Somewhat except I get it after 10 hours, it increases from there and I become resigned to the fact that my guy is going to get chopped and just take it as it comes. Also I get a sense of dread in every flight in the Albatros D.II Because I've had 2 AI pilots spontaneously combust on one patrol and, in a different career, one pilot of my own had his Albatros ignite itself for no apparent reason on his third patrol. Idk why it happens, I don't flog the engine, they just randomly self destruct.

Friend, anything you can do would be acceptable to me.

Oh yes, One tends to become VERY CAREFUL, as the DiD campaign progresses, if you want to keep your treasured pilot alive to the end of the war.

Luthor Linderman
Underofficer, Zwei Flight
Briastre, Flanders.
Jasta 3

6 Victory's

March 23, 1918.

The fuel carts have come up, but its only 50 % of the requested amount. The C.O. says 6th Army supplies have been diverted to those units at the front at this critical point.

Mr wiggins is right. CAREFUL is the word for DiD Flying.

MFair, I know what you mean. I find that for the first 25-50 hours with a DiD pilot, it's all a great adventure. But then it becomes a methodical study in survival. I go through periods where I'm reluctant to engage without an advantage, and even seeing a squadron mate in trouble doesn't result in an automatic rush to attack (although I generally do so after some self-recrimination). Later there can be bursts of recklessness that make you I realise how Mannock and Von Richthofen ended up violating their own dicta and paying the price. With the one DiD pilot I had who made it to the end of the war (in Olham's campaign, starting in November 1917), I recall getting angry in late October and November 1918. Every time we'd be attacked by Fokkers, I'd be cursing my luck and thinking "It's over. I should be out of all this. So quit already!"

Raine, all of those things, and more, go through ones head. I think most if not all of us DiDers can relate to your thoughts. The urge to "rack em up" get's tempered over time but there are still those moments of abandon tossed to the winds and the fickle finger of fate!

Awesome stories! I'm currently trying to catch up. I'm on page 6 so only 185 to go.No prob lol. Good luck and good hunting everyone!

Raine, you nailed it my friend! That is exactly what I am talking about. I reckon we can thank OBD for for such a fantastic sim. I have never done a study but I would guess 80 percent of my dead DID pilots are mid air collisions with a few engine fires thrown in. I have grown very wary of tight fur balls.

Luthor Linderman
Underofficer, Zwei Flight
Briastre, Flanders.
Jasta 3
6 victory's

March 24, 1918.


I was flying the Jasta Hack a/c to and from Hq for dispatches and Orders. It seems that Fresh Divisions are being fed into the Michel Battle. Jasta 3 is being Op/con ( Operational Control ) to II Armee. We will be getting 6 Pilots and 4 more a/c Albatross D-Va 's for our part of the operation.

Albert Earl Godfrey

24 Nov 1917 @ 07h10 Reccy escort to Monchy

The cacophony immediately died down as the C.O announced the morning mission. It was to be a Reccy to Monchy with “B” flight directly providing top cover for two R.E. 8’s of AFC-3 flying out of Bailleultown. “A” flight was to provide additional protective cover for “B” flight and the R.E. 8’s from behind and slightly higher up. The forecast was not good with low mist and rain giving way to heavier clouds above 4000 ft. The mission had been originally scheduled for the 22nd but weather conditions had resulted in scrubbing all flights and although the current weather was not good, the mission could not be put off any longer as it was deemed critical to the current Cambrai offensive.

Godfrey was to lead “B” flight with a new squadron member “Chamber” filling the wing position. The rest of the flight was composed of Selous, Hamersley, Rutherford, Duncan and Crompton. Rutherford and Godfrey were the only two original members of the squadron in the flight, So many good lads having gone west.

“A” flight didn’t fair much better in representation. Soden and Chidlaw-Roberts were the old guard surrounded by new faces composed of Patrick, Hegarty, and young.

The only upside to the affair is that they would all be flying new S.E.5 Vipers which had shown up several days ago. They had only been released from the fitters and mechanics for duty on the 23rd. This would be the first flight for these birds and the men were rather excited to take them up, even in these conditions.

Godfrey pulled the collar of his sidcot up around his neck and tied his scarf ends around it to pull it in close, cutting out the draft. The rain was pelting down in a steady stream as they climbed away from the airfield. The heavy ground fog gave way as they climbed north to form up. The engine of the Viper sounded solid and powerful to Godrey as he surveyed the surrounding sky and terrain, climbing ever higher into a turn and beginning the forming up circle.

