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#4411807 - 03/21/18 01:42 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Luthor Linderman
Underofficer, Zwei Flight
Briastre, Flanders.
Jasta 3
5 Victory's

Spotted 2 Sopwiths Types with rear guns while on patrol. Fired off my guns to alert our 6 a/c, everyone stayed in a standard right turn. I broke off and in a slight dive attacked the 2 seat machines. One stayed in the fight while the other went home. After 321 rds, he started down leaving a smoke trail. I could plainly see a damaged right wing. His rear gunner chopped me up good numerous hits all over my Scout, I was completely Shook up. A close call indeed.

Attached Files CFS3 2018-03-20 18-20-16-80.jpgCFS3 2018-03-20 18-22-52-38.jpg
#4411870 - 03/21/18 11:17 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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After making their report, Lt Kennicot and 2nd Lt Stanley went and got changed before heading to the mess. Stanley had only just got through the door when he was intercepted by one of the mess waiters.

“My apologies sir, Major Tyson wants you in his office at once.”
“At once eh? Well, very good. Thank you. Kennicot, I'll catch up with you later. “

Captain Dawes waved Stanley through into the major's office. Bob had been hoping to be relaxing in the mess by now, but instead he was standing to attention in front of a stern looking Major Tyson.

“I've read the reports, Stanley,” Tyson began. “You dived away for the lines before the enemy attacked.”
“Sir? They were clearly diving down upon us, sir.”
“You ran and left Charles and Ross to die.” The sentence was delivered as a level statement, but Stanley detected a snarl hidden underneath.
“Sir, they had the same chance as I did.”
“You should have stayed together, Lieutenant! Faced the enemy united!”
“We were too far apart to try sir. We were on artillery observation, and not in formation. If I had lingered, sir, Lieutenant Kennicot and I would also be dead.”
Major Tyson snorted. “Kennicot's an alright sort. You, on the other hand, should have been shot the first time! I'll not stand for cowardice on my squadron!”

Tyson went back to his chair and sat down. “I understand that you would likely weasel out of it now, like you weaselled out of it then. So what's the point in a charge? You're on orderly dog until I say otherwise. You fly your missions and then you stay here. You sleep in the orderly office and you are under the orders of Captain Dawes. Is that clear second lieutenant?”

“Yes sir.” The hope of an afternoon with the Sporting Life evaporated.


Captain Dawes talked Stanley through his duties. He was to type up reports, file various receipts, indents and wage rolls appropriately, and answer the telephone. It was essential that someone man the telephone at all times, in case urgent orders came through. As 'orderly dog,' Stanley was to sleep in a cot set up in the office in case the telephone rang at night. His meals were to be taken in the office and he would only be relieved of duty while flying or performing his ablutions.

It was very boring. But Stanley could see an opportunity when he was presented with one.

Saturday morning saw the RE8s on an uneventful photo reconnaissance over Loos. On his return, Stanley stayed in the office. When the CO went to dinner that evening, Stanley went to Tyson's desk and started writing. He had several examples of the Major's hand set about him and would often stop to practice a particular letter shape, but soon he had completed his task. Sealing the envelope and popping the letter into the dispatch bag, Stanley went back to his vigil beside the telephone.



On Sunday morning, B flight went up to bomb German positions behind the lines near Lille. Stanley didn't see the point; aeroplane directed artillery would have been more effective. Nevertheless he released his bombs at the target.

Moments later, the engine changed its tone. Stanley signalled to Slessor and headed west for La Gorgue, which was the closest aerodrome. After a minute the engine stopped.

[Linked Image]

It was eerily quiet. Certainly, the wind still howled in the wires and the occasional thud of artillery came from behind them, but without the roar of the engine, it seemed quiet enough to talk.

“Where are we going to glide to?” Kennicot asked his pilot.
“La Gorgue,” Stanley replied. “Its closest but still quite far. We might have enough height to glide there. If not, I find a nice field”
“Okay.” Kennicot said and then added, “the old man is being very hard on you.”
“Thanks, but don't worry. I can handle him.”
“Without doubt. Although your charm doesn't seem to work on him.”
“I have my ways.”
“I'll see what I can do when we get back.”
“Thanks!”

