Attention!



His Majesty King George V hereby confers the following honour:



By order of His Majesty the King, this third award of the Distinguished Service Order is conferred this ninth day of September, 1918.

A grateful people thank you for your service and loyalty.

Lou – Everyone needs to have a Colonel Child in their life! Freddie is in a good place right now. Congratulations on the second bar to his DSO!

Epower – Absolutely lovely and well written episode with a very satisfying resolution to the story about Eliza and Tommy, not to mention the mouthwatering meal of hogget. Please take care and keep this going. Two more months. Only two more months.

Albert – Andrew has earned his break in Toul. Let’s hope that the conference schedule allows for an open bar and plenty of free time to absorb the local culture.

Fullofit – Happy to see that the claims gods have finally smiled on you. 113 confirmed victories – impressive. What is the highest number that one of your career pilots has obtained?

Lou - One out of three....oh no, that Major hasn't been moved onto the claims board has he? So 43 is being promised new aircraft to bring the numbers up. Sounds like he needs Colonel Child on speed dial. Congratulations on the well deserved gong, Freddy's got more bars than Sauchiehall Street.

Raine - Andrew's intending to enjoy it, but what is he going to learn from the meeting. Looking forward to Fergie's next update.

1st Lieutenant Andrew Murphy, DSC
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

22 confirmed kills

10th September 1918

Andrew and Captain Bridgeman sat in the staff car as they approached Toul. The roads were gridlocked, trucks, cars, carts anything and everything was packed with troops, not leaving, moving towards the lines.

Eventually, the driver, who clearly knew the streets of Toul well, found enough back alleys to get into the center and pulled into the grounds of the Mairie de Toul.

Despite the war, the Town Hall was relatively untouched. The car pulled up and a Corporal opened the car door and saluted. The two pilots responded and entered the lobby area.

A french Lieutenant came towards them. "Bonjour Mon Capitaine et mon Lieutenant. Voulez-vous tous les deux venir avec moi s'il vous plaît."

The Lieutenant took them into a lounge area where several other officers were waiting. Andrew saw they were all US pilots.

The Lieutenant announced that they were just waiting for the General to arrive.

"Shall I introduce you......" said Bridgeman to Andrew.

It turned out the room was full of commanding officers from the various USAS squadrons.

Harold Hartney from the 27th, Kenneth Marr from the 94th, David Peterson from the 95th were introduced to Andrew.

Charles Biddle from the 13th and George Fisher from the 49th were next. Andrew exchanged pleasantries with them all.

Finally Bill Thaw and David Putnam came over. "Lieutenant may I introduce Major William Thaw, commanding officer of the 103rd Aero and Captain David Putnam from the 139th. Gentlemen this is Lieutenant Andrew Murphy, who is here as he's being awarded the Croix de Guerre by General de Rominet."

"Ahh Murphy, #%&*$# glad to meet you. I don't think I've seen a report this last month which didn't have your name in it." said Putnam.

Putnam, who was from Jamaica Plains, Boston, had 12 confirmed kills, but nearly 30 'probables' already.

"Lieutenant Murphy, I'm very pleased to meet you. You've gotten yourself quite some reputation already." said Bill Thaw.

Bill Thaw continued talking to Captain Bridgeman, Andrew talked with Putnam.

"You're from Boston as well aren't you?" asked Putnam.

"Yes sir, the 'Back Bay' area." replied Andrew.

"Haha, you can lose the sir, Dave please." said Putnam.

"Thanks Dave, you're doing pretty #%&*$# well yourself by all accounts." said Andrew.

"Not as well as you hot shot.....wait a minute....." Putnam stared at Andrew.

"I know you! Did you play for the Red Sox?." asked Putnam.

"Yes, for a couple of years before the war." replied Andrew.

"You played in the world series! 1912! I was there with my Dad." exclaimed the Captain.

The pair carried on talking until the French Lieutenant came back in, "Gentlemen, the General is now here, would you like to join him in the conference room please." said the Lieutenant.

The entourage moved into a large room with a long wooden table, large enough to have many seats around.

The French Lieutenant spoke with the General who then spoke to the group. "Welcome my friends, thank you for answering my call. We have important business to relate, but first I believe I have a joyous job to do. Which of you is Lieutenant Murphy?." said the General.

