Operation Phantom Ramp

Mission Name: Operation Phantom Ramp
Date: March 1944
Location: French Coast, near a town currently under American bombardment
Mission Brief:
Intelligence reports have recently indicated the construction of peculiar ramp-like structures along the French coastline, suspected to be of German origin. The nature and purpose of these ramps remain unclear, but it is believed they may be part of a new weapon system that could pose a significant threat to our impending invasion efforts.

In response, a joint task force comprising elements of the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces is to be dispatched on a reconnaissance mission to gather vital photographic evidence. The operation will be conducted under the cover of a large-scale American bombing raid on a nearby French town, designed to divert the enemy’s attention and provide our forces with the necessary window of opportunity.

Primary Objectives:
Photograph the Ramp Structures: Reconnaissance aircraft are to overfly the designated target areas and capture high-quality photographic images of the mysterious ramp installations.
Avoid Enemy Fighters: The Luftwaffe is expected to respond to the bombing raid. Ensure that your aircraft are not intercepted or shot down during the mission.
Return to Base: Upon completion of the reconnaissance, all aircraft are to return to base and deliver the gathered intelligence for analysis.
Secondary Objectives:
Escort and Protect Bombers: Should the situation permit, assist in the protection of the American bombers from enemy fighter aircraft.
Reconnoitre Additional Sites: If feasible, conduct reconnaissance of any other sites of interest that may prove valuable to forthcoming Allied operations.
Enemy Forces:
Anti-Aircraft Defences: Expect heavy and medium anti-aircraft fire around the target areas.
Fighter Patrols: Enemy fighter aircraft, including Focke-Wulf 190s and Messerschmitt Bf 109s, are known to be patrolling the vicinity.
Ground Forces: Be aware of potential mobile flak units and ground troops that may hinder your mission.
Allied Forces:
De Havilland Mosquito: Equipped with cameras for reconnaissance and light armament for self-defence.
Supermarine Spitfire: Tasked with escorting and protecting the Mosquito aircraft from enemy fighters.
North American P-51 Mustang: American fighter aircraft will support the Spitfires in providing cover for both the Mosquito reconnaissance planes and the American bombers.
Weather Conditions:
Visibility is moderate, with cloud cover at 10,000 feet.
Light southwesterly winds.
Time of day: Early morning.