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

Sept 16, 1918.

6 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed



Balloon Defence today the Sqn put up 6 a/c as our replacements are just coming up.. Fought off an attack by 3 Hun machines. The Fat gas bag was swinging peacefully the rest of the time we patrolled there. No Loses No claims

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Carrick - A fine job by Cecil and his crew keeping those nasties away from our obs balloon. To the awards and decos keeping me busy, a tad more so at the moment while Raine is on leave enjoying the company of his sons. But it's nothing I can't handle.

Fullofit - Happy to provide Klaus with some more well-earned ballast, may he lug it around proudly. Now to him acting as a punching bag, maybe, but that is one punching bag that gives back way more than it gets. If those SPAD jockeys would just stay way up high they might actually live to tell their children how they fought in the Great War. When will they ever learn. As for those Bréguet crews, they're just flat out crazy.

Albert - More close work for Andy and company I see. Nice job messing up that Hun airfield, but it's still nerve-wracking to see your man that low over hostile ground. Congrats on Murphy's second DSC, he's earned it.

Epower - Kudos to Ripper as well on his third award of the DSO, another well deserved gong.

.

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

Apparently the gentlemen at the claims office were feeling as foul as the weather, only one of Major Frederick Abbott's three Fokkers from yesterday had been awarded him. Ah well, nothing for it but to go out and claim some more air Huns. And, despite the cold and the wet, that is precisely what Freddy and the boys did.


'A' Flight departs Fienvillers in the pouring rain to chase after a group of Hun two-seaters that had been spotted some miles to the northeast.



15,000' above the Bois de Watron the King's lads find the Kaiser's raiders - six DFWs making a run for it to the east.



Abbott gives the signal and the eight Snipes dive on their prey. Freddy picks out the rearmost portside Boche as his first victim.



It is over in a single pass, the enemy B/R bus losing its left-hand pair of wings to the Major's Vickers.



As Abbott comes back around and under his next target he is pleased and proud to see his lads tearing apart the Hun formation.



The Major jumps in and does his own bit once more, unleashing a deadly volley into another DFW. This one also comes apart in front of him.



Freddy watches with satisfaction as the hostile plane tumbles towards earth, continuing to lose vital parts as it does so.



With four of the six DFWs now despatched and the other two lost in the clouds it was time to call it a morning and return to camp to dry out, warm up, and write reports. Another excellent outing for Abbott and his men.



Later that morning the Major received a call from Wing, asking if he'd heard any talk that he might be awarded the VC, in general for his recent outstanding performance as CO of 43 Squadron, and in particular for his actions on the 14th. Abbott said that he had heard the odd rumors floating about camp but put no stock in them, given how these things get started out of nothing. While Wing agreed that such was typically the case, in this particular instance the rumors were in fact true. He'd been put up for the Victoria Cross, and once witness interviews were done he could expect to be gazetted, likely within a fortnight. Freddy was gobsmacked. The VC? Him?!

.

Many thanks for Andy's oak leaf cluster, tis purdy.

Fullofit - For just a few moments I thought those SPADs had finally cracked it, booming and zooming, hitting Klaus with quick bursts and then back up. His Jasta came to his assistance and he was then able to deal with the SPADs as he usually does. Then onto the Breguets in the afternoon and a clever ploy to drag them through the Jasta to split them up. He then dealt with his prey very nicely indeed and grabbed a bonus burner to boot! He even helped himself to a SPAD on his way home, those claims are backing up, poor Über Grüber. As for Andy, there's always a risk.when you're over the enemy lines and near installations. But a gift Hannover is just that and not to be missed. Congratulations on the new award, well deserved.

Carrick - Job done for Cecil and Co, shame he couldn't bag a Hun but the balloon survived.

Lou - A very professional job by Freddy and the rest of 43. Those two seaters were torn apart and but for the clouds it'd probably be 6 without loss. Shame about the rejected claims but two more to try the claims board's patience with. Then a random call from wing, is it a joke? a rumour? No it's true, he's in line for the biggest prize of all and a meet up with a bloke with more facial hair than Freddy as well, should give you both something to talk about.

