Cameo Sink The Bismark

"Cameo: Sink the Bismark"

When: May 1941

What: The British resolve to sink the Bismark, German battleship and terror of the seas.

Flight Deck Centre

HMS Ark Royal----> > > > > THE GREATEST GENERATION < < <


The sea around you has a light swell.

Ground Target X, Y Airfield? Bearing Range
Sfakia 12608,-27307 no 211 2030.1 miles
Heraklion 12801,-27184 no 210 2036.0 miles
Corinth 11659,-23195 no 205 1872.8 miles
Maleme 12427,-26811 yes 210 2007.0 miles

Type Name Brg. Hdg. Altitude Spd. Rng.
BC (#9152)HMS Renown 0 270 0' 20 4456 yds
CV (#3775)HMS Ark Royal 180 270 0' 20 0 yds

Systems:
1. Flight Deck

Contents
Death
Watts
Hunter
Billy
Kidd
Horton

(#9147) Swordfish
(#3772) Swordfish
(#9144) Swordfish
(#9140) Swordfish
(#9141) Swordfish

Main Hangar <MH> Flight Deck Forward <FDF>
Flight Deck Aft <FDA> Bridge <B>

It is the 26th of May, 1941, and you are all naval aviators on board the old carrier, Ark Royal, assigned to Force H in the Atlantic. Two days ago news spread like wildfire throughout the Royal Navy - mostly rumours, spread via the wireless, on which Goebbels can be heard, bragging. The pride of the Royal Navy, the battlecruiser Hood, was sunk on the 24th in a brief engagement with the pride of the German navy, the Bismarck, during the latters breakout from Germany into the Atlantic Ocean.

Since then, a vast amount of resources have been thrown at the Bismarck. Virtually the entire Atlantic fleet has been mobilised. Including you. Not only is the Bismarck a grave threat to Allied shipping so long as she is allowed to roam in the open ocean, this is about revenge, now, for the loss of the Hood.

You have all been kept on alert for the last twenty four hours, as rumour has it that the Bismarck is nearby. Up till now though, nothing has actually happened, you have all been waiting for the word to go. The tension is mounting - but no longer, for as the sun dips down in the afternoon, the Ark Royals complement are summoned by the commander air group, for a briefing.

You are all in the packed, claustrophic briefing room aboard the carrier, the commander before you, who is waiting for everybody to settle down in the seats provided for a hurried briefing. Hurried as time is of the essence.

Horton is holding a small photograph and giving it a long look, as if memorizing the features of the young woman it depicts. "I'll be home to you and the children soon, Lizzie," he promises softly, before tucking it back in his pocket. "Once this duty is done." That said, he stiffens his upper lip, straightens his shoulders and gives his grave attention to the briefing.

Kidd finds a seat, apparently lazily indifferent to the whole business. Those who know him well would know nothing could be further from the truth, mind.

Billy lets out a long yawn and rubs his eyes before turning his attention to the presiding officer. The past few days have been rather taxing and he is tensed and tired unlike the jovial man who usually sit in his body. He mutters "what I wouldn't do for a proper cup of coffee" just before the breifing begins

Hunter heads straight for his seat as soon as he arrives in the briefing room, dumping himself into it with a single motion and leaning forward against his knees. He waits quietly, his eyes shifting around the room to the rest of the team, before settling on the commander.

Crosier has arrived.

The CAG waits for everybody to be settled and attentive. "We have some good news. As you probably know, the Bismarck is faster than our battleships, which will make her difficult to catch on the high seas - at least, with any ship powerful enough to take her down. Which means its down to us to bring her to heel. We have some good news. The HMS Sheffield has been shadowing the Bismarck, and reported her movements to us - Force H is now within sixty miles of her last known position. Within range of our stringbags.".

Ohoh. Now that's interesting. At least, enough to make Kidd quirk an eyebrow, and sit up a shade straighter.

Horton sighs, his thoughts still faraway, on hearth and home. But he tries to keep his mind on the task at hand, nodding staunchly along with the CAG as the situation is explained.

Billy perks up a bit, waking up a fraction as he hears the name that has kept him up the past few days. Finaly a chance to do something besides sitting on his backside… - Billy is fresh out of training-

Hunter nods slightly, sitting up attentively at the report, keeping his eyes on the CAG. It might be hard to tell whether he's actually paying attention or just staring by the look in his eyes.

Crosier glares at the CAG; it isn't personal, it's just that with a surname like Crosier, one has to live up to the scowling, weathered look it implies. He scribbles briefly at his notepad, again more for show than out of any real need. Having gone from weather forecaster to enlisted pilot candidate on records of questionable penmanship, he's determined not to call too many questions on himself.

