"After Action Report - September 30" Topic

After Action Report
September 30

Skies over Belgium

My element of P-51D Mustangs was part of a larger effort passing over Belgium earlier today. My wingman was an experienced hand that normally flies wing for our squadron leader. The Major was taking some leave as suggested by our Flight Surgeon.

This assignment was his last order before leaving for some much needed R & R. I had just lost a wingman my previous sortie and was not looking forward to breaking in an inexperienced replacement.

Our flight was flying top cover for others in an advantageous position to pick our targets. My wingman called out two Fw190 Doras sneaking into our airspace from below (You have to love this new teardrop canopy; the lieutenant said he would have missed the enemy a/c from under the earlier style hinged canopy).

We formed up in a manner to mass our firepower for this attack pass. As lead, I misjudged my approach and overshot the enemy wingman. The German pilot considered a tailing shot as I passed by, but my partner was glued to my wing and in a very strong position to ward off such an attack. Breaking off, to avoid my wingman's guns, the enemy a/c was separated from his leader. We set upon him as he tried to reform his element and he suffered a light wound. It would have been worse, save for his pilot armor.

Alone, he couldn't shake off our element. Moments later, my wingman let loose a 6 X .50 burst that perforated the Dora's left wing so badly the German was forced to bailout. As bad as his aircraft was shot up, it was a miracle he cleared that spinning wreck. Watching his parachute blossom open below me, I had mixed feelings. How can I be glad this man was alive, just moments after wishing him dead? Rather than face us alone, the enemy leader chose discretion over valor and exited today's combat.

Total gaming time for this encounter was eight minutes; including the time spent deploying my card table's undercarriage.

What rules pray tell?

Mike

And any pics?

Thanks,

John

This Quick and Deadly Game Called Air Combat

I won't show you the picture of the card table top with the game set up just yet. Too much of that "Why didn't I think of that first." factor in the photo.

I am posting some original artwork for many of the different aircraft I've flown in this game I've designed. The Dora's game sheet image is bracketed by paper until the game is released.

Every single bit of detail in the AAR was driven by the game including what exactly brought you down.

The squadron leader, flight surgeon and crew chief decisions are yours to make.

Approaching your target's six is not driven by chance.

An aircraft's make and model will make a difference. Airframe robustness, self-sealing fuel tanks and pilot armor will make a difference, based upon where the projectiles actually strike, NOT upon an accumulation of "damage points".

An aircraft's gun mix, caliber, range from target, ammo supply, damaged firepower and shell type definitely make a difference in the size, pattern and number of holes appearing on a target's airframe.

Bailing out and landing safely are not givens, they are your decision alone, based on where and how much your aircraft has been damaged.

I'm aware this is bad grammar, but, etcetera.

Mark

P.S. If you choose to play solo, you can't tilt the table to skew the outcome. There will be consequences if you join the fray.\

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