As they approached 4800 ft, the rain suddenly stopped as they cleared most of the prevailing cloud. The ground mist was still heavy below and dense cloud cover still hung above the flight but there were patches of clear sky opening up and the sun breaking the horizon was a veritable show of colour. Godfrey could not help reflecting how beautiful it was and how much more desirable than slogging it out in the trenches below. At 07h22 they had reached 8100 ft, when Godfrey took the flight on a southerly heading towards Monchy.

At 07h32, still at 8600 ft, they crossed the Lys river. As the flight reached 9000 ft, they passed over Loos and were met with the R.E.8’s they were to escort. They continued to climb to 10500 ft as they approached the front lines near Thelus at 07h46.

It was then that Godfrey first noticed two specs well up and a good distance on his port side. They were too far off to identify but he kept his eyes on them until he was comfortable that they were not interested in his flight.
Shortly there after, he noted 7 specs directly in his line of flight and about 1000 ft above at 12 o’clock. That flight immediately began to break up with two clearly intent on molesting the R.E.8’s.

Godfrey waggled his wings, kicked left rudder and began a steep dive, swinging onto the tail of the first Alb DV headed for the R.E.8’s. His engine fairly roared in the dive and he was soon on the tail of the Hun. Feathering back his throttle, he attack quarter aft as the hun climbed out and loosed a good volley down the side of the Albatros. He knew he had hit home when the Hun’s evasive maneuvers weakened. He continued his attack sending volley after volley into the body of the craft, ever closing his distance on the Hun’s six. Finally he observed the engine burst into fire and the deed was complete.

Godfrey broke away scanning for any other Huns close by, or squadron mates who might be in trouble. He observed hi flight mate Selous in pursuit of a Hun about 500 ft above. While tailing the action, another Hun flying towards this action, sped past just above Godfrey’s starboard side. He noticed the Hun intent on harassing Selous in aid of his mate. The intent was not lost on Godfrey and he was damned if he was going to stand by and let it happen.
He swung his S.E. to port and climbing, gave chase on this Hun interloper.
Selous was busy chasing his foe in a dive and was not aware of the second Hun jockeying for position on his six, but Godfrey was quickly closing ranks and just in time, sent several volleys at the second Hun which served to make him break off his attack on Selous. As the Hun broke away to port and climbed out, Godrey was right there to press the attack. The hun kicked rudder and dove away. Godfrey would have given chase, but he noted that Chambers had taken up the gauntlet and was swinging in behind the Hun. Godfrey pulled up to scan the skies again and assess the situation.

The members of “B” flight seemed to have things well in control and showing an upper hand in the affair. Godfrey spotted one Alb without a dance partner and so offered to show him the floor. They passed head on and Godfrey sent him a greeting in the process. The hun broke into a tight port turn and Godfrey into a like minded starboard turn from a height advantage. As the Albatros came about, it passed directly below the S.E. and Godfrey again sent him anothere greeting. Again both craft turned to face one another and again Godfrey, with the advantage of height sprayed the Hun’s upper planes and cockpit with lead.
The Hun again turned to port and Godfrey to starboard. They were about to face each other again when Godfrey noted Hamersley, approaching from behind the Hun, crossing just below his own S.E., begin to fire on the Albatros. Godfrey broke away ending his attack and observed Hamersley chasing the Hun as he attempted to dive away and run. The Hun managed to shake Hamersley but in an erring judgment headed back in the direction of Godfrey who was more than willing to cut in on the dance and finish the affair. After several more volleys at the Hun, Godfrey observe the Albatros go into a seemingly uncontrolled spin. Since the Hun was now out of the action and not an immediate threat, he elected to break off the attack and try to gather his flock.

He soon noticed that Selous was involved in attacking a Hun about 800 ft above him, and while scanning about observed another Alb on it’s own heading east. He gave chase and his Viper soon closed the distance. He could not help reflecting how his old S.E. could not have done it. Within minutes he was on the six of the Hun less than a hundred yards away and the Hun was oblivious of his presence. He gave one long volley at close range and the Hun turned over and fell to the dirt below.

