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#4394933 - 12/15/17 03:59 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Raine, another excellent tale. I always look forward to your reports.

I see that Mr. Bishop is in fine fettle over besting Ball's score and did not choose to contest your claim for his own. Young Corderoy likely would not have fared so well against a living war legend and owner of 47 kills!

Quote
I am quite sure I saw a shovel fly past.

Ha!


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4395036 - 12/15/17 07:21 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Raine: another fine story.

#4395038 - 12/15/17 07:28 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Jeffery Vickers
2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
2 Victory's

As the newly appointed B Flight Leader, I took 4 a/c up to Vimy in the dark and rainy skies. No contact.

Afternoon Formation: Promoted to 2 LT. and introduced to the Sqn's 4 Replacement Pilots while my three seasoned pilots were promoted ? to " A " Flight.

Last edited by carrick58; 12/15/17 07:30 PM.
#4395077 - 12/16/17 01:59 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Carrick, congrats on the promotion!
Raine, that was some story, kept me on the edge of my seat. I was glad Corderoy made it back and congrats on that confirmed kill. Snatched that one from under Bishop's nose. Can't wait for the next instalment!

19 August, 1917 Harlebeke
Jasta 18

Finally! The new airplanes have arrived. Aldi could not contain himself. It felt just like Christmas when he was a little boy. He practically ran out onto the airfield to see his new plane. The riggers and the armorers worked late into the night to get it ready for this morning’s patrol. Aldi stopped short of his new bird to take it all in. It was an Albatros D.V. The large headrest had already been removed unlike the early models. He came closer and extended his arm. The smooth plywood fuselage felt warm to the touch. He gave it a light tap and the hollow sound reassured him of the structure’s sturdiness. Aldi walked around the machine touching and prodding all surfaces. The feel of the doped fabric on the wings gave him the sensation of lightness. He thrummed the cross-bracing tensioning cables with his forefinger to check their tautness. The riggers did a good job. The metal panels on the nose were glistening. Aldi gave it a pat as if it were a horse, imagining the plane snorting with pleasure. He thought of Käte. What would she say if she saw him right now? Would she laugh at this display of affection, or would she be jealous? He checked the Wolff wooden propeller for any pebble damage, there was none. The plane was in pristine condition. It pleased Aldi beyond measure. Once he walked around to the rear he gave the rudder a tug, there was no discernible play. He was finally ready to fly! The Startwärter was waiting to strap him in and get him on his way. Aldi climbed into the cockpit. Everything seemed familiar and in the usual place. He will have no problems with getting used to his new mount.
Typically the ground crew starts and warms up the engine before the pilot gets in, but Aldi was too excited to do anything else but sit in the cockpit and go through the procedure. It seemed the mechanics also were glad to work with a new piece of machinery. They have strapped him in. The smell of freshly varnished wood filled his nostrils. He inhaled deeply.
He moved the control column through its full range of motion. Kicked the rudder bar. Checked that the throttle moved through its full travel. He gave a half turn to the water pump greaser can and reached up to the right to pull the radiator cooling handle all the way back for maximum ventilation. He made sure the ignition switch was in the “Aus” position, the spark control lever was retarded and the throttle closed. One of the mechanics climbed on top of the wheel and reached behind the engine block between the Spandaus to open the compression release handle. He then stepped in front of the airplane and hand rotated the propeller six revolutions to draw a fresh fuel mixture charge into each cylinder. The compression release handle was then closed again. It was now all up to Aldi to switch the magneto to M1 position and rapidly crank the hand start magneto. The electric current from the magneto surged to the spark plugs, which in turn ignited the fuel mixture inside the cylinders. The engine coughed and roared to life, expelling clouds of exhaust smoke. Aldi kept the idling engine between 200 and 250 RPM to fully warm up for 5 minutes, he then slowly increased to 600 RPM and switched magneto to M2 position and checked for RPM drop. He then switched to both magnetos and moved the spark control lever to mid position. Once he was satisfied the engine was running smoothly, he fully advanced the spark control lever and opened the throttle to check against the RPM readings on the tachometer. Everything checked out, he was now ready for take off. Aldi reduced the throttle back to 300 RPM and waited for everyone else to get ready.
It was time. Once again he opened the throttle. The powerful Daimler-Mercedes D.III 6 cylinder engine growled effortlessly up to 1400 RPM and the Albatros started to roll and pick up speed. Aldi noticed the top plane moving in relation to the fuselage. This was the result of not employing cross-bracing in the wing’s center section and the fact that the fuselage itself changed shape slightly when not on the ground anymore. Something he has to get used to. His Albatros climbed well. Another half-turn of the water pump greaser can. A chore that has to be repeated every 10 minutes or so. Easily forgotten during a fight. Once up in the colder air, Aldi closed the radiator and reduced the RPMs to 1300. His two Maxim LMG 08/15’s glistened in the murky sun obscured by the grey clouds. Aldi could tell the guns were itching to prove their worth, just as the pilot himself was itching to test them.
The flight plan took them close to the front lines. They could see explosions below, but their main concern was scanning the skies for enemy fighters, not the potato-heads below. They were on the return leg now and the Schwarm flew into a bank of clouds. When they emerged on the other side they were greeted by the rear ends of 6 or 7 British pushers. Aldi immediately gave the signal to attack, but it wasn’t necessary. The flight was spreading further apart to attack more efficiently. Schwarzkopf was already looking through the sights, aligning his plane with the Englander in front of him. “Hardly the target to test the abilities of his new aeroplane,” he thought to himself, but a kill is a kill.

