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#4395385 - 12/18/17 02:21 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Ajax, ON
Great to hear from you MFair. Pull up a chair and stay a while. Thanks for the kudos and yes, I’ve been schooled by Raine in the finer art of research. I don’t like it, takes too much time and keeps me away from flying. Maybe one day, when I have more time. What did you call that thing, retirement? Thank you for the holiday wishes. Have yourself a wonderful Christmas as well and a great New Year! Hope it’ll just keep getting better.


"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."
#4395387 - 12/18/17 02:34 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Lou, your summary is spot on. Aldi respect of the man is growing. Berthold provided them with the best tools for the job and expects results. Not an unreasonable request. And Veltjens is a man of action, always coming home with a trophy. Berthold, not so much.
As to E. Nygma, fire was inevitable after being “riddled” with bullets. winkngrin


"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."
#4395473 - 12/18/17 06:17 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Jeffery Vickers
2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's


Dec 18, 1917.


We got the chop up over Vimy this morning. B flight;s 6 a/c was following 3 Albatross Scouts looking for a chance to dive on them. Around the next cloud bank, we fell in with 5 Pfalz type Scouts and it was Katie Bar the Door. Sgt Bath got it 1st. He became a Flamer then mine got the hits in the fuel Tank so no where to go but down. I heard that night that Davis also was wnd in the Melee. The other chaps got back with Holes all over. No claims .

Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-18 09-58-41-31.jpgCFS3 2017-12-18 10-03-55-55.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 12/18/17 06:20 PM.
#4395475 - 12/18/17 06:21 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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yippee, MFair is back

Last edited by carrick58; 12/18/17 06:22 PM.
#4395551 - 12/19/17 03:21 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Lou, thank you so much for your comments. Honestly, sometimes when I'm not sure I feel like writing I ask myself what Lou will read on Sunday morning and get back to work!

MFair, congratulations again on your retirement. I turn that age this year, but I've figured our that in order to retire the way I'd like to, when I retire I'm going to have to work. duh Carrick, you're a genuine WOFF machine. Keep the reports coming!

Finally, Corderoy has caught a break!

Diary of 2/Lieut. Geoffrey Corderoy, RFC
Part 21: 17-18 August 1917

17 Aug 1917 – Filescamp Farm


Last night’s after-dinner drinks turned into a genuine bacchanalia, for orders came through for Bishop’s posting to HE. I wished him well and he was very friendly. After a while Poppie Pope, Hunt, and I went with Grid Caldwell to the Abode of Love and finished Grid’s gin, then joined some others in firing off Very lights.

This morning we get to sleep in until six-thirty, and the Major takes up a composite flight – Rutherford, Young, Hunt, and me – plus a Canadian fellow named John Crompton. It is a tough one, a distant offensive patrol to Pronville, almost to Cambrai. The weather is fair and Archie accompanies us closely all the way from Monchy. I count bursts and try to calculate the cost of munitions the Hun throws at us without result.

We approach the area of Riencourt, where the Hun has an aerodrome. I check behind and see that Hunt, Ruthford, and Young have left the formation and are scrapping with some Huns that have dived on us. I fire a flare to warn the Major and turn back to assist. By the time I arrive there is only a lone Albatros, abandoned by his mates. Hunt is on his tail. I get a full-deflection burst, but there is simply too much traffic to try for the Hun. I climb for some specks in the distance, but they are too high and pull away easily. Major Patrick rounds us up and we put in our time without further adventure. Hunt returns frustrated. His Hun put down at Riencourt, and the ground fire was too intense to follow.

Horn has temporary command of Bishop’s flight. Who will get the command is still up in the air. The main contender is our my old schoolmate Chidlaw-Roberts.