La Gorgue was still over a mile away when Stanley knew that they could not reach it. The fields below were a mix of vegetable patches, small copses of trees and larger fields with cows in them. One field seemed empty. Stanley decided to land there.

“Hold on! I doubt it's going to be a smooth landing!”

It was a pretty good landing. Small bumps bounced the RE8 dangerously from side to side as Stanley dug the tail skid into the dirt to slow the machine to a stop.

“There!” Stanley looked around to his observer. “We made it!”
“Never had any doubt, old boy.” Kennicot climbed cumbersomely out of his cockpit, “Stay with the machine, I'll go and organise a pickup.”

Stanley watched as Kennicot headed off toward the field gate. There was a bellow. Half way between the aeroplane and the gate, the brown coated figure turned his head to the right and raised his hand as if to ward off the bull that had gone unnoticed until it was too close.

The bull broke into a trot, tossing its horns. Kennicot ran. The bull charged. A horn caught Kennicot in the side and he was thrown into the air. Stanley, back at the aeroplane, leapt out of and ran toward his fallen companion. Fumbling with his flying coat he pulled his Webley revolver out and brandished it at the bull.

The bull had turned and was stamping and kicking at the lieutenant's prone body. Stanley slowed, walking forward at a deliberate pace with his pistol pointing straight out at the bull. He pulled the trigger. The crack of the Webley was followed by a bellow of pain and outrage from the bull. It leapt and twisted away from Kennicot. A bloody patch on its hip showed where Stanley had hit the beast.

Stanley fired two more shots before retreating to the RE8, the bull heading his way fast. Stanley dived under the wing and then turned to see where the bull was.

The bull had reached the wing and shoved at it. The whole aeroplane lurched around. The bull started to make its way around the wing. Stanley only had a few seconds to act.

He jumped onto the wing and then threw himself onto the pilot's chair and over into the observer's cockpit. He pulled the Lewis gun around on its rail and pulled the trigger. The bull screamed and collapsed in the hail of machine gun fire. Stanley's finger was white as he held the trigger until the drum ran out.

When the gun stopped, Stanley heard shouting. The farmer was running into the field waving his arms wildly. Stanley had to fight the urge to raise his pistol again. Instead he pointed at where Kennicot lay.

Kennicot's legs looked terrible and crooked. Blood seemed to be everywhere. He was groaning.
“Bloody hell! Are you alright?”
“Stupid question, Stanley.” Kennicot half opened an eye. “This is a right mess we've gotten into, eh? I really hope there's morphine.”

Within an hour, an ambulance from La Gorgue had taken Kennicot to a field station. Major Tyson arrived shortly after with the recovery truck.

“Shut up Stanley,” the Major said as he surveyed the scene. “I don't want to hear it. Get in the car and consider yourself under arrest.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I was forced to land in a field, it was a pretty good landing, but somehow Kennicot got killed. There were cows in the next field, so this is my story.

Other missions have been flown since and it seems that there is no flying until the 24th, so I will break the story into more manageable bites.

#4411879 - 03/21/18 12:01 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Absolutely smashing stories everyone.

Maeran, now I will be worried about bulls wherever I land!

Fullofit I appreciate the comment on the bravery of flying a two-seater, but Maeran is the real brave one here. I can at least fight back pretty successfully in the Brisfit! I cant wait to see what happens next with Aldi!

Robert It is great fun following along with Albert's progress!

MFair Great storytelling. And I agree, it is a good way to deal with a rejected claim. And a successful claim for that matter...

Banjoman Thanks as always for keeping the reports up to date!

Carrick I hate escort missions for that reason exactly. It can be tough to spot those coming in from below to wreak havoc.

