"Ace of Aces" - WWII Challenge!

[Panzerlang]

News just in from JG51, Steffner has been promoted to Major. With 121 air-combat victories it might be advisable to spend more time behind a desk. But the cutlery for the salad...

A couple of missions back he took his third heavy hit from flak, after only shortly before seeing Oberleutnant Carius Steiner killed by the exact same thing. Yet again the vagaries of luck.

 

[Eisenfaustus]

54 minutes ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

News just in from JG51, Steffner has been promoted to Major. With 121 air-combat victories it might be advisable to spend more time behind a desk. But the cutlery for the salad...

A couple of missions back he took his third heavy hit from flak, after only shortly before seeing Oberleutnant Carius Steiner killed by the exact same thing. Yet again the vagaries of luck.

 

Your pwcg screens look considerably different from mine. Might I ask what mod you use?

[Panzerlang]

20 minutes ago, Eisenfaustus said:

Your pwcg screens look considerably different from mine. Might I ask what mod you use?

It's not a mod, it's a bunch of stuff done in PS. I've got it so the only medals that auto-generate are the Knights Crosses, everything else I do manually.

[grcurmudgeon]

16 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

Brilliant work Hetzer!!* I am sure this is also much appreciated by @grcurmudgeon who is now going to take her onward to best Hartmann in the newly delivered U-2.  

 

*She still delivers a mean left hook though!

First we'll have to see if she can best Kozhedub along the way. I've already got BoBP so it will just be for personal accomplishment...

[oc2209]

Greetings from my new Auntie Ju!

 

 

It's remarkably stable, and I even looped it twice. I bled off too much speed during the above screenshot to recover before I hit the ground, but that's not the plane's fault.

 

If there were a few more dials, the dashboard could almost convince me I'm in a heavy bomber:

 

 

All in all, a fun prize. Someday, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to disgorge paratroopers somewhere over the Mediterranean.

[Varibraun]

6 hours ago, grcurmudgeon said:

First we'll have to see if she can best Kozhedub along the way. I've already got BoBP so it will just be for personal accomplishment...

 

That is a great idea!  Since we don't have any legitimate challengers for Kozhedub (I only joined with "Uri" because no one else signed up), I will enter all of the Soviet side pilots who challenged Litvyak and Albert.  Who ever gets there first can gift or donate BoBP, since I think everyone already has it.  It will likely get that BoBP back to the community quicker than waiting for me since Uri currently has only 13 victories.

 

This means that the following pilots are now automatically in the running if they chose to continue their Soviet careers past their previous Rival:

@grcurmudgeon

@oc2209

@ShamrockOneFive

@Duce_de_Zoop

@justin_z3r0

and of course anyone else who wants to honor Marshall Kozhedub. 

Edited August 4, 2021 by Varibraun

[PatrickAWlson]

4 hours ago, oc2209 said:

Greetings from my new Auntie Ju!

 

 

 

 

All in all, a fun prize. Someday, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to disgorge paratroopers somewhere over the Mediterranean.

 

You can disgorge them over Russia or Belgium in a PWCG career.

 

Remember that Russian careers can be continued to the end of the war.  It's the Stalingrad map and Rheinland standing in for the proper maps, but PWCG has eastern front 1944 and 1945.

[Varibraun]

Update on Uri:  October 41 was a hard month to come to the front.  The 233rd took 50% losses to the seasoned Luftwaffe as the German juggernaut continued its advance toward Moscow.  Morale was at an all time low as Uri had personally watched in horror as his squadron commander, Maj Chuchanov, burned following a head on pass with a 109.  Maj Chuchanov was the only Soviet ace on the Moscow front and his death left the 233rd with only 4 effective pilots.  Even though he was only a Szt, Uri knew he had to start scoring to help bring a fighting spirit back to his now leaderless mates.

 

He began his quest by passing the ace mark following a couple of fortunate encounters with the Italians.  Their little Macchi's didn't instill the same feeling of fear and helplessness into the men the 109 Skinnies provoked.  In gaining each of those victories, Uri's Mig "Vicious Val" became more and more familiar to his touch as his skill in the aircraft increased.  Plus, his current squadron leader, SLt Paramonov, recognized him as the leading (i.e. only surviving) Soviet ace, and assigned the squadron's best armorer to modify Uri's armament.  They began with the Shvak 20mm, but quickly realized that there was no supply of tracer ammunition for these cannons, so Uri asked to have 2 of the 12.7mm fitted instead.  These became precision weapons in the nose of the maneuverable Mig, with Uri always aiming for engines and cockpits.  Even the Skinnies felt like easier prey.

