Carrick, Fullofit, Robert -- everyone is having scary times up there. I think this air war is heating up. I'm glad I haven't had to tangle with any Tripehounds yet. It's been quiet up north. Demian suffered a loss and a win this week...

Memoir of Demian Kraft

Part 8

Our part of the line was quiet. Farther south, the Jastas were in daily action, keeping the British and French from discovering too soon the masterstroke that Hindenburg and Ludendorff had engineered. Our armies were falling back on the Siegfriedstellung, the carefully engineered defensive line we had worked on all winter. Now it would take far fewer divisions to hold the front, while the Tommies would have to attack some of the strongest defences in history to make any advance. And in the east, Russia was starting to fall apart from the middle. With luck, the millions of men tied up fighting in the east could give us what we needed to end all this.

Meanwhile, here on the North Sea coast, we patrolled day after day with few contacts. At least I could begin to learn the tricks of my new Albatros. Perhaps we were just unlucky, for some of the Marine Jastas had got themselves into fights, but our boys saw little.

On 15 March 1917, my good friend and roommate Berse failed to return from a flight. Ltn Kampe led Berse, Rosenstein, and me down to Ypres to get a balloon that was doing good work for the British artillery. I was late diving on the fat Himmelwurst [1] but Kampe and Berse spotted it and went straight in to the attack. I saw the thing catch fire and began to fall, so I formed on Kampe’s wing for the trip home. Then Rosenstein formed on the other side and we headed back. I searched around for another Albatros, but saw nothing. No one knew for sure what had happened. Perhaps it was a direct hit by Flak. Perhaps he simply flew into the balloon. Either way, I would never see my friendly, round-faced friend again. I had to break the news to the Sloot family back at our billet. Little Marenka the servant girl cried inconsolably. Berse had been mad about her and she had never acknowledged his existence. Now she cried.

I had an easy day on 16 March. A couple of minutes after takeoff my Mercedes began to miss and I switched off and glided back to Ghistelles.

Finally, on the 17th, I had the day I had been waiting for. I was ordered to lead a flight of four to escort two DFW machines on a photo-reconnaissance flight over the English positions near De Blenkaart. We were back 90 minutes later, and it was pure pleasure to see the look on Ltn Wieland’s face when he asked whether we had any claims.

“Yes, two,” I announced.

He looked at me like a cat who had finally got the canary cage door open. “Two? Really Offizierstellvertreter Kraft, two?” He looked at the others. And did anyone else witness this miraculous accomplishment?”

Before I could get myself in serious trouble, Ostv Luer spoke up. “Yes, sir, I did.”

“Do tell. And remind me of your name. And stand to attention when you address your commander.” Luer was new. He had arrived only the day before.

“After the reconnaissance machines fired a flare to signal that they were done, we turned in a loop to the west towards them. We were about 400 metres higher and a kilometer or more behind them. I saw Offizierstellvertreter Kraft signal with his wings and dive down to our left. I followed and saw three Gitterrümpfe close below us.”

Wieland interrupted. “So you abandoned the two-seaters to chase them?”

I jumped in. “They were FE2s, and were closer to our two-seaters than we were. They were a true threat, Herr Leutnant.” Rosenstein quickly confirmed this, which was gracious of him. The FE2s had shown so sign they had seen us. They were in fact leichte Beute.[2]

Luer continued. “Kraft fired a burst and the machine began to smoke. I moved off to the right to try a flank attack, but Kraft circled back before I could fire. He closed to only a few metres from the Englishman and on his second burst the machine’s wings began to fold up. The machine fell about two kilometres southwest of the lake.” Both Rosenstein and Ltn Galetschky confirmed Luer’s account.


The first official one. Luer at left, Kraft pulling up to avoid debris.

Wieland wrote without looking up. “There were two?” he said.

I explained. “We regrouped and headed home. Two more FE2s passed in front of us, about a kilometre away and 500 metres below. I dived on the rearmost one and fired. It made no attempt to get away. I think maybe I hit the pilot with the first burst. I fired about 150 rounds into it, emptying one of my guns. The other jammed. The English machine began to tumble out of control. I did not see it crash, but am certain of it.”

“Indeed,” said Wieland. Unfortunately, none of the others could confirm a crash.

Wieland reached into his drawer and took out a small silver goblet. “I think I can give you this, then,” he said, placing the Ehrenbecher on the desk before me. “Perhaps you can fill it with champagne for your new friend Luer. Dismissed.”

This was not right. It was traditional to present the Ehrenbecher for one’s first official victory before a pilot’s comrades in the Kasino – not like this. I knew I would not get the second Fee confirmed, but I wanted a proper presentation. But on the way out of the Jasta office, Ltn Kampe asked me for the goblet and said he’d return it later. That night at dinner, Kampe stood and made a short speech about the struggles our Jasta has had and how we finally had another confirmed victory. And then he, not the Jastaführer, presented me with the Ehrenbecher properly. All eyes were on Ltn Wieland, who sat with a rigid smile, applauding.

