Enemy Coast Ahead (dambusters raid)

[undercovergeek]

Three and a two

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

The wireless operator catches a glimpse of a single engine fighter as it flies past the burning wreckage of AJ-L.

A night fighter is in the vicinity.  Roll 2D6 to see if it spots any bombers.

[undercovergeek]

five and a three

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

The wireless operator loses sight of the 109 as it passes below the far side of the ridge.  Both gunners' nerves are taut as they scan the skies.  Minutes pass with no further sightings of the fighter.

Turn 3 begins.  I'll roll to see if the Very Lights burn out.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]

Bart, Gibson and Hopgood draw closer and are now both in position to start their approach runs.  Any one of the four bombers can make the next run. 

UCG's bomber has the dummy run marker which means the pilot gained some info on his last run and can use the dummy run marker to draw or exchange one extra chit during his next run.

Who's going in?

Whoever it is can roll 2D6 to see if the weather has changed and then 1D6 to check their approach vector.

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Both Very Lights are still burning.

[Barthheart]

Gibson: "Nav, signal AJ-M to begin his run."
Nav: "Right sir."
....
Hopgood: "Ok boys there's our signal to go. Lets take the rotten damn out."

Weather check:

[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 6, total 9[/blockquote]

Approach:

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

A slight but steady breeze picks up granting Hopgood a reasonably good view of the water.  Hopgood dives in.  The dive is too shallow and a lot of space is lost before he's able to level out. He does so with commendable skill but his eyes are drawn to the burning wreckage on the slope of the Michelskopf.

The weather is now clear for turns 3 and 4.  Hopgood's run in a poor one so he loses 2 speed chits.  He has a veteran crew so he gets 3 altitude chits and 1 speed chit after the penalty.  He also gets a -1 penalty for clearing the mountain slope.  Initial speed is too fast at 227 mph.  Altitude is perfect at 60 ft.

Do you want to continue the run, drop now, or pull up and circle?

[Barthheart]

Hopgood: "OK Aimer you have the bird. Make it a good drop."
Bomb Aimer: "Got it Sir."
Hopgood: "No pressure but do remember the mountain on the other side of the dam."
Bomb Aimer: "Uh, thanks Sir."

(We'll continue the run.)

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Hopgood struggles to get the speed down but is unable to do so.

No change in speed.  Additional -1 Michelskopf penalty if you drop from the near zone.



Do you want to drop now, pull up and circle, or continue to the close zone and risk a late release and more mountain penalties?

[Barthheart]

Hopgood: "Ummmm... Aimer.... Mountain getting closer....."
Bomb Aimer: "Hold.... Hold it.... Bomb away!"

(Drop now)

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Altitude is perfect at 60 ft.  Speed is slightly slow at 218 mph.

+4 for altitude
+3 for speed
+2 for veteran bomb-aimer

Total: +9.

You need 6 or better on 2D6 to score a hit.

[Barthheart]

[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 2, total 8[/blockquote]

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Hit!  Now to clear the mountain.   -1 for the approach, -1 for the near zone, -1 for the release speed chit.  7 or better on 2D6 to avoid hitting.  Gibson's in the near box so he can "coach" and provide a re-roll.

[Barthheart]

Both pilot and co-pilot of AJ-M pull back hard on their yolks and the engines scream to full power. The airplane shudders hard under the strain. The rest of the crew are hanging on to anything they can to keep from rolling towards the rear of the plane.

As the mountain side looms ever closer.....

[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 2, total 8[/blockquote]

[Barthheart]

The plane clips the tops of some trees as it just makes the last few feet of altitude to safety.

Hopgood over the sounds of cheering from the crew: "Jolly good show! Tailgunner, what can you see of the dam?"

Damage check:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]