 

November began with a falling snow bringing with it a group of motivated replacement pilots.  One of these was even a woman, Lt Zora Kornev, who seemed to bring luck with her, scoring on her very first sortie.  Uri was promoted to Lt and his other squadron mates also finally started scoring with almost 1/2 the squadron having 1 victory.  Moreover, Uri's 13 victories became a source of unit and national pride when it was noted that he was now ranked within the elite 10 with 9 German pilots.  Even better, a few of those Luftwaffe aces had finally been silenced.  Now if they could just help blunt the invader's advance and save Moscow...

 

Uri makes the elite 10:

 

[oc2209]

3 hours ago, PatrickAWlson said:

 

You can disgorge them over Russia or Belgium in a PWCG career.

 

Remember that Russian careers can be continued to the end of the war.  It's the Stalingrad map and Rheinland standing in for the proper maps, but PWCG has eastern front 1944 and 1945.

 

Oh, right, thanks for reminding me. I was thinking of dropping into Crete primarily, but any place will do in a pinch.

 

I did see that Russian careers could be continued, but I'm not keen on flying the Yak-9 or -1b against late 109s. The La-5FN would remain fairly competitive to the end, however. That said, I'll put off flying late-war Russian careers until I get my hands on the La-7 and Yak-3 (and the -9U, provided it doesn't overheat every 5 minutes) sometime in the next few years hopefully.

[grcurmudgeon]

After her 20th mission where she landed another pair of 110 kills (numbers 14 and 15), Litvyak stormed off to demand some of the newer Yaks for her squadron. She "encouraged" her superiors to send her 4 of them, and they could hardly refuse their number 1 ace. These arrived in time for her 21st sortie. She and a flight leader took off for another airbase strike. After an uneventful approach where she blew up a storage shed, a flight of Sturmoviks just south of the base was trying to strike a bridge while being harried by her favorite opponent, a flight of 110s. As one pulled up in front of her, Litvyak got a good burst into the left wing. The engine caught fire quickly then exploded, separating the wing and sending the whole plane spinning in pieces. The 12.7 is a NICE replacement for those 7mm peashooters! One pass on another 110 got its left engine burning.

 

With no more enemies in sight, she and the flight leader headed for home. On the way, they stumbled across a lone 109 E-7. Litvyak's first pass knocked off part of the right stabilizer and got the engine smoking, and then her flight leader finished it off. Still no enemies in sight, Szt Litvyak Attempt IV landed with 2 kills and 60% of her ammo load left. Maybe next time there will be a few more targets to soak up some more of those shells.

 

For showing what the new planes can do, and bringing them both back intact, Szt Litvyak Attempt IV was promoted to Lt Livtyak Attempt IV.

One nice thing to say about the Yak-1 - it definitely improved my gunnery, teaching me to be more patient, lighter on the stick, and to time the bursts.

[grcurmudgeon]

10 of Lt Litvyak Attempt IV's kills have looked something like the following. The 110 pilots fear her whenever they see her plane...

[Hartsblade]

Mission five was a routine patrol.  About 5 minutes into the route, Sqn Ldr Conquest spotted a flight of Me 262's making low level runs over the lines and gave the word to engage.  The 262's were taken unaware and were slow to respond as Bob and his Squad Lead made a quick pass and dispatched two of the enemy flight.  The chase was on, but the Spits had enough speed left in them from their previous dives to catch the remaining 262's before they could speed away to safety.

 

Out of nowhere a large flight Fw 190 A6's appear, and the hunters quickly become the hunted.  Wt Off Mckenzie is able to turn the tables on one of their opponents, but as the 20mm rounds tear into the 190, Bob's Spitfire is riddled by enemy machine gun and cannon fire.  Through the smoke and blood, McKenzie is able to eject the shattered canopy and bail out of the ruined Mk.IXe.

 

McKenzie's wounds are superficial and he is quickly reunited with the rest of Baffin Flight, all of which fortunately made it back in one piece.  While he may have lost his trusty Spit, Bob was able to increase his kill count to eleven by adding the two Me 262's and the Fw190 A6.

 

Mission six will give Bob a second chance to fly that Photo Recon that went so horribly wrong earlier this month.

Edited August 6, 2021 by Hartsblade
Spelling

[grcurmudgeon]

You know that feeling when you are finally given command of a flight, and it's a patrol, and you spot the enemy and start maneuvering to get in position, only to realize your two wingmates have already gone tearing off after something and you're now alone? Now-Lt Litvyak Attempt IV knows the feeling well. She did manage to find one with a FW-190 on his tail that she drove off and eventually got a pilot kill on, but neither one of them made it back to base. Sigh.

