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#4380145 - 09/18/17 07:21 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: carrick58]  
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MFair Offline
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Originally Posted by carrick58
Fullofit: Ah the countess, now thats a story. Sipping from a glass of champagne Vintage 1902.


Yes, I found it was "very hard to get!"


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!
#4380160 - 09/18/17 08:40 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Albert Earl Godfrey

21 May 1917 @ 05h02 Patrol to Avelin aerodrome

Scott called the briefing to order and identified the objective of the mornings mission was a DOP to Avelin aerodrome. There had been much OP activity by the Huns over our lines east of Bethune and concern that a buildup was taking place in the vicinity. “B” flight was tasked to study the terrain between Houplin, Hauubourdin and Avelin aerodromes and then report back. “A” flight was assigned to assist in the task.

Scott announced that winds were 6 kn from the WSW with moderate buildup of cumulus from 2800 ft to 7000 ft.

“B” flight was lead by Godfrey, accompanied by Clinton on wing, Molesworth, Caldwell, Lloyd and Horn. “A” flight was composed of Jenkins on lead, with Scott, Rutherford and Pope accompanying.

Both flights formed up north of the field at 05h20 having achieved a height of 6600 ft., at which point they headed north towards Bethune.

At 05h25 flying at 7400 ft., Godfrey turned the flight east towards the lines on a course directly for Avelin aerodrome. They expected to see Houplin to the north and Haubourdin to the south. As they crossed over, Godfrey noted two strutters and a flight of 4 Pups coming back over the lines from a visit to the Hun territory, high and on his starboard side.

They crossed the lines at 05h27 flying at 8600 ft., and were soon passing between Haubourdin and Phalempin aerodromes, having drifted south off their intended course and taking some flak. A few minutes later Godfrey spotted a DFW C.V. alone and approximately 1500 yards ahead of his flight. No other enemy scouts were to be seen and not wanting to miss the opportunity he took his flight on the chase. Godfrey, Clinton and Molesworth and Caldwell went in on the attack and it wasn’t long before Godfrey decided he had best pull up to avoid the congestion, having loosed several rounds at the two seater. He watched as his boys chased it down to earth and watched it crash. He noted it was 05h32 when the two seater put up a cloud of brown dust, just off the perimeter of Phalempin aerodrome. He continued to watch waiting for his flight to climb up and rejoin. It soon became evident that two Alb DII scouts hade taken off from Phalempin and were engaging the N23’s. Godfrey went down to offer assistance if needed. As he closed in on the action observed that Clinton had downed one and then Molesworth got the other. Checking his watch he noted it was 05h38. The flak continued and Godfrey began a climb out, signaling for the flight to rejoin. At 05h40 Godfrey checked his flight and noted that Clinton was missing.

They carried on towards Avelin, took notes, and began their return trip to the lines. Having just passed back over Phalempin and satisfied that the flak had note done them any damage, Godfrey caught a glimpse of motion below on his starboard side. Tipping his wing down he spotted a single scout heading east. Godfrey began a descent bringing his craft on to the DIII’s six, and then checking over his shoulder he noted another craft off in the distance coming his way. He caught up with the DIII in front of him as it began a turn over the Phalempin field and he began his attack. He hit it several times with three volleys and watch it go in. Then banking to port he looked for and found the other DIII which had been following him. Both DIII’s worth the red colours of Jasta 11. Godfrey attacked it hitting it well with several volleys before the rest of his flight joined in. Godfrey watched as Caldwell finished it off just at the end of the Phalempin field at 05h52.

It was 05h59 when “B” flight crossed back over the lines just west of Lens.

Upon arrival back at Filescamp, claims were submitted and duly noted but at the expense of Clinton’s life over Phalempin. Lloyd had suffered a light wound and destroyed his craft on approach. “A” flight had not faired any better. Jenkins, Scott, and Pope had all suffered light wounds and destroyed their crafts at varying points due to forced landings but fortunately all occurred on their side of the lines. Rutherford was the only one to make it back to Filescamp and that was with a heavily damage machine that would require 3 days to put right.