#4412012 - 03/21/18 08:15 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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What a wealth of good reading! Carrick, it seems like Luthor is getting in the groove. Fullofit, stellar photos and an engrossing story. Robert, you are the master. This is the second very long career for an "A" pilot of yours, and success just keeps coming. Congrats! MFair, old friend. I always look for you here and am happy to see your man succeed despite the evil claims gods. Dark Canuck, great research and an engrossing tale. There is another pub night in our future soon. And Maeran, I'm thrilled to see you here and totally caught up in your story now. Can't wait for the next installment. Extremely well done.

Corderoy got blind-sided by an Albatros last time up and will be out for a total of 17 days, just when I was getting more time to fly. That's the way it goes....

Diary of Maj. Geoffrey Corderoy, RFC
Part 41: 17-20 November 1917

20 November 1917 -- Etaples


Have missed writing for several days. Much has happened since my last entry.

I awoke on the morning of the 17th feeling quite out of sorts – that my nerves had gone, that I was becoming unfit for command. There was a dark place in my heart. In the pale light seeping through the blinds, I read Catherine’s poem again.

St. Thomas's Hospital

Years of youth and hope, the promise and the wait
Dreams of laurels, love, contentments yet to be,
Where a thousand paths extend, a thousand turns of fate
And all remains a possibility.
But to these shattered men the gates are chained,
The ways are barred, the fading sun gone out.
With searching eyes, with faces tight and pained,
They pray to gain again what they have lost, despairing and devout.


The sense of dread was overwhelming, and it had taken me quite by surprise. I had told Captain Parker that I would accompany his flight at seven, but made an excuse and retired to my office, where I was unable to concentrate. I told Gregg to fetch Sergeant-Major Pococke and tell him that I would inspect the men’s lines, and so I lost an hour.

By eight o’clock I was heading back to the office. Now feelings of shame overcame my windiness, so I suited up and walked over to B Flight’s hangar. Sigismund was nearly ready to take off. His B Flight was to join up with some Strutters from Naval 2 and shepherd them down to Loos to photograph the Hun reserve lines. I said I would tag along, and was content to let Sigismund lead.

Once in the air, the nerves settled nicely and I was sliding back into my old self, even singing a little as we cruised south east to the rendezvous spot. Once there, we circled for twenty minutes. The Strutters did not show up. Finally, Sigismund turned back north. I pulled alongside his grid and pointed east, not wanting the patrol to end. He nodded and signalled for me to take the lead. Our six Camels climbed eastward past Ypres, passing 11000 feet as we crossed the mudscape of the Salient.

I was on a Hun-hunt, and I suppose my intent was to exorcise the wind-up demons. We patrolled for forty minutes, first to the south, and then north to Menen. Just south of that town, I saw six aircraft approaching dead ahead. In a very short time we could make out the distinctive shark-like noses of Albatri.

The two formations met head on, firing. I was forced to dip under one of the Huns to avoid a collision. A hard right turn should have brought me onto his tail, but the Hun was a good one. He had already zoomed and come about. We passed each other like this three or four times, bullfighter and bull. I took every chance to check my tail, as the main fight was somewhat above us, but I seemed to be clear. Then suddenly, my Camel shuddered as rounds smashed through my upper wing and all about me, and a blow to my head as from a cricket bat knocked me senseless.

I came to in a spin, at least three thousand feet below the fight. More rounds were smacking into my grid and blood was running down the right shoulder of my sidcot. I eased the Camel out of its dive. The machine groaned and skidded. From behind the sound of twin Spandaus was clearly audible over the roar of the engine. I jinked and twisted in a panic, fighting the grey mist that threatened to overwhelm. The compass was spinning. The sun was over my left shoulder – heading west, but down now to five thousand. The Hun was mere feet behind, moving for the kill. I pulled up, nearly stalling. The Albatros overshot. This was my chance to escape.

