I'm not planning to join in the Centennial threads, as the war is almost over. That said, now that I've learned from their rules things new to me, like Manual Pilot Creation and using Quick Combat for training, I've gone off the OCD deep end.

I found that the earliest I can start a new career is January 1915, and that all the QC mission I fly will be applied to that day. I then realized that I could use the QC to practice and write my own personal log to assign those missions an earlier date. I then wondered how far back I could take it.

Then I realized that, while the 100th anniversary will never return, the 104th is happening right now. RAF No 3 squadron was the first to cross over to France for the war, with several others only days behind. That was August 13. Since I wanted to have a fighter pilot and a two-seater pilot from each power running simultaneously, I figured why not do the research for the squadrons I wanted and find out where they were on August 1. Or July 30, which was yesterday, and the day I wanted to start this mess. So I created a French pilot. The earliest date I could find was August 12, so I created the pilot and flew a QC mission, choosing an airfield for my "training" base and practicing touch-and-goes in a Caudron G.IV. I'll continue this sort of thing until August 12, then move to the base they were actually at during that time. It's weird, but I'm starting a career at the very beginning of the war, and almost a year before the eindeckers made their first appearance.

But that's just me...

And then something really awesome happened, all by itself:

It's not enough for me to just make up a pilot. I want real names, so I came up with a generator using dice and websites dedicated to names - British, French, German - first, last and middle, and to generate city names as well. And that's where it got weird.

My first pilot is French. I rolled a 14 for the first name, so it starts with 'N'. A further roll came up with 'Noel'. I rolled for a middle name, and he has one. Being French, he might have a few more, so I rolled for that. Nope, only one. The next roll was a 15, so it begins with 'O'. The only 'O' I could find on the list I had was 'Odil'. For the last name it came up 11, which is 'K'. The only French last names beginning with 'K' on the list I had were 'Kay' and 'Kirouac'. A further roll said his full name is Noel Odil Kay. Unusual, but there it is. Except it gets even weirder.

For the city I rolled an 9, which is 'I'. I could find exactly zero French cities beginning with 'I'. Well, except for "Irish Nantes". That's a nickname, and it came about apparently because Nantes was founded by Irish smugglers as a base from which to sneak things into England. And it turns out that 'Kay' is a Celtic name. One source says it's related to MacKay and McKay, but it's also the name of King Arthur's foster brother and Chamberlain, Sir Kay, or Sir Kai in the earlier versions.

So there you have it. Noel Kay's surname comes about because he's descended from the Irish smugglers who founded Nantes. And that's the weirdness. I didn't come up with that origin and then make up the names, I rolled up the names and the story is a logical explanation for something that actually had nothing to do with me at all. Like I said at the beginning, "all by itself".

That is crazy, and interesting.

Sailor Steve,
That is as Barmy as it gets!

Wow, that's going deep into immersion! I've been creative in coming up with names but not to that level!

I think either Deej or Lou might be warming up the cricket bat... This guy's "around the bend" Barmy!

Sailor Steve, welcome to the meat grinder! That is quite a great story you came up with there!

02/08/1914 Caporal Noel Kay has been transferred from Breuil-le Sac to Camp de Chalons where Escadrille C13 is forming. It seems that the rising tensions between France and Germany over the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia knows no end. Actual hostilities may not be far off.

Meanwhile, In England I've created a new pilot. Sergeant Corrigan Yegor "Corrie" Aujla, of Saanitch, British Columbia, Canada, has begun training with No 3 Squadron RFC at Netheravon. One of the fun things I just discovered on my own is that you can not only select the season in Quick Combat but also the airplane. This is good because the game has No 3 Squadron starting in January 1915 with Morane parasols, and that is when they first outfitted with that aircraft. Prior to that they were flying BE.2s. With QC I can actually change it so my British pilots are flying BE.2s for the first few months of the war.

I love this game.

03/08/1914

Noel Kay is busy flying orientation flights to learn the area of Chalons.

Corrie Aujla is also doing orientation flights around the middle of England.



A side note: My stepmother had been to France and loved the wine country, so she named her daughter for that region, with a spelling variation: Chelon..

04/08/1914

Escadrille C13 got word that late yesterday afternoon Germany declared war on France. Noel Kay and Caporal Alfred Esnault made a flight from Chalons to Nancy and back.

With No 3 Squadron in Netheravon, Corrie Aujla has been assigned a senior observer. He made his first flight with Captain Fabio Carlson aboard. His first opinion of his new aircraft commander is "He drinks too much." On the other hand he's starting to become friends with Welsh pilot Sergeant Robbie Reinard.

05/08/14

In France, Noel Kay and Alfred Esnault make a flight from Chalons to Auve and back, with some sightseeing along the way.

In England they receive the news that at 2300 hours last night Britain declared war on Germany, due to that country's invasion of Belgium.

Corrie Aujla makes another very long flight with Captain Carlson. They head south to the Channel coast and when Aujla starts to turn back, Carlson begins waving at him from the front cockpit, signalling him to keep heading south. Following orders Augla travels out over the Channel until they are out of sight of land. Carlson then signals him to turn east. Aujla does so, but after a few minutes begins to worry about their fuel and turns back northward. Carlson signals him to turn eastward again, but Aufla ignores the Captain's frantic waving and returns to land. By this time a thick fog has set in and Aujla becomes disoriented and heads west rather than north. With the sun setting and fuel running low he finally sets the plane down in a field near the town of East Wittering. After berating Aujla for a time Carlson seems to realize that he might not want the attention punishing Aujla might bring to him. They finally find a house with a telephone and manage to get through to Netheravon, informing their commander of where they are and that they will find gas in the morning and head for home. The family invites them to sleep in their barn.

6 August 1914:

In France, Noel Kay makes another flight, this time to Belrain and return. No news from Belgium.

In England Corrie Aufla and Capt Fabio Carlson are awakened at 0300 by the family with whom they have taken shelter for the night. Father and son take them in a horse-drawn wagon to a gasoline storage facility on the outskirts of East Wittering. The man there fills a tank on the back of a lorry and gives them a ride back to the farm, along with the father. The son follows with the wagon. When they explain that they will have to return with payment they are told that with the new war brewing this one is free. The plane is filled and at 0405 they take off in the dark. The sun rises while they are in flight and they land back at Netheravon in time for breakfast. Captain Carlson says nothing of their disagreement, so neither does Sergeant Aujla.

7 August 1914

In France Caporal Noel Kay suffers an engine failure three minutes after takeoff. On landing the plane hits a tree and is badly damaged. Caporal Esnault is unharmed, but Kay receives a severe gash to the forehead and is taken to the town hospital.

At Netheravon in England Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson make an extended flight northeast to Oxford, south to Portsmouth then northwest back to Netheravon. Total flight time is 3 hours 1 minute.

8 August 1914

In France Noel Kay sits in a small cottage hospital in Chalons while Escadrille C 13 moves to their new field at Verdun.

In England Corrie Augla continues his training with 3 Sqdn. Today is a flight from Netheravon to Woking and back.

Good reading with a cup of coffee in the morning!

Thanks! I have extended logs in the form of diaries for both, but I think a quick summary is less boring.

9 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is informed by the doctor that he could probably leave now, but they want to keep him under observation for a couple more days.

Netheravon: 3 Squadron is informed that British troops are organizing for the cross-channel trip to France, and they will be following soon after. Corrie Aujla's flight takes him and Capt Carlson far to the northeast and back. Aujla now has passed the 20-hour mark in the BE.2. The weather continues overcast as it has been for the past couple of weeks.

10 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is now being told that he can probably leave for Verdun in a couple of days, but won't be cleared to fly for another week. Meanwhile news has come through that French forces have attacked the Germans near Mulhouse, in Alsace. This is the first fighting by our troops.

Netheravon: Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson flew eastward today, to Guilford, then northeast to London. From there they followed the Thames, heading back up-river to Esher in the southwest, then northwest to Woking. From there it was west by southwest back to Netheravon. Flight time was 2 hours 39 minutes.

11 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay writes "Still sitting out in the warm afternoon sun. I could grow used to this. News came that yesterday the Germans captured Liège in Belgium, and have re-taken Mulhouse."