Translations:

[1] Sky sausage.
[2] Easy prey.

Raine, I don't see an easy posting for Demian.

Raine: Its down-right Hectic in the air. I was checking my shooting and I am only getting 27 hits out of 200 rds. E- Gad I wont survive for long.

Ooh, drama! I sure hope the good Ltn. doesn't suffer an unfortunate air accident anytime soon!

Robert and Raine, great stories!
Robert, seeing someone going down in flames is always a sad and painful image, except in Raine's case. I'm with BuckeyeBob. "Someone" should follow Wieland on a mission and make sure he is confirmed. What an Arschloch!

Jasta 18
21 March 1917, over Halluin.

- "They will pay for this!"
Aldi had barely time to get off the ground when the first bombs started to fall. He was now overflying his aerodrome assessing the damage. Luckily most of the bombs fell short and only a nearby farmhouse and a barn suffered.



The flight was forming up and Oberleutnant Schwarzkopf was looking up for the culprits of the attack that nearly managed to eliminate them all without ever firing a single shot. The omnipresent Flak as always showed him the way. Looks like about six or seven bombers without protective escort were lazily flying south of them at a higher altitude. Aldi couldn't tell if these were the same ones that attacked their airfield, but these two-seaters would be the unlucky ones who will answer for it. Aldi with Wiessner on his left, Strähle on his right and von Bülow bringing up the rear banked their machines in one fluid motion to face the unsuspecting formation. Before they could match their altitude the enemy formation started breaking up and one by one each bomber began to dive. Were they just about to attack their target below? Aldi couldn't understand what they were up to, but then he realized that these bombers were not about to attack any ground target but them! Was this some kind of a rouse to lure them into the clutches of their escort which is currently stalking them, hiding high in the clouds and will pounce on them as soon as they expose their rear ends to them? Aldi looked around with uneasiness. No sign of any enemy scouts around. Were these bombers suicidal? He didn't have time to answer his own question as they merged with their targets. Aldi never saw this type before. They were definitely two-seaters but they flew and maneuvered like scouts.




Each member of his flight picked a target, but it felt like they were the hunted. Aldi could barely keep up with the turning bus in front of him. At least the rear gunner couldn't target him either. They kept circling each other for a while with the enemy machine keeping the upper hand by staying above Aldi.



Finally it straightened and began to fly toward the lines. Aldi smiled and thought to himself: - "I have you now!", but by the time he swung his Albatros to get behind his prey, the bomber was already out of range and speeding away at full tilt. Aldi dove after him but wasn't making any progress. The enemy was still pulling away.



He looked quickly inside his cockpit to check the instruments. Was his throttle fully open? It was! RPMs? High! Pressure? Intolerable! Everything seemed to be working properly, then why was this bomber pulling away? Schwarzkopf didn't have time to ponder as another Britisher just flew near. He banked just as the other plane faced him and opened fire. A stream of bullets ripped into the canvas of the lower wing. These bombers have teeth, not just a rear gunner. Aldi dove to pick up speed. He twisted his head to locate the enemy and found him with one of the red and blue Albatroses on his tail giving it its all. Another Brit closed in, but Aldi was ready for him. He pulled up and squeezed the triggers. He saw debris flying off the enemy plane.



Another two-seater was just passing by, but Aldi latched on to the previous one and followed it in a bank. The bomber began to dive and started picking up speed leaving him behind. By now they were entering enemy airspace and Aldi out of frustration sent a burst after the bomber which was about to get away. Surprisingly he turned around and came after Aldi.



- "So, it's back on." He thought to himself as he prepared for another strange dogfight. This time the bomber kept high, just out of Aldi's reach, frustrating him even more. Finally, he decided to return home and leave Aldi wondering what had just happened. He turned his plane around and returned to base empty handed.

Thanks for the few minutes of pleasure.

Lots of good stories here folks and hardly time to stay up on them all. Been to busy to fly as of late.



On another front, anxiously awaiting the new movie "Dunkirk".

Everything I hear down here in Guatemala says that will be an excellent movie, sure wish I could see it.

Me too, I cant wait and unlike the Wonder Woman film. I have Pop Corn money.

Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.

July 20, 1917.


My wing man went missing after the morning Escort mission. Kette Zwei 's 4 A/c + 3 Cover Flight ( who were behind and low ) got jumped by 5 Spads. This time we saw them coming in so had time to swing around before they hit the 2 Bombers. It happened ever so fast two Spads swrung in front of my a/c nose so hosed away with my Spandau,s 140 rds later the closest e/a went into a spin and down he went. ( Victory # 3.) After landing, Heard that my wingmate was missing, and 1 Dfw was forced down ( crashed) + 2 D-V,s were damaged Also a 2nd Spad was claimed by Cover Flight.