Andrew stepped forward. "Ahh Lieutenant, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. I thank you for answering France's call and helping us to defeat the Germans!" said the General.

The French Lieutenant called the room to attention.

The General took the medal from his adjutant and placed it on the chest of Andrew. He kissed him on both cheeks and stepped back "From a grateful nation Lieutenant, congratulations and thank you." said the General.

Andrew saluted and the General responded. Loud applause then broke out.

Once the congratulations had subsided the General spoke again. "Gentlemen, shall we get down to business? Lieutenant Le Clerq, please escort our hero back to the reception room if you please and ensure he is made aware of the fine wine we have available here for just such an occasion."

Lieutenant Le Clerq took Andrew back to the first room, which was pleasant enough. "Please Lieutenant Murphy, help yourself to a drink."

The door closed and Andrew went over to the large sideboard which had at least a dozen bottles of various wines and spirits on it. He chose a glass of Cognac and sat down.

He had time for one refill before the door opened and the meeting came to an end.

Bridgeman and David Putnam came across to Andrew.

"Did everything go well?" asked Andrew.

"Yes, I can't go into details obviously, but I'll tell you later." said Bridgeman.

Putnam had grabbed the pair of them a drink which they quickly downed. "Where are you guys off to?" enquired Putnam.

"We don't know yet, we have rooms booked for later. Probably go get something to eat." said Bridgeman.

"Mind if I join you?" asked Putnam.

"Of course not." said Andrew.

The three of them said their goodbyes and headed out into the town.

The streets were thronged with people, predominantly military.

Eventually, Bridgeman spotted a place called 'Le Sanglier'. "This place is good, I've been here before." he said.

"Here is fine by me." said Andrew. "Me too." said Putnam.

The men entered and thankfully found a table. They ate well, with the local fish proving as excellent as the waiter recommended.

The were relaxing and talking together. "So what was the meeting about?" enquired Andrew.

"This goes no further and I can't go into details, but us and the French are attacking the St Mihiel salient the day after tomorrow. The USAS will be at the forefront of it obviously." said Bridgeman quietly.

Andrew looked excitedly at Putnam who nodded. "This crummy weather is meant to clear for the 12th." added Putnam.

The men continued talking, Putnam and Andrew comparing notes on Boston.

A short while later the mood had relaxed and Andrew noticed two nurses enter and take a small table by the bar.

He heard them order a bottle of wine between them and from their accents, despite the smattering of French, were clearly North American.

His gaze was continually taken by the taller of the two nurses. Her eyes were to die for. He was so taken in fact that as he stared at her he didn't notice her gaze had turned and she was now looking directly at him.

He looked at the two Captains quickly, who already knew what was going on and had to hold in fits of laughter.

He glanced again and the two nurses where whispering and laughing.

Andrew composed himself and noticed the nurses bottle of wine was now empty.

He ordered a round of drinks for his group and a bottle of wine for the ladies' table.

Just at that moment and before any drinks had arrived, the other nurse upped and left, wishing her friend a goodnight.

Then the drinks arrived and the waiter took the wine to the nurse's table.

"Get your Bostonian butt over there hotshot!" said Putnam.

"Yeah don't worry about us we're fine." said Bridgeman.

Andrew took a breath and walked over, "do you mind if I join you?" asked Andrew.

"Not at all, and thank you for the wine, would you like some?" said the nurse.

Andrew sat down and the two began talking. Her name was Isabella, she was 20 and she was from Hampton, Virginia. She was a nurse at the 'Base Hospital 45' here in Toul.

"I'm sorry your friend had to depart." said Andrew.

"Julianne? Haha it's fine she saw the signs...." said Isabella.

"Like the rest of the place." said Andrew with more than a hint of irony.

Isabella laughed.

"You have a beautiful laugh, it lights up your face." said Andrew, honestly.

"Thank you, actually Julianne warned me off to be honest." said Isabella.

"Really? Why?" asked Andrew surprised.

"She had a bad experience a few months ago. She'd met a pilot, James I think he was called. He was killed a short while later." explained Isabella.

"It happens I guess, that's the business were in." said Andrew.

"That's kind of what I said." said Isabella.