Netheravon: No flying today. No 3 Squadron is moving to Swingate Down tomorrow and every man is busy organizing and packing for the equipment to be moved directly to Dover.

12 August 1914

Chalons:
Noel Kay writes: Today we received news that France and Britain declared war on Austria-Hungary yesterday.
0930 A car came to take me to our airfield at Verdun. We arrived at 1237. Three and a half hours! I could have flown there in one hour. Anyway, the boys were all happy to see me.

Swingate Down:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
0748: Squadron took off for Dover via Brighton. At 0916 my friend Robbie Reinard suffered an engine failure and landed just east of Brighton. Lt Salmond had us land nearby. After examining the situation he had us take off for Eastbourne at 0927. From there the Lt took off with a mechanic. at 1354 he returned with Robbie's BE. in tow. At 1420 the Squadron took off for Dover. at 1520 we landed at Swingate Down and were assigned quarters for the night.
Time in aircraft: 26.13 hours. Total flight time: 26.13 hours.

13 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Yesterday Belgian troops defeated the Germans at Haelen. The Austro-Hungarians have started their invasion of Serbia.
0947: First flight in almost a week. Flew around the Verdun area, learning what is where. 33 minutes.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
At 0625 No 2 Squadron took off for Amiens. We are to follow shortly.
0815: Squadron took off from Swingate Down for Calais and then to Amiens. We have some concerns about Robbie's engine, but the local mechanics assure us it is in good working order.
08:52 Crossed French coast west of Calais. Headed west.
0900: Turned south, following coast.
0925: Turned inland, following the Somme River.
1002: Having skirted the forest around Abbeville, we turned south towars Amiens.
1020: Landed at Amiens. There we met the boys from No 2 Sqdn, and they had a good story to tell. It seems their commander, Major Burke, had them travel around the forest as we did, just to ensure a place to land in case of engine trouble. One of his pilots, Lt Harvey-Kelly, positioned himself at the rear, broke off and flew straight across the forest. When the group landed at Amiens they found Harvey-Kelly's BE already there, making himself the first British pilot to land in France for the war!

Started another new pilot. No 3 Squadron is destined to be a fighter unit, and I wanted another one that would remain in two-seaters.

14 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay is still busy learning the area. Meanwhile news has come through that yesterday the Austro-Hungarians began their invasion of Serbia.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla and his observer Captain Fabio Carlson are spending time flying around Amiens, getting to know the area and their comrades from No 2 Squadron.

Eastchurch, England:
Sergeant Ries Meismer has begun training with No 4 Squadron at Eastchurch. Today was a 45-minute flight up to London, eastward down the Thames then south back to Eastchurch. It's a quiet little town right on the coast.

15 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Flew south of the city today. Found a large army camp, with dozens of tents in a field. Had to buzz them. Keep their spirits up. The news tells us that Liege has fallen to the Germans.

Amiens:
Corrie Aujla writes:
Made a flight over to Abbeville today, then as far north as Bethune. Two hours in all. Big news - tomorrow we transfer to Maubeuge, on the Belgian border. Our troops are going to be stationed there, the first line of defense.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meismer writes:
Made a short flight today up to the mouth of the Thames and back. Our training is being cut short. Tomorrow we fly to France!

16 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends the day flying around the north side of Verdun. "Such a beautiful place. It's hard to believe war could ever come here."

Amiens:
No 3 Squadron transfers northeast to Maubege, nearer the Belgian border.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meisner writes:
Transfer flight from Eastchurch down to Amiens. We're in the war now! As we crossed the Channel I was thinking it's only five years since that French fellow made the first hop across from France to Merry Olde. Now it's a matter of routine. It could still be bad if one us had an engine go bust halfway across, but still we don't really think about it. Now we're safely ensconced in our new quarters and waiting to see what comes next.

17 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends about an hour exploring the region to the east this time.

Maubege:
Corrie Aujla flies an exploratory patrol to Lille and back.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer spends an hour learning the area around his new home. He is excited about being "...in the war now...",, and considers himself a crack pilot with his whopping six hours of training.

Dusseldorf:
Flieger Odis Först, 18 years old, makes his first solo flight in an Aviatik B.I. Considers himself lucky to get back on the ground in one piece.

18 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spent the day making his way southward this time. Actually only another hour. The rest of the day was spent talking to mechanics and chatting with his fellow pilots.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla writes:
"0505: Extended navigation exercise. Three BEs. Lt Cruikshank was flight leader. Robbie was number 2, with me in third spot, We flew up to Arras, then up to Tournai and back to Maugeuge."

Amiens:
Ries Meismer .took off with his observer for another exploratory flight. He had barely made 1,000 feet when his engine started banging and sputtering. Fortunately he had enough altitude and engine to make it back to base. Total flight time 7 minutes.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först made his first extended flight, following his instructor down to Jüchen and back. Almost an hour in the air.

19 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay and another pilot made an extended flight southeast to Toul, east to Nancy, northeast along the Belgian border and back to Verdun. 2 hours 18 minutes.
In the news the Germans took Haelen yesterday. Everyone is wondering when they will reach France.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla and two other planes patrolled up and down the Belgian border for almost two hours. Nothing to report.

Amiens:
The entirety of No 4 Squadron made a very long familiarization flight, west to Abbeville, northeast to St Omer, westward to Lille then back to Amiens. 3 hours 32 minutes. Ries Meismer is amazed at his commander's planning skills. They landed back at their home field with less than 15 minutes' fuel remaining.

Dusseldorf:
Cadet Odis Först followed his instructor around the area again, this time west to Kaarst, northeast to Duisberg and back to Dusseldorf. Almost an hour, and any hour spent in the air is a good one.

20 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a long flight east and then south, experimentally takes the plane up to 12,000 feet.

Maugeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes another patrol of the Belgian frontier, this time in company with one other plane.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer continues to learn the area around Amiens.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först continues his training with a flight from Dusseldorf to Köln and back.

21 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a flight to Chalons and back. While near Chalons he suffers another engine failure. Kay manages to put down safely at the nearest airfield. After an examination the mechanic tells him it's going to take two days to repair. Kay gets a telephone call through to Verdun, and his commander tells him to stay with the plane and return home when it is ready.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes yet another patrol of the Belgian border. Nothing to see, nothing to report.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer makes a very long flight - almost three hours. The squadron is told that they need to get all the flight-time possible, as the war is going to come to them all too soon.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först makes a very long flight, following his instructor all over the region. No explanation is given other than that they need practice navigating.

22 August 1914

Chalons:
Noel Kay spends the day in town revisiting some of the places he saw during the week he was stationed here.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla spends yet another couple of hours patrolling the Belgian frontier. As usual nothing is happening.

Amiens: Ries Meismer makes another long trip around the area. Not as long as yesterday, but still enough to tire even a young pilot out. His observer is even more bored, since he has nothing to do at all.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först repeats his flight of yesterday, this time solo. He botches his landing and receives a stern warning about the cost of the planes. If it happens again he may find himself grounded for an indefinite period.

23 August 1914

Verdun:
The starboard engine finally repaired, Noel Kay and his observer flew back from Chalons to Verdun.

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron has the day off. Everyone is busy packing as they are transferring to a new field tomorrow.

Amiens:
No 4 Squadron is also not flying. They are also preparing for a move.

Dusselforf:
Odis Först and his three fellow students follow their instructor on a long flight down to the Belgian border near Liege and back.

Glad Noel made it back to Verdun!

So is he.

24 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends another half hour just flying around. It seems like it's all for nothing. At the end of the day he writes: "News from Belgium is not good. Our forces have lost another battle and are in retreat, as are the first British forces to engage the Germans. At the same time our army in Alsace is withdrawing."

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron is transferring from Maubeuge to Le Cateau. Ten minutes after takeoff Corrie Aujla's engine conks out. He lands on the grass at a nearby farm, but the plane is still moving when it hits a patch of furrowed ground. The BE noses over and is severely damaged. Corrie and the much disliked Captain Fabio Carlson both receive fairly minor injuries. The squadron flies back to Maubeuge, and an ambulance is sent to pick up the injured pilot and observer. They are put into a cottage hospital and are told they will be there for the next two days. The squadron takes off for their new home at Le Cateau.