[Linked Image]

The bullets started to spark against the engine block of the Fee in front. The canvas around was being shredded to pieces as well. One more volley and the pilot slumped in his seat. The machine lurched up and then immediately dove towards the ground with the gunner pinned by the centrifugal forces, presenting him the front row seat to his inevitable demise.

[Linked Image]

Schwarzkopf glanced to his right just in time to see another Gitterschwänze plummet to the ground curtesy of his Jasta.

[Linked Image]

There was no time to admire the handiwork, another quick kick to the rudder and the next machine was lined up for slaughter. Aldi repeated the procedure. Quick bursts of his guns found the heart of the enemy’s plane. This time the prop begun to rotate slowly and then stopped completely. Black smoke billowed from the wrecked motor. The enemy bus begun to lose altitude and then entered into a spiral. Aldi followed, noticing that this time the gunner was the first one to go, while the pilot was wrestling with the controls.

[Linked Image]

It was futile, the large bird was mortally wounded and despite pilot’s valiant efforts it ploughed into the countryside below. Aldi saw two more bombers go down. The rain commenced to come down in sheets as if the Earth was trying to wash away the spilled blood. The Schwarm formed up and set a course to Harlebeke. The D.V’s have now been baptized by fire. Perhaps next time they’ll meet a more evenly matched foe. Aldi will be looking forward to the next test.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.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."
#4395079 - 12/16/17 02:07 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Fullofit, that was a hell of a read. And a kill too! Great research and even lent writing. More Aldi, please!

#4395090 - 12/16/17 03:47 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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I say Old man. well done story.

#4395091 - 12/16/17 04:33 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Wow, Fullofit, just wow!

Where to begin? You have a real talent for writing--you even make the engine start-up procedure sound exciting! I could also feel the excitement in Aldi as he prepared to take his new mount into the sky! And then the clinical, almost cold, fashion in which he dispatched his foes. Aldi is no longer that innocent, wet-behind-the-ears pilot who used to feel pity for those that duty called on him to dispatch. This is a deadly business now, and there is much work to be done.

Finally, did you really emerge out of some thick clouds to suddenly see that flight of juicy Fees in front of you? Imagine the terror your opponents must have felt when you and your schwarm suddenly emerged behind them out of the billowing clouds, as if you were devils released from the steamy pits of hell itself! Well done!


