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The Staff of SOH
Battle of France - Part I has now been released!
- Thread starter Rami
- Start date
Reply...
Good afternoon,
Here is an interesting mission...
"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Rescue of 74 Sqn Ldr White
"summary_string"=Attention!! C/O White of 74 Sqn had to force-land his damaged Spitfire at Calais-Marck following an engagement with a Henschel Hs126 reconnaissance plane. You've volunteered to get him back. A Miles Master advanced trainer is warmed up and waiting for you, and you'll head to Calais, land, and bring back this C/O. We can't lose experienced pilots at a time when our own country is the next in line to be attacked!
"objective_string"=During 74 Squadron's dawn patrol. C/O & Sqn Ldr White's Spitfire was damaged, & he was forced to set down at Calais. At 1030 hours, a Miles Master was sent to rescue the pilot at Calais, escorted by two 54 Sqn Spitfires. Over Calais, P/O Allen saw Bf-109s diving on them from 9,000ft, and both he & P/O Deere engaged 'em, claiming three of these Bf-109s, while the Germans reported two lost. One Spitifre was damaged. The Miles Master was able to escape, and the pilot reached England safely.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will head southeast and depart England over Dover, then heading over the Channel & coming ashore in France just east of the port of Calais. As you near Calais-Marck, set down on one of the two grass runways. Once you reach the spot where the runways cross, wait with engine running until you receive a notice Sqn Ldr White boarded the plane. Once this happens, clear out and return with Sqn Ldr White to Hornchurch. Two Spitfires will escort you & handle any German fighters that may interfere. However, if fighters do attack you, evade them and make good your escape. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Miles M9 Master Mk1a
"airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch
Good afternoon,
Here is an interesting mission...
"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Rescue of 74 Sqn Ldr White
"summary_string"=Attention!! C/O White of 74 Sqn had to force-land his damaged Spitfire at Calais-Marck following an engagement with a Henschel Hs126 reconnaissance plane. You've volunteered to get him back. A Miles Master advanced trainer is warmed up and waiting for you, and you'll head to Calais, land, and bring back this C/O. We can't lose experienced pilots at a time when our own country is the next in line to be attacked!
"objective_string"=During 74 Squadron's dawn patrol. C/O & Sqn Ldr White's Spitfire was damaged, & he was forced to set down at Calais. At 1030 hours, a Miles Master was sent to rescue the pilot at Calais, escorted by two 54 Sqn Spitfires. Over Calais, P/O Allen saw Bf-109s diving on them from 9,000ft, and both he & P/O Deere engaged 'em, claiming three of these Bf-109s, while the Germans reported two lost. One Spitifre was damaged. The Miles Master was able to escape, and the pilot reached England safely.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will head southeast and depart England over Dover, then heading over the Channel & coming ashore in France just east of the port of Calais. As you near Calais-Marck, set down on one of the two grass runways. Once you reach the spot where the runways cross, wait with engine running until you receive a notice Sqn Ldr White boarded the plane. Once this happens, clear out and return with Sqn Ldr White to Hornchurch. Two Spitfires will escort you & handle any German fighters that may interfere. However, if fighters do attack you, evade them and make good your escape. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Miles M9 Master Mk1a
"airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch
Reply..
John,
Very nice!
I actually sent Jamie a message regarding the Miles Master..."Could you please do me a big favor and check the Miles Master aircraft series to see if the contact points are "off," or perhaps there is another problem?...The problem that I am having is during the takeoff roll and when taxiing after landing, the aircraft will just blow up at a speed somewhere between thirty and fifty knots. I've tried it at several different airfields, and have gotten the same result."
I know he read the PM, but if you could take a look at it, that may help too.
John,
Very nice!
I actually sent Jamie a message regarding the Miles Master..."Could you please do me a big favor and check the Miles Master aircraft series to see if the contact points are "off," or perhaps there is another problem?...The problem that I am having is during the takeoff roll and when taxiing after landing, the aircraft will just blow up at a speed somewhere between thirty and fifty knots. I've tried it at several different airfields, and have gotten the same result."
I know he read the PM, but if you could take a look at it, that may help too.
bearcat241
SOH-CM-2023
...and this is what she looks like...
You'll have escort, so no problem, ehh.
Yikes!
An escort will be an absolutely necessity for a rescue plane with that "here I am, come and get me" yellow scheme. Just kiddin...nice paint tho.
Reply...
Bearcat,
You could always paint on the sides of the fuselage and the tops of the wings..."Ich bin ein Rettungsflugzeug, kein Kämpfer. Bitte schießen Sie nicht auf mich!"
