Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

End of month stats

Missions = 92
Hours = 82.6
Claims = 123
Kills = 81

NR - So Baptiste is getting bored, not surprising. He needs to speak with Maria and cheer himself up. As for Kevin, he realised he was going to have to be hard to such things as the inevitable letters to loved ones. His time in the trenches means he's not new to seeing death and maiming but having to deal with it personally, that's new.

Fullofit - A good day for Klaus there, first some SPADs who thought they were being clever and inventive and ended up being dead and.....dead. Then a raid by the dreaded Strutters, those gunners gave him a pasting but he had the last laugh on one and watched it sliding across the airfield before exploding. Then the news that 3 of the 4 had been confirmed. Good news at last. Klaus was becoming angry and forlorn and don't forget anger leads to getting squashed into piloty goo by the enemy.

As for Kevin, I suppose having the whole flight around you most of the time is going to help with claims, we shall see. As for the letters, it's hard not to get involved in them, but they so often end up being full of half truths and downright lies as my next episode will show.

Albert: Over 80 hrs Wow, well done

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Sgt, Rfc, 54 Sqn
Touquin, AF.
Camels

Aug 1 , 1918.

1 Pending


Balloon Defense:B Flight's 5 machines ran into a flight of 4 Huns popping away at our Army I Corps Gas Bag. Ripping little Melee the huns were hard to stay with. The flight claimed 2 e/a's for 1 damaged ( Mine got hit a few in the top wing.

Afternoon Defense Patrol: No contact

Carrick - Cecil's still not heard about his claim, that's not good. A run in with some Dr1's, which he came through and then a dead rubber (as they say in cricket) in the afternoon. As for Kevin, 80 hours is fine, here's to another 80. In fact it's flown by



Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

81 confirmed kills

1st August 1918

Kevin had worked hard yesterday evening on the letter for Lieutenant Paddock. His file had stated he was married so the letter went to her.

He realised how much he had to twist things and downright make them up. With lines such as 'Jem was a fine man', (he hardly knew him!). 'Jem had distinguished himself here', (he didn't have a kill to his name in four months!). 'Jem was an example to his fellow pilots', (the other guys said he was a bit of a loner, a pleasant lad but not one you'd want to spend all evening with!). Saving the worst until last, 'Jem didn't suffer when he died, it was quick', (In all his time, Kevin had never seen a man in so much pain as when they dragged Paddock away from the ruins of the SE5!).

He dropped the letter in the mail tray and it was at that moment he realised he'd need to write to Olivia to give her his new address, not to mention his family.

Morning sortie

Kevin briefed the squadron on the morning's mission. They would be patrolling the lines from Arras down towards Doullens. There had been an increase in enemy bomber attacks along that stretch and HQ wanted air supremacy regained, at least over our own troops.

The weather had really closed in overnight, at one point the mission was in jeopardy because of the mist, but this eventually cleared enough, although the driving rain remained.

The squadron took off and after forming up they headed towards Arras.

As they flew and climbed up above the lower cloud base Kevin saw several other aircraft over his left shoulder and considerably higher. He also saw some flak bursts nearby which made his mind up. He signalled and swung the flight around and started to climb up towards the enemy aircraft.

As they got nearer he saw they were a flight of DFW's and although Kevin checked around for any escorts, thankfully he found none.

The Huns were now making for home but they were rather spread out, making it difficult for Kevin to use his normal trick. He came up behind the leader but the German swung right. Kevin swung with him but his gunner fired several bursts which Kevin avoided.

Kevin lowered his nose and closed in. As he came up he blasted the DFW which increased it's evading but Kevin hit him again. A final burst went straight into the pilot who fell forward. Kevin watched the horrified gunner's expression as the aircraft nosed down and went straight into the ground near Arras.

The other Huns had used their nous and nosed down into a huge cloud formation above the lines and Kevin decided it best not to follow them in there, as had the rest of his flight.

They formed up and finished their patrol before heading home.

Only Kevin had scored a kill and no SE's had been damaged.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation)

The afternoon sortie was a jaunt towards an army camp south east of Bruay to patrol above it. Again the intention was to keep the troops safe whilst they waited for the inevitable order to attack.

The weather had not improved one jot as Kevin and the others took off, formed up and climbed up to 13000 feet before heading out east.

As they approached the army camp, Kevin saw several dark specks ahead and then saw the telltale flak bursts. He nosed up and approached the other aircraft. He saw it was a large formation of DFW's. However Kevin then saw another formation above the bombers '#%&*$# it, they have escorts this time' thought Kevin as he signalled to the others.

As he climbed and kept a beady eye on the skies around, he checked his six and saw an Albatros scout racing down towards him.