As for Andy, those airfield attacks are always dodgy, doubly so when they have a row of gunners waiting to prang you. Thankfully he survived and grabbed a kill.

Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

34 confirmed kills

18th September 1918

Morning sortie


Bridgeman had taken 'A' flight out already on an escort mission over to St Mihiel. He'd left Andy to give the briefing to 'B' flight. They'd be heading to Vaucouleurs airfield to patrol around. A large number of Breguet bombers were based there and HQ wanted them protecting.

The weather had turned sour yet again, huge clouds and driving rain were the pilot's companions as they took off and climbed up before heading out west.

The patrol passed without any incident and 'B' flight landed some 70 minutes later.


Afternoon sortie

Andy was sitting with Ray Brooks and Jacques Swaab having a light lunch and another coffee. They'd been talking about the attack and whether the Germans were a spent force. Brooks thought the Germans were done for. Andy was adamant there was still plenty of fighting to be done, the Germans were in control of large chunks of France and virtually all of Belgium, until they were liberated there could be no peace.

At that moment the airfield alarm sounded and Andy raced out towards his aircraft. The engine had been started already so he was able to get airborne quickly.

The weather was still awful and if anything was worse then this morning as Andy climbed up.

He couldn't see any aircraft so followed the flak bursts. As he continued climbing and circling he eventually saw a Hun two seater moving back towards the lines.

Andrew lost him for a few seconds in the clouds and as he came out the other side he gasped as he was virtually underneath the enemy aircraft.

He throttled back and came back behind. Nosing up, he blasted the DFW with a long burst although the high winds made accurate shooting difficult. A stream of fire from the gunner raked Andy's left wing. He bobbed back down, closed in and nosed back up. This time he fired from short range and pulverised the Hun, he'd clearly hit the pilot and suddenly flames erupted out of the DFW.

The enemy aircraft went straight down into the ground.

Andy came around but couldn't see any other aircraft in all the clouds. He decided to head home and landed safely shortly after.

No-one else had managed to down anything, in fact most hadn't even seen the enemy.

Later on Captain Bridgeman called Andrew into his office. "Good job this afternoon pal, that was a difficult job in that soup. Even downing one was a hell of a win." said Bridgeman.

"Thanks sir, it wasn't an easy day that's for sure. We could do without this crummy weather right now." said Andy.

"I hear ya, hopefully it'll blow over but I doubt it." said Bridgeman.

"I've some news for you, firstly your DFW has been confirmed. It virtually landed on the main road north, the whole of the 76th Infantry Brigade saw it. I had a call from the CO confirming he'd seen the flamer on it's way down." continued Bridgeman.

That was number 35 for Andy.

"I've also had more news. HQ have agreed with my recommendation that your performances over recent days, particularly since you started leading the flight, have been excellent. They've awarded you a second Distinguished Service Cross, with Oak Leaf Cluster. I don't know the presentation details but it'll be sooner rather than later." confirmed Bridgeman.

"Thank you sir, I feel I'm growing into leadership and it's certainly driving me on. Not that I need much motivation at the moment." said Andy.

"You certainly don't! Congratulations pal it's very well deserved." said Bridgeman.

"Now lets get over to the mess, I think the others have arranged a little celebration for you." finished Bridgeman.

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

Sept 17, 1918.

7 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed


Chased a lone Fokker trying protect an enemy balloon. I was slow on the pursuit so let the flight get that kill while I doubled back and took out the gas bag. It brewed up nicely and could be seen for miles.

Lou, that is how the SPADs should be fighting all the time. They wouldn’t be such doormats if they did. As soon as they start turning, they become janitor’s best friends and anyone can wipe the floor with them. As for the Bréguets I’ve been saying that for ages.
Looks like the weather is turning foul for Freddy, but it doesn’t deter the Huns coming over. This in turn allows Abbott to make up for the denied claims. As they say, nothing gets lost in nature. And speaking of lost, let’s hope Freddy knows how to behave in front of the King during his investiture. Congrats on the good news!