Yikes!
Just kiddin...nice paint tho.
Bearcat,
You could always paint on the sides of the fuselage and the tops of the wings..."Ich bin ein Rettungsflugzeug, kein Kämpfer. Bitte schießen Sie nicht auf mich!"
bearcat241
SOH-CM-2023
And then add in small print "Sobald wir diesen Kerl zu Hause haben, werden wir ihn in eine andere Spit schnallen und ihn zurückschicken, um Sie abzuschießen, obwohl Sie ihn verschont haben".
Reply...
Good morning,
I bought this yesterday for Part II. Much of the focus is on the Battle of Abbeville and Luftwaffe action for Fall Rot, after Dunkirk.
The French Air Force got stronger, not weaker, into June with better aircraft. They didn’t have enough pilots to fly after heavy attrition, so they brought in Czechs and Poles to fly in the air and fight on the ground. Really interesting read.
Good morning,
I bought this yesterday for Part II. Much of the focus is on the Battle of Abbeville and Luftwaffe action for Fall Rot, after Dunkirk.
The French Air Force got stronger, not weaker, into June with better aircraft. They didn’t have enough pilots to fly after heavy attrition, so they brought in Czechs and Poles to fly in the air and fight on the ground. Really interesting read.
Ravenna
SOH-CM-2023
A very interesting read, tying the fighting to the political activities in both France and England. Thank goodness it is also well written! Also worth a read is "Unflinching Zeal" by Robert Higham on the period from May to October 1940.
Very much looking forward to seeing the result of your research Rami.
Very much looking forward to seeing the result of your research Rami.
Reply...
Good morning,
Because of UncleTgt's wonderful contributions to this campaign package, I did a series of missions for him based on info he had sent me when we were researching this...
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Dawn patrol on the enemy border
"summary_string"=Listen up, chap! The enemy invasion is expected at any moment, & your section will fly a recce patrol along the border, looking for any visible evidence of enemy movement in the air or along the ground. Keep your eyes peeled, radio in whatever you see, and get back safely! Let's show the Germans we'll not be caught napping!
"objective_string"=German forces began the attack on France and the Low Countries by bombing & then strafing French, Dutch, and Belgian airfields literally beginning at or just before first light. Patrols by both RAF and French planes that morning frequently missed the incoming raiders, who began the attacks just after first light. Monchy-Lagache, the airfield of 4 Sqn, was raided by He-111s. This is a fictional version, with you flying a dawn patrol near the border and returning with your airfield under attack.
"intelligence_string"=After takeoff, you'll head east-southeast to reach Metz, along the German border. From there, you'll continue north to Thionville, looking for any signs of incoming German raids. Your patrol altitude for the recce sweep is Angels 6. If the skies are clear in the area, return to Monchy-Lagache, as you will likely be busy on reconnaissance sorties as we get more info on the enemy invasion. Be safe up there, and good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Armed recce sweep over Belgium
"summary_string"=Listen, pilot! We need all available info on German ground movement in Belgium along the frontline, so you will fly an armed recce over the area. You are looking for any Panzers or vehicle columns. You've been given bombs for attack if you've the chance, but the primary task is to gather the intel we need and make it back alive! If we're going to blunt the enemy advance, we need to concentrate our forces in the right spot. We are counting on you!
"objective_string"=On 13 May, 1940, one of the pilots of 4 Sqn flew a reconnaissance patrol over the Belgian frontline. During the patrol, he was jumped by nine Bf-109s, but with luck and skill, he managed to evade these fighters and return to base despite taking a total of thirty-two hits from their guns. This sortie has been combined with other patrols flown by 4 Sqn in this area on 13 May. The attacking of a Panzer column is fictional, but this did occur later on as the tactical situation grew more desperate for the Allied forces.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will fly into Eastern Belgium & begin patrolling from Tongeren, flying west and north from Sint-Truiden up to the town of Tienen, then north-northeast to Diest, and west-southwest to Leuven, looking for any signs of German ground movement. If you locate them, you may attack them at your discretion. If German fighters appear, use your low-speed maneuverability to evade 'em, and then return to Monchy-Lagache. This will be a solo effort, so be careful up there, but hopefully this will also draw less attention. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - "B" section moves up to Aspelare
"summary_string"=Listen up! You'll move today from Monchy-Lagache to Aspelare, while the rest of the flight settles in at Lille-Ronchin. Your flight will take the forward position to help Allied troops currently in Belgium facing the enemy advance. Let's get up to our new airfield and be ready to assist our friends on the ground in Belgium!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 16 May 1940, RAF 4 Squadron moved from Monchy-Lagache to Lille-Ronchin, with the detached "B" flight continuing up to Aspelare airfield in Belgium. Though they all landed safely, they were seen landing by a enemy recce aircraft, and a raid by Stukas on the field followed shortly thereafter. This mission differs from the record by having you run into the German recce plane just prior to landing, & with a low chance of the enemy plane having a Bf-110 escort.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll head northeast from Monchy-Lagache, flying west of Valenciennes, and then into Belgium. Aspelare field is located almost exactly between Geraardsbergen and Ninove. This airfield will be your new home for the time being. Make sure to look for any German aircraft before landing; we don't want to expose any ourselves to attacks. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Lizzie recce sweep over Belgium
"summary_string"=Attention! German forces are concentrating across the Belgian front, & we need your squadron to map the Leuven area, giving an accurate assessment of what our troops are facing. This will be dangerous work, so each Lizzie section has their own escort. Get the vital intelligence that we need, then radio in. Blenheims will be sent out for an attack based on your intelligence, so be sure that it's accurate!