He rolled away just in time to avoid the Hun's burst. The Hun kept at him and he dived. Kevin now found himself below the clouds and alone with the enemy Albatros. He pulled away from the Hun but then he swung the SE around on a dime and went straight at the German.

The Hun panicked and shot upwards, Kevin completed an Immelmann and was now behind the German.

He closed in and blasted the Albatros with a long burst. The Hun tried to climb away but Kevin blasted him again. This time the enemy aircraft nosed down and went into the ground south of Bruay airfield.

Kevin realised he was on his own now and rather than try and climb back through the clouds he thought it best to head home.

As he arrived the rest of the flight were doing the same.

Captain Tempest explained that once Kevin had disappeared through the clouds there was a kind of stand off between the SE's and the Albatros scouts, who seemed to get the message they weren't welcome and escorted their DFW's the hell out of there. The rest of the flight then headed home.

Kevin had not heard anything about his claims before he turned in after a few drinks in the mess with the others.

Albert, you have to give those SPADs credit where credit is due. Attacking out of the sun is a sound strategy, but you have to make sure you don’t get spotted earlier. All this sneaky attack goes out the window if your target knows you are about to attack. Still good on them for making an effort. The Strutters, on the other hand, don’t need to bother with tactics. Brute force is the only tactic they know and they use it well. There is no getting away from a diving Strutter, then as it climbs up to safety again, their target gets sprayed by the rear gunner for the killing blow.
Kevin just doesn’t have a problem like this. He does not get attacked by the two-seaters. His two-seaters obediently run away as it should be.
So, there it is. Twisting truth to save pain for the family of the fallen pilot. A commendable gesture. Probably many C.O.s had to resort to a look in the thesaurus to embellish their pilot’s accomplishments when breaking the news to the families.
A textbook take down of that two seater in the morning. Then an easy victory over the Albatros, but it looks like it may go unconfirmed without his wingmen to witness it. You never know. He may just get lucky and I don’t mean with Olivia.
That’s a lovely shot from behind against the sun.

1 August, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
61 confirmed kills

The first mission of the day was a ground forces support south of Pont-à-Mousson. August began with a light drizzle over the aerodrome which was a minor annoyance , but turned into squalls over the Front. That was more of an inconvenience and it was no surprise to anyone that the Schwarm has met no opposition.

1 August, 1918 13:25 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
61 confirmed kills

The second mission of the day was a patrol of friendly front lines between Marbache and Malzeville. Situation has not improved. More drizzle over the airfield and more dense clouds over the Front. Klaus didn’t expect to spot any planes today, friend nor foe. But one of his keen-eyed wingmen spotted some movement below and signalled Raben. Klaus circled the area, but still couldn’t see a thing. Then, a glint of sun reflected on wings and he now knew where to look. He dove on the enemy and recognized it as a Bréguet. He fired, but couldn’t tell if he’d hit anything. Now the big bomber’s crew knew they were around and began evasive manoeuvres. It was one slippery fish and Klaus had a difficult time of catching it in his sights. The rear gunner was now responding with well aimed bursts. His radiator was toast and steam was trailing his machine. Klaus didn’t want the foe to get away and concentrated on hitting the wings. He was lucky. One of them came off and then another followed. The great beast of a plane was now spinning uncontrollably with the gunner still trying to fire at something. Klaus had to detach from the formation and head north. His engine died as he cleared the No-Man’s Land and he was forced to put down near the observation balloon.

YouTube Link

Fullofit - Klaus's memoirs after the war are going to make interesting reading. With 9/10ths of the book about the 'Schweinhund Strutters' and the rest about how the 'claims board cost us the war!'.

That Breguet on it's own must have seemed like a sitting duck but it ended up being anything but 'sitting' and certainly no 'duck'. That was a skillful pilot and gunner. Raben was back to his patient best but even that couldn't stop the damage to his crate. Eventually the patience paid off and down went the foe. Thankfully he was able to get down safely.

As for Kevin, it makes it easier to distance yourself from the horrors if you're reporting them in a 'colourful' way but it still takes some getting used to. Hopefully that'll be the end of the letters to loved ones for a while, but I doubt it.