Godfrey then reversed to return and collect his flock.
One by one they came together and at 08h00 they had reformed at 5600 ft. and were dancing about the flak that the Huns were sending up as a going away present. They all managed to cross the lines safely but for Chambers who had not rejoined. They arrived over Athies at 08h05 cruising at 8600 ft and still no sign of Chambers. Godfrey felt a sick sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. It was Chambers first outing and he had been freshly assigned as the wingman.

Back at base Godfrey laid claim to three Albatros DV’s, Selous claimed 2 more, and Hamersley and Rutherford each claimed another. It had been a good outing and the R.E.8’s had made it back to their base unscathed with their ill gotten gains.

As night fell, Chambers was still missing. As the next two days passed, he was declared missing in action.

Footnote:

The British 40th Division supported by 100 tanks of the BTU and 430 heavy guns, failed to take Bourlon Ridge. The German field guns became more and more effective at knocking out the tanks. The great strides and quick advance of the Cambrai offensive was slowing down considerably as the Germans sent more and more reinforcements to the front. All the gains made since the offensive began would soon turn to naught as the British were forced to give up all their gains.

I haven't been getting much stick time lately so your stories folks, are my touchstone to WOFF. Keep em coming!

Carrick, Luthor just keps on going and going! I envy your stick time. I have had little of it lately.

Canuck, I am loving your stories mate! I look forward to each post. It's been a long time since I have run into the Baron. Your historical notes, much like Raine's, add a lot of enjoyment to the posts.

Maeran, your creative weaving of events makes for a great story. Gored by abull! Good Show!!

Raine, Corderoy seems tobe cutting safety rather thin these days. I hope he returns to his composed self after he recovers from his head injuries. Always a good story from you sir!! I was looking for the usual historical footnotes, but none this time.

MFair, good to see your getting stick time and posting your escapades. Jerod is doing well I see. Your mention of Diksmuide brought back memories of my previous DiD pilot "Ward" who flew in that area.

Keep the stories coming folks!

Best Regards to all

Please don't envy, I just don't have much to do lately so I get a lot of stick time. Good reading all keep em flying.

Good show Robert. Very detailed report. Reading it, doesn’t take much to imagine the battle. And then there is the video. Thanks for doing these. I think you’re the only one doing it in this challenge.

Thanks Tom.

I like doing video but they are time consuming to edit and upload. That particular video had great atmospheric qualities with the sunrise clouds and low ground mist.

Talk about a Oh crap moment! lol.

Robert, great video and story. Nice historical note also.

Jerod Jackson
Auchel
November 24th

Most of the flights have been uneventful. The weather has been nice. Lounging at the mess Jackson and 3 others were called to intercept incoming machines southeast of Armentiers. Nearing the patrol area he spotted what looked like a DWFC and 2 escorts. He changed headings and started climbing towards them. One of the escorts, a silver Phalz dove down to engage. They were soon locked into a circling duel. Jackson could see the enemy looking back at him from across the sky. After about 4 minuets with Jackson gaining the upper hand, the Phalz pilot broke for home. Jackson lined up his shot and let rip. The Phalz staggered and slowed. Jackson was able to fly up his rear and at 30 yards filled the Hun with a 3 second burst. He dropped out of the sky like a stone.

Climbing back to altitude he circled waiting for his flight but no one appeared after 10 minuets so he headed home. Back at base he learned that the other members of his flight had pursued the other Huns as they turned home. Barclay claimed 2 and Henderson claimed another. Confirmed or not, it had been a good day for 43 squadron.

2Lt. John B. Goode
147th Aero Squadron USAS

March 24th 1918

LAFAYETTE WE ARE HERE!!!!

I begin this journal sitting in an old 2nd Class car, on my way to the 2nd AIC (1) at Tours. As uncomfortable and cold as it is in here, we're better off by a long shot than the enlisted men in the 40 & 8s behind us.

They've had a pretty rough time of it. Their equipment went missing at Romsey, then they had to put up with the stinking cattle stalls on the "Northwestern Miller."

I'm sharing a cramped compartment with Dewey (2), Dod Cassard (3) and Alk Jones (4). Next door are the Major (5) and Deuce (6) with Mickey Two (7). Mickey seems to be weathering all this commotion just fine. He's fast asleep on the Major's lap. Deuce probably gave him some milk and whiskey again.

We landed at Le Havre yesterday, but by the time we got settled at the rest camp it was 11 pm and I was too tired to write by then.