Amiens:
No 4 squadron is also transferred to Le Cateau. They make the journey without incident.

Dusselforf:
After the flight the previous day Odis Först and his three fellow students are told to take the rest of the day off, spend some time on the town, but be back at noon the 24th. Today they gather in various states of sobriety and are told to pack their gear and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow they are all flying to Belgium to join a new squadron forming there.

25 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "There is no more news from the Front, the Front has come to us. The Germans have overrun our border and taken several towns. Today we are hastily packing everything.
Tomorrow we move to Chappy."

Douai:
Corrigan Aujla writes: "At 0500 we were awakened and told to get into our uniforms and make sure we had everything we needed. At 0515 we ate a hasty breakfast and were told the Germans had broken through and would be here within
hours. I was packed into the back of an ambulance with some other enlisted men. Captain Carlson rode in the front with the driver and by 0545 we were part of a truck convoy headed west. Most of the French army is retreating slowly, preparing for a fight if necessary, so we had the roads to ourselves, and made good time. We drove from Maubeuge to Valenciennes, a distance of 25 miles or so, in around five hours. After refueling the trucks and some food for ourselves we were underway again. It has taken us six hours to get to Douai, a distance of about 35 miles, Now we are encamped outside Douai, preparing to get some sleep before taking up the journey again. I have no idea what has become of the Squadron and my friend Robbie Reinard."

Le Cateau:
Reis Meismer writes: "0723: Didn't even have time to unpack. Transferred again from Le Cateau to Saint-Quentin along with No 3 Squadron. It seems we'll be travelling with them for the foreseeable future. 1 hour 52 minutes. It should have taken less than half that, but they had us make a detour to the west to see exactly where the Germans are."

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Took off at 1041. Made the flight from Dusseldorf to Jamoigne, flying over Liege along the way. 2 hours 53 minutes."

26 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Escadrille flew from Verdun to Chappy. We are now 25 miles closer to the lines. Hoping we start operations soon."

Bouvai:
Corrie Aujla writes "We were awakened at dawn again. By 0600 we were on the road. Two hours later we were in Arras. The roads took us through Beaumetz-les-Loges, down to Doullens and then to Beauvai. We arrived there about 1500. The army colonel in charge of the convoy decided we were safe enough and elected to camp outside Bouvai for the night.

No 3 Squadron and No 4 Squadron have moved yet again, from St. Quentin to La Fere.

Jamoigne:
The beginnings of FA 13 make a 20-minute exploratory flight around the area of their new home.

27 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and Eduard Camplan make a familiarization flight around the Chappy area.

Bouvais
Corrie Aujla and Captain Carlson are still with the truck convoy, which is spending all day and another night camped near Bouvais.

La Fere:
Sergeant Ries Meismer and his observer Captain Ted Wimund make a long flight of almost three hours learning the area around La Fere.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först meets his new Commanding Officer, Hauptmann Alfred Streccius, and his assigned observer, Hauptmann Reinhold Straub. Först and Straub take a one-hour flight around the area.

28 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Finally, our first patrol. We took off in shifts, one plane every two hours. We didn't see any Germans, nor did any of our flights. Everyone returned safely in their turn."

Bouvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "We are still camped at Beauvais. Colonel Blayne has not been able to get in touch with his superiors, nor have we with ours. The war is at our doorstep, but you wouldn't know it from the tranquil atmosphere shrouding this place. Well, tranquil except for all the men and vehicles running to-and-fro.
.
La Fere:
Ries Meismer and Capt Ted Wimund make a shorter flight and then are informed that they are moving again tomorrow.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Reinhold Straub make a somewhat longer flight than yesterday, getting to know the area and each other.

St Cyr:
A new French pilot, Filimor Oda Dion Isaïe Hance, begins training at Saint-Cyr, west of Paris.

29 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and his observer are again part of rotating patrols. He finally sees some Germans. He will put that in his report though he is certain his superiors know exactly where this group is, since he has a front-row seat to a French-German artillery duel. They stick around until fuel concerns send them home again.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Still no word from either command, which is odd because with the war going on right next door they must need those trucks somewhere. Twenty of them, just sitting. Our bigger worry is what will become of us when they finally do move. Do we go with them, or sit here and wait to hear from our Squadron? Or do we set out on our own hoping we're heading in the right direction? If we stay we have no means of support with the army gone. If we go with them we risk becoming part of the infantry war. If we go our own way we could get drafted into some other unit, or even captured by the enemy. There seems to be no definite future, and no easy choice to make."

La Fere:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons, with Ries Meismer in No 4, move yet again, this time to Compiegne.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Straub make an even longer flight to the north, knowing full well that the fighting is to the southwest. Orders are orders, so they go where they are told.

30 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Patrolled over another battle between our forces and theirs. In a fit of rudeness their infantry decided to direct some machine gun fire in our direction! We even took some damage! All was well, though, and we got home safely. The Germans are still advancing."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The day has come. Colonel Blayne has gotten through to his superiors, and they are indeed wanted at the front lines. Captain Carlson has decided that we should stay here in Beauvais. He has made a deal with a local hotel-keeper that we should be his guests on the Captain's word as an officer that he will be recompensed in full when we have the means. M Jumonde says it's "part of my duty to help fight the war by aiding our British cousins."

La Fere:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron transfer again, from La Fere to Senlis.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Another long flight around. Three-quarters of the way through the motor quit running. We were in a forested area, but over a large patch of open grass at the time. I managed to put the plane down, though not without some damage to the wing. We stayed with the plane, and some time after we were due back they sent a plane looking for us. He landed and took Hptmn Straub with him. another hour and he came back for me. By dinner time a truck had gathered the plane and returned. Hptmn Straub is full of praise for "his" pilot, and tonight I seem to be the toast of the squadron. Tomorrow is another day."

31 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying to day. Escadrille moving tomorrow."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: ":M Jumonde has come up with a different plan to pay for our rooms: we'll go to work for him. Capt Carlson will help with his books, and those of other businesses nearby, and I will do all the odd jobs around the area ̶ cleaning, clearing up trash, helping move things ̶ anything that needs doing. I joined the army and seem to have become a civilian through no doing of my own."

Senlis:
Ries Meismer writes: "Moved yet again, this time to Juilly."

Jamoigne
Odis Först writes: "We are grounded today, preparing for a move forward tomorrow."

1 September 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Transferred from Chappy to Clermont-en-Argonne today. Successful move with no problems."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "I went to work helping a man with a truck pick up trash in our neighborhood and finished the day helping Mme Jumonde with her garden. Late in the day a flight of aeroplanes passed overhead. They were at about 2,000' altitude and looked to be a high-winged parasol of some kind. I counted five of them.

Juilly:
Ries Meismer writes: "Made a scouting flight to the northeast of Paris. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Odis Först writes: " Transferred from Jamoigne to La Ferté sur Chiers. An easy flight. 46 minutes. Had some excitement later in the evening. At about 1930 an Aviatik came in and landed, not long before dark. It was a Leutnant Boelcke. We already have one! Ltn Wilhelm Boelcke is one of our observers. This one was his younger brother Oswald Boelcke. He is a rarity, an Officer Pilot. Apparently he was assigned to a different unit but took his plane and a mechanic and came here, claiming he was bound for another field but had to stop here for the night. It's a strange thing, and not for a poor flieger like me to understand."

Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "Long training flight with our instructor leading us north to Beauvais, then over to Chantilly and back. 1 hour 59 minutes."

2 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "622: Patrol over German territory. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Helped pick up trash again all day, and haul it to a place they had picked out, where we buried it. Hard work, but it keeps my mind off what I'm missing."

Juilly:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons move again, from Juilly to Serris.

La Ferté sur Chiers:
Odis Först writes: "1256: Flew our first real patrol today, south to the lines then eastward for awhile. 52 minutes."

3 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "0849: Patrol over German territory. They are at Chateau-Theirry. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The Germans are still moving westward. They are now at Chateau-Thierry, only 50 miles from Paris. We have still heard nothing of our own armies."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "Transfered yet again, from Juilly to Touquin."

