Bailing Out/Escaping Capture in Italy & Yugoslavia
Jan 13, 2017 15:26:29 GMT -8
blaird, andy254, and 1 more like this
Post by limburger59 on Jan 13, 2017 15:26:29 GMT -8
BAILING OUT OVER OCCUPIED ITALY
Just read about the Ileen Lois, a B-17 shot down on January 15, 1944.
The crew bailed out, and the plane crashed in Lake Bolsana (Zone 3). Three of the Americans were immediately captured, but seven members of the crew were rescued, and hidden by Italian families. Five of those made it back. In light of that fact, and the advance of the Allies up the boot of Italy, it got me thinking about the rules for 15th Air Force, created by Lawrence Cirelli.
The expansion, as published in THE GENERAL Vol 23, No 1, (1986) read:
A. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in France, Italy, Yugoslavia or Greece, he will be returned in time for the next mission by the Underground or Partisans on a die roll of -6- (see Note. d, Table G-7 and G-10).
B. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania or Albania, he is automatically captured (see Note c, Table G-7 and G-10).
C. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in Zone 1 (Allied-controlled Italy), he is automatically ready for the next mission.
In fact, after the Armistice on 3 Sept 43, there were improved chances of rescue. The following variant is by no means historical, but it does reflect the flavor of the Allied advance through the zones. Before September 1943 we’ll stick with the odds as published, but afterwards…
Die roll in order to be rescued:
Next Mission
It was one thing to get rescued, but another thing to get back to Foggia. The roads in Italy were nothing like the roads back in England or in France.
In Zones behind the Allied lines, use the zone number as the number of additional days to get back to Foggia and flying again. So, if you are rescued in Zone 3, you’ll be travelling for 3 days before your next mission.
If you are rescued in enemy occupied territory, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to Foggia.
BAILING OUT OVER YUGOSLAVIA
By 1944 partisans had gained control of large sections of or rural Yugoslavia. Partisans would do what they could to aid downed allied crews. The more rural the area they better chance you had of evading German patrols and being found by partisans.
If you have to bailout over Yugoslavia roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member.
1 Missing in Action (MIA) in the rugged snow covered mountains and never heard from again.
2-3 Captured by a German Patrol = POW.
4 Escaped aided by Partisans unless it is the Target Zone, then POW.
5-6 Escaped aided by Partisans.
Escaped aided by Partisans: Two options:
1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations.
2) Game Option: If you are really attached to a crewman, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th.
LIMBURGER'S VARIANT FOR BAILING OUT (Work in Process)
Bomber crews were not trained paratroopers. Even the most graceful exit from a mortality wounded bomber might end in a painful landing. I will be testing out these tables, and you are welcome to test them too. More injuries, but a little less chance to be instantly KIA. They are inspired by Magnus Kimura's B-26 game that he is designing.
Roll for each crewman separately.
MODIFIERS:
Seriously wounded crew: - 6, Tail Gunner -1, Ball Turret Gunner still in ball -2,
Poor weather: -1, Bad weather: -3
B-17 Pilots: -1, B-24 Pilots -2 (based on Autopilot working & engaged)
WITHOUT AUTOPILOT: these additional penalties apply to the Pilot only:
FIRE: -3 BIP: -3 Runaway Engine: -4 Two engines out: -2
Both Elevators out: -2 Both Ailerons out: -1 Rudder out: -1
MODIFIERS:
Seriously wounded crew members are unable to bail out, or be assisted out of an out-of-control bomber.
B-17 Pilots: -1, Tail Gunner: -2, Ball Gunner, if still in Ball: -4
MODIFIERS:
Poor weather: -2; Bad weather: -4; Uncontrolled Bomber: -2 Over the Alps -4;
Light Wound: -1; Serious Wound: -4
Into the Sea: +3 ... but you still need to roll on Table G-6F to see if you drowned or not.
If Bail Out over the Alps: Roll d6: 1-3 = dies of cold & exposure, 4-6 = rescued but captured
During the Winter plus season (December through May) there is a -2 die modifier
Modifiers:
Winter (November through March) -2, Poor Weather -1, Bad Weather -3,
The Mediterranean in Summer (May through October) +1
Light Wound -1, Seriously Wounded -4
IF the Bomber is out of Formation and the Radio is inoperable or the Radio Operator is KIA/SW and no escorting fighter stayed with the bomber to radio where the bailout occurred, then all crew are automatically Lost at Sea.
