Reply...
UncleTgt,
If this is a litmus test, allow me to show this as proof of me "walking on hot coals."
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - We enter the Mediterranean
"summary_string"=Attention, airmen! We are heading to Malta with a strong supply convoy to assist those brave soldiers and pilots that have been engaged in a tremendous struggle against the Axis forces since June, 1940. Malta's role is so critical for our efforts in North Africa that she must survive 'til the final victory, whatever the cost!
"objective_string"=Convoy WS-21 / S entered the Mediterranean Sea on 10 August 1942 en route from the British Isles. The goal of this convoy was quite simple: Make it to Malta to keep the citizens alive and supplied to fight.
"intelligence_string"=Your mission for today is to take off & patrol the sky at 10,000 feet to protect the convoy from any enemy air offensives coming in from Vichy French territory. You have been assigned to Squadron 801 onboard the HMS Eagle.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk. Ic
"airfield_string"="HMS Eagle"
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Trouble brewing near Ibiza
"summary_string"=Attention, RAF pilots! While things went just fine on the first day, we are now fast approaching the enemy's backyard. There are also now rumors that a German recon bomber might be in the area. Your assignment is to take off & investigate whether or not this is true.
"objective_string"=The Pedestal convoy was identified at about 0830 hours on 11 August, 1942 by a Ju-88 bomber on a reconnaissance mission. Once the Pedestal convoy was spotted, the Axis forces sat & waited for the convoy to get within range of their airbases, then attacked it.
"intelligence_string"=A aircraft has been spotted by Radar northeast of our current position. Take off immediately & have a look. If it is an enemy reconnaissance plane, you must shoot it down! You are currently assigned to Squadron 880 onboard HMS Indomitable. Be sure to make it back alive!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat "Operation Torch"
"airfield_string"="HMS Indomitable"
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Stalking the HMS Eagle
"summary_string"=Attention, airmen! We have received reports that a Kriegsmarine U-boat could be lurking in this area. You've been ordered to perform an anti-submarine patrol. We must keep our eyes peeled for any sign of her...a successful delivery of the ships depends on keeping the escort force intact!
"objective_string"=On 11 August, 1942 at 13:15 hours, German U-boat U-73 scored four torpedo hits on the HMS Eagle. The old, proud veteran of so many Mediterranean battles could not sustain so much damage and sank in eight minutes!
"intelligence_string"=Your mission today is to take off in your Albacore & fly an anti-submarine protection cruise, keeping close watch for anything out of the ordinary. You have been assigned to Squadron 827 onboard HMS Indomitable. Be sure to stay on high alert, & make sure to radio in if you see anything!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fairey Albacore Mk. I
"airfield_string"="HMS Indomitable"
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Revenge for the HMS Eagle!
"summary_string"=Attention, RAF airmen! We have received numerous reports from other British vessels that the U-boat that sunk the HMS Eagle may be lurking about. We must not let our convoy suffer additional damage! Our scout aircraft are keeping their eyes peeled, you must do the same!
"objective_string"=On 11 August, 1942 at 13:15 hours, German U-boat U-73 scored four torpedo hits on the HMS Eagle. The old, proud veteran of so many Mediterranean battles could not sustain so much damage and sank in eight minutes. This mission is to obtain revenge!
"intelligence_string"=Your mission is to take off in your Albacore & fly an anti-submarine raid to sink this Kraut bastard! You're now assigned to Squadron 827 onboard the HMS Indomitable. Ensure that you report in if you happen to spot something!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fairey Albacore Mk. I
"airfield_string"="HMS Indomitable"
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Massed assault near Mallorca
"summary_string"=To your planes, airmen! It seems the Luftwaffe is welcoming us to the Mediterranean by greeting us with an evening attack. You're to get airborne and intercept this assault. Make sure your carrier does not get hit!
"objective_string"=Through the early evening of 11 August, 1942, the Pedestal convoy sustained the first significant air attacks of the battle by four successive waves of Axis bombers: thirty Junkers Ju-88s & six He-111 torpedo planes were just one attack. In this raid, no hits were scored on the vessels, and two of the Ju-88s were shot down.
"intelligence_string"=Enemy bombers have been spotted northeast of us. Take off in your plane and follow an interception course. You are assigned to Squadron 884 on HMS Victorious. Intercept the low-level flying torpedo bombers, other fighters will take care of the rest.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Fairey Fulmar Mk. II
"airfield_string"="HMS Victorious"
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Harassing the Dreifingers
"summary_string"=Attention, chaps! We have recieved reports that a Luftwaffe air assault is inbound. It looks like it's just a bomber attack, no enemy fighters appear to be flying escort on this mission. Get into the air at once to defend the fleet!
