Tross - Here's hoping! Unless they'll still have him likely flying the old spad while everyone else flies the XIII. Now that would be a shame.
So, besides all the flying and fighting there's the funeral to deal with. That's probably the easier part of it all. Though the Pfalzes don't seem like they'll put up much of a fight.
The DVIIs it seems would be far better opponents, but even they give way eventuallyand feel an urge to run off, so they didn't stand much of a chance either it would appear.
Dreideckers too weren't too difficult it seems, though what was difficult was 2LT King. One can understand his reasoning, but his disobendience was putting others in danger. Hopefully that fiery little speech would be enough to teach him.
The following two fights he didn't seem to misbehave, so there's that at least. Shame about the denied confirmations but that's 87 already. Soon it'll be 90 and over at this rate!

Fullfoit - I'm sure Baptiste wouldn't pass on such walks, though he also would much prefer to not be on hospital grounds at all, so that's a bit of a dilemma. If he gets that plane anyway and isn't stuck flying his old thing, a paintjob update will be warranted that's for sure!
So it would appear the pity confirmations are far more accurate than expected... Denial with the baguette breguet and then only a single strutter! What nonsense is this!
And on the topic of strutters, it seems like they once more decided to keep haunting Klaus given the frequency of them as of late and their desire at downing Klaus. Hopefully he himself doesn't become a sausage though... Worst case scenario, there's always a pistol for such flammable situations, right?
The SPADs also seem to have put up at least some fight, not wanting to die off easily. Must admit, it seems like there's some bad luck with Klaus as of late though. Minus the confirmations and Strutters, he first confused an enemy flight for friendlies, and then admist all that SPAD shooting ran out of ammo. Very unusual honestly, maybe he should consider seeing a mystic at this point.

Carrick - Congratulations on the 2 victories! Getting jumped by triplanes seems like it was rough though, but thankfully Cecil got out alive out of that. Could've been way worse than 15 hits

Albert, Klaus lucked out this time with the two seaters and his engine remained in one piece. The SPADs were the icing on the cake. Problem is he only gets a piece of that cake. And the escorts will get a proper reprimand when and if any get back home.
Speaking of getting back home, it looks like three Hannovers won’t. Kevin made the two seater pay for his transgressions and the rest of the flight took care of the remaining Huns. All despite the atypical way of defending themselves.
Then the two unlucky Albatroses in the afternoon. It looks, however, that Kevin is katching Klaus’ luck with the klaims. Still better than none at all.

NR, here’s hoping that new mount will be Baptiste’s once he gets out. Perhaps he should pester nurse Maria to take that walk with him before he leaves?
Eh, those Strutters. What can I say? I am surprised the Entente didn’t win the war with them alone. What’s this, a mystic? You mean somewhere out there is a doll with pins in its back and Klaus’ name on it? Preposterous!

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

Out of the five claims he made yesterday, Klaus was able to walk away with two confirmed. One of the Bréguets and the afternoon Strutter.
The weather is starting to turn for the worse. This morning the HQ sent Jasta 18 to patrol enemy front lines near Nancy. Their entire mission was spent among walls of clouds. Nothing to see the entire time. The Schwarm returned after completing their patrol with nothing to report.



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

The afternoon patrol turned out the same way as the morning one, except one thing. As they were circling the airfield during their landing cycle, the anti-aircraft batteries on the ground suddenly opened fire. Klaus spotted the enemy coming after one of his wingmen. He quickly intercepted the intruder and brought him down at the edge of the airfield. He claimed the SPAD after landing, but it was denied even before Raben’s engine was cold. It looks like the weather front has moved in. The rain intensified in the evening.

YouTube Link

Carrick - Congrats on Cecil's second confirmation. Then a nasty run in with a couple of Dreideckers. That's the one thing the Camel isn't great at, running away. He made it back though that's the main thing.

NR - 2Lt King had better have learned his lesson, Kevin's got no time for glory hunters thinking the RFC/RAF is a short cut to a medal. It'll be a shortcut to a hole in the ground more like.

Fullofit - It seems that the German claim board just can't cope with high numbers. Give them one or two to consider and they're fine. Give them four or five and they panic and end up playing 'pin a tail on a donkey', pure guess work. As for Kevin he's always been quite pragmatic about such things, sometimes the claims gods are with you and sometimes they're not.