Just read about the Ileen Lois, a B-17 shot down on January 15, 1944.
The crew bailed out, and the plane crashed in Lake Bolsana (Zone 3). Three of the Americans were immediately captured, but seven members of the crew were rescued, and hidden by Italian families. Five of those made it back. In light of that fact, and the advance of the Allies up the boot of Italy, it got me thinking about the rules for 15th Air Force, created by Lawrence Cirelli.
The expansion, as published in THE GENERAL Vol 23, No 1, (1986) read:
A. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in France, Italy, Yugoslavia or Greece, he will be returned in time for the next mission by the Underground or Partisans on a die roll of -6- (see Note. d, Table G-7 and G-10).
B. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania or Albania, he is automatically captured (see Note c, Table G-7 and G-10).
C. If a crew member bails out and lands unhurt or survives a forced landing in Zone 1 (Allied-controlled Italy), he is automatically ready for the next mission.
In fact, after the Armistice on 3 Sept 43, there were improved chances of rescue. The following variant is by no means historical, but it does reflect the flavor of the Allied advance through the zones. Before September 1943 we’ll stick with the odds as published, but afterwards…
Die roll in order to be rescued:
| Before Sept 43 | Sept 43 | June 44 | Aug 44 | Feb 45 | |
| Zone 1 | automatic | automatic | automatic | automatic | automatic |
| Zone 2 | 6 | 4-6 | automatic | automatic | automatic |
| Zone 3 | 6 | 4-6 | 3-6 | automatic | automatic |
| Zone 4 | 6 | 5-6 | 4-6 | 4-6 | automatic |
| Zone 5 | 6 | 6 | 5-6 | 5-6 | 4-6 |
| Zone 6+ | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Next Mission
It was one thing to get rescued, but another thing to get back to Foggia. The roads in Italy were nothing like the roads back in England or in France.
In Zones behind the Allied lines, use the zone number as the number of additional days to get back to Foggia and flying again. So, if you are rescued in Zone 3, you’ll be travelling for 3 days before your next mission.
If you are rescued in enemy occupied territory, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to Foggia.
BAILING OUT OVER YUGOSLAVIA
By 1944 partisans had gained control of large sections of or rural Yugoslavia. Partisans would do what they could to aid downed allied crews. The more rural the area they better chance you had of evading German patrols and being found by partisans.
If you have to bailout over Yugoslavia roll 1d6 for each surviving Crew member.
1 Missing in Action (MIA) in the rugged snow covered mountains and never heard from again.
2-3 Captured by a German Patrol = POW.
4 Escaped aided by Partisans unless it is the Target Zone, then POW.
5-6 Escaped aided by Partisans.
Escaped aided by Partisans: Two options:
1) Historical Option: When you return to Italy, your wounds will be treated, you will be debriefed and you will be sent back to the US. You know too much about the partisan locations, resources and operations.
2) Game Option: If you are really attached to a crewman, roll 2d6 and multiply that by the zone you are in. That is how many days it will take to get you back to the 509th.
LIMBURGER'S VARIANT FOR BAILING OUT (Work in Process)
Bomber crews were not trained paratroopers. Even the most graceful exit from a mortality wounded bomber might end in a painful landing. I will be testing out these tables, and you are welcome to test them too. More injuries, but a little less chance to be instantly KIA. They are inspired by Magnus Kimura's B-26 game that he is designing.
Roll for each crewman separately.
Replaces TFT 7-3 or QOTS G-6 | G-6A : BAILOUT from a CONTROLLED BOMBER |
| Roll 2d6 +/- modifiers | Result |
| 0 to 2 | Crewman suffers a Bailout Accident- roll on G-6B |
| 3 to 12 | Bailout OK - check Landing on G-6C |
Seriously wounded crew: - 6, Tail Gunner -1, Ball Turret Gunner still in ball -2,
Poor weather: -1, Bad weather: -3
B-17 Pilots: -1, B-24 Pilots -2 (based on Autopilot working & engaged)
WITHOUT AUTOPILOT: these additional penalties apply to the Pilot only:
FIRE: -3 BIP: -3 Runaway Engine: -4 Two engines out: -2
Both Elevators out: -2 Both Ailerons out: -1 Rudder out: -1
| Replaces TFT 7-4 or QOTS G-7 | G-7 : BAILOUT from an UNCONTROLLED BOMBER |
| Roll 2d6 +/- modifiers | Result |
| 0 to 7 | No Bailout - Goes Down with the Bomber |
| 8 to 10 | Crewman suffers a Bailout Accident- roll on G-6B |
| 11 to 12 | Bailout OK - check Landing on G-6C |
Seriously wounded crew members are unable to bail out, or be assisted out of an out-of-control bomber.