Flight Commander Edgar Everheart
Furnes

Edgar awoke from his sleep with rain pelting his quarters. He stretched and grabbed his coat to guard against the cold. Before putting on the coat he caught a glimpse of his torso in the mirror showing his full upper body tribal tattoos. He stopped and looked at himself, The silver nose ring catching the light and the 3 silver studs between his eyebrows shining like lanterns. He decided on his mood and placed the newest Black Sabbath album on the phonograph. ...................Wait! I need more coffee!


Great stories and videos Gents! Raine, thanks for the window into your mind for your stories. Thats scary! No wonder my attempts at stories are sorely lacking.

I am still flying and Edgar is up to date. Mission #50 is under his belt but if Naval 8 does not stop attacking aerodromes something bad is bound to happen to him.

Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.


July 21, 1917.


Morning Flight: I Flew in a 3 a/c Vee formation defending balloons . No contact,but Kette Ins 2 a/c got jumped by Spads somewhere in the clouds. Both Pilots wnd.

Afternoon: assigned to attack enemy Balloon just over the lines, I stayed high as the flight got the gas bag. I got tangled up with 2 N-24's as we left the target area and chased back to the lines. finally one of the slugs holed my fuel so had to put her down in a field. No Glory Today.

Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.

July 22, 1917.


Hard pressed today: 1st flight was a foul up. The 4 of us ran into 2 FE2b's and it seemed all of us was firing at the same one. being overeager, I managed to put a few holes in my Wing leaders rudder ( von Doring ) and none in the enemy. ( my flight nailed both Fee's) After landing , I was Warned and given a letter of reprimand.

On the second flight our 3 a/c Balloon Defense flight tangled with 6 Sopwith Pups I made the mistake of getting into a scissors fight and was shot down. My a/c was leaking fuel and the wing tip was shot to bits so landed on a road. My wingmates claimed 1 pup but both were damaged.

Carrick;

It may be time for von Hammer to start carrying a rabbits foot (or should I say "Hasenpfote") for luck!!

MMMMM, what strange character is this Everheart? Tribal tattos, silver nose ring and studs between the eyes, not to mention this strange sound emanating from the victrola!! Oh well, if he can shoot straight, that is all that really matters!

Jasta 18
24 March 1917, Halluin

It seemed like a simple job to patrol the front-lines, especially on your own side of the mud. It seemed like a simple job to stalk two Fee's unaware of your approach. And it definitely seemed like a simple job to shoot them down, but today none of those tasks seemed easy to accomplish for Aldi.
After a recent encounter with the new British type of plane his confidence was shaken. He wasn't even sure if he should lead the sortie this morning. Maybe Strähle or von Bülow would do a better job, but it looks like they were comfortable just following behind along with Grieffenhagen.
It was cloudy and there was still snow on the ground. Aldi was leading his Kette north of Halluin when he noticed the two Gitterschwänzen skulking away and hopping from cloud to cloud. Even the all-seeing eye of the Flak batteries missed them. Aldi made certain these were not the new bombers before setting up for an attack. Yup, they were definitely FE2's.
It did take some time before the Albatrosen were able to match their altitude and catch up to them. Schwarzkopf steered toward the one on the left, Grieffenhagen took the one on the right. Von Bülow and Strähle followed. Aldi aimed and fired. Hit! The pusher started to smoke.



Aldi went around for another try. He watched the Jastafürher fire at the other Fee, while getting back on his own target's tail. He aimed again and fired. More hits and sparks coming out of the exposed engine.



The British plane kept flying level. Aldi noticed the gunner was dead as he flew by to make another pass.



Again he saw Grieffenhagen attack the other enemy plane. He repeated the approach from behind and fired again, being certain the Britisher will fall this time for sure, but the stubborn crate kept going. At least the engine stopped.



Grieffenhagen's prey was now a black column of smoke with a ball of fire at its head plummeting to the ground. Aldi was starting to get annoyed. They were just north of Bailleul already!
- "Just one more pass!" Aldi was telling himself as he leaned into the gunsight lining up his target. He squeezed the triggers. Another volley hit the target.