Chatel:
Odis Först writes: "Yesterday the Boelcke brothers took off looking for a better field. They returned this morning and have found one. We spent the morning packing and took off at 1403, and after a short 15-minute flight we were at Chatel.

Saint-Cyr, just north of Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Tomorrow we join the war!"

4 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "No flights. Preparing to move again."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Word has reached us that the Germans have been stopped northeast of Paris. We are awaiting word of whether Bouvais will be evacuated."

Melun:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron RFC transfer again, from Touquin to Melun.

Chatel:
Flieger Odis Först and Hauptmann Reinhold Straub make an exploratory flight around the area of their new base.

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance "joins the war" when MS-26 moves 30 miles to their new airfield at Vincennes, southeast of Paris.

5 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Esc 13 Transfered to Le Petit Maulan.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "No definite news of the fighting around Paris, but it doesn't seem to be heading this way. Life continues here as normal, including my own work. Capt Carlson is helping
various shopkeepers with their books while I found myself helping a local shopkeeper repair his lorry. He repaired while I operated the jack-lift."

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "1040: Long flight to the southeast. The Germans are to the north and east, but we have to make sure. 2 hours 22 minutes."

Chatel:
:Odis Först writes: "1650: Scouting mission, looking for the French army. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1026: Our first patrol. Everybody searching to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."

Hi Steve, good to see you here!

Just thought I'd mention I'm enjoying your logs

Hey George! Long time. And thanks. It's weird flying at a time when there's no combat, but I'm having fun.

6 September 1914

Clermant-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "1635: Area patrol. The Germans haven't moved."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Good news!!! A motorcycle dispatch rider arrived today with a message for Captain Carlson. It seems Colonel Blayne reported our situation as soon as he could. It took a couple of days for HQ to get the message, and a couple more before a rider could be arranged to come look for us. Transport will be unavailable for the next few days but as soon as it is we will be taken to HQ to await further transport to our squadron. They seem to have moved around a lot, and their exact location will have to be ascertained before we can join them. Now it's only a matter of time.

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "No flying today. Moving again tomorrow."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0428: Transfered from Chatel to Sainte Menehould."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1224: Patrol to the east again. 2 hours 26 minutes. No Germans in that sector."

7 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "0800: Patroled lines. Seems to be stalemated. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Spent the day helping a local farmer load his crops into a lorry."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "1319: Transferred from Melun to Touquin. 27 minutes.

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0919: Familiarization flight. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1505: Patrolled east yet again. It doesn't matter how many times they send us east of Paris. There are no Germans here. 1 hour 19 minutes.

8 September 1914

Oe Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Another day working in a field. I haven't been in the air in two weeks. I'm most anxious to get back to flying."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer Writes: "1400: Flight north to look for Germans. Maybe next time. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "1428: Patrol to the west, over our right flank. Our forces seem to be pulling back. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimo Hance writes: "1639: Patrolled to the north this time. Still no Germans. 1 hour 23 minutes."

9 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "More field work. My French is getting to a point where I can communicate my needs. No real conversations yet."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meisner writes: "1601: Transferred from Melun to Coulommiers. 19 minutes (but it's only 6 miles)."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0658 Patrolled the lines. The enemy does not seem to be following our withdrawal. 46 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Moving tomorrow."

10 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Pouring rain."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla wirtes: "Woke up this morning to pouring rain. We spent the morning sitting and chatting with M and Mme Jumonde. Their daughter-in-law came for lunch, with two small boys, aged 6 and 4. in tow. Her husband, the elder couple's son, is a clerk in the French HQ in Paris. We were enjoying the rainy afternoon talking to them and playing with the boys when a car pulled up and a fellow British sergeant knocked on the door. He enquired as to our identities and told us that the Germans were on the run. General Joffe had accomplished this feat by sneaking a third army through the city by recruiting all the local taxicabs! This new group was joined by the rear-guard pieces of pieces of the two armies facing the two German armies, then drove this new force up the middle between the two German forces. Taken totally by surprise, the the Germans had pulled back across the Marne River and today, in the rain and the mud, have stopped ant the Aisne. Paris was safe, and Sergeant Bellerman was here to take us to British HQ. We said our goodbyes to the Jumondes, of whom we had grown quite fond, and climbed in the car, Capt Carlson beside the driver and me having the back seat all to myself. The drive from Beauvais to Paris took almost 5 hours, and as Mme Jumonde had made us a nice basket of sandwiches and a bottle of wine we had no need to add a dinner stop to the time or to go hungry. I wound up in a small barracks with eight other enlisted men and three empty beds. Capt Carlson of course got his own room."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meismer writes: "Heavy rains. Everyone is grounded."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "Nothing is flying today. Heavy rains. Last night, following a late flight. Hptmn Streccius and Ltn Wilhelm Boelke (the observer) were driven off to dinner with General von Pritzelwitz. Today at lunch there was some kind of to-do at the officers' mess. Later the officers came to visit us, and called us to attention. Ltn Oswald Boelke (the pilot) very seriously announced that the Captain and the senior Boelke brother had both been awarded the Iron Cross! With the younger brother leading we gave them both three resounding cheers."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hance writes: "0418: After being awakened at 0300 we checked everything out and were ready to transfer from Vincennes to Saint-Soupplets. As it grew light the sky was heavily overcast. The flight took 29 minutes through intermittent rian squalls. Later in the day we were glad we started so early, and it turned to contiuous pouring rain for the resr of the day.

11 September 1914

The entire Marne region of France is driving rain, with no sight of letup. Reports from various units are pretty much the same.

In Paris, Corrigan Aujla writes: "I don't know what Capt Carlson is doing. I myself was put to work running messages back and forth to various offices. It''s pouring rain everywhere."

In eastern France the Germans are retreating toward the Aisne river. At Sainte Menehould Odis Först writes: "Still raining. We spent the day watching our retreating troops march by. Soon we will have to fly, rain or no."

12 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan;
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Still raining. No news of where the German armies have got to."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "My new job is not hard. It's still raining and still no news of No 3 Squadron. I'm sure it will happen soon."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "Waited all day for the rain to lift. At 1630 we were preparing to take off in driving wind and rain when suddenly both let up. We flew from Coulommiers to Fere-en-Tardenois at 1635, taking 57 minutes for the flight. The rain remained light the whole way."

Sainte-Menehould:
Odis Först wirtes: "If anything the rain has gotten worse. The number of troops marching past is dwindling. Word is they are forming up on the east side of the River Aisne, and that they are starting to build some kind of barricades."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "We are still grounded by this infernal rain. I still haven't seen one single German, or even heard their artillery. I long to be of some service in this so-called "war"."

13 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "The rain has let up some, but extremely strong winds are keeping us on the ground. Word has come that our forces have crossed the Aisne River and have the Germans pinned down there.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Third day pushing the message cart. Still no word on No 3 Squadron."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "The rain and wind have picked up again. We managed to get here alright. Now we need to get into the air again."

Buzancy:
Odis Först wirtes: "Hptm Steccius has determined that we fly today. The troops are gone except for a small rear guard, and Ltn Oswald Boelke suggested we sleep in our clothes with weapons at our sides. At 0230 we were awakened by the noise of artillery fire, and we've been up ever since awaiting the sun. Took off at 0730 for Buzancy. Everyone made it safely. 35 minutes."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "Still waiting for better weather. It feels like I'm going to spend the rest of my life on the ground."

14 September 1914

All across the front a series of storms keep everything grounded.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Got paid a visit from Cpt Carlson. He's been working with the office with some job, and he's been in touch with the group responsible for keeping track of where everyone is. Just this morning he found that No 3 Squadron is in Fere-en-Tardenois, and likely will be for some time. As soon as transport can be arranged we are heading back to our friends, our machines, and our flying!"

15 September 1914

Most of the front is still rained out, but a couple of interesting things are happening locally.