"objective_string"=The initial strike during the morning of 12 August was undertaken by nineteen Ju-88s. No hits were scored on the convoy ships, but several aerial kills were claimed on both sides. From British carriers, eighteen Hurricanes & six Fairey Fulmars took off to intercept.
"intelligence_string"=Warning! We've picked up an inbound bomber raid composed of two flights. You're to intercept them. Your current assignment is Squadron 880 onboard HMS Indomitable, you'll take off from there. You must ensure the safety of the fleet!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk. Ic
"airfield_string"="HMS Indomitable"
Missions 8-15 on the Mezzagosto side and 10-16 on the British side are also complete, though I may have to go back and add more ships from Force X to the convoy remnants. At least the mission and dynamic elements are complete, which is most of the burden.
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Protecting the celebration
"summary_string"=After a long and arduous trip, the battered tanker Ohio finally arrived in Grand Harbour safely. The Germans quickly attempted to crash the party, but Royal Air Force fighter patrols were able to fight them off, allowing the celebration to continue.
"objective_string"=The oiler Ohio, which has been shot to hell during its journey through the Mediterranean, is working its way into Grand Harbour. While the celebration continues, fly a short patrol around the isle with your squadron to salute her, and watch for anyone trying to crash the party.
"intelligence_string"=The battered oiler Ohio limped into Grand Harbor at 8:00am on 15 August, 1942, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption. The supplies & fuel that was delivered by the Pedestal convoy were crucial to the continuing defense of Malta. However, the cost to get them there was very high.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Bristol Beaufighter Mk. Ic
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Ensuing a safe passage
"summary_string"=Attention, RAF airmen! All hands are now on deck to save the beleagered oiler Ohio. In her journey, she has withstood numerous torpedo attacks and is ragged for the wear, but she still manages to stay barely afloat & under tow, despite the continuing aerial harassment.
"objective_string"=Slowly but surely, the oiler Ohio is progressing on its way toward a sheltered harbor. You must guard them once again. Now that they are well within the radius of Malta Spitfires, we can now protect her very effectively from the nearby airstrips.
"intelligence_string"=Tremendous effort has been spent in attempting to save the big vessel. The term Odyssey seems quite appropriate for her travel. We just have to get her the last few miles to the safety of Valletta harbor. It's your task to protect her from any last-minute enemy attacks!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vc
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Nearly dead in the water
"summary_string"=To your fighters, gentlemen! The beleagured oiler Ohio has been hit by several torpedoes, is listing badly, & now has lost all power. She'll have to be towed the remainder of the way to Grand Harbor. Malta is desperately short on fuel, & we need you to ensure her safe arrival.
"objective_string"=Severely damaged and only capable of a four-knot top speed, the Ohio must be sustained by the sides and towed. It did manage to reach Malta two days after the convoy, & provided crucial fuel supplies to sustain the air defense of Malta.
"intelligence_string"=Only one ship from the convoy is still missing, the most important vessel. Fly a protection cruise over the Ohio in order to prevent bandits from striking her again. She is going to have a long journey, she can only make a top speed of four knots. We must make sure she reaches Valletta!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Arrival of the first merchants
"summary_string"=Attention, RAF pilots! The first ships are entering Valletta harbour! You must fly a protection cruise circling around the island. Be sure to keep a sharp lookout for the oiler Ohio to the west, her arrival appears to have been delayed somewhat.
"objective_string"=The weary & beleaguered Pedestal convoy merchant ships Port Chalmers, Melbourne Star & Rochester Castle finally reached Malta's Valletta Harbour on the evening of August 13th. They have had a rough journey, dealing with the combined Axis effort to stop them.
"intelligence_string"=Early this evening, some of the Pedestal merchant ships have finally begun arriving in Valletta harbor to much fanfare and relief, but the most important vessel, the oiler Ohio, hasn't arrived yet. The fuel that she carries is so essential if Malta is going to continue the fight. Your job is to find her & guard her!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Bristol Beaufighter Mk. Ic
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Tangling with an even foe
"summary_string"=Scramble to your Spitfires, pilots! The third wave of combined Axis operations against the remnants of our has commenced. Italian bombers are hitting us with torpedoes while the fighters provide cover. Let's make sure the convoy stays safe!
"objective_string"=A third raid took place about 11:25am, led by five Savoia-Marchetti Sm-79s loaded up with torpedoes, while fourteen Macchi Mc-202s kept intercepting Spitfires away, tangling with them high above the fray.
