Could YOU Survive a Dogfight During the Battle of Britain?

[@TJ3]

Hope you guys enjoyed this third episode of my “Can You Survive” Series. This one was important to me, as I really enjoy studying the Battle of Britain. I based the characters and story of this video on real members of 303 Squadron, and an actual day of combat that they went through (Sept. 5 1940). The eventual outcomes of the characters in this video are as follows: Witold Lokuciewski (You) - Survived the war with 8 confirmed kills and 4 probable. Passed away in 1990, aged 73. Waclaw Lapkowski - Was actually shot down, but bailed out on this mission on September 5th 1940, after downing a Ju-88. Would be shot down by a Bf-109 a year later in July of 1941 and killed in action at the age of 27. Ludwik Paszkiewicz - Scored 6 confirmed kills in the war. Was hit by a 109 three weeks after this mission on September 27th 1940. He would be killed in action as he tried to crash land his Hurricane.

[@riphopfer5816]

I love these, mate. I love fewer things more than playing thought experiments, and I’m quite good at these.

[@TJ3]

@@riphopfer5816 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@riphopfer5816]

@@TJ3 Ironically, after boasting about how well I typically handle miself in a (virtual) dogfight, I buggered this one up well bad. I have a soft spot for mi wingmen, and I wanted to check for a chute after that 109 took out Waclaw’s aeroplane. Good fun, and educational, nevertheless! VERY well-made! Moreover, the research went into this, and the details of the fight, were impressive. I thought having to identify the enemy aircraft was a stellar moment. That were bloody clever and an oft-overlooked but super-vital part of air combat in the pre-digital age. We take for granted, these days, that many 4th- and 5th-Gen aircraft can identify aircraft and even MISSILE-types via radar.

[@TJ3]

@@riphopfer5816 thanks! This one was certainly more difficult than the other ones!

[@beachcomber1able]

I hate the way you pronounce "Luftwaffe" ,TJ 😟

[@tyleringle268]

Always remember the Dicta Boelcke rule 1 always try to place yourself above and behind your enemy if possible. Rule 2 try to place yourself between the sun and your enemy to conceal your position. Rule 3 do not fire until you are within range of your target always fire in short bursts to save ammo. Rule 4 Always try to catch your enemy off guard attack when he least expects it. Rule 5 Never try to run away if you are attacked. Always turn into your attackers put them on the defense. Rule 6 Always keep your eyes on your opponents do not fall for tricks always follow your attacker down until you see him crash. Rule 7 When fighting together as a unit all pilots attack different targets. Always coordinate the attack with fellow pilots before attacking your enemy.

[@rbgerald2469]

Also keep in mind the 10 Rules For Air Fighting made by Group Captain Adolph Gysbert 'Sailor' Malan, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar. (He fought in the Battle Of Britain): 1. Wait until you see the whites of his eyes. Fire short bursts of one to two seconds only when your sights are definitely "ON". 2. Whilst shooting think of nothing else, brace the whole of your body: have both hands on the stick: concentrate on your ring sight. 3. Always keep a sharp lookout. "Keep your finger out". 4. Height gives you the initiative. 5. Always turn and face the attack. 6. Make your decisions promptly. It is better to act quickly even though your tactics are not the best. 7. Never fly straight and level for more than 30 seconds in the combat area. 8. When diving to attack always leave a proportion of your formation above to act as a top guard. 9. Initiative, Aggression, Air Discipline, and Teamwork are words that Mean something in Air Fighting. 10. Go in quickly - Punch hard - Get out!

[@tyleringle268]

@@rbgerald2469 This information is basically the same thing I shared.

[@rbgerald2469]

@@tyleringle268 ..Yep. Two different pilots from different eras, but the rules stay the same.

[@brettharrison2237]

Beware the Hun in the sun.

[@ncscoobysnack]

He died breaking rule 7

[@roberts1938]

Thank you especially for this Polish episode in your films. The Battle of England was a deadly battle, where a new tactic of air combat was created and the formation changed to the one used by the Poles - the finger formation. I think the formation change was also due to the fact that there would be as few situations of attacks on the enemy as possible without the protection of the winger. This dilemma of fighting or defending a downed Hurricane is very instructive. During the fight everything happened so quickly that the pilots did not have time to analyze. That is why they acted instinctively and in accordance with training, which is why Polish pilots achieved very good results, leading the squadrons with the highest number of kills. Individual Polish pilots were also on internships in British squadrons as volunteers. For example Głowacki - an ace in one day who shot down 5 planes in one day. Your video is very innovative and engaging for the viewer. I like this way of narration very much. Greetings from Poland.

[@neptunesorbit2063]

my great grandad escaped poland in ww2 (he did get sent to siberia before he could get to england and had to escape from there) and he joined the raf and they wanted him to be a pilot but he decided to be an engineer instead and then worked for avro after the war (specifically on the vulcan bomber). He was a great guy and the opening reminded me of him

[@rg20322]

Awesome!!

[@dakosaurusrex9850]

Love the can you survive series. Maybe you could do one on tank combat next. Custom ground maps could provide a pretty good video

[@spygineer1076]

oh yeah that's cool af

[@dahan419]

From a German tank crew perspective

[@titantanic7255]

Yessss! I need that! I’m reading a book by Otto Karius (a German tiger tank commander) he fought in the eastern front, maybe cause his book is pretty detailed you could use it for a tank survive combat, the book is called tiger in the mud

[@genarogarza376]

Or a U-Boat vs. destroyer scenario

[@enigmawyoming5201]

I really like these “will you survive” plots. Unique, and of all things… interactive to some extent! Thanks!

