Polish-Soviet War 1920, Part 2: Miracle on the Vatitsa

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

 

Mission concept Kurtz28.

Skins by Kurtz28, J5_Adam. 

Map created by J5_Mueller.

Hosted on J5 Server.

SCHEDULE:  (times are GMT; convert to your local time zone)

Practice Run - Saturday January 1, 15:00 GMT – Sunday January 2, 03:00 GMT*

            Event – Saturday January 15, 17:00 GMT – Sunday January 16, 17:00 GMT*

*times subject to modification.  This is a updated time as of 1/1/22 05:27 GMT.

SUMMARY: 

The Polish–Soviet War (14 February 1919 – 18 March 1921) was fought primarily between the Second Polish Republic and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in the aftermath of World War I, in territories formerly held by the Russian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

OVERVIEW:

June 9, 1920

The Soviet forces from the East have continued the pincer assault trying to envelope the withdrawing Polish forces at Velikie Luki (0507-2). Currently the southern Soviet assault is close to the critical bridge crossing at Plaksina (0708-2).  In Velikie Luki Polish forces continue to evacuate via rail from the city while bringing in reinforcements to blunt the Soviet advance. The next several hours are critical for Polish forces to hold the city.

OBJECTIVES:

Polish Defensive Action:  Protect Velikie Luki area, including City Center, Rail Station, and area Airfields at all cost for mission duration!

Polish Offensive Action  Seek out and destroy the Soviet communications truck and all Soviet motor columns and trains. Destroying Soviet communications truck will allow for the Polish ground counter attack to begin.

Polish intelligence reports indicate as many as three (3) Soviet motorized columns approaching from South, Southeast and East. Soviets are using trains to bring motorized forces closer to city.

Soviet Offensive Action:  Capture Velikie Luki City and hold, secure railhead and capture Bulynino (0607-0) and Velikie Luki(0508-4) airfields.  Destroy forward Polish antenna to delay Polish counterattacking columns by 60 minutes.

Soviet Defensive Action:  Defend Soviet columns and trains at all costs to ensure ground offensive continues.   Defend Russian radio truck. Prevent capture of Plaksina river crossing, Kuniya and Porechye aerodromes.  Destroy any counterattacking Polish armored columns.

WARNING TO AIRMEN

Haluter’s Skin Downloader (HSD) "POLISH SOVIET WAR 1920!" Skin Pack must be DOWNLOADED PRIOR TO ENTERING SERVER.  Make sure to check the box in your game settings in IL2 to allow custom paint schemes.  This must be done otherwise skin defaults will break the combat experience! When choosing aircraft at airfields custom skin thumbnails will not show, but will show in the hangar and in server. 

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION FRIEND or FOE(IFF) VITAL PRIOR TO ENGAGEMENT!  This is due to similar/same surplus planes flown by both Polish and Soviet Air Forces!

Sopwith Camel

Fokker D7

Fokker D8

Bristol Ftr.

SE5a

SPAD7

Air Recognition: 

Poland:  Red /White checker board. 

Soviet: Red Star

VICTORY CONDITIONS

Soviet team:  Capture and hold Velikie Luki Center, Bulynino and Velki Luki aerodromes.

Polish team:  Capture and hold Plaksina, Poechye and Kunia aerodromes.

Both sides must protect and support friendly ground forces. Due to the soft terrain most, vehicles are restricted to roads.  Vehicle spawn sheds are destructible and will close that spawn for 60 minutes.  Kuriyakovo and Plaksina bridges will remain destroyed for 60 minutes after bombing for repairs.

Repair/Rearm is available at Velikie Luki and Bulynino, but will be impossible if Polish train is destroyed.  Rearm/Repair trucks remain and supply whichever coalition controls them as long as that coalitions supply train to the area is still running.Areas may only be captured by ground vehicles or landed planes.

Vehicle spawn sheds may be bombed to close the vehicle spawn point for 1 hour.

COMMUNICATION TOWERS - INTERRUPTION OF IN-FLIGHT COMMUNICATIONS:

Destroying either sides main communications tower restricts that teams communications in-game.  Only non-verbal in-flight communication/signaling is permitted unless out of mission and sitting in one of the Flugpark Discord HQ/Briefing channels.