The CAG continues. "Time is of the essence, we only just had a report from Sheffield a few minutes ago. Soon it will be nightfall and our carrier will be useless. Your aircraft are already being prepped and loaded. We are not waiting to form up the full complement in a single package, as we have decided that there is no time for that, and besides, the Bismarck is at the limit of our aircraft range. You will be guided in from the tower when you are up.". A brief pause. "Bear in mind that Sheffield is still out there, and close to the Bismarck. Make sure you check your target, before engaging.".

Horton nods once more, shortly, mentally preparing himself for the dangers he has to face. It's for king and country, after all, and the safety of everyone back home.

Kidd hides a smirk at that. It's not as if ship silhouettes aren't part of basic training or anything.

Billy looks at the CAG for the first time, as the words aircraft range, and nightfall reach his ears, he becomes a shade paler and pats his pockets, producing a pencil and a folded wad of paper- managing to scribble a few errant details as they begin to escape his head

"Any questions?" the CAG asks.

Horton shakes his head to the CAG, taking another deep breath. Resolved.

Hunter inhales a deep breath at the implications of the distance to the Bismarck and the time of day. Well, first things first - those AA guns are more of a worry than where to land after. He shifts his eyes to his fellow pilots before looking back at the CAG, lips still pursed.

"Sir!" Crosier grunts on rising. "Are we expecting any fronts of weather or Luftwaffe to roll in?" He waits on the answer, then sets back down.

The CAG shakes his head. "We're out of range of all German aircraft bar the FW200 Condor patrol plane." he replies to Crosier. "They don't pose a threat to you in your bombers.".

Billy raises his pencil then breaths out his question "Sir are you cleared to tell us what happens if we don't sink her?" clearly looking for a reason not to get on the plane and fly home- or to south america.

Kidd allows himself a faint 'tsk' at that, idly raises a hand.

The CAG eyes Billy. "If the Bismarck manages to evade us and to escape into the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, she will be a grave threat to Allied commerce shipping, and thus the entire Allied war effort. She can handle any of our battleships, could decimate any convoy she encountered, and being faster than our own battleships could decline to engage a superior surface force. It is up to the Fleet Air Arm, gentlemen.". He then glances over at Kidd. "Yes?".

Billy nods and sinks back into his chair scribbling nervously on his single sheet of paper

"Ackack. Do we know what she's got, sir?" That South African accent of Kidd's always gets more pronounced before a mission.

Horton takes out a sheet of paper as well and begins to write. Though, if one were to look closely, they would see he's not taking notes but writing what appears to be a personal message.

Well, the news there isn't good, so the CAG tells it as it is. "A lot." he tells Kidd bluntly. "Bismarck has three batteries of antiaircraft weapons, totalling around fifty guns of all calibres.". Which means, almost ten for each of you. Just for you.

Horton writes faster.

Hunter starts looking at his fellows and counting on his fingers.

Billy turns another shade whiter and his grip draws a fissure line on the pencil, he is still scribbling furiously

Kidd nods. A wolfish grin. "Guess we better make sure she has to split her fire, then." The man seems to be actually /relishing/ the prospect.

"Needless to say if you concentrate on one side of the battleship only half, at best, of its armament will be able to target you. It will be very helpful if you all stay together." the CAG offers. Ah, a ray of sunshine.

Billy is circling the words formation repeatedly on his crowded piece of paper while muttering five guns each to himslef, again repeatedly

«Ground Vehicles» Hunter gets into Swordfish.
«Aircraft» Hunter gets out of Swordfish.
«Aircraft» Death loads 1 x 18" Mark XII torpedo onto Swordfish (#13944)!

Horton stands but does not approach his plane right away. First he goes to the CAG, folding his letter and handing it toward his commander. "Sir, if something were to go…well. If I'm not able to send this personally, I would like you to see that it gets to my wife. Let her know that…well. It's all in there."

The CAG blinks at that. Its not like one of these gung ho, Tom Cruise-played naval aviators does something like that in front of all his comrades. He looks faintly worried at this, but takes the letter. "You'll be able to send it to her yourself, when you get back.".

Crosier glares out at the ocean of frightened young pilots. "What are you, boys or men?" he snaps, standing up. It may be his last chance to speak, so by God he's going to speak it! "You sound like you're being forced. This is an opportunity, not a death sentence! Each and every one of you knows someone who lost family or friends on the Hood. Just by looking I'd think you a bunch of paederasts who'd have turned your back on the Hood when they were in needjust because the timing is inconvenient for you." The scowl softens, slightly. "I know, though, that each of you would rather show up late to their party in heavenor Hell, for the enlisted men," he grins, flicking a wink, "than to not show up at all. So let's bring some Gerries with us!"

