Scramble!The pilots sprinted from where they dozed in the autumn sunshine. A clear day over the channel, mild haze at sea level, and a group of German twin engined bombers had been picked up quite late at very low level. This sector was lacking CHAIN HOME radar coverage, so some trawler crew or eagle-eyed observer had telephoned in the sighting.
Hurricanes of 213 SQN RAF Tangmere were the first up, climbing southward at war emergency power, closely followed by a flight from 501 SQN at RAF Kenley.
It was obvious that this was more than a quick hit and run raid, as Sector Control was reporting more slow contacts higher and further west. It was like likely an attack of this size had fighter escort as well.
Here comes the Luftwaffe:
As they clawed their way into the sky over the channel, reports of further intruders were coming in fast: two groups of fighters, high on each flank of the bomber streams. Two Bf109s of I./JG2 swept in to the 213 section, raking the wingman with their cannon.
The RAF come out to meet them:
One Hurricane dived away in flames, but the remaining leader and wingman jinked and dived as the 109s swept overhead, the RAF pilots determined on their course for the bombers, now identifiable as fast Ju-88s, skimming low and only now climbing over the coast for an attack on the airfield at RAF Westhampnett. (1-0 to the Luftwaffe)
Behind this fight another pair of 109s had emerged, slashing between the two groups of Hurricanes.
Over the radio came in the crackling ‘MITOR’ callsign indicating Spitfires 41 SQN out of RAF Hornchurch were climbing up to join the fray. They would have to try to take on the Luftwaffe fighters which were even now sweeping around for another crack at the Hurricanes.
The fighters tangle over Sussex fields
The Hurricanes open the throttles to take on the fast Junkers bombers: 
Meanwhile 501’s Hurricanes turned west to intercept the second group of bombers: a Kette of three Heinkel IIIs, apparently headed for industrial works on the edge of Chichester.
A brief cheer from the radio as a Ju-88 was seen to slam into a hillside, smoke streaming from its crippled engines, but this was muted by the sudden silence from BEARSKIN 2, a Hurricane wingman whose aircraft spun into the ground. (2-1)
The remaining pair of Ju88s plodded on toward their target, chased by Spitfires in a diving turn. They released their bombs, but the ack-ack gunners were alive to the threat, and one bomber was hit, desperately jettisoning his bombs short of the target before ploughing into a nearby field. (2-2)
The Ju88s descend for a low-level run at their target:
The fight hung in the balance. The last Ju-88 panicked and dropped bombs short, copping a hit from ground fire in return, and turned hard left over the airfield to make for home, smoke streaming from a wing fire.
Meanwhile, the 109s were chasing down the Hurricanes which had turned to take on the Heinkels to the west. Another Hurricane went down, and a Heinkel dived away, burning, parachutes streaming in its wake. (3-3). The Luftwaffe were having none of it, and yet another Hawker fighter was destroyed, the pilot leaping from his stricken aircraft into the clear air (4-3).
The Heinkels stayed at medium low and released their bombs, one aircraft’s bombs missing their target and exploding in a canal with spectacular but ineffective plumes of spray, but the other’s bombs hit true, burning sheds and destroying equipment. Both bombers veered off for the flight home, chased by Hurricanes who were in turn pursued by 109s, everyone low on fuel and ammo. (5-3)
The Heinkel IIIs have completed their bombing run on the industrial plant, but will they escape the Hurricanes? Messerschmitt Bf109s try to catch them, as others streak for home out of ammo:
The Spitfires chased the last Ju88 over the cliffs as it dived for the protection of the sea, but it was soon caught and cartwheeled into the waves. (5-4). The British fighters swung east to where the radio chatter revealed increasingly desperate comrades under heavy pressure. Another Hurricane was destroyed, before its 109 hunter turned away for the safety of its French airfield. (6-4)
Vengeance is meted out on a fleeing Ju88, but will it be enough to win the day?
The lone Hurricane survivor found himself in the sights of two 109s, one of which appeared to be out of ammo but guiding his wingman towards the kill. A long burst of cannon and MG fire, and the Hurricane’s cockpit filled with smoke. The RAF fighter dived away, a parachute glimpsed descending toward the beach in the rear vision mirror of the Messerschmitt fighters as they skimmed the sea home. (7-4)
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A win for the Luftwaffe after some tense middle stages. Great game of
Scramble for Britain at
Perth Miniatures Gamers Group last night. Finally a chance to try out a new mat, bought from Artscow last year.
Always remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for real, 75 years ago.
Welcome, Guest. Please 
April 25, 2024, 04:33:52 AM