End of Month:

Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Souilly, Verdun
SPAD VII

12 Missions
8.65 hours
5 Claims
2 Confirmed
1 Pending

Fullofit - Hah, maybe depressive drinking might not be the best solution to Raben's problem! Who knows what that can lead to...!
As for Maria, fortunately nothing bad that he's done. Certainly not during the sponge baths! Baptiste may be easily excited by things, like shooting down things in the sky and bothering the Huns, but making nurses run away in utter terror and discomfort isn't one of his hobbies. Must be the workload...
So, the situation for Klaus is finally starting to improve it seems! Well, mostly! The two whole SPADs were a mostly easy start to him getting his confirmations back! The second sortie was... Well, another tangle with those ever devious and nearly fatal Strutters. Those things are relentless. Getting shot up like that certainly wasn't a good experience, and that near invincible strutter was something straight from Klaus' nightmares! But it did work out in the end, with another whole claim and a luckily succesful landing without a close encounter with any obstacles or terrain.
Gotta admit, that's an improvement!
The second day less so. A rainy day and a fight with a Breguet which certanly wasn't keen on dying. Hopefully this fight doesn't result in a night in the trenches with the balloon boys and instead brings him another confirmation!

Tross - I'm sure Baptiste will be looking into finding a chance to speak to Maria. I can imagine that would be the case for Kevin. Seeing death and having to deal with the consequences of it on such a level is surely a vastly different experience.
Kevin is learning the ways of making people seem good for others sake, huh. Seems like they might be plenty of that in the days to come...
A good enough job on that first sortie, dealing with another two seater which it seems Kevin is increasingly good at. Gotta admit, must be scary for that gunner, seeing his pilot is dead and now there's nothing he can do but plummet downwards. Even some desperate 'try to climb across the plane to his seat' wouldn't bloody well work. Oh well, soon enough he'd not be afraid of anything anymore.
For the second sortie the escorts did appear, and through some good maneuvering were shown it was a bad day to be flying. Interesting situation, that one. The Boche flight lead must've realised this wasn't a fight he wanted and chose the better option for his men. Almost commendable, huh

Carrick - Seems like after dealing with triplanes a quiet sortie is just the right thing. They're quite a pain to fight after all.


Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Field hospital, Verdun
2nd August, 1918

2 confirmed, 1 pending

The closer I get to my inevitable release from the hospital, the more time seems to drag on. Why is it that things have to turn out like that? I spent some time trying to look into getting a chance to speak with Maria, and had some mild success. We had a brief conversation and I soon discovered that the cause for her absence is a mix up of the nursing staff due to some mild increase in demand. Well, that's frustrating. At least I managed to find out about that and I don't have to wonder nearly as much. In the brief chance I had, I told her of the success I had upon coming back. She seemed at least somewhat happy with me getting on well, though expressed worry for how I stayed back behind the Boche lines when everyone else had left just to shoot down that Albatross. I merely reassured her and told her I know what I'm doing, and that there was no real risk to me at that point. What does she know of air combat, and what do I know of safety... The flight-killing sortie that sent me here I didn't mention for her own sake, instead simply saying I got wounded in a valiant fight against a very persistent Fritz. Not a complete lie, and not a full truth was good enough for me and surely for her.
After we parted ways I heard some news from the Squadron, which started a recovery and was getting replacements for the lost SPADs. Something interesting I did hear was that the Squadron was getting far more of the XIII model SPADs than they were the VII. Perhaps we were going to be switching over soon... If that is to be the case, I'm going to surely need to come up with a new paintjob. Perhaps something a bit more extravagant?

NR - Baptiste is struggling with the boredom but at least he's had a run in with Maria, and found out the reason for her enforced absence. She's worried about him, not surprisingly as that's twice she's met him in the hospital. Then some good news from the Escadrille, hopefully he'll be flying a shiny new XIII when he gets out.



Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

81 confirmed kills (awaiting two confirmations)

2nd August 1918

Morning sortie

Late last night Lieutenant Paddock's body was returned to the squadron. Kevin arranged for a simple burial service later on today after the day's flying.

Kevin took the briefing and explained that 'B' flight would be heading towards Arras again to keep the pressure on the boche in that area. 'A' flight were patrolling further north towards Bethune.

The weather had not improved at all and in fact had gotten worse. Strong winds now accompanied the rain and thick clouds.

'B' flight took off and headed south east, they were carried along by the driving rain but Kevin knew they'd be fighting against the same wind coming home.

The journey went quietly enough until they were above Arras. Kevin saw a formation of dark specks ahead of him. As he approached he could see they were battleship grey colour...... Pfalzs.

The enemy aircraft swung around and headed towards 'B' flight and were roughly the same height.

Kevin didn't need to signal, 'B' flight were ready and the two formations clashed.

As Kevin came around to the right he looked behind and saw he had two of the boche scouts on his six.

He dived down and pulled away from them. The Pfalz's followed him but we're dropping further behind. Kevin decided enough was enough and swooped around and straight into the oncoming Huns. He blasted one of them as he raced past and looped around onto his tail. The speed of his movements took both Germans completely by surprise.

