BoB SoW Bombing Invasion Barges?
 

Hi all,

Will there be an opportunity in BoB SoW for RAF Bomber Command to bomb the Invasion Fleet?

In September 1940 RAF Bomber Command destroyed at least 10% of Invasion Barges.

This tactic was a significant part of the BoB IMHO.

Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

I would like this.

I would also like some "what If" objects in the FMB for some Operation Sealion user made campaines and single missions.

Avro, Sea Lion was cancelled because the Luftwaffe overestimated RAF losses (so did the RAF!, but this was more critical for the Luftwaffe as they were attacking), took too long in trying to achieve their objective, and many other reasons - not because barges were destroyed - are you talking about bombing barge targets at Pas De Calais perhaps? And secondly, would you do this in Blenheims or Beaufighters?

Nevertheless, the 'what if' concept sounds interesting...

Well we're supposed to have the Blenheim as a flyable and regardless of the modeling, so long as we have a few barges or ships available, I'm sure the community will have some great attack missions.

RAF Bomber Command attacked the invasion ports in September 1940 during the BoB time period. It appears to be accepted that the destruction of 10% of the Invasion Barges AND the destruction of French port facilities contributed to the German High Command's decision to postpone 'Operation Sealion'. There were also a number of barges damaged during the attacks.

RAF Bomber Command carried out these attacks at night and the LW fighters did not have a significant impact on losses. RAF losses were caused by flak IIRC. Also from a navigation point of view, the harbours were easy to find.

Beaufighters were not available at this time. IIRC, Blenheims and Hampdens were employed.

My point is that this aspect of the BoB should feature in the sim if the the Battle is to be historically portrayed.


Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

On a related topic...

With any luck "BoB SoW" will include the early channel/convoy battle's... it would be a lot of fun to stuka transports and barges. I'm sure that some of you have seen the video clip of an early B&W news reel that reports on an (unsuccessful) stuka raid on some British ships...

I think that this has clips from it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdVbPZd4mhI

I'll firstly say, great idea Avro. I could enjoy really missions like you've described.

I accept the notion that port bombing contributed to a decision to abandon Sealion, but from what I have read, the failure to destroy RAF Fighter Command (which in turn meant heavy depredation to Luftwaffe Bombers) before September, when conditions were still good for flying was the main factor for the abandonment - alongside Hitler's lack of intensity to defeat England in the air, which he had to have to execute Sealion. The port attacks would have cemented this as you suggest :wink:

It doesn't matter if it's included in the retail version of BoB. It can easily be made by mission builders. Something like this is already possible to be done in IL2, and with more tools in BoB I can't imagine mission builders will leave a single noteworthy operation of that time untouched.

Hi Kira,

That's a valid point.

But I suspect that a huge percentage of those who have bought il2 do not build missions. We on this forum perhaps do not represent the average 'flier'.

From a commercial perspective, maybe it's better that such missions are incorporated within the purchased product ? The buyer would then have the available option to launch 'Barge Bombing' missions without having to create them.

Several friends of mine own il2 but they would never consider building missions.


Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

@mb_avro_uk

you don´t have to build missions by yourself, somewhere in the net there is someone
who has the ability and the intention to build the mission you would like.
you just have to download the finished product and maybe send a thanks to the builder.

Yes, but most buyers would not IMO consider that option. All missions and options would be flown only from the purchased disc.

We on this board with our experience and knowledge perhaps only represent but a small percentage of all who will purchase BoB SoW.

Perhaps there should be maps included that have Invasion Barges?


Best Regards,
MB_Avro.

I agree that including more missions in the initial release (eg. from beta testers) or bundled with the first few patches would be a very good idea.

+1 on the barges also. I've often wondered... Oleg is making quite a few vehicles and was working on their AI etc. There were also pre-renders of "beached defense" variants of the Lysander (with bomblets or 20mm). It makes one wonder...

Most excellent idea!