The two carried on talking for some time and exchanged addresses and promised to keep in touch.

A short while later Isabella had to leave, she had the early morning shift tomorrow and wanted to be home before it was dark.

"Can I walk you back to your quarters?" asked Andrew.

"Thank you, I'm only a couple of streets back." replied Isabella.

The pair walked the five minutes to Isabella's apartment in the hospital grounds.

"Please write won't you." said Isabella.

"Of course I will, you too." replied Andrew.

"I will, I promise."

Andrew leant in and the pair shared the briefest of kisses.

Andrew left and headed back to the restaurant.

Albert, PLM isn’t what it used to. Too many Fliegers flash it at any girl that passes by. It’s become a symbol of desperation when it comes to catching a mistress.
Speaking of, Isabella is a looker. Probably damaged goods if she’s still single. Fingers crossed Andrew can figure it out before getting seriously involved.
So, our baseball star is getting proper recognition from the French. He must also get a kick out of getting recognized by the American fans. Having Putnam as one of them may prove useful at some point. Perhaps a future transfer?

Lou, no trips to town this time around. The Jasta is on high alert in case the weather clears and those Bréguets show up unannounced. Congrats to Freddy on his bar to his DSO!

Raine, Klaus is getting into that dangerous territory where all my other pilots buy the farm. 10 more and I’ll be on pins and needles.

Ziggy - 123
Toby - 129

.

Raine - Thank you for Abbott's third award of the DSO, a rather rare honour historically speaking. And Freddy is in a good place at the moment, fingers crossed it continues.

Albert - Toul is turning out to be an extremely enjoyable outing for our Andrew from the looks of it. Not only has he been pinned with the CdG but he’s gotten to hobnob with some of America’s finest and, most importantly, met a lovely and enticing woman. She looks like a person who would have an interest in aviation - a very, very strong interest.

Fullofit - No trips to town? Hardly seems fair. Sock darning then? As for that dangerous and rarified strata Klaus is nearing, I suggest some good luck charms, lots of them.



The rain continues to pour and the wind continues to blow which means yet another day of no flying for Major Abbott and his crew. However, he received word this morning that he’s been gazetted with the DSO, for a third time! The young ace is quite chuffed about it and has promised his officers an open tab, to start after dinner. He’s further sent Sergeant Bellows over to Abbeville with funds and instructions to bring back enough beer so that every man and OR in camp can enjoy at least three glasses. And, if he can find it, several bottles of some decent liquor for them as well, preferably scotch, whiskey, or rye – or gin if all else fails. There is a war on after all so one must make due.

.

Lou, sock darning? Isn’t this a woman’s job? Thank god they still knew how to do it back then.
As to the lucky charms, Klaus wouldn’t be opposed to a pair.
So, Freddy is getting the rest of his squadron drunk. Very generous of him. This way, when it comes time to fight, they won’t see straight and he’ll have to shoot more Huns by himself, which in turn will result in more bars for his DSO, which in turn will lead to another tab at the bar. What a vicious circle!

.

Vicious Circle, that would make a great band name.

.

Fullofit - That's a tad harsh, even for a Prussian. She's only 20 and a nurse in war torn Lorraine but because she's not hooked up yet she must have 'issues'? I see that career in counselling disappearing fast. She's had her friend telling her to 'stay clear' for months. Andrew and David Putnam are clearly destined to be friends certainly, but life has a habit of taking 'certainties' and ripping them up in your face.

Lou - So Freddy is going to throw a drink-a-thon for his squadron mates, that's very decent of him. As for Andrew, he's had a great time in Toul. I agree, there's a touch of the 'Amelia' about Isabella, she's a looker and that's enough for him.

1st Lieutenant Andrew Murphy, DSC, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

22 confirmed kills

11th September 1918

Andrew and Captain Bridgeman had a decent breakfast. There was no rush to return to the airfield as the weather had clearly not improved enough to begin flying.

They checked out and left about 11am. Corporal Yates had come from the airfield to take them back.

"So how did you get on with....what was her name?.... Isabelle." asked the Captain.

"Isabella.....very well, we've exchanged addresses. She's lovely." said Andrew.

"She was indeed, be careful getting tied to the ground though pal. Clouds the mind." said Bridgeman.