 

23 missions, 18 kills, with all the 109s and 190s we're starting to have trouble keeping enough equipment around, and they still won't give us any more of the Yak-1Bs.

[Varibraun]

On 8/4/2021 at 3:08 AM, Hetzer-JG51 said:

News just in from JG51, Steffner has been promoted to Major.

 

A worthy accomplishment in any career working your way up through the ranks to command a squadron.  

 

On 8/7/2021 at 9:41 AM, grcurmudgeon said:

only to realize your two wingmates have already gone tearing off after something and you're now alone? Now-Lt Litvyak Attempt IV knows the feeling well.

 

Yes - I use the "follow me" command quite often when I have flight lead to help counteract these unannounced departures from overeager wingmen.  I hope you get those 1Bs soon!

 

 

Edited August 9, 2021 by Varibraun

[Varibraun]

Uri (#1) Abaturov met his fate on 19 Nov 41 valiantly defending his airfield.  Two flights of 109s (one being led by the Luftwaffe's 3rd leading Ace on the front) hit Uri's field in a surprise attack.  Uri was leading a preassigned flight of 3, and he also quickly grabbed one of the new Szts and directed him to a nearby Mig undergoing an engine test, to get 4 Migs off the ground just in time to meet the brazen attack.  Unfortunately, at the merge, two of the Migs were quickly dispatched by accurate German cannon fire.  At nearly the same time, the Soviet AAA gunners were happily hammering away and retaliated by taking out 2 of the "Skinnies." 

 

This still left Uri and the young Szt outnumbered 6 to 2, but at least some of the 109s were still focusing on the airfield and the 2 Migs gave as good as they got...at least for a time.  In the swirling, climbing, turning fight Uri was able to land some rounds into the engine of one of the attackers ultimately leading to the capture of Maj Konrad Waghalter, the Kommander of II./JG51.  However, it just wasn't enough when the 109s that had focused on the field also engaged the plucky Migs and cannon rounds ended the life of the only surviving Soviet Ace on the Moscow front.  Lt Uri Abaturov's final tally included 14 air to air victories, including 4 over Luftwaffe aces.

 

While it was another very dark day for the 233rd, there were two bright spots for the optimists and the superstitious.  The first was that Maj Waghalter was finally out of the fight and headed to Siberia (the recovery of Waghalter's logbook indicated that he had personally shot down at least 3 of the 233rd pilots).  The second was the arrival of a promising new pilot, Szt Uri Baburin.  The superstitious pilots in the squadron insisted that it had to be good luck that Uri's namesake would arrive on the same day of his demise in such an epic battle over their airfield.

 

Defending his comrades: Uri's final kill from his battered Mig:

 

[justin_z3r0]

On 7/31/2021 at 4:02 PM, justin_z3r0 said:

2 missions - 5 kills

 

Herb Flew his 3rd mission and was able to land 2 more air victories to the new Long Nose 190s.

The mission was an escort for some P47s attacking South West of Rotterdam. It was a quiet flight in but the skies seemed to fill just as the Target neared. FLight Lead spotted some Ju 88s and decided the P47w were ok on their own for us to make an attack. Herb got some good shots into one causing it to disengage from its flight and head home. Herb tried to follow it but heard calls from Flight Lead (also Squadron leader). He was being attacked by Dora's. Quick 180 to try to help out. Herb got there in time to clear one from his tail - but there were 3 others. The rest of the flight off chasing 88s - it was just Herb and the leader. Herb got into a circling chase with another - but that left the other on his leaders wounded tail. Cannon ammo now spent - leaving just the measly little .303s. Herb expended all of those onto his opponent as well but he wouldnt go down. Ammo gone and no sight of his flight leader - Herb had no choice but to head for home. He wondered if the leader was able to escape, however unlikely it seemed.

 

Returning to the field alone Herb felt a heavy weight - what had happened? He heard victory cries from the other 2 in his flight over the radio on the way home - but where was their leader? and where were the other 2 now?

 

A report came in confirming that a P47 pilot had seen the 190 that Herb was on go down  just outside of a town North of Gornichem. But no sign of flight lead. The following morning he heard from the others that the had seen the leader go down on the friendly side but it was a rough landing. Who knows if he made it. They themselves managed to down 5 88s, but had to land at an Auxilliary field closer to the front.

 

Herb is going to ask for a transfer to a squadron based closer to the front - these long flights don't leave much fuel to put up a good fight once in the target area and still be able to return home. He heard 66 squadron has the MkXIV e models. Maybe the .50s will pack more punch. Here's hoping the request is accepted.

With the leader gone and the others seeming like wild men dodging off to chase whatever they feel - Herb doesn't feel like his back is covered.