[@speedfinder1]

Could I mention, a lot, if not most of the Polish airmen who flew in this conflict, were already battle hardened airmen from early WW2 conflicts in late 1939. Some of them, were the very best pilots anywhere in Europe at the time. They had seen action in their own air force prior to the fall of Poland. The Polish air-force was underequipped during the commencement of the war. They made their experience count to deadly effect with better equipment in the Battle of Britain. We all owe these men a huge debt for their service and sacrifice.

[@bokane1963]

British airmen commented that they were some of the most fearless pilots we had. When they'd order them to hold back they'd often ignore the orders due to their hatred of what the Germans had done to their homeland. Quote right too

[@JMCV07]

There is afilm about this!!!

[@jimc6687]

I'd be curious to see such an analysis on an exciting WW I aerial battle, TJ. I recall those first Atari or whatever rudimentary games we had as kids with biplanes and triplanes.........around the same era with slow running ping pong. So, it would be cool to see a state-of-the-art computer graphic depiction similar to this quality applied to 90-110 mph warplanes of 105 years ago!! Jim C.

[@TJ3]

I'd enjoy this too! Haha not sure if my viewers will but I think it would be super cool

[@louisavondart9178]

Oh hell yes. The WW1 version is brilliant. You can even use your pistol to shoot at your enemy ! Headshots happen.

[@el_rolfo]

I'd love to see WWI aerial battles, since my great grandfather was a pilot who fought for the Kingdom of Italy. Eventualy he was shot down but survived, and was knighted for his actions in battle.

[@rylandw6130]

@@el_rolfo That is an interesting story! What's his name?

[@jeffreycordle6084]

Since I am not a pilot I'd imagine surviving the air battle would be immaterial. I'd have been lucky to survive the take off. And if I didn't just end up dive bombing the ground trying to not get shot down. Chances are I'd probably not survive the landing. Especially considering that a fighter plane is hard to control while actually being taught 🤔

[@Dave5843-d9m]

I don't have the eyesight, so my survival (as a pilot) is 100% as I'd never get chance to fly.

[@louisavondart9178]

Buy the game and the kit you need and find out? IL2 Sturmovik and all it's versions is the best combat flight sim out there. You'll soon learn...

[@BuzzLOLOL]

I'd have been a multiple Ace as I tend to do well at everything I do...

[@theonlymadmac4771]

@@BuzzLOLOL If genetics play I role, so would I, as my grandfather was a double ace in WW I, survived the war being on the frontline apart from flight school 1914-18

[@rinzler9775]

Dont worry - they wpuld give you one or two weeks training before sending you into battle.

[@paulmazan4909]

Very good although Checking 6 after the other Hurricane was shot down would have made the decision easier.

[@densalbeach1]

I had the pleasure of meeting Geoffrey Wellum, avgreat man who flew Spitfires in the Battle of Britain. He wrote a book 'First Light' a great read. If this video captured your imagination I stongly recommend you get a copy of his book and tell his and Fighter Commands story to future generations. We, the many owe so much to them, the few!

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Assume you've seen the docudrama based on his book . Think it was BBC about six years ago.

[@densalbeach1]

Yes I did, quite a good adaptation of the book.

[@jackkruese4258]

Yes read it, he’s sadly no longer with us. It’s such a pity that they’re nearly all gone now.

[@janiceduke1205]

"Repeat Please." Squadron Leader Edwards : Stop that Polish chatter and steer two, three, zero. Polish R.A.F. pilot : [Peals off to engage the Germans] Repeat please. Squadron Leader Edwards : I say again, two, three, zero. 2nd Polish pilot : [Peals off to engage the Germans] Repeat please. Air Vice Marshal Keith Park : For crying out loud, two, three, zero. 3rd Polish pilot : [Peals off to engage the Germans] Repeat please. 4th Polish pilot : [Peals off to engage the Germans] Repeat please. 5th Polish pilot : [Peals off to engage the Germans] Repeat please. Squadron Leader Edwards : Now just shut up the lot of you. And follow me unless you're blind as well as... Oh [Sees that all the Polish pilots have left to fight the Germans] . Squadron Leader Edwards : God's truth!

[@philiphumphrey1548]

Great movie moment.

[@tty044]

Indeed - great moment in movie but it is safe to assume it was far from truth. It was shown like they were bunch of jockers. Polish pilots were very disciplined (after training by excellent instructor Leopold Pamuła) as they knew obeying orders were crucial for their survival. It was one pilot - Ludwik Paszkiewicz who "scout" the scene of battle between one Hurricane and two Bf 110 and smoked one. Before that he informed his leader Ronald Kellet about spotted enemy but there was no answer.

[@johanmetreus1268]

@@tty044 Very disciplined indeed, but also never passing a fight unless there was a larger target already planned and waiting. Remember the destroyer in the hunt for Bismarck? That's Polish to you.

[@tty044]

@@johanmetreus1268 Yes - it was ORP Piorun (G65) and her captain Pławski ordered to signal Bismarck "I am a Pole" and "Three salvoes in honour of Poland" before opening fire LOL

[@johanmetreus1268]

@@tty044 Slava Polska! :)

[@JIKwood]

I love the little historical details you add to this. Makes it not just fun but educational.