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "1345: We made the move back to Verdun. waited all day for the rain to let up, and it did shortly after noon. We waited some more to make sure it wouldn't come back, and then we took off into a heavy wind. 39 minutes later we were back at the field that feels more like home to me than any aeordrome we've had yet."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Sometimes you wait forever and nothing happens. Other times they happen so quickly your head spins. We had just finished our breakfast when a sergeant came asking for us. He was there to drive us to our squadron! We departed Paris at 1008. the roads were muddy but we had a good driver, and we pulled into Fère-en-Tardenois some five hours later, at 1553. The driver asked for directions to the aerodrome at a hotel on the entrance to town, and in a couple of minutes we were on our way. at 1610 we pulled up to the brick building that held our office and officer's quarters. Major Salmond was truly shocked to see us standing in front of his desk. His shock turned to delight and there was shaking of hands and clapping of shoulders all around. Other officers were called in and then I was released To the enlisted pilots' tent. Everyone there was also stunned for a moment, and the the cheering began, followed by rounds of story-telling that lasted well into the night. Robbie Reinard was especially glad to see me, as he had spent so much time wondering if the Captain and I were alive, dead, prisoners, or who knows what? The only bad part of all this is that even though I'm back with the squadron I am still unable to fly again due to this ongoing rain."

Ries Meismer writes: "Still unable to fly. There was some hubbub over at the tents of No 3 Squadron, with whom we share the field. It seems that a couple of long-lost pilots, separated from their unit back when the Germans took Maubeuge, have suddenly turned up again.

16 September 1914

All across the front it is still raining. The ground war continues with fighting along the Aisne River, but the only flying recorded is by Cpl Filimor Hance of Escadrille MS 26: "0503 Took advantage of a break in the rain to move from Saint-Soupplets to our new base at Pisseleux. 57 minutes."

17 September 1914

Bad weather continues across the entire front. The Battle of the Aisne goes on, but without aerial reconnaissance.

18 September 1914

Heavy fighting rages around Noyon and Reims, but the planes are still grounded.

Beautifully Barmy SS! The pace /length is perfect. I always went a bit over in detail lol. This is great! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately there was yet again nothing happening in the air on the 19th, as it was still raining all up and down the Front. The ground forces were fighting all around the area in rain and worse, mud. My information on this weather comes from Knight of Germany, a collection of Oswald Boelcke's letters home, edited and commented on by Professor Johannes Werner, English translation by Claude W. Sykes.

From the depths of the Atlantic to the sky's over France. Quite a journey.

I am enjoying this game, thanks for posting about it Steve, I would have overlooked it otherwise.

20 September 1914

As fighting on the ground continues, the planes are still grounded. One group is forced to move by advancing Allied forces.
Odis Först writes: "1408: A slight break in the rain sees us transferring from Buzancy to Pontfaverger. 36 minutes."

21 September 1914

On the ground a battle rages for the possession of Noyon. The French are pushing the Germans back, all in rain and mud.
In the air...well, no one is in the air, except for one escadrille, MS 26.

Filimor Hance writes: "We're being transferred again - this time to Anvers. Anvers? Six days out here, unable to fly at all. Now we are ordered to fly anyway, and we're going back to PARIS?? Why? The Germans have left that area. There's nothing there to observe. Why? Took off at 0614. Flight took 2 hours 24 minutes. All in the rain. Now we're at a field in the southern side of the city. What next? London?"

22 September 1914

In real life there was a bombing raid by two British planes on a Zeppelin shed. A second raid turned back due to the weather. Everything else was grounded, including all of my pilots. Meanwhile the ground war rages on. That, and a lot of naval stuff going on in the Pacific.

23 September 1914

The weather starts to clear a little and some squadrons are flying again, with varying results.

Fere-en-Tardenois
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Cloudy, but no rain. 0546: First time flying in more than four weeks. They had me practicing take-offs and landings all morning. 33 minutes. Captain Carlson went on an orientation flight with Sgt Holmes. After they returned the Captain started shouting at the Sergeant. Major Salmond came out, dismissed Lance Holmes and went with Captain Carlson back into his office. Later in the day the Major took the Captain on a flight, after which the Captain retired to the officers' quarters."

From the same airfield Ries Meismer writes: "0447: No rain! went on a long flight to the Aisne area. Seems to be a lot of fighting, but no major movements. 2 hours 56 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0852: Made two flights today, each of about two hours. Nowhere near the fighting, but Bruno Seigneurie thinks he has the answer. They don't believe we're ready and don't want to risk us until we've gained more experience. If that's true, then I guess I'll have to live with it. Soon enough we'll see some action."

24 September 1914

At Verdun, Esc 13 is still grounded by rain.

Fere-en-Tardenois, 3 Squadron
Corrie Aujla writes: "I was kept from flying today. Major Salmond took me into his office and started asking me questions about Captain Carlson. What was he like in the air? Had he ever shouted at me? Had he ever tried to strike me? I eventually mustered the courage to ask what was going on, and he said that when it was all resolved he tell me what he could. For the meantime I was not to speak of this to anyone. Of course all the enlisted pilots wanted to know what was going on, and it was all I could do not to tell them anyway. What kept me in line was the thought that it could mean my career. For the time being I'm saying nothing, and won't broach the subject with Major Salmond again until he chooses to tell me something."

Fere-en-Tardenois, 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Several flights went up today. Due to a shortage of available machines I was not one of them."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först srites: "Overcast, but no rain. I get to fly today! 1458: Patrolled over the fighting near Reims. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1258: One long flight, up to Beavais and then north. Halfway from Beauvais we turned back to Paris and Anvers. 2 hours 51 minutes."

25 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1516: Patrolled north of Sedan and back. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0638: Sent up to familiarize myself with the region. 1 hour 3 minutes. After lunch I was introduced to Captain Arnold Williamson, and told that he would be my observer from now on."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0758: We made an observation flight up to Laon. We did see some German army movement, and they did shoot at us. They missed. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Fairly nice day. 0515: Long patrol over the lines. 3 hours 3 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1603: Flew around the city, then southward. 2 hours 45 minutes."

26 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0452: Flew up to Charleville, then to Sedan and south back to Verdun. Noted several enemy positions. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0755: First flight with Capt Williamson. He's a nice enough fellow, if a litle dour. Patrolled between Chateau-Thierry and Paris, looking for any Germans slipping through.
Didn't find any, but had a good flight. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1019: Patrol between Chateau-Tierry and Laon, looking for German forces trying to flank our own. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0846: Flew west and south. Fighting is heavy along the Aisne. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0603: Flew west of the city, then south. 1 hour 42 minutes."

27 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0659: Flew over the lines, looking for unusual movements. 1 hour 28 minutes"

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1047: Patrolled between Paris and Chateau-Thierry and Paris again. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois: No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1228: Patrolled the area around Laon again. The German trenches begun at Reims are now being expanded to include Laon."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1054: Patrolled between Compiegne and Laon, looking for possible flanking movements by the enemy."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0800: Flew north to Beauvais and back, plus a circle of the City. 2 hours 8 minutes."

28 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0842: Flew up around Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1339: Flew up around Laons. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meisner srites: "1454: Traded places with No 3 Sqdn. They patrolled up by Laon while we ran back and forth between Paris and Chatea-Thierry. 3 hours 22 minutes. I finally got a chance to talk to that chap from No 3, the one who went missing for two weeks. I asked him for details and he said "Well, we got caught out when the Huns took Maubeuge. Caught a truck convoy that took us all the way to Beauvais. Stayed there for a few days. The higher-ups caught us up and moves us to Paris. We stayed there until they had time to shunt us back here. Actually I'm unhappy about it. If it hadn't happened I'd have at least ten more flying hours behind me." I was expecting a long story with lots of adventures. Anyway, I also got to compliment him on the reputation he's gained for his perfect landings. every time. Our own commander makes us watch when he comes in. All he said to that was "Well, the one you made today wasn't half bad." I said I learned from watching the best. He didn't seem to like that much, so I let it drop."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1336: Flew down to the south of Epernay, well into enemy territory. 2 hours 34 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1039: Flew up to Chantilly, then to Beauvais, then west of Paris, then home. 2 hours."