Klaus had a quiet jaunt in the miserable weather and then a run in with a SPAD on landing in the afternoon. A brave but foolhardy act by the Frenchman, it was only ever going to end one way. Those #%&*$# flak boys, they couldn't hit a bull in the butt with a bass fiddle and yet they claim everything. Nice shot of the formation of DVII's in full regalia.

Albert: I have perfect the skill as in Manley Evasive Flight Action " Run like E LL "

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

Aug 4 , 1918.

2 Victory 's Confirmed

The 54th Flying Sqn is on the move, This time to Fienvillers.

Off on Defensive Patrol as weather is thought to be closing in. B Flight closed and attacked a Rumpler Escorted by 3 V Strut Scouts. I scored on the big e/a after a diving pass then a low side pass. A Flamer then a Scout latched on and shot me up. Managed to slide slip then twisted away. My wing mates claimed the other 2 e/a.

Carrick - Cecil's on a roll now, his Camel made mincemeat of that Rumpler and although the escorts tried to make amends Cecil gave them the slip and 'ran like 'ell'.



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

87 confirmed kills

5th August 1918

It was clear from the moment Kevin woke that there'd be no flying today. Rain was splattering against the windows and door of his humble abode and had been since yesterday.

Kevin went over to his office as soon as he was dressed and spoke with the Adjutant, Captain Ripley. The weather was in for the day so he sent Ripley around to inform everyone.

After breakfast Kevin decided to get busy writing. Firstly he banged out a letter to his parents, bringing them upto date and providing his new address.

Then he started writing to Olivia..........

Miss Olivia McCullough
Number 5 British Red Cross Hospital
B Section
Abbeville

5th August 1918

Dear Olivia,

I'm sorry I've not written sooner, but a lot has happened since our meeting and this is the first opportunity to spend quality time on any correspondence.

Firstly, I've been promoted to Major, temporarily at the moment but hope springs eternal as they say. Secondly, I've been made CO of 64 Squadron. I mentioned to you in Abbeville about my conversation with General Salmond, well it has come to pass and here I am at the head of my own squadron. It's going well, they're a good bunch and the challenge to turn them into a top outfit is a great one.

Enough about me though, how have you been since our meeting? I imagine you to be very busy there in the hospital and I doubt it's easing at all? Anything but I imagine.

I'll be honest, I tried to put our meeting in Abbeville and our relationship to the back of my mind. To be equally honest, it's been impossible, at every moment my mind travels back to those wonderous hours in the sun of Abbeville. My thoughts focus on your face, your hand in mine, and there is an aching and a longing in my heart. Not an unpleasant ache, a joyous one.

Thankfully my levelheadedness allows me to focus on my role here and still hold these thoughts.

I cannot wait until we are able to meet again, but when that can be I cannot tell. Things are heating up here and that's only going to increase over these coming weeks, but know this, as soon as I can I will.

By the way, when responding to me now you should address it as 64 Squadron, Izel-les-Hameux. Thankfully it's not much further away than Conteville was.

Stay safe and keep smiling, that smile keeps me going.

Yours


Kevin


Afterwards, Kevin decided that if the weather was still bad tomorrow, he'd head to Conteville to see 'Beery' and the rest of 41 Squadron.

Albert, looks like the German claims board can only comfortably count to three. Anything above that number does not compute.
As to the SPAD attacking the airfield, I have a feeling the pilot was thinking he was still flying in the old WoFF, before the AI landing routine was fixed, and the landing planes were easy meat.
Kevin doesn’t concern himself with claims and his sanity will not suffer because of that. What he does concern himself with is the well-being of his pilots and of one attractive nurse. A letter written in downtime will go a long way to strengthen the bond between the two. It also looks like there is knees-up being planned for tomorrow. Hopefully Kevin will remember most of it.

5 August, 1918
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
64 confirmed kills

As expected, the rain continued to come down today and it didn’t look like it was about to stop any time soon. Kasino was as good a place as any to wait it all out.

Fullofit - One can only hope! As for Maria, no such luck. But then Baptiste has bigger concerns on his mind than nurses at this point. I suppose those strutters may as well be winning the war right now! Exactly what I mean. Must be some unhappy airman or maybe even an unhappy Yank hexing our poor Klaus! No other explanation for this.
Even now, only two out of five and then a rejected SPAD. How is that even fair... or possible! Must be a curse, I tell you!
So deeply unfortunate honestly, these rejections. At least the bad weather actionless patrols and sitting on the ground isn't as deeply disappointing.