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@jiffycomer3673]

I’m going to go with the humble approach. I got the first two right but then failed up until the last one I got right. In the real world , I can’t even imagine the bravery it took to do what these young men did. I don’t know if I’d have it in the same situation or not. Thanks to these young men and their sacrifice I’ve never had to find out. God bless them all

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

Nice recreation! Now we, re the main characters of these dog fights! Awesome!

[@panzerivausfg4062]

I'm not sure how i managed to pick the correct options for a third time in a row... It's pretty impressive for me! You should continue making these, they're verry enjoyable and informative !!

[@buckrowe9196]

Absolutely loved this, Please do more! I'm rather pleased to say that I got all of the questions correct. That's probably because I wrote my History thesis paper in college on World War II Air Combat (specifically North Africa and Malta). Looking forward to the next one!

[@craighansen7594]

This is a really interesting series. I learned that studying those identification were crucial.

[@turtle2720]

I failed the third question (diving to help my friend). I'd regain altitude, check my six, and search for another bomber... because shooting down bombers were my orders, I would most likely be too late to save my friend, losing more altitude would put me in a precarious position if I was chased by a Bf109, etc. ... also last question: Classy gal. Because classy women goes great with gentlemen Polish pilots :) I recently found your channel and this was a great video! Thanks, TJ3, and hope you have a fantastic weekend!

[@hphp31416]

Also i though as 109s mission was to protect the bombers they would abandon chasing hurricane to escort them

[@BD-yl5mh]

I made all the right preparations for the attack but chose to leave my friend to regain altitude, in a way guessing that this video would at some point ask me to put emotion aside, but applying that at the wrong moment. If, in the real situation instinct had forced me to follow my friend, then again, I made the right decision to quickly turn my attention back to the fight and reassess

[@ClockworkAnomaly]

Same

[@tedh7543]

This was fun. Got a few of them right but I probably would have ended up dead or parachuting into the ocean praying for rescue. The last decision was perfect, there certainly was no wrong answer.

[@ferid7730]

Love this series keep em coming, could you do maybe a pacific campaign one or perhaps a WW1 themed dogfight?

[@TJ3]

On my to do list!

[@_R-R]

@@TJ3 Or Korea and Vietnam.

[@alexnovak3319]

I just simply L O V E these kind of videos in which you decide your faith! although I would not go onto the bombers from the front, since i could get a better and more accurate shot on the 88s. I would just dive on their 6, releasing a 3-4 second burst and regain altitude with the energy I have gained to make a second pass...but still a cool video I answered all of the other questions correctly so I guess im not that bad of a pilot..

[@TJ3]

Glad you had fun!

[@derweibhai]

LOVE these, thanks TJ. Keep up the good work.

[@togustogusinski9346]

"Because we do not beg for freedom we fight for it" Commander No 303 Fighter Squadron Col. Witold Urbanowicz

[@grizzle273463]

Great video and very cleverly constructed.

[@28pbtkh23]

Loved the video! Very educational. The final question was the most difficult!!!

[@parsananmon]

I really love this series. Keep it going!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@davidcox4544]

Great video!!! These are awesome!!! So….I would have made it until my friend got shot down as I wanted revenge on his attacker…you are right about emotions taking over. I like the touch of the position of the sun. I caught that and love that detail! Keep ‘em coming my friend! Best videos on KZbin!

[@rbgerald2469]

Here are the 10 Rules For Air Fighting made by Group Captain Adolph Gysbert 'Sailor' Malan, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar. (He fought in the Battle Of Britain): 1. Wait until you see the whites of his eyes. Fire short bursts of one to two seconds only when your sights are definitely "ON". 2. Whilst shooting think of nothing else, brace the whole of your body: have both hands on the stick: concentrate on your ring sight. 3. Always keep a sharp lookout. "Keep your finger out". 4. Height gives you the initiative. 5. Always turn and face the attack. 6. Make your decisions promptly. It is better to act quickly even though your tactics are not the best. 7. Never fly straight and level for more than 30 seconds in the combat area. 8. When diving to attack always leave a proportion of your formation above to act as a top guard. 9. Initiative, Aggression, Air Discipline, and Teamwork are words that Mean something in Air Fighting. 10. Go in quickly - Punch hard - Get out!

[@hans-1940]

The guy had a ridiculous 27 kills. It's like letting an illiterate teach you to read.

[@DeclanHiggins__]

My first ‘Would you Survive?’ Video and as an avid fighter jet buff (300+ hrs in DCS) and I got all but one right. I underestimated TJ3 and didn’t think he’d be aware of the sun to the rear tactic as well as I didn’t even catch it in the video so chose to flank around. Very thoroughly enjoyed this and am off to binge watch all of the other videos in the series. Please don’t stop 💪🏼💪🏼

[@AnimarchyHistory]

Proper move in the tail chase would have been to engage the rear bandit forcing him to break off his attack. Allowing you to maintain pursuit on the lead bandit and clear your wingman's tail.

[@barbararice6650]

Okay ace 😁

[@AnimarchyHistory]

@@barbararice6650studied dogfighting since age three. Should know enough by now.

[@barbararice6650]

@@AnimarchyHistory I bet you have, the job of a wing and squadron commander is to actually get their pilots to engage the enemy otherwise they won't 👈😑

[@krisztianmujzer4161]

My favourite type of videos from you

[@gbw28]

Well put together video, love the humour at the end of it.

[@charlessmith9903]

I would have died. The last option I wanted to circle around my friend until his chute opened. The only thing I would have realistically done was a combo of the right anwser and circling around. I would have checked 6 and circled around. Which case I probably would have seen the 109 and skidded to throw off his aim.

