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#4357546 - 05/15/17 11:16 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
- "Well Offizierstellvertreter, are you going to make me wait?" Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen's gaze was preoccupied with packing his pipe with tobacco. Aldi liked the aroma of pipe tobacco. It always reminded him of something exotic, yet simple. He disliked the smell of the tobacco burning, be it pipe or cigarette.
- "Yes, Herr Oberleutnant. I mean, no Herr Oberleutnant, I will not make you wait." Aldi, wasn't sure where he should start and even if he remembers the events of the past hour.
- "The weather over the patrol area was not the greatest. Heavy clouds and visibility was minimal. Our Kette was flying a circuit over the front lines and we honestly did not expect to encounter any other flights. As luck would have it, 2 large pushers were trying to sneak by overhead ..."
- "Ah, so you've met our friends from RFC 20 squadron? Only they fly the Fee's around here." Grieffenhagen was lighting his Bavarian porcelain pipe. Aldi wanted to laugh first time he saw it. "This thing belongs in a museum" he thought to himself.
- "Yes, Herr Oberleutnant. They were flying a few hundred meters above us and didn't seem have noticed us. We caught up with them and Ltn von Bülow along with Ltn Strähle had one burning and falling out of the sky in no time. I stalked the other one and started to shoot from close range."

[Linked Image]

- "The pilot didn't have enough time to react. The gunner was hit and I saw him slumped over the front of the cockpit. After that it was like making a Strudel - very easy. Half the wing came off and the machine went into a spin. We followed it down to make sure, but that was unnecessary. He crashed near Furnes."
- "You know you're not supposed to go that far over the lines?" Grieffenhagen looked at him, but didn't expect an answer.
- "Very well. That will be all. Congratulations on your first confirmed victory Offizierstellvertreter Schwarzkopf. Your Ehrenbeher should arrive in a few days."
- "Thank you, Herr Oberleutnant!"
- "Good job. Now get some rest and call Ltn von Bülow to see me in my office at his convenience."
- "Yes Sir!" Aldi was already on his feet, with a click of his heels he saluted and turned around in one smooth motion. This probably was lost on Grieffenhagen, who was again fiddling with his pipe.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot05-06-17-21-46-15.jpgShot05-06-17-21-52-37.jpg

"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4357574 - 05/16/17 02:24 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Lou, good to see you flying again. I love the livery on Capt Tremblay's Nieuport! Carrick, best of luck with Gilbear. And Fullofit, those are some great photos. I'm really enjoying Aldi's adventures. Congratulations on the first kill.

Meanwhile, Colin Urquhart has a new engine and another confirmed kill.

A journal of the Great War – By an Anonymous Aviator

Part 22

14 and 15 January were flying days, despite heavy gusts of wind and intense cold. The 14th, at least, was a clear day. A piercing blue sky welcomed us. The sun, bringing no warmth, reflected on the snow as if on a mirror. I was ordered to stand by for defensive patrols, together with FSL McNaughton and FSL Thom. About nine in the morning, just before church divisions, the klaxon sounded and we rushed to the hangars. Squadron second-in-command Flight Commander Huskisson joined us, as did our magnificent Australian flight commander Rob Little. HA north of Amiens, we were told. I climbed over the trees and turned south, throttling back to let the others catch up. The LeRhône purred nicely. After my recent engine failures, PO Dawson and his men had worked through the night to mount a completely new engine and Lieutenant O’Hagen’s team had synchronised and sighted the gun. I had planned to take the machine up to test it, but the call to action had come too quickly.

We passed over the Somme in about ten minutes, already up to 7000 feet. The field at Allonville showed up alongside a distinctively-shaped wood. South of Allonville, the rooftops of Amiens glistened with snow. We turned west for three miles, then north back to the Somme. Just before reaching the river, I headed east. My plan was to patrol all the way to Cappy and then loop back to Amiens. I slowed again, the formation having become ragged on the turn. Thom suddenly cut the corner and passed quickly to starboard. I cursed him for a fool momentarily, but he waggled his wings and banked away. Huns!
They were behind and below us, Roland two-seaters. I spotted two of them immediately. Then a third passed by, surprisingly close. This one must have been stalking us when Thom noticed them. I levelled off around 5000 feet and turned towards the nearest of the first pair. The German banked sharply and came directly at me. I had heard that Rolands could be dangerous but I was not prepared for a two-seater handled with such aggression. We passed within feet of each other. I heard the Hun’s Spandau chattering, but in my surprise I failed to fire at all.