 

3 missions - 7 kills

[grcurmudgeon]

Lt Litvyak Attempt IV nearly met her end due to friendly fire. Unlike Uri's tale above, her flight of 5 encountered a flight of 5 FW-190s harrying their base upon returning from a bridge strike. While turning with one of the 190s (and having got some hits in, she could smell the blood in the water), friendly AAA hit her plane causing major damage. Luckily she was able to get her bird down in one piece. No kills on either side for those harrowing few minutes.

[Panzerlang]

The Reich Propaganda Ministry is pleased to announce Major Ulrich Steffner has been awarded the Swords to his Knights Cross.

157 Air Victories.

 

[justin_z3r0]

17 hours ago, justin_z3r0 said:

Herb is going to ask for a transfer to a squadron based closer to the front - these long flights don't leave much fuel to put up a good fight once in the target area and still be able to return home. He heard 66 squadron has the MkXIV e models. Maybe the .50s will pack more punch. Here's hoping the request is accepted.

With the leader gone and the others seeming like wild men dodging off to chase whatever they feel - Herb doesn't feel like his back is covered.

 

Herb's request is being granted, under the condition that he performs a CAP for the troops trying to advance near Rotterdam. He will fly tail end Charlie and will leave the flight after the patrol to land at Volkel.

He is told that another pilot will return his spitfire to Evere. Maybe said pilot is looking to get further from the front? Herb is hoping to receive an XIVe model in return. And also that the guys in 66 sqn are more willing to cover each other rather than chasing off after bombers alone...

Edited August 8, 2021 by justin_z3r0

[justin_z3r0]

1 hour ago, justin_z3r0 said:

Herb's request is being granted, under the condition that he performs a CAP for the troops try to advance near Rotterdam. He will fly tail end Charlie and will leave the flight after the patrol to land at Volkel.

He is told that another pilot will return his spitfire to Evere. Maybe said pilot is looking to get further from the front? Herb is hoping to receive an XIVe model in return. And also that the guys in 66 sqn are more willing to cover each other rather than chasing off after bombers alone...

 

41 sqn flew a semi successful CAP, able to down 6 enemy fighters (4 claimed by Herb). One pilot was shot up and had to bail -  but luckily on the friendly side of the lines.

A few Shermans were taken out by those Long nose FWs, and a pair of Typhoons also were lost to the guns of A8s.

 

Herb was able to guide himself to his new squadron and base at Volkel. So close to the front lines... hopefully the AA batteries can keep us safe over night from night raiders.

Continuous cannon fire could be heard throughout the rest of the day. Hopefully Herb can grow used to it and get some rest.

 

4 missions - 11 air victories

[Varibraun]

AI Luftwaffe Ace OLt Ingmar Seck bragging about his amazing deflection shooting & taking out leading Soviet Ace Uri Abaturov:

 

[oc2209]

1 hour ago, Varibraun said:

AI Luftwaffe Ace OLt Ingmar Seck bragging about his amazing deflection shooting & taking out leading Soviet Ace Uri Abaturov:

 

I count 4 HE 20mm puffs, with possibly a few more to come. That's fine shooting indeed.

 

About how fast were you going at the time? You're apparently in a climbing turn by the looks of it. I would guess you're not exceeding 200 MPH by much, if at all. Which probably made the AI's shot a little easier.

 

I've seen the AI hit with light machine guns from similar angles, but never multiple cannon strikes.

[Varibraun]

58 minutes ago, oc2209 said:

About how fast were you going at the time? You're apparently in a climbing turn by the looks of it. I would guess you're not exceeding 200 MPH by much, if at all. Which probably made the AI's shot a little easier.

 

Correct...I was probably around 170 MPH when he started firing.  I was in VR actually looking at him when he started firing and should have gone hard right rudder...but didn't.  Here you can see the distance when he started firing - definitely nice shooting, but still my fault getting Uri killed 

 

 

 

[oc2209]

2 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

Correct...I was probably around 170 MPH when he started firing.  I was in VR actually looking at him when he started firing and should have gone hard right rudder...but didn't.  Here you can see the distance when he started firing - definitely nice shooting, but still my fault getting Uri killed 

 

 

Strangely enough I was going to guess 170 MPH exactly, as I know that's a common climbing turn speed; unless you're in a Spit XIV or something. But yeah, that's slow enough that the AI can adjust its aim easily. Had you been going over 200 MPH, I would bet he couldn't track you effectively.

 

As for watching it unfold without taking evasive action, I know that feeling quite well myself. I've had it happen... more than a handful of times. It's this odd feeling of letting curiosity get the better of you, like, 'oh, is he lining up a shot from there? I wonder if he can hit me? Nah, probably not.' Meanwhile, precious seconds tick down.