He lined up on the enemy aircraft and poured a long burst into him. The Pfalz spouted thick smoke and then burst into flames.

Kevin watched it going down into the ground. He now looked for the other Pfalz and duly found it trying to run for home. He throttled up and raced after the Hun and caught up above the lines.

He fired both weapons into the enemy aircraft and although his lewis ran dry and the Hun tried to climb away, he hit him again with the vickers. The Pfalz spluttered and then burst into flames.

The German became a torch in the murky grey as it headed down into the ground.

Kevin took stock and didn't see any other enemy aircraft, he formed up with a couple of nearby SE's and together they headed home.

They landed safely as the remaining SE's were also looking to land. Kevin found that four Pfalzs had been downed and only one SE had been damaged.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting four confirmations)

Kevin had received a phone call shortly after lunch. It had been headquarters, who had requested that 64 bring down an enemy balloon which was causing a nuisance over the lines due east of them.

No improvement in the weather made the tactics very simple. Go and hit the balloon and get the hell back. Kevin made this perfectly clear to Captain Rose and Lieutenant Cowlishaw.

The trio headed off east and thankfully the journey out went without incident. As they neared the lines they started descending down towards the balloon.

Kevin lined up using the Aldis sight and raked the balloon with a long accurate burst. A pillar of smoke poured out of the gasbag as Kevin hit it again. Lieutenant Cowlishaw also fired into the balloon which erupted in a ball of flame.

The trio turned and headed home with flak bursts nudging them that bit quicker.

On landing Kevin confirmed that Lieutenant Cowlishaw was to claim the balloon.

A little while later the Adjutant Captain Ripley confirmed all four of Kevin's claims. It appeared the two claims from yesterday had been seen by ground forces in the area they fell. These brought Kevin's total to 85.

The funeral for Lieutenant Paddock took place a short while later. He was laid to rest in the small field at the back of the far hanger. A small firing party finished proceedings together with a rendition of Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".

Albert, Raben’s memoirs would definitely be one skewed view of war in the air. According to him there would be no plane better than a Strutter and the claims system was definitely boast towards the Flak crews. What a terrible war this would have been! And let’s face it, the Bréguet was one of the more maneuverable bombers of the era. Any scout was lucky to get away with their life after a confrontation with one of these. Klaus was just foolish to take on this leviathan and expect to survive. Forget the confirmed claims. Let’s leave that to Kevin.
Speaking of which, he is still having an easy time fighting outdated Pfalzes. Then some tense moments sneaking around to take out the gasbag. Kevin’s does all the dirty work and Collishaw waltzes in and steals the kill from under his nose. Oh well, at least all claims have been confirmed as a consolation prize. Congrats on all of them. I’m starting to lose count.

NR, glad to hear the sponge baths weren’t the reason Maria was avoiding Baptiste. Perhaps when the mess with work assignments gets sorted out, she will be able to join him on the walks around the hospital grounds. He seems ready to get the heck out of there and back in the air. A prospect of a new aeroplane is beckoning to him and his mechanic will definitely need to make an effort and get him a new paint job.
As for Klaus, yes getting some kills confirmed is a definitive improvement, but I have a feeling it’s not going to last. It feels more like pity confirmations. Soon it’ll be back to the old days with Raben coming away from the future battles empty handed. Thankfully there was no need for him to spend the night in the trenches with the balloon boys, but as to the claim … just see for yourself.

2 August, 1918 07:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
61 confirmed kills

The Bréguet claim from yesterday afternoon has been … denied. Is anyone surprised?
It was another morning raid. The Schwarm scrambled and was currently climbing above the aerodrome to intercept the enemy. Klaus was following Schwarm Eins hoping they would have to bear the brunt of the attack when suddenly bullets started to rain down near him. Klaus dove for the deck to avoid the attack and where he though he’d be safe. A Strutter dove past him at incredible speeds and coming out of the dive with relative ease and with no structural damage whatsoever. The silver plane was high above Raben again after recovering from the dive. Klaus followed, but there was no way of catching it. He went down closer to the ground and to the airfield again. The Strutter was tracking him and firing already, but during all this time the rest of the Schwarm was able to get on the tail of the Strutter and started to harass it. The enemy pilot was now distracted and Klaus gritting his teeth out of anger engaged. He was firing at it abeam and scoring hits. He continued to fire until he was near meters away. He was sure this Scheißkopf would not leave alive. Another streak of silver caught his eye below and at the same time his plane caught bullets from the Strutter below. He exposed his belly and now was paying the price. In the meantime the first Strutter crashed at the edge of the airfield. Raben’s Fokker was losing fuel, but still had enough to make the Franzose pay for it. Klaus targeted the Strutter and continued to fire until he was nearly on top of him. He turned around for another go and to finish this. There was no need. The Strutter was losing height and landing at Montingen presently. Klaus was sure they’ll have extra guests for lunch today, but then right at the end of the airfield the Strutter went into a bomb crater that was left there most likely by his own bombs only minutes ago. The plane turned over and exploded in flames. It seemed like lunch was out of the question after all. Klaus landed his plane quickly before he had to glide and stopped by the smouldering wreck of the hated enemy.