 

Mission Duration: 0730-1930 in cockpit

WEATHER:

Temperature 19 C

Pressure Mmhg: 760

Winds: Ground 160@2m/s, 500m 180@2m/s, 1000m 150@3m/s, 2000m 175@4m/s, 5000m 090@5m/s

Turbulence: slight

Clouds: Heavy broken @ 1000m to 1500m

Haze: slight

 

End

Edited January 1, 2022 by J5_Baeumer

[J2_Trupobaw]

No Dolphin? It couldn;'t make this planeset more ahistorical, and we could see if in Soviet Russia, Dolphin flips you...

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

Thanks @Eeafanas

[J2_Trupobaw]

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

Went to some lengths to make the plane set as historical as possible, biggest missing piece is the Neiuport 17 so the 28 was substituted, also there was historically only one Camel on the Polish side so for balance sake numbers are equal on both sides, otherwise all planes included were shown to be active on the front at that time.

  Heres a clip from testing with no player trucks or planes on the map.

  

 

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

Yes unfortunately infantry are not available in a way that would compliment the mission, but I did have fun trying to take the areodrome back from Russian control while you were defending sir, good shooting!

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

After further research apparently there were 6 Sopwith Dolphins on the Polish side, so they have been added back in.

 

[No.42_Flatspin]

I’m in either side for balance (voted). 

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

Event – Saturday January 1 practice mission and Saturday January 15 actual event,  17:00 GMT – Sunday, 17:00 GMT*

*times subject to modification.  This is a updated time as of 1/1/22 05:27 GMT.   This is a start time two hours later than originally advertised and running 12 hours longer for a total runtime of 24 hours or until the mission objective is won by one side or another.

Edited January 1, 2022 by J5_Baeumer

[No.42_Flatspin]

Server pass?

 

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

I saw you got in!  For anyone else wondering it is posted on Flugpark Discord campaign channel.

 

[1PL-KJ-1Esk]

QUestion is there some more instructions like: how to overtake the airfield? How is the comunication tower/truck look like? there is a recon mision but there is not a recon plane designated, etc...

 

 

Edited January 10, 2022 by 1PL-KJ-1Esk

[RNAS10_Oliver]

Voted for either team. Though presume that can be put together with squad mates right?

 

Given the large event time assume we jump on whenever for however long and that there would AI aircraft involved in the mission for the low population times.

Edited January 10, 2022 by RNAS10_Oliver

[Superflyer]

Hello, is it possible for you to use it to create a single player campaign or a scripted campaign? The associated skins are also welcome. I think that would inspire a lot of World War I fans and friends of the double deckers.

 

 

Hallo, ist es für euch möglich, daraus eine Single Player Kampagnie oder eine Geskrippte Kampagnie zu erstellen? Gerne auch die dazugehörigen Skins. Ich denke das würde viele Weltkrieg I Fans und Freunde der Doppeldecker begeistern.

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

18 hours ago, 1PL-KJ-1Esk said:

QUestion is there some more instructions like: how to overtake the airfield? How is the comunication tower/truck look like? there is a recon mision but there is not a recon plane designated, etc...

 

@J5_Mueller should be by shortly to fill in the blanks you've identified. 

Edited January 11, 2022 by J5_Baeumer

[1PL-KJ-1Esk]

Thx ...found him yesterady on Disco and got all the answers

 

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

Yes great flying with you KJ, i had alot of fun during testing last night and i think we got all your questions answered, to answer others yes Im sure it could be used to create a single player mission although currently there are no plans to do so, also people will be put on the same team as squad mates in all cases, Jasta5  may split if side balance requires it. Yes you can join and play for as long as you wish, there are AI vehicles but no AI planes, yesterday during final testing the ,mission ran the full 24 hours and ended in a draw even with participation on only one side or the other, so even if theres no enemy on, it will still be a challenge to try to win the mission. Last night 1PL_KJ and 1PL_Yellow and myself had our hands full just trying to recapture territory lost before i got into the map and despite working together were unable to win the mission even with no player opposition, the password is "1920" so if you are interested in helping test and getting a feel for this different type of campaign, go check out the server , try to complete some objectives, the best strategy is to have a player truck or 2 with player planes as air support overhead. 