I climbed and turned. So did the Hun. We came at each other again. I skidded to port, firing as the Hun passed. Some rounds must have hit him. Our two aircraft repeated this show, turning and passing head on. With each pass I rolled out of the way and down, seeking to avoid becoming an easy target for the Hun’s gunlayer. After about four or five of these jousts, the Hun suddenly fell into a spin, his nose level with the horizon. The machine fell like a leaf for four thousand feet while I circled, ready to note where it fell. And then, just before it hit the ground, the Hun got the nose down, regained control, and headed east.

“Not b---y likely,” I thought, and dived on the Roland. I levelled off behind him and below, closed to 50 yards, and nosed upward. I fired long bursts from the Vickers until I rose high enough I could see the Hun gunner straining to bring his weapon around to bear. I dived under the Hun again, closed the distance, and again climbed under the Roland, firing. Pieces of Roland were fluttering away behind it and a stream of white smoke or steam emerged. Thom was approaching from above. I hadn’t bagged a two-seater before and I wanted this one all to myself. One more dive and zoom did it. The Hun gunner got a shot at me and punched holes in my wings, but the Roland at last began to tumble earthward. I saw it crash near Corbie, and Thom was able to confirm the kill – number eight.

The most dangerous engagement of the day, however, was our collective attempt to wash Pincher the terrier. He took a good nip out of both Simpson and Booker but mercifully left me intact although he growled fearsomely. We scrubbed for an hour to get the filth of a hundred barnyards and middens out of his matted fur. I finished him off with some Yardley’s Lavender Soap that I’d bought for my aunt in Edinburgh but had forgotten to send her. Pincher needed it more, I figured. Finally we brushed him with a curry comb from the stables. He was a new dog, ready for the shows. Simpson’s illegal camera came out and we took his picture. That night we brought him to the A and B Flight mess and gave him a place of honour in a straw-lined open crate near the stove, where he chewed on a mutton bone and enjoyed a beer poured into a wooden bowl.

[Linked Image]
"He was a new dog, ready for the shows."


The next day, 15 January, I led a close offensive patrol from Vimy down to Monchy. We took off in light snow and climbed to 13000 feet before seeing sunlight. It was an uneventful first hour. We paraded up and down the lines until my neck ached from checking. The towering clouds made for an easy ambush, and the southern part of our patrol area was not far from the sector where the Bad Baron was reputed to hang out.

I was just about to give the signal to head home when two observation machines appeared from under a cloud on our starboard quarter. We turned and dived on them – Rolands again. The Huns put up a good fight. I bagged one with the same dive and zoom from behind and below that worked the previous day. Colin McKenzie, whose flight I had been permitted to lead, bagged the other Hun. Unfortunately mine was not witnessed and counted as a mere “driven down,” although I had watched it fall nearly to the ground without a hope of recovery.

[Linked Image]
Closing on the Roland that was "driven down". McKenzie's Hun is already going down in the distance.

Nonetheless, eight official Huns is not a bad record. I was particularly proud to receive a congratulatory telegram from my father, who had received from the studios of Christina Broom in London a photograph I had taken whilst on leave of me with my DSO ribbon. He has had it framed and hung in his office at the Royal Victoria Hospital back in Montreal.


Attached Files Stalking.jpgPincher.png
#4357870 - 05/17/17 04:10 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Gilbear du Bassy
Esc 81
La Noblette Ferme,
Verdun, France.


May 17, 1917.