Kidd flashes Crosier a grin. "Personally, I'm aiming to be disgustingly late. Several decades, from choice."

Billy grins sheepishly and nods to Crosier, "I'm with Kidd, but I here the Jerries like a good waltz."

"Of course, sir," Horton says, trying to sound like he actually believes it. He's less Tom Cruise than Goose, so this seems prudent. "Thank you." With that, he stiffens his upper lip again and proceeds to the planes. "Let's bring them with us, indeed," he agrees quietly with Crosier's sentiment.

Seems like a whole bunch of drama is interfering with his goddamned flight crew. The CAG scowls a bit at the outburst in his quiet briefing room. "We're all here to do our duty. Its not a war we asked for, Herr Hitler wanted that. But here we are, and by a twist of fate, its your chance to get into the history books.". He glances at a watch. "We need to get you up immediately, or we'll miss our window of daylight.". A brief pause. "Weather looks a bit dicey, theres a bit of drizzle" (English for huge smegging rainstorm) ",get into your gear and get on the flight deck.".

Kidd eases to his feet, looks round at the briefing room. "Keep it below six hundred, or the torp's like to break up when it hits the waves, and don't let her go outside a thousand yards." That's Kidd, always. Practical advice. "And for Christ's sake don't get so low you sideslip in on a turn." Billy gets a slap on the back. "My rum ration says I hit her."

Jeffrey has arrived.

Hunter pushes himself up off of his seat, nodding quietly at Crosier, then shifting his eyes to the CAG. "Yes, sir," he says before he moves for the door. "I'd offer to see that too, but ship the size of the Bismarck, I'm sure even you could hit her," he offers Kidd with the faintest smirk.

Billy fumbles for his helmet as he struggles to his plane "When I get back there won't be a rum ration left for anyone. Now lets drown some Jerries" He grins uncertainly again as he pulls his flight gloves up

«Ground Vehicles» Kidd gets into Swordfish.

Horton gets a chuckle out of the exchanges between the other pilots though he stills looks his usual grave, mild-mannered self. He's cool enough in the air, though. He suits up, his thoughts focused on the Bismark now.

«Ground Vehicles» Horton gets into Swordfish.

Swordfish
This aircraft is landed! Use +takeoff to take off, but only the pilot can take off.
This aircraft has been prepped for takeoff!
===============================< Positions>===============================
1. Pilot

«Aircraft» Horton slips into the Pilot position of this Swordfish!

(From Swordfish #13944) Kidd hauls himself aboard his Stringbag, hands checking switches.

(From Swordfish #9141) Horton slips into the pilot's seat with practiced ease, career officer that he is. He goes through the pre-flight check, extra-cautious today. Wouldn't want anything to go wrong before things are /supposed/ to get dicey.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Radio check.

(From Swordfish #9144) Hunter slides coolly into his cockpit, checking instruments and preparing for flight.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Loud and clear.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> Hearing

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger, fellows. Checking in here.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Still say you're a bunch of ninnies

(From Swordfish #13944) Kidd holds up a hand, thumb up. Ready to roll.

«Radio» < radios> Check

«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Height is now Angels 1.
«Aircraft» Engine power has been set to 100%.
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Swordfish takes off from HMS Ark Royal!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton takes off, soaring up into the wild blue yonder. Or the gray, drizzly yonder, as the case may be. No flashy flying tricks or anything of the sort from him.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts heads off the ramp of the carrier, up into the big black. Where there is much rain, clouds, storminess, and general misery. "One of these days they'll give us Albacores to fly…" he murmurs. "All craft report in, everybody up?".

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy makes it off the catapult and raises any landing gear before putting his thumb up and fiddling with controls

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd picks the Stringbag up from that sickening dip at the end of the takeoff roll, hauls it into the air, glances round for his flight mates.

(From (#13946) Swordfish) Jeffrey nearly passes out as he makes it up into the Air. "Jesus…"

«Radio» <Quaker radios> Billy is in the air!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Duck here. Ready, leader.

«Radio» Horton radios, Duck here. Ready, leader.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Roger that, skip.

(From (#9144) Swordfish) Hunter decides against trying anything fancy himself with a Mark XII sitting under him.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier greatly dislikes the weather, but there isn't much else to do about it. He checks his guages, then radios in.

«Radio» <Tower radios> This is the tower, hearing you loud and clear.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Ol' Goat Crosier, flying *

«Radio» <Huntsman radios> Hunt's up, I read you.

«Radio» < radios> Bald Eagle…Bald *

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton doesn't waste time fretting about the weather. He's an Englishman, after all, bred in constant cloud cover. He keeps extra attention to his instruments.