At three in the afternoon, Major Patrick gives Caldwell a break and takes me, Hunt, Ruthford, and Young on a patrol to escort some Fees on an artillery shoot on Hun positions north of Lens. The Canadian Corps has a big push on to take the high ground around the town. [1] As soon as we arrive over Lens a group of six or seven Albatri dives on us and a wild melee breaks out. At first it is every man for himself. Twice I come within a few feet of colliding with my own comrades. I see a rust-coloured Hun on Rutherford’s tail and leave the fellow I am circling about to shoot him off. My first burst seems to take effect, for he tumbled away and spins towards the mud below. I am determined not to lose him and dive down. The wires scream and the wings groan. I see Young diving on the same Hun. There is time for only one burst and I hit the Hun again. This time his spin tightens and he corkscrews through a yellow gas cloud and disintegrates.

[Linked Image]
"My first burst seems to take effect, for he tumbled away and spins towards the mud below."

Young and I find each other, open our throttles and head back over our lines to gain altitude and find some more friendly faces. At 5000 feet I circle about, but no one is in sight. We begin to climb westward. My grid has nearly reached the green fields beyond the lines when I notice motion off to my right. About a mile north of me and 2000 feet below, a single machine is heading east. I snap around and dive. It is another Albatros and he does not see me coming. I close to 100 yards and begin firing in three-second bursts. The Lewis empties and the Vickers hammers away. Suddenly the machine erupts into flame. I have not seen this happen close up and the effect is brutally disturbing. I break away before I have to look too closely.

[Linked Image]
"Suddenly the machine erupts into flame."

Back at Filescamp I make my report together with Young, who corroborates both kills. The Major endorses the claims and Wings gets back with confirmation within the hour. Perhaps my luck has finally changed. These are recorded as my fourth and fifth official victories. Major Patrick says this is noteworthy and I am hopeful of an M.I.D. [2]

Hunt was seen to put his machine down between the lines and we have been waiting all day for a call.

18 August 1917

Staines, our batman, wakens Rutherford and me at five. We are up at six for another escort show, this one to the Cambrai area. Chidlaw-Roberts has been given a flight after all and he is to lead with Major Patrick as 2 I/C. It is long, wet, and cold, and we see nothing.

In the afternoon I am permitted to lead Chidlaw-Roberts’s flight on a northern offensive patrol, all the way to Ypres. He is my number two for this one. I am determined to find some Huns today. Yesterday’s success has my blood up. We glimpse some suspicious machines through the heavy cloud, heading south. Despite chasing and climbing for a half-hour, we lose them in the walls of grey vapour that tower to 10000 feet and return to Filescamp empty-handed.

Hunt has still not been heard from. He is taken off the roster and noted as missing.

Several of the NCOs have put together a credible concert band, and they put on a good show in C Flight hangar. The good Major supplies a keg of beer, and officers are directed to have no more than one so that the other ranks can enjoy themselves. The officers organise a whip round and Young and I get to Izel to buy two more kegs. The music improves greatly as the night goes on.

NOTES:


[1] This refers, it seems, to the Battle for Hill 70. The Hill was the vital ground overlooking Lens. The battle began on 15 August, and by the 17th the Germans were counter-attacking aggressively. The FE2bs that Corderoy escorted were bringing down fire on the enemy assembly areas.

[2] Mention in Despatches.

Attached Files Kill #4.jpgKill #5.jpg
#4395619 - 12/19/17 02:47 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Another excellent story, Raine. And 2/Lieut. Corderoy is now an ace. Congratulations! Perhaps his early struggles with claims are now in the past. On the other hand, I hope his first flamer on his fifth claim doesn't turn out to be a bad omen.

Meanwhile, a drink to Geoffrey's health! cheers


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4395628 - 12/19/17 03:00 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
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Finally salvaged a few minutes to read your report Raine, before heading out for the day. Yes, another nice one. I liked the reference to Hill 70. Glad to see the claims finally going through, and of course, the disappearance of Bishop should settle things down a little.


(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper
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Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L
Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4

#4395715 - 12/19/17 07:53 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Jeffery Vickers
2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's

Dec 19, 1917.