29 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1040: Up to Sedan again, then over to Reims and back to Verdun. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1539: Back to the Chateau-Thierry-Paris patrol. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0531: Patrolled between Soissons and Reims. 2 hours 42 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1625: Long flight up to Laon, the north to Saint-Quintin. Our forces have dug in at Reims, and now theirs are doing the same, but there is some worry that they might try a flanking movement to our north. We then flew south-west across the lines and almost to Paris. We returned to Pontfaverger after the sun had set, and it was growing dark, but the hangars were lit up and the north side of the field had fire-pots lit, giving us a perfect view of the field. 3 hours 10 minutes. After we had had something to eat Ltn Boelcke had Hptmn Straub and myself into the squadron offices. His brother Hptmn Boelcke was there also. The Ltn asked us both how we felt about making very long patrols. Hptmn Straub and I both said we didn't mind at all, and when Ltn Boelcke asked me again I commented that I rather liked being in the air for such long periods of time. He then said that many of the pilots didn't like making patrols of more than two hours, and he would keep me in mind when longer Patrols were required. I retired to the enlisted pilots' tent and said nothing to my fellows.

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1253: Flight north of Paris, then south, returning over the city. 1 hour 48 minutes."

30 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1314: Flew to Sedan again. 3 hours 12 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0414: Patrolled the Chateau-Thierry-Paris run again. Something different this time - there were two of us. Sgt Jem Bodley and Lt Erik Alvord were in the other plane. Capt Williamson and I had lead. 2 hours 37 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0827: Another trip up to Laon. The German trenchworks are expanding. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0450: Patrolled to the west over the lines, then south, following the artillery eastward, then north back to Pontfaverger. Artillery was so heavy I could still hear it back at home field. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1455: Flew over to Abbeville, then over to Beauvais, south to Amiens, then Chatilly, and back to Anvers. 2 hours 25 minutes."

1 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1744: Long patrol over enemy territory. Got lost when it got dark, Finally made our way back to Verdun. 2 hours 54 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0725: Patrolled from Paris to Soissons this time. 3 hours 28 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1036: Took over the Paris -Chateau-Thierry patrol from No 3 Sqdn. 2 hours 49 minutes "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0638: Flew west to the front lines, then followed them south and east. 2 hours 48 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "0449: We have transferred to a new field - Breteuil. 56 minutes.

2 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0552: Long flight up around the Sedan area again. 4 hours 15 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1122; Flew to Chateau-Thierry, across the lines up to Laon, back down to Soissons, over to Riems then back to Fere-en-Tardenois. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1340: Took our new pilot, Lt Douglas Perkins, on a flight around the area. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "What an honor! Ltn Boelcke came to me this morning and said we would be flying with him today! Further, he said I would be flight leader and he would follow me. Of course I was very nervous, but things went better than I could have hoped. We took off at 0940 and patrolled the lines from Bapaume down to Peronne, then home again. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. No sooner did we get settled in here than we were told we're moving again tomorrow."

3 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1023: Patrolled between Verdun and Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Rere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1356: Chateau-Thierry to Paris run again. 2 hours 9 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, Nor Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1513: Flew with Lt Perkins again. This time he flew and I rode in the front cockpit. He's a good enough pilot, but I still felt nervous having absolutely no control over the machine. I don't know how the regular observers do it. 1 hour 36 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Raining today. No flights."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0600: Transferred to Esquennoy, 2 whole miles away. 22 minutes."

4 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "The news tells us that the Germans have taken Ypres and are moving northward. 1222: Short flight up and down the lines. Raining by the time we landed. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Fer-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0504: Dawn flight up to Laon, over to Reims and back again. Slight rain. 3 hours 4 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1619: Over to Paris, then up to Laon and the lines, back south to home. 2 hours 35 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Heavy rain. No flying."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain has moved in. No flying today."

5 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1427: Flew up and down the lines again. Low patchy fog. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0509: Moved from Fere-en-Tardenois to Amiens. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0823: Moved with No 3 Sqdn to new field at Amiens. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1207: Extended scouting flight all the way to Paris and back. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0637: Short familiarization flight. 55 minutes."

6 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Fog and rain. No flying today. Amazing news though. Two Frenchmen mounted a gun to their Voisin and after several tries yesterday managed to shoot down a German Aviatik. The crew were both killed. It's the first time ever that one airplane has shot down another, and it was two of ours who did it!."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0659: Flew west to the sea, then around the area and back. 2 hours 3 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1015: Flight up around Abbeville area. 1 hour 37 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1434: Another long flight around the front. Not much to see. 4 hours 11 minutes.

Esquennoy
Jelimor Hance writes: "0747: Longer flight exploring area. 2 hours 19 minutes.

7 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0740: Beautiful day. Flew to Sedan, then a pass down the lines. 2 hours 5 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0918: We had a group of senior Army officers show up today. Our orders were to give them rides to various towns and back. I drew a Colonel Healey and was told to take him up to Doullens. He took me aside just before we took off and asked if, once we were out of sight of anyone who could get us into trouble, I could take him for a loop. I said that was certainly possible. After we had turned around over Doullens and were above farm country coming back, I granted his wish. A ways further one we did another. He had told me he had never been up in a plane before and likely never would again, so how could I refuse. As we were returning to Amiens he practically begged me, via vigorous signs, to break off and go around one more time. I had to explain myself to Major Salmond later, but when I told him the poor fellow reminded me of an eager puppy begging for a treat he said it would have been easy enough to just lie about my approach or something, and since he appreciated my honesty he could forgive me "Just this once". 1 hour 12 minutes.'

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1207: Interesting day today. A group of Army dignitaries paid us a visit. We were assigned to fly them around the area. I was given a General MacFreign, an Artillery commander. We were not supposed to take our charges anywhere near the lines, but I had special orders to show him what his guns were doing so he could better decide how to dispose of them. We flew over to Peronne, then south to Laon and Sissonne, and then back to Amiens. I gave him a good long look and he seemed happy enough about what he saw. 2 hours 40 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0559: Another flight almost to Paris. We witnessed a large artillery duel between the lines, and received some pretty heavy Flak near Villers-Totterets. 2 hours 32 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1021: Short flight around local area. 46 minutes."

8 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0950: Up to Sedan again. No fighting going on at the moment. 2 hours 31 minutes."

Abbeville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1044: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 32 minutes. "

Abbeville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1502: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 34 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0848: Reconnaissance to Soissins and back. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain. No flying today."

9 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1246: Another trip to Sedan, then over to Reims and back along the lines. 2 hours 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1130: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 17 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1051: Long patrol up and down the lines. 2 hours 49 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1121: Long flight around extended area. 3 hours 3 minutes."

10 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1511: Short trip over the lines. Eduard took some pot-shots at a balloon. 47 minutes. The Germans have taken several towns up north."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1202: Flight over to the lines, patrol and back. 2 hours 36 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1620: Flew up to Lens then patrolled down to Cappy. 1 hour 32 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1356: Patrolled the lines from Baupaume down to Soissins. 2 hours 44 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1439: Followed the leader all over the area, 2 hours 13 minutes. I'm starting to wonder again if we'll ever be allowed into the war. I asked myself the same question a month ago, and nothing has changed."

11 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1613: Short dusk flight to check for enemy crossing the lines. Landed just before dark. I've made one night-time landing, and I don't want to do it again. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes. "0606: Short flight around the area. Moving again tomorrow. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1452: Flew up to Saint Omer scouting for a new field. 3 hours 10 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1655: Gave a new pilot a quick tour of the area. 23 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0506: Took off in pitch dark with Capitaine Jannerod to look for a new field. He already has one in mind. All we need to do is check it out. It started snowing while we were aloft, fortunately not bad enough to make us land and seek shelter. It looks like he picked a good one, and if the weather doesn't get worse we'll be moving tomorrow. It's up near the coast where the Germans are advancing. 2 hours 43 minutes."

12 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0837: Flight up to Sedan again. No unusual movement. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0917: Transferred from Moyenneville up to Saint-Omer. 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1302: Followed No 3 Squadron up to Saint-Omer. 50 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0748: Long flight scouting our side of the lines. 2 hours 46 minutes."

Oostende
Filimor Hance writes: "0804: Transferred from Esquennoy to Oostende. 1 hour 15 minutes. We are now right at the front. Capitaine Jannerod informed us that the Germans have moved all the way to the coast and our forces are right behind. Our job now is to see where the enemy moves next so our troops will know immediately. We are the front line."

