Wulfe, I doubt Gaston is this accurate. It is more of a dumb luck, a fluke if you will. And I doubt the Germans are aware of Violette. The ones that were lucky enough to see her are now pushing the daisies. I am glad Tartaux made it back and can tell his story. Too bad about Bertillon. If it weren’t for Jensen he would remain faceless even now.
Hasse, Julius should count his lucky stars he doesn’t have to deal with the Nieuports on daily basis. They outclass Einies completely. Hopefully the Halbies will show up soon.


12 April, 1916 06:50 morning mission
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Lieutenant Gaston A. Voscadeaux
16 confirmed kills

The balloon from the day before was finally confirmed as were the two Fokkers from yesterday. Gaston's tally stood at 16 now, but the best news was that Adelus was out of the hospital. Gaston welcomed his wingman and gave him back his notebook. He added: “- Don't lose it again. This is important.”

The first flight today involved escorting the ‘A’ flight to enemy front lines north of Verdun area. The target area was entirely covered by clouds. They've lost contact with ‘A’ flight somewhere over the front and the only indicator the N12 was still circling around were the sporadic bursts of Flak some 200 meters below. Eventually they descended below the clouds and rejoined with the N12 on the way back. It looks like a bigger storm is brewing. The French fliers were glad to be back on the ground.

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12 April, 1916 14:55 afternoon mission
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Lieutenant Gaston A. Voscadeaux
16 confirmed kills

The afternoon mission found Gaston escorting the ‘A’ flight on reconnaissance to Martincourt aerodrome. If Gaston thought the weather during the morning sortie was as bad as it gets, then he was sorely mistaken. This weather was atrocious and even Adjutant Boillot flying next to him wouldn't ... be ... able ... to ... see... He couldn't finish his thought as two Aviatiks jumped out of a cloud ahead of them with the Boche gunners firing their guns at the entire French formation. Fortunately none of the rounds hit any of the planes and Gaston was chasing after them presently. He picked the trailing machine and commenced his assault. He landed solid hits and came around for another pass but a lucky bullet went through Violette's wind screen and hit Gaston's left arm. The pain was intolerable, but Voscadeaux was too enraged to pay it any attention. The Aviatik went down trailing grey smoke while Gaston gave the sign and turned back for home. The rest of the flight continued with the mission. He remembers little of his trip back. At one point he found himself flying parallel to the frontlines after passing out. When Gaston landed, he lost a lot of blood and was too week to get out of his machine. The mechanics noticed something was wrong and came running. One of them yelled:
"- Il est blessé! Aidez nous!"
Gaston knew he was home. He allowed himself to close his eyes.


Attached Files 1916-04-12 AM.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."