"objective_string"=On the afternoon of 16 May 1940, nine Hurricanes from 615 Squadron set out to escort Lysanders of 4 Squadron on a recce sweep above the frontline. As the Lysanders neared Tienen, the formation got jumped by Bf-109s of II/JG 26. Two Hurricanes were shot down in this engagement, along with one Lysander. Later on, the formation was also jumped by a flight of Bf-110s. However, all but one of the remaining Lysanders were able to escape and even shot down one of these Zerstorers in the process, though one needed to make a forced landing after being shot up.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off & meeting up with the Hurricanes you'll fly a patrol along the frontline from Tienen toward Leuven, looking for any German columns or troop movements, and get pictures if possible. The Hurricanes should be able to handle any Germans, but if you get into serious trouble, your Lizzie is very nimble, so use your maneuverability to evade the threat, then your machine guns to return fire. Once finished, you will land at Lille-Ronchin, your new airfield for the time being. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Lysanders evacuate Lille-Ronchin
"summary_string"=Scramble! German shelling of our base has ceased, but not for mercy's sake; their bombers are about to release on Ronchin and catch us before we can escape! Get airborne now and evade these raiders! Once you clear this carnage, head west-northwest to Saint Omer, where we will continue operations. Let's show the Luftwaffe that we will battle them from every corner of France!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 22 May, the remaining thirteen Lysanders left Lille-Ronchin after a lull in German shelling allowed them to escape. However, it was a ploy; by the time they reached St. Omer they were met by an attack of some fifty Dorniers, Bf-109s, & Bf-110s. This lull in the shelling was a trap, and these remaining Lysanders were forced to scatter. This eliminated many of the remaining Lysanders, as they were picked off by fighters. For the sake of variety, this British mission has the Lysanders attacked at Lille-Ronchin, the German version will have the attack at St. Omer.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, the objective is very basic; get away from the raiders and the fighter escorts any way you can, and then fly west-northwest toward Merville on the way to Saint Omer, trying to bring as many members of your flight (five) to safety as you can. Bring three, and you achieve this mission goal; bring four or five, & you achieve the hidden goal. It is recommended you try to avoid combat. You may be able to evade Bf-110s effectively, but if Bf-109s are around, this is extremely risky. The best strategy for survival is to get low, keep your throttle to the full, and live to fight another day!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Lille (Satellite)
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Desperate moments above Samer
"summary_string"=Listen, airmen! Before dusk, we're going to patrol the area around Boulogne, looking for any German vehicles attempting to reach this port from Samer or Montrueil-sur-Mer. If you find 'em, attack 'em, taking out as many vehicles as you can. Let's show the Germans that we will do everything we can to hang on to the ports we need to withdraw from the Continent!
"objective_string"=The evening of 22 May 1940 saw eleven Lysanders depart Manston to assault German columns moving north from Samer up to Boulogne. In the desperate effort, one Lysander was shot down and two more were damaged by ground fire. A second Lysander was also lost when its unreleased bombs detached & exploded on return to their bases in England. It is not known if any enemy vehicles were damaged or destroyed, but it appears these Lizzies weren't intercepted by enemy fighters.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, you'll fly south-southeast and cross the Channel, reaching France near Boulogne. From there, you will continue heading southeast at low altitude toward the town of Samer, where the enemy column was reported moving north. You will attack the column with bombs and strafing passes, then head north to clear the area and then recross the Channel to return to Manston. Make sure to put your bombs on the target; our ability to hold on to Boulogne may hinge on this raid!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Ramsgate
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Getting out right under their nose
"summary_string"=Scramble! German Panzers have just pushed though the trees north of the airfield, & are now heading for the runway. You must take off immediately, or risk capture! Once airborne, fly northwest toward the coast, & escape to England. Our stay in France has ended, we must live to fight another day!
