Dover defences

[bell_rj]

Hi all,

 

I created this mission (it's more of a template) to use it as a starting point for other missions by placing as many of the historically deployed Heavy AA batteries around Dover as possible. Please note that you need to edit this mission to make it playable. There are some German fighters and bombers included but they are there to show how the defences react (it's quite fun to watch them fly in and get shot at). There is no scripting in this mission.

 

Included:

Heavy Anti-Aircraft (HAA) sites - placed using historical records. I estimate about 90% of the sites are represented and of those I've placed they are about 90-95% accurate in their location. I've used several sources for reference purposes. You may find that some of the sites were there in 1940 but perhaps not in 1944, and some guns were moved around - the records can be unclear. But I think the overall end result is pretty representative. Gun numbers per site are accurate where records were available. I've had to use a bit of artistic licence with the ammo storage at each site due to DCS limitations.

 

Light Anti-Aircraft (LAA) sites - placed using historical records. I have included about 60% of the LAA sites. Frankly, they are pretty lethal.

 

Barrage balloons - I have included the exact number of balloons as deployed in 1940 but have not been able to find exactly where they were. I have tried to place them in suitable locations. Also, it is not possible to match the heights they were deployed at as no records exist that I can find. The max is 1500m as per standard doctrine and some are lower.

 

Naval batteries - I have placed most of the major coastal gun batteries and used historical records and satellite photos to place supporting buildings. Since ED have not provided a coastal gun model I have had to use a bunker style building to represent the position.

 

Ships - totally made up.

 

Pillboxes - where records show pillbox defences, such as around the Citadel, these have been placed.

 

Searchlights - there aren't any because there isn't an allied searchlight model. I would really like one. Hint, hint ED.

 

I hope you find this useful. I welcome any comments and suggestions for improvement. If you use it please let me know. I'd love to see your missions with it. The defences are pretty intense. Have fun!

 

Here's the DL link:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3313328/

[bell_rj]

Hey all, the file is now available for download at the link in the post.

 

Within 2 weeks, for v0.2, I will:

- add the HAA batteries in Deal, Manston and Lympne.

- add some LAA batteries to airfields for local air defence.

- add LAA batteries and some ships to other ports.

- tweak unit placement for trees or terrain.

- add DCS: Cows

 

I've had real trouble finding any pictures of the port of Dover with barrage balloons. It's almost as if people were discouraged from taking photos of major military installations during wartime in case they were shot as spies... :music_whistling: If you see any please let me know.

 

 

[bell_rj]

V0.2 is now available. Change log:

 

Additional HAA sites at Hythe, Folkestone, Deal, Manston. All placed using OS grid references from historical records so should be very accurate.

All Allied airfields have LAA defences - these are not historically placed on the airfield and I've chosen 3 guns as a starting point.

LAA defences added to ports (Dover already had them).

Additional ships / boats at Ramsgate, Folkestone, Eastbourne, Chatham.

Barrage balloons added to ports (Dover already had them). Not historically accurate due to lacking records.

Cows! Cows have been placed where one might expect to find cows. They seem unusually unbothered by high velocity AA fire.

 

I'm particularly interested to hear if anyone knows about historical airfield defences. 3 LAA guns (Bofors 40mm) seemed adequate as anything else might be too OP.

 

Defences generally set (unless I missed any) to Excellent skill level, ROE Weapons Free and Alarm State Red.

 

Next version? Well I was thinking of doing the same for the airfields on the French side of the map, as I don't have a German warbird to attack Dover with and I feel the need to go shoot at something in my Spitfire. But I'm wondering if the additional units will cause performance issues for people. Views welcome!