[Panzerlang]

Lol. To the 'Ghosts in the Machine'...see that banana boat over there? Didn't just get off it. ?

[justin_z3r0]

On 8/8/2021 at 3:31 PM, justin_z3r0 said:

 

4 missions - 11 air victories

 

Mission 5 - first one with 66 sqn. Herb flew tail end charlie in his old EB-Z from 41 sqn. 66 didn't have a new plane ready for Herb. So he had to go up with those .303s again. The flight spotted a group of Ju 88s crossing the nines near Nijmegen and attacked. 3 Ju 88s were brought down - 1 scored by herb. But he got sloppy and got all shot up with small caliber guns. Lucky it was only the engine and left wing that got hit and not himself. A light oil leak developed and so it was time to head back to Volkel. The rest of the flight continued on, apparently getting into a scrap of FW 190s that were attacking the troops in Nijmegen.

Wt Off Warren Beer was lost in that scrap. his plane spinning down  just South West of Nijmegen. A blow to morale in the squadron and the the ground troops who watched in horror as one of their rescuers was brought down. He managed to take a 190 down himself just before this - fighting to the end as it was.

 

After a pretty rough landing (due to the oil spatter all over the windscreen) Herb pulled off to the right of the main strip and shut it down in the grass to take a breath and assess the damage.

The bullet holes all over could be patched - but the mechanics said the engine likely needed replacing. That could take a few days as getting engines this close to the front was no easy thing.

Herb asked if they knew when his new shiny 66 sqn crate would arrive.. they didnt know.. So much for the additional fire power.

 

5 missions - 12 air victories

 

[Panzerlang]

Luftwaffe PaperDoll medals, this replaces the stock doll (guy sitting in a chair) with a Luftwaffe poster per the image attached. Back up your original "Germany" folder first of course. This is the thing that auto-generates the medals and some might prefer the look over the stock one.

Germany.zip

How it looks.

[justin_z3r0]

On 8/9/2021 at 9:55 PM, justin_z3r0 said:

 

5 missions - 12 air victories

 

Mission 6 brought some bad luck. Herb was scheduled to go on patrol today, but his EB-Z wasnt ready with her new engine yet. The mechanics got a spare XIVe ready that has been used earlier in the fall by another pilot who had been seriously injured. It flew just like his EB-z, but he couldn't help feel like he was getting a bad luck bird. Just south of Venlo the flight spotted a flight of fighters high above in the morning sun. Before they could bounce them Herbs flight split up to spoil their attack. In the ensuing dog fight Herb managed ot land a lucky high deflection shot to the wing of a Long Nose. At first it seemed as though it was fine but Herb continued chasing the pilot lower and lower, assuming he was trying to dive to safety. But in an odd high speed spiral towards earth. Herb watched ad the pilot plowed into the ground. What a shame - Probably a rookie pilot they had been hearing about.

 

Herb found his flight lead and rejoined on the patrol - the dogfight seemingly over. But then - they spotted the fight again and pulled in that direction toward Venlo Airfield. ZOOM - a near collision with an Fw 190. Herb rolled over to give chase, but learned he had a wingman who was positioning himself onto herb tail. He knew the XIV could outrun almost anything, Even an Fw. Especially a radial engined Fw.

Once he had gained some distance he decided he could also easily outclimb it and proceeded upwards. By about 6,000ft he noticed the enemy wasn't falling behind as expected. He was sticking with Herb. AND there was not only one, but TWO!!

When he saw the wings begin to twinkle from the lead pursuer he thought... "this is it". They were 109s! "how could I misjudge soo badly!"

Whack Whack Whack. Hits all over. Herb tried to split S but only managed to get himself into a spin.. Whack Whack again. "The bird cant be saved. BAIL"

Herb successfully got out and deployed his chute a short hike south of Venlo Airfield. The Fellas at the 352nd FG (P-51 squardon) saw the whole thing and offered Herb a hot drink and then a ride back to Volkel in the afternoon when he stumbled onto their field.

 

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) that spare kite was lost...

Maybe Herb should request to continue flying his old EB-Z Mk XIVc from 41 sqn. Maybe they could just paint it up with 66 sqn markings?

 

6 missions -13 Air victories

No pic today. - forgot to screenshot.

Edited August 11, 2021 by justin_z3r0

[Panzerlang]

Major Steffner had been curious to know if it was possible to win an award solely for an exceptional mission and now had his answer; no! If seven kills in one mission didn't do it, nothing would. Five Hurricanes, an La5 and a Lagg3. Also now the Luftwaffe's No1 ace with 184 kills. ?