Targeted an Aerodrome near Monchy, we did some nice work this morning. However we did loose one of the New Guys 2nd Lt. Herbert ( ? )

Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-19 11-39-05-99.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 12/19/17 07:57 PM.
#4395781 - 12/20/17 12:44 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Raine, hmmm... playing with the Very lights. You know that guy that got hit with one died the next day...
Congrats on the kill confirmation and acedom! So, Bishop's out of the way. Time to go to work and earn your pay.
Carrick, nice fireworks!


"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."
#4395878 - 12/20/17 04:01 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Raine  Offline
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Diary of 2/Lieut. Geoffrey Corderoy, RFC
Part 22: 19-20 August 1917

19 Aug 1917 – Filescamp Farm


Early patrol – southern offensive patrol, down along the lines towards Cambrai. It is drizzling as I walk along the well-beaten path through the orchard to our hangar. There is time for a quick smoke and a cup of tea proffered by Corporal McGlashon, my trusty rigger. We chat for a few minutes while Sgt Nicod runs up the SE. Caldwell is leading today and lets me know the news that Molesworth’s transfer to HE has come through. He is leaving this afternoon, so there will not be time for a proper binge. I’m feeling well binged-out in any event. I wonder who will get Moley’s flight.

We are off: Jenkins, Caldwell, Chidwell-Roberts (along for the fun, apparently), Crompton, and Young. We passed over Monchy-le-Preux and continued, dodging muddy grey cloudbanks, southeast through seas of Archie puffs. There is a Hun aerodrome at Riencourt-lès-Cagnicourt. I am leaning over the side looking for it when I see out of the corner of my eye Caldwell’s grid climbing away. Seven Albatros scouts have emerged from the overcast and are on us, and it is a hot time. Two approach me head on and the bullets snap past. I skid sideways and fire. Some small debris flutters in the air as the Hun flashes past. Now it’s time to gain some height. The SE is a bit sluggish and I adjust the mixture, nearly stalling out of a turn. The two Huns are firing again. This time a couple of rounds punch into my left upper plane. Everything holds together. Good on you, Farnborough! Snap left and get behind one of the Huns. A quick burst causes him to spin away and down, looking for an escape.

My hands are full with the other Hun for a minute or two until Crompton jumps on his tail. At that very moment, an unseen Hun hits my machine. There is a hole in the fabric a foot from my right shoulder! I spin and dive away, not levelling out until I am at 3000 feet. About 600 yards off is a lone Albatros, perhaps the one that dived away from me earlier. He is heading towards a low wall of cloud. In a few seconds I am on his tail, firing until he pitches over and tumbles towards the earth, streaming smoke. I climb away westward and return home alone, low on ammunition.

[Linked Image]
"In a few seconds I am on his tail, firing until he pitches over and tumbles towards the earth, streaming smoke."

At lunch we toast Molesworth and I wish him all the best. He’s a stout fellow, but we never really got to know one another well. Then we are off on our afternoon patrol. We are to escort some Fees over the lines to Vitry to bother some Hun reserves. Major Patrick is leading. In the hangar, he notices that I am not longer using a ladder to climb into my machine and asks me to take station on his left wing. “Bring it in a bit closer this time,” he says. “I want to see whether the leg is still affecting your formation work. It looks much better.”

Patrick is an all-too-uncommon leader who knows that pride and trust are his best tools. He makes me want to give peak effort all the time. Over the lines, Soden signals a wash-out and leaves us. Then Young turns back too. Now we are only three SE5s and two Fees. We approach the objective and a large group of Albatri dive on us. We see them late and are badly outnumbered. I have three of the buggers on me at once and, while I hand out some punishment, my grid starts to take hits. When the right moment comes, I dive away at full throttle and head for our lines. Two Albatri follow, but I am drawing away. As I cross the lines and pass the first of our captive balloons, one of the Huns turns back. I wait a minute and then turn on the remaining EA. The fight is short and furious. After several head-on passes I hit him and, as his machine staggers, I zoom and turn onto his tail. He dashes eastward, but I close on him just as we reach enemy lines and the ground fire begins to worry me. A long burst from my Vickers and Lewis sends the machine tumbling down. A thousand rifles and machine guns are now pointed my way and I am lucky to get out without serious damage. Caldwell and Crompton each return with claims as well.