Big fight with the Zee Bosche today. Our 6 a/c were Patrolling the aerodromes when we spotted a mix up 500 meters above us. The turning and firing a/c didn't take long to come down on us. N-24's ( about 5) and Albatross Scouts ( 8 -11) along with 2-3 Dfw 2 seat machines chasing and twisting all over the rain swept sky. It was pot shots till I could dive on a D-III going under me. I got in a lot of hits then the next time I made a pass his motor had stopped. Leaving him alone, I climbed to rejoin the Fur ball ,but everyone was going home so RTB. My flight claimed 4 destroyed for 1 lost and a pilot wnd ,but HQ only confirmed 1 made by the Esc Ace. ( mine and the others were rejected ) 1st Section also had a good day knocking down a 2 seat. The N-24 Sqn lost 2 machines.

Attached Files CFS3 2017-05-17 08-35-57-64.jpgCFS3 2017-05-17 08-40-11-20.jpgCFS3 2017-05-17 08-41-41-48.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 05/17/17 04:13 PM.
#4357970 - 05/18/17 02:38 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Colin Urquhart continues to have claims rejected...

A journal of the Great War – By an Anonymous Aviator

Part 23

On 16 January 1917 Squadron Commander Bromet sent for me while I was enjoying a breakfast of toast and tea, thanks to a ground mist that delayed the early patrol. I had been once again assigned to lead this show, an attack on the Hun balloon line near Monchy. Corps was relieving a number of units in the line and the weather was clearing, so we had to put Jerry’s eyes out for the day.

I walked briskly over to the office in the farm house and saluted. Bromet smiled and motioned to a chair.

“Well, I am very pleased to inform you that you are a Temporary Flight Commander, effective immediately. Stan Gobel hasn’t shaken his poor health and will get a rest. You’ll take his place leading B Flight.”

I stammered my thanks, and considered the extra five shillings a day as good as spent. It would bring my pay up to about 220 francs a week, enough to live quite comfortably as long as some fool didn’t go off and end the war.

By the time I got to the B Flight hangar the news was already out. McNaughton and Soar offered congratulations, and Compston and Huskisson announced that they were joining the patrol “to make sure I knew the way back.”

The flight to Arras and beyond was pleasant and uneventful, although painfully cold. Soar had to turn back with a dud engine. Not a big believer in dawdling around balloons, I led us straight in and straight out. My LePrieurs seemed to hit, but as I looked back the gasbag was still there. Jenner-Parson was the last man in and was firing when the thing finally caught fire, so he got the credit.

That night, Compston, McKenzie, Soar, and McNaughton showed up with a Crossley tender, obtained from 23 Squadron in an exchange the nature of which was none of my business, I was told. We were off to Amiens to celebrate. McKenzie had arranged the passes.

First stop was the Hotel Carlton, near the station, where we went through several bottles of champagne. McNaughton played the piano in the bar, badly but loudly. Dinner followed, a splendid affair despite the shortages. We were served carbonade – a beef stew made with onions and beer and serves with potatoes and turnips. There was more wine. Finally it was suggested that we visit Pierrette’s, a blue light establishment.

I feigned enthusiasm, but in honesty I had attended too many “personal hygiene” lectures to relax about this plan. One part of my brain told me that the war was long and dangerous and this was simply something that had to be got out of the way. Another part worried that one day I would meet someone special and this night would be something to regret. I chose the elegant solution, and ordered a bottle of port to bring with us. By the time we arrived at Pierette’s house I was quite incapable. I remember only a yellowish sofa with flowers, a cracked mirror, a battered piano, and some shabby framed photos of nudes. One or two girls tried to rouse me, but I awoke in pitch darkness in the back of a freezing and lurching Crossley and finished the evening being sick over the tailgate.

Snow in the morning delayed our first patrol until ten, so I had some time to recover. I was to lead B Flight to escort three BE2s to bomb an assembly area east of Monchy. On the return flight we encountered two Halberstadts and, the BE boys being nearly home, we took them on. I got behind one of the Huns and drove him into an out-of-control spin. But the fellow pulled out at about 1000 feet and made a run for it. I dived on him, stressing the airframe badly, and with one firing pass I downed him. The kill, unfortunately, was not witnesses and therefore not confirmed.

There are rumours we will be moved back north any day. I want to get two more Huns so that I can have ten before we return to a quiet life.