B-17 Pilots: -1, Tail Gunner: -2, Ball Gunner, if still in Ball: -4
| G-6B : BAILOUT ACCIDENT | |
| Roll 2d6 | Result (Skip Table G-6C and if wounded to straight to Table G-6D) |
| 2 | Parachute doesn’t open. Crewman KIA. |
| 3 | Parachute was damaged/burned during combat. Fast descent! Bad landing with a negative DM of -3 on the Wound Table. (G-6D) |
| 4 | LYNCHED: In Germany you are attacked by enraged civilians or in Occupied Countries or the USSR you are mistaken for a German pilot by peasants. (Ignore this event in Allied controlled zones.) Roll 1D6: 1-5: Rescued by German soldiers/police after suffering a LW from pitchforks and beatings. 6: KIA: Shot or Hung or Mutilated. |
| 5-7 | Crewman lands badly. Roll for wound. |
| 8 | Perfect Landing! You don't need to roll on G-6C |
| 9 | Crewman bails out incorrectly. The wind knocks him out and he tumbles uncontrollably through the air. Roll 1D6: 1-3: He manages to pull the ripcord and he lands safely. 4-5: He falls unconscious to the ground. KIA. 6: He lands badly. Roll for wound with a negative DM of -3 on the Wound Table. (G-6D) |
| 10-11 | Crewman pulls his ripcord too early and suffers Anoxia. Bad landing with a negative DM of -3 on the Wound Table. No effect if bailout under 14,000 feet. |
| 12 | Crewman hits part of the plane and is knocked out. KIA |
| G-6C : LANDING AFTER BAILOUT | |
| Roll 2d6 +/- modifiers | Result |
| 0 | Bad Landing! Crewman seriously Wounded & Knocked Unconscious |
| 1 to 4 | Bad Landing! Roll on Table G-6D for Wound |
| 5 to 12 | Landing OK |
Poor weather: -2; Bad weather: -4; Uncontrolled Bomber: -2 Over the Alps -4;
Light Wound: -1; Serious Wound: -4
Into the Sea: +3 ... but you still need to roll on Table G-6F to see if you drowned or not.
If Bail Out over the Alps: Roll d6: 1-3 = dies of cold & exposure, 4-6 = rescued but captured
During the Winter plus season (December through May) there is a -2 die modifier
| G-6D : INJURY DUE TO BAILOUT LANDING | |
| Roll 2d6 | Result |
| 0-2 | Killed in landing: Broken neck, broken back, dragged over rocks, impaled by tree, etc. |
| 3-5 | Serious Wound Suffered in Landing (SW): Roll for Serious Wound and adjust description for fall, being dragged, landing in tree. 2nd SW = Killed in Action. |
| 6-8 | Light Wound Suffered in landing (LW): Use your imagination... If 3rd LW = Serious Wound |
| 9+ | Bumps, Bruises, Scratches – No effect & No Purple Heart. |
| G-6F : BAILOUT OVER WATER (Replaces TFT note "h" or QOTS G-8) | |
| Roll 2d6 | Result |
| 0-6 | Lost at Sea: Never found. |
| 7-8 | Drowned: Body recovered. Confirmed KIA. |
| 9+ | Rescued: See notes on Gazetteer whether your rescuers are Germans, Allied, or Fishermen. |
Winter (November through March) -2, Poor Weather -1, Bad Weather -3,
The Mediterranean in Summer (May through October) +1
Light Wound -1, Seriously Wounded -4
IF the Bomber is out of Formation and the Radio is inoperable or the Radio Operator is KIA/SW and no escorting fighter stayed with the bomber to radio where the bailout occurred, then all crew are automatically Lost at Sea.