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

This event will be unusual in that the mission duration will be 24 hours or until one side achieves victory, I have asked if 1PL can provide leadership and organization for the Polish team,  J5_Loppnow has agreed to provide coordination for the Russian team due to the fact he and most of Jasta 5 will likely be on the Russian side for team balance, we will need pilots from both sides who may be flying later in the mission and are able to help organize their team as early starters finish for the day and replacement pilots arrive, this should be fairly simple and not require much time or effort but someone should be present to help with continuity of team operations. I myself will not be participating in any planning or organizational tasks as i am too familiar with the mission and that would be unfair, however any pilots who would like to do so , please see or msg 1PL_KJ to help on the Polish side and J5_Loppnow to assist on the Russian side. Please arrive on discord @30 min prior to mission start for preflight briefings and any last minute Q and A regarding mission. See you on Saturday!

[JGr2/S27b_Loppnow]

Salute all,

 

Just checking to see who owns the U-2VS.  We need pilots who own this specialty plane to join the Red Team.  50% of our bomber force is made up of U-2VS.  Please post something here if you own it and will be flying Red.

 

Thanks,

 

Karl Loppnow

Edited January 13, 2022 by J5_Loppnow-Sch27b

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

 

[JGr2/S27b_Loppnow]

Always knew you were a bit of a dark horse!  ?

 

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

Preliminary side assignments are as follows:(May be modified for side balance) ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH COALITION WILL RESULT IN 24HR LOCK OUT

Polish Team:                                                Russian Team:

 1PL_Lucas (Team air marshal)                                                     J5_Loppnow (Team air marshal)

 1PL_Sahaj                                                                                      J5_Bauemer

 1PL_Banzai                                                                                    J5_Eck

 1PL_Yellow                                                                                    J5_Winklemann

 1PL_Modzel                                                                                   J5_Daedallus

 1PL_KJ                                                                                           J5_Konneke

 1PL_adso                                                                                       J5_Rumey

 J2_Bidu                                                                                         J5_Spyboy

 J2_Raker                                                                                       J5_Ragnutz

 J2_Nedo                                                                                        J5_Nialoh

 J2_Nobiwan                                                                                  US213_ Biddle

 J99_Himmelhund                                                                          US213_Talbot

 J99_Sizzlor                                                                                    NO.42_Flatspin

 RNAS10_Oliver                                                                               NO.42_Spacegnome

 RNAS10_Andi                                                                                 NO.42_Tally

 RNAS10_Mitchell                                                                           I/TG3-J_Eck

 94th_Vernon                                                                                  Kurtz28

  ITAF_Artiglio                                                                                 Kotori

 JG1_Vonrd                                                                                      Baron von Myakin

 FF_Vihura                                                                                       HS_Takeshy

 NO.10_Ace Ivo                                                                                4(SKN)_Lorax

J15_Gontermann                                                                            Oraclenok

Swing                                                                                              Eeafanas

Ilmavoimat                                                                                      RedDigga

[ER]_Nordseefisher                                                                        BarSS 

J2_Trupobaw                                                                                  JG4_Moltke1871

 

Edited January 15, 2022 by J5_Mueller

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

There were last minute skin updates for the Russian DFW, please all pilots update HSD and restart IL to assure you will have the skin update. The campaign is slated to run for 24hours, if neither side has achieved victory by then it will be scored a draw, whichever side takes and holds the 3 designated objectives and holds them all for 30 minutes will end the mission and score a win for that side, please arrive @ 30 min. prior to mission start for preflight briefing and brief QandA session.  You can fly for as long as you like and leave and return anytime over the 24 hours to assist your side. Trying to change coalition will result in lockout for the mission duration. Warmed up engines are off so if first spawning or respawning check your engine temps! There is a 300 second time out penalty for death, capture, or respawn. Rearm refuel available at all aerodromes. Each side is limited to 25 pilot/gunner/veh slots, we will attempt to have good balance at the start but as things progress one side may have more pilots at times, any late registrants or errant visitors who are interested in participating will be assigned to the side with fewer pilots when they arrive, exception being pilots already on the team lists above. Please read the mission description fully on entering the server, most importantly, have fun, enjoy the fights, and good luck to both teams! 

