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#4512410 - 03/23/20 05:33 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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I’ve been away from my WOFF machine for about three days and so much has happened since I was last here.

Wulfe, it’s wonderful to have you back. You tail of a rainy day in the officers mess was a terrific piece of work. By the way, Tidmarsh seems to be a forgiving sort. As I recall it, wandering into the mess wearing headgear was always worth around for everyone present. And it seems like Evan has twigged to the secret of the Bristol Fighter. I’ll have to get Collins over to visit his old friend Billy Leefe Robinson.

MFair, to Tripes in one day! Cancer is a master of his Albatros. But even masters fall prey, and Ganz was lucky to survive that surprising bounce over the airfield. I hope he recovers quickly.

Seb, it was a shock to read of von Toombs’ passing. I began by perusing your account of defeating two Triplanes and then downing a balloon. Von Toombs appeared to be invincible and was certainly due for his PLM. You really feel the impact of losing a great pilot like that and it can be hard to get into the skin of someone else. If you take care to establish a good character in the first story or two with a new man, though, the old magic comes back. I hope you will not be away for long.

Buckeye, thank you for dropping in again and for all your good words. Let’s hope the vision holds out.

Carrick, that photograph of the two machines falling from the midair collision is a stunner.

Lou, it sure didn’t take Swany long to get back into Comic Cuts! Great job on your first time back over the lines. And it even better job downing the kite balloon and the two seater. Wonderful screenshots too! There was something particularly evocative about Swany seeing the structures of 70 Squadron passing by.
Fullofit, as Wulfe already put it, “Manfred von who?” No matter how long I fly in this sim, I don’t think I’ll ever achieve Toby’s deadly efficiency.

#4512421 - 03/23/20 06:02 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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VonS Offline
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@All, superbly thrilling stories gents'.

@Seb, shocked to read about v. Toombs - a nasty surprise indeed - take comfort in knowing that he is now a part of the pantheon of other DiD legends as Aldi Schwarzkopf from the other Centenary DiD thread that was going strong here until Nov. of 2018.

Hope to get back into the casual campaigns threads soon (was busy with FM tweaks for the Se5a....Hisso 8Ba variant...best of the Scout Experimentals).

Von S smile

Last edited by VonS; 03/23/20 09:57 PM. Reason: Added info.

~ For my various FM/AI/FPS/DM Mods. for First Eagles 2, WoFF, RoF & WoTR, and tips for FlightGear, recommended is to check over my CombatAce profile (https://combatace.com/profile/86760-vons/) and to click on the "About Me" tab while there. ~
#4512448 - 03/23/20 07:36 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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An Airman’s Odyssey – by Capt James Arthur Collins, VC, DSO, MC

Part One Hundred and Nine: In which the bird begins its nest


[Linked Image]

Lefebvre laughed across the breakfast table Of the Hôtel Terminus as I struggled to describe the wonderful meal I’d enjoyed the night before at Le Chapon Fin. “And now you know why we call military food pinard et singe,” he said. We lounged over coffee while he briefed me on affairs at the winery. Thérèse’s uncle was still living in the house. That was my mistake, I told him. I had retained Arnaud as operations manager but we had not discussed the living arrangements. The head vintner, Savard, was complaining that the new owner was not sufficiently involved. Lefebvre had tried to explain the whole business of there being a war on and my occasional duties with the Royal Flying Corps. Thérèse worked in the fields every day with Savard. It seemed the issue about whether we should replant or cut back the frost-damaged vines had led to serious friction between her and her uncle. Savard and Thérèse’s were clearly on the same side in the battle. Lefebvre told me that Mr Arnaud would likely insist that Savard be let go when we spoke with him.

“Okay, here’s another idea. What if we bought another vineyard? I’m thinking about something far simpler. Not a premium producer. In fact, not even a particularly good one. Just something cheap and drinkable that we could sell to the French army or navy – something that could be produced in quantity and sold at a reasonable profit. I could get Arnaud to run the business and let Thérèse and Savard take care of Pétrus for me and Bertie. You would be my agent and would oversee both operations. The pinard business would focus on profit and Pétrus would focus on quality. For Pétrus, profit will come in time.”