"I know what you mean sir, I'll keep my wits about me don't worry. Right now I just want this stupid weather to clear so we can get airborne." said Andrew.

"Yeah, it's meant to ease off tonight and tomorrow might be ok." said the Captain.

"Putnam seems a good man." said Andrew.

"Yeah he is, you two seemed to hit it off straight away." said Bridgeman.

"We have things in common I guess, but yeah he seemed pretty easy going." said Andrew.

The roads out of Toul were just as busy as yesterday with military traffic all heading north.

Eventually the two pilots arrived back at the airfield.

Andrew spent the afternoon composing a letter to his parents back in Boston. He also had the Croix de Guerre ribbon sowed onto his uniform.

Lou, most likely a marching band.

Albert, unless she was straight off the boat, Andrew couldn’t be the first man to approach her and she did seem receptive. A coincidence? I say … Black Widow! And 20 then is like 30 now. Not a spring chicken
So, back to the base with the prospect of getting up in the air tomorrow for Andy. That SdG ribbon will look good on Murphy’s uniform.

It’s good to see everyone up, even if some new faces! It’s in the short rows gents, stay safe up in the deadly skies. Apologies for my absence but things just got a bit hectic. Keep the stories coming!

Fullofit - With eyes like that she could be a whole nest of Brazilian wanderers and Andrew won't mind.

Mfair - Good to see you drop in. Hopefully you can get a pilot in for these last two months.

.

MFair - Great to see you back with us! I echo Albert's hope that you can get a dog in this fight for the last few weeks.

Fullofit - A marching band. There ya go - round and round.

Albert - Good advice to Andrew about how women can cloud the mind. Best to keep his focus on the business of killing when he's up in the air, and save thoughts of the comely Isabelle for when he's safe and sound on the ground.

.

12 September 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

Everyone survived the blow-out put on by Major Frederick Abbott to celebrate his third DSO, though there were a few fellows suffering first thing this morning. Not enough however to keep them from the task at hand, a flip to the front and back just after breakfast. And it turned out to be an excellent morning's work too. Plus, the squadron is now up to eleven Snipes, five more and they will be at full strength - spiffing!


The Major takes charge of the morning mission; an OP along the lines east of Bapaume. Heavy gray clouds fill the sky but the rain was holding off.



The seven Snipes climb towards the front and level off when they get above the clouds at 12,000'. All is quiet on the outward bound portion of the sortie.



However, as the King's airmen begin to head back to the west they spot seven black-and-white banded Fokker D.VIIs below them that appear to be returning from their own morning patrol. An even match in numbers but the Snipes have the height advantage.



Abbott quickly dives and turns into one of the Hun and blasts him as the fellow carves across in front of the Snipe. A fatal move on the enemy's part.



The Fokker falls away and does not regain control. One down, six to go.



Freddy spots one of his lads who's gone after a D.VII but has failed to notice the Hun's wingman who is now on his six. The Major sails in to help.



As the Boche begins firing on the Snipe Abbott closes on his squadmate's attacker and begins to fire as well.



Freddy continues to zero in on the striped assailant and fires three more volleys, all of which find their mark and the Hun tumbles away.



In the next instant Abbott's attention is drawn to another Fokker zipping above his right shoulder. No worries though, this one is already being attended to by other Snipes.



The Major leaves his wingmen to it and instead gives chase to a different D.VII that in turn is giving chase to one of Freddy's other lads.



This Hun is persistent though, and continues after his target despite the short bursts of dissuasion being sent at him from the Major's guns.



But at last the Boche breaks off, turning to port as he does so, and giving Freddy a wonderful firing opportunity. As bullets rip through the Fokker the pilot bolts up in his seat, then slumps back while the prop windmills to a halt.



As Abbott passes he signals to the Hun, but there is no response, no movement, save that of the plane drifting earthward.



Freddy watches as the Fokker continues to float down, eventually slamming into a line of trees near the aerodrome at Bapaume. Abbott regroups his flight and they head for home in the rain, which started up again during the go-round.



Once back at camp the Major assesses the outcome. All his men survived the encounter, although one of the Snipes had to divert to Bellevue due to a holed petrol tank. In addition to the three Fokkers Abbott had despatched, all but one of the remaining four were destroyed or disabled by his crew. The one that managed to get away can tell his story to his own, should the filthy rotter happen to make it across No Man's Land.