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4395104 - 12/16/17 11:47 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Dark_Canuck Offline
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I will join in the praise! Great stuff Fullofit. This thread is pure gold.

#4395111 - 12/16/17 01:20 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Dark_Canuck Offline
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Flt Lt Benjamin Kincaid
15 Dec 1917

It was a rookie pilot mistake that got him. He should have known better. He did know better. He had drilled younger pilots about it before, and yet here he was.

"MARCH THE GUILTY #%&*$# IN," roared the Wing Commander, clearly miffed he had to travel out to the airfield to conduct a summary trial. Something about due process and innocent until proven guilty quickly flashed through my mind.

My escorts snapped to attention as the Sergeant Major called out the cadence at double quick time. And so the hatless dance began.

There was no fighting it. Not only was it pointless, but guilty #%&*$# was appropriate in this case. I had missed the morning briefing yesterday, due to a rather successful evening in Dunkirk. I had awoken in a bed that was not my own, with a rather wonderful companion. Unfortunately it was long after I was due back at the Aerodrome.

The Wing Commander went back and forth through the formalities: the reading of the charge (AWOL), the reading of the particulars and facts, witnesses, a chance for me to speak on my own behalf and finally the decision (a shocking decision of Guilty). It was very kind of Sqn Comd Dallas to act as a character witness on my behalf, as it most likely saved me a harsher punishment.

In the end I was fined two weeks pay, confined to the aerodrome and put on extra duties until the new year. Almost worth it for the fine lass.

The afternoon saw me back leading B Flight on a line patrol. As we flew along the lines I couldnt help but feel pity for the PBI. It had turned bitterly cold and it seemed the only source of heat along the whole trench system was the artillery shells that landed with depressing regularity. Once again I was reminded of the blessings of being a pilot.

The Huns decided to come out and play today. We met up with a flight of V strutters with markings I did not recognize. We picked our partners and began a different sort of dance than I performed that morning.

He made a mistake, entering a climbing turn, bleeding off too much speed and allowing me a perfect chance to close and engage. I checked my tail quickly and lined up a beautiful deflection shot. I watched the tracers begin to converge on the cockpit when both my Vickers jammed.

I swore and checked the cocking handles. Both partially forward. I attempted to wrench them backwards, but they were stuck tight. I hammered away at them while I watched my prey sail away towards his side of the lines. Great. Another Hun with a chance to learn from his mistake. I had just created a better enemy pilot. Next time it would not be so easy.

Unable to clear the jam, I turned for home. The battle was inconclusive all around, with everyone returning.

I sighed as the others turned for the mess. I headed to the duty room. It was going to be a long few weeks.

As I reach the duty room a message comes in from HQ. We are to transfer back to England tomorrow!

Last edited by Dark_Canuck; 12/16/17 03:58 PM.
#4395118 - 12/16/17 03:44 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 Gentlemen.
Raine, researching is a pain in the ass!
BB, it was actually the other way around. The Fees came out of the clouds in front of them, but who's counting? Yes, Aldi is now pitiless. War will do that to you.
DC, the things men will do for some action. Great report, could feel your frustration with the jam.


"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."
#4395121 - 12/16/17 03:56 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
24 RFC, Baizieux.
2 Lt. Edward Nygma hard at work.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Shot12-15-17-20-21-48.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."
#4395122 - 12/16/17 04:04 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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DC,

Had a great time with your description of Kincaid doing the hat less dance before the Wing Commander. Great job!

#4395230 - 12/17/17 02:26 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Good Reading everyone.

#4395233 - 12/17/17 02:26 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Jeffery Vickers
2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's


Army I Corp wanted a Balloon taken out by Vimy. B Flight had the duty so it was Right then you new guys stick to me like Glue . Off in the rainy skies, we spotted and attacked a balloon. I led the flight of 5 down and Bang the balloon went up in the dark sky. I felt really joy-vile about it. Until later the C.O. said that we hit the wrong Balloon. We were over Oppy instead of Vimy. Opps !




Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-16 18-15-34-39.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 12/17/17 02:37 AM.
#4395238 - 12/17/17 02:47 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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At least you had the right idea! Better luck next time.

BTW, why is it always so gloomy wherever you fly? It seems you are always flying in heavy weather. You really should talk to someone about that! smile


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4395251 - 12/17/17 04:40 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Its just the Historical Weather for that month in 1917. Mostly dark and Rainy. ( The pop up screen said it was the wrong one )


Speaking of ideas, I remember a bad one a while back. High diving in Winter.

https://giphy.com/gifs/diving-practise-best-cube-3oxHQpW864h86DurXa/fullscreen

#4395299 - 12/17/17 03:06 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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RAF_Louvert Offline
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Wonderful morning coffee reads today gents.


Raine, outstanding storytelling as always, truly enjoy all the details and references you bring in. I am glad to see that Geoffrey is at last garnering some confirmed victories for all his efforts. I'm guessing he's sent enough down uncounted to be an ace twice over at this point. You mentioned Bishop's lunch meeting with "Boom" and I found it personally timely as I've just begun reading Andrew Boyle's "Trenchard: Man of Vision" after receiving a beautiful 1st edition of the book as a gift.

Fullofit, your reports, like Raine's, are just rich with detail and historic tie-ins, a pleasure to read. So Berthold and Veltjens are the hired guns that are going to whip the jasta into shape, eh? Getting the latest Alb is certainly a good start and it's obvious that, despite his initial reservations, Aldi approves of at least that much of his new leader's plan, especially given the first showing they had.
Also, concerning Nygma, quite the flamer there.

Lederhosen, congrats on the new mount, she's a beuaty.

Carrick, more super snapshots of Jeffrey's sorties, the fellow knows how to light up the night. Well done on receiving the MC, it is one of the more coveted of the British gongs to be sure. As for hitting the wrong gasbag - feh - HQ will get over it. Now then, about that high dive ...

MadKerbal, get that new American pilot up and running with the French.

Dark Canuck, I see Benjamin has been busy since returning to France; ace status, a promotion, and nearly court-martialed; quite the trifecta. Tough luck for poor young Carey, another lad gone off to sing in the Choir Invisible. And further tough luck on the sudden impending return of the squadron back to England. Hope you've beaten back the flu bug.


Again, great stuff everyone.

Cheers!

.


[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"

#4395341 - 12/17/17 06:50 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Jeffery Vickers
2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's


Dec 17, 1917.

Morning Patrol Monchy to St. Vasst: After popping out of the clouds at 2000 meters, we could actually see the dull Sun. I spotted a 5 a/c Flight of huns below so led the flight around for a bounce only to run into a 2 a/c Flight of Albatross Scouts. I went head to head withe these 2 while my flight dove on the 5 below. I missed mine but split them up. Then it was zooming , turning and diving. The Flight claimed 3 Huns destroyed for one pilot wounded. I can vouch for Sgt Davis as I had a ringside seat for the shoot down, Jolly good show !

Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-17 10-13-09-77.jpgCFS3 2017-12-17 10-27-48-65.jpgCFS3 2017-12-17 10-28-44-96.jpg
#4395343 - 12/17/17 06:56 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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RAF Lou: Thanks. I gave up on Diving ,but showed my sister how to ride a Bike.

https://giphy.com/gifs/fails-riding-a-bike-bikecycleing-xT0xeAO2FwyKKKZKaA/fullscreen

#4395374 - 12/18/17 12:45 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair Offline
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Good day gents! Been off a while, back until Christmas, then I am off again for a while. I think I can get use to this retirement thing. I highly recommend it.

Nice to see some new names in the grinder. Great stories to boot.

Fullofit, you have taken your stories to a new level bud! Has Raine been giving you classes? Keep it up.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. I will catch up soon.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
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