13 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rainstorm moving through. No flying."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Massive storm moving through. No one is able to fly."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Rain everywhere. Both our squadrons are grounded."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1048: Raining, but not enough to cancel our patrols. We flew south across the lines and down to Epernay. Saw an entertaining show along the way. We heard an artillery barrage while crossing the lines, and witnessed an enemy truck convoy racing helter-skelter down what was left of a road, being hounded by our shells all the way. We even got a couple of them. Flying down to Epernay and back we encountered a lot of Flak. It was pretty wet down there. I suspect they were bored, and we provided the perfect diversion. The rain picked up on our way home but we made it back safely. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "0934: I've been complaining about ever getting to the war, and now we're desperate to get away from it. We woke up to the sound of thunder, and it wasn't just the storm, it was the German guns. The Germans moved up to the outskirts of Oostende during the night and were now preparing to attack the city. Packing everything up took far longer than we would have liked, and we could hear the sound of infantry firing at each other by the time we were ready to take off. The trucks moved out and we took off down the coast to Dunkerque. We had to fight rain and stiff winds all the way, but 57 minutes later we were safely back on the ground again and well behind the lines."

14 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1122: Patrolled behind the lines. Nobody is moving, nothing is happening. Both sides are sitting in their trenches, seemingly just waiting. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This is the second day in a row we are rained in."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Raining again, not flying. There is a big difference."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1256: Patrol over to Soissons, then down the lines to Reims, then home. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Flew back up to Oostende to see what the damage was. Our forces have dug in a couple of kilometres up from Niewpoort. The Germans are blocked there, and exchangingartillery fire. The Germans will dig in now too, or be forced to pull back. 52 minutes."

15 October 1914

The entire front has closed down again. To the north lies a heavy overcast and rain. The Marne and Verdun regions are silent, with a heavy fog lying everywhere. Even it anyone could fly there's nothing to see.

16 October 1914

While the Verdun sector is still fogged in, to the north the rain has lifted a little

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1023: Capt Williamson and I took a familiarization flight around the area. North to the coast and Dunkerque, then south to Clety and back to our field. I hadn't realized just how big the Saint-Omer complex is. It's HUGE!! Hangars everywhere, around thirty BEs parked or flying. It's an interesting place. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0906: Orientation flight east to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up the coast and around to Calais, then home again. We are at the Saint-Omer extension, which is at the west end of a very large field. The main base is at the east end, with the hangars being about a half-mile apart. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1151: Flew up to Oostende again. Artillery exchange going on just east of Niewpoort. Looks like more trenches being dug. 1 hour 23 minutes.

Wow, no wonder the whole front is a giant mud pile!

It was. I have a copy of Oswald Boelcke's letters home, and he talks some about the fog and the rain. Since I'm taking this all day-by-day I'm hurting right now, as on days like today I don't get to fly at all either. What's even more funny is that I've been tied up for the last four years with a '100 Years Ago Today' project, and on this same day in 1918 there was no aerial combat at all.

17 October 1914

The rain has closed back in in the north, and today there is no flying again at all.

18 October 1914

While the fog continues over Verdun-Sedan and environs, the rain has lifted in the north.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1047: Group flight over to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up to Calais, over to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Starting to get a feel for the area. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1201: The rain lifted long enough for us all to make another flight. We flew west to Boulogne, up to Calais and Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1028: Flight up to Niewpoort and the lines. South as far as Diksmuide and the westward back to Dunkerque. Several artillery engagements. 59 minutes."

19 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. We have been told that as soon as the weather clears a little we are being moved west, to Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, for some rest."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Reis Meismer writes: "1318: Another familiarization flight, over to Bailleul and back. 1 hour 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1436: Another short flight around the area, this time by ourselves. 45 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us. Don't know what the officers are doing, but we enlisted pilots played a game of football. Not so easy when you can't see from one goal to the other, but a lot of fun."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1433: Transferred from Dunkerque to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, only a few miles away. 14 minutes."

20 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur -Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1333: Fog lifted just long enough to take off. Sgt Pelliers, the camp cook, made sure we had bottles of hot coffee and sandwiches for the flight. We flew west to Soissons, northwest to Amiens, then turned north to Doullens. Arrived at Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise after a flight of 2 hours 38 minutes.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1435: Flew over to Boulogne, then down to Hesdin, then back home. 1 hour 20 minutes. Time in aircraft: 78.17 hours."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1536: Late afternoon flight over to Boulogne, back up to Calais, then up the coast to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Landed just as it was getting dark."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1511: Still following the same plan - from our new field up the coast to Dunkerque and Niewpoort, then down the lines to Diksmuide, then home. There was a heavy bombardment going on by the British against the Germans, with no reply. After only a week of artillery fire the land is starting to look like a desert. The town of Diksmuide appears to be abandoned, and many of the houses are levelled. No infantry activity. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is a little less today, but still too much to fly. We played some more football. Ltn Boelcke was at the field, working personally with the mechanics on his machine. He came over and watched our game for a few minutes, then went back to work. The rest of the day was spent reading, playing cards and chatting with each other.

21 October 1914

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0821: We made an experimental run today. As part of the coordinated patrol plan No 3 Squadron will be covering the area from Diksmuide down to Bailleul. We started a run at 6,000 feet to avoid Archie fire, and slowly descended through the cloud cover to 2,500 feet. Nobody shot at us anyway, but the recommendation for now seems to be only flying on clear days, so we can be high enough to guarantee a safe run. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0842: Another patrol from the coast down to Diksmuide. 1 hour 1 minute."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0910: We have been set up in a rotation to patrol distinct areas, giving the maximum coverage possible. Our part of the lines is between Bailleul and Loos. We made our first flights in that role today. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0925: We've been transferred not for rest but to get us into the fight! High Command has organized a plan for squadrons to start flying patrols up and down the lines based on sector. Our patrol area is from Lens south to Arras. When we arrived on station there was an artillery exchange going on just to the north of us. We didn't get to watch as our patrol took us to the south. 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still fogged in. We had a couple more games today. Ltn Boelcke was back to watch, and had two more officers with him."

22 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0857: Flew once again from the coast to Diksmuide. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1010: Started our regular patrols today, Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Second patrol from our new field. Heavy artillery exchange west of Lens. Quiet around Arras. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1045: Patrolled from Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather turned good today, and we made good use of it. We all got to fly one patrol. The Boelcke brothers, in the other hand, flew five times, mainly because Hptm Wilhelm Boelcke was working with our artillery to develop better reporting techniques, without much luck. Our one patrol came in the mid-afternoon.
1428: Flew to Reims, the west along the lines to Verdun. 1 hour 35 minutes."

.

23 October 1914

The rain has returned to the Front, and once again the entire Flanders district is grounded. The Germans however are flying despite a light rain.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0717: Despite a light rain the visibility is good.Patrolled from Laon to Reims. 1 hour 41 minutes. The Boelcke brothers had success with the artillery today, guiding ours to destroy three enemy batteries."

24 October 1914

The Flanders district is still grounded due to the rain.

Meanwhile, at Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0912: Despite some haze we were able to get aloft for awhile. Patrolled from Verdun some way to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."

25 October 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1108: We were given a deep scouting raid, to Chalons, Epernay and Reims. Not much to see but a lot of fog on the ground. Lucky for us there was none when we took off. Luckier there was none when we landed. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Everything seems to be quiet on the Diksmuide run. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1202: Flew again today. Same route - Lens to Arras. Heavy artillery over the trenches beside Lens. Smaller barrage in the outskirts of Arras. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: 1202: Back flying. Diksmuide to Bailleul again. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1233: Back flying again. The assigned route - Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Sorry I've fallen behind on this. I like to fiddle, and Friday I tried to upgrade my computer and broke it instead. Replacement parts should be here tomorrow. I should be back online then and caught up in a few days. Meanwhile I'm posting from my local library.

Got my computer back yesterday. Very much upgraded processor and motherboard. I'm back in the game, as the saying goes.

October 26, 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1252: Another quiet run. Some artillery along the way, not aimed at us. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1321: Lens to Arras again. Fighting for Lens continues. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1335: Same patrol - Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1410: Patrolled Bailleul to Loos again. Not much going on. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover is too low for flying today. We could do it, but we would be too close to the ground fire. Hauptmann Wilhelm Boelcke has been awarded the Iron Cross, 1st class, and apparently this has caused some stress between him and the other officers. Our outdoor games continue."