[Linked Image]
"I dived on him, stressing the airframe badly, and with one firing pass I downed him."




Attached Files Rejected Halb.png
#4358012 - 05/18/17 10:40 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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lederhosen Offline
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[Linked Image]


make mistakes and learn from them

I5 4440 3.1Ghz, Asrock B85m Pro3, Gtx 1060 3GB
#4358139 - 05/18/17 11:31 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
That's a nice ride, Lederhosen!
Raine, white knuckle ride down like that! I don't know? Seems like Colin doesn't value his life anymore and then he worries about some harlots. I suppose it's better to die in a burning plane than die from a burning sensation in you pants.

Jasta 18
14 January 1917
Offizierstellvertreter Aldi Schwarzkopf dismounted his Albatros D.III and began his walk towards the barracks. Near one of them, despite the loudly crunching snow underfoot Ltn Strähle snuck up behind him and grabbed him in a friendly headlock.
- "So, you are getting good at this. You got another one."
Aldi was surprised. - "How did you know? I've just landed."
- "Well, the observation balloon near which all this happened called ahead with the news and the confirmation. Are you going to tell me all about it voluntarily, or do I need to tighten my hold on your neck?" Strähle was unrelenting.
Aldi started to gasp for air.
- "Ok, ok! Just give me some breathing space. Leutnant released his grip and they started walking together to Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen's office.
- "We were escorting the 2-seaters over the front and were just about to leave the formation to get back to base when 3 Sopwiths showed up out of thin air. One of them went for the bombers, another tangled with von Bülow and I got saddled with the last one. This machine could turn on a Pfennig and the pilot was very experienced as well."

[Linked Image]

- "Oooo, you've met the new Pup" Paul Strähle commented knowingly.
- "No, I'm telling you, the pilot was an old dog."
- "I was talking about the new plane, you silly Fledermaus! They call it Pup." The older pilot explained.
- "I see. In that case I'm afraid we'll be in need of Albatros D.IV soon because what we have is not good enough." Aldi replied.
Strähle looked sideways at him and responded: - "I think you'd better write a letter to Der Kaiser explaining that our new planes are not good enough for Offzstvr Schwarzkopf and that he should order new and better machines post haste."
They both laughed. Aldi continued:
- Seriously, initially I was in for it, getting clipped from all angles, but as we came down to the deck he started to make mistakes and eventually I was able to get a few rounds into him. He started to climb in circles, but I was able to keep up with him. They seem to think we're still flying the D.II model and I think that's the only reason I'm here and he's there."

[Linked Image]

- "Don't worry about him. The pilot was able to get back over the lines after he crashed. We'll have to get him next time." Strähle was starting to walk in a different direction.
- "Where are you going? Aren't you going to walk me to Herr Oberleutnant's office?" Aldi stopped.
- "Nah, von Bülow is there right now talking to Grieffenhagen. It'll take a while. I'm going to the mess hall, I hear we're having Schnitzel for supper. I'm sick of duck a l'orange. Congrats on your victory! See you later?" And with that Ltn Strähle turned the corner and disappeared. Aldi was left there standing trying to decide if he should follow and get some food, or go and wait outside the office.

Attached Files Shot05-07-17-18-19-57.jpgShot05-07-17-18-21-25.jpg

"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358263 - 05/19/17 03:47 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Gilbear du Bassy
Esc 81
La Noblette Ferme,
Verdun, France.


May 19, 1917.


2 section was sent off to due an Airfield attack. However, 3 a/c couldn't due much.

#4358439 - 05/20/17 05:14 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Gilbear du Bassy
Esc 81
La Noblette Ferme,
Verdun, France.


May 20, 1917.


The Esc was chasing 2 seat machines all morning over the lines. They would spot us then dive for home. During the afternoon flight 2 sections 4 a/c ran into two very good Hun pilots. I tuned twisted and zoomed firing off 357 rds of ammo for nothing. ( my sights are off ) They took out 1 Spad then headed for home so did we then my motor caught fire. Found a little flat sport and made a hard landing. My face bounced off the machine gun and panels a few times so will be in the hospital till the 27th. A good day for zee Bosche.