[@riphopfer5816]

This was my idea, too, but judging by the damage our plane took, we were lucky to get out of it alive even if we DIDN’T stick around. So, yeah… based on my decision, I was a cloud of aluminium and human bits fluttering slowly toward the Canal.

[@victorfinberg8595]

3:00 German aircraft approaching from the west? seems unlikely. 11:15 There is another reason to help Waclaw. You are a military unit, not a bunch of individual warriors. Tactics of the group always is better than the tactics of the individuals. great video

[@larsrons7937]

Yes, _"approaching from the west,"_ I noticed that too. It could be a bombing run on Liverpool incoming from the sea side, but I don't find it very likely at this stage of the war because the German single engine fighters had a limited range, I don't believe they could fly that far and take such a detour. So they would come from the south or east. You are absolutely right about Waclaw, the group is the most important.

[@victorfinberg8595]

@@larsrons7937 some attacks also came from Norway. But they couldn't bring any decent fighter escort

[@larsrons7937]

@@victorfinberg8595 True. And from Norway planes came from the east, not west. But the video was wrong about the directions. At 6:46 we see the *sun* _NOT_ "behind" as stated but straight to the right at 3 o'clock. The germans "came from the west" at 11 o'clock to the Hurricanes thus heading WNW. But that would put the sun in a NNE position which is impossible; in England the sun can't be to the north. So our Hurricane's compass is broken, and the directions from -ground control- the narrator is wrong.

[@victorfinberg8595]

@@larsrons7937 so we agree: there are a couple errors in the narration. still, the video is generally good.

[@rusty-bloodhook8354]

Nailed it! What a fun and educational video for the everyone to enjoy; cracking job!

[@robertpalma7946]

I like this format. Thanks

[@TJ3]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@malachifreeman4683]

Dude, these keep getting better and better. More please! These are awesome.

[@Gwynfyd67]

Very very good, I really was in, full stress and adrenalin, and happily took the rignt decisions. I love your survival videos !

[@Terror1325]

Glad to see this type of videos back

[@andrewyang2449]

As a "veteran" war thunder player, I fairly easily answered all the question right... BUT THE LAST QUESTION IS JUST TOO DIFFICULT! Classy Cecilia's got her charms, Angelic Amelia is just too adorable to refuse, and Naughty Natalie is never a bad choice. In all seriousness, the only reason I knew the points to how to stay alive was due to learning from the countless times I had died in game. But there are no respawns in real life. It makes me really appreciate just how dangerous and deadly the business of war is in comparison to how easily young lives can be cut short.

[@OzzyMandias]

Top Hole Matey...very enjoyable content you are creating, keep it up Old Boy!

[@TJ3]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CatchDude]

These plot/best-choice video's are dope!

[@artawhirler]

Great video with beautiful graphics! Thanks!

[@Silkstep]

I did well until I took a round to the torso. I thoroughly enjoyed that that ride. Good job putting us in the cockpit.

[@johnbaranowski6079]

I am totally turning this into an activity for my classroom. I'm hoping you do more of these, especially a World War I video

[@ronaldwatson1951]

That was a excellent idea to be interacting with the game and decision making. Great video and stimulating thoughts.

[@pixelbogpixxelbog2090]

Omg i just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it. Especially these type of videos :)

[@vaerenbergh]

had everything right except aircraft recon, i taught i saw twin stabalizer fins, but i would have done the same aproach anyway. al the other answers i got correct :) i fly alot of sim battles in WT mostly rank III germany or Japan, i fly for the AOD squadron C devision and post my best kill captures on YT. hopefully i see you there TJ3 History :) good vid as always :)

[@larsrons7937]

I couldn't see the type of stabilizer fins but in the short moment I managed to count 17 twin engine planes (so 20 rather than 15) and they lokked much larger in comparison to the small Me-109's than Me-110's would have done. So... Medium bombers with Me-109's as fighter escort.

[@unhappyad7886]

Really enjoyed it, hope to see more of this in the future. And i make all correct choices, love for aviation paid off :D

[@gamingdevil1236]

I got all the choices right, great video as always!

[@oneshotme]

Got them all right and almost become an ace this day LOL Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@haakonsteinsvaag]

I think I would have done ok, I chose most of the suggested answers. I did choose to circle around instead of attacking head on. It would have given me more time to make an informed decision on how best to attack and divide targets to the flight, like you and you go for the escorts, the rest go for the bombers, while still keeping the height advantage if I needed to order an immediate attack, like escorts starting to climb. Great video.

[@alwayssmiley01]

Loving these uploads Thaaaaaaaankyou 😁🤙

[@That70sGuitarist]

Immediately after shooting one of the pursuing Huns off my buddy's tail, I'd have pulled a max-rate right break to clear my own tail. The Hun who was trying to saddle up and gun me wouldn't have stood a chance, for two simple reasons; 1) the Hurricane could easily out-turn the 109 at lower altitudes, especially since the 109 doesn't turn nearly as well to the right; 2) most pilots instinctively break left when on the defensive, so the Hun would have been setting up for a left high yoyo (cutting over and inside the top of my anticipated left break) to maintain position above and behind me. Within the next 20-30 seconds, I'd have tallied my second fighter for the day, then called my scattered flight to form up and head for home. I'd also keep an eye peeled for a friendly parachute, and call air-sea rescue with his approximate location if I spotted him. "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy."