Tross - No place for heroics when others lives are at stake, eh?
Well, the bad weather gives some time to spend well and write a lovely little letter to Olivia. Hopefully the visit to the 41 Squadron works out, assuming the weather permits. Hopefully there haven't been any losses there either

Carrick - A transfer oughta be less nice when getting shot up like that. Good job with the Rumpler though. Poor Cecil is getting shot up as of late it seems.



Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Field hospital, Verdun
5th August, 1918

2 confirmed, 1 pending



And so my final day in this place is coming to an end. I spent most of it in bidding farewell to the rest of the soldierly that kept me some company during my stay. I can only hope that these men, especially of the ground troop variety, will have pleasant and safe lives for themselves and live to see this war end. Something deeper yet inside of me is telling me that this may not be the case. Despite Maria being busy I've managed to catch her briefly and bid her farewell too. I offered that I may write to her if an opportunity arises, and that we may see each other again sometime. This too I'm not certain of. Pleasant amd interesting as she is, I only met her due to my wounding, and if this is a trend I'd much rather have never met her to begin with. I suppose I can only see what happens with time, for what it's worth it's not like I'm the only wounded man desperate for her attention. My orders are to report back to the Escadrille tomorrow morning and return to duty. The Escadrille should have recovered by now, I would hope. I'd much prefer to not wind up in another hospital or grave right after my release.

Fullofit - Yes, the SPAD pilot realised that just as he was ploughing into the ground......"Merde! Zay av improved ze AI". As for Kevin, it's been a chance to catch up and take a breath.....and hopefully take several shots of whisky with his old mates.

NR - So Baptiste is nearly done at the hospital, good stuff. He won't feel as bad when it's bucketing it down as clearly no-one is flying. He's planning to stay in touch with Maria too and why not, two young carefree souls.

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

87 confirmed kills

6th August 1918

It was clear when Kevin turned in last night that there'd be no flying today. The airfield was sodden and totally unfit for aircraft to operate on safely.

Therefore once he'd taken care of the required paperwork in the morning he jumped into the squadron car and drove the fairly short distance over to Conteville.

On arrival he parked up near the office and went in. The Adjutant stood up and saluted, "Hello Major Carroll, how can I help you sir?" said the Adjutant.

"I'm here to see Major Bowman" said Kevin.

"Yes of course sir, will you wait there for one moment" said the Adjutant.

He knocked and entered the Major's office and a moment later reappeared "The Major is apparently busy and wants nothing of whatever you're peddling" said the Adjutant with a totally confused look on his face.

Kevin looked shocked for a moment but then Major Bowman appeared at the door laughing.

"Sorry Kev, couldn't resist it, come in my dear fellow, come in" said Major Bowman.

Kevin followed 'Beery' into the office and closed the door on the totally bamboozled Adjutant.

"Sit down friend" said Bowman.

"Thanks Beery" said Kevin.

Beery grabbed a bottle of 12 year old Scotch and two glasses and poured a decent slug into both, passing one to Kevin.

"So my friend what can I do for you? Is this a social call?" asked Beery.

Kevin thought for a second, "Well to be honest, I need a new flight commander and was wondering if I could take Fred McCall or 'Dozy' Claxton?" said Kevin, with a face so straight he would have won a poker hand.

Beery, who was in the middle of a sip of scotch, suddenly coughed as if it had gone down the wrong way.

Several coughs later he'd recovered, "Blimey you've learnt the ropes quickly. But sorry, no can do they're both key members of........" the Major came to a stop as he saw the broad grin develop on Kevin's face. He now realised the joke was on him this time.

The pair burst out laughing, "Sorry Beery but I just had to make sure you didn't think these jokes were beyond me" said Kevin with a wry grin.

"Haha, I should have known better. I did teach you well didn't I" said Beery.

"You did indeed" said Kevin. "With this awful weather I thought I'd pay a visit" said Kevin.

"Well I'm bloody well glad you did......here" said Bowman pouring another dram into Kevin's glass.

"So how's it going with 64? You guys are doing well judging by the reports" asked Bowman.

"Yes we are, it's going well. There are some fine pilots and they're good chaps, we've had a few losses but nothing.... unexpected, no matter how unpleasant" answered Kevin.

