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Battle of France - Part I has now been released!

Which side do you wish to fly on?

  • British

    Votes: 11 78.6%

  • German

    Votes: 3 21.4%
  • Total voters
    14
  • Poll closed .
Reply...

Good morning,

Here is another one...

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - 92 Squadron takes on JG 27
"summary_string"=To your fighters! With the Germans trying to take Calais & Dunkirk, we must keep air cover over our remaining forces in France and protect them from further attack. Your squadron will sweep the area from Boulogne to Dunkirk, and engage any German fighters in order to help keep the skies above our forces clear. Good luck!
"objective_string"=A bit before noon on 23 May 1940, a patrol of 92 Squadron Spitfires encountered a flight of six 109s from I/JG 27 while on patrol from Boulogne to Dunkirk. When they attacked, the 92 Squadron pilots got the better of these 109s, shooting down two & damaging a third, despite the fact that they claimed all six. These German pilots did not leave without theirs; one Spitfire was shot down, & then crashed onto the beach around Cape Gris-Nez. All other aircraft were able to return to their bases.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne you'll fly southeast toward the French port of Boulogne; this is now in German hands. From there, you'll fly northeast to Dunkirk at Angels 15, while "B" flight will remain 3,000ft above you. If you spot any German fighters in this sector, engage them if you maintain an advantage. Take down as many fighters as you can, and then return to Hornchurch. If possible, try not to get overly-aggressive if you do not have the advantage to try & limit losses, we can't afford to lose many Spitfires with a long fight ahead of us!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Spitfire_MK1A 54 Sqn Deere
"airfield_string"=England - Hornchurch
 
Reply...

Good morning,

And here is yet another one...

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Bounced by JG 1 near Ypres
"summary_string"=Take off quickly, chaps! Blenheims are already in the air, heading for France. We'll meet them over Dunkirk and bring then down to hit a German-held airfield near Cambrai. This is an important mission to try and suppress German fighter cover, so your best efforts are required, especially to ensure as many Blenheims survive as possible. Let's show the Germans that we will not be intimidated!
"objective_string"=During the early afternoon of 23 May, Hurricanes of 242 Squadron ran into a flight of Bf-109s from I/JG 1 to the southwest of Ypres whilst escorting bombers to Cambrai. While defending the bombers from attack, the Brits lost four Hurricanes to the enemy fighters, but managed to shoot down two of them. The mission differs a bit from the historical record by having the enemy intercept occur on the withdrawal to the coast instead of during the trip inbound to attack Cambrai. Any information on the Blenheims, including any losses and squadron info, is unknown.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll head to Dunkirk and meet up with Blenheims heading in to attack the airfield just south of Cambrai, which the Germans are now using for fighters. You'll use the city of Ypres as a marker to make the turn into France. While over Cambrai, be sure to watch out for enemy fighters, and keep a close eye on the Blenheims during this withdrawal until they reach the coast. Make sure that as many of the Blenheims survive as possible, we must maintain our strength for the evacuation!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_Hurricanemk1 32 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - Ramsgate
 
Hi Rami,

These missions sound interesting. Typo in the BoF Jagdgeschwader - Tangle with RAF Spitfires mission.

" the British claimed seventeen of the Bf-110s, only there were lost. "

Don't mean to be a nitpicker but thought you would want to know.


Regards,
B24Guy
 
Reply...

The B24 Guy said:
Hi Rami,

These missions sound interesting. Typo in the BoF Jagdgeschwader - Tangle with RAF Spitfires mission.

" the British claimed seventeen of the Bf-110s, only there were lost. "

Don't mean to be a nitpicker but thought you would want to know.


Regards,
B24Guy
Click to expand...

The B24 Guy,

Now I can't un-see that. :costumed-smiley-034 Thank you. :encouragement:
 
Reply...

Good afternoon,

That awkward moment when you finish writing and timing a mission and realize you'd be better off doing it from the German side. Oops...too late now. :dizzy:
 
Rami,

By the way, did you know that your colonel Hugo Witt JG26, was one of the survivors of the Hindenburg disaster 6th of may 1937, severely burnt and hospitalized for quite some time in New York. Unofficially the purpose of this trip was to spy on American air forces.
Killer Svend:wavey:
 
Reply...

Killer Svend said:
Rami,

By the way, did you know that your colonel Hugo Witt JG26, was one of the survivors of the Hindenburg disaster 6th of may 1937, severely burnt and hospitalized for quite some time in New York. Unofficially the purpose of this trip was to spy on American air forces.
Killer Svend:wavey:
Click to expand...

Killer Svend,

Why no, I had absolutely no idea about Hugo Witt. I am not surprised about the "unofficial" purpose of the trip, however. The Hindenburg also visited Barrow-in-Furness, England, which was a major British shipyard prior to WWII. I don't see that as a hot travel destination either. :costumed-smiley-034
 
Andrew,

The AASF was set up as an independent entity, but its bomber squadrons were still part of Bomber Command. Max Hastings, in his book "Bomber Command", makes this distinction, pointing out that the AASF was a response to the situation on the continent and included Huurricane squadrons as well as squadrons from Bomber Command. The AASF was one of two parts to the British air component in France, the other component being a mix of Blenheims and Lysanders operating as strategic and tactical reconnaissance units with some Hurricane squadrons attached.