But I didn’t escape. Seeing the Hun twisting away, I let pure rage loose. My ways would not be barred, damn it. My fading sun would not be put out. If I was going to die I was bloody well going to have company! I’d struggled with keeping the Camel in a left turn, but now I fairly snapped it around and caught the Hun as he banked. A long burst straight down into his cockpit sent him tumbling like a dead leaf. I circled and watched as the yellow German machine straightened, then snapped about, then straightened, and then snapped about again into a vertical spin. It slammed into the ground just south of Menen.

Then I was sick to my stomach, which at least kept me awake. Howsam appeared off my left wingtip and became my guide. I followed him to Bailleul and put down on the asylum field there.

[Linked Image]
"I circled and watched as the yellow German machine straightened, then snapped about, then straightened, and then snapped about again into a vertical spin."

What followed was a blur. I can recall being lifted out of the tattered Camel. It seems I was lifted out of my tattered Camel and brought to No 3 CCS in Bailleul. There I had the back of my head shaved and a jagged piece of metal removed. By some miracle I had not been hit by a bullet. Instead, one of the rounds from the Hun had shattered the cap on the fuel tank and part of the thing nearly penetrated my skull just behind my right ear. A triangular piece of bone was gone, but I managed to keep the brains on the inside, and otherwise I was in one piece.

The last two days I have had terrible headaches that can last for hours and that make me dizzy.

With my head wrapped like a fakir, I was packed off by train to a convalescent camp here in Etaples – a dreary hole overrun with military police, training areas, and sullen labour corps coolies. There is, however, a chance I’ll be sent to England.

8 p.m.: Visited by Gorringe, who has brought my kit and news that my Hun has been confirmed – number 34.

Attached Files Kill #34.png
#4412049 - 03/21/18 10:10 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Enjoyable reading everyone.

Maeran: My pilots always wear rubber coated Flying Boots because they might have to land with Cows or Sheep in a field or talk with their fellow pilots about the Fights in the Mess

Last edited by carrick58; 03/21/18 10:46 PM.
#4412063 - 03/21/18 10:44 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Luthor Linderman
Underofficer, Zwei Flight
Briastre, Flanders.
Jasta 3
6 Victory's


My Spowith was confirmed . No fuel except for Run-ups and Test Flights. Maybe in a few days, it will be better. In the meantime, all have chipped in to have a entertainer perform in the Officers Mess. A Madame Miam, Miam, Yvette

https://giphy.com/gifs/makeup-boop-betty-uQEP2o2rtxkZ2/fullscreen


Last edited by carrick58; 03/21/18 11:00 PM.
#4412074 - 03/21/18 11:55 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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It has been quite a week for Sgt Sitwell, but the absolute topper was running into these guys tonight:

[Linked Image]

I've never been more excited/terrified when playing a game before. What an experience! Ill be typing up the actual post soon, but I'm so amped up I had to post something tonight.

Attached Files Baron and Udet.jpg
Last edited by Dark_Canuck; 03/21/18 11:56 PM.
#4412076 - 03/21/18 11:57 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Nice, looking forward to reading about your encounter.


Let's pretend I got the BWOC badge to embed here.

Wenn ihr sieg im deine Kampf selbst gegen, wirst stark wie Stahl sein.
"The best techniques are passed on by the survivors." - Gaiden Shinji
#4412081 - 03/22/18 12:25 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Carrick, Luthor seems to be coming into his own. Here is to a long career!

Robert, Great story and video as always. It seems ya'll really stitched them up on that last go.

Banjoman, Thank you for the stats. I must have put Jerod in the wrong flying club on my last update. He is flying in 1917. I just updated him correctly. Sorry for any trouble.

Maeran, what a ripping story Hoss! Very nice. Done a lot of hunting in my time but zipping a cow with a Lewis? Novel.

Dark Cannuck, Thanks you for the complement. I have to admit, after that flight, they could have sent me home and would have had the same reaction.

Raine, Careful my friend! That is too close! The fickle fate of war can do in the best of pilots and Geoffrey has outlived a few of his lives already. I hope he is rested and alert once back at the front.