 

[grcurmudgeon]

Lt Hermann Graf got himself shot down by AAA in Lt Litvyak Attempt IV's last mission. Big fight with Yak-1s and Mig-3s against a flight of 109 F/Gs and an attack flight of 109 E7s over friendly territory. AAA got a few, one Yak and one Mig each got one, no friendly losses. We no longer have to worry about that enemy ace...

Edited August 11, 2021 by grcurmudgeon

[Hartsblade]

Mission Six: Complete.

 

A beautiful day for flying, and for a solo Recon Sortie.  Bob easily climbed altitude and began his route.  About ten minutes in, and just a few miles short of the lines, McKenzie spotted two Fw 190A6's below him setting up for a run on some ground troops.  He quickly decided that a little detour was in order and dove on the on the unsuspecting pair. Taking the German pilots by completely by surprise, Wt Off McKenzie was able to quickly dispatch the threat and continue on with his assigned mission.

 

The remainder of the flight was uneventful, and Bob returned safely home without further incident.  For his actions he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar.

 

Sometimes quiet is okay.  The next mission has Bob back with his mates and off to the Front looking to intercept a flight of enemy aircraft. 

 

Six Missions

Thirteen Aircraft Kills

One Ground Kill

[justin_z3r0]

On 8/10/2021 at 10:02 PM, justin_z3r0 said:

 

6 missions -13 Air victories

 

missions 7 and 8

First mission was a CAP in the same area where herb was shot down. This time he had his EB-Z back (still not repainted by the ground crew). Herb managed to take out one Long Nose. He spotted a flight of hapless Ju 52s lumbering around but only had machine gun rounds to pepper them with. He managed a fuel leak but that surely wasn't enough to take down a sturdy Ju 52. He returned to Volkel with one victory.

 

The second was an escort for some US A-20s targeting a pair of bridges North east of Arnhem. The ride in was smooth and the A-20s easy hit their mark. On the way back near to the line the flight lead called out fighters above. It was a pair of Long Noses. They tried to break up our escort flight but didnt land any hits. They quickly began chasing the A-20s in a shallow straight line climb. Herb was the first to notice and stuck with them. Slowly gaining on them. Once in ranger Herb let out a burst and landed some good shots. The Fw tried to take evasive action but got himself into a spin (on stabilizer blown off). Herb figured that was it and turned onto the other Fw. The rest of Herb's flight had the same idea and were ready to go guns. When Herb saw tracers whizzing by his canopy he disengaged rather than risk a friendly fire incident.

 

Then, in a bizarre turn - 4 Me110s joined in from above... Herb quickly dispatched one - flaming engine (the crew was able to get out). Then another, then another. what were they doing trying to dogfight with spitfire at altitude. The LW must be getting desperate... one of them managed to wound one of ours. He was able to bail, but just barely. His wounds will take him back to England.

 

8 Missions - 17 air victories

 

 

 

 

[Panzerlang]

With 197 kills Maj Steffner knew he was close to the ultimate recognition of his deadly trade, the Diamonds to the Knights Cross. Coincidentally about the same point one might expect that final fusillade of cannon shells right into the cockpit. But he wasn't going to let macabre forebodings put him off his stride. With a grim tug on his chute straps he climbed into the cockpit of his A5 and led his flight into the smoke-filled sky over the city of Krimskaya.

Within minutes his boys had spotted a flight of three planes, soon identified (with much amazement) as Spitfires. Steffner knew these were dangerous planes and prepared for a hard fight as he bored in slightly behind his wingman. The wingman fired first into the left-most Spitfire, sending it down immediately. The other two continued to fly along as if nothing had happened, even when the first rounds from Steffner's gun pods flashed by them. Novices! Within less than a minute Steffner had sent them both down.

Half an hour later, with a Yak and three IL2s added to the score, Steffner was safely back on the ground and being hoisted on the shoulders of his crew. Two days later, after another mission in which he brought down another IL2 that killed his engine with debris and forced him to land in a field, the notification came through. The Diamonds! Along with orders from Fat Hermann himself that he was to fly no more combat missions. Ja, we'll see about that Mein Herr.

 

[Varibraun]

4 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

the notification came through. The Diamonds!

 

@Hetzer-JG51 - That is truly an AWESOME accomplishment flying Ironman!  My guess is that very few of us (not me) have ever gotten that award in playing a "no matter what" Ironman.

 

Also, I just checked Hartmann's chronology and he had 13 victories on day you earned The Diamonds, so he is now a young pup on the scene chasing you!  Best to ignore "The Fat One," and watch your 6, I have faith you will be our ultimate virtual "Ace of Aces."  This would be fitting since you gave me whole idea.  Good luck!  