.

Lou - Back to the action for Freddy and what a return. He used the height advantage to great effect against those Fokkers and saved several of his pilots from perilous moments. Another trio for our intrepid hero and a very good day for the squadron. Imagine what 43 squadron will do with a full inventory of Snipes! Great pictures btw.






1st Lieutenant Andrew Murphy, DSC, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

22 confirmed kills

12th September 1918

Morning sortie

The weather had relented overnight, just like the meteorologists said. The airfield was still sodden but usable.

Andrew had woken early, as had many of the men. At the first signs of dawn, as the black skies turned to deep blue, the horizon lit up to the north, like a continuous storm of lightning. Then the noise arrived, a din of monstrous proportions, as if a thousand timpani had begun their work at once.

Andrew stood at the door to his quarters. He thought of the thousands of men who were now charging into mortal danger.

He stopped daydreaming before the thoughts turned too sour and headed off to get some breakfast.

Captain Bridgeman took the briefing and confirmed the morning sortie was a patrol over the lines to the north, in full support of the ground troops down below.

He was going into the details when the airfield alarm sounded. Andrew reacted first and ran out onto the airfield. The engines were already starting as he reached his aircraft, jumped in and raced down the field.

The weather had improved a lot although there still some large clouds around.

As Andrew climbed he looked up and could see at least three groups of aircraft. He went after the nearest group and could now see they were a formation of DFW's.

The rest of the 22nd were now in the air too but were someway below Andrew.

The DFW's began to run for home and Andrew was catching them up. He came up behind a Hun two seater who tried side slipping to give his gunner a shot. Andrew swung around with him however but still heard bullets pinging past as the gunner tried his luck.

Andrew pulled the trigger and both barrels poured forth a tirade of bullets which ripped into the two seater.

The German now tried side slipping the other way and for a split second the gunner had a bead on Andrew's aircraft. Bullets smacked into his top wing but Andrew swung back behind the Hun's tail.

Another lengthy burst tore the wing away from the now stricken two seater which proceeded to somersault down and down and eventually smashed into the ground below.

Andrew came around and saw the remaining DFW's over the lines and decided to head back towards Toul airfield. His wing was ok, although damaged.

He now saw a series of dogfights going on above the airfield. Andrew saw the enemy aircraft were not two seaters, they were DVII's.

He saw one on the tail of a SPAD and went to help. He fired a quick burst into the Hun which made him give up his quarry and swing around towards Andrew.

He fired again as the Fokker zipped past and the German dived. Andrew went with him and the wires shrieked at over 200mph. The Fokker left it to the last moment to pull out and raced towards the lines. Andrew felt the 'G' force squashing him in his seat as he pulled out and raced after the Hun.

He lined up and fired a good burst into the Fokker who was about to dive again but another burst had the enemy aircraft spurting smoke and flames from his engine. It nosed down and smashed into the ground.

Andrew took stock, he saw flak above the airfield still so the enemy was still around. As Andrew came near he now saw a Fokker dive past him towards the lines.

He swept around but kept his height. He now nosed down and throttled up. He zipped along and was catching the Fokker up. The Hun realised this and came around. Andrew anticipated this and nosed towards the turning enemy and pummeled him.

The enemy aircraft levelled out but had now slowed and Andrew came up behind and put a long accurate burst into the cockpit. He saw the pilot fall to the left and the aircraft nosed down and went straight into the ground.

Finally Andrew couldn't see any more Huns and set himself up to land.

Several other SPADs were doing the same.

On landing and reporting in, seven enemy aircraft had been downed, two two seaters and five DVII's. Two SPADs had been lost but the two pilots were alright.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting three confirmations)

Captain Bridgeman took Andrew to one side just prior to the afternoon briefing. "Andy, I want you to lead 'B' flight this afternoon." stated Bridgeman.

Andrew was surprised and delighted "Of course sir!".

"You're a natural leader, you'll be fine." confirmed the Captain.

The afternoon sortie would be a repeat of this morning's aborted effort, which was to patrol the lines to the north.