It has been a good day’s work, two EA claimed. Unfortunately neither is witnessed and therefore my official bag remains at five. The Major has given Lieut Guy directions to note all unwitnessed claims as such, and Wing is responding with a more conservative view about crediting kills, or so it seems. On the other hand, I have good news. The CO is pleased with my station-keeping on his wing today, and I learn that he sent in a W3121 recommending me for an MC for my two-kill performance on the 17th inst., and it has already been approved through Wing and Brigade. I shall remain hopeful.

20 Aug 1917

I get to lead a patrol today when Caldwell’s grid goes wonky on him shortly after take-off. We are carrying bombs to our Hunnish friends at Menin aerodrome. I lead us in and get out quickly, leaving several shops and hangars in ruin and flames.

Afternoon is a northern offensive patrol, and I am hopeful for more Huns. There is too much cloud to see anything, though, and we return after two hours of pointless flying.

Off to the bath house in Izel with Caldwell and Chidwell-Roberts, then to dinner in town.

Attached Files 19 Aug rejected kill.jpg
#4395896 - 12/20/17 05:42 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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ahhhhhhhhhh the stories are smooth and well written. good job.

#4395898 - 12/20/17 05:48 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's

Dec 20, 1917.


Mixed it up with the Huns over Vimy while Escorting 2 French 1 1/2 ers. The flight chased the Scouts down to the deck claiming 2 e/a destroyed for 0 losses. I had 1 Hun flash by at the start of the fight then I made a side pass at another but over shot due to speed. Looking around , I was alone so RTB.

Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-20 09-28-14-32.jpg
#4395971 - 12/21/17 01:45 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Finally Corderoy is coming into his own. Excellent battle description Raine and too bad about missing out on another confirmation. If they only had gun cameras ...


"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."
#4396077 - 12/21/17 06:15 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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2nd Lt., Rfc
41 Sqn, B Flight Commander
Lealvillers, Flanders.
France
3 Victory's

Dec 21, 1917.


B flight flew in the dirty weather up tp Vimy then back . No contact with the Huns.

Attached Files CFS3 2017-12-21 10-10-45-65.jpg
#4396102 - 12/21/17 09:03 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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carrick58 Offline
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41 Sqn Mess.

I say , I Took a Hike around the field under the dark sky, I was just looking for exercise, but ran into a Milk Maid with a basket of Apples so bought the whole thing of shiny Reds and walked back to the Mess. Jolly good what ?

https://giphy.com/gifs/lil-red-riding-hood-xULW8lJ4Xl7RLzC2xq/fullscreen

#4396131 - 12/21/17 10:37 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Banjoman Offline
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Antigua, Guatemala
Hey guys, I'm finally back from the states. It will take me a little while to get caught up on all of the stories, but I think I can have the latest status report on Sunday. I know you guys want to see a picture of my new granddaughter so here you go.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files FB_IMG_1512964592207.jpg
Last edited by Banjoman; 12/21/17 10:37 PM.

Member and provider of banjo music for the Illustrious BOC
#4396133 - 12/21/17 10:44 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Raine Offline
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Gorgeous...but can she pick on a banjo? Glad to see you back, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

#4396134 - 12/21/17 10:45 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Banjoman Offline
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Banjoman  Offline
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Antigua, Guatemala
Not yet, but she will. biggrin


Member and provider of banjo music for the Illustrious BOC
#4396141 - 12/21/17 11:03 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair Offline
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MFair  Offline
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Banjoman, glad you are back save. That is one beautiful bundle of joy! Enjoy and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
#4396156 - 12/22/17 12:41 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Nov 2014
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Welcome back Banjoman. Good looking kid, but ... why only one head?


"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."
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