"objective_string"=The morning of 24 May 1940 saw the remainder of "B" flight evacuate St. Omer at first light under threat of being overrun by enemy tanks, who were only a very short distance away. The ground crew was evacuated to Dunkirk once the Lizzies left, as other Lysanders escaped to Dunkirk from Ronchin. Later on, the Sqn Ldr returned to set fire to fuel & destroy any remaining aircraft. By the time the entire Squadron had escaped to England from St. Omer & Dunkirk, all but eleven of 4 Sqn's Lizzies were lost. More than sixty percent of her ground crew had sustained casualties. The Squadron was in shreds.
"intelligence_string"=When the mission begins, you will have less than a minute to get started & reach takeoff speed. Once airborne, you'll head northwest toward Calais and then maintain this course over the Channel to land at Manston, where you'll recover & await further instructions. Don't try to strafe or delay over the area, just clear out and go home!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - St. Omer
Good morning,
Because of UncleTgt's wonderful contributions to this campaign package, I did a series of missions for him based on info he had sent me when we were researching this...
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Dawn patrol on the enemy border
"summary_string"=Listen up, chap! The enemy invasion is expected at any moment, & your section will fly a recce patrol along the border, looking for any visible evidence of enemy movement in the air or along the ground. Keep your eyes peeled, radio in whatever you see, and get back safely! Let's show the Germans we'll not be caught napping!
"objective_string"=German forces began the attack on France and the Low Countries by bombing & then strafing French, Dutch, and Belgian airfields literally beginning at or just before first light. Patrols by both RAF and French planes that morning frequently missed the incoming raiders, who began the attacks just after first light. Monchy-Lagache, the airfield of 4 Sqn, was raided by He-111s. This is a fictional version, with you flying a dawn patrol near the border and returning with your airfield under attack.
"intelligence_string"=After takeoff, you'll head east-southeast to reach Metz, along the German border. From there, you'll continue north to Thionville, looking for any signs of incoming German raids. Your patrol altitude for the recce sweep is Angels 6. If the skies are clear in the area, return to Monchy-Lagache, as you will likely be busy on reconnaissance sorties as we get more info on the enemy invasion. Be safe up there, and good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Armed recce sweep over Belgium
"summary_string"=Listen, pilot! We need all available info on German ground movement in Belgium along the frontline, so you will fly an armed recce over the area. You are looking for any Panzers or vehicle columns. You've been given bombs for attack if you've the chance, but the primary task is to gather the intel we need and make it back alive! If we're going to blunt the enemy advance, we need to concentrate our forces in the right spot. We are counting on you!
"objective_string"=On 13 May, 1940, one of the pilots of 4 Sqn flew a reconnaissance patrol over the Belgian frontline. During the patrol, he was jumped by nine Bf-109s, but with luck and skill, he managed to evade these fighters and return to base despite taking a total of thirty-two hits from their guns. This sortie has been combined with other patrols flown by 4 Sqn in this area on 13 May. The attacking of a Panzer column is fictional, but this did occur later on as the tactical situation grew more desperate for the Allied forces.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will fly into Eastern Belgium & begin patrolling from Tongeren, flying west and north from Sint-Truiden up to the town of Tienen, then north-northeast to Diest, and west-southwest to Leuven, looking for any signs of German ground movement. If you locate them, you may attack them at your discretion. If German fighters appear, use your low-speed maneuverability to evade 'em, and then return to Monchy-Lagache. This will be a solo effort, so be careful up there, but hopefully this will also draw less attention. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - "B" section moves up to Aspelare
"summary_string"=Listen up! You'll move today from Monchy-Lagache to Aspelare, while the rest of the flight settles in at Lille-Ronchin. Your flight will take the forward position to help Allied troops currently in Belgium facing the enemy advance. Let's get up to our new airfield and be ready to assist our friends on the ground in Belgium!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 16 May 1940, RAF 4 Squadron moved from Monchy-Lagache to Lille-Ronchin, with the detached "B" flight continuing up to Aspelare airfield in Belgium. Though they all landed safely, they were seen landing by a enemy recce aircraft, and a raid by Stukas on the field followed shortly thereafter. This mission differs from the record by having you run into the German recce plane just prior to landing, & with a low chance of the enemy plane having a Bf-110 escort.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll head northeast from Monchy-Lagache, flying west of Valenciennes, and then into Belgium. Aspelare field is located almost exactly between Geraardsbergen and Ninove. This airfield will be your new home for the time being. Make sure to look for any German aircraft before landing; we don't want to expose any ourselves to attacks. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Lizzie recce sweep over Belgium
"summary_string"=Attention! German forces are concentrating across the Belgian front, & we need your squadron to map the Leuven area, giving an accurate assessment of what our troops are facing. This will be dangerous work, so each Lizzie section has their own escort. Get the vital intelligence that we need, then radio in. Blenheims will be sent out for an attack based on your intelligence, so be sure that it's accurate!