The weather was still good as Andrew, at the head of 'B' flight, took off first and waited for the rest to form up with him.


They climbed up and headed north. The journey and indeed the whole patrol went without any incident. Andrew could see the front down below and fires, smoke and explosions seemed to be everywhere.

The headed home and landed about 20 minutes later.

Later in the evening Bridgeman called Andrew into his office.

"First rate job out there today pal! You led from the front this morning, you always get in the air first and take the attack to the enemy aircraft. If some of the other pilots are more hesitant, your actions inspire them to action." said Bridgeman.

"Thank you sir, I was honoured when you let me lead the afternoon sortie." replied Andrew.

"You not only deserve it, as I've said, you drive the men with your actions. Where better to do that than up front." said Bridgeman.

"I have good news about your claims. All three were clearly seen and have been confirmed. That takes you to 25 doesn't it? Brilliant! Just keep it going Lieutenant." said the Captain.

Andrew was happy but he saw the Captain's expression turn to one of consternation and sadness.

"What's up sir?" asked Andrew.

"We've just had word from headquarters. Dave Putnam has been shot down. He's dead....I'm sorry." said Bridgeman.

Andrew's face dropped, "Jeez, that's a tough one, he was so full of life the other day, we got on well. He was a good man."

"I know you got on, that's why I'm telling you separately. They've recovered the body and will bury it in a US cemetery in Toul, probably on Wednesday afternoon." explained Bridgeman.

Andrew nodded but said nothing he was still thinking of Putnam the other day, cocky, brash but in a good way, a friendly way.

"If it is on Wednesday afternoon I want you to attend on behalf of the squadron." said the Captain.

"I'd be honoured sir, thank you." said Andrew.

"Thank you Andy. I'll let you know the details tomorrow when I get them. For now though go and enjoy your success pal. You deserve a drink and Putnam deserves a toast." finished Bridgeman.

MFair, good to see you around. Hope everything is alright with you and you’ll have time soon to join us again in a hotdog fight, or is it huntin’ season already?

Albert, I can’t argue with that. Eyes like that have lost many a man. Hopefully Andy won’t be one of them.
And the day hasn’t even started properly when Andrew was already ripping into the Huns with his SPAD. I’ve lost count. How many did he get? Not important. Important is how many get confirmed. And the verdict is … all of them! Well done. That’s the way to do it. And the Captain seems to notice and give him more responsibilities. Leading the flight is no small feat. Is he being groomed to be the flight leader? Only time will tell.
But there’s more. Bad news this time. Putnam’s dead? I can’t believe it. What bad luck. Andy just got to know him.

Lou, it was indeed a good mission for Abbot and the rest of his squad. Three for the man himself. Let’s hope the claims board is of the same opinion. The number of Snipes keeps growing just as the number of Freddy’s kills and his bar tab.

12 September, 1918 08:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
113 confirmed kills

The skies were much brighter today. It was a definite improvement. The Schwarm got on with their patrol and was opposed by a flight of SPADs near Marbache. Klaus picked one of the hostile planes and followed him. He got a few good shots and the SPAD went into a flat spin. Klaus was just waiting for the French trick to get himself out of this mess and as if on command the biplane shot like a rocket to the side, but Raben was waiting. The two entered a protracted exchange of scissors, nearly colliding in the process. Another Fokker, which was following behind engaged the SPAD and claimed him as his own. Klaus didn’t care. That was one less enemy pilot either way.

YouTube Link



As he was turning back to the main fight he spotted a SPAD running away from a Fokker. The Fokker was not making any progress and Klaus decided to step in. With a smooth motion he placed his machine on the enemy’s tail and brought him down. He could see the SPAD spinning towards the ground. Then gunfire caught his attention. Another fight was in progress and Klaus was more than ready to help. He could see the Fokker following the SPAD about to stall out and let the enemy get away. Fortunately Raben was higher and easily caught up to the Franzose. He fired a few bursts and had his foe spinning into the mud below. The fire from below announced he was flying too low. Those Rotkäppchen in the trenches were good shots. He quickly climbed out of range, gathered his wingmen and returned back to Montingen.

YouTube Link



12 September, 1918 15:25 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
113 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

The afternoon show consisted of supporting the ground forces in the sector between Marbache and Malzeville. There was no contact. It seemed like all the enemy planes were concentrating their efforts elsewhere.