2nd Lt. Jerod Jackson
Auchel
28 missions
9 victories.
Nov. 22, 1917

Jackson had two confirmed victories in the past 3 days. A DV over Haubourdin and another DV near Monchy. He has also been promoted to 2nd Lt. A proper gentleman now. With the new rank he is leading A flight on most days. He was feeling very confident and sure of himself until yesterday. He was leading a flight of 3 when Alice, on his right pulled up followed by Barclay. Jackson turned but could not see any danger. He made 2 complete circles looking all around with his two mates twisting and turning. He was about to think it was some stupid joke they were playing on him when bullets smashed into his right wing. Jackson turned up and left hard just in time to see a V Strutter flash past. At that moment the Camel went into a spin. A few thousand feet lower he pulled out and saw Barclay giving the Hun what for. "Serves him right" Jackson thought. After seeing the Albatros explode on the ground they formed up and finished the patrol with no other contact.

Today, with wonderful flying weather Jackson and 2 others were to patrol enemy lines from Menen to Diksmuide. Completing the first round, back over Menen at 10,000' Jackson spotted 4 machines in the distance. He tried to place his flight between the setting sun and the Hun patrol but they spotted the ploy and 2 broke of to engage. One of the Albatros went right over Jackson and he noticed the broad White and black vertical striped fuselage. After a little twisting and turning Jackson was on his tail and at close range let loose. Both of the Hun's wings collapsed and he went down like a stone on the outskirts of Menen. They formed back up continue the patrol but 2 machines coming east about 1000' above them dove to attack. They were painted the same as the last two. It was a brief fight and was over quick as both sides had had enough and they headed home. Approaching Auchel Jackson was taken by the wonderful sunset and at that moment wished he could fly at that moment forever. His DV was confirmed that night. Victory number 9. Making him the leading Ace in the squad.

Sim Notes. At this point, 43 RFC has no HA's. I am really enjoying this as everyone in the squad is vulnerable. It surely changes the way I fly. If I see a mate in trouble and know I am safe, I still go in because if I don't, he may not come back. How many times have you been low on ammo, maybe your plane is a little damaged but you are headed home and know you can make it but see a HA in your squad dueling with 3 enemy machines. You KNOW he will make it so you head home. Flying with no HA's sure makes for more immersion.


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!
#4412084 - 03/22/18 12:34 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair, I think you can check a box in the ME so that HA's remain dead if killed in action.


Let's pretend I got the BWOC badge to embed here.

Wenn ihr sieg im deine Kampf selbst gegen, wirst stark wie Stahl sein.
"The best techniques are passed on by the survivors." - Gaiden Shinji
#4412089 - 03/22/18 01:08 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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Ace_Pilto, is that true? MFair, I love flying with no HAs because it really changes things when you know they can all die.


Member and provider of banjo music for the Illustrious BOC
#4412103 - 03/22/18 02:45 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: Banjoman]  
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Originally Posted by Banjoman
Ace_Pilto, is that true? MFair, I love flying with no HAs because it really changes things when you know they can all die.


Yep, see attached:

(Edit: My bad, it's only for ENEMY HA's)

Attached Files Hd0TuHN.png
Last edited by Ace_Pilto; 03/22/18 06:15 AM.

Let's pretend I got the BWOC badge to embed here.

Wenn ihr sieg im deine Kampf selbst gegen, wirst stark wie Stahl sein.
"The best techniques are passed on by the survivors." - Gaiden Shinji
#4412111 - 03/22/18 03:53 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: Maeran]  
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Awesome story! Love these posts=)

#4412127 - 03/22/18 06:23 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: Ace_Pilto]  
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JJJ65 Online cool
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Originally Posted by Ace_Pilto
Originally Posted by Banjoman
Ace_Pilto, is that true? MFair, I love flying with no HAs because it really changes things when you know they can all die.


Yep, see attached:

(Edit: My bad, it's only for ENEMY HA's)

I could make it for friendly HA's either, but they would be very short living (from my experience).
But, anyway, in case of any interest, it is possible.