Albert, it was a tense few moments. Suddenly those SPADs figured out what to do. But was it that, or just overwhelming numbers? I’d like to think it was the latter. It wouldn’t make sense for the SPAD drivers to restrain from using this tactic for the most of the war, suddenly to unleash it in the last two months. As to the Bréguets, Klaus seems to be able to deal with two of them at the same time. It’s when there’s a greater number that he begins to struggle. But that could be said about any planes. Herr Grüber will need to work overtime to process all these claims, or just throw them all in rubbish bin and forget the whole affair.
So, a dud mission for Andy in the morning. Then an slightly difficult approach to that two-seater, but it went down nonetheless. Better yet, it was easily confirmed despite the adverse conditions. Congrats.

18 September, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
123 confirmed kills

Five claims have been confirmed. He was also awarded the Order of the Red Eagle with Crown and Swords for his previous achievements. Drinks on him in the Kasino.
This morning, orders came through the telephone to go up immediately and intercept enemy formation crossing the lines near Malzeville. Klaus reached the intercept point and spotted three dots.
“- That’s it? That’s the force they were called to take care of?” He couldn’t believe the callousness of the HQ, but as he looked around he spotted more planes on the left and a number coming out of the clouds on the starboard. “ That’s more like it!” They were going to come out behind Raben’s Schwarm and do a lot of damage. Little did they know that Schwarm Eins was following and now they would bracket the SPADs and attack from both sides. Little did Raben know the Schwarm Eins was taking it easy and was in no rush to engage. Klaus had to deal with most of them. Throw in the Bréguets into the mix and it was dire. He continued to switch between the SPADs and juggle one determined Bréguet. Finally the other Schwarm engaged and the odds evened out. Klaus was free to persecute the SPADs, but the Bréguet was indefatigable and avoided the rest of the Schwarm counterattack. He was still pursuing Klaus. Raben preferred to go after the SPAD. It was safer, even with the bomber at his back. He continued to fire at the French scout while looking back to keep the bomber in check. It took a while but finally Klaus was able to destroy the SPAD mid-air and when he looked up he could see the Bréguet still there.

YouTube Link



“- Verdammt!” Klaus was livid. That bomber had to be taught a lesson.
The Bréguet, as if he were listening to Raben’s thoughts and saw the SPAD go down began to fly south, away from the battle. Klaus wasn’t going to let it go this easily. He followed the bomber, skipping from cloud to cloud. Finally he caught up with the Frenchman over Manoncourt-en-Vermois.
“- C’mon little Froggie. Let’s dance!” Klaus was ready to exact his revenge. He could see other planes in landing pattern, but he had eyes only for this enemy. The Bréguet pilot was an old hand and dove down at incredible speed, forcing the Fokker above him in a preferred position for his rear gunner. Klaus desperately needed to get down and below the line of fire but it was too late. The bloody gunner found his mark. Bullets clanged against the Fokker’s airframe and engine. Klaus responded with a fusillade of his own, silencing the gunner. He then took a few long range shots and watched the Bréguet dive for cover. Raben went with him. Lower and lower they went. Klaus was just waiting for the big bird to pull up and level off, but it wasn’t happening. He realized the pilot must have been hit and in his final death throws brought Klaus low and within the grasp of other planes. He looked behind. Sure enough there was a SPAD right behind him. But fortunately it was being presently entertained by one of the other Fokkers that followed this far south. Klaus joined the hunt and with the help of his wingman and the last of his ammo brought the SPAD down. It was now a good idea to get the hell out of there and over the lines as soon as possible. The two Fokkers reached Ars aerodrome and as Klaus entered the landing pattern his radiator burst. A final gift from the Bréguet’s rear gunner. May he rest in peace.

YouTube Link



18 September, 1918 12:30 noon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
123 confirmed kills
Awaiting three claim confirmations

At noon the Schwarm was sent to patrol friendly front lines between Nancy and Lunéville.
They were intercepted by high-flying Bréguets. Klaus was able to set one on fire and then went after another. Their engines were inadequate for this high altitude fight and preferred to stall rather than pull. He could not follow the next bomber this high, but instead he chanced upon one about to hide in the clouds. He could see one other Fokker following him, but was presently disengaging most likely due to damage. Klaus took over and set this machine alight as well. Why were they so easy to set on fire this high up. Were they using highly flammable petrol for high altitude flights? Klaus had no idea. He was more concerned about his Fokker listing to port. He gave the signal to return to base. The mechanics will sleep little tonight.