Woo Hoo, MFair is back

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Avensnes- Le-Comte,
Flanders.

Sept 12, 1918.

6 Victory Confirmed
4 Unconfirmed


Troop attack this morning then patching the holes in our 10 a/c, Ground fire was murderous. The Intell boys are calling this a Black September for the RFC due to the New Fokkers. On the bright side we out number them and their War machine is grinding to a Halt.

Fullofit - Klaus had to work hard for that first victory, not least because of his wingman nicking in constantly, he's clearly taught them well. If the first victory took a while, the second was gone in a flash.....well...in a spin anyway. Two more for the claims board to mull over. Then a quiet second sortie, happened a lot yesterday. As for Andrew, the kills were all over our side of the lines which helps. The death of Putnam hit him hard, when you see someone so full of life fall, it makes you wonder.

Carrick - Ground pounding for Cecil and 54 then. Nice job on the army camp, they burn beautifully, worth a few holes in your wings.

.

Albert - Tough news about Putnam, he seemed a fine fellow. But 25 now on Andy's tally sheet has to help soften the loss somewhat. Also, from initial reports, the Yanks are giving it to the Boche something awful there at St. Mihiel. Outstanding!

Fullofit - I suppose once you've cracked that hundred mark it becomes less of a concern when one of your kette mates steals your kill. Does seem Klaus is in a rut: "Oh look, there's a SPAD, I'll shoot it down. Oh look, there's a SPAD, I'll shoot it down. Oh look, there's a SPAD, I'll shoot it down..." He got a bit lulled into that routine there for a moment when he allowed himself to get within range of the ground gunners, but they soon snapped him out of it. Fortunately they weren't in a similar rut: "Oh look, there's a Fokker, I'll shoot it down."

Carrick - Boom boom, out go the lights.

.

13 September 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

All three of Major Frederick Abbott's claims for the Fokkers from yesterday were confirmed as were the three claims put in by his flight mates. Rather astounding really, considering the review board's propensity for rubber stamping at least half of what crosses their desk as "UNCONFIRMED". Will wonders never cease.

Today's morning jaunt was uneventful, with no air Hun being seen between Fienvillers and the front lines beyond Bapaume. This afternoon however, while the Major was up checking some trim adjustments he'd requested the AMs to make on his mount, he spotted the inky smudges of AA fire well off to the northeast and went to investigate. He caught up with a brace of DFWs over the Bois de Watron near La Bellevue and set to work ruining their outing.


Rising up into a beautiful September afternoon sky to check the rigging on his mount, Major Abbott soon catches sight of AA puffs off to the northeast, a sure indication that the Hun are about.



Freddy finds a pair of Boche B/R buses near La Bellevue that most certainly had been up to no good as they were now running east with empty bomb racks. The King's ace stalks the trailing DFW from below and opens fire as soon as he is in range. The enemy G/O suddenly realizes the threat and returns the hate.



While the Hun gunner failed to hit anything vital, Abbott did not. The Snipe was proving to be a most stable gun platform, allowing for some deadly accuracy at a fair distance. As bullets repeatedly tore through the two-seater's fuselage it began trailing smoke and wallowed in the air before finally falling away to portside.



Freddy circles and watches to make sure the job is truly finished. The fall of the DFW steepens as it picks up speed and hurtles towards the ground far below. It does not recover.



Abbott gives chase to the remaining enemy bus and catches it up quickly, and once again the twin Vickers find their target as the gap between the two planes closes.



The second DFW noses down and goes into a spiral, a white wisp of escaping petrol curling behind it. In a final act of defiance the Hun gunner manages to send a few rounds through the wings of his attacker, but they do nothing other than perforate some linen.



The Major follows from a safe distance, again making sure this isn't a Boche trick.



It was not. The DFW smashes into the corner of a field and bursts into flames. Chalk up another one for King and Country.



Back home in less than an hour from when he left, the young CO commends the boys in the hangars on the fine trimming of his mount and asks that they patch the holes it was now sporting. While the ever-attentive AMs got to work the Major headed over to his office to put in for two more claims and wondered if the review board would once more be so uncharacteristically kind.


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