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

I like it. I like it!! Careful though Tommy. The Hun in his Messy can out climb and out dive you. But of course... as the war progressed the Hurricane was outclassed by the later variants of the 109... and your Hurricane had to take a backseat to the Spitfire. Then again... the 109s big brother the Fw190 had something to say about that!! Just having some fun my friend. My favorite btw?? the Bristol Beaufighter!!! To go back in time?? There's a beauty I'd love to pilot!!! 🇬🇧 🍻 🇺🇸

[@That70sGuitarist]

@@jerryjeromehawkins1712 I'm not a "Tommy," I'm a mad Mickey. That's a whole different animal altogether!🤣 Speaking from experience (1,600+ hours in Hurricanes Mk I's/3,000+ hours in Spit I's, II's and LF IX-c's in CFS3 with the ETO 1.4 massive expansion kit) at lower altitudes the 109 E3/E4 is at a serious disadvantage against the Hurricane. Below 5,000 feet, the Hurricane has superior turn, climb and acceleration over the E3/4. Yes, as the war progressed, the Hurri Mk II was increasingly relegated to the ground attack role, at which it excelled, but in 1940, not even the Spitfire I/II could out-turn it. A case in point, from the Luftwaffe's point of view; Emil drivers were absolutely convinced that their aircraft was superior to the Spitfire...BUT...their leaders repeatedly warned them to avoid getting involved in a turning fight against the Hurricane, because they'd lose. German pilots were strongly cautioned to only use boom and zoom attacks on Hurricanes, because it had a tighter turn radius than anything else in theatre at the time. If an Emil driver disregarded these repeated warnings, and started turning against an alerted Hurricane, he had maybe 15 or 20 seconds to either make the kill or ditch out and dive away. If he hung in any longer, either the Hurricane or one of his squadron mates was bound to get him. As a WWI German ace once said, "Your opponent may be a complete and utter swine, but his mates would much rather see you dead than him. 15, 20 seconds, then get out!"😉

[@ricktoffer01]

I have played A Halker Hurrican pilot and a Bf109E pilot, also been a Ju-88, and a He-111 in flight simulators. The Hurrican was one of my favorite WW2 planes, I liked the FW-190D. I liked the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lighting.

[@WheelchairWilly]

More than likely there was a "top cover" of Bf.109's above the main formation hidden by the sun. Ready to pounce on any unsuspecting Hurricane pilot who had been separated from his squadron during the initial attack. Ever heard the phrase, "Watch for the Hun in the sun."? Thus they more than likely would have picked off any lone RAF fighters.

[@JUNKERS488]

Hi TJ, Great video they Just keep getting better. Can't wait to see what you have coming next. Great story telling too. Been really busy the last few weeks hopefully, I am going to be able to finally fly IL-2's new ME410. I had the HPH models 1/32 ME410 kit for years now but haven't found the time to put her together. I was dying to get my hands on this HPH kit then when I got it I can't find the time for it. I Built HPH's 1/32 FW-189 kit a few years back and it was an amazing kit. Their kits are expensive but worth every cent in my book. I got hooked on IL-2 and enjoy flying them instead of building them Now a days. Anyway, Thanks for all your hard work. I'm hoping I will be able to afford to step up my Patreon a level some time soon. I wish I could do more to help. Hopefully, you will hit the 100 thousand Subscribers soon. Please Keep 'em Flying.

[@douglashall2141]

Option C. It's always better to come at them from above them. Your speed velocity is increased in your accuracy in shooting is increased as well. And your level of life expectancy is higher.

[@hphp31416]

ussualy yes but being lower makes spoting enemy easier as dark specks agains bright sky as opossed to spoting against dark ground

[@victory7999]

I disagree with immediately rushing over to help the friend, I would look around first to see where enemy fighters are first and only help if it won't lead to death.

[@Minong_Manitou_Mishepeshu]

I love these types of episodes.

[@Otokichi786]

As I recall, RAF Squadron 303 is/was legendary for taking out Bf-109s, flying the "inferior" Hawker Hurricane. Proof that the amount of fight in the dog makes the difference.;)

[@barbararice6650]

Yes they were true bullshiters much appreciated by the ministry of propoganda who relayed their claims like lambs to the American press 👈😁

[@aboya7ia56]

l survived the Battle of Britain and the p51 Video but not the b29 i guess i may or may not be a Fighter ACE btw can you do a tank video this time German POV as a tiger or a panther

[@esbenk.d.jensen9345]

Very nice with this type of narrative ! I like it

[@gorry123]

This was awesome! Great work!

[@ScreamingSkullSaloon]

I am surprised a bit but I actually made all of the right decisions. I really enjoyed this video! Keep them coming!

[@itsmewafflecat5052]

these videos are brilliant!! keep them up!

[@TJ3]

Thank you! Will do!

[@heanvisalseyhak9487]

Another amazing video and story can you do another one of this “ you decide” but in the Axis pov

[@TJ3]

On my to do list!

