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Good evening,
View attachment 81063
"title_string"=Operation Emergenza - Initiation over Thessaloniki
"summary_string"=Attenzione, aviatori! Today, we will commence the offensive that will bring the Greek people to their knees! We will demonstrate to the German military machine that the Italians are second to none! You will begin this offensive by escorting our bombers to Thessaloniki so they can destroy the ability of the Greeks to make war!
"objective_string"=2 November, 1940 saw the initial major offensive operations carried out by the Regia Aeronautica, as Cant Z 1007 and Sm-79 bombers hit the city of Thessaloniki in two separate waves, with the Cant bombers attacking the Greek airfield of Larisa en route. During the raid, Galeazzo Ciano, the Italian Foreign Minister & Mussolini's brother-in-law, led the Sm-79s. Surprisingly, one of the Cant Z 1007s was piloted by Mussolini's eldest son, Cpt. Bruno Mussolini. Another of his sons, Vittorio, may have also been involved. All survived the mission.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will meet up with the Sm-79 bombers just to the east of Koritza, and maintain an easterly course as you accompany the bombers to Thessaloniki. The bombers will target the docks and warehouses. The Greeks won't take too kindly to our intrusion, so be ready to tangle with enemy fighters. Above all else, ensure that the bombers stay safe!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fiat Cr-42 Falco (368 sq)
"airfield_string"=Albania - Koritza
I have a couple more along this front...
"title_string"=Operation Emergenza - Supporting the offensive
"summary_string"=Buongiorno, i piloti! As our ground forces continue their march into Albania, we will assist this effort by escorting our bombers to raid Greek airfields, putting them out of business and ensuring that our troops can keep pushing forward without any fear of being attacked from the air!
"objective_string"=After beginning the ground offensive into Albania on 28 October, 1940, the Regia Aeronautica chose to support the offensive by attacking the airfields of Yanina & Larisa in order to suppress any Greek fighter opposition. On 1 and 2 November, the field at Larissa was targeted. As the Alciones returned from their assault, they were intercepted by three PZL fighters of 21 Mira. Their flight leader, John Sakellariou, was shot down by the escort fighters, but not before destroying two of the bombers.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will head southeast toward the frontline, where you'll meet up the Alciones. Once you form up, proceed toward Larissa. The airfield is located within the Thessaly Plain, but the route over the mountains may be a little rough. Once the bombers release, bring them back home. Make sure that you scan the sky for any enemy fighters from Larissa & northwestern Greece. Good luck to you!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fiat Cr-42 Falco (368 sq)
"airfield_string"=Albania - Koritza
"title_string"=Operation Emergenza - Returning to Thessaloniki
"summary_string"=Buon pomeriggio, aviatori! This afternoon, we have been asked to escort a mixed formation of Italian bombers to Thesaloniki, where they will attack the docks & port facilities. Make sure over the harbor that you watch for enemy fighters attacking these Sparvieros, they are the most reliable bombers we have!
"objective_string"=In addition to attacking Greek airfields, the Regia Aeronautica sent two further raids to Thesaloniki, one on 2 November, & the other the following day. The first assault saw escort by Fiat Cr-42s, while the latter raid was escorted by Fiat G-50s. During these raids, a total of three Italian bombers were lost, one by a determined Greek pilot who used his propeller blade when his ammo ran out. Because of the losses suffered by the Italians, the skies over Thesaloniki would remain quiet until 1941.
"intelligence_string"=After departing Tirana, proceed southeast toward Koritza where you will meet up with both the other escort fighters & the bombers. There will be both Alciones and Sm-79s in the formation, you will be responsible for guarding the Sm-79 bombers while over Thesaloniki. Make sure that you draw off any Greek fighters from attacking the bombers & keep them busy, we can't lose the ability to sustain our aerial offensive!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fiat G-50 Freecia
"airfield_string"=Albania - Tirana
"title_string"=Dodecanese campaign - Rude welcome for Greece
"summary_string"=Attenzione, signori miei! The initial British convoy has made its way to Souda Bay, and we are being sent out to attack the ships while they undock. We don't think there are any Greek fighters on Crete, but keep your eyes open for them, just in case. In boca al Lupo!
"objective_string"=On 28 October 1940, Italian ground forces began the Balkan War by marching into Greece. This war included Italian air units on the island of Rhodes. The British began sending supplies Crete once war with Greece broke out, and the Italians countered by sending out raids on Souda Bay to attack these convoys as they came into port, or well out in the Med on the way up from Alexandria. The attack on 1 November by fourteen Sm-79s, escorted by six Fiat Cr-42 Falcos is an example of such an attack.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll meet up with the bombers & bring them to Souda Bay. We do not believe that the Greeks have any of their fighters stationed on Crete yet, but the Brits can still throw up a heavy anti-aircraft barrage if there are any cruisers or destroyers in port as the merchants are unloading their cargo. Coming in at 4,000 meters should keep you above the flak. Make sure that you watch your fuel, as this puts you close to your Falco's combat range.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fiat Cr-42 Falco (368 sq)
"airfield_string"=Rhodes - Calato