"objective_string"=On the afternoon of 16 May 1940, nine Hurricanes from 615 Squadron set out to escort Lysanders of 4 Squadron on a recce sweep above the frontline. As the Lysanders neared Tienen, the formation got jumped by Bf-109s of II/JG 26. Two Hurricanes were shot down in this engagement, along with one Lysander. Later on, the formation was also jumped by a flight of Bf-110s. However, all but one of the remaining Lysanders were able to escape and even shot down one of these Zerstorers in the process, though one needed to make a forced landing after being shot up.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off & meeting up with the Hurricanes you'll fly a patrol along the frontline from Tienen toward Leuven, looking for any German columns or troop movements, and get pictures if possible. The Hurricanes should be able to handle any Germans, but if you get into serious trouble, your Lizzie is very nimble, so use your maneuverability to evade the threat, then your machine guns to return fire. Once finished, you will land at Lille-Ronchin, your new airfield for the time being. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Monchy-Lagache
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Lysanders evacuate Lille-Ronchin
"summary_string"=Scramble! German shelling of our base has ceased, but not for mercy's sake; their bombers are about to release on Ronchin and catch us before we can escape! Get airborne now and evade these raiders! Once you clear this carnage, head west-northwest to Saint Omer, where we will continue operations. Let's show the Luftwaffe that we will battle them from every corner of France!
"objective_string"=On the morning of 22 May, the remaining thirteen Lysanders left Lille-Ronchin after a lull in German shelling allowed them to escape. However, it was a ploy; by the time they reached St. Omer they were met by an attack of some fifty Dorniers, Bf-109s, & Bf-110s. This lull in the shelling was a trap, and these remaining Lysanders were forced to scatter. This eliminated many of the remaining Lysanders, as they were picked off by fighters. For the sake of variety, this British mission has the Lysanders attacked at Lille-Ronchin, the German version will have the attack at St. Omer.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, the objective is very basic; get away from the raiders and the fighter escorts any way you can, and then fly west-northwest toward Merville on the way to Saint Omer, trying to bring as many members of your flight (five) to safety as you can. Bring three, and you achieve this mission goal; bring four or five, & you achieve the hidden goal. It is recommended you try to avoid combat. You may be able to evade Bf-110s effectively, but if Bf-109s are around, this is extremely risky. The best strategy for survival is to get low, keep your throttle to the full, and live to fight another day!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - Lille (Satellite)
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Desperate moments above Samer
"summary_string"=Listen, airmen! Before dusk, we're going to patrol the area around Boulogne, looking for any German vehicles attempting to reach this port from Samer or Montrueil-sur-Mer. If you find 'em, attack 'em, taking out as many vehicles as you can. Let's show the Germans that we will do everything we can to hang on to the ports we need to withdraw from the Continent!
"objective_string"=The evening of 22 May 1940 saw eleven Lysanders depart Manston to assault German columns moving north from Samer up to Boulogne. In the desperate effort, one Lysander was shot down and two more were damaged by ground fire. A second Lysander was also lost when its unreleased bombs detached & exploded on return to their bases in England. It is not known if any enemy vehicles were damaged or destroyed, but it appears these Lizzies weren't intercepted by enemy fighters.
"intelligence_string"=Following takeoff, you'll fly south-southeast and cross the Channel, reaching France near Boulogne. From there, you will continue heading southeast at low altitude toward the town of Samer, where the enemy column was reported moving north. You will attack the column with bombs and strafing passes, then head north to clear the area and then recross the Channel to return to Manston. Make sure to put your bombs on the target; our ability to hold on to Boulogne may hinge on this raid!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Ramsgate
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Getting out right under their nose
"summary_string"=Scramble! German Panzers have just pushed though the trees north of the airfield, & are now heading for the runway. You must take off immediately, or risk capture! Once airborne, fly northwest toward the coast, & escape to England. Our stay in France has ended, we must live to fight another day!
