Nationalist vs. Republican: 5-Nov-36

(by Charlie Vousden)

Background: On November 5, Morato and 8 other Nationalist pilots in Fiat CR.32s took on 12 Republican flyers in I-15s. After the combat, the Nationalists claimed 7 victories and the Republicans claimed 5. Actual losses were 2 Fiats destroyed and several Chatos damaged. The two Nationalist pilots were captured and later exchanged.

Map: Blue Sky

Setup: Both sides start at 10.0, 4.0.

Game Length: 20 turns

Special Rules:

1. One Nationalist pilot is a Veteran. Other characteristics may be as generated. However, the Republicans should have no Veterans. Generate Nationalists as Average and Republicans as Poor.

Additional Rules:

1. Original numbers were 9/12; could also be played as 6/8. Both sides used a 3-plane formation called the "kette" by the Germans or a vic by the English.
2. Similar combats occurred almost daily until November 19. Losses (and overclaiming) were similar on both sides. By the end of this period, Morato's score stood at 15. The Republicans flew in squadron strength and generally started fights with about 25% more aircraft than the Nationalists. Sides would therefore be determined on that basis (2v3, 3v4, 6v8, 9v12, etc.) depending on the size and length of the desired scenario. Pilot quality for the Nationalists is average and for the Republicans is poor.
3. Combat generally started with both sides in visual contact. Various positions of advantage can be determined using the Fighting Wings tactical rules. Altitudes ranged from low level to about 20,000 ft. Not all aircraft had oxygen supplies.
4. The Nationalists used Fiat CR.32s and Ju 52s against the Republican Polikarpov I-15s, I-16s (Type 5/6) and SB-2s. The weather in November around Madrid was clear, but storms would cause operational losses in early 1937. Players should mutually agree on numbers, types, altitude, and disengagement rules prior to combat.
5. Any November 1936 campaign games should start with one pilot on the Nationalist side as a veteran with 4 kills (Morato). All the others should be rolled for or agreed upon, but the Republicans would have no veterans.
6. The CR.32, Ju52, I-15, and I-16 are available on Uncle Ted's.

Does the Bomber Always Get Through?: 28-Jan-37

Background: From their arrival Spain in October, 1936, the Tupolev SB-2 surprised its enemies. It was not only faster than the CR.32s sent to intercept it, but it could out-climb them once it released its bombload. For weeks, they ranged over Nationalist territory virtually unaopposed by any fighters. Garcia Morato developed tactics to deal with this threat.

During December 1936 and January 1937, a pair of SB-2s made repeated bombing attacks on Cordoba. After repeated attacks failed to intercept them, Morato noticed that they arrived over the city at the same time and at the same altitude. So, one morning he flew a morning patrol at 16,500 feet - well above their usual arrival point...

Map: Blue sky

Setup: The two SB-2s enter from the west headed east at 13.0, flying level atspeed 5.0 into any hex between 20 and 30. They are loaded with 1,000 lbs of bombs. The pilots are regulars. The Fiat is in hex 2520 at 16.5, in its choice of facing and any diving attitude, and any speed up to max level speed.

Game Length: 20 turns

Special Rules:

1. The Soviet pilots are Regulars. Determine other characteristics if desired.
2. The Republican pilot is a Veteran/Hero/Crack-shot.
3. The Soviets must fly straight until they are attacked. If both bombers can clear the board, the Soviets win.

Additional Rules:

• The CR32 and SB-2 are available on Uncle Ted's.

The American Patrol: 15-Feb-37

Background: In early 1937, a small group of American mercenary pilots made their way to Spain. After a brief check out period in Breguet XIX bombers, many of them were formed in the same new squadron of I-15 Chatos commanded by Garcia La Calle based near Guadalajara. They were nicknamed the American Patrol. The squadron was teamed with a Soviet squadron flying I-16 Moscas.

In one of their first missions, their 8 Chatos were jumped by 24 He51s. La Calle led them into a defensive circle. Some of the He51s lazily dove and seemed to stop paying attention to the I-15s. However, as three of the Americans dropped down out of the circle after the He51s, three “partner” He51s dropped after each I-15. The remainder of the flight dropped to try to help their wingmates. After that, the squadron of I-16s, lurking above watching the American mettle, dropped in after the He51s.

Map: Blue sky

Setup: [This may get confusing; wait for it...]

Game Length: 20 turns

Special Rules:

1. The Kondor Legion is organized in fours. They have 1 Vet, 9 Reg, 2 Green pilots. Determine other characteristics if desired.
2. The Republicans are organized in vics. They have one Vet (LaCalle), 2 Regs (one CS, one GF), and one Green.
3. The Soviets are all Regs. Determine other characteristics if desired.

Additional Rules:

• The He51 and I-15 are available on Uncle Ted's.

Tinker to the Rescue: 12-Jul-37

Background: Introduction: By July, 1937, the leading American mercenary pilot, Frank Tinker (8), had “graduated” to fly I-16s with the Soviet pilots. One day, Tinker and his two Soviet wingmen spotted a Chato being attacked by three of the new German fighter, the Bf109B-1. Tinker and his wingmen swooped to the rescue too late to save the Chato, but Tinker shot down one Bf109B and his wingmates claimed another between them. The third 109 escaped.

Map: Blue Sky

Setup:

1. Set up the I-15bis somewhere near the center of the board, select an altitude between 3.0 and 10.0.
2. Set up the Bf109B-1s as follows: They must be a total of 12 away from the Chato (vertical and horizontal range; if one is closer (say range 2), another can be further away (range 6). . Select an initial speed by adding 1D6*.5 to minimum speed.
3. Once the 109s are in place, select an initial speed by adding 1D6*.5 to minimum speed. The Chato may change its facing within its set up hex.
4. Set the I-16s up in a vic at least 6 hexes away from the Chato, 2000 ft up. Speed 4.0.
5. All aircraft may select initial bank. Assume last turn all aircraft flew level.

Game Length: 20 turns

Special Rules:

1. The I-15 starts with 4 hits. Pilot is Reg, GF.
2. Bf109 pilots are both regulars. Roll for other characteristics if desired.
3. The lead I-16 pilot is Vet, Ace, GF. Others are Regulars. Roll for other characteristics if desired.

Additional Rules

• The Bf109B-1, I-15, and I-16are available on Uncle Ted's.

Historical Notes:

The downed Chato happened to be piloted by Tinker's friend Whitey Dahl, perhaps the third best American fighter pilot in Spain. He was captured and eventually sentenced to be shot in October, 1938. His wife, living in Cannes, wrote to Franco and begged him to commute her husband’s sentence. Dahl was held until Feb., 1940 - nearly a year after the end of the Spanish Civil War.

Frank Tinker left Spain in August, 1937. On his return to the US, he had many problems with the state department, having entered Spain against US government decree. A few weeks after the Republican surrender, Tinker shot himself.