Attached Files CFS3 2017-05-20 09-17-23-86.jpgCFS3 2017-05-20 09-54-54-20.jpgCFS3 2017-05-20 09-59-47-18.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 05/20/17 05:16 PM.
#4358458 - 05/20/17 06:17 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Carrick, do you use the gun sight view?


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358500 - 05/21/17 12:21 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
1 RNAS
January 21, 1917 Furnes
Squadron Commander Cyrus Gold is doing well and currently is in the process of conducting active action against German 2-seaters.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

N 57
May 20, 1917 Lhery
Sergent Etienne Valois has been promoted to Adjutant and given Nieuport 24 to fly his escort patrols.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot05-19-17-14-56-24.jpgShot05-19-17-18-16-13.jpgShot05-13-17-15-25-28.jpgShot05-13-17-16-29-41.jpg

"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358508 - 05/21/17 02:05 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Jasta 18
18 January 1917, Halluin

A few days have past since Aldi Schwarzkopf's latest victory over the Pup. These days were relatively quiet and not much has been happening during that time, especially from the enemy's side. Also, the weather seemed to improve during that time, but now dark clouds cover most of the sky with only a few patches of blue sky visible here and there. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the bitter cold, which is currently trying to burrow its way under Aldi's flight gear. Sitting in the cockpit of his Albatros at 2000 m and keeping his head on a swivel during today's patrol is pretty much all he can do as he keeps the machine in formation along with von Bülow and Strähle. Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen is leading Kette Eins further away over German held territory. He is evaluating the 2 new arrivals and Aldi can only imagine what Herr Oberleutnant must be calling them under his breath right this moment, as the Albatrosen behind him aren't doing a good job of keeping the formation.
Suddenly his reverie was interrupted by staccato of machine gun fire coming from above. A flight of Nieuports gray as the sky managed to ambush them. As they flew by Aldi noticed black bird on their fuselage. Von Bülow and Strähle were already engaged and Kette Eins was nowhere in sight. Aldi found his assailant making a turn for a second pass. Thankfully there was only one of them attacking him this time. He banked his Albatros and pulled hard on the stick, the machine groaned in protest but obeyed and Aldi was now pointing his guns at the Nieuport, which was in the process of doing the exact same thing. The Spandaus momentarily drowned the roar of his Mercedes engine. Hit! The Nieuport changed direction and started to dive, but Aldi was already on his tail pounding the unfortunate sesquiplane to a pulp. His Le Rhone stopped turning.

[Linked Image]

The twin guns had the last word and the Nieuport was now a large smoking crater in no man's land. Aldi checked his six and then looked for other blue and red machines around him. There were none to be found. He adjusted his course for home and started to climb when he noticed a silver machine crossing the lines. Aldi gave chase and was soon behind the unsuspecting Frenchman. He was still too far to make an effective attack. Aldi told himself to be patient. The range started to decrease and the little plane started to grow in the rings of his gun sight. Finally, the Newport was close enough and Aldi waited long enough. His guns started to shred canvas again and the Nieuport attempted evasive maneuvers. He banked and dove to avoid the lashes from Aldi's guns. Aldi followed and nearly froze on the spot. The bloody Nieuport took him for a ride right into the middle of his A-flight. Four new enemies were staring in his face. Aldi flew directly through the middle of the formation with his guns set to "whatever you do, don't stop". The formation scattered around him and he didn't think twice to turn his machine around while they were regrouping, point his Albatros straight at the frontlines and dive, dive, dive. He looked back - all 4 of them were behind following like a pack of wolves gaining, gaining. The trenches were now in sight. He crossed them with only about 1000 m of altitude. They were still there, out of range but getting closer. Suddenly he noticed specks to his left. Is it us or them? Aldi decided to take the chance and bring his entourage that way. If they're friendly - he's saved. If not, well ... they better be friendly! The specks started to become larger, gaining shape and finally he was able to see the colour of the oncoming machines. Red and blue! Of all the luck! That's Kette Eins! Grieffenhagen with his 2 pupils won't engage. They're already turning away! Scheisse! Newports are now only one bullet length away from being in range. Aldi dove steeper and aimed for the nearest balloon. Fingers crossed the boys down there are awake. Maybe he can drag them from balloon to balloon hoping for lucky hits and trusting in balloon defense's proper training. A tall order. The balloon came at him unexpectedly fast. At this altitude everything happens faster. Where is the next balloon? There's none in sight. He looked back, one of them turned around. Good old Flak! If he survives, he must remember to send these boys a case of Schnapps. Aldi looked around. There's an airfield really close by. He'll end up with a hole in his back if he attempts a landing now, but maybe the anti-aircraft machine guns can even out the odds? He dragged them across the airfield. Good. 2 more have left. Only one remains. Aldi realized he now has a smile on his face. The Albatros banked and turned as if the machine also wanted some payback for being put through its paces. Few more twists and turns and Aldi was on the N17's tail, already limping from hits inflicted by the airfield's anti-aircraft batteries. Aldi squeezed the triggers with relief, watched the Nieuport nosedive into the patch of frozen ground just outside the airfield and reduced the RPM's on his motor.