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#4380164 - 09/18/17 09:25 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: MFair]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Originally Posted by MFair
You need to get them on canvas and sell "fine aviation art."

MFair, great idea. All proceeds go to OBD.


"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."
#4380236 - 09/19/17 02:34 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

The DID Centenary Challenge Commendations Officer is pleased to present the following awards.


To pilots of the Entente Alliance

200 Hours Medal presented to: Fullofit, (Squadron Commander Cyrus Gold).
100 Hours Medal presented to: MFair, (Squadron Commander Edgar Everheart).
50 Hours Medal presented to: Fullofit, (Lieutenant Francois Wagnon).


Well done Gentleman, you make your respective countries proud! You may pick up your spiffing new gongs on the table below.

Attached Files WOFF_DID_Centenary_Medal_200_Hours.jpgWOFF_DID_Centenary_Medal_100_Hours.jpgWOFF_DID_Centenary_Medal_50_Hours.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"

#4380243 - 09/19/17 02:51 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair Offline
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My 1st 100 hour medal! cheers Many of my pilots have come close but finally made it due in no small part to reading, watching and finally putting all the lessons from bettter pilots to use. Thanks Gents! And thank you Lou for the gongs and your continued support for all that is WOFF.


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!
#4380343 - 09/19/17 10:33 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Thank you, Lou! I'm going to need a bigger chest.


"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."
#4380350 - 09/20/17 12:09 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
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Congrats MFair, now that you have made the 100 hours, keep him safe!

Thanks Lou, Albert will raise a glass to you in the mess!


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#4380359 - 09/20/17 01:19 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Congratulations to MFair on reaching a major milestone. Look out for that fellow!

More outstanding artwork from Fullofit together with an exciting Aldi story. And Robert, your incredible success keeps coming. I wish I was so lucky.

Sorry for the lack of photos. I was too busy staying alive to remember to press the screenshot button!


The Holzhauer Papers
Part 8: 17-19 May 1917


No sooner had my promotion come through than the rain started. Hauptmann von Seel had named me to lead a flight on the 16th, but instead I sat around the Kasino drinking ersatz coffee and waiting for a drive into Rethel. I was determined to get fitted out for a Leutnant’s tunic. I sat by the front windows of the chateau awaiting the Mercedes, which was due back from 4. Armee headquarters. But Vzfw Buckler informed me that the car had been ordered instead to take him to Saint-Quentin (the town in south Flanders, not St-Quentin-le-Petit, only a kilometre away) to catch a train to the Jadgfliegerschule at Valenciennes.[1] This was interesting, as Buckler was our Kanone. He already had seven confirmed victories, the most recent only this week when he downed a Nieuport behind our lines. Its tail adorned our bar room. Thus displaced, I retired to the Kasino to play chess with myself. Heini, the damned monkey, occasionally joined me and threw all the pieces on the floor.

The 17th was another day of rain and high winds. I finished the Karl May novel I’d taken back from the hospital in Sedan. And I moved rooms. Hauptmann von Seel wanted to divide my large, luxurious private room to be shared by three NCO pilots. I moved my things to the third floor to a room with a view over the front drive, a room I shared with Leutnant Günther Schuster. The camp bed assigned to me was comfortable enough, although a significant step down from the plush marital bed in my former room.

On the 18th I led Gros, Vzfw Strasser, and Träger down to Reims, but scarcely had we turned south than my engine began to miss badly and I had to head home, nursing it over the treetops.

On Saturday, 19 May 1917, I finally saw some action. We were ordered to intercept enemy aircraft heading in the direction of our airfield at Cuirieux, only fifteen or twenty kilometres to the northwest. I led Schuster, Träger, Günther, and Schröder. We arrived on our patrol station at 2800 metres and began to circle. Off to the east a formation of Spads passed us, heading north about 500 metres above and two kilometres away. One of the French machines peeled off and dived at us. It took only seconds to avoid the initial attack and get on the fellow’s tail. Unfortunately my first burst did not significantly damage him and he dived away and disappeared to the south.