«Radio» <Tower radios> Bomber flight, vector 240 for the last reported location of the target.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Copy that, 240.

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd waits for Watts to acknowledge, banks the biplane in a turn behind the lead Swordfish.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy banks the plane carefully and sets off following the squandren

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Looks like thats all of us. You all stick to my six like glue.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton sets his heading accordingly, trying to keep Watts in sight and he angles his plane upward.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts banks southwest, as the radio demands. And peers out of the cockpit at the shitty, miserable weather.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Roger that, skipper.

«Aircraft» This aircrafts target is now set to (#9147) Swordfish.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy concentrates on the sky muttering formation over the radio constantly

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Jerries could have picked a nicer day for their little party. * * with me?

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts twists and turns in the cockpit, he sees some biplanes alongside, but not all of them. BUt then, he can't look right out the back anyway.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton sets his instruments to track the squad leader's plane, calm now. Whatever happens is in the hands of God now, and whatever he can do with these poor controls.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Horton here. I'm with you, Wattage.

«Radio» Horton radios, Horton here. I'm with you, Wattage.

«Radio» <Huntsman radios> ** present.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Goat here, on your six.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> Still here

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Can see Horton and one other, skip. Filthier than a Portsmouth whore out here.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts blinks at the language, throttles back a bit.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I'm slowing down a ** try and ** up on me people. And whats that, Kiddo, I don't quite copy that. ***** about your wife?

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton participates not in the talk of whores, concentrating on navigating the nasty dark skies.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> You *** her, then, skip?

«Radio» <Quaker radios> we better ** glad the sky's not as filthy as Kidd's wife cap, otherise we'de be in real trouble

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts flicks off the radio, and laughs. It wouldn't be very professional to talk at any greater length than that on this subject. God only knows what the people back on the carrier are thinking. He, uh, changes the subject a bit.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> How we doing Tower? We got an ETA?

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy grins and settles down to a slightly more comfortable position as he leans back keeping an eye and a hand on the controls

«Radio» <Tower radios> Got you on our scopes, heading confirmed.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton flies on, expression carefully reserved, mind on the job rather than the wife and seven little Hortons waiting for him back home.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts looks down over his right shoulder, seeing some humungous slab of metal down there, not too far away.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier smiles at the banter over the radio, young men mouthing off as young men are wont to do.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Bismarck is supposed to be the same size as Renown, who we are passing now. ** in mind * ** big she is. At a two thousand yards she'll fill ** windshield like a * but she's still out ** range ** that distance.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy has regained some of his old composure but keeps his mouth shut as news of the real world comes through

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts twists and turns again, and is reassured. Amazingly, they are all here.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy emote perks up a bit then thinks of the flak and turns back to check his dials and scan the horizon for big bits of floating metal

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I'm impressed chaps, taking off in a storm and ** or less in one package. Thats good, we want to make sure we all arrive at the same ***

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton matches Watts' flight pattern carefully while keeping a safe distance. Like a duck in water in his pilot's seat. He turns his head to scan the skies, trying to keep the rest of his fellows in sight.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> you've just gone out of my visual cap

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts wingtilts so he can see the carrier one last time out the back, a floating city, fast receding into the gloom.

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd just flies. It's what he seems to have been born to. Apparently unconcerned, head turning this way and that from time to time to check what he can see.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier wiggles himself round to the flight leader's port side, looking to shore up the formation a bit.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy stares ahead into the murk, frowning profusely, as he fides dead straight

«Radio» <Tower radios> Sheffield seems to have some radio problems, she's overdue to report. Keep an eye out out there, people. The admiral is desperate for information, keep us appraised of whats going on.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts shakes his head at that. Oh man. Overdue? Or blown away. He keeps that thought to himself, toggling the radio briefly.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Copy that, Tower.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton frowns, a furrow of worry creasing his brow as he listens to the radio. He shakes his head, trying to banish it. Not so much because he's confident nothing's gone wrong. But, among the many, many things that could go wrong tonight, he can't afford to worry about that one.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy grimices but mutters "its going to be a big a big party down there" while he has his radio turned off

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd throttles back a touch, as he seems to be getting a little ahead. Not that he minds, but the skipper will.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I got you Quaker, I got all of you. We're good. Is that *** trying to park on my wingtip there, Goat?

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy see's Kidd slow down and takes and pulls back the throttle

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton slows as he gets within spitting distance of Watts, throttling back a smidge.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Just making sure you're awake, boss. Will slip to a hundred yard interval.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> I *** a cruiser, skip.

