MACCHI MASTER, 11 July 1943
Briefing: Wing Commander Duncan Smith was on patrol over Sicily when he spotted a formation of Macchi 202s below him. Followed by his wingman, he dove to attack and was just about to open fire when the enemy formation broke into him. A frantic dogfight took place, and Smith soon realised his opposite number was no beginner.
| Map: | Blue Sky |
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| Aircraft:
| Allied: | Two Spitfire IXc
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| | Axis: | Four Macchi C.202
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Set Up: Place the Spitfires in hexes 2928 and 3129 , facing W, altitude 14.2, speed 7.0, banked level, and steep diving. Place the Macchis in hexes 2925, 3126, 2726 and 2527, facing SW, altitude 14.0, speed 6.0, banked left, and flying level.
Game Length: 20 Turns
Rules of Engagement:
1. Pilot Quality: The Spitfire leader is a Veteran-Ace-Crack Shot. The Macchi leader is a Gifted-Veteran-Ace. Generate the other Spitfire pilot on the "Excellent" column, and the other Macchi pilots on the "Average" table. All Regular or better Macchi pilots are automatically Gifted.
Variants:
1. Remove all aircraft other than the two leaders.
Debriefing: The Macchi pilot soon turned the tables on Smith, who looked for help but could see no sign of his wingman. In a desperate climbing turn he expected the thud of cannon shells at any moment, but instead felt the judder of a stall. Recovering quickly from his spin, he found his opponent slightly to one side and below. Firing a quick burst the Macchi burst into flames, diving into the high ground near Noto and taking the pilot with it. Some time later, after the Italian surrender, Smith learned he had downed one of Italy's leading aces.
Designer's Notes: The source is Spitfire into Battle, the autobiography of G Capt Duncan Smith DSO DFC. Smith had a high opinion of Italian pilots and aircraft. I have read in many sources that the Italians were technically excellent pilots, masters of their aircraft, but had a tendency to perform aerobatics in combat which were tactically unwise. Hence I included the provision to make most if not all of the Italian pilots Gifted.
| Scenario List
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| Scenario 19
Doppelganger!
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| Scenario 21
I Am the Walrus
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Version History:
1.0 Initial Version