We regrouped and climbed. About ten minutes after the first attack the formation of Spads reappeared, now heading south. There were six of them and five of us, and all of the Spads now dived at us. A short and furious fight followed. Our Albatrosses could outturn the Spads, but the French machines were much faster and could rush down at us and climb away quickly. I got a crack at two of them. Schröder crossed in front of me with a Spad on his tail. I quickly got behind the enemy machine and fired, but no sooner did I fire than a rattle of machine gun rounds shook my own aircraft. My left hand was resting on my thigh when a bullet hit it, tearing open the leather mitten. Blood flowed from my hand over my trousers. I kicked the rudder around and spun away from the unseen enemy. At 1000 metres I levelled out and found myself alone. Cuirieux was ahead only a couple of kilometres and I sideslipped onto the field.

I spent the afternoon in a Feldlazarett, where the doctors removed the top of the little finger on my left hand. By dinner I was back in our Kasino. Hauptmann von Seel laughed at my injury, saying that now that I was a commissioned officer, God wanted to be sure that I couldn’t pick my nose!

The good news, though, is that I will not be cleared to fly for a week, and the Hauptmann has approved me for leave to go home. I will catch a train from Sedan in the morning and with luck will be in Berlin by late tomorrow night.

Notes:

[1] This is interesting. In his 1939 autobiography Buckler claims that he flew to Valenciennes and en route engaged two French machines, was shot down, and was wounded. But there is no record of his being wounded before July 1917, so it seems that Holzhauer’s account may be more accurate than Buckler’s memory.

#4380369 - 09/20/17 04:22 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
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Raine;

It seems a number of us are failing to keep an eye on our six when in a mix up.

Do you have any information as to Buckler's destination when he was wounded in July 1917? was he going to Valenciennes at the time?


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Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper
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#4380393 - 09/20/17 11:08 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Robert,

He claimed to have been flying to Valenciennes, but his book is not that reliable. It seems like he dictated it from memory without reference to notes or unit histories. His chronology is often wrong, and one suspects some propaganda influences, as it was written in 1939. I have an edition with some good corrective notes by Norman Franks.

#4380395 - 09/20/17 11:15 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
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Raine; Thanks for the info on Buckler.

Albert Earl Godfrey

23 May 1917 @ 05h05 CAS across the lines east of Thelus

Scott called the briefing session to order and identified we were to escort two R.E. 8’s out of Bailleultown across the lines east of Thelus. The OP was being called up and down the lines in preparation for an offensive move at Messines.

“B” flight was to take up protective position over the R.E. 8’s while “A” flight would be taking top cover over all.

The weather was a mix of cumulus, cirrus, and some low fog but generally reasonable visibility was expected.

In closing the briefing Scot announced that Godfrey had been promoted to Captain and that one of his claims of the previous day had been approved, as had Molesworth and Clinton’s claims. It was bittersweet as Clinton’s would be posthumus.

Clinton’s death took somehow overshadowed and suppressed Godfrey’s spirits and the promotion just didn’t quite have the effect of lifting him.
Clinton had been with the flight for some time and would be highly missed.

The flights formed up north of the field at 3000 ft and at approximately 05h13 set out towards St. Vaast to meet with the R.E. 8’s. Godfrey spotted them shortly after and they began escort duty at 05h18 having climbed out to 4700 ft.

At 05h24 both flights crossed over the lines and were soon over Vimy, or what was left of it. The pushed on towards an area just north of Oppy at which point the R.E. 8’s began their circling and recording. All scout eyes were on the surrounding skies, alert for enemy scouts. None came. It wasn’t long before the R.E.’s turned for home having completed their OP.

As they approached Mont St. Eloi, the R.E.’s descended to land and Godfrey noted that two BE2c’s were also coming in from an OP to do the same.

“A & B” flights continued on to Filescamp and landed safely without loss.
Godfrey noted it was gratifying to have such an uneventful day with no damage or losses.