Target (#9147) Swordfish: Bearing 271, Range 596 yds, Angels 0.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> You sure?

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts peers down into the rain. And sees… a whole bunch of blue.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy slows down a little to much and takes a bit of a dive, being to preoccupied with getting altitude he doesn't look forward

Target (#9147) Swordfish: Bearing 266, Range 597 yds, Angels 0.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts squints, tilts the wing on his stringbag so he can look down all the better. He makes sure to tilt away from the psycho next to him, who is apparently trying to shake his hand or something while in mid air.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Don't think it's big enough for the Bismarck. Dead ahead, about five or six miles.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Negative on * do not see * target. But * Sheffield is * *** somewhere.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton squints into the gloom, trying to make out what Kidd might have spotted, but his eyes can't decipher it.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Lost her again.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy looks up and scans the gray below him, squinting

«Radio» <Tower radios> Jeffrey, looks like you are out of position. Make your heading 241, and set speed to maximum.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier adjusts his position some, giving the lead his own space. Frankly, fiddling with controls and throttle some keeps his mind off the madness they are embarking upon.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Sheffield dead ahead - bit further than I **** Definitely her.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I can't see anything, Kiddo.

«Radio» <Duck radios> I see it, too, Kiddo. About 7 miles ****

«Radio» <Quaker radios> * see something too

«Radio» <Goat radios> I see… something, at any rate.

Target (#9147) Swordfish: Bearing 236, Range 713 yds, Angels 0.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts peers through the raindrops on his canopy, but yes… up ahead in the darkening sea, he can discern something metallic out there. Something grey. At least its not painted pink. Who thought it'd be a good idea to have a pink navy?

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I can't see ***** Kiddo.

Target (#9147) Swordfish: Bearing 233, Range 743 yds, Angels 0.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton focuses his eyes on the Sheffield as it comes into view, nodding a little to himself. On the right track. He's not sure whether to be glad of that or not.

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd frowns, dips the nose for a second for a look through a cleaner patch of canopy. Yup. Silhouette, what he can make out of it, matches the one in the book for a County, anyway - Kidd may give the appearance of not caring, but information goes in and stays there.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I see something. * If thats Sheffield we must be closer **** we thought.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy keeps flying straight, trying to peer past the british ship

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton adjusts his altitude a bit, so he's cruising more-or-less level with the other gents.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Tower, we have sighted what we *** to be the Sheffield, she is much closer to you than we were led to believe. She must be just out of your radar range.

«Radio» <Tower radios> Copy that, flight. Keep your eyes peeled, last report from Sheffield indicated she had Bismarck in view.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton squints against the gloom in that practiced gloom-squinting way of the English. Searching for the Bismark.

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd tips the Swordfish's nose up a touch, to bleed off a fraction of speed, and then restores it with a nudge at the throttle. Somewhere out there is a very /very/ large battleship.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts is good at gloom squinting. Really, these Atlantic storms are like normal British weather after all.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Dear god, times like this * wish we had Albacores, * tension is killing me ****

Target (#9147) Swordfish: Bearing 230, Range 763 yds, Angels 0.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts speaks a little drily into the radio, and adds, "Maybe it'd be better if I got out and pushed.".

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> I've * in one, skipper. It'd be your arse ** was killing you if you were.

«Radio» <Duck radios> We'll get to her soon enough, * leader. Patience is a virtue, especially with these planes.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Steady on, steady on. Just think, we can lose two wings and still fly.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Slow but steady! Thats what ** tell us anyway. And thanks *** * feel really reassured now.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier toggles his mic and snorts at that bit of sarcasm.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> why *** we in such a hurry again cap?

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Sooner we drop these presents for Jerry the sooner we get home, I had enough of flying in weather like this. I'm hoping we get a nice cushy Mediterranean duty soon myself. And are you sure thats a cruiser, Kiddo? She looks mighty big to me.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts does figure that the fact they've not been blown out of the sky does bode well for the cruisers allegiance.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> ah the med, flying over there would be like going for an on deck stroll round her cap

«Radio» <Duck radios> It looks like the Sheffield to me as * squad leader. I've no wish to meet Jerry any sooner than we must.

«Radio» Horton radios, It looks like the Sheffield to me as well, squad leader. I've no wish to meet Jerry any sooner than we must.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Defo the Sheffield. Bismarck *** have the second funnel where she does.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Looks like we'll be rained on a little longer yet then. *** Kiddo, well done. Its good to see at least someone ** paying attention ** training.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> You trying to damage my reputation, skipper?

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton chuckles at the banter over the radio, slowing a little again.

«Radio» <Goat radios> It isn't * training, Sir. ** just that's all as they have to *** themselves in the Transvaal: Sit * watch things.

