1275psi
Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005 Status: offline
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14/4/44 Every battle is different Each evolves in its own way 0sometimes the combatents drive the action, sometimes it seems fickle fate takes charge, and uses mere men forits amusement Today is such a day The CAP, once again circles over the front line North of Moulmien field, waiting for the Allies to come. The weather is patchy, another angry sky full of clouds, and below, patches of rain and mist. Chuzaburo -, who leads this flight today -detaches the KI-61's for home -and they peel away, and dive for the field some 30 miles away to their south. Our men watch enviously as the little planes fade from view below and to the rear - those lucky barsteds will take the pickings of the daily meal for sure, and then nearly 40 men stare in surprise as the twin tailed devils flash below them -out of the clouds -hot on the heels of the tonies. The 15 KI-61's see them -and put their noses down, throttles to the wall -and run. 47th lead the Frank chase -violent gut crushing turn dives, and engines on full emergency boost -they chase the pursuers. 15 Tonies, weaving frantically before 42 diving 38's -who now have their hands full with 40 odd chasing Franks But nobody is going to give up the chase, or their quarry........... And then, coming in almost at right angles -20 odd P-61's try to join the fun. This running fight (for those who live) becomes THE classic for them -a mad house of slipping, sliding, rocking, climbing, diving, rolling, dodging and firing -all the time getting lower, and lower. Nearly 120 magnificent pieces of machinery pressed to the limits, nearly 120 of two nations very finest in the ultimate race. 6 P38 fall, 4 frank, a tony fall 47th lose none, and take down two 38's -kills now 123 That evening, the men will spend many, many hours recounting the flight, all, to the last man, know that this has been the ultimate test of skill and courage. Luck has taken a holiday today None will mention those who fell. Today -quite simply -they were not good enough.
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