#4412129 - 03/22/18 06:48 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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It wouldn't be a bad option to have imo but you're definitely right, not many would survive for long.


Let's pretend I got the BWOC badge to embed here.

Wenn ihr sieg im deine Kampf selbst gegen, wirst stark wie Stahl sein.
"The best techniques are passed on by the survivors." - Gaiden Shinji
#4412141 - 03/22/18 10:21 AM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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MFair Offline
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Dark Canuck, that would be a rush! Looking forward to reading about the encounter.


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!
#4412186 - 03/22/18 01:31 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
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It was a rush indeed. My smartwatch tracks both heart rate and stress levels. When I checked my stats that night, it was easy to see when the combat took place!

Sgt Colin Sitwell
62 RFC
Cachy

17 March 1918

I have finally recovered from my wounds enough to fly. My permanent observer has not yet arrived, but I have been assigned Capt Doug Cooper in the meantime. He is experienced and a fair shot with the Vickers, so I am content with the choice. He is a more formal and traditional officer and we do not share the same camaraderie that I previously enjoyed with Harry.

Today we are to conduct a line patrol up to Vimy, with myself in the rear of the formation. Hughes and Claye have scored a further two Huns in my five days away, including the renown Lothar Von Richtofen [1]. Unfortunately, we have heard rumours that the Baron's brother is merely wounded and will eventually return to battle. Hughes and Claye are rightly chuffed as their score sits at six, far and away the most successful within the Sqn.

As we approached the lines on this bright and clear day, I noticed three huns Two-Seaters flying past us only about 2000m away. I signaled to Capt Purdom, but he ignored them and carried on with the Patrol. I was still feeling a bit sore from the loss of Harry and I was spoiling for a fight. I broke formation and tore after the Huns. I don't know why, but the formation of Hann CLIII panicked and split up, allowing me to move on them individually.

The first I brought down over several passes. It burst into flame and cratered into the ground behind our side of the Ridge. A few minutes later, Doug put down the second with a fantastic deflection shot that removed the wings from the stricken bird.

[Linked Image]
The Hann CLIII on its way to its final destination

Capt Purdom was not pleased when we returned to Cachy. He let me know in no uncertain terms I was not to go "Gallavanting all across the skies like some flighty bird." I think the only thing that saved me from a more severe dressing down was Capt Cooper stepping in on my behalf. Unfortunately, both the Huns were unwitnessed and my claims were rejected. Gibbons and Knights drove one down OOC on a separate patrol. [2]

18 March 1918
Today we set off on a patrol to the enemy airfield at Catin. We are told to go and seek trouble. Once again I take up a spot in the rear and happily trail along behind Capt Purdom. We only go a few miles before we see Huns a few thousand feet below us. They are far across the lines and flying low to try and avoid detection as the slink back to their side of the lines. Very unusual.

Purdom waggles his wings and arches over in a full power dive. I give a feral grin and follow. The situation immediately deteriorates into a wild furball. Everyone is going everywhere and it is difficult to find a target before becoming one yourself. I hear Capt Cooper hammering away with his Vickers at some pursuer while I bear down on a Pfalz DIII. We dance for several long minutes, before I finally gain the upper hand and send him in, not far from Cachy.

I am pleased to see that Lt Savage has witnessed my victory, having himself dealt with the troublesome V-Strutter who had been trying to get me. Doug Savage is a fine man. He is a very good pilot and a better companion in the mess. His stories are generally vulgar (as is his singing voice) but he is always seen with a wide smile. Word comes in almost before we land that both our claims are confimed.

19 - 20 March
Heavy snow has cancelled all flights. Drinking and cards in the mess. We hold an informal memorial for those lost since 12 March. [3]

21 March 1918
Line Patrol. Nothing seen. On a separate patrol Staton & Gordon shot down a DR1, Purdom and Chambers shot down a DV, and Arthur and Bruce-Norton scored an unknown enemy scout. [4]

22 March
The Huns broke through the 5th Army Front yesterday. We have been sent out to attack the ground troops on the front lines. We are each loaded up with bombs and off we go. We were about five minutes away from our target when every pilots worst fear occurred; We saw a flight of enemy coming directly for us and at the front was a scarlet triplane. The Baron himself had come out to stop us. In a flash of red he was past us. The remainder of the circus joining in the fray.