"objective_string"=The morning of 24 May 1940 saw the remainder of "B" flight evacuate St. Omer at first light under threat of being overrun by enemy tanks, who were only a very short distance away. The ground crew was evacuated to Dunkirk once the Lizzies left, as other Lysanders escaped to Dunkirk from Ronchin. Later on, the Sqn Ldr returned to set fire to fuel & destroy any remaining aircraft. By the time the entire Squadron had escaped to England from St. Omer & Dunkirk, all but eleven of 4 Sqn's Lizzies were lost. More than sixty percent of her ground crew had sustained casualties. The Squadron was in shreds.
"intelligence_string"=When the mission begins, you will have less than a minute to get started & reach takeoff speed. Once airborne, you'll head northwest toward Calais and then maintain this course over the Channel to land at Manston, where you'll recover & await further instructions. Don't try to strafe or delay over the area, just clear out and go home!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=France - St. Omer
Reply...
Good afternoon,
Here is the last Lysander mission...
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Mass confusion along the frontline
"summary_string"=Attention! German forces are within two miles of our base, and your Lysanders are the last to leave. Get airborne & make your way to safe skies! After leaving Belgium behind, you will head to the coast, taking a circuitous path to avoid any intercept by German fighters. Get to St. Omer safely so we can continue the fight!
"objective_string"=18 May 1940 began a period of constant confusion in 4 Sqn records. On this day, indications are that Lille-Ronchin was abandoned, and this Sqn moved briefly to Boulogne, then to Saint Omer. Yet other Lizzies were operating out of Lille-Ronchin as late as 22 May 1940. It seems this mission began from Lille-Ronchin, but for this evacuation, you'll begin at Aspelare. All groundcrew have departed, so the base is now completely bare. En route, the ground echelons were raided at Merville by Heinkels, but ultimately reached Saint Omer. One Lysander was lost to Bf-110s during this mission.
"intelligence_string"=After leaving Belgium, you will fly southwest and then west-southwest to reach Lille-Ronchin, where 'A' flight will take off & join you. You'll fly first to Merville, then to Boulogne, finally turning back for Saint Omer in order to avoid & confuse enemy fighters. It is possible that the orders may change in flight, because different commanders are being told different things, and no one appears to fully understand the current tactical picture in France. Good luck to you!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=Belgium - Aspelare
Good afternoon,
Here is the last Lysander mission...
"title_string"=Lizzie Squadron - Mass confusion along the frontline
"summary_string"=Attention! German forces are within two miles of our base, and your Lysanders are the last to leave. Get airborne & make your way to safe skies! After leaving Belgium behind, you will head to the coast, taking a circuitous path to avoid any intercept by German fighters. Get to St. Omer safely so we can continue the fight!
"objective_string"=18 May 1940 began a period of constant confusion in 4 Sqn records. On this day, indications are that Lille-Ronchin was abandoned, and this Sqn moved briefly to Boulogne, then to Saint Omer. Yet other Lizzies were operating out of Lille-Ronchin as late as 22 May 1940. It seems this mission began from Lille-Ronchin, but for this evacuation, you'll begin at Aspelare. All groundcrew have departed, so the base is now completely bare. En route, the ground echelons were raided at Merville by Heinkels, but ultimately reached Saint Omer. One Lysander was lost to Bf-110s during this mission.
"intelligence_string"=After leaving Belgium, you will fly southwest and then west-southwest to reach Lille-Ronchin, where 'A' flight will take off & join you. You'll fly first to Merville, then to Boulogne, finally turning back for Saint Omer in order to avoid & confuse enemy fighters. It is possible that the orders may change in flight, because different commanders are being told different things, and no one appears to fully understand the current tactical picture in France. Good luck to you!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Westland_Lysander_Tropical 13 Sqn
"airfield_string"=Belgium - Aspelare
Reply...
Hey guys,
I just built Ypres, Belgium in the last few days, and wrote my first mission in nearly six months...
Fortunately I haven't forgotten how to do it...whew!
"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Wipe the Germans at Wipers
"summary_string"=To your Hurricanes, chaps! Our Blenheims will be flying recce later today around Ypres to prepare for night raids, so your fighters will patrol along the front from Boulogne to Ypres, Belgium looking for any fighters or other resistance. Anything we can do to thin out enemy fighter cover will help in this effort, so be ready to engage at any moment. Rumors are that an evacuation from French shores is about to start, and we must maintain control of the skies!