(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper
PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt
MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme
Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered
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#4380472 - 09/20/17 04:31 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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nice

#4380530 - 09/20/17 11:01 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Raine, tough luck with that injury. Expect him to be called "Pinky" behind Franz's back. Great time to get some time off.
Robert, congrats on promotion. Is a new airplane in the cards?

23 May, 1917 Halluin
Jasta 18

This was the second mission of the day. Enemy activity increased exponentially. The observation balloon between Ypres and Armentieres had to go and it was up to Schwarm Zwei led by Aldi Schwarzkopf to get rid of it. The entire process was simple: fly high, dive down and fire at the balloon when in range. Then avoid colliding with the gasbag after the attack and gain altitude while throwing off the aim of the anti-aircraft guns below. Aldi hoped one pass would be sufficient to pop the balloon. He fired a long burst, but that wasn't enough.

[Linked Image]

Then he watched Strähle make his pass with identical results, then Wiessner and finally Klein. As the last one in line he set the balloon on fire. First, just a faint hint of smoke, then more and immediately after that a big ball of fire erupted followed by large column of black smoke announcing that the mission was accomplished. They regrouped and turned north-east for home. The sky was cloudy with large holes between the banks of clouds. They darted from one cloud to the next, appearing and disappearing in the mist. They were nearly home when all of a sudden bursts of Flak appeared all around them. A nearby German Flak battery mistakenly took them for an enemy flight trying to hide in the clouds. Aldi's machine was hit squarely in the starboard wings sending him into a spiral dive. The hair on his entire body stood on end. He fought the control column and kicked the rudder bar as hard as he could to get out of his predicament. The plane fought back but finally surrendered to Aldi's input and he managed to recover with just 200 m to spare. He immediately reduced throttle and glided to a stop near the Ack-Ack. His plane was a mess.

[Linked Image]

Paul, who recently became very protective of his friend landed beside him, leaving the engine running, quickly got out of the plane and walked over to the embarrassed gunners. A guard tried to stop him yelling something about landing here was not allowed. Strähle had his target. He decked the guard as he was coming close to him. The fellow was sprawled on the ground apparently knocked out. Strähle took off his flying gloves and kept on walking towards the Flak guns, with the rest of the gun crew giving him a wide berth, after seeing what happened to the guard. An officer in a crisp uniform came out of the tent to see what the ruckus was all about. The rigidly postured Prussian came face to face with the rampaging Strähle and demanded: "What is the meaning of this?" Paul, too blind with fury to notice the higher rank (or simply not caring) answered: "Just keeping the score even, Sir! You hit one of ours. I hit one of yours! It only seems fair...Sir!" The spit coming out of his mouth as he responded. The officer, now the colour of a beet and his eyes bulging, begun citing regulations for which Strähle had no patience. He put his gloves back on, saluted, turned around and walked back to his Albatros, leaving the officer to finish his speech to no one in particular. Paul walked over to Aldi who was inspecting the damage to his kite. It didn't look good. He told him to stay with the machine and he'll send someone to get him and his plane once he returns to the aerodrome. With that, Strähle climbed back into his cockpit and took off on the uneven turf. Aldi had no choice but to sit beside his wounded bird and wait for the tender to arrive and take it all back to Halluin. The officer was kind enough to invite Aldi to his tent and offer him a snifter of cognac. None of the gunners had the nerve to look Aldi in the eyes as he walked by. Suddenly they all had to polish the barrel of the gun or count the rounds in the ammo boxes. Major apologized for their mistake but was not impressed with Strähle's behaviour. The tender showed up three hours later. The mechanics removed the damaged wings, placed them in the back of the truck, next they hooked up the fuselage to the truck with its tail first so that the tail skid was resting on the end of the flatbed and the plane was ready to be pulled along on its main landing gear. Aldi climbed aboard. It would be a slow trip back to the aerodrome. He waved to the Major who was just finishing his cognac and they were off.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.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."
#4380543 - 09/20/17 11:48 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
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That was a really gripping report, Fullofit. I thoroughly enjoyed it!