[@larsrons7937]

Interesting video and story, amusing yet educative and deadly serious had it been IRL. I chose to stay alert to the combat all the time and so survived the engagement, but as for the initial attack angle I had to chose a 4th option as the 3 options we were given wouldn't work. OK, approx. 30 German aircraft "approaching from the W" (so they're heading E). Strange path unless coming from Brest towards southern Ireland then turning east. So we must be in Cornwall (that is, if they truly come from the west). From W Germans heading E when we spot them in our 11 o'clock means we are heading WNW (towards southern tip of Ireland if in Cornwall). 6:40 _NO_ sun "behind" us (from our 4 to 8 o'clock). 6:46 we see the sun in our 3 o'clock exactly to our right, so the *sun is in NNE position* (or slightly east of due north). This position of the sun is completely *impossible* (as we are not in a rocket to the moon). We don't yet know at which time of the day it is (in real life we'd probably know, if not too tired), but now we _DO_ know that *our compass is broken* and the *direction of the German approach is also wrong* (the fault being either with the radars or ground control, but wrong it is; did they smoke too much of that "Sherlock Holmes tobacco"?). So our information is broken and we are on our own, with the sun in our 3 c'clock and the Germans in our 11 o'clock (but the Germans are moving, I'll get back to that). If we turn now and attack them head on the sun will shift to our 4 o'clock (and we'll be on the German's 1 o'clock to them). So we'll want to wait, fly a little further until we can turn to have the sun in our 6 o'clock and thus "hide in the sun" as we have the Germans in our 1 o'clock (not in our 11 o'clock as shown at the 7:03 mark) as we approach them from their 11 o'clock. So not wait for long, but wait enough for the sun to be in right behind us. This would be a tricky maneuver as we would have to turn hard to the right to get past the Germans while staying well ahead of them (moving towards us) and then go hard around shifting to the opposite direction, so it would probably involve half a loop to get in the right position for attacking "out of the sun". I hope my comrades learned how to fly so they could follow me. Now, as the Germans have moved forward while we maneauvered into position, we would probably engage them from their side, more like their 2 to 3 o'clock rather than their 1 o'clock, still with them in our 1 o'clock so they would move forward into our 12 o'clock as we got closer. Our window for firing would be very short, not the 5 seconds mentioned, on the other hand it would be difficult for their fighters to have time to turn against us or for the bombers to run away.

[@kepler186f4]

I've always enjoyed your videos, but I've just found "Can You Survive?"... which I really enjoy. I think I'll watch a few more.... after a mission or two BoB Blitz.

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@kepler186f4]

@@TJ3 I ended up doing a few missions in Rise of Flight. I periodically search your channel for interesting videos, of which there are many, but, I wonder... are you ever going to do one on what become known as "The April Raids", Ceylon, 1942?

[@marthakrumboltz2710]

One could do everything right, keep your head on a swivel, situational awareness, know your aircraft, (capabilities and limitations), be aggressive, smart and still be defeated by a lucky shot. Bob Hoover tells that story well.

[@kolbpilot]

The problem with the simulator is no feel of G forces. This was huge in battle. It wears one down to the point of sloppiness in maneuvers, whether offensive or defensive. Add in physical condition for each flight (hungover or sleepy or fresh from a good night's sleep) ? Each day was different.

[@Riccardo_Silva]

Natalia, Amelia or Cecilia? Well...yes!!! Nice fun video TJ3, i scored a 100%! (Although i'm bound to choose that naughty Natalia, after all!).👍🏻👍🏽👍🏻

[@RANDALLBRIGGS]

Great animation! But, to be strictly correct, the "Sky"-colored fuselage band was not applied during the Battle of Britain, nor were the underwing roundels. Also, propeller spinners were painted black at this time.

[@hawnyfox3411]

You NEED to get out more & stop trying to be a "Big Head" I'm probably double or triple your age & seen archives that you haven't There are PLENTY of images of F.C a/c during 1940 = WITH u/wing roundels Even during the Dunkirk debacle (May/June) or July/August, etc. Whilst you're "right" about the "band", stop trying to be such a "Big Head" !!!!!! Spouting-off that INCORRECT information about u/wing roundels, just makes YOU look like a complete & utter "Knob" = F.F.S !!!!! Wind your neck in AND do some more research....... Jeeeeez !

[@Meuchelmorderisch]

I only missed one, not critical, i'm amazed on how much you can learn from games, i think i would've survive it

[@RookVR_]

Another amazing vid! Keep it up! (Also I love how you use games to simulate it’s very smart!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@raphaelrae8186]

These choice decision videos are sensible and beautiful. You should do as many of them as you can.

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@titantanic7255]

I only got two wrong, I thought I could go attack the enemy squadron by going around to the sun so it could blind them and get on their six since they couldn’t see me in that moment as you said. The second one I got wrong was I thought to go for the bombers instead of helping Valclof since I thought a Messerschmitt could get behind me while trying to help and i liked that you added the detail that vaclof didn’t pay me back for the poker game that he lost last night which might have also been why I didn’t really want to help him since he kinda deserved that for not paying me back. Anyways that’s pretty much it, I loved how at the end I had to decide which girl to write to, I don’t really like classy so I wouldn’t choose A, and naughty seems someone you wouldn’t write to so I wouldn’t pick that, instead I would pick B, angelic Amelia since she seems more understandable to read my letter.

[@gorski1234]

I enjoyed the video, but disagree with C for the 5th question. I played a lot of ww2 pvp flight sims back in the day, and you are always checking your six. It just gets worked into every maneuver. I would have pulled up to slow down a bit and gain altitude(check 6), rolled 90 right to look for wingman(and check 6), rolled 180 left to look for wingman(and check 6). It would only be at this point that I would think I might be safe and start figuring out what to do next.