«Radio» <Tower radios> Just had a report in from Sheffield, flight. They have you on radar. They also have Bismarck on radar, range estimated at around 15,000 yards.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton swallows at the last message on the radio. "Won't be long now…" he murmurs to himself. Trying not to sound too grim.

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd tsks in irritation, flips his radio switch.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Sheffield not heard of bearings as **** as ranges, skipper?

«Radio» <Duck radios> I see it, chaps. Little less than 12 miles out. The ****
«Radio» Horton radios, I see it, chaps. Little less than 12 miles out. The Bismark.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy settles down in the cockpick and murmers "20000 yards still a while off, time for some last prayers"

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton intakes his breath sharply as he spots the German ship lurking out in the seas ahead, hastily getting on the radio. He frowns as he message scrambles a bit.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> I see her too. Good eyes, Duck.

«Radio» <Goat radios> I confirm. That's either a small island or the Bismarck herself.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> I can confirm that it looks bloody huge

«Naval Combat» (#13671) KMS Bismarck fires 10.5cm heavy AA x 8 at (#13947) HMS Sheffield!

«Radio» <Tower radios> Sheffield reports Bismarck 8 miles south west of her position.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy gets up and flicks through the dials its getting to do or die time, and Billy has no intention of dyeing a fool

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Skipper? She looks almost stern on, and a shade starboard of dead ahead. We oughta head 280 or so for a bit, maybe?

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton locks his eyes on the booming guns from the German warship. Even at this distance, in the gloom, their light is clear. He swears under his breath. "By God, she's a giant…"

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts nods at the assessment there.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> You're right Kiddo. ***** on me, heading 270.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger, Wattage. Bearing 270 locked in.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier swallows at the flashes of light. "Like old legends of gods and men. This is pure madness." A tight frown, a knotting of the guts, and he changes course.

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Roger that.

«Radio» <Goat radios> ***** your lead.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts banks right, only slightly, until his compass readout has him headed due west. Hopefully it won't get too close. And then, wow. He can see something Ominous out there.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> I see her as well! Look at the size of that thing!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton makes the slight change in direction. Course (oblivion) set. He says no prayers, no curses and sends no more thoughts out of his family. Whatever comes will come now.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> they were right if we miss that thing we've got ** chance of missing anything else

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy clicks the radio off as he murmurs now all I have to worry about is the flak

«Radio» <Goat radios> Did you blokes happen to notice? If you squint hard enough, you'll see some ocean around a bloody **** battleship.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Think of it as the broadside of a barn, gents. I hope we've all been well-trained enough to hit *

«Radio» <Tower radios> Confirmed sighting of the Bismarck, flight. The admiral is a happy man. He wants to be informed of everything that is going on, including when you start your attack run.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> Copy that, Tower.

(From (#9147) Swordfish) Watts looks slightly to the left, seeing the grey mass in the distance, slowly being overhauled. Even a biplane is faster than a battleship.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> ** ** ** the worst part, it'll be a while to get into *** and there she * Her 4.5 inch guns will be in range already, so they must not see us.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> and finally some advantages to flying in the rain at night

«Radio» <Duck radios> In this light? God willing, she'll stay as blind as a mole, squad leader.

«Radio» <Wattage radios> ** can only hope, flight. I think even Jerries will ** when we get close enough to drop these fish, though.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton tightens his grip on the controls, a look of cool resolve coming to his face. Mild-mannered he may be, but he has a speck of fighter-jock in his soul, deep down. "This is for the Hood…" he murmurs.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy takes another look over his dials and puts his hand on the pitch thingy and keeps it there

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#13946) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#13946) has been hit!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#9147) is hit by 10.5cm heavy AA!
Swordfish (#9147) has been hit!
CREW HIT!
Jerry suffers 6 wound damage to its right hand.
ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT
SPLINTERS!
«Ground Combat» *boom* Headshot!!!

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Jeffrey, you ** to head **

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd winces. Damn. Too late.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy swears as flak pours onto the planes but keeps flying straight

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#9147) is hit by 10.5cm heavy AA!
Swordfish (#9147) has been hit!
ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton squares his shoulder when the guns start firing. It's begun, then. He sets his jaw, silent, flying down toward the Geramn maw.

«Aircraft» (#9147) Swordfish has been destroyed!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#9140) is hit by 10.5cm heavy AA!
Swordfish (#9140) has been hit!
ENGINE HIT
SPLINTERS!
SPLINTERS! ENGINE HIT

«Radio» <Goat radios> Alright boys let's give 'em hell!

