Over Bousi: 11-Mar-41

Background: As winter ended, both sides prepared for a fresh Italian offensive in the Greek mountains.

15 Gladiators of No. 112 Squadron were over the front to Blenheim Is from escort No. 211 Sqdn on a raid in the Bousi area of northwestern Greece. An estimated 40-50 Fiat G.50bis were reported patrolling in the area, and nine of these fighters from the 24^o Gruppo engaged the formation.

Map: Ground Map

Game Length: 20 turns

Setup

• Set the Blenheims in a fixed formation in vics at their combat cruise speed in level flight at alt 12.5. Put the bomber leader in 2520 headed East.
• Glads set up in vics surrounding the bombers in level flight at the same speed and heading. They can be up to 1.0 alt higher or lower, and each vic leader must be within range 5 of the nearest bomber. The fighter vics do not have to be in formation together.
• Italians enter organized in 3 vics. Roll a D10 against the TMG for direction, in a shallow dive or level flight their choice of speed at max speed (if level) (figure how to select direction; intercept random?)

Additional Rules

1. The Bombers are loaded.
2. Bomber Vics can split once attacked; vics must stay fixed
3. Roll for skill levels. National Training Levels:
   Italians & Bombers on Average charts
   Gladiators as one above (but include at least 2 Green and 1 Vet/Hero)

Special Rules

1. Italians score double points for shooting down loaded Blenheims. Score Severe damage points for making Blenheims drop their bombs
2. Terrain is mountainous - +10 LH for forced landing rolls.

ADCs

• Gloster Gladiator was published in Air Power #46.
• Fiat G.50bis and Blenheim I are available from Uncle Ted's.

History

The Italians claimed a Blenheim and one Gladiator shot down; there were no RAF losses.

The British fighters turned on the attackers and claimed six shot down, one probable and seven damaged without loss. The Italians actually lost two G.50bis shot down, while 2 others with wounded pilots crash-landed.

The British were impressed with the G.50. One pilot remarked that the G.50s must be armoured as they stood up to so much punishment. Several RAF pilots reported shooting them to no effect. No doubt the all-metal construction of these fighters helped to hold them together.

Variants

Smaller Sizes:

Sources

• Air War for Yugoslavia, Greece, and Crete by Shores, Cull, and Malizia
• Biplane Aces of WW2: Flt Sgt Donaldson