Air War 1939

 It might have been a Phoney War in France in 1939 but for air and naval forces there was much fighting to be done.  The following two actions are based on historic events.

 

One lone Hurricane fighter found itself over Germany; seeking to return to base it formatted on some other fighters and then discovered it was a formation of Bf109d German fighters.

 

The initial situation.

 

 

The formation leaders turn away from the threat while their wingman turn towards it.  

There is a quick exchange of fire.

 

 

The undamaged Hurricane dives away while the 109s scatter to regroup in pursuit.


             

 

The Hurricane is the faster aeroplane and outdistances the 109s.

The Bf109d will now be withdrawn from frontline service and be replaced with the Bf109e, which will have a more powerful engine.         


        

 

It showed the value of the fighter formations adopted by the German Air Force after the lessons of the Spanish Civil war and the critical importance of power and speed in combat. 

 

 

 

A reconnaissance over Germany by three Fairey Battles was intercepted by Messerschmitts.

 

 

The Battles try to manoeuvre as a formation but a vic is an awkward formation to maintain.

The German formation breaks up to maximise the opportunities to fire on the British aircraft.

 

 

One of the British wingman is hit.


 

The experienced leader breaks free but the wingmen are taking more damage.  

In the excitement two German aircraft clash and break for home. 

 

 

One Battle crashes and the leader tries to help cover his remaining companion.

Two German fighters continue the attack.


 

The attack and pursuit continues.

 

 

One aircraft runs out of ammunition but one continues his attack.

 

 

 

Eventually the damaged plane goes down and the leader escapes.

 



 

 

Unescorted aircraft can get into real trouble if they run into fighters and it is a long way home.

























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