Lefebvre lit a cigar and leaned back. “Non,” he said. “You don’t need to buy a vineyard. You buy a production facility. There are enough producers in trouble that you can cheaply buy the grapes they can’t use. For what you want to do, you can buy their cheaper grapes and blend them. But you need good bottling capacity and storage and shipping space. And who knows? Perhaps one day Petrus can use the same facility. Or you can sell it after the war. I will look around. I have some ideas.”

“Fine,” I said. “But we need to do it quickly. And we will need a house or an apartment close by for Arnaud.” I made some notes and we talked for another hour. The plan came together quickly.

Lefebvre had borrowed his friend’s Unic for the drive out to the vineyard. Arnaud met us there with great enthusiasm. He gave us a quick tour of the fields and informed us that he would be doing some replanting. I saw Savard in the distance. Arnaud did not approach him. Thérèse was nowhere to be seen. I suggested we go back to the house and discuss a few matters related to the business. Arnaud offered a glass of wine. I refused and said I would welcome a coffee. Madame Girardin emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with a tray and three cups of delicious coffee.

I needed to sound decisive. It helped that this was the first time Arnaud had seen me in uniform. “When I bought this place I told you that you would be my operations manager. I needed someone of great business skill and leadership to do the things I have planned. As wonderful as Château Pétrus is, a man of your talent is wasted here.” A look of concern, or at least puzzlement, came over Arnaud’s face. “I want to acquire some other domaines besides this. But I need a production facility capable of handling five times what you produce and bottle here.”

Arnaud was shaking his head. “This is madness, monsieur. There is no market for that much good wine in this war.”

“Precisely,” I said. “That is why we need to buy the facility now. I intend to produce a cheap varietal, something we can sell easily in the present circumstance. The key to success is getting the plant running properly so that we can make a great deal of money selling pinard to the government this year. I intend to use that money to buy more first-class domaines. After the war, we will need that production capacity for good wine. I will set up the production plant as a separate corporation and am prepared to make you and M Lefebvre here shareholders. If you’re in, you’ll start right away and it will become your full-time business. I’ll worry about Pétrus.”

Arnaud’s wheels were turning. Lefebvre and I had already agreed to a 25-75 split of the shares. I was willing to go as high as 15 per cent for Arnaud. Arnaud asked about his share of the business. I said 10 per cent and he accepted. I told him to pack his things as he and Lefebvre were to get started at once. Arnaud protested that this was impossible. I told that this was how we did business in Canada – time is money and all that.

By one o’clock, Arnaud and Levesque were on their way in the Unic, I wandered outside and had had a long chat with a delighted Savard about cutting back the vines, Madame Girardin made up a room for me in the house, and Thérèse was invited for dinner.

We had two days together, Thérèse and I, two days in which there was no war, in which there were no Huns, in which I could be a boy again. It was all very chaste for a wartime romance. Frankly, I was nervous as heck around Thérèse. I did not want to make a mess of this relationship. She took me on long carriage rides around the countryside. Every evening I dutifully returned her to her parents’ house, where Maman and Papa Arnaud made me realise that the Entente Cordiale had not completely erased memories of Agincourt and Crécy. I suggested to Thérèse that when I had my next leave I should like to bring her to England to meet my family. She looked shocked and said that such a thing would never be permitted. I learned from her a new French expression: “petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.”

Little by little, the bird makes its nest.

Attached Files Wine country.png
#4512454 - 03/23/20 07:56 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Great reading to go with my Cupa Java.

#4512456 - 03/23/20 08:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Nigel Farnsworth Philby
Sgt, Rfc
1 Rfc Sqn
Flanders
2 unconfirmed
Bell Asylum, Flanders

March 23, 1917.

