Kurland / Kurzeme 1944/45 Mod V05 / released 18.07.2025

[kraut1]

 

Hi All,

V05 of the "Kurland / Kurzeme 1944/45 is released.

Update V05 / 18.07.2025:

-some new skins for the Modification: 

-some selfmade russian skins in a "Baltic Fleet Style"

-FW190-A8 JG54 late war skins (summer/winter with/without sw) by E69_julian57

It is a late war eastern front modification, that allows to create combat missions in the (english) Courland Pocket between 16. October 1944 to 08. May 1945.

The Battle of the Courland Pocket, in german called Kurland Kessel, was in first line static front war. The german Heeresgruppe Nord was attacked beween October 44 and the End of the War in 6 battles by the Red Army and managed to hold their lines and the 2 importent harbours of Liepaja and Ventspils until the end of the war.

Latvian units fought on both sides. (19. Waffen-Grenadier Division and 322nd Rēzekne Latvian Night Bomber Aviation Regiment)

Land War was static, but with the most advanced german and russian tanks.

General Historical Information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courland_Pocket

https://ludwigheinrichdyck.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/life-and-death-struggle-for-the-courland-bridgehead/

Naval Action: The Red Navy used in first line Submarines and smaller gun boats, E-Boats, because the bigger ships were still restricted by the huge mine fields. The german Navy was comparable strong, because all surviving units had retreated to the Baltic Sea.

The german Navy had in first line the task to protect the supply and evacuation convoys from / to the ports of Liepaja and Ventspils.

And with the main guns of the heavy cruisers to support the Army troops near the coast line.

The Pilots of the Red Airforce and the Red Navy attacked the convoys and the german FW190s of I./II. Jg54 defended them.

 

Air Warfare / Units:

 

USSR:

-concerning the Red Air force in this area I have received an interesting link by sevenless:

https://airwarpublications.com/a-beginners-guide-to-the-soviet-air-force-over-courland/

According to the site the Red Air Force and the Red Navy Air Units used a great variety of planes, the majority is already available in

IL-2:GB. (I have  deactivated for default daylight usage the Night Bomber U-2 by changing the end date in the planes.json)

Update V02 / 15.09.2024:

IL-2 M43 EMG loadouts:

anti-armor loadout same as rocket load out with 4 rockets and AT Bomblets, for late war german tanks.

If you want to use the 37mm cannons vs tank choose EMG loadout cargo

 

			Germany:

-The Luftwaffe used very frequently FW190-A5,A6 and A8 (I./II.Jg54) and FW190-F8 (III.SG).

-A BF109 Unit was I.Jg51 from November 44 - 23th Jan.45 BF109-G14 in Mod

-NaG5 used FW189 (not available / instead Me410 for recon. and BG109-G6 in Mod.

For the FW190 it was  was necessary to adapt the EMG loadouts:
 

Spoiler

FW190-A,5,6,8 and-F8 EMG Plane loadouts:
-planes.json

 

FW190A5 in Kurland only as fighter, fighter bomber but not U17(F3)
2x20mm+2xMG = [0,1] "camera", "cargo"
4x20mm(MG-FF180rounds)+2xMG = "guns only": [4,10001],
1xSC500 + 2x20mm+2xMG  = "rockets" "anti-armor" "bombs" = [3,1001],

FW190A6 in Kurland only as fighter, fighter bomber but not as Schlachtflieger / Sturmjaeger
2x20mm+2xMG = [8,1000001] "camera", "cargo"
4x20mm+2xMG = "guns only": [0,1],
1xSC250 + 4x20mm+2xMG = "rockets" [2,10001]
1xSC500 + 2x20mm+2xMG  =  "anti-armor" "bombs" = [11,1010001],

 

FW190A8 in Kurland as fighter , fighter bomber AND as Schlachtflieger -F8

Default is FW190-A8
4x20mm+2xMG = "guns only": [0,1],
1xSC500 + 4x20mm+2xMG  = "rockets" "anti-armor" "bombs" = [3,101],

For FW190-F8 Schlachtgeschwader 3 select for each mission:
2x20mm+2xMG + 1xSC500 = [44,100101] "camera"
2x20mm+2xMG + 12xPanzerblitz HL (armor piercing) = [36,100001] "cargo"

Currently not in planes.json defined:
For a pure FW190-F8 career if -F8 fighter missions should be flown:
2x20mm+2xMG = "guns only": [32,100001],

If you don`like my current settings you can either use the default planes.json (in EMG \data: planes-default-EMGv85.json)

or you can define other available loadouts for EMG by creating a quick mission and looking in the _gen.Mission file.

I have used in general for the Mod latvian and german names of Cities / Airfields.

Minimum required for this Mod:

Il-2 Battle of Bodenplatte for Map and historical correct FW190-A8

To fly for Russia: depends on the plane type: Maybe only a collector plane and / or BoS, BoK.

The Mod consists of 2 parts

1.) The IL2 Mod

Download (Install with JSGME):

https://www.mediafire.com/file/09gtpf6ditrf3tl/Kurland-Kurzeme-1944-45-Mod-V05.zip/file

 

-A modification of IL-2:GB Rheinland GUI map. I have removed the town labels and added some latvian / german labels.