YouTube Link





2 August, 1918 13:30 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
61 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

For lunch they’ve had smoked sausages and multigrain bread. What grains were used to make the bread is better left to the imagination. The irony of the two Frenchmen burned alive did not escape Klaus as he worked through his sizzling sausage. As the grease from the sausage skewered on his fork dripped down onto his hand he realized perfectly well he could end up just like this Wurst on his very next mission. All it takes is a leak in his petrol tank and a spark. He’d seen it before. Raben licked the grease off his fingers. Time to go.
They were sent to patrol enemy front lines south of Pont-à-Mousson to Malzeville. The clouds over the Front were enormous and it took them quite a while to get above them. Klaus slowed down and let the Schwarm Eins lead this flight. He was perfectly fine with the other flight getting jumped first. He would then come to their rescue, of course. The patrol was uneventful and they were now on their way back to Montingen while losing the excess altitude. While over the mud, Klaus noticed the dots ahead that were Schwarm Eins started to “dance”. He knew they were engaging the enemy and went to join the fun. He could see now Eins taking care of the enemy at a lower level while a flight of enemy scouts hovered above. Raben decided he would engage these higher bandits. He watched as one of them detached from the rest and attempted to get behind Klaus. Raben kept an eye on him, but concentrated on the main force ahead. Another enemy plane split from the rest ahead. Another quick look at the enemy behind. Still too far to be a real threat. Klaus continued on following the SPADs ahead. Another look to the rear. The Frenchman was moving to strike with the sun at his back. The planes ahead went into a dive. Another quick look at the SPAD in the rear. Where did he go?! Klaus panicked and searched desperately for the enemy that must surely be attacking now. There! It was diving on another Fokker behind. Now, back to the SPADs in front. Where the hell did they go?! Tracers went by his plane. One of the SPADs just zoomed by. It was hidden by Raben’s upper wing. Klaus went after him. He observed the enemy turn around to face him, but the Fokker was already pointed at him and the Spandaus were making the introductions. The SPAD started to yo-yo in a vain attempt to shake Klaus off. Raben stayed behind and fired whenever the SPAD came up to the top of his oscillation. The Franzose was done for. Another long burst into the fuselage sealed his fate. He was presently going down when more tracers zipped by Raben’s plane. He quickly snapped his plane upwards looking for the attacker. He needn’t have worried. It was only a pair of Fokkers trying to “help” him bring the SPAD down. He looked around for any other enemy planes, but it looked like they’ve been taken care of. Klaus gave the signal to form up and return home.

YouTube Link

Fullofit - Most of us rub our hands with glee when they're presented with a scramble mission but Raben must bring up his breakfast. He knows it's going to be Strutters or Breguets....or both! It was a fiery encounter to be sure but Klaus kame off the victor with some aggressive flying and shooting. Even a Strutter is in trouble when it's flying at low speed over trees near an enemy airfield. How ironic that the second Strutter ended up in it's own crater. Then a run in with the sturdy SPADs. It was more difficult then Klaus thought it would be but he nailed the Frenchman in the end with some stout shooting.

As for Kevin, if the local fritz commander wants to send Pfalz's up in August 1918 then that's very kind of him. 64 will have that all day. It's the pilots I feel sorry for, not only do they have to climb into those aging aircraft, the factory couldn't even be bothered to paint them properly. It's like......"Here have this....and we know you'll only last five minutes so we couldn't be bothered jazzing them up for you".

Nice work everybody! Fullofit, I often catch your videos and appreciate you making them, even if I don't often get on to post. You had that SPAD dead-to-rights! And your wingman almost had you dead-to-rights with that half-assed maneuver he was trying to pull off at the end there!

Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

85 confirmed kills

3rd August 1918


Morning sortie

Two replacements arrived just after breakfast, Second Lieutenant Lawrence King was one. He was 23 and from Bexley in London. He'd been in the Essex regiment until 1917 when he transferred to the RFC. He'd just finished his training and 64 was his first squadron.

The second arrival was rather more experienced thankfully, Captain Charles Cudemore, from Derby, was only 20 but had already served in the Royal Shropshire's before moving to the RFC in June 1915. He served as a pilot with 40 and 29 Squadrons and had 5 kills already to his name.