Bit of a mess today. B Flight had the duty and was posted for Patrol . Our 5 a/c were still on our side of NML when the Leader spotted a two seat E/A 1000 ft below and to our port side.. Down we went only to be jumped on by unseen enemy Escorts ( 3 e/a scouts ) The formation went to " E'LL " and it was turn or burn, I got off one drum full as we circled. Then hiding by a cloud, I was reloading and it was back at it. I spotted and cleared a e/a off one of my mates tail then the drum banged empty . Pulled off to reload only to see every one heading home.
Sgn Claims 1 e/a scout destroyed + 1 damaged. Losses: 1 N-17 destroyed ( Pilot KIA ) + 1 force down ( Pilot mortally wnd } 3 damaged ( mine had 10 holes }

Attached Files CFS3 2020-03-23 12-34-36-19.jpgCFS3 2020-03-23 12-35-03-05.jpgCFS3 2020-03-23 12-35-48-66.jpgCFS3 2020-03-23 12-37-32-07.jpgCFS3 2020-03-23 12-42-57-54.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 03/23/20 08:16 PM.
#4512488 - 03/23/20 11:43 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Lou, mighty fine flying. Balloons, two-seaters, Flak, rockets, old friends. The report had everything. I like this pictorial report format.

Raine and Wulfe, Manfred von who didn’t sit in front of a monitor. He was dodging real bullets.
I see Collins is really taking this vine making business seriously. It looks like he has a head for this kind of thing. Now about that nest ... don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

VonS, when are we going to see your pilots doing it for real, here with us?

Carrick, another scrap, another day Nigel can call a success, another day he gets paid and another ration of rum. Not bad.


23 March, 1917 09:50
Furnes, Flanders Sector
RNAS-8
SC Tobias Chester Mulberry VC, DSC&Bar, DSO&Bar, L d’H
82 confirmed kills

Both bombers from yesterday’s scramble mission were confirmed.
Their mission for today was to patrol enemy front lines between Menen and Lille. As soon as they arrived near Menen, they spotted a solitary two-seater. The German noticed them too and immediately adjusted his flightpath to the nearest aerodrome. The Tripes gave chase with Toby in front. When he reached the bomber he began to fire, but the rear gunner of the enemy machine wasn’t asleep. Mulberry was hit and the damage was noticeable. The Tripe had become difficult to control and Toby decided to keep his distance and watch as his wingman finishes the Hun off.

YouTube Link



They were now turning back home, with the two machines managing their damage from the more than capable Boche gunner’s fire. That is until they were intercepted by the late escort of the downed bomber. Toby recognized them immediately. Jasta 18! Their red noses and deep blue wings and fuselages was a dead giveaway. Toby became acutely aware of how alone he was at this moment. One broken Triplane versus two state of the art German biplanes piloted by Experten, as they liked to call themselves. He just had to hold on until the rest of his flight arrived. The two Albatrosen came at Toby snarling and gnarling, baring their teeth with such viciousness like never seen before. As if one of their star pilots had been shot down and they were avenging his death. Toby was turning with them, hanging on to his dear life. His Tripe didn’t turn well, but it could still outclimb both Huns. His battle turned vertical while the Germans continued to attempt to get on his tail by turning. Their rage worked against them and the time was running out for them. Finally cavalry arrived and saved Toby’s hide. He was able to distance himself from the two hunters and return back to base in one piece. The Huns went home trophy-less. Toby knew they would be dangerous opponents in all his future encounters. Mulberry didn’t claim any planes today. Compton got two instead and Wickham claimed the two-seater.

YouTube Link



"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."
#4512500 - 03/24/20 01:18 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Fullofit]  
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Raine Offline
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Originally Posted by Fullofit
Now about that nest ... don’t put all your eggs in one basket.]


Reminds we of the fire in the jai alai court where all the fleeing players blocked the way out -- which is why you should not put all your Basques in the same exit!

#4512503 - 03/24/20 01:38 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Originally Posted by Raine
Reminds we of the fire in the jai alai court where all the fleeing players blocked the way out -- which is why you should not put all your Basques in the same exit!

Raine, if I understand you speech recognition software correctly, the capacity of means of egress was calculated incorrectly. Right? biggrin


"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."
#4512504 - 03/24/20 01:54 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Seems to me a fire in a jai alai court is a clear eggsample of eggsigent circumstances!


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4512505 - 03/24/20 02:06 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Eggsactly!