[@OldGeezer55]

I lived. Altitude is your friend. I've always heard that. Attack out of the sun. I've always heard that. I like the detail of firing at 5 second burst. Now do this. Sit there and count 5 seconds. That's a long time when you're in a situation. It's hard to determine some of this without knowing the plane better, but the same rules apply for basic combat. Some planes just do them better!

[@possumteeth1692]

Nice vid man :)

[@ilovesupras60]

I love this type of videos! Please make more!!

[@77knives]

Altitude & surprise attack followed by attacking with the sun behind you is truly devastating. I got all of them right, I play WT and usually get a high K/D.

[@MichaelRosenblum_Emp500]

Hehehehhe got these all correct :p For ppl interested in air combat here are extra details for some of the questions/answers that could have been explained further in the video. There is basically no reason not to climb further… more altitude = more potential energy that can always be exchanged into kinetic energy (speed) by simply diving. Turning means bleeding speed (energy) which begs the question “why wouldn’t I want more energy than my opponent?” The simple answer is that you basically always want more energy, and thus more altitude as it gives you more options as a pilot. (Let’s say you don’t want to speed past your opponent, you can always turn on your descent down to them to bleed speed or use flaps to increase drag. Simple explanation of flaps being used to slow down: (imagine flaps as trying to run with an open umbrella, which is why airplanes open landing gear so early when landing, to help slow down) So yeah, extra options (given by having more potential energy in altitude than an opponent) is always a freebie to have. Let’s say a pilot was really worried they may fly too high over the opponent, they could always have ONE wingman fly below the other pilots and radio them if they planes are too far below and out of sight. For the question about sighting the planes, another thing to be noticed is that the single engine planes are not flying in formation, which would make sense if they are spreading out to protect/escort their bombers. Otherwise, the single engine fighters being spread out would make no sense if they were flying along side the twin engine fighters. (The formation is called a finger four formation consisting of a flight leader (element 1), the leaders wingman, and the second element leader (with the second elements wingman behind them) The formation kinda looks like your fingers but if you tuck your thumb in with each fingertip representing a plane. (Middle finger is flight leader, ring finger is 2nd element leader) For the question about checking your 6 (the last question) there is no reason not to pick “check your 6”. Checking your back takes around about 5 seconds TOPS, and it will take a lot longer than 5 seconds to lose track of your friend. This is basically a question of “risk vs reward” and the risk for checking your back… Reply if u have any questions and I’ll try my best to answer :)

[@RogueAce93]

It's Battle of Britain Season (July 10-Sept.15) & this vid makes an awesome portrayal of a day in that campaign! I chose: C, C, A, B, C & got stuck between Cecilia and Natalia!

[@Vikingr4Jesus5919]

My genuine choices: 3:00 Option 1 - C 5:27 Option 2 - C 7:00 Option 3 - B (forgot about the sun) 10:10 Option 4 - C 12:40 Option 5 - C Option 6 - A (LOL) For option 3, I sincerely forgot about the sun. I'd argue, the Germans would still miss us if we flanked them. But then we'd have our own targets in the sun, making hitting them harder. Flanking makes no good sense here, so...my bad, Squad. For option 4, I agree it's sound thinking to try help Warclaw. But at the same time what I thought was the target of our mission: take out the bombers. I realized at this point I had already lost altitude and going even lower would certainly make me a pick for more 109's (a precursor to Option 5). Seeing as my buddy is already quite low and being shot down, and I could at best only shoot one fighter before another notices me, is it really worth over going lower when the main target - the bombers - are headed to our facilities? Besides, pilots often flew in pairs. The forward one does the shooting, the rear one serves as a sort of shield. If an enemy fighter comes from behind (for them it'd be me in this case), the rear one would dodge my attack and try get behind me. If I'm not careful, now we got two enemies behind two friendlies. And now we risk both getting shot. So instead, I'd regrettably leave my buddy to fend for himself and get to higher altitude again to 1 - avoid being picked as an easy target, 2 - leave two enemy fighters well below me, 3 - shoot at least one other bomber away so that I lessen the damage they might do to our facilities, and 4 - find my higher altitude easier, just in case. Additionally, most of the enemy fighter escort would've followed my team mates, leaving the bombers likely to my mercy. I'm no pilot though, so don't take this as "expert talking". I'm merely stating my perspective on it atm.

[@ND-cf5xy]

Great narration!

[@bluedragon1540]

Great video! I am yet to make a wrong choice in your series! (Probably because I play too much war thunder)

[@01ZO6TT]

I really like these can you survive videos. Unfortunately, I chose option B to attack from behind. Not thinking that the sun was behind me. I then went to save my friend but after, again chose B to make sure he was alright. I guess I got shot down. Please keep these coming, they are really enjoyable.

[@TJ3]

Will do!

[@louisavondart9178]

Aircraft characteristics play an important part of combat decisions. The BF 109 was far superior to the Hurricane in terms of speed and firepower but was less manouverable. If you can dodge the 109's attack, that pilot would not try to turn with you but would zoom to altitude. Going for the deck in the opposite direction will allow you to build up speed and escape. With a limited fuel capacity, the 109 pilot would be obliged to let you go. Then you can chase another bomber. The unasked question is: What the hell was your wingman doing all on his own down there and not on your wing? Chasing seagulls?

