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Sortie 1: 4th launched climbing en route to link with bombers at 25K flying top cover. Entering F89 airspace bombers were intercepted by 109s making darting attacks thru the bombers. Fighter cover with other Allied fighters kept bomber loses to 2 Green bomber and 2 AIs with the 4th maintaining FG cohesion few loses. There were several discos and controller problems.
Sortie 2: The bombers entered airspace at 22K with the fighter groups climbing to various altitudes to support the bomber stream. The path overflew F69 to Target F89 to F79. While this was the intended route the actual path was somewhat reversed. The Axis fighters choose different tactics sending groups of fighters to attack Allied fighters, while the remaining Axis fighters hit the bombers. Along with this tactic, the bomber stream was broken up into small groups which made it easier to attack them. Loses were far more extensive then Sortie 1, losing several manned and AI bombers. Several 4th pilots were lost to attacking Axis fighters. Those 4th fighters killed in action re-upped in P-51s and intercepted the bombers remaining on their return home.
Confirming 4FG will CO frame 5. Coolone will be frame CO.
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