-The Big town of Rotterdam and Amsterdam were removed and Ventspils and Riga were added (in the static object group in the EMG  template)

-a modification of the Destroyer7 to a "German Destroyer" (the Russian destroyer was not used during this Campaign)

skin by Off_Winters, I have modified the armament to 5x1 Main guns and 37mm / 20mm german Flak.

Selfmade Airfields Libau and new Windau now with smooth surface for Port / Ship defensive missions and GUI Map / Mission Pack updated

-a Mission Pack "Courland44-45-Mission-Pack" with folders:

  -Courland44-45-0-Demo-Missions

  -Courland44-45-1-FW190-A8-JG54-Campaign-Missions (of a not completed campaign)

  -Courland44-45-2-A20-Missions

  -Courland44-45-3-IL-2-Missions

All missions with subtitle enemy plane grid locations in german / russian (kyrillic)

(russian messages checked by FoxbatRU some months ago)

 

 

 

2.) An adapted Easy Mission Generator by Vander for Kurland

Vander,  Thanks very much for your EMG!

If you like EMG please visit Vander's page and maybe you want support him with a coffee!

https://sites.google.com/view/il2-great-battles-emg/home

-with 3 pre defined frontlines

-target objectives for mission types:

-Intercept, Air superiority, close air support, anti ship attacks,...

-Selfmade Airfields Libau and new Windau now with smooth surface for Port / Ship defensive missions and GUI Map / Mission Pack updated

-optional Templates with russian plane grid subtitle messages for allied missions and german messages for axis missions. Templates to be activated by mouse click with batch files.

New v05: Templates with random russian torpedo / gun boat attacks on german ships

-Ambient patrol flights with additional 66% random.

-Loadouts for A20 for anti ship / anti tank attacks changed with4x250kg bombs  / IL2 loadouts changed with rockets / AT Bomblets for anti armor missions. Choose for tank column attacks loadout "rockets".

 

This EMG Mod shall only to be used for Kurland44/45 Missions!

If you encounter problems please ask me for support not Vander, because this mod is not released / approved by Vander!

Download:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/sbxspvqp6q7yxou/IL2-EMG-v88-v89-Kurland-Kurzeme44-45-V05.zip/file

Installation (only this download required / contains everything):

General EMG Information see:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/43276-il2-great-battles-easy-mission-generator/

https://sites.google.com/view/il2-great-battles-emg/tips-tricks?authuser=0

Copy the downloaded EMG folder to a location of your choice

During first start of EMG define only IL2 main program folder, mission folder not required:

Hints for use of EMG:

-All missions tested with:

-Airfield Libau-Nord is a selfmade improvised Airfield. Surface is rough, take offs are extremely bumpy.

-FW190 and BF109 AI has sometimes (ca.5%) problems to stay at the runway at the beginning of the take off. Please restart in this case the mission.

 

IL2 Mod

GUI Map:

Because we have currently no real Kurland Map all fronts are only similar to the real ones.

Front October 44

Front January 45:

Front March 45:

Mission Pack:

 

Mod structure:

I use only the maptiles of the medium detail level.

Template file for manual mission generation without EMG:

-In the EMG CoopTemplate_RHINELAND.Mission are in the Static Group all used sub groups:

 

2.) Easy Mission Generator by Vander adapted to Kurland:

With EMG by Vander you can define and create quick and easy IL-2 Missions.

And you can control effectively the number of planes and ground objects, importent if mission design has to consider FPS issues.

Due to the small map size and the option to define targets either by "distance close" or "Target area" you can generate interesting missions that can be flown from take off from runway to target and back to landing in ca.15... 45 minutes.

-optional Templates with russian plane grid subtitle messages for allied missions and german messages for axis missions. Templates to be activated by mouse click with batch files.

-Ambient patrol flights with additional 66% random.

-Loadouts for A20 for anti ship / anti tank attacks changed with4x250kg bombs  / IL2 loadouts changed with rockets / AT Bomblets for anti armor missions. Choose for tank column attacks loadout "rockets".

 

And the fronts in EMG for mission generation:

 

-optional Templates with russian plane grid subtitle messages for allied missions and german messages for axis missions. Templates to be

activated by mouse click with batch files.

 

 

Edited July 18 by kraut1

[kraut1]

Videos / Screenshots / Progress

Demo / Test random Naval Action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78 Artillery Battery target definitions for 3 front lines placed in EMG template and tested in 5 EMG test missions.

Target definitions for Ammo Dumps, Fuel Dumps, Garrisons, HQs, Fortifications, Strongholds placed and tested.

 

Progress 26.08.24: Release of V01

27.08.24:

I have just flown my first 1945 Courland Pocket Eastern Front Jg54 Mission:

Edited August 27, 2024 by kraut1
Progress 27.08.24: First Campaign Mission flown

[Billsponge1972]

Outstanding work!

And I'm sure a lot of work too!

Thank you!

[sevenless]

Maybe you will find this helpful:

 

A Beginners Guide to the Soviet Air Force Over Courland - Air War Publications

 

They are working on a book about Airwar Kurland. Can´t wait.

