherbirds showed up, nearly over the airfield, and raked us from stem to stern. As the Jerries pulled away from their hit-and-run strike at us, I got Manzarek to go through the Ship and check out the crew : no injuries and no apparent damage !
Landing at Elveden, the stick felt a little mushy, and I bounced her on the tarmac (rolled 1,1 on the landing), but she braked well enough. I had the crew chief give her a careful examination, and he called me over afterwards. "This sure enough is a bizarre sight in the middle of all this shit", he commented, and pointed out where the 110 had hit our control cables, where the flak had holed our starboard inner fuel tank (which selfsealed), and the holes that that last 190 had walked all down our fuselage, the only effective damage being an inch-long chunk out of the tailplane. "Every one o' them shells musta been a dud, else the SOB was firin' blanks !". Deliver me from reasons why, I'd rather fly.
Captain Benjamin Willard
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raydude_va wrote: Hey Guys,
I've been curious about these B-17 campaigns ever since I first heard of them, but until now have been hesitant to take off in one. I hope I'm posting in the right thread. I'd like to join, and if it makes sense to wait until the 2nd tour I can do so.
My plane: Maid'n America.
Thanks,
Ray
Welcome to the 151st Rapture Time Squadron!!
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Alexander Boucharelis
Greece
Drama
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raydude_va wrote: Hey Guys,
I've been curious about these B-17 campaigns ever since I first heard of them, but until now have been hesitant to take off in one. I hope I'm posting in the right thread. I'd like to join, and if it makes sense to wait until the 2nd tour I can do so.
My plane: Maid'n America.
Thanks,
Ray
Welcome Lt. to the 151st. the Sgt. will show you the way to the barrack!
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iain
England
elegantly wasted
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Pilot: 2Lt Jeffrey Grainger
B17: Havana Dancer
Sqdn: 154th
Mission: 83 (this bomber 4)
Target: Le Bourget – A/F
Position: Middle
Crew Status:
Pilot: 2Lt Jeffrey Grainger (4)
Copilot: 2Lt Neville Hope (6)
Bombardier: 2Lt Kenny Ames (3)
Navigator: 2Lt Barry Taylor (6) *
Engineer: Mst Sgt Wyman Norris (6) *** SW IH
Radio Operator: Wayne Norris (6)
Ball Gunner: Sgt Albert Moxey (6) *
Port Waist: Sgt Arthur Pringle (5) *
Starboard Waist: Sgt Malcolm Hallwood (2)
Tail Gunner: Sgt Ally Fraser (6)
(Mission Number)
* = fighters claimed
SW
IH
Bomb Drop: 20% On Target
Fighters Claimed:
Damage to ME 109 x 1
B17 Status:
Engaged with 4 ME 109's (1 driven off by fighter cover)
Seven hits from fighters, none from flak
Control cables damaged, port wing flap inoperable & superficial damage to the Nose
Peckham Points = 38
Replacements:
Russell, Clive. Mst. Sgt.
Mission Description
A fairly routine mission, where we finally managed to do some damage with our bomb load.
We managed to avoid engaging with any enemy aircraft until we were starting our bomb-run. Four ME 109’s appeared and came at us. One was forced away by our vigilant fighter cover who had been with us since we left the English coastline. The remaining three planes pressed home their attack hitting the port wing and damaging the control cables. I managed to keep full control of the plane but any more damage would be a major cause for concern.
Sgt Hallwood in the waist managed to hit one of the 109’s but it still kept up its attack. One of the enemy fighters got us with a burst of fire that peppered the top turret wounding Sgt Norris. It was reported to me that he would be unable to man his guns and was in a bad way. The enemy came around for a second bite but both their and our shooting was inaccurate. We took a hit in the nose, but luckily nobody was injured and the damage was minor.
After the German planes had broken off the attack we made our run through the flak and Lt Ames confirmed a hit on the aerodrome at Le Bourget. This was cause for celebration and the promise of free beer for our Bombardier upon our safe arrival back at base.
We managed to avoid more flak as we turned for home and although we sighted more ME 109’s they were forced away by the guns of the squadron without getting anywhere near to us.
The rest of the flight home was uneventful and we landed safe and sound back at base. Sgt. Norris is recovering from the shrapnel that hit him in the legs, however he has been told that he will be going home to a desk job. His replacement is Sgt Russell who has just arrived from the States. We are all sad to be losing Sgt Norris but another flight completed without a fatality is cause for quiet satisfaction; but I’m not counting chickens or pushing our luck. Let’s see what the next mission brings.
Respectfully Submitted
2nd Lt Grainger
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BG...................BB...................GB..................GG