[Linked Image]

He was on the ground in no time. Hopefully Oberleutnant Grieffenhagen won't be too sore for sending a French Nieuport welcoming committee his way.

Attached Files Shot05-14-17-18-26-45.jpgShot05-14-17-18-53-21.jpg

"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358510 - 05/21/17 02:46 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Raine  Offline
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New Brunswick, Canada
Great account, Fullofit!

#4358539 - 05/21/17 12:03 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Thank you Raine, I appreciate it.

Aldi's dream about the girl with butterfly wings was interrupted by familiar voices of his two close friends, Walter von Bülow and Paul Strähle, bickering with each other. He was still groggy and did not understand what the two of them were doing at his bed.
He could hear von Bülow's resigned voice: - "Paul, please stop playing with that sponge. You've obviously never been to hospital before."
From the tone of Strähle's defensive voice it appeared he was coming up with a lie, but was interrupted by a quick observation.
- "Look, he's waking up!" Paul's face appeared uncomfortably close to Aldi's.
- "What time is it?" Aldi asked.
Ltn. Strähle who was leaning over Aldi responded in a gentle, hushed voice: -"Never mind the time, do you know what day it is?"
- "What kind of a question is that? It's Sunday!"
- "Ha! I told you, amnesia!" Paul Strähle's voice was triumphant, discarding his previous soft tone, immediately catching himself and covering his mouth. He added in nearly inaudible voice: - "I knew it!"
Von Bülow rolled his eyes. - "He was hit in his arm, not his head."
- "What's the last thing you remember?" Walter looked at perplexed Aldi.
Aldi gathered his thoughts and tried to put together his most recent memories.
- "We were escorting the 2-seaters. Grieffenhagen had to drop out of formation with a dud engine, or was he hit by ground fire? I'm kinda foggy on that one. We were returning when the Strutters showed up. I was hit by the observer, but managed to shoot the crate down before landing and passing out."
- "That you did and along with the two Nieuports you took out the day before that makes five." Von Bülow announced.
- "Herr Grieffenhagen put you up for a medal and now is hunting for a case of Veuve Clicquot to seal the deal. You are Kanone now! Paul, give him his medal."
Ltn Strähle leaned over Aldi again and with great care and reverence pinned the Iron Cross 2nd Class to Aldi's pajamas.
- "It's Tuesday" he said in a soft voice.

[Linked Image]
Ltn Paul Strähle

Attached Files Strahle.JPG

"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358546 - 05/21/17 12:35 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: May 2012
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RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

I’ve just spent some quality time this morning sitting back and enjoying a cuppa whilst catching up on everyone’s latest exploits.

Fullofit, wonderful accounts for Offizierstellvertreter Schwarzkopf, Squadron Commander Gold, and Adjutant Valois. Still don’t know how you hop from one mount to the next and keep things straight but more power to you for managing it. Congrats to Aldi on earning his first Ehrenbeher, his subsequent victories, and now the Eisernes Kreuz II. I must say though he’s been pressing his luck in his latest encounters, he needs to remember that discretion can sometimes be the better part of valour.