[@jesseakers7298]

I couldn't get my instructor to teach me to land. After 7 hours of flying and seven landing, I wanted to fly the pattern and learn to land. I had bought my own Cessna 150 and wasn't going to wait. After he left one day I filled up the tanks and took off. I went up to 4000 feet and practices, slow flying with flaps. When I came back to the airport (Arlington airport north of Seattle 50 miles) there was a strong cross wind, there was just no way I could land there, so I lined up with the short runway where the wind was better. Nice and slow with a long approach I hit a down draft still 40 feet of the ground, the plane dropped so fast that pulling back on the stick I still touched a tire before getting back into the air. Now chitting myself I just threw out what I had learned and tried flying above the runway at a speed where I had more control. Not planning to land I just wanted to fly above the runway a few feet up to get a better feel. When I got there everything was going good, so I just pulled the throttle back more, then more keeping the plane just above the ground, back on the stick, back more. Maybe I felt the tires touch but was so focused on keeping the plane lined I didn't realize I was down. A little luck I think. The next day was nice and I must have done 50 touch and goes. It was only two weeks and my instructor cut me loose for my first solo. Lol I would have loved to fly a fighter in ww2. In my next life I'm requesting to be born in 1921. I believe that if you keep love in your life that you will have better options next time around. Peace

[@AgentTokyo78]

It would be a fight or flight moment in the cockpit, and I d hope my training was good enough with a little bit of luck

[@roo72]

In reality, as a 303 pilot, you were an experienced pilot already and it's not your first kill of the war, you have already short down German aircraft in Poland and France.

[@barbararice6650]

The Poles didn't shoot down many German machines either in their own or France's air forces 😕

[@roo72]

@@barbararice6650 Fact check - Luftwaffe lost almost 300 aircraft in Poland. Check your facts first before you start sharing such nonsense.

[@barbararice6650]

@@roo72 That's just you saying the number 300 😕 280 German machines were totalled during the Polish campaign due to all reasons from accident to anti aircraft fire and air combat (around forty), I believe the Polish losses were around one hundred percent, that's got to be around two thousand machines of all types 🙄 If you were a 303 pilot you were a demonstrable loser not up to matching the Germans in either skill or use of technology, while an experienced RAF pilot back from beating the Germans over Dunkirk was worth his weight in gold 👈😑

[@roo72]

@@barbararice6650 Wow. You were a loser of the highest scoring squadron of the Battle of Britain. Your trolling is really low.

[@janiceduke1205]

@@roo72 Only the factually ignorant would disagree with you. For the Polish airmen at that time the motto of military of Poland “God, Honour, Fatherland” (just in this order) was not an empty words. And what was the reward? The best one you can get in this world - as it is written in St. Paul’s words at the Polish Air Force Memorial in London: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7.

[@harutogames9204]

It was a 50/50 for me the one IDing the planes i failed and the decision to get on their six i failed, but the other ones i did good i knew to gain altitude, to help the friendly, and to reasses i played IL2 alot and learned some of the main skills to combat 109s and 190s, and fun fact if you hit the deck and go into a turn chances are if the pilot is fixed on you you can out rate them and get on their six or give more time for a friendly to help because the 109s are heavy they need more and more speed to turn meaning the longer you turn or rate them the more energy they use

[@douglashall2141]

Option b on the third question. Never try to attack the enemy head on. You should always approach them from the rear because you are faster than they are for one thing and the other thing is they have less weapons to shoot at you and you have more maneuverability to avoid them and it's easier to come from the attack position from the rear to shoot them down.

[@douglashall2141]

I guess I was wrong. I didn't think about the sun being behind me and didn't hear that. Yes it would be to your advantage to attack immediately head on with the son of your back because it's in their eyes blinding them from seeing you.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

A frontal attack was sometimes the preferred method when attacking German bombers because the crew were practically holding hands behind nothing but glass and you generally had a 4 to 1 firepower advantage.

[@LaHayeSaint]

You had me stumped on the last one. I just couldn't make up my mind! Does that mean I've failed my pilot training?

[@Korikurarace]

To begin with, cockpit view is extremely uhh.. how do I put it.. annoying? Cuz it limits our sight and vision. In the sky, WWII aircrafts are supper difficult to spot while being in aircraft, the only thing that is obvious to notice is there engines sound. To shot down the planes, you need to predict the time and distance when your bullets and enemy planes collide. Your ammo is limited, aircrafts are fragile, G-force, stalling, and much more. Just a hole in your wing, depend on size and location on your wing, you can lose your aircraft, whether your wing gets ripped off by air resistance or fire.

[@VictorLonmo]

When attacking I recalled that the proper approach is to hide in the sun when attacking but I missed the clue about the sun being behind the fighter... My bad. My career as a fighter pilot might have been brief...

[@_R-R]

Similar for me too. I chose to loop around onto their 6.

[@larsrons7937]

6:40 _NO_ sun seen from 4 to 8 o'clock, so not really "behind you". 6:46 the sun is at 3 o'clock to the fighter (so, to your right). But as the enemy were in 11 o'clock, as you turn towards the enemy the sun will shift to 4 o'clock. So not really "behind" you but more to the aft than to the front. But I can't see the sun in your 4 o'clock being enough for you to "hide in the sun". You would have to get the sun in your 6 o'clock and therefore perform a maneuver not mentioned in the options.

[@larsrons7937]

@@_R-R I chose to loop behind them because it would be difficult "hide in the sun." Check my other comment.

[@Seagull780]

I disagree on that last choice. I'd definitely say check your six, but do so while minimising energy loss with some small S turns for example. You're currently in an advantageous to equal energy state with the fighter right in front of you, but he has a superior climb rate and maximum speed. Given the opportunity he will shift the odds in his favour, and you turning away isn't going to make him forget about you.