«Radio» <Quaker radios> we ** hurry it up

«Radio» <Quaker radios> ** hit still flying

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Watts has bought *** form ** me.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Quaker radios> guns have gone quite whats happening?

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Don't complain.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Patience, gents. They'll be on us soon enough. Ah…

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton nods. And there they go.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy grits his teath as he brings the plane down to torpedo altitude and nods

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Goat radios> Breaking 3000 ****

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Remember, lads, one shot. Below six hundred, and inside a thousand. Make it count.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton climbs just a little. Within 600 is one thing. Chipping the mast of the Bismark is another.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

From out of the Atlantic Ocean a frickin' enormous floating city filled with guns and explosives opens up with fifty odd guns, all in your general direction. Little black puffs of smoke appear in the air around you all.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd twists the Swordfish in the air.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton does no twisting and only as much turning as necessary to streamline his flight toward the Bismark. He's no showman. That's what's kept him alive this long, and he hopes it'll do the same today.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy shouts "damn can't this machine go faster?" as he pulls the throttle back desperately.

«Aircraft» Swordfish (#13944) drops 1 x 18" Mark XII torpedo!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#13944) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#13944) has been hit!
ENGINE HIT CONTROL HIT

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Torp gone.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton angles up a little as his nose gets precariously close to the water. Caution, caution.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy winces as anothe plane gets hit. And curses the machine again for not getting him there on time

Stringbags prove resilient to gunfire as cannon shells fly right through them and out the other side. Which is of little consolation to the little morsels of flesh in there.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd pulls the Swordfish's nose up, turns along the length of the Bismarck….

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

Target (#9140) Swordfish: Bearing 197, Range 6566 yds, Angels 0.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Going to try and draw some of the fire.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton flies closer and closer, nearly under 3,000 feet now. Trying to keep his wits about him. And hoping those guns don't nick him.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

Target (#9140) Swordfish: Bearing 195, Range 7079 yds, Angels 0.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd brings the biplane round in a turn, ripping in a screaming dive along the length of the big battleship.

«Aircraft» Swordfish (#3772) drops 1 x 18" Mark XII torpedo!

«Announcement from Death!» 1 hit, but it a was a dud!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton levels out. Getting under 2000 yards now. He takes a deep breath, hand hovering over the bombing controls…

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> Lead it a couple ** degrees, Horton.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger, Kidd.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#13944) Swordfish) Kidd pulls the Stringbag up in another full throttle climb to get enough height for a second pass as a target.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton pulls up a bit and slows just a little as he gets closer. If he's only got one chance to hit, it better be a good one.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier lines up with difficulty. At some moments his aircraft seems on side, at other times when he turns into the flak bursts (believing, perhaps superstitiously, that they won't hit the same place twice), he's nearly behind the ship. Goat drops his torpedo, then pulls away across the bow.

«Aircraft» Swordfish (#9141) drops 1 x 18" Mark XII torpedo!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#13944) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#13944) has been hit!
ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton lets his torpedo goes then hastily tries to angle up and away from those guns a bit.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«VSpace» Torpedo hit on KMS Bismarck!
Crew Space 3 is hit!

«Radio» <Kiddo radios> GOT HER!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Tower radios> Copy that flight!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton allows himself a satisfied smile.

«Aircraft» (#13944) Swordfish has been destroyed!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Jolly good work, Kiddo. … Kiddo…?

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier clears his throat, about to prepare a sad report when the sound both physical and across the wireless of the Bismarck being hit comes across.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#3772) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#3772) has been hit!
CONTROL HIT

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton has lost sight of his squad. He lets out a long breath. Hopefully some of them are still out there in the gloom. Somewhere. He moves to avoid the Bismark guns, as best he can at this range.

Target (#9140) Swordfish: Bearing 12, Range 7985 yds, Angels 0.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier feels his controls going as he lifts away from the Bismarck. The rudder is sloppy, the controls soggy and not just from the rainwater. He toggles the radio, trying to get some idea of what's going on.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Goat radios> Flight, report in.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Horton here, Goat. In one piece, more or less.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Quaker radios> lagging *** **** going I might be able to get in if it forgets me

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier turns in toward the Bismarck again, seeing one of the fliers bearing down on her.

«Radio» <Goat radios> Quaker, say again. Do you **** a torpedo?

«Radio» <Quaker radios> affirmitive, I just need time

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton spent his torpedo. He's just flitting about up there to keep the skies nicely cluttered now. And perhaps do a bit of strafing.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger, *** We'll keep him warm for you.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#9141) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#9141) has been hit!
CONTROL HIT ENGINE HIT CONTROL HIT

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton suddenly feels very, very warm. He pulls up, doing some praying now, that his engines haven't been too badly hacked.