Kevin welcomed them both before taking the morning briefing. He instructed Lieutenant King to complete a couple of familiarisation flights today. Cudemore was thrown straight into the mix and would join 'B' flight on their patrol down to Beaumont Hamel. 'A' flight had a balloon busting mission to complete.

The weather had changed again and relatively clear skies greeted the pilots as they took off and headed out towards the lines south of Arras.

Kevin had put Cudemore on his left shoulder and occasionally kept an eye on him, but he needn't have worried, Cudemore stuck like glue.

The trip to the lines went quietly as did the first leg of the patrol. As 'B' flight swung to the west Kevin checked behind him and then saw a number of enemy aircraft bearing down on him over his right shoulder.

He signalled and rolled right to face the incoming Huns. He fired into a trio of DVII's as they raced by and definitely scored hits.

As he came around, one of the Fokkers came after him and a vicious turning match ensued. Both aircraft lost height as Kevin kept the stick pulled into his stomach. He had one advantage and he knew it, they were still over british lines so at some point the German was going to have to make a run for it.

After several more turns, sure enough, the Hun raced out towards the lines.

Kevin was ready and was straight on his tail. He blasted the DVII with a good burst. A final burst and the enemy aircraft nosed down and went into the ground.

Kevin couldn't see any other aircraft nearby so headed home. On landing several other SE's were nearby and in their landing cycles.

Two Fokkers had been downed, the rest had done a runner when they saw they were bettered. No SE's were lost or damaged.

Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation)

The afternoon sortie was out to the lines near Arras once more. Second Lieutenant King had completed his first familiarisation flight so Kevin allowed him to join 'B' flight on their patrol. He gave King strict instructions that should they run into opposition he was to fly home at once. King momentarily seemed to be thinking of uttering a response, but clearly thought better and simply stated "yes sir".

The weather was still good as they took off and headed out east after climbing upto 12000 feet. The journey out was quiet but Kevin kept his eyes on Lieutenant King who was on his right shoulder. King was a bit loose but not too bad.

As they neared the lines Kevin saw an arrow shaped formation ahead and heading across 'B' flight. He carried on for a moment but then the other formation turned towards 'B' flight.

Kevin pointed at Lieutenant King and then back towards home. There was no movement from the SE so Kevin did the same again.

Finally King's SE rolled out to the right and headed home. Kevin now focussed back on the incoming aircraft and just in time as the Dreideckers raced into 'B' flight.

Kevin found one of them trying to get on his six but he side slipped away and came around underneath the Hun. He fired a brief burst into the Hun who rolled and dived.

Kevin looked around for another target and found one as a Fokker latched onto another SE.

Kevin fired and managed to get the Dr1 away. He followed the Hun down although the spiralling fall was impossible to match.

Kevin throttled back and watched as the Dreidecker levelled out a few hundred feet up and tried to escape.

Kevin grinned "predictable beggar" as he raced down onto the Hun's tail and poured a devastating burst into the enemy aircraft.

Another burst and the Dr1 nosed down and smashed into the ground, seemingly turning to dust.

Kevin took stock and saw a couple of Dreideckers running for the lines and several SE's nearby. He formed up and they headed home.

It turned out three Dr1's had been downed and although an SE was damaged it was repairable.

Later on one of Kevin's claims was confirmed, the other rejected. No-one had seen the DVII this morning. 86 confirmed.

Kevin called Lieutenant King to his office........

"Did you enjoy your flight time today Lieutenant?" started Kevin.

"Yes sir but I would have preferred to stay with you and the others and join the fight" said King.

"Is that why you disobeyed my direct order?" questioned Kevin.

"I .. I did turn back sir" said King.

"Eventually, only after I'd had to reiterate the order to you. Meaning by the time I was able to return to the action the Huns were virtually on top of us" said Kevin.

"Well......I...erm"

"Let me make myself perfectly clear this time Second Lieutenant, just in case my voice doesn't have the tone or gravitas you're needing..........if you disobey my order again, or even delay following it. I'll have you flying a kite in Hyde Park, do you understand!" said Kevin.

"Yes sir" said King sheepishly.

"You might think you're the bees knees because you've got that badge on your jacket. It might even impress the ladies in Bexley, but your local Hun doesn't care if you have 4 hours or 40, he'll just flame your arse! What's more important is, not only your arse, probably your wingman's too!" said Kevin very firmly.

"Now get out!" finished Kevin.

Real nice stories and pics everyone.

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Sgt, Rfc, 54 Sqn
Touquin, AF.

Aug 1 , 1918.