"objective_string"=On 23 May, a patrol of 253 Hurricanes bounced a trio of 109s of I/JG 27 just to the east of Ypres, Belgium. Attacking from an advantageous position, the RAF pilots shot down all three Messerschmitts. However, their success was not without cost; 253 Sqn lost one Hurricane and another was damaged. Later action around Ypres for the British this day would not prove so favorable.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll head for Dover and patrol from Cape Gris-Nez down to Boulogne, and then continue inland to Ypres, Belgium. Attack any German fighters, recce aircraft, or bombers that you find, especially if you are in an advantageous position. If the skies are clear of activity in both sectors, you may return home. Try to limit further fighter losses, we'll need to conserve strength for the fight ahead. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Hurricanemk1 32 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Hawkinge
Hey guys,
I just built Ypres, Belgium in the last few days, and wrote my first mission in nearly six months...
Fortunately I haven't forgotten how to do it...whew!
"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Wipe the Germans at Wipers
"summary_string"=To your Hurricanes, chaps! Our Blenheims will be flying recce later today around Ypres to prepare for night raids, so your fighters will patrol along the front from Boulogne to Ypres, Belgium looking for any fighters or other resistance. Anything we can do to thin out enemy fighter cover will help in this effort, so be ready to engage at any moment. Rumors are that an evacuation from French shores is about to start, and we must maintain control of the skies!
"objective_string"=On 23 May, a patrol of 253 Hurricanes bounced a trio of 109s of I/JG 27 just to the east of Ypres, Belgium. Attacking from an advantageous position, the RAF pilots shot down all three Messerschmitts. However, their success was not without cost; 253 Sqn lost one Hurricane and another was damaged. Later action around Ypres for the British this day would not prove so favorable.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll head for Dover and patrol from Cape Gris-Nez down to Boulogne, and then continue inland to Ypres, Belgium. Attack any German fighters, recce aircraft, or bombers that you find, especially if you are in an advantageous position. If the skies are clear of activity in both sectors, you may return home. Try to limit further fighter losses, we'll need to conserve strength for the fight ahead. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Hurricanemk1 32 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Hawkinge
Shadow Wolf 07
SOH-CM-2025
Welcome back to the front M8. 
Related to topic sort of ... a YouTube WWII 5 season, 6 part (30 episodes) series on Battlefield WWII.
The first in the series is "The Battle of France".
Excellent overview and format describing participants, leaders, military commanders, strategies, weapons, armies, locations, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbKYbLUkIpk&list=PL8hNHC9nbLlwpq5bbCkcODDmAXXFfuSKZ
The first in the series is "The Battle of France".
Excellent overview and format describing participants, leaders, military commanders, strategies, weapons, armies, locations, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbKYbLUkIpk&list=PL8hNHC9nbLlwpq5bbCkcODDmAXXFfuSKZ
Reply...
Milton, indeed it is, especially the first two seasons. I have all thirty episodes downloaded and saved on my PC and laptop.
Milton, indeed it is, especially the first two seasons. I have all thirty episodes downloaded and saved on my PC and laptop.
Reply...
Good morning,
Here is another one...
"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Deny RAF reconnaissance
"summary_string"=Aufpassen Männer! RAF Blenheims have been seen over the city of Ypres, & have not dropped bombs. They could be preparing in the area for either an offensive or establishing defenses. You will head to the city and sweep this sector, looking for any fighters or bombers. Show the enemy that we will continue to push in on all sides and squeeze them out of France!
"objective_string"=At about 1330 hours on 23 May, a mixed formation of Bf-109s and Bf-110s ran into a single Blenheim of 32 Sqn at Ypres, Belgium, on photo recon. This bomber was escorted by twelve Hurricanes of 32 Sqn. The Hurricanes claimed three Zerstorers in the dogfight, but all returned to base. One Bf-109 was also damaged, whilst the British lost a single Hurricane. The Blenheim appears to have escaped. Bf-109s involved in this scrap were from I/JG 3 and possibly I/JG 27. Bf-110s were also involved, but the unit is unknown. A likely possibly might be II/ZG 26, whom were temporarily being based at Brustem, in Belgium.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will fly north-northwest and climb to 4,000m as you head into western Belgium. The British have been active in the sector around Ypres, & have sent at least two Blenheims just this morning to take pictures. Over the city, you'll look for any RAF fighters and bombers, and make sure that any bombers don't survive to make it back to England with more intelligence. Once the sky over Ypres is clear, return to Cambrai.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_BF109ECFS2_JG26_Hugo_Witt
"airfield_string"=France - Cambrai-Forenville
Good morning,
Here is another one...
