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#4509645 - 03/05/20 09:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Offstv Gunther Ganz
Jasta 6
Flanders.
March 5th,1917


It looked like the weather had sat in for a while. Ganz could not bare sitting around for almost a week. He asked Wulf he he could take some leave and visit his family in Berlin. “It will be a quick trip Herr Ganz but I think you deserve it. It will give your leg a bit more time to heal. Be back by the 9th”.
“Thank you Sir,” replied Ganz as he hurriedly rushed to pack his kit.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
#4509650 - 03