1 Victory Confirmed
1 Pending

Bagged a 3 wing today. The e/a was part of a 4 a/c Escort for a Rumpler. I fired at everything and it finally payed off. A Flamer broken up.

Albert, right you are. Any other pilot would be glad the enemy comes to him instead of flying who knows where, but Klaus dreads these moments. He knows he will get his kite perforated and should keep close to the airfield to land at a moment’s notice. As to Strutters flying low and near an enemy airfield all I can do is scratch my head and wonder whatever happened to that AI self preservation routine?
Heh heh, so you’ve finally figured out the mystery why Pfalzes are not painted properly. Not worth the time to go fancier than that.
Speaking of time, it definitely had ran out for that Fokker in the morning. Circling over enemy territory isn’t the best of tactics. It suited Kevin just fine on the other hand.
Then in the afternoon a disobedient newbie cost Kevin the advantage in combat. Good thing he can take care of himself and those Dreideckers are no match. But King deserved that dressing down. Hopefully he’ll follow orders precisely from now on. Congrats on the latest confirmed kill.

Rick, thanks for your comments. I’m glad you’re enjoying the vids. I do try to make them as entertaining as the Strutters will allow. As to that Fokker, I don’t know what he was doing. Emptying his ashtray?

3 August, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
62 confirmed kills

From the three claims from yesterday only the first Strutter that crashed at the edge of the aerodrome was credited to Klaus. The Strutter that attempted to land at the airfield and overturned was credited obviously to the … bomb crater. As for the SPAD from the afternoon mission, with all these clouds around, it could not be positively determined who brought it down.
This morning it was yet another mission to support ground forces south of Pont-à-Mousson. The Schwarm reached the Front with no problems. Then a handful of dots appeared from the west. Klaus directed his flight to intercept and prepared for battle. They continued to approach, but the enemy wasn’t attacking, nothing. They simply continued on their way. Raben came to the conclusion it had to be friendly and was turning around to continue with his patrol when the friendly formation attacked.
“- Scheiße!” How could he be so careless?!
These were Bréguets escorted by SPADs! How could he not see it? Only after Raben exposed his rear to the enemy did they attack. He soon had a bomber on his tail. The escort didn’t bother to engage. That made him mad and he soon had the large bomber on the run. First he took out the gunner, then set the beast on fire. He banked hard as another Bréguet was firing on him from behind. This one took him all the way down to ground level before Klaus watched with satisfaction the bomber make its way down and smash into the ground.

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He quickly noticed the escort, now engaged with the other Fokkers. He was about to chase one of them when he noticed the other one was giving one of the Fokkers a hard time. Klaus switched his targets and with a long burst took the enemy out.

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He then spotted more SPADs fighting with the Fokkers in the distance. He picked one that was on the tail of a Fokker in trouble. He swooped down on him and took him out in the similar fashion to the precious foe. There were more SPADs above and Raben already had one picked out and maneuvering his Fokker on its tail. That was too was chasing a Fokker? Klaus would have this Franzose as well. He opened fire but after a second short burst his guns fell silent. With all this bullet spraying around he found himself in the middle of a furball and with no ammunition. Thankfully no enemy followed him as he put his nose down and steered it north. All he needed now was to encounter another patrol on his return leg, or worse yet just waiting for him above the aerodrome. He was lucky this time and did not meet anymore enemy planes.

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3 August, 1918 13:10 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
62 confirmed kills
Awaiting four claim confirmations

The orders for afternoon were to patrol enemy front lines south of Pont-à-Mousson.
Klaus noticed them while following Schwarm Eins. It was a flight of Strutters slightly above them and he was glad he wasn’t leading this mission. The silver planes did not automatically target him and he had a pick of targets for once. Klaus latched on to one flying by and sent a volley into its belly. The rear gunner responded in kind, but Raben’s Fokker was too quick for him. He continued to molest the two seater and had nearly gotten him. Some Fokkers tried to help by firing on the Strutter and distracting the rear gunner. Klaus renewed his efforts and hit the enemy plane again. The French machine went into a dive and the rear gunner had finally found his mark. Raben’s fuel lines had been cut and he was losing it fast. One more dive on the retreating enemy. He aimed carefully and sent a series of bullets into the fuselage. The Strutter lurched and went into a spit. The rear burner still firing madly being pinned by the centrifugal forces. It was all over. It was also all over for Klaus as he searched for a nice stretch of road to land on. He should be back to base before dinner he figured.

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Carrick - Congratulations to Cecil on his first confirmed kill and then he nails a flaming Fokker which should be number two with any luck.