YouTube Linkn

Carrick - Congratulations on the balloon bust and confirmation.

Fullofit - Five confirmations.for Klaus and the news of a pretty addition to his gong collection. Let's hope Klaus never needs the services of an Ordenkissen, he'd need a forklift. Now to today's goings-on, that first outing looked dodgy for a while, every time he had a bead on something, something else came and dragged him away. It didn't last however and Klaus was able to bag himself SPADs and Breguets. Then onto the afternoon, a run in with some Breguets, not so maneuverable at high altitude and clearly prone to catching fire, or was that just Klaus's shooting, either way he helped himself to another brace. It's back to old Grüber and his tombola. As for Andrew, the weather stopped him getting at least one more. Speaking of weather, it didn't look nearly as bad where Klaus was flying. Andrew will have to drag his flight that way next time.

Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

35 confirmed kills

19th September 1918

Morning sortie

The previous night's frivolities had left Andy with a bit of a headache and a monstrous thirst as he woke. A plate of ham and eggs and several coffees helped that.

There'd been dozens of toasts called and honoured and the rest of it was just plain old drinking, but it had been most enjoyable.

Bridgeman had passed the poison chalice to Andy already. Another balloon busting mission, out to the lines north of Toul. Those persistent Prussians had erected another gasbag which was directing fire into the attacking troops.

Brooks and Vernam put there hands up and a short while later, all three took off and headed north.

The weather had improved a bit, the rain had gone but the wind remained as did some monstrous clouds.

Andy took them up to about 10000 feet and led them safely across the lines. As they came out of one particularly large formation, Andy saw the Drachen ahead and below.

He nosed down towards the enemy balloon and lined up. He blasted the gasbag with a long accurate burst and it began streaming thick smoke and as Andy flew past, it blew.

Satisfied, he started climbing back up towards his flight mates and together they headed home. As they crossed the lines however, Andy saw a trio of aircraft over to the right moving in a similar direction. He saw flak bursts and signalled his intention to go and investigate.

As he neared he saw it was three Rumplers, presumably trying to sneak across and cause some damage. On seeing the nearing SPAD they turned and ran, but Andy wasn't satisfied with watching them give up. He swept around underneath the leader, although the clouds again made accurate flying difficult. He kept his throttle in check and as they emerged he was in the perfect place.

He nosed up and hammered the boche with a long accurate burst. Smoke started streaming from the enemy aircraft and Andy nosed down again.

He nosed up as the Hun's flight mates tried to clear him away. Another long burst raked the German and clearly took out the pilot as the Rumpler nosed over and went straight down into the ground.

As Andy came back around, the other German two seaters dived into clouds and were already over the lines.

Andy turned and headed back to the point he'd left his comrades. They formed up and headed home.

Neither Brooks nor Vernam had seen Andy's Hun


Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation)

Andy was next to his aircraft, it had been refuelled and rearmed, he was checking the couple of patches that had been added.

At that moment the airfield alarm sounded. Flak guns out to the north started pounding. Andy jumped into his crate and started the engine. A short while later he was racing into the air

The weather hadn't changed, large clouds and pretty strong winds made seeing anything tricky. Andy followed the flak again and eventually saw a pair of enemy two seaters. As he climbed up after them he saw several more.

He got up behind one of the DFW's who started evading. Andy followed and blasted the Hun with a devastating flurry. The enemy aircraft seemed to slow right down. Andy did the same and just before he stalled he let loose again and this time tore the wing off the stricken German and it spiralled down.

Andy came around for another target. He found one as two DFW's ran for the clouds.

He dived after the leader and hit him with a good burst. He came around again and nosed up. He hit the pilot with a pinpoint burst and the DFW nosed down and went straight into the ground far below.

Andy came around again but lost contact in the clouds. He was above the lines now so decided to return home.

On landing he found he was the only pilot to make contact with the enemy.

Later on Captain Bridgeman spoke with Andy. He confirmed one of the three claims from the day's flying. Only the first of the afternoon DFW's was to add to Andy's score, making it 36.