 

In the Works - Air War Publications

 

And some good reading:

 

Christmas in Courland 1944 - Air War Publications

Edited August 23, 2024 by sevenless

[kraut1]

16 minutes ago, sevenless said:

Maybe you will find this helpful:

 

A Beginners Guide to the Soviet Air Force Over Courland - Air War Publications

 

They are working on a book about Airwar Kurland. Can´t wait.

 

In the Works - Air War Publications

 

And some good reading:

 

Christmas in Courland 1944 - Air War Publications

Great, thanks very much!

This means that USSR Air force and Navy used a great variety of plane types, and really many of them are in IL-2GB available.

I think the default EMG plane.json file will already fit, but I will check and overwork the planes selection.

 

In respect of the german plane types I found today the info that beside the FW190-As and -Fs there was for ca. 2 months a Gruppe of JG51 with BF109-G6/-G14. And the NaG5 used beside FW189 Bf109-G4/G6 too.

 

In respect of german daylight operations over Kurland and the Baltic sea were Bomber or long range fighter missions flown by units that operating from northern Germany or mayby Denmark?

These planes could be placed by EMG automaticly (Air start) as Ambient Planes.

 

[sevenless]

2 minutes ago, kraut1 said:

In respect of german daylight operations over Kurland and the Baltic sea were Bomber or long range fighter missions flown by units that operating from northern Germany or mayby Denmark?

 

You are welcome. 

 

Nope. Not that I am aware of. Air ground work was mostly done by the Schlachtgeschwader 190Fs. However IMHO it never hurts to spice things up a little by integrating that factor for gamesake. Who knows, maybe KG 200 flew some special secret missions from Kolberg and documentation for that was lost.

 

Kampfgeschwader 200 (ww2.dk)

[kraut1]

Kurland / Kurzeme 1944/45 Mod V01 released

 

 

 

Edited September 15, 2024 by kraut1

[kraut1]

Update V02 / 15.09.2024:

-extended mission pack:

-optional Templates with russian plane grid subtitle messages for allied missions and german messages for axis missions. Templates to be activated by mouse click with batch files.

-Ambient patrol flights with additional 66% random.

-Loadouts for A20 for anti ship / anti tank attacks changed with4x250kg bombs  / IL2 loadouts changed with rockets / AT Bomblets for anti armor missions. Choose for tank column attacks loadout "rockets".

[kraut1]

Update V03 / 22.09.2024:

Selfmade Airfields Libau and new Windau now with smooth surface for Port / Ship defensive missions and GUI Map / Mission Pack updated:

[kraut1]

Edited May 16 by kraut1

[KpaxBos]

Hello,

Thank for your work.

I am just confused about what have I to install to play your campaign.

Do I need to install the IL2 mod ?

Do I need to install EMG mod ?

 

Thanks for helping.

[kraut1]

4 hours ago, KpaxBos said:

Hello,

Thank for your work.

I am just confused about what have I to install to play your campaign.

Do I need to install the IL2 mod ?

Do I need to install EMG mod ?

 

Thanks for helping.

Hi,

For the campaign you have only to install the IL2 mod.

EMG is only required if you want to generate your own missions.

[KpaxBos]

Hi,

Thank you for helping.

👍

[kraut1]

Update V04 / 10.01.2025:

Small AI modifications: AI rear gunners modified for balanced low settings, strafing attack open fire distance reduced to avoid waste of ammunition, La-5FN / Yak1s127 AI improved to simulate La7 / Yak3

 

Edited January 10 by kraut1

[kraut1]

Have just updated the link:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/pap50ielwpaujb9/Kurland-Kurzeme-1944-45-Mod-V04.zip/file

[kraut1]

I had added again the link to the Mission Generator, not changed, renamed to v04 only to have same names for Mod and Mission Generator:

Download:

https://www.mediafire.com/file/887xwfc23rrs5td/IL2-EMG-v85-Kurland-Kurzeme44-45-V04.zip/file

[kraut1]

Demo of new Russian Wingmen (Subtitle) Warnings and Kurland random russian gunboat / torpedo boat attacks:

@Marque

[Marque]

It's hot in the sky over the Gulf of Riga! 🤨
JG54 vs IAP4
this is almost an ANNOUNCEMENT of a new campaign!

 

Скрытый текст

 

Edited March 10 by Marque

[kraut1]

 

Привет @Marque

 

This is a general message that axis has completed it's target.

Located in the generic template:

I will create a ru version of the template and try to deactivate by changing the icons name to: "-"

Result: this does not work / no further missions will be created!

Sorry, I can't deactivate the message in the template.

 

 

 

[Marque]

🙂🙃
New skin 4 IAP.
 

 

Edited March 11 by Marque

[kraut1]

 

V05 of the "Kurland / Kurzeme 1944/45 is released.

Update V05 / 18.07.2025:

-some new skins for the Modification: 

-some selfmade russian skins in a "Baltic Fleet Style"

-FW190-A8 JG54 late war skins (summer/winter with/without sw) by E69_julian57

-EMG:

New v05: optional Templates with random russian torpedo / gun boat attacks on german ships