"Good show, well it's pretty much the same story here. Claxton and McCall have been downing them lately. I even managed to bag one myself" said Bowman.

"Good stuff sir, have you heard anything about the latest push? What are they waiting for?" said Kevin.

"No more than you my friend. It must be imminent, especially now the French and Americans have started the ball rolling down on the Marne" said Bowman.

The two talked for an hour and then they both headed over to the mess. Kevin was virtually manhandled over to the bar as he went in.

A raucous few hours ensued but during it, Kevin noticed Fred McCall was still not looking good. "When are you going to go to the MO and stop messing around?" asked Kevin.

"Stop fussing mother, I'm ok" said McCall.

"You've been looking rough since well before I left. You need to get checked out at least" said Kevin.

"...and miss all the fun? No chance pal" said Fred.

Kevin knew not to push it any further, he grabbed another drink and enjoyed the rest of the evening with his old friends.

NR, that’s exactly what it is! Voodoo dolls. Klaus should get one for the claims board.
So, Baptiste is finally out! Said his goodbyes and made a promise to Maria. We’ll see where that leads. For now all the Huns should be on the lookout. Let’s hope Leanders gets his new mount.

Albert, that’s the only explanation I have for the enemy still attacking planes on landing approach.
As for Kevin one turn deserves another it seems. Beery is going to have a tough time beating Kevin at this practical joke business. I’m glad he enjoyed his time with his old pals at 41.
Now for that McCall character … this is going to end badly, isn’t it?

6 August, 1918
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
64 confirmed kills

The foul weather continued to bring Klaus down. After spending the entire day at the Kasino yesterday he was not in the mood to do it again today. Instead, he made a trip to Metz to spend the time at the local cafe. He was able to get a cup of real coffee along with local pastries. Later, a proper dinner with a bottle of red wine and in the early evening he returned to the aerodrome full and satisfied. With the rain still coming down he turned in early hoping for the weather to improve tomorrow.

Tross - At times of war one oughta survive first before being carefree. But we shall see! Quite right on the no flying though, blasted rain.
So, a nice visit to his old Squadron for Kevin, hm? Seems like time well spent, especially with those jokes. Wonder what might happen with McCall's wellbeing.

Fullofit - That sounds like a glorious plan, get one of his own to get back at them. Nothing in regards to a new mount though!
A nice outing for Klaus I see. Coffee, pastries and wine! Way better than sitting around doing nothing altogether I suppose!



Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Souilly, Verdun
6th August, 1918

2 confirmed


In the early morning I've bid my last farewells and found a car waiting for me. The weather was clearly sour and the rain refused to show us any mercy, so the ride back was rather prolonged as we found ourselves stuck in the mud maybe twice or thrice. Each time, too, I had to get out and help push the car out. I just came out of the hospital from a wounding, #%&*$# it. Why am I suddenly the designated car pusher? Either way, we eventually got to the field and the hopes of having an action filled day quickly vanished. At least I've gotten a fairly warm reception. Upon further investigation, the Squadron in my absence did manage to recover from that blow and we had plenty of new faces around. At least I wasn't the only one anymore. What I heard about new SPADs too turned out to be true, as the squadron was now in possession of 12 XIII variants, of which 10 were in use and 9 VII variants of which only 4 were in active use. Evidently there was some sort of shift going on and unfortunately I still hadn't earned myself a new model to fly. Suppose I'll just have to use what I've got so far. My pending claim for the two seater that brought me down I soon discovered was also rejected though this is only to be expected given the circumstances and lack of real evidence. After catching up on all this new information, I retired to the canteen and spent the rest of the day there, having nothing better to do.

NR, finally out of the hospital bed and right into mud, pushing dug in automobiles and then getting stuck with the old SPAD model and getting his claim rejected. This is not starting well for poor Baptiste, is it? It’s hard to tell if the rain is a blessing or a curse at this moment. He definitely doesn’t need sitting around idle anymore. Hopefully the weather will improve soon.

