I started a new German career. Jasta 2. August 1916. I was assigned to a flight led by Max Ritter Von Muller. We were a foursome. Muller, myself, an AI type, and the Rittmeister himself--Manfred Von R! MVR and Muller were in Albatros DIs. The AI guy and I were flying Fokker D IIIs.

We took off a little after 0800. The day was beautiful. We were patrolling behind our own lines. I was feeling it. You all know that WOFF feeling of immersive excitement. The sights; the sounds; the ambience!

Then, off to port, and a bit above, two specs appeared on the horizon. Von Muller stayed on course, do doubt unsure if they were friendlies or not. They weren't!

Suddenly I saw two DH2s bearing down on us from the left. I was watching Muller; waiting for him to react.

We were in echelon, left to right--AI pilot, VM, MVR, and then me. I saw AI-man start his bank to the left to head for the two British Gitterrumpf. Then I saw MVR begin his bank--RIGHT INTO OUR FLIGHT LEADER!!!! Down they went, but since they are HAs, their planes were lost but they survived.

AI-man and I, stunned by these events, broke off the action and returned to base.

Sure it was MvR, and not Böhme?

I think I'd break off too if I'd just seen two of my pals go down before a shot had been fired!!

That's a fun career, Nowi. I had a pilot go a pretty long way with that one. Now, if you and your AI buddy had been in Albs, maybe a different story. In the Fokker though, a good call on your part to run away I think. Hang in there, stay alive, and you will get an Alb at some point

H

S! *heel click* Es ist der Krieg! I would have been after those DH-2s because my heart is of stone regarding the remnants of the flight! I can't count how many times members of my flight have abandoned me in the heat of action!!!