WW2 Operation Compass: Turn 2 - 11th December 1940 Air Phase

The result of the air phase will determine who has air superiority in the land battles of this turn. Dice rolls ascertain who is doing what.

In this case, 2 squadrons of Blenheim bombers escorted by Hurricanes are intercepted by Italian fighters. As before, each of my aircraft represent 3 and Bag the Hun rules will be used.

Orders of Battle:

RAF
274 Squadron        4 x Hurricane I
45 Squadron          4 x Blenheim IV
113 Squadron         3 x Blenheim IV

Regia Aeronautica
1st Sqn 2 Stormo        2 x Fiat Cr32
4th Sqn 50 Stormo    3 x Meridionali Ro37 bis
5th Sqn 50 Stormo    4 x Caproni Ca310

A view during the first move as the Italians move to intercept the British (top right). The sun was shining from top left. The Italian's intention to approach the British from out of the sun but at this stage had failed to spot them.

Continued -

Both sides quickly spotted each other with the exception of a pair of Hurricanes who succussfully 'bounced' the Ca310's shooting one down.

Thereafter it quickly unravelled for the Italians. Their antiquated aircraft were no match for the Hurricanes who were faster and more powerfully armed with two piloted by Junior Aces.

Initially the Italians continued in their attempts to intercept the Blenheim's but realised it was hopeless as the Hurricanes began to inflict severe punishment. Formations broke up and it became a question of survival for the Italians as they all attempted to extricate themselves. 

Losses were severe with 3 x Ca310's and one each of the Ro37's and Cr32's shot down. Two Hurricanes sustained damage in return but an overwhelming British victory allowing them to roam at will over the impending land battles.

Photos of the action follows:

Ro37's to the right and Cr32's to the left.

The Ca310's, lightly armed and slow!

Blenheim's flanked by Hurricanes.

45 squadron of Blenheim's.

The Ca310's are ' bounced' by a pair of unspotted Hurricanes.

An Ro37 explodes when riddled with bullets from a tailing Hurricane.

The Italian formations have now broken up and fighting for survival as the Blenheim's fly clear.

Another Ca310 is shot down with a second (black smoke) on fire. The latter dives hard attempting and failing to extinguish the flames. The fire becomes more serious and out of control destroying the aircraft.

An overview at the end. With ammo running low the Hurricanes call off the pursuit and allow the battered Italian survivors to depart.