[Panzerlang]

2 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

@Hetzer-JG51 - That is truly an AWESOME accomplishment flying Ironman!  My guess is that very few of us (not me) have ever gotten that award in playing a "no matter what" Ironman.

 

Also, I just checked Hartmann's chronology and he had 13 victories on day you earned The Diamonds, so he is now a young pup on the scene chasing you!  Best to ignore "The Fat One," and watch your 6, I have faith you will be our ultimate virtual "Ace of Aces."  This would be fitting since you gave me whole idea.  Good luck!  

I can 99.9% guarantee he would not survive the war. The amount of luck involved, regardless of any amount of experience and skill, is monumental. Seven flak hits, two of which resulted in serious injury (78 and 22 days recovery time), twice had to bail in flames (one was 21 days to recover), more belly landings than I can remember and any number of flesh-wounds. I also lost count of how many times I returned to base with my plane shot to sh1t. Never mind the reality of the Eastern Front, where most of the enemy pilots are rookies or competent. In the West it'll be the opposite where the head-on snapshots from US and UK planes will be laser guided. No thanks, lol. Steffner might be tempted on occasion but will spend the rest of the war mainly flying his desk.

That way I get to jerk off over the art for the forseeable. ?

Edited August 12, 2021 by Hetzer-JG51

[grcurmudgeon]

Lt Litvyak Attempt IV has hit her 25th kill on her 35th mission by taking down a 109F-4. A bunch of Pe-2s, a C-47, and a FW went down to AAA, but that was the only air-to-air kill in a big furball where she took a flight of 6 up on an intercept mission. Lots of shooting and damage, only the 1 kill.

 

Many flights are like that right now, a sort of stalemate is hitting the lines. Lots of planes in the air, most reaching home safely unless they stray too close to the anti-aircraft guns. Lt Attempt is still having to demand Yak-1bs for her squadron even as we reach the end of July 1942. And at least most of her flightmates are getting better at surviving missions.

[justin_z3r0]

23 hours ago, justin_z3r0 said:

8 Missions - 17 air victories

 

Mission 9 - Herb could no longer hold onto his lucky EB-Z. his new Mk XIVe had finally arrived and EB-Z was being withdrawn back to 41 sqn. THis new e winged model came equipped with a gyro gunsight. Herb had heard lots about them but hadnt used one himself yet. He only really had the morning hours to study up on the manual and a brief introduction form his ground crew on its use. Its wasnt to difficult really, But it sure did take up a lot more space in the small Spit cockpit, obscuring the RPM gauge partially.

 

His mission began at 2:30pm. Nov 30 1944. by this time the sun had already begun in its path back to the horizon resembling the dinner hours of late summer/fall.

the flight was tasked with a patrol at 17,000ft in the Nijmegen - Arnhem area. Just as they reached Altitude - flight lead spotted 109s below. So they attempted to bounce them. The 109s saw it coming though and broke formation, cancelling out flight lead and Herbs attacks. With plenty of speed leftover they rolled over and tried to attack again. But surprisingly - a 109 had managed to get on Herbs tail. Now he took evasive action and shook that 109, only for another to get on his tail. In the process of shaking this one off a third 109 got some hits on Herb. "These must have been experten as the German's called them". Herb did the only thing he could think of. Roll over and dive! The 109s gave chase firing from long range the whole way down. By the time Herb was near to the deck he had gained enough space to turn back in for a fight. It turned out there were 2 that had followed him down. "Where the hell was the rest of my flight." Herb fought on in his damaged kite managing to take one down. He heard frantic calls over the radio that someone had been hit.

Enraged! Herb firewalled the engine and tried to help out. He got good hits on another. Black smoke trailing from its engine, so he left that one to turn his attention to a third. Again good hits! but the bugger tried to run for Arnhem. Herb knew he could catch him and gave chase. Nearly at Arnhem - the pilot tried to take evasive action but lost control of the aircraft due to the damage. Herb watched him plow the ground at nearly 575mph. The other one he had crippled also crashed nearby.

Herb realized he was close to Arnhem and had better turn back to friendly territory. He knew German Flak was extremely accurate, and it was foolish of him to give chase so close to the line all alone. Back near Nijmegen, herb spotted a few Fw190s picking on an injured P-47 pilot. He tried to join this fight was well - sneaking up on the 190 at speed. He was able to dispatch the 190 too. That made 4 victories - and still a little ammo to spare. But fuel was very low. Better head to Volkel. Upon landing Herb found out that his entire flight had been brought down. One killed, one injured and the third able to parachute to safety unharmed.