7 August, 1918
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
64 confirmed kills

In the early morning there was a lot of commotion. An air raid, but no bombs were dropped. Who would brave this weather and why? It turned out they were dropping leaflets. Most of them fell miles away from the aerodrome, yet somehow some found their way back to base. Wind? Unlikely.
The content of the leaflets looked much more dangerous than the bombs themselves. It depicted captured Germans somewhere in a camp in England. All of them happy, well fed, relaxed, healthy, playing football, working in the garden. Many pilots were considering getting “captured”. All this was quickly put to rest by the C.O. who pointed out quite rightly so that in these parts they were more likely to be captured by the French rather than the Britishers. That put quite different perspective on things.
The rain continued to come down all throughout the day, ending only before dusk. Tomorrow should be a good day to make the enemy pay.

Fullofit - A trip to Metz for Klaus, he seemed to enjoy himself, proper coffee and quality wine. Then home to suffer the strangest of air raids, it's like that song from a movie not yet made...."leaflets are falling on my head". Propaganda to make the men wish for the comforts of a POW camp rather than the privations of frontline duty.

As for Kevin, it was an enjoyable return but yes, he's concerned about McCall.

NR - So Baptiste is out of hospital, but no joyous return for him. Pushing cars out of mud, not what he would have wanted. Then even worse news, he hasn't got a XIII yet. They couldn't even confirm his claim. He must be seething, he should take it out on the boche.

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

87 confirmed kills

7th August 1918

Kevin returned to Izel-les-Hameux first thing in the morning, having spent the night in his old quarters.

It was still raining heavily and clearly no flying was going to be happening around there today.

He'd been briefed by the Adjutant on his return and went to grab some lunch. Shortly after lunch he took a call from General Salmond, Kevin listened intently as the General explained that the offensive would start tomorrow morning. The weather was expected to clear overnight and the first thrust would be reducing the Amiens salient, with attacks all along the Somme front.

Air support would be vital and total and all frontline squadrons were to stand by for orders at short notice.

Kevin asked if he should brief the men regarding this and was told not to go into details, just that the offensive would start tomorrow.

Following the call, Kevin called a briefing in the mess and informed the whole squadron.

There was much excitement naturally with a lot of questions directed towards Kevin which he deflected successfully.

To be fair, Kevin was as excited as anyone and lay awake for a long time before finally heading off to sleep.

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

Aug 7 , 1918.

2 Victory Confirmed

Ruddy Bad Weather so took in a Stage performance in Town, Smashing !

Fullofit - Nay, in terms of a start this really isn't the best for him. No real luck with the weather either, though soon it'll change for sure.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Many considering a capture, eh? Rather shameful show of morale from them. Then again, who can blame them. A mention of Frenchmen does dispel this though.

Tross - He's definetely eager for an opportunity to get back at the boche for it all, but alas just no such luck.
And so come orders for an upcoming offensive. One of the many. No surprise people are excited, let's see what comes from this. I expect losses.

Carrick - Well, seems like Cecil finds a way to occupy himself!


Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Souilly, Verdun
7th August, 1918

2 confirmed

Another rainy and unflyable day spent in the canteen. There's word of a big offensive coming, something to finally kick in the teeth of any German still fighting. I simply cannot wait for such a chance.

NR - This rain can't relent soon enough for Baptiste. He's going to make up for lost time I'm sure and prove he deserves a type XIII.

Carrick - Good to see Cecil filling his spare time up with some bird watching.

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

87 confirmed kills

8th August 1918

Morning sortie

The weather had relented somewhat but it had stayed cloudy and drizzly, in fact it was rather misty.

Kevin had received a call late last night informing him that the attack would commence at 4.30am and also what the first couple of sorties were going to be.

The morning jaunt was going to involve the whole squadron and they'd be heading across the lines to Monchy. The General was demanding air supremacy and they were to 'look for trouble' as Salmond had said.

64 Squadron took off and headed east after climbing upto 12500 feet. They'd climbed above the clouds as they headed towards the lines.

They were above the lines now as Kevin spotted another formation ahead and flying across in front of them.

Kevin nosed towards them and closed in. He initially thought they were scouts but they didn't attack. He then saw they were Hannover two seaters.

He signalled to attack and closed in on one of the Huns who were now turning for home.

The boche tried to evade and give his gunner a chance but Kevin was wise to this and stayed behind the tail. He poured bullets into the enemy aircraft and blasted him again as he got closer. The Hun's top wing flew off and the hapless German spun down and down into the ground.

Kevin looked around and saw 64 squadron making mincemeat of the enemy formation.

He found another Hannover on its own and zoomed down and attacked him. The Hun started spewing smoke as Kevin came around for another pass.