He also confirmed that the presentation of Andy's DSC with Oak Leaf Cluster would be on Tuesday, with Major General Mason Patrick coming to make the award as well as meet the men.

Albert, totally right! Which malnourished Flieger would be able to carry all those awards? Would they even fit on one Ordenskissen?
I was also surprised the weather didn’t look like that advertised on yours and Lou’s pictures. There must have been a front right along the Front or Klaus was simply flying above the muck.
Looks like Murphy is a veritable two-seater scourge with a dash of a balloon buster. Congrats on the latest confirmation. The claims board is getting stingy again. They do appear to have better and worse days.
Time to make arrangements with Bella on Tuesday.

19 September, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
124 confirmed kills

Only one of the five claims made yesterday went to Klaus. One!!! Klaus knew it would be a miserable day.
They started off with a balloon attack assignment. Only three pilots would take part in this mad exercise. Ltn Richard Schleichardt and Ltn Hans Müller would accompany Klaus on this mission.
They were forming up and Klaus was looking down at the city of Metz below, thinking of all the people still in their beds. Children still in their deep sleep, men beginning to stir in their beds, gently nudging their mistresses imploring them to do something about their morning erections, women already thinking of ten things at the same time, birds chirping, dogs stretching, cats licking their own butts, bullets flying.
Bullets flying!
They haven’t even reached the first waypoint when the pestiferous SPADs attacked. Klaus immediately jumped on the tail of one of them and began to fire. The Franzose went into a dive and faked a spin, but Raben was too wise for that trick. He could see one of his wingmen go after him but was quickly dissuaded by another SPAD that dove after him firing his guns. Klaus stayed with his original target and rolled his Fokker to lose the excess speed. He continued to fire at his opponent and fired he did, but the incendiaries loaded for the mission did little damage. Finally, one of the wings came apart and the SPAD spun into the ground. Klaus looked behind to find another SPAD following him. He evaded, but lost him in the ground clutter. It was so difficult to spot those camouflaged planes against the ground in this morning light. He spotted him against the sky after the bandit climbed. He then switched to another target. New ones seemed to be arriving all the time at alarming rate. He dipped his nose to pick up some speed, but it made little difference. The enemy was pulling away and Raben had to resort to long range shots. He could see he clipped the starboard top plane and the enemy spun into the ground. Klaus could feel another of the enemy scouts breathing down his neck. He broke hard to avoid it, but lost him from view again. It was only after his latest adversary fired at him that he was able to locate him. The new SPAD was climbing and getting out of range. Klaus followed and observed. The enemy looked for an opportunity to get back at Raben, but the sly fox would not allow it. As soon as the Frenchman came anywhere close, Klaus opened fire. He probably would have had him, were it not for the two new SPADs on his tail. He had to disengage and introduce himself to the new arrivals. One of them responded in kind by firing at the Fokker, but missing completely. Klaus made another abrupt evasive maneuver and again lost the visual contact with his target. He reacquired him, but now the second SPAD made his introductions. Klaus stayed with the first one and punished him with a well aimed series of volleys. That SPAD also spun into the ground. It was now time for his wingman. Klaus spotted him coming around and faced his enemy. Raben’s Spandaus were ready for the next duel and as they passed each other, he fired his final burst.
“- Scheiße! Out of bullets!” It was time to bluff. Klaus was able to get on his enemy’s tail and stayed on it until the French pilot lost his nerve and directed his plane south. Raben waited for the SPAD to use his superior speed to create a significant gap between them before looping his Fokker and quickly heading home. The balloon would have to wait.

YouTube Link



19 September, 1918 12:35 noon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
124 confirmed kills
Awaiting three claim confirmations

HQ was adamant the balloon had to come down and ordered the entire Jasta to participate on this operation. Klaus developed a coolant leak and was forced to return early. The rest of the Staffel didn’t fare better and were intercepted by enemy machines over the target. They brought down three of the enemy planes, but not the gasbag. Klaus wondered if the misery will continue tomorrow.

Thanks Albert, but I cant catch up with Murphy. and epower is rolling up the front

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

Sept 18, 1918.

7 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed
Weather coming in, C Flight had the last patrol in the darken skies so off to the Club to catch the new song bird.