«Naval Combat» (#13671) KMS Bismarck fires 10.5cm heavy AA x 8 at (#13947) HMS Sheffield!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy keeps his eyes fixed on the ship as he keeps pushing the throttle forward and encouraging the machine with whispered murmurs

«Radio» <Quaker radios> coming on 3000 yards

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Copy that, Quaker. I've taken a hit to my engine *** I'm still flying. Trying to get a bit of altitude between me and those guns.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier turns in off the ship's nose, hoping to distract that side's gunners a bit.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Goat radios> This is our last shot. Let's keep them guessing.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy is feeling the pressure as he comes up at the huge ships one hand kept tentativly on the bay trigger

«Naval Combat» (#13671) KMS Bismarck fires 10.5cm heavy AA x 8 at (#13947) HMS Sheffield!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton circles above the Bismark, staying just above the 1000-yard range, then angles down sharply. Trying a bit of this strafing thing.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

Swordfish (#3772) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#3772) has been hit!
CREW HIT!
Crosier suffers 4 wound damage to its left arm. ENGINE HIT

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton can't get a target lined up on the Bismark. He pulls up sharply.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Quaker radios> I've **** what I can do lets get out of here

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy tenses as the torpedo streaks towards the battle ship

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger, Quaker. Pull up to put some distance *** yourself and those guns. Goat, are you still with us?

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier one of the smaller shells catches on the engine, followed by some of its fellows. They don't have a great effect on the aeroplane, but they send pieces of the engine bay screaming through the instruments and into Crosier's throttle arm. He screams out in pain, then kicks the rudder when Quaker's report comes in. It's nearly a minute before he feels he can speak.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton allows himself a breath of relief as he gets a little altitude, seeing his fellow Swordfish doing the same.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
Swordfish (#9141) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#9141) has been hit!
CREW HIT!
Horton suffers 6 wound damage to its left leg. ENGINE HIT
CREW HIT!
Horton suffers 6 wound damage to its left hand. CONTROL HIT

«Radio» <Goat radios> Goat here, in one or two pieces. Bearing 60, we'll line up on tower off *** Sheffield.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton cries out in pain as his Swordfish is hit. Apparently, it wasn't quite enough room. He grimaces in pain, trying to keep his hands on the controls.

«Aircraft» You set your desired bearing to 60 degrees.

«Radio» <Quaker radios> roger that

Target (#9140) Swordfish: Bearing 313, Range 1451 yds, Angels 0.

«Radio» <Duck radios> Roger. I'm hit but I…I * I can make it. Bearing 60.

«Aircraft» The aircraft begins to shake, and falls, out of control!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Aircraft» Horton regains control of the aircraft!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

Swordfish (#9140) is hit by 3.7cm L38!
Swordfish (#9140) has been hit!
ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT ENGINE HIT

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton is fumbling with the controls now. A bullet and glass through the hand will lessen your response time a bit.

(From (#9140) Swordfish) Billy screams as the engine goes up in flames

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Aircraft» (#9140) Swordfish has been destroyed!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton struggles to keep his composure, between the pain and his fellows going down all around him. He looks over his shoulder, affirming that Goat is still with him. The farm animals survive, it seems.

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

«Naval Combat» (#13671) KMS Bismarck fires 10.5cm heavy AA x 8 at (#13947) HMS Sheffield!

«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!
«VSpace» KMS Bismarck fires antiaircraft guns!

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton gains some more altitude once he's gotten a bit more space between himself and the Bismark. He summons all his resolve not to pass out from blood-loss on the flight back.

(From (#3772) Swordfish) Crosier keeps the climb going but otherwise stays steady. Soon, he'll be wrapping his wounds in his scarf. But first, the survivors.

(From (#9141) Swordfish) Horton levels out, making it as easy a flight for himself as possible. He's not up for any grand corrections or moves just now.

«Radio» <Goat radios> * have Sheffield at Bearing 300 or about, roughly 2 miles. Passing over, Tower should be ** off that. Still with me, Duck?

«Radio» <Duck radios> I'm here, Goat. ** the grace of God.

«Aircraft» Swordfish lands at HMS Ark Royal!

«Aircraft» Swordfish lands at HMS Ark Royal!
«Aircraft» Horton gets out of Swordfish.

Horton comes in for a landing and stumbles out of his plane, his leg giving way under him when he tries to put it on the carrier. It's been ripped through by the Bismark's guns, so he's not exactly in running form just now.

People may have died. But the report of the Bismarck being torpedoed has already done the rounds of the carrier, and there is plenty of cheering when the old biplanes come back to earth. Or close enough.

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