"intelligence_string"=The remaining convoy vessels are proceeding along their journey to Grand harbor. These supplies are desperately needed, so we must send you out once again on patrol. You must try to prevent this third ambush on the Pedestal convoy!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vc
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Pulling out all the stops
"summary_string"=Attention, RAF pilots! We must provide "'round the clock cover" for the convoy ships if they're going to accomplish the goal of reaching Grand Harbour. Take your place in a Beaufighter and fly another protection cruise, making sure our ships stay safe!
"objective_string"=A second massive raid on the Pedestal convoy took place around 10:50am on 13 August, 1942. Fifteen Ju-88s, sixteen Ju-87 Stuka dive-bombers, eight Bf-109 fighters, and eight Bf-110 "Zerstorers" hit the remaining ships of the convoy. In this raid, the Dorset was discovered and finally sunk.
"intelligence_string"=This morning's large-scale raid was the second of three major strikes on the Pedestal convoy during the day, this one being led by the Luftwaffe. This attack was particularly fierce, as German aircraft literally filled the sky.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Bristol Beaufighter Mk. Ic
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Pedestal - Through the Sicilian narrows
"summary_string"=Listen up, RAF pilots! The convoy ships are finally within the range of Malta's fighter squadrons. Fly a protection cruise against enemy bombers. We've heard unconfirmed rumblings that there might be a large-scale attack today.
"objective_string"=At 9:25am on August, 13th, 1942, a group of eight German Ju-88 dive bombers attacked the Pedestal convoy escorted by ten Macchi Mc-202 Folgores, which were in turn intercepted by Malta Spitfires.
"intelligence_string"=The German and Italian air forces have been using their assets together in combined strikes recently, & we've recieved reports that one of the combined attacks has departed Sicily, presumably to pummel the remnants of this Malta convoy. Make sure that it remains safe!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb
"airfield_string"=Malta - Hal Far
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Last effort to sink the Ohio!
"summary_string"=Guten Tag, Meine Herren! We are undertaking one last effort to sink the battered and bruised oiler Ohio. Despite having undergone repeated attacks and her speed being reduced to four knots under tow, she's still plodding along toward Malta. Our goal is to stop her!
"objective_string"=Despite severe damage and only able to maintain a 4-knot top speed whilst being carried & sustained by the sides, the oiler Ohio finally reached Malta a full two days after the remainder of the convoy. The term Odyssey seems quite appropriate for her travel.
"intelligence_string"=The Axis forces undertook a couple of missions on August 14th to sink the oiler Ohio before she got to Malta. Your involvement in this mission consists of escorting several German bombers on a torpedo attack.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Macchi Mc-202 Folgore
"airfield_string"=Sicily - Licata
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Searching for stragglers
"summary_string"=Guten Tag, meine Herren! We have located a stray vessel that has fallen far behind the convoy which is now arriving in Malta. Your orders are to fly a search and destroy mission. Once you find it, you must attack it and make sure it goes to the bottom!
"objective_string"=The beleaguered vessels Port Chalmers, Melbourne Star, and Rochester Castle finally reached safety in Malta's Grand Harbor on the evening of August 13th, 1942. The oiler Ohio has been delayed from repeated attacks on her.
"intelligence_string"=A damaged major enemy ship has been sighted off the island of Malta, possibly a escort carrier or a merchant ship with a flight deck. Our intelligence indicates this might even be the beleaguered oiler Ohio! You must sink her at all costs!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Junkers Ju-88a-11 (Italy, 1941)
"airfield_string"=Sicily - Trapani
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Protecting the Sparvieros
"summary_string"=Kameraden, herhören! We are continuing to pound away at the remnants of the beleaguered Pedestal convoy. During today's third mission, you'll escort an attack by Sm-79 Sparviero bombers. If we can continue to have success, the convoy may not ever make it to Malta!
"objective_string"=A third attack on the convoy took place at 11:25 in the morning. On this mission, five Sm-79 Spavieros took off from Pantellaria, and were able to score hits on the Ohio and two of the other vessels that were escorting her!
"intelligence_string"=A few damaged ships have been sighted a bit west of Malta, including the possibilily of one damaged carrier! Escort the torpedo bombers to the target, ensuring they can finish off the remaining vessels.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Messerschmitt Bf-109g-2 (Trop)
"airfield_string"=Sicily - Licata
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Zerstörers and Beaufighters
"summary_string"=Besatzungen, aufgepasst! Following heavy attacks on the convoy with marked success during the last couple of days, we need to re-assess where these remaining vessels are so we can attack them. Your job is to keep our bombers safe while conducting their search, and they will do the rest!