This ref may also be useful by extension:

http://www.niehorster.org/017_britain/39_raf/no_01_group.html
 
Reply...

Fibber and Ravenna,

Talking it over with Hewman100, it looks like we've done a good job to this point in BoF covering both Bomber Command missions related to the Battle of France and the missions flown by the AASF. So far, so good.

Where it gets a little confusing is when the bomber units aside from the AASF retreat from France to England between 18-20 May. Once all bombers except for the Battles are operating from English bases, determining tactical from strategic missions requires careful scrutiny.

Thanks for responding, friends! :encouragement:
 
Andrew,

Your first reference focuses on the missions of Bomber Command, but most of those missions were by squadrons based in Britain. The AASF was, unlike either the UK based bomber force or the Air Component of the BEF, intended to act independently but in conjunction with the BEF and the French. Its operation was inherently tactical and remained so until what was left of it was withdrawn.
 
Reply...

Michael,

Yes, the AASF flew mostly Fairey Battles by this point and continued to perform raids on communications and bomb bridges and troop concentrations by night up until the Dunkirk evacuation.

However, RAF 2 Group, composing 18, 57, 21, 90, 101, 107 110, 119, and 137 Squadrons were also involved in attacks on France and Belgium during the period, and essentially served as an adjunct to AASF Squadrons in France. (70, 79, 81, 82, and 83)

The attacks by Bomber command on communications, troop concentrations, and bridges would certainly qualify as tactical, rather than strategic. These are continuing at least until the Dunkirk evacuation.
 
The following are good references:

"AASF" by Charles Gardner - Hutchinson 1940

"Valiant Wings" by Norman Franks - William Kimber

"Batailles Aeriennes" #67,68,70,71,72 - Lela Presse
 
Reply...

Good afternoon,

Here are a couple more...

"title_string"=BoF Jagdgeschwader - Hunting for RAF bombers
"summary_string"=Meine Herren! Our ground forces around Boulogne and Bethume report they're being attacked by RAF bombers. Your 109s will patrol the sector between Samer & Boulogne and engage any British bombers you see. Once our ground forces are in the clear around Boulogne, you will head over to Bethume to make sure our troops there are also safe from RAF bombers. Once the patrol is complete, fly back to Laon. Let's show the Brits that we won't tolerate intrusions into our airspace, & we will protect our ground units!
"objective_string"=The mission is semi-historical, based on small bits of information, and has been combined with other elements in the same area. During the afternoon of 23 May 1940, Blenheims of 15, 18, 40, & 107 Sqns were active at Boulogne and Bethume. Those near Bethume & inland from Boulogne were attacked by I/JG 3 or I/JG 51, whilst those nearest Boulogne were largely chewed up by German flak & ground fire. The British lost at least three Blenheims that afternoon with another damaged, while Luftwaffe pilots claimed at least one, possibly two bombers, one by each Jagdgeschwader. Any information on German losses is unknown. It also appears that the Blenheims were unescorted.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, your flight will climb up to 2,000m & fly northwest toward the Boulogne area, where the British have been active bombing and strafing our forces pushing north toward Calais. Your task is to engage and shoot down any bombers that you find, & stop them from hitting our ground forces. If the skies are clear in this area, you'll continue over toward Bethume, where the British have also been active. Once all Blenheims are destroyed or you exhaust your ammo, break off and fly back to Laon to refuel and reload.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AH_BF109ECFS2_JG26_Hornung
"airfield_string"=France - Laon

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - 56 Squadron joins the action
"summary_string"=Get airborne, chaps! Our Blenheims are now in the air, heading into France to raid the city of Arras. Your Hurricanes will form part of the escort, and keep enemy fighters from harassing them as they strike. With the Germans forcing our troops out of Arras, our forces in France are under increasing pressure. We must make sure our bombers do their jobs, so let's keep them safe & give our forces on the ground a hand!
"objective_string"=The mission is semi-historical, based on small bits of information, and has been combined with other elements in this same area. On the morning of 23 May 1940, Hawkinge-based 253 Squadron lost two Hurricanes at Bethume, likely escorting Blenheims to Arras. Another Hurricane of 605 Squadron was also lost over St. Pol while escorting the bombers. A fourth Hurricane, this time from 56 Squadron, was lost when engaging Bf-110s above Saint Omer. This mission assumes a strong connection between these events, and focuses on the primary element, an escort mission to Arras.
"intelligence_string"=After taking, head southeast & climb up to Angels 15. The bombers you're to escort will meet up with you when you reach the French coast. You will set up along the starboard side of the bomber flights, while the other Hurricane flight will take the port side. Remain with the bombers as they raid Arras, and then stay with them until they withdraw to the French coast. You may chase enemy fighters away from the bombers, but do not leave them exposed. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hurricane MK1 Early 56 Sqn
"airfield_string"=England - North Weald West
 
Thanks for the first reference Andrew. I've just bought a copy of "The Bomber Command War Diaries" form the Book Depository. Together with Max Hastings' book "Bomber Command" the operational history covers all raids from 1939 to the end of hostilities.
 