Now pull up and ... CRASH! BANG! RIP!
Aldi took a quick look to the rear in time to see the Fee's wings fold up and fall away.
- "Scheisse!" He must have caught the crippled two-seater with his undercarriage while pulling up. He was praying that his wheels were still on and not back there falling down along with the dead bus. Strähle approached on the starboard and flew alongside. Aldi looked to him for some sort of sign that he is okay. He got a big grin from his friend. Aldi tried to communicate by pointing down to his wheels. Strähle gave him thumbs up to go along with the smile on his face. Aldi saluted in acknowledgement although he had his doubts Leutnant understood what he was asking him. He'll have to find out the hard way. They all flew back to base without further incident. Aldi approached the airfield with great care and made sure to touch down as gently as possible. He was extremely relieved that the wheels were what he was now rolling to a stop on instead of belly-landing. Aldi's Fee was disallowed - Grieffenhagen told him kills will be counted when enemy is shot down, not rammed.

Albert Earl Godfrey

25 Mar 1917 @ 09h01 Patrol to lines North of Havrincourt Wood

Godfrey sat uneasily in his chair while the CO announced the nature of the first patrol of the day. Scott, sitting to his right, leaned over and said, “I hope this will be a quiet run, my shoulder is still stiff from my crash last Monday.” Godfrey just nodded and continued to listen.

The CO stated that the forecast was for extensive cloud cover between 5,700 and 12,000 ft. with winds of 8 kn from the SSW. The patrol was to cross the lines in the vicinity of Arras and run south along the Hun side of the lines, crossing back over in the vicinity of Havrincourt Wood. “A” flight composed of Molesworth, Fry and Hervey, was to provide top cover for “C” flight composed of Caldwell, Scott, Bishop, Godfrey and Young.

“The mechanics have been working overtime as of late fellows. The less damage you come back with will be greatly appreciated I’m sure.” Stated the CO as he closed the session. Scott looked over at Godfrey and stated “I could easily comply with that if they were throwing cream puffs at us up there in stead of lead!” Godfrey smiled and chuckled quietly as they all rose to leave the room.

The flight took off and headed north of the field as usual to form up. When they reached the altitude of 11,300 ft. and above almost all of the prevailing clouds, Caldwell turned SE towards the lines in the vicinity of Arras. It was 09h26 approx. They reached the lines at 09h35 at 12,200 ft and proceeded in a straight SE direction, cutting across the bow in the lines which placed them on the Hun side. They would not be back over the lines until they reached just north of Havrincourt Wood.

All was quiet with no sign of ground artillery activity of Hun archie and they arrived back over the lines in the vicinity of Havrincourt Wood at approximately 09h44. Caldwell began a wide circuit to starboard putting them back on the return trip and no sooner had they straightened out on the course, than Godfrey spotted six specs crossing west in front of them. “A” flight was in the lead and Godfrey noticed them break in the direction of the specs.
He waggled his wings and broke formation to follow “A” flight. No sooner had he done so, than Caldwell picked up the clue and did the same, bringing the rest of the flight with him. It was approximately 09h46 when “A” flight, and Godfrey engaged the enemy scouts who were anxious to dance. In the first pass, Godfrey recognized the Albatross scout and it’s Jasta 2 markings. The engagement took place half way between Bapaume and Havrincourt Wood.

Godfrey and the scout danced awhile, isolated from the rest of the fray and it wasn’t long before Godfrey got in several good volleys that brought the Albatros down. He watched it plummet into the ground and then set out to rejoin the melee. Another Albatros coming directly at him with the advantage of several hundred feet, made a direct attack but Godfrey broke slightly to starboard, passed under him, and then broke hard to port. They entered into a circling pass in which the Albatross managed to hole the canvas on Godfrey’s upper port wing. Godfrey held his climb for advantage as they circled again and this time Godfrey found himself in the position of advantage. The Hun began a game of sea saw and reverse directions to try and shake Godfrey off. It was not to be. Godfrey regained his position on the Albatros six and after several volleys with debris flying off the Huns craft, it went down.

Godfrey circled looking for his mates and finding them well above him, he rejoined the flight at which point they all headed to the nearest base at Bapaume.

Godfrey claimed two DIII’s Scott and Bishop, two more and Molesworth one.
The only N17 loss was Hervey of “A” flight who was lightly wounded during the melee and destroyed his craft during landing. Godfrey could not help but feel they had evened the score somewhat.

Robert and Fullofit, nice stories Gents, fFullofit, carefull with those mid air collisions. The are deadly.

Tnx MFair

Robert, congrats on the double victory.
MFair, nothing intentional, believe me. When I heard the crash I thought Aldi was done for.

Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.

July 23, 1917.


Posted to 2 flights today.

Escort The Jasta put up 4 a/c as close Escort only to have a Lone Spad swoop down and take out one econ machine before we could come to grips. Then he dove for home and was gone. Losses: 1 Dfw.

Balloon: The Kette's 5 a/c attacked a Balloon as I flew Top Cover. No e/a sighted and all back with no damage. Losses: 0. Claims: 1 Balloon for Amders.