I'm just describing a "normal" day in the "Mighty 8th".
The year is 1943. A big part of europe is occupied by the Germans. The men of the 8th airforce are willing to contribute to the liberation. They want to give their power and even their lives for fighting Hitler and the powerful german Luftwaffe. But this is not the only threat. The german AAA has the reputation of being quite accurate...and deadly.
Before I start, a little info: The game is Microprose's "B-17 Flying Fortress II: The Mighty 8th" and every aircraft shown in these pictures is flyable. Furthermore,all of the B-17's stations can be manned by the player. I wasn't an active participator in this mission, just an observer. So you may call this a war-movie. In fact,you can play the game without ever putting hand on the B-17 itself or the P-51,Me 262,etc... Just use the camera controls,and you're fine.
But now,let's roll! :D
The mission is a strike on a V1 launch site in northern France, near Calais.
It's an early morning somewhen in 1943 and the english landscape is a silent place of peace - until the sound of dozens of mighty radial engines break the silence.
The "Mighty 8th" is preparing for another run against France! The formation consists of 18 B-17s, six from my squadron and the remaining 12 from others.
After having taxied to the runway, the pilot of the leading '17 kicks the throttle forward and soon, the heavy bomber, filled with a deadly freight, crawls into the sky.
A few minutes later, after the every bomber has taken its position, the formation is roaring southwards at a steady climb rate. It's a long way up - and down...
Inside the "Fortresses", the gunners are doing the most cruel thing one can do on a day like that - waiting. It's a long way to the target and there's possibility for a return. But a real airman doesn't pull his tail in! He will stand and fight, no matter how dangerous it'll be!
In the front section, the navigator (left) who keeps track of the formation's position, while the front gunner/bombardier is suffering as much as the other gunners, which are out of work at the moment.
But this will change very soon...
More tomorrow.