He poured both barrels into the enemy aircraft and watched as both wings fell apart, leaving the rump fuselage to plummet down into the ground.

At this point he could only see SE's and as some had taken hits he decided to head home.

They landed safely with 'A' flight a little way behind them.

Seven Hannovers had been downed however a single SE had been lost, Alan Buckminster had crash landed on the German side of the lines. The rest of his flight believed he was ok when he landed but obviously he was almost certainly going to be a prisoner now.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)

The afternoon sortie was going to be down to Albert on another 'aggressive' patrol.

The weather had cleared up somewhat although large clouds still remained as 64 squadron got airborne and made their way south after forming up and climbing.

They'd reached the lines and could see the damaged streets of Albert down below. It was then that Kevin saw another formation someway below them.

He could make out the black and white crosses and signalled to attack. They were too big to be scouts as Kevin dived, in fact they were DFW two seaters.

Kevin attacked one as he dived down, he scored hits and then came back around and underneath the foe.

The DFW was skilled however and nosed up giving his gunner a shot which he took. Bullets smacked into Kevin's cockpit and he felt a sharp pain across the top of his ear, like a hot poker had been put there.

He nosed down and took a moment, he composed himself and hammered the boche as he nosed back up.

Another burst raked the cockpit and sent the German nosing down and down into the ground.

Kevin came around for another target as 64 squadron attacked as well.

He found one and pummeled the German machine. His adrenaline was pumping as he pressed the firing button.

Another long burst clearly took the gunner and pilot out and the Hun went straight down into the ground.

Kevin realised they were now over the lines and turned back towards the allied side.

He formed up with the others and they headed home, landing safely some 20 minutes later.

On landing, four DFW's were downed and a couple of SE's damaged along with Kevin's.

There had still been no word on Alan Buckminster as Kevin sat in the MO's room as the Doc tended the wound to Kevin's ear. It wasn't bad, a bullet had cut across the top of his right ear. He'd been lucky.

"I'll give you something for the pain Major" said the MO, "but I'd recommend you leave the drink for tonight if taking it".

Just then the Adjutant came in. During the ensuing conversation he stated that all four claims had been rejected, three due to ground units claiming them and one which was too far over the lines and not seen.

Kevin burst into laughter "those bloody ground chaps, they'll claim they downed the moon on a cloudy night that lot" he said laughing still.

"Sorry Doc, not having a drink might be rather difficult now" said Kevin ruefully. The MO looked at Kevin and gave a stern look but then a knowing smile.

Albert, reading your report about the impending offensive, it looks like Klaus made it just in time. Who knows when he’ll taste proper coffee again?
Speaking of the air raid with propaganda leaflets, it was probably the best time to do it without any fear of retribution. Knowing no enemy flight would be up they’ve completed their mission without any issues. I just want to know how they were able to go up when everyone else was grounded. But going back to Kevin’s day and the news of the offensive: exciting times and the Huns won’t even know what hit them. No wonder Kevin had problems with falling asleep.

Now the big day is upon us and Kevin leading the way. Two Hannovers go down to his guns, but air supremacy against bombers is probably not what General had in mind. Time to do better in the afternoon. Kevin needs to find some scouts. Alas, more two-seaters. Never fear, Kevin will take care of those as well, but where are the scouts?
That was close. If Major Carroll had a larger head, he’d now be without it. Do be careful. And the missing tip of the ear will always be a conversation piece, yes?
Bloody infantry!!!

NR, they don’t consider it capture. They only want to be in the pictures. But if the French are involved then no dice.
So, Baptiste also has heard of this big push. I have a feeling the Germans are about to get in a world of pain. Fancy transferring to a Strutter escadrille?

8 August, 1918 05:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
64 confirmed kills

The rain finally ended last evening. The operations resumed this morning with Jasta being asked to support ground forces near Nancy.
Klaus was following Schwarm Eins when he spotted a formation of enemy planes near Nomeny. Eins spotted them at the same time and scattered all around. He tried to stay with the larger group when tracers started to come from above. From the angle he deduced it had to be the enemy diving on them. Raben spotted the enemy SPAD dive in the middle of Schwarm Eins scattering it even further. He came very close to Klaus, then turned around and came for another pass, but the German ace was already tracking him and placing the French madman’s plane in his crosshairs. He sent a few bursts and followed the enemy in a dive. The SPAD was getting away and Klaus couldn’t follow. His plane was shaking violently from the speed they were going at and had to relent. That was the bad news. The good news was that the Franzose wasn’t going anywhere but down. Klaus took him out without even realizing.