Reply...

Good morning,

Here are a few more...

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Whitleys raid the rear areas
"summary_string"=Listen up, men! The Germans continue to use all of the available crossings over the Meuse to get their supplies & reinforcements to France. Whilst other bombers will hit targets in Belgium, your bombers will focus on Sedan, which is still being used as a major crossing, & where German forces have also established a vehicle depot. Let's knock out these targets, and show the Germans we will defend our Allies and our own forces to the last!
"objective_string"=During the night of 23/24 May, Bomber Command continued their tactical support for the French by sending out twenty-four Whitleys to raid targets west of the Meuse. Without any further specifics, the focus of this night's raids were on the Meuse River crossings. With Sedan still being utilized as a major crossing by the enemy, this raid assumes the bridges and a vehicle depot as primary targets for the attack. There is no additional information available on actual targets, success rates, or any losses.
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, you will quickly form up with other Whitleys & fly southeast toward France. Once you reach the Belgian coastline, you'll continue inland until you reach the Ardennes. As you near Sedan, a part of the bomber formation will hit a German vehicle depot, while other flights attack munitions factories and the bridges along the Meuse. After hitting your targets, withdraw and turn northwest for England, leaving the Belgian coast at Ostend. Once you return to Dishforth, you will retire until dusk. Caution: Fuel will be a concern for the raid, do not loiter for long over the target!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=AW Whitley MkV 58 Sqn Bomber Command
"airfield_string"=England - Dishforth

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Darkness across the Meuse
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! The Germans continue their use of the Meuse crossings at night to reinforce units in Belgium & northeastern France. They've seized a bridge at Givet, and a French munitions plant at Givet, where they're making weapons for Panzers! Your bombers will attempt to halt their efforts by destroying these factories at Givet, whilst other bombers raid the bridges at Dinant. If successful, this will slow the enemy effort to resupply & help prevent them from pushing our forces into the sea!
"objective_string"=During the night of 23/24 May, Bomber Command continued their tactical support for the French by sending out forty-nine Wellingtons to raid bridges along the Meuse River at Yvior, Dinant, and Givet. This was a continuation of thier effort to slow up any reinforcements being sent from rear areas to the front. Any information other than the targets is scant; there are no reports of direct hits on the bridges, any bomber losses, or further details on the night mission.
"intelligence_string"=After takeoff, you will rendezvous with the other Wellingtons and cross the North Sea into Belgium. Coming ashore above Ostend, you will continue to Givet, where you will strike a munitions plant that is supplying parts for Panzers. Just prior to your attack, part of the formation will split to raid the bridges at Dinant. After your strike is completed, form up and head back over Belgium and the North Sea to England, where you will rest for the night. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Vickers Wellington Mk Ic
"airfield_string"=England - Marham

"title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - Choke off resupply networks
"summary_string"=Attention, men! While we have the cover of night, you will set out to hit enemy troop concentrations and a supply depot near the Meuse River. Tonight, your Battles will raid the towns of Florenville and Libramont, where the Germans have seized a rail yard and set up a ammo dump. If we can hit these targets hard we'll hamper their ability to resupply and buy more time for an evacuation!
"objective_string"=During the overnight of 23/24 May, thirty-seven Fairey Battles set out under cover of darkness to hit troop concentrations & supply depots at Fumay & Montherme in France, as well as Florenville and Libramont in Belgium. There are no records which indicate success or failure of this attack, nor are there any reports on losses. It is assumed that the AASF were flying the raids from French soil, but this cannot be confirmed. In addition, this mission focuses attention on the attacks in Belgium, since the Battles have struck Fumay repeatedly.
"intelligence_string"=The town of Libramont lies about 150km northeast of your airfield. Once airborne, you will join up with the other Battles and head northeast toward Libramont, using Florenville as a reference point to start the attack. Your twenty-four Battles will strike the railyard and factory complex, while the remaining thirteen Battles will hit Florenville from the north. Because you'll release from 3,000 feet, keep your speed high and do not loiter above this area. When finished return to Gaye, where you'll retire for the night. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Battle Mk1
"airfield_string"=France - Gaye
 
Hi Rami,
Here I go again.
In "title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - 56 Squadron joins the action

intelligence_string"=After taking, head southeast & climb up to Angels 15

Regards,
B24Guy
 
Reply...

The B24 Guy said:
Hi Rami,
Here I go again.
In "title_string"=Battle of France (RAF) - 56 Squadron joins the action

intelligence_string"=After taking, head southeast & climb up to Angels 15

Regards,
B24Guy
Click to expand...

The B24 Guy,

Thanks! I will correct forthwith. Here's a screenshot of Whitleys heading out on a night mission for your trouble. :a1310:
 
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