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#4380559 - 09/21/17 01:51 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Thanks Robert. I'm glad you enjoyed that little bit. Strähle gets punished in Part 2 tomorrow.


"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."
#4380563 - 09/21/17 03:00 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Well Done, Fullofit.

#4380622 - 09/21/17 02:59 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair Offline
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It seems this war has been a bit dangerous for a some of us. Raine, It seems you will look a bit silly "giving one the bird" in the future! Fullofit, That was a scary moment. As an old airforce vet told me one time, "you could not have driven a tack up my arse with a hammer." Would imagine you felt much the same.

Edgar Everheart
Mont-St-Eloi
8RNAS

Edgar pulled back on his stick to take the Tripehound up into the cloudy skies. At least today was not a bloody railyard or airfield attack. He hated those. Not only were you sure to be hit, you were low behind the lines if anything happened and not much chance of getting back. Today they were patrolling the skies between Monchy and Cambrai. This is what what the Triplane was built for he thought. Climbing through the clouds his flight of 4 was met with beautiful clear skies above 7000 ft. Edgar used to enjoy this sight but 5 months of combat flying and the close call yesterday had frayed his nerves a bit. The day before his flight was returning home after a "routine" balloon busting mission. All had gone well and he was on the final approach to Mont St Eloi. He was bliping his enging as the field came closer and closer. He stayed on the switch a little to long and the engine sputtered to a stop just above the trees at the edge of the field. Down he came and to his horror he realized he was coming in to hot. The Triplane hit the ground and raced across the field with the trees at the other end growing bigger and bigger. Edgar pushed left then right on the rudder to slow down and pulled the stick back to dig the tail into the ground. It was no use, he had too much speed. The only thing he could do was steer between two of them. It was a horrible crunch of splintering wood and canvas as his straps pulled against him then all was silent as he sat there in his ruined machine. "Isn't this something" he thought to himself. "Almost done in by a tree and my own stupidity!"

The flight settled in at 10,000 ft. and Edgar scanned the skies as they made the turn SSE over Monchy. About 5 miles into the circuit he saw 4 machines heading east. One in front and the other 3 grouped in formation a ways behind it. He climbed and turned a little west to put the sun in between his flight and the unknown machines. The lead plane soon revealed itself to be a DFW. The three tailing machines were DIII's. Edgar signaled his flight to attack the scouts as he had his eye on the 2 seater. The Huns spotted them and all four turned for home. Too late. Edgars flight had the advantage of height. He dove on the 2 seater and could see his shells striking the machine but the gunner was not affected as he sent a blistering burst into Edgars machine making him break of the attack diving below him. Coming back around he spotted his adversary and started to climb for another attack. Checking his rear showed one of the Albatros scouts coming at his tail followed by a Triplane. He broke off his attack and went into a climbing turn. As he banked up and to the left the Albatros sped by with Compston pouring burst after burst into it. He leveled out and another Hun followed by a Triplane sped over his upper wing causing him to flinch. He leveled out and scanned the skies. As always, one minute the skies are full of twisting planes and the next you are alone. He could see one of his flight low climbing back up and Archie told him another was far to the east, most likely chasing the 2 seater. Edgar began a slow circle to see if any would reform.

Only Compston reformed with him. The other 2, fresh to the squadron, were either running home or dead. Edgar did not know which. He and Compston resumed the patrol. Archie was unusually heavy. Nearing Cambrai they made their turn back to the north and made another turn south as they reached Monchy. Half way through the second circuit he saw 5 machines headed east about 2000' above. Friend or foe he knew not. He and Compston climbed in a westerly arc to come in behind them. Then he spotted 3 more machines on the same course a mile or so behind the first 5. Edgar and Compston turned more westerly. The first 5 stayed their course as it became clear the rear machines were Albatros scouts. Making sure the first ones kept their course he and Compston engaged the three. It was a brief affair with Edgar damaging one but he did not follow it down. The Huns were not very eager to keep up the fight and left.