"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Deny RAF reconnaissance
"summary_string"=Aufpassen Männer! RAF Blenheims have been seen over the city of Ypres, & have not dropped bombs. They could be preparing in the area for either an offensive or establishing defenses. You will head to the city and sweep this sector, looking for any fighters or bombers. Show the enemy that we will continue to push in on all sides and squeeze them out of France!
"objective_string"=At about 1330 hours on 23 May, a mixed formation of Bf-109s and Bf-110s ran into a single Blenheim of 32 Sqn at Ypres, Belgium, on photo recon. This bomber was escorted by twelve Hurricanes of 32 Sqn. The Hurricanes claimed three Zerstorers in the dogfight, but all returned to base. One Bf-109 was also damaged, whilst the British lost a single Hurricane. The Blenheim appears to have escaped. Bf-109s involved in this scrap were from I/JG 3 and possibly I/JG 27. Bf-110s were also involved, but the unit is unknown. A likely possibly might be II/ZG 26, whom were temporarily being based at Brustem, in Belgium.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will fly north-northwest and climb to 4,000m as you head into western Belgium. The British have been active in the sector around Ypres, & have sent at least two Blenheims just this morning to take pictures. Over the city, you'll look for any RAF fighters and bombers, and make sure that any bombers don't survive to make it back to England with more intelligence. Once the sky over Ypres is clear, return to Cambrai.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_BF109ECFS2_JG26_Hugo_Witt
"airfield_string"=France - Cambrai-Forenville
Reply...
Good evening,
And another one...
"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Tangle with RAF Spitfires
"summary_string"=Kameraden herhören! RAF fighter squadrons have been sending out patrols over the Pas-de-Calais in an effort to keep control of the skies where their troops remain in France. Your task this evening is to catch the British off-guard and overwhelm them with superior numbers. Let's show the British that we won't rest until we push all of their retreating forces into the sea!
"objective_string"=At about 1800 hours on 23 May 1940, an offensive patrol by Spitfires of 92 Squadron flew right into a massed formation of 110s whilst patrolling from Boulogne to Dunkirk. The Zerstorers of II/ZG 26 were engaged by the Spitfires, & while the British claimed seventeen of the Bf-110s, only three were lost. It is possible that three more were damaged, but this can't be verified because the records are unclear. For the Brits, three Spitfires were lost & another damaged. One of the pilots captured was Sqn Ldr Roger Bushell, later to become ‘Mister X’ of Stalag Luft 3 and ‘The Great Escape.’
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will head west to patrol the Pas-De-Calais. With our forces capturing Boulogne and pushing on Calais, the British are desperately trying to maintain control of the skies above their shrinking pocket. Starting over Boulogne, you will sweep for any British fighter patrols in this area and engage 'em, hopefully overwhelming them with superior numbers. Once you reach Dunkirk, you'll continue back into Belgium, and retire at Brustem.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=TR_BF110_C
"airfield_string"=Belgium - Brustem
Good evening,
And another one...
"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Tangle with RAF Spitfires
"summary_string"=Kameraden herhören! RAF fighter squadrons have been sending out patrols over the Pas-de-Calais in an effort to keep control of the skies where their troops remain in France. Your task this evening is to catch the British off-guard and overwhelm them with superior numbers. Let's show the British that we won't rest until we push all of their retreating forces into the sea!
"objective_string"=At about 1800 hours on 23 May 1940, an offensive patrol by Spitfires of 92 Squadron flew right into a massed formation of 110s whilst patrolling from Boulogne to Dunkirk. The Zerstorers of II/ZG 26 were engaged by the Spitfires, & while the British claimed seventeen of the Bf-110s, only three were lost. It is possible that three more were damaged, but this can't be verified because the records are unclear. For the Brits, three Spitfires were lost & another damaged. One of the pilots captured was Sqn Ldr Roger Bushell, later to become ‘Mister X’ of Stalag Luft 3 and ‘The Great Escape.’
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will head west to patrol the Pas-De-Calais. With our forces capturing Boulogne and pushing on Calais, the British are desperately trying to maintain control of the skies above their shrinking pocket. Starting over Boulogne, you will sweep for any British fighter patrols in this area and engage 'em, hopefully overwhelming them with superior numbers. Once you reach Dunkirk, you'll continue back into Belgium, and retire at Brustem.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=TR_BF110_C
"airfield_string"=Belgium - Brustem