"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."
#4512542 - 03/24/20 09:51 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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RAF_Louvert Offline
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Omelettes move on, shell we. While Raine's was a punny yoke, if we keep on we could be deviled by it and end up looking like a bunch of oeufs for poaching this thread. I don't mean to be hard boiled about the whole thing but there is a war on, so let's scramble!


Raine - another stellar episode and a smart business plan on Jim's part. Produce vats of plonk to sell to the army and make a fortune while developing a top label wine for after-the-war markets.

Carrick - a tough day for Nigel and his lot. Let's hope the drinks hold out, (if nothing else it sounds like plenty of cheap wine should be available soon). Great screenies.

VonS - nice to see you dropping by again, now how about you stay and fly with us.

Fullofit - some brilliant piloting by Toby after his Tripe was damaged. Well done keeping himself alive through that one! Super videos too.

BuckeyeBob - nice to see you in camp as well. Stick around, I believe the mess steward is about to serve breakfast, and guess what we're having. Yup, that's right - oatmeal.

.

#4512579 - 03/24/20 01:12 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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RAF_Louvert Offline
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

24 March 1917
Boiry St. Martin, France


A and B Flights of 66 Squadron ready for the morning's sortie: An escort of several FE2b's from 57 Squadron across to Monchy-le-Preux.
[Linked Image]


South of Arras all hell broke loose as two groups of Hun scouts came streaking in from above, while at the same time British AA units below opened fire on friend and foe alike.
[Linked Image]


Captain Swanson latched onto an Albatros that had dropped in just ahead of him. It was one of the older types, and despite its pilot's best efforts there was no shaking the RFC ace.
[Linked Image]


The Captain placed several good volleys into his prey before the Hun broke and ran for the lines. Throughout the exchange the British gunners kept right on banging away at them.
[Linked Image]


As Swany closed for the kill one of the many Tommy AA shells being lobbed exploded directly between the two planes, shredding the lower wing of the Alb and knocking out the Pup's engine.
[Linked Image]


"YOU GODT DAMDT IDIOTS!" the King's airman swore outloud at the gunners below, shaking his fist as he watched his would-be trophy cartwheel across the field beneath him.
[Linked Image]


Captain Swanson immediately carved his damaged mount around towards Boiry St. Martin, its aerodrome but a few hundred yards away to the west.
[Linked Image]


However, the Pup was so badly damaged it was all Swany could do to wrestle it to the ground some distance from the end of the runway. Still, any landing one can walk away from...
[Linked Image]


As his dead kite rolled to a stop the Captain watched helplessly as one of his own was hunted down by one of the Albs directly over the friendly field.
[Linked Image]


Two columns of smoke rose nearby; the closest was the Alb Swany had been after; the second - who knew. The Captain's blood boiled as he left his plane and raced across to the aerodrome to determine the fate of his flightmates and of the Fees they had been looking after. In less than an hour it was learned that, miraculously, all were accounted for, though two lads in Swany's flight had been injured; Lieutenants Luke and Collier. Two Huns had been claimed as being shot down by the nearby AA unit and upon hearing this Swanson immediately requested the use of a car which he drove directly to the aforementioned gun emplacement. There would be words spoken and hell to pay.
[Linked Image]

.

#4512581 - 03/24/20 01:16 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Oatmeal? I thought you’re gonna say gruel.
Lou, thanks for the comments. Sometimes a dogfight you can walk away from in one piece without shooting anyone down is more satisfying than shooting those Halberstadts like fish in a barrel. Sorry, I’ve got no euphemism for eggs on this.


"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."
#4512582 - 03/24/20 01:26 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Yikes, that had to be a little scary. Bloody fools! I hope Swany will finally let those Benny Hill buffoons with guns know what he thinks. On the other hand this is anti-AIRCRAFT artillery, not anti-Hun artillery.


"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."
#4512583 - 03/24/20 01:35 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit, it was madness. I have never seen that intensity, nor duration, of friendly fire before. And when that shell exploded directly in between Swany's bus and the Hun's, for a moment I thought it was all over. The Pup shook like mad all the way to the ground and it felt akin to turning a battleship trying to get it lined up on a clear spot. Just when you think you've seen it all in this sim, eh?