The Squadron marched up to the camp in column of twos through the streets. The greeting the French gave us along the way made us feel pretty important and snappy. They kept cheering us and yelling "Veev Lez Amee!"

The tents were miserable. Wet, cold and no bunks. They gave us 4 blankets apiece but it was hard to decide how to use them. Was it best to put them below to keep out the wet or above the keep out the cold? Dewey and I teamed up as sidekickers. He put his 4 on the ground and we shared mine over us. With that and our overcoats we were snug as bugs.

Had a fine breakfast tho, beef, coffee, bread and jam. First hot meal in over 48 hours.

The train left Le Havre at 6pm, it's now 10. We've had one stop, at Mezidon. We had time to get out and stretch our legs. The Red Cross people were there to serve coffee, sardines and bread.

Saw my first enemy soldiers, Austrians, not Germans. There were a few prisoners at Mezidon, cleaning the street under guard.

Kaiser Bill has started a BIG PUSH to try to wrap things up before our army can throw a monkey wrench into his plans. We're all champing at the bits to get to the front!

(1) A.I.C.- Aviation Instruction Center

(2) Dwight G. (Dewey) Rothchild - a fictitious wingman assigned by WOFF

(3) Lt. Daniel W. (Dod) Cassard, member of B Flight, KIA 16 July 1918

(4) Lt. Arthur Hast (Alkali Ike) Jones, will be B Flight commander, credited with 4 victories. The nickname, usually shortened to Alk, was given to him by 2Lt. Emile (Frenchy) Vadnais, who took it upon himself to assign nicknames to his fellow pilot cadets during flight training in Canada. This nickname was probably derived from the 1911 comedy "Alkali Ike's Auto" staring Augustus Carney.

(5) Major Geoffrey Harper Bonnell, commander of the 147th Aero Squadron. Bonnell was a New Yorker who enlisted in the Canadian Field Artillery the day after England declared war. Subsequently he served on the Western Front during the 2nd Battle of Ypres and the Somme sector from July to November 1916. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and after only 11 hours of solo time he saw action on the Lille Front, flying D.H.2s with No. 32 Squadron. He was credited with one aircraft.

Bonnell was assigned to command units in training at Toronto and then at Taliaferro Fields in Texas. He transferred to the US Air Service in October 1917. Given command of the 147th Aero Squadron on January 25th 1918, he selected men for his squadron from a list of personnel he had been evaluating since their time in Canada.

(6) Lt Cleveland W. (Deuce) McDermott - served with A Flight. KIA 28 October 1918. Credited with 3 victories.

(7) Mickey Two - Major Bonnell's Staffordshire Bull Terrier and mascot of the 147th Aero Squadron. Although Mickey Two was the mascot for the Squadron during the war, Mickey Free, Bonnell's previous animal companion was chosen as the Squadron symbol to be painted on their aircraft.

Mickey Free was Major Bonnell's Cairn Terrier. This dog died of pneumonia in December 1917. The Major had originally been given command of the 17th Aero Squadron at that time but was replaced by Major Martin Scanlon just before the unit left for Europe. Some of the pilots of the 17th believed that Bonnell had asked to be relieved because of his grief for Mickey Free.

Mickey Free was well known to the officers who trained at Toronto and Fort Worth. In fact, Mickey Free, or simply Mickey to most of them, had already adorned the fuselages and was occasionally seen under the wings of the Jennys at Camp Mohawk in Canada.


Somehow the captions for the pictures didn't take, The ship is the Northwestern Miller which was sold to a German shipping company after the war and renamed the Augsburg, later it was sold to the Japanese and was sunk during the 2nd war. The dog is Mickey Two on Major Bonnell's lap

Thanks for the acknowledge Fullofit and MFAIR.

Jet bear I fully enjoyed your report and the background history of the training program in Toronto and Texas. It was a well detailed background report. Tnx

I just got around to watching your video, Robert. Nice story and report. Naturally, I particularly enjoyed your description of the clouds and weather and how you wove it into your story. In the video, at times, it looked like Godfrey was admiring the scenery rather than scanning the skies for the enemy! As your video shows, dawn and sunset scenes are my favorite in WOFF.

One question. I noticed that your spinner stopped well before landing, yet you didn't mention it in your story. Did I miss it?

Jerbear--welcome to the WOFF story-tellers society. It's nice to see an American joining the fray! Good luck!