Approaching his home airfield Edgar was careful not to misjudge his speed and came to to a halt at the end of the hangers. At debrief he was congratulated as his flight had claimed four planes destroyed with only minor damage to his flight.


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!
#4380667 - 09/21/17 07:47 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Helmut von Hammer
Jasta 4, JG 1.
Marcke, Flamders.
kills 7
Up for Dawn Patrol. It was still dark as we arrived over the lines amid dark clouds. Spotted a flight off to the right side then a flight of 6 Camels coming from the left in the 4 o clock position dropped on us. I guess I was the target as they shot me up really good. As luck would have it, the 2 behind me overshot so I was able to rake one of them real good. His a/c staggered then the right wing dropped down forcing him to spiral down. I saw him make a crash landing in No Mans Land. My machine was a mess so had to land on a dirt road. Victory # 7. Only my kill for the fight and we had 1 pilot wnd.

Last edited by carrick58; 09/21/17 07:49 PM.
#4380704 - 09/22/17 01:04 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Thanks Carrick!
MFair, seems you had a sphincter tightening moment of your own. More wings - more to repair, I say. Great report!

24 May, 1917 Halluin
Jasta 18

This morning Strähle missed the early patrol. He was called into Grieffenhagen's office to explain his actions at the Flak site, when a scolding call came in late last night after one of the higher-ups learned of his escapades. As punishment, Strähle had to personally invite the Flak battery Major he butted heads with yesterday to a party at Halluin aerodrome later this evening. The party was being organized in his honour as a sign of good will and to apologize for the harsh words exchanged after being erroneously fired upon.
As for the rest, they were sent east of Lens to do some patrolling. Aldi led the Schwarm when not too long after take off a lonely Tripe attacked them diving out of the clouds.

[Linked Image]

He danced around all the Albatrosen and was able to put some holes into each one of them and forcing Klein down before some sort of counterattack could be fashioned. Finally the luck of the Navy pilot had run out and it was now the Schwarm that kept pounding the Triplane.

[Linked Image]

Eventually Wiessner claimed the kill and the Kette could continue unmolested with their mission. The patrol area was clear of enemy and after 20 minutes of circling Aldi decided to bring the flight home. They all landed without any further incidents and started getting ready for the evening party.
The Kasino was loud and overflowing with booze. Major's favourite cognac, brandy, cases of champagne and kegs of Warsteiner could be seen everywhere. They could not complain for lack of choice of food either. Potato dumplings in meat gravy, grilled vegetables and pork chops. Herring fillets with sliced onions and potatoes in jackets boiled in salt water. Veal cutlets in a wild mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes and a side of peas and carrots. And the bratwurst with mustard and a side of red cabbage slaw. Appetizers consisted of hard boiled eggs and dill pickles. There was nothing better than holding a large pickle in one hand and an overflowing stein of beer in the other.
There were multiple conversations going on at the same time making it difficult to follow any one of them. Ltn. Klein was teaching Ltn. Runge to do head-stands on top of a chair, claiming regular head-stands were too easy. He failed miserably, nearly breaking his glasses.
After finishing his third snifter of cognac, the Major finally warmed up to Strähle and asked him what part of the Empire he was from. "Schorndorf", was a gruff response from Strähle who does not forget so easily.
"Ah so! Württemberg!" The Major's eyes brightened. "My grandmother hails from Stuttgart." His face lit up full of memories. "She used to make the best Apfelstrudel."
Strähle perked up at that word. "Major, when this war is over, when we finally beat them all, I'm going to invite you back home and let you taste my mother's strudel. You have never tasted anything like it." They started talking and reminiscing. The party continued into early morning hours. No one worried about the morning mission. The weather forecast called for rain and no flights were expected in the morning. Festivities continued until 4:00 am. Before going to bed, Strähle jokingly promised the Major to bring down a plane right into his arms. With that, they've said their good-byes and turned in. The morning was only a few hours away.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.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."
#4380711 - 09/22/17 02:55 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Fullofit: A bad experience which made me think of better times.

https://giphy.com/gifs/sally-P4tdQMU8Sv1aE/fullscreen

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