.

#4512596 - 03/24/20 02:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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That is amazing. I wonder what made Flak this lethal? Was it one of the “recent” patches? I don’t remember it being this deadly. Not complaining, just curious. We need more ways for our pilots to snuff it.


"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."
#4512634 - 03/24/20 06:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lou, that was close! Happy to hear Swany made it down in one piece.
Fullofit, I think it has always been that lethal. Devs can say for sure. I have had planes damaged on occasion and had a direct hit once. Either that or the machine spontaneously combusted. One second there, the next a flaming fireball headed to earth.


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!
#4512659 - 03/24/20 11:42 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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MFair, perhaps I've been lucky until recently. It just feels like they've finally learned to aim (kinda).

24 March, 1917 08:45
Furnes, Flanders Sector
RNAS-8
SC Tobias Chester Mulberry VC, DSC&Bar, DSO&Bar, L d’H
82 confirmed kills

The balloon WSW of Ghistelles was an easy target for the Tripes, but it was Toby’s burst that brought it down. As they were crossing the NML back to base, they were met by a large Schwarm of Halberstadts. They flew at a higher altitude and it wasn’t certain if they will attack or run away. Thankfully they’ve decided to attack and a wild dogfight followed. Toby circled around trying to single out his prey. He finally found one - isolated and flying west. Toby would not squander such an opportunity. The enemy went down to his gun, crashing soon after.

YouTube Link



Mulberry then noticed two Huns following a retreating Tripe. He gave chase over the mud and as he gained on them, both Germans realized that they were being followed and began their evasive maneuvers. It wasn’t long before one of them was being shot down, while the other one took advantage of the situation and was running away. Toby knew his general direction but couldn’t place him. He continued on this course until he finally spotted the second Hun. Toby had him soon on fire and crashing to the ground.

YouTube Link



By now he was alone and decided to return home. As he flew above the NML he noticed another Halberstadt returning from what was certainly a pursuit of one of his flight mates. He was on his tail in a flash and firing. The unfortunate German pilot fell just behind the reserve lines.

YouTube Link



Mulberry was now desperately trying to return home, knowing well he was low on ammo. He crossed the lines and found himself over Furnes entering the landing pattern, when an explosion of Archie caught his eye. It was another Halberstadt circling the field and trying to down any British machines on their approach. Two can play at that game. Toby was on the sneaky German’s tail soon and firing only a few rounds before the disoriented Hun went down just outside the airfield.

YouTube Link



Toby had no need to circle the field anymore. He was at treetop level and settled his Tripe gently on the airfield. He made a claim for the balloon and the five Halberstadts.


"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."
#4512664 - 03/25/20 12:34 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Wulfe Offline
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#%&*$#. Comiserations, Seb! After the balloon stunt I thought von Toombs would have a far longer, far more colourful career! C'est la Guerre, I suppose. I look forwards to meeting the next man.

Evan C. Easom
No. 48 Squadron RFC.

Part 6: Easy Shows


“Here’s an idea,” Rast said over his shoulder as he poured water from the little cast-iron pail into the washbasin in-between his and Ackerman’s cots, “We should go on a raid to Arras today. I bet ya we could find a kettle in among all that rubble! Wouldn’t have to wash with bloody freezing water then!” Ackerman pondered for a moment. “Yes, that’s not a bad idea actually, Lloyd. Shall we go after our patrols?”. The Australian cupped water into his hands, yelping as he splashed the freezing-cold liquid over his face. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, man” Ackerman muttered under his breath, before turning to Evan. “Well? What of it? Are you coming with us?”. Evan regarded him with uncertainty. He recalled overflying the vast ruin of a city on his first sortie. “Arras..? But, isn’t that at the front?” he asked. “Well, of course it is!” Ackerman retorted. “How else do you think we get our hands on all the homely little bits and bobs around here? The locals aren’t giving them out, you know, and the bloody army certainly isn’t!”. After another splash of water, and a slightly more muted yelp, Rast turned round to face the pair. “He’s right, y’know. That piano we have in the mess? Holliday was traipsing up and down Arras for four days before he found it!”. “More’s the pity that he did,” Ackerman added in a bitter tone. “He never shuts up on that thing, with those damned melancholic Nocturnes”. Rast chuckled. “So, it’s settled then. We go after our first patrols. C’mon then fellas, let’s go see what we’ve got for the day”.