27 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1427: Too much haze to really see anything, and no fighting to speak of. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1440: Heavy artillery battle outside Lens. No enemy troop movements. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1515: Fairly quiet today. Lots of haze and some fog. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Same run, Bailleul to Loos. Same result - quiet. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still too low a ceiling to stay safely above the ground fire. We had another couple games today, and Ltn Boelcke attended, with three other officers."

28 October 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0753: Mild rain showers. Quiet in our sector. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0825: Morning patrol today. Light rain. Sector still quiet. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1549: Quiet patrol. Lots of mist and fog up around Niewpoort. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1559: Some rain, but still flying. Much artillery fire all down the line. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover still keeping us down. We had a treat today. Ltn and Hptmn Boelcke both showed up, along with a couple of other officers I don't know, and asked if they could join us! Of course we said yes. Hptmn Boelcke and one other were on our team and Ltn Boelcke and the other officer were on the other team. Sad to say we lost both games. Still and all, it was a great change to our everyday pace. One almost hopes it stays this way for a few more days. Almost. Flying is still much more fun."

29 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0814: Routine patrol. Some artillery, no assaults. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0922: Hazy day. The only artillery was by Lens. 1 hour 7 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0934: Hazy day. Very little activity. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1009: Average patrol. Hazy. Not much going on. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded. Cloud cover has settled in, leaving us in haze and fog. Played a couple more games today, but without officers. The Boelcke brothers had business to take care of, and the others didn't show up without them. Starting to feel like we're going to live here forever, unless they transfer us to the infantry."

30 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0938: Routine patrol. Nothing to report. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1043: Light haze. Fairly quiet. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1146: Nice day for flying. Some activity north of Poperinge. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1156: Another fairly quiet patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Weather is worse. Raining all day. No outdoor sports. Mostly playing cards and chatting, with some reading thrown in. The magazines we have are getting old."

Glad you got your computer back, the whole war was put on hold

Thanks. Now that my main obligation is completed (chronicling day-by-day events of the war) I should be able to get caught up.

31 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1103: Routine patrol. Some artillery along the lines. 1 hour 14 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1210: Beautiful day for flying! Much artillery between Loos and Lens, and some south of Arras. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1316: Hardly a cloud in the sky. A lot of artillery all up and down the line. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1336: Routine patrol. A bit of artillery in a couple of spots. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1347: Weather clear enough to fly, but just barely. Patrolled from Reims westward. Some activity, but not much. 1 hour 36 minutes. The Boelcke brothers are just about to depart to do some more testing of the Hauptmann's artillery-guidance system.

1 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1231: Wet, misty day. British shelling Germans east of Veurne. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1331: Nothing unusual to report. Misty weather, more artillery. 1 hour."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1453: Misty weather. Not as much fighting as yesterday. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1514: Misty day. Average patrol. Not much happening. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1537: Flew over to Verdun. Circled the city drawing flak, then came home again. 1 hour 38 minutes."

2 November 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0830: Long flight to the forest east of Compiegne. There is a large enemy battery there and they want some of our people to bomb it. Hptmn Straub and I spend some time marking The locations of the guns. 2 hours 51 minutes.

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0853: Cloudy, threatening rain. Some fighting along the front, but not much. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0929: Much the same as yesterday. Weather a little better. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1356: Weather a little better today. Not much activity. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1445: A little nicer today. Usual artiller exchange between Loos and Lens. 1 hour 15 minutes."

3 November 1014

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0814: Foggy today, but not so much we can't fly. Artillery back and forth all down the line. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1027: Some fog. Routine patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1109: Dreary, foggy day. Nothing much happening. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1135: Flew to Verdun again, then all the way down to Saint-Mihiel. Marked troop and battery positions for HQ. Flew home directly across enemy territory. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1521: Foggy day. Routine patrol. 1 hour 16 minutes."

4 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1014: After a test flight to check some control problems, we finally took off into a mild rain. Any worse and we won't be able to fly. It was hard to see the ground properly from our patrol flight, but everything seems to be normal. 7 minutes, then 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1206: Took off for patrol. Rain got bad, forced to turn back. 18 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes"1405: Forced to turn back because of rain. 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1515: Patrolled from Reims eastward along the lines. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Grounded today due to heavy rain."

5 November 1914

The entire Flanders region is once again grounded due to intense rain. Even the troops in the trenches are occupied with trying to stay dry and war, so fighting has almost completely stopped.

On the border between Marne and Verdun the weather is not so bad. From Pontfaverger Odis Först writes: "0802: Exploratory flight down to Chateau Thierry, then to Epernay and finally Reims. Patchy fog here and there. 2 hours 22 minutes.

6 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out. The area from Reims to Verdun is now covered by a heavy fog, so no one is flying there either.

7 November 1914

Yet again the entire front is either raining or foggy. No flying for me today.

8 September 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0952: The sun came out today. Flew the usual patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1137: Sunny day, routine patrol. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1238: Sky is clear for the most part. Back to our usual patrol. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1437: Weather much better. Usual patrol. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still fogged in today.

9 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out, and the area around Reims is still foggy, but the men of FFA 13 are getting things done.


Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The Boelcke brothers came to the field today to give us instruction on conducting spotting and communication with the artillery. They have already done so with the officer pilots,and now it is our turn. We spent three hours this morning going over procedures with Ltn Oswald Boelcke, then spent time with our own officer observers learning to follow flight paths as each one likes to conduct them. Finally we learned the most by standing in front of the crowd as if we were the instructors, and explaining to each other how it's done. As soon as the weather is good enough we'll be going up in groups and practicing with some officers from the artillery."

10 November 1914

Rain and fog everywhere. Nobody is flying today.

11 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0818: Misty day, but good enough for flying. Usual patrol. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Saint-Pol Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Rain has let up. Able to fly a patrol today. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1257: Slight rain showers. Same patrol as always. 1 Hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1414: Sky cleared enough for a patrol. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still grounded due to heavy fog."

12 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1007: Lovely day for flying. Sun, not a cloud to be seen anywhere. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1248: Nice flying weather. Routine patrol. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1422: Beautiful day! Standard Patrol – Loos to Arras. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1552: Last patrol of the day. The sun was close to setting when we took off. By the time we reached the start of our run it was getting dark. We couldn't see too well, but there was still some artillery firing. We landed by the light of the fire pots. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded, waiting for the fog to lift."

13 November 1914

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1031: Morning patrol this time. Overcast, occasional rain. Routine. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1039: Today it was our turn. The fog had lifted somewhat, so the Boelcke brothers flew over to their favorite artillery unit to inform them that the enlisted pilots were ready for flight training. They arrived at our field around 0900 and explained exactly what we would be doing. At 0930 they departed for the field where we would be conducting our exercise. We didn't have to know anything about the flag signals. We only had to follow the directions of our officer-observers. The operation lasted all day, and our total time over three flights was 2 hours 26 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1149: Heavily overcast but dry. Routine patrol. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1417: Overcast, some rain. Usual patrol, nothing to report. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1550: Late afternoon patrol in the rain. Returned to field just after dark. 1 hour 6 minutes."

14 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0911: Much nicer weather today. Big artillery battle west of Lens. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1212: Routine patrol. Light scattered clouds. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1319: Got to try out our new job today. We circled an enemy battery near Reims for some time guiding our fire onto their guns. We weren't exactly accurate, but it was good exercise and we got a good close-up view of the action. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1338: Another lovely day. Standard patrol. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1547: Last patrol of the day. Not much to see. Returned to field after dark. 1 hour 19 minutes."

15 November 1914

Yet another rainstorm sweeps across the Flanders front, grounding everything.

Down at Verdun the story is much the same, except that the cause is the perennial fog returning again.

16 November 1914

The rain and fog continue as everyone waits for a chance to fly again. With winter here it that chance does not appear to be good.

17 November 1914

Still bad weather all over the front.

I wouldn't have pointed you over here if I'd known you were going to take a break from your 1/72nd wargame modeling thread. Just kidding. lol Enjoy! S!

Unfortunately I haven't built anything in almost three years. The good new is that the '100 Years' research, which was what really tied me up, is minimal now.

18 November 1914

Another day and still no one is flying.