Edited January 15, 2022 by J5_Mueller

[=J18=Eck]

 

Edited January 16, 2022 by J5_Eck

[JGr2/J5_Mueller]

Thanks to everyone that turned up to participate in this 24 hour campaign. The Polish team was able to secure 2 of the 3 objectives for victory before time expired at the 24 hour limit. Therefore the mission was scored a draw. Great fights and epic deaths were the order of the day, feedback was mixed with some really enjoying a new style of gameplay and others just as strongly disliking it. Weather you liked it or not I personally appreciate the support of the time to come and play and experience something a little more challenging than what WW1 campaigns have traditionally offered.

[JG4_Moltke1871]

My opinion about this campaign:

It was an fantastic experience and the concept is really unique and feels fresh?

Because it was new for me everything what happens surprises me ?

Especially the moving columns are nice.

The ability to take over airfield also good, maybe a bit to easy? (How about must land with minimum two aircraft’s or a special kind of heavy plane?)

But this is just an idea, in fact no reason complain about it. 

Unfortunately my playtime was not long enough to explore the effect of bombing rear targets like the train station.

The scenario allows both sides fly same planes if I see it right?

So there is no unnecessary reason talk about any stupid balancing?

Forced to identify the enemy just by the emblems feels very realistic.

I not so long into the game ( about 1,5 years) but so far it was my best experience ??
Thanks a lot for that!!!

[1PL-KJ-1Esk]

I spend some time on the server and generally speaking it was GREAT i had a lot of fun. What i would taki into consideration the flack car driven by Players. if its possible to decrease the damage it does 9its freaking deadly and any attempt to kill is a sue side) or minimalize the respawn places or drastically get rid of it.  

The rest was great, capture the airfield, moving front, even the 24h...i think it was the first time thats so no one is used to it. Normaly we have 2-4h mision that repeats each week. 

Although I know that Muller is working on April Campaign, maybe it would be a good idea instead of score every week, the map will stay on the end of mision and start from the same spot. And whoever wins the map wins the war. The probelem is that it might finish sooner or drag for weeks  just a thought. Waiting for Bloody April.

PS And last thing, its important as we have observed on FC to create a award system and ribbon for the Polish Soviet Campain, it might attract more people and make it more prestige. 

[J2_NobiWan]

Thank you J5_Mueller, Kurtz28, J5_Baeumer and everyone else who helped to put this campaign together.
I had a great time and enjoyed it quite a lot! Instead of the usual "build up a big streak" (which can be fun too!), here everything was much more focused on what went on on the ground. We had to protect our vehicle colums, stop wave after wave of enemy colums, capture airfields etc. We had to adapt our strategies accordingly and change the way we were flying to handle the situation. Quite challenging and awarding! I also enjoyed the 24h timescope and it was a great experience to see the change from night to dawn to early morning, with the last desperate attempt to push through to Porechye. Very immersive! Yes, the human driven flack cars were to strong and brought some frustration. Don't know how to handle that. And also I would have wished for a bit more information on the game mechanics (what does it take to capture an airfield/truck spawn point, which airfields/TSP cannot be captured, what exactly disrupts the spawning of new enemy columns, where are the vehicles heading to, how does the radio truck/radar work,...) Sure, not everyone will read it, but some will and that might decide the battle.

Anyway, again, I had a great time, thank you all and hopefully more of this in the future.

 

[J2_Trupobaw]

I liked the concept, disliked the implementation.

Having to identify planes by skins worked well until people with no skins showed up. To make matter worse, these players were behind enemy lines and had no problems IFFing planes around them, while benefiting from moments of hesitation. 

Having the WW2 player driven flak vehicles was absurd, with single players blowing away entire flights in one sitting and amassing Geschweder-sized scores while being pretty much imprevious to attacks form the air. Ground fire didn't work that way in WW2, it didn't work that way in WW1, and especially not on Polish-bolshevik war. It's neither historical, nor challenging (to gunner or to pilots), or fun for anyone involved except gunner himself (summarizing - it brings little, it spoils a lot). I've heard arguments that these might bring Tank Crew players to WW1 but - if their contribution is to ride ahistorical vehicles and act as party crashers for people actually doing WW1 stuff, we're probably better off without them.

The 24-hour map - in practice - means that side with pilots awake for last hours thanks to timezone has an advantage. OTOH, flying in the night is always great.

The skins are lovely, my hat's off to authors. Would it be possible to get my hands on the beautiful, wooden fuselage Polish Halberstadt and DFW C.V templates, to use the fuselages for further skins?