Fullofit - When's a balloon bust not a balloon bust? When you barely get off the grass before you're jumped. That looked like lax security there, someone let something slip. The German officer tells his French mistress, the French mistress tells the other umpteen blokes she's got on the go, one of whom is the local French priest (it's always the priests) and hey presto, almost a disaster. Thankfully the plan was foiled by the fact the attacking pilots were crap. Klaus was able to blast his way out of trouble and blast he did. However, the SPADs, as always, take a lot of punishment before they fall so Klaus had no rounds left for the balloon. Hopefully they've sent another Jasta to do it in the meantime. As for Andy, a trip to Bella would be lovely, not sure that's how it'll turn out though.

Carrick - Murphy goes out looking for trouble, Cecil is sensible and waits for it to come to him. I hope Cecil enjoyed his trip to the club, I expect he did if the bouncers look like that.

Just to provide an update. Regular entries didn't happen much due to some, ah, an increase of academic pursuits so to say. They will resume and I will catch up with everyone once that is sorted. Which is hopefully soon.

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NR - Nice to see you're still about. Here's hoping the academia chase will slow a bit and allow you some flying time soon.

Carrick - Jessica certainly does get around.

Fullofit - I'm with Albert, I think it all started with the French mistress. You know what they say: "A loose blouse sinks Klaus". Now to that 1-in-5 claims ratio your man suffered, perhaps he needs to treat everyone at the review office to a French mistress of their own for a night. Couldn't hurt.

Albert - Ah yes, the old balloon-busting-morning-after-the-night-before gig. Which of us hasn't been there, eh. But Andy pushed through his hangover and got the job done, which is only to be expected from one of his caliber. Looks like he'll be suffering yet another headache morning after General Patrick visits and pins on his latest gong, but then sacrifices must be made.


Wonderful stuff as always gents, thanks for sharing! And now for Freddy's latest adventure.

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

Rain and wind continue to hamper flying for Major Frederick Abbott and his crew. Yesterday they managed only one outing between the storms, and an uneventful one at that since the Hun were nowhere to be found in the air. By late afternoon Abbott had learned that one of his two claims from the 18th had been confirmed, bringing his current total of victories to 95. Yesterday also brought a resupply of Freddy's personal stock when two suspiciously-sized wooden boxes arrived from Mr. Pearson at Birchley House. The fellow was a godsend, keeping the young airman supplied as he did with some of life's more enjoyable necessities. He'd outdone himself this time when, among the two cases of primarily 8-year-old Bowmore single-malt elixir, nestled five bottles of 18-year-old Glenfiddich. Truly some nectar of the gods. "Well done, Mr. Pearson!", the Major exclaimed to no one but himself.

This morning began much too early for anyone's liking when the siren went off at half past five, warning of incoming enemy planes. By the time Abbott and his men were suited up and heading out to the field their Snipes were ready and waiting. It was raining, but not windy, at least not here on the ground. Through breaks in the clouds the September half moon could be seen nestled low on the far horizon, perhaps things would be clearing off later. With the lads harnessed in and chocks pulled away the Major gave the signal and they were off to look for pre-dawn nasties.


What a horrid way to begin the day, but it was for King and Country, so up and away went the brave men of 43 Squadron.



Once above the gloom and out of the rain, the half moon cast a peaceful light over the cloud tops. One could almost forget there was a war on when flying through such an ethereal landscape.



However, as Major Abbott and his lads neared Arras the stab of a spotlight beam quickly reminded everyone concerned that these were hostile skies.



The rising sun was beginning to paint the eastern horizon an orangy hue when Freddy spotted what the searchlight had been trying in vain to find - a single Hannover heading home to Hunland.



As the King's ace closed in the Boche intruder seemed unaware he was being stalked.



However, just as Abbott unleashed the Vickers, the Hun pilot throttled back and banked to port, causing the gap between the two planes to rapidly close while simultaneously opening up a clean line of fire for his G/O.



Both the Boche gunner and the Major found their respective marks. The Hannover shed its top starboard wing and dropped into a death spiral. The Snipe had taken hits to the engine, petrol tank, and windscreen, but Freddy was untouched. He immediately turned west, attempting to make for home at best speed.