Fullofit - Well Klaus may have nightmares about Strutters and Breguets, but at least he's alive to wake up from them which is more than can be said for those Frenchmen in the morning, what a slaughter. Those SPAD drivers should be shot if any of them are still alive. It's ok thinking 'oh I'll stay here because those Breguets can take care of themselves, but you're still the bloody escorts! Go and help them out! So instead of a huge melee which it would have been difficult to control, Klaus took splendid care of those Breguets and then helped himself to the shirking SPADs. Fine work. Then a Strutter flutter in the afternoon in which Raben showed good patience again and eventually downed his foe.

As for Kevin, he'll keep doing what he's doing, and try and help pillocks like Lieutenant King stay alive to actually learn something.

Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

86 confirmed kills

4th August 1918


Morning sortie

Kevin took the briefing after breakfast and explained that the whole squadron would be heading across to Beaumont Hamel on a patrol.

The weather had changed once again and Kevin felt like he was back home in Lancashire with all this rain. It was miserable as he and the others took off and climbed up to 12500 feet before heading out east.

Kevin had put Lieutenant King next to him in the formation and would keep an eye on him, but not at the risk to anyone else, he decided.

They'd gone about halfway when Kevin saw a lot of flak bursts ahead and above. He closed in and saw it was several trios of Hun two seaters attacking anything they could down below. Kevin signalled and started climbing up towards them.

He now recognised them as Hannovers and as the Germans saw the incoming SE's they turned and ran.

They were all over the place however and whilst this made it easier for the squadron to attack, it didn't help Kevin and his usual method.

He latched onto one of the Hannovers who duly started swinging to the right. Kevin swung with him although the Hun gunner tried to fend him away.

He nosed up and hit the Hun with a good accurate burst. He nosed up again and did the same, this time chunks flew off the enemy aircraft.

A final burst tore the top left wing away from the Hannover and Kevin watched as it lurched into a monstrous spin down and down before smashing into the ground.

As Kevin took stock he saw two more enemy aircraft falling to the squadron's guns. The rest of the Huns were now over the lines so 64 reformed and as several SE's had received hits they headed home.

All had landed safely until Tommy Rose came into land with a failing engine. His crate seemed to stall at the last moment and kind of fell onto the ground. The landing gear collapsed and the nose of the SE dug in.

Rose was ok, a few scrapes and a bruised ego but he was fine thankfully.

Three Hannovers had been downed.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation)

Kevin took the briefing and confirmed that 'B' flight would be heading across the lines to Bapaume to undertake an aggressive patrol.

The weather had not eased, in fact it was worse. Driving rain and thick clouds made it very unpleasant climbing up.

'B' flight headed out east. They reached the lines and as they crossed the lines they spotted another formation ahead. There was no flak so it was almost certainly enemy aircraft. Kevin and the others closed in and recognised the aircraft as Albatros scouts.

Finally the Germans saw the danger and turned to face 'B' flight. As the two formations clashed Kevin rose above them and came around looking for an opening.

He spotted one as a Hun flew underneath him on its own. Kevin half rolled the SE and dived onto the Hun's tail. He blasted the Albatros who then turned to the left. Kevin stayed on him and a long accurate burst must have hit the control wires as the Hun lurched into an uncontrollable spin and spun all the way down into the ground.

Kevin looked for another target and saw one down below as most of the enemy aircraft seemed to be running for home.

He raced after the fleeing Albatros and eventually caught up. The Hun was skilled and threw his aircraft all over the sky trying to shake Kevin off but Kevin stayed patient.

Finally he got a bead on the German and put a decent burst into him. The Hun levelled out and Kevin took advantage, putting an accurate burst into the cockpit and clearly hitting the pilot. The Albatros nosed down and went straight into the ground.

Kevin found he was now on his own so he climbed up and headed home. He could see other aircraft ahead which turned out to be other SE's.

'B' flight landed safely and four enemy aircraft had been downed without loss.

Later on the weather was worsening and tomorrow's sorties must surely be in jeopardy.

Only one of Kevin's claims was confirmed, making it 87 confirmed kills. The flak boys claimed the Hannover and no-one had seen the last Albatros fall.

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Sgt, Rfc, 54 Sqn
Touquin, AF.

Aug 2 , 1918.

2 Victory Confirmed


I say, got bashed about today.

Incept Mission: No contact just flew around for awhile

Scramble: Off in a hurry with 5 a/c. found 1 Hanover on the down low over NML my flight leader got him. We were too widely separated to rejoin in the low clouds so Headed home made the haft way mark when I was joined by two Hun Tri planes. Took evasive action and went to the deck while being Target Practice for the Boche pilots took 15 hits then did the Blue Max routine as our Archie began to fire. They made for Home and I RTB Shaken up.