"objective_string"=With each side using their single-engined fighters repeatedly in the last couple of days, both sides know their fighter squadrons need rest. So today, it would appear that both sides are utilizing their "heavy" fighters to handle the work.
"intelligence_string"=Two German Junkers Ju-88s have been ordered to fly a recon mission, searching for the oiler Ohio. If they find her, they've been equipped with two bombs to attack her. As her escort, your duty is to deal with any intruders.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Messerschmitt Bf-110e
"airfield_string"=Sicily - Trapani
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Stukas out on the prowl
"summary_string"=Attenzione, i piloti! Your squadriglia has now been assigned the task of attacking the remnants of the Pedestal convoy in a "Stuka" raid. Your flight will be escorted by two seperate flights, one Italian & one German. Your assigned target is the CAMship Springbank.
"objective_string"=At 0925 hours on August 13th, 1942, a small group of eight Italian Ju-87 Stukas escorted by Bf-109s and Macchi Mc-202 Folgores were intercepted by eight Spitfires from Malta. Despite the fact that these Germans missed the initial rendezvous point, they caught up before hitting the target.
"intelligence_string"=As you approach the remnants of this convoy, make sure you target the CAMship. The convoy is within range of Malta's protection, but today's sizeable escort should leave you free to strike your targets unmolested.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Junkers Ju-87b 'Stuka'
"airfield_string"=Sicily - Trapani
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Undertaking a dangerous risk
"summary_string"=Achtung, Meine Herren! The British are grounded because of the terrible weather, but we are going to take the chance and attack this Pedestal convoy when they are not expecting it. Make sure to take care of yourself, it may be a very bumpy ride!
"objective_string"=The British convoy has been handly beaten in the past couple of days, but a few ships survived our attacks. Your mission today is to attack the convoy whilst they lack air protection. You represent the first wave, the other flight will be a few minutes behind you. The object of your attack is the oiler Ohio.
"intelligence_string"=The first attack at dawn on August 13th, 1942 was performed by seven Ju-88s based out of Sicily. They were escorted by eight Mc-202 fighters, and eight He-111 level bombers from Pantellaria joined in the attack. The Waimarama was struck badly, & several hits caused a big explosion which sank the ship.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Heinkel He-111h-6
"airfield_string"=Italy - Pantelleria Marghana SWNE
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Die Pantelleria Nachtangriff
"summary_string"=Achtung, Luftflotte pilots! We're undertaking one last assault on the convoy today. Take your place in a bomber and target the enemy cargo ships. You will attack them at night. We hope that this cover of darkness will offer you some protection. Those ships don't have to arrive at Malta!
"objective_string"=In the last air attack of the day, 30 Ju-88s laden with bombs and 7 He-111s equipped with torpedoes attacked the convoy. When you arrive at the third waypoint after taking off, the convoy will be just ahead of you. Your target is to destroy the Allied freighters, including the oiler Ohio.
"intelligence_string"=We are hoping that the British carriers will not be able to muster up many aircraft after the pitched battle which took place earlier during the evening, because you'll fly the mission without any fighter protection. Your targets are the merchant vessels, especially the oiler Ohio. The following merchants were hit by bombs during this mission: Rochester Castle, Empire Hope, & the Santa Elisa. Torpedo hits were scored on the Clan Ferguson, Deucalion, and Brisbane Star.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Heinkel He-111h-6
"airfield_string"=Italy - Pantelleria Marghana SWNE
"title_string"=Operation Mezzagosto - Transfer flight to Pantelleria
"summary_string"=Männer der Luftflotte! Your Squadriglia is being transferred from Sardinia to Pantellaria. Because you are going to be flying close to the area where a massive raid is planned, you have been asked to join it. Several Luftwaffe flights, including yours will hopefully be arriving over the target at about the same time. Drop your bombs on target, which is the HMS Indomitable, & make sure that you get to Pantellaria safely.
"objective_string"=This time we'll perform a coordinated attack, with dive bombers attacking alongside torpedo bombers & fighters covering us from high above. Take your place in a Stuka dive bomber & target the convoy!
"intelligence_string"=Another massive air attack started at about 18:15 with aircraft coming from the Sicilian & Sardinian bases, including eight Italian Ju-87 Stukas with a fighter escort of ten Macchi Mc-202s, as well as fourteen Sm-79s escorted by seventeen Mc-202s, and twenty Luftwaffe Stukas escorted by Bf-109g fighters. These Stukas scored three hits on HMS Indomitable while the torpedo bombers scored one on DD Foresight.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Junkers Ju-87b 'Stuka'
"airfield_string"=Sardinia - Elmas