But home would be out of the question. The Snipe was giving up altitude rapidly, its elevator controls sluggish, nearly unresponsive. Abbott struggled to keep the nose up on his damaged mount, dropping back down through the clouds as he did so. By the time he had wrestled his kite back into a more controlled attitude the shattered remains of Arras loomed ahead.



Freddy managed to set himself down in amongst the broken trees and shell holes that cluttered the southern edge of the city, bouncing to an inglorious stop some seven miles from the frontline trenches.



The half moon that had given its otherworldly light above the clouds was now disappearing behind the demolished buildings of Arras. The Major removed himself from his busted mount, thankful that the pouring rain was now diluting and washing away the petrol he was currently drenched in. A nearby gun crew offered their assistance and a place to dry off. A phone call to Fienvillers had a tender and crew on the way, but it would be quite some time before they arrived. Nothing for it then but to enjoy the company of his hosts while he waited. He was safe and relatively sound, was on the right side of the mud, and had knocked down another Hun. All things considered, it was a good morning.


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NR - Glad to see you about, hopefully RL will allow you back in the air soon.

Lou - Now that's the ticket, nevermind the squadron being equipped, what about Freddy's liquor stash! Umpteen bottles of Caledonia's finest. Nice. What wasn't so nice was that siren at silly o'clock and the weather. It made attacking that Hun a dodgy game. Attacking one is always tricky, but even more so when he's onto you. Freddy got the kill that's the main thing but it was nearly a very high cost. There could have been a tree or one of those infernal fences in Freddy's path..... thankfully not.

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Albert - I was definitely cringing at Freddy's last landing, hoping it would not be his LAST landing. I was very relieved and more than a bit amazed that he managed to miss all the obstacles in that immediate area. Luck more than anything really, since control of the kite was quite limited. Now, to making sure his liquor supply is up to snuff, well that's nearly as important as surviving to enjoy it.

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Lou - Yes it's always squeaky bum time when you land near the front, and in the dark even more so. I would imagine a fair glug of that liquor stash was downed as soon as Freddy made it back.



Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

36 confirmed kills

20th September 1918

Morning sortie

Andy led the briefing for 'B' flight and confirmed they'd be heading out to the front near St Mihiel. The front had moved a fair bit during the attacks so where exactly the 'lines' where was a question. Everyone was waiting on updated maps.

The weather had worsened again, steady rain was falling as Andy and the others got in the air. They climbed up to 13000 feet before heading north west.

They'd climbed above the clouds by the time they neared the battle scarred front. It was at that point that Andy saw enemy aircraft coming across the lines. It was a formation of Rumpler two seaters.

'B' flight climbed up to get at them with Andy to the fore. He swung around below and beneath the main group of Huns. He was being thrown about somewhat by the wind but he nosed up and put a long burst into the lead Rumpler.

Another burst had a trail of steam and smoke coming from the enemy aircraft. Andy came back up and fired an accurate burst into the cockpit and watched as the pilot flailed and fell forward. The Rumpler went nose down and sped towards the ground.

Andy came around and looked for number two. The rest of 'B' flight were engaging the remaining Huns so he latched onto the final aircraft. The Rumpler started evading but Andy went with him. He fired a good burst which tore chunks out of the wing. Another burst took the gunner out and a final burst had the Hun going straight down into the ground.

All five Huns had been downed so 'B' flight formed up and headed home. Two SPADs were damaged but all landed safely.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)

The squadron had a patrol near Malzeville airfield in the afternoon. Andy was leading 'B' flight again and took off into the persistent rain.

They reached Malzeville without incident and were patrolling around when Andy noticed another formation coming through the clouds high to the right.

Before he had chance to alert 'B' flight, the enemy formation dived down towards them. It was a flight of DVII's and they came in all guns blazing. Andy avoided the attack and just at that moment 'A' flight came through the clouds.

"Ha, now you're sorry." said Andy as he came around onto one of the enemy aircraft. With 'A' flight's arrival it was now 12 onto 7 and the 22nd soon made their numbers count.