 

These experten Pilot's were no joke. And Herb had been very foolish allowing the rage to control his actions. He realized he was lucky it wasn't him as well.

 

9 missions - 21 Air victories 

 

Edited August 13, 2021 by justin_z3r0

[Varibraun]

22 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

I also lost count of how many times I returned to base with my plane shot to sh1t. Never mind the reality of the Eastern Front, where most of the enemy pilots are rookies or competent. In the West it'll be the opposite where the head-on snapshots from US and UK planes will be laser guided. No thanks, lol. Steffner might be tempted on occasion but will spend the rest of the war mainly flying his desk.

 

Yes, I definitely noticed the Gold Wound Badge with the medals.  I am sure pure good luck (in addition to their incredible skill and experience) also played maybe the most important reason the Experten were able to achieve their scores, especially those who survived the war.  In our case, I recommend that Maj Steffner stay on the Eastern Front through the end of the war (like Hartmann) to continue scoring - as you know this is possible in PWCG.

 

17 hours ago, grcurmudgeon said:

Lt Attempt is still having to demand Yak-1bs for her squadron even as we reach the end of July 1942. And at least most of her flightmates are getting better at surviving missions.

 

I think her status as the leading Soviet Ace should both earn the Squadron some 1bs and get her a promotion soon.  (This is one of my favorite things about playing the early war Soviets - getting better aircraft and helping the AI pilots climb up in skill levels against tough odds along the way - well done!).

 

13 hours ago, justin_z3r0 said:

And Herb had been very foolish allowing the rage to control his actions. He realized he was lucky it wasn't him as well.

 

Another of my favorite things about this Challenge - it makes you think more like the IRL pilots.  Looks like you are almost 1/2 way there in the Pattle Challenge!

 

On 8/11/2021 at 10:30 PM, Hartsblade said:

For his actions he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar.

Good work Hartsblade!

 

@No105_Swoose & @chrisnj96 how are you guys fairing the US & UK Challenges?  My Kozhedub Challenge is well behind @grcurmudgeon due to lack of recent stick time and Uri #2's unfortunate encounter with a tree trunk in a forced landing with oil splatter obscuring his vision.  Uri #3 currently has 5 victories and is hoping to get back in the air this weekend.

[justin_z3r0]

22 hours ago, justin_z3r0 said:

9 missions - 21 Air victories 

 

 

On his 10th Mission - during a low Alt patrol near Nijmegen - Herbert Baker was killed in action.

Just prior - he was able to down 2 190A8s in an impossible scenario. The flight at 7,000 ft noticed Fws high above - maybe 2,000 feet above. They attempted to climb up to meet them but the FWs noticed before the could gain height and dived on 66sqn. Herb managed to avoid their attack and even managed to get on the tail of one. Bringing it down. But another was close behind and when tracers began flying all around him - Herb Dove, Nearly blacking out. The Fw made a fatal mistake and overshot Herb - allowing him to lay cannon round into the Fw. It went down - Herb saw the pilot bail over Nijmegen and knew he would be treated fairly. Knowing that his flight was still fighting above Herb began climbing and allowing himself to catch his breath. During the Climb, An Fw managed to snipe Herb through his canopy. He didnt even know which way the shots came from. It was over like that...

 

10 missions - 23 air victories

 

I messed up the plane loadout somehow as my entire flight was equipped with c wings, no mirror, and standard gunsight. when I thought I had enabled all of those. Flustered - I considered restarting the mission so I could at least configure my plane properly. But I wanted to stay true to the challenge and proceeded anyways (its weird flying a spit without the mirror I think). I dont think this would have changed the result as this was a total blindside in a patch of sky I tough was empty except for myself..

Your gut sinks when you realize your pilot is dead. a couple weeks of flying lost. oh well. at least that all I lost. Young men in service for real sacrificed much more. And we all owe them a great respect.

 

Warrant Officer Arthur Rowe will pick up the torch with 184 Squadron flying the Tempest Mk V. He looks forward to learning from the veteran squadron members.

This time with a 3:1 ratio for days.

[justin_z3r0]

45 minutes ago, justin_z3r0 said:

Warrant Officer Arthur Rowe will pick up the torch with 184 Squadron flying the Tempest Mk V. He looks forward to learning from the veteran squadron members.

This time with a 3:1 ratio for days.

Arthur experienced his first victories on his first Sortie. one Fw 190 and one Bf-110. Although The 110 shot him up a bit causing a fuel leak in his right wing. He was able to back it back to Grave from the Venlo area where the fight occurred. The rest of his flight landing at Venlo.

A flight of Spit Mk IXe were in the area too enabling an 11:2 kill ratio for the allies. Not a bad start to Art's Tour.

 

2 air victories