[Linked Image]
The Baron Flashing past

It was wild. My heart hammered in my chest as I dueled with the Hun's best fliers. I twisted and turned wildly, trying to get a shot at the Baron. Doug hammered rapidly on the Vickers until it jammed hopelessly. After that he was along for the ride. For ten minutes the Baron and I sparred. He was so much better than me and I knew it was only a matter of time before he ended this charade of a contest. The number of holes in my wings continued to mount.

And then my luck changed. A hasty snap shot hit something important and the Baron was no longer as maneuverable. I could now out turn him and he struggled to keep his crate aloft. I pressed my advantage and fired a long burst from short range. the Fokker tumbled out of the sky, cratering into the ground.

[Linked Image]
Closing for the final blow

With great satisfaction, I turned for home. Much to my surprise, I saw a second triplane coming towards me, in the markings of Herr Wolff. I a feat of accuracy and luck that I shall never be able to reproduce I fired a short burst from a long range and to my shock, the triplane angled downward sharply and smashed into the field below.

The RO, Lt Bramwell-Davis, initially scoffed at my claims, but both were soon confirmed by both Savage and Purdom. Maj Smith, Capt Purdom, Doug and I all hoped in the Tender and headed out to where Von Richtofen had crashed. We found the aircraft under the guard of a British infantry unit, though it had already been quite worked over by those searching for souvenirs. I was very disappointed to learn that somehow, Von Richtofen had survived the crash and had escaped capture. This was tempered by the fact I managed to get a large piece of the fuselage for the mess.

Maj Smith was on the telephone immediately after we returned to Cachy. Once he finished, he called for me. He looked me dead in the face. "Collin, big things are coming for you. Big things. But for now," he said with a smile, "it is time to celebrate!"

[1] Lothar was shot down by Hughes and Claye on the 13th, with Lothar losing the entire top plane of his DR1. It was several weeks before he returned to active duty.

[2] Historical victories Capt. George Everard Gibbons MC, DFC and Capt. Sidney Arthur William Knights MC. Both men survived the war, with Knights serving in 62 Sqn until May and Gibbons returning to HE on 18 September with 17 victories to his name.

[3] Total casualties between 12 March and 20 March were 15, all sustained between 12 and 14 March.

[4] These were the Historical Victories actually scored by the sqn for the day.

Attached Files Down in Flames.jpgGeting a bead.jpgThe Baron.jpg
Last edited by Dark_Canuck; 03/22/18 04:11 PM.
#4412204 - 03/22/18 03:08 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,420
Banjoman Offline
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Banjoman  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,420
Antigua, Guatemala
Jara, could you please make that change for Allied HAs as well?


Member and provider of banjo music for the Illustrious BOC
#4412283 - 03/22/18 09:40 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: CatKnight]  
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
MFair Offline
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MFair  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
Quick question for the group. All of my pilots for the past few years have been Olhams DID or the current DID. It seems that when I get to around 30 hours combat time battle stress sets in. When I climb in the cockpit that feeling of “is this the mission I buy the farm?” starts creeping into my head. The more hours I fly, the worse it gets! Anyone else have a similar story?


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!
#4412289 - 03/22/18 09:58 PM Re: DiD Centenary Challenge [Re: Banjoman]  
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,079
JJJ65 Online cool
Member
JJJ65  Online Cool
Member

Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,079
Czech Rep.
Yep, that would be possible, Banjoman, just ME will be in conflict with WOFF - after mission when HA was shot down, WOFF will show HA as injured but ME will have to remove the HA from roster. For the next mission, WOFF can generate killed HA for next flight, but ME can override it and delete the killed HA from flight plan and replace him with ordinal squadron pilot. Is that solution acceptable?

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