Andy had one in his sights and put a lengthy burst into him. The Fokker rolled and dived but Andy went with him. Another burst and the DVII dived again. Andy just took his time and finally lined up and delivered the coup de grace. The Hun hit the ground and burst into flames.

Andy took stock and looked around. He saw another Fokker low down and presumably trying to run. He swirled around and raced after the Hun.

He came in from the left hand side and fired straight into the enemy aircraft. The Fokker panicked and shot upwards, Andy fired a long burst again and the German came to a halt and headed towards the ground. He tried to land but overturned and burst into flames.

Andy couldn't see any more Huns so formed up with two nearby SPADs and headed home.

Once the reports were in five DVII's had been downed but at the cost of two SPADs, James Beane was ok, but Lieutenant Sean Talbot had been killed. Talbot, from Paterson, NJ had been with the squadron for a month.

Later on Captain Bridgeman was able to confirm all four of Andy's claims, taking him to 40 confirmed kills.

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Albert - No small wonder that it’s hard to know exactly where the lines are when advances are made as quickly as they were recently at St. Mihiel, but it’s one of the better problems to have for those making the advances. So, ten enemy planes and pilots traded for four SPADs and one of Andy’s own. An outstanding trade-off marred only by the loss of Talbot. Still, a lot more empty chairs on the Hun side of the mud, so there’s solace in that. And 40 confirmed! Keep going like that and this bloody war just might be over by Christmas – at last. Love the shot of your man sneaking up under that pair of unsuspecting DFWs.

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Albert, leave the mistresses alone. It’s that priest that’s at fault. He was the one who blackmailed the poor woman after she went to him with her confessions. Doesn’t he know Gott mit uns?
Now, as to Andy’s claims, he does not need any mistresses to smooth things over with the claims board. All get rubber stamped without a question. Two-seaters, single-seaters all become no-seaters when Murphy’s done with them. Congrats on the latest batch. The Gong Fairy is probably already scratching his head what medal to give Andy next.

NR, good to hear from you. Forget the studies. This is more important.

Lou, a loose blouse? Must be Mata Hari Dicta. As for those claims another one of those Dicta should apply: Carnal knowledge of a dame guarantees approval of your claim.
It looks like Freddy could also use some help of those mistresses. Not only to get favourable claim results but to get his miserable self warm and dry after a mission like that last one. Congrats on bringing his plane back down in one piece, more or less. What terrible conditions to fly in.

20 September, 1918 07:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
126 confirmed kills

Two of the three SPADs from yesterday have been confirmed.
The balloon assignment was given to some other unfortunate Staffel. Jasta 18 would instead patrol friendly front lines between south of Pont-à-Mousson and Marbache.
On their outbound leg they’ve encountered a bunch of SPADs west of Verny. One attacked Klaus outright. That irked Klaus. Why did he always have to the selected first to be shot down? He’d have to show this Franzose how that feels. He disregarded the rest of the fight and followed his prey down where, after a curtailed battle it was brought down. Other SPADs began to litter the landscape below. The rest of the Schwarm made short work of the enemy after which they were allowed to continue with their patrol. No further contact was made with the enemy.

YouTube Link



20 September, 1918 14:30 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
126 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

In the afternoon they were sent to patrol enemy front lines near Marbache.
The Jasta was fortunate enough to catch a flight of spads coming out of a cloud west of Verny. Klaus took one out by blowing its wing off, then watched the rest of the Schwarm rip apart the remaining hostiles. His wingmen did a wonderful job of keeping his tail clear of the enemy. Raben was lucky to get the last one. According to Jasta’s sporting regulations every Fokker lunged to get the last bullet into the unfortunate Franzose. They’ll find out tomorrow who the winner was.

YouTube Link

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Fullofit - How dare that SPAD jockey blatantly attack Klaus first like that, who does he think he is? Or rather, was. So Jasta 18’s approach to an already defeated enemy is to jump on him en masse and see who can claim final blood. Sounds about as sporting as a fox hunt. Release the hounds!

To the gawd-aweful cold wet weather Freddy had to endure in his last outing, a nice shag afterwards from a loose-bloused dame would certainly have warmed the cockles.

BTW, that opening “full sky” scene in the second video is truly outstanding.

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