Carrick, Gilbear’s lot is certainly having a tough go of it there in Verdun. Five machines lost, one pilot dead and two others wounded including Gilbear, and all in less than a week. I guess I know what Capitaine Tremblay has to look forward to, provided he lasts until then.

lederhosen, Cecil’s new mount is a pip!

Raine, great episodes for Colin Urquhart. Well done on his bump to Flight Commander, temporary or otherwise. His handling of the visit to Pierrette’s was elegant indeed, better to be thought of as one who can’t hold his drink than risk bringing home the gift that keeps on giving. By the way, Pincher is precisely how I had him pictured in my head.


Over the last week Capitaine Tremblay has managed another three sorties between bouts of ill weather and his tasks as Commander of N81. His latest mission ended in a go-round with a Roland that saw the EA crashing and Allard making a dead stick landing in a field east of camp, his engine being shot through in the tête-à-tête. Ah well, c'est la guerre, it wasn’t such a bad day for a walk.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Attached Files WOFF_UE_Allard_Tremblay_mission_5-21-17_001.jpgWOFF_UE_Allard_Tremblay_mission_5-21-17_002.jpg

[Linked Image]

Three RFC Brass Hats were strolling down a street in London. Two walked into a bar, the third one ducked.
_________________________________________________________________________

Former Cold War Warrior, USAF Security Service 1974-1978, E-4, Morse Systems Intercept, England, Europe, and points above.
"pippy-pahpah-pippy pah-pip-pah"

#4358552 - 05/21/17 01:11 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Lou, it isn't easy. And as I've said it before, I don't know how long I can keep it up. (my wife hears it all the time). For me the hardest part is the report. It takes too long for me to write it. I'm not good with them words.
Capitaine Tremblay is a lucky man to survive such a close encounter with that Roland and only end up with a few holes in canvas. It could have been much worse. He could have ended up in hospital and be given a medal. I really like the skin on that Nieupe.


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358556 - 05/21/17 02:18 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit, don't sell yourself short on your writing, it is first rate stuff.

Yes, the Capitaine was lucky despite having seen that the rear gunner suffered a jam after their initial engagement. Allard took advantage of the situation and came in close for his next pass which was successful as it sent the Roland down, but the Hun gunner managed to get the jam cleared and got some shots off at the last second. That's when the engine on the Nieup started coughing and rattling.

Glad you like the livery on Tremblay's mount. The cowl took some time to sort out as did the stripes on the wing due to the wrap distortions inherent in the OFF/WOFF models.


[Linked Image]

Three RFC Brass Hats were strolling down a street in London. Two walked into a bar, the third one ducked.
_________________________________________________________________________

Former Cold War Warrior, USAF Security Service 1974-1978, E-4, Morse Systems Intercept, England, Europe, and points above.
"pippy-pahpah-pippy pah-pip-pah"

#4358564 - 05/21/17 03:42 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Lou, thank you for the compliment. I'll try to keep up with Aldi.
You are correct about those skinning issues. Just a simple band across the fuselage tests my patience. Do you antialias your lines or keep them crisp?


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358565 - 05/21/17 03:56 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit, I often will "fuzz" the edges slightly as they tend to look too crisp is you don't. But that can vary and I usually just do what I need to in order to have it all look as it should. Trial and error, as you've no doubt discovered yourself, when it comes to skinning in this sim.

#4358577 - 05/21/17 05:56 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Thanks Lou, that has been my experience as well.


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4358599 - 05/21/17 08:26 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
Hasse Offline
Member
Hasse  Offline
Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
So many fine reports in this thread! It's going to take a while to catch up with everything. I'm glad to see most of the veterans from the original DID campaign are now participating in this one with their great stories and pictures and videos.

Unfortunately a combination of computer troubles and other real life stuff has effectively put a stop to my DID flying, at least for now. I haven't made any progress at all with Bruno's career. Sorry about that.


"Upon my word I've had as much excitement on a car as in the air, especially since the R.F.C. have had women drivers."

James McCudden, Five Years in the Royal Flying Corps
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