Once Rast had pulled on his tunic, the three stepped out into a lazy, quiet morning. Snaking through the Nissen Huts they made for the flight offices, Rast sharing out Woodbines among them as they reached the trio of cramped little wooden huts. From ‘B’ flight office appeared the thin shape of Tidmarsh, whistling a happy little tune to himself. Spotting the trio, he wandered over with a cheerful grin. “Good morning, chaps! Have one of those for me, do you?” he chirped, gesturing to Rast’s freshly-lit cigarette. The Australian sighed in annoyance, reproducing the packet. “#%&*$# you, Mary, can’t you get yer’ own?” he asked, reluctantly offering up a Cigarette. Tidmarsh laughed as he took it, striking a match and taking a long drag. “Why should I need to with you around, Wyatt, my old chum?”. Rast simply shook his head in disgust before turning off towards the ‘A’ flight office.

“Anything interesting today?” Evan asked Tidmarsh, gesturing to the ‘B’ flight office. “Nope! Just more patrols on our side. We’re on the show at quarter to nine”. Evan nodded, thinking to himself that perhaps a quiet war might not be so bad after all. Anyway, he’d already gotten into a fight with one Hun. He could say that he’d been ‘in it’. After heading to the mess, carefully halting at the door and remembering to remove his cap, then having his breakfast, two rashers of bacon and a burnt egg, to the sound of another one of Holliday’s damned nocturnes, Evan donned his flying gear and made for the flight line. He was surprised to find nine Bristols, lined up on the field in a long, dull, PC10 line of wood and wire. “Why so many of us?” he asked Wickham, who had arrived just after himself. The observer shrugged. “After the show at Arras, the one we went on, the Captain has decided we’re not quite ready for the front. He’s having us all practice flying as a Squadron - so I hope your formation flying is up to snuff!”. Evan felt his nerves go up slightly - he was no good at formation flying. ‘Absolutely dud’, his old instructor had called his formation skills. Today he had been assigned to A3341, which further unsettled him. He had started to get it into his head that A3338 was his bus. Precisely at a quarter to nine the white Very light went up that signalled the pilots to take off, and with a low, resonant grumble the nine Bristols lazily droned up into the air.

The patrol was bitterly cold, and more than once Evan, to his horror, dropped from his position in the formation - but compared to yesterday’s battle with the sleet it was pleasant enough, and after only half an hour or so the flight headed back to La Bellevue.

At around half past eleven, Rast and Ackerman came back from their patrol. Meeting them on the flight line, the trio immediately set out to the C.O’s office to request permission to take one of the squadron’s lorries and drive to Arras, to find their kettle. “You want to go to the bloody lines and get yourselves blown up? Absolutely not! ” was Robinson’s stark reply. After being flatly refused, the three pilots traipsed back towards their Nissen. “Say,” Rast murmured to them as he latched their door, “how about we ask for that lorry again tomorrow?”. Ackerman shot him an annoyed look. “Don’t be bloody silly! You heard the Captain!”. Rast flashed a foxlike grin. “Right you are! I heard him say he didn’t want us going to Arras! I’m sure he’d let us go to Doullens, though...it’s not our fault if we get lost on the way!”. For the first time that Evan could recall, Ackerman chuckled.

#4512694 - 03/25/20 10:56 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

MFair - I was glad Swany made it down in one piece as well. How's Gunther mending by the way?

Wulfe - good little read that.

Fullofit - there's a rumor the war has ended due to a shortage of Hun planes and pilots. My lord, six in an outing! Toby is a truly remarkable fellow, I certainly hope he lives to tell his grandchildren about his exploits and show them all his medals, the latter likely to be increasing soon after this.

.

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