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The Schwarm reformed and continued with the mission. They’ve reached Nancy before they were met by another group of SPADs. Another mad fight ensued and Klaus was lucky to end up without a dancing partner and was free to go around and pick his fights to help his wingmen. He chose one that was circling above everyone else and once he was at his level he sent a well aimed burst into the cockpit while the enemy was at the top of his climb and appeared to be stationary. The SPAD went down spinning, never to recover. Klaus soon after picked another high-flying French machine and sent a burst as it was passing him by above. The Franzose faked an out of control maneuver but Klaus would not be fooled so easily and observed the proceedings. The SPAD recovered soon enough and was already congratulating himself for fooling the Boche, when more bullets ripped into his fuselage and wings. Klaus reminded the Frenchman that he was still there. While doing it, he overshot his target and had to slow down his own plane. In the meantime another Fokker joined the fight and the two were exchanging bursts aimed at the hopelessly desperate French machine. A third Fokker was about to join it. This told Klaus the rest of the SPADs have been taken care of and it was time to finish this fight. He sent another volley and watched the enemy plane spin into the ground. He was right, there was no sight of any other SPADs around. The Fokkers reformed and returned back to base without further incidents.

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8 August, 1918 12:30 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
64 confirmed kills
Awaiting three claim confirmations

In the afternoon the Schwarm was sent to patrol over the friendly troop camp just east of Mars-la-Tour aerodrome.
They were only able to reach Frescaty before they were attacked by a large formation of SPADs. Klaus managed to avoid the initial attack and was now selecting a target. He noticed one of the enemies about to strike one of his wingmen and came to the rescue. He was now targeting the SPAD and firing. That caught the attention of the enemy pilot and he had to break off his pursuit. Klaus had no such issues and continued to fire. Raben was now close enough to see his foe was an Amerikaner. He continued to pump lead into the machine in front and was astounded by the amount of punishment the plane could withstand. Finally one of the wings came off and the stricken SPAD spiralled down. Klaus quickly banked to shake off any enemies that surely by now were chasing after him. Sure enough, when he looked back he could see two of them. One of them had to jink to avoid the falling wing that nearly hit him. Klaus turned around and faced one of his pursuers. He caught him with a burst as the enemy flew by and instantly went into an uncontrollable spin. Klaus had no chance to make sure it wasn’t a ruse as the falling plane nearly collected another SPAD that happened to fly very close. Klaus already switched targets and was firing on the machine that barely avoided a collision with one of his own. Raben continued his fusillade and the American pilot went into a high speed dive to get away from the onslaught. Klaus stayed behind and above and waited for the enemy to level out. That’s when he attacked again. The last burst was devastating and the SPAD was now falling inverted in a flat spin. Klaus thought it was over when all of a sudden the enemy just made an incredible maneuver to the side and out of harm’s way, as if the hand of God himself yanked the plane out of the spin. Klaus could not believe it and followed this abomination from afar. Fortunately for Raben even God couldn’t keep that plane afloat. It went into a series of spins culminating in a spectacular crash below.
“- Rest in pieces, Hexer!”

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Klaus was now all by himself flying towards Frescaty aerodrome when he spotted another plane high above. He didn’t think he had a chance of catching it, but he’d made an attempt anyway. To his surprise he was catching the enemy. The SPAD must have been in a bad shape. He was about to send a burst up into the belly of the SPAD when the other plane suddenly slowed down and dropped altitude. Klaus overshot and had the enemy on his tail.
“- Scheiße, that was some trick!” Klaus was impressed but he soon realized it was just a coincidence. As he was climbing to open fire, the enemy’s engine quit resulting in speed difference that allowed the enemy to get on his tail. No matter. This eagle was a sitting duck. A duck that desperately tried to avoid getting shot down. The Amerikaner was pulling off impressive evasive maneuvers. In the end he ran out of height and smashed into the ground near a flock of sheep south of the aerodrome.

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After landing and making his claims, Klaus found out that Leutnant Spindler was taking bets how many of the seven enemy planes claimed by Raben today would actually get confirmed. Care to make a wager?