Reply...
Popsaka,
I wonder if Captain Winters used my missions for CFS2 as a basis for this, at least in part. I uploaded for CFS2 this spring a Balkans Project that covered all aspects of the Balkan War, except for the invasion of Yugoslavia. Lt. Brabner's Buffalo flight was part of that project.
I'm thrilled that these missions may be of use in CFS3!
"title_string"=Defense of Crete (FAA) - Lt. Brabner's Buffalo adventure
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! After receiving three Buffaloes, we have finally made one of them serviceable, and flying as Leftenant Brabner, you have volunteered to take her up and see how she handles in combat. Italian bombers and fighters have been spotted on Radar coming in from Rhodes, so take the Buffalo up & deliver a nasty surprise to the Italian airmen!
"objective_string"=19 March, 1941 saw the Italians return in force to the island of Crete for assaults on Souda Bay that would continue on for two days. The first day saw ten Sm-79s attack shipping in Souda Bay, escorted by five Cr-42 Falcos. This time the British sent up fighters for defense, as three Fairey Fulmars and one Brewster Buffalo intercepted & attacked this approaching raid. However the Buffalo, piloted by Lt Brabner, developed major engine trouble & was forced to crash-land short of Malemes aerodrome. Three remaining Fulmars engaged. One Sm-79 was lost, two more were damaged, and a British Fulmar pilot collided with a fourth. The British pilot was killed, and the Sm-79 managed to crash-land. This ended up being the only operational sortie of the Buffalo from Crete.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, climb hard to Angels twelve and head over Souda Bay toward the harbor entrance. Italian bomber & fighter aircraft attacking from Rhodes tend to approach from the east-northeast, so we hope to intercept them & break up this raid before they can reach the warehouses and docks. The Buffalo is faster and more maneuverable than the Fulmar, & our mechanics think they've worked out all the gremlins in this Wright Cyclone engine. Once you engage these Italians, focus on downing the bombers, and utilize your speed advantage to engage the Cr-42 Falco on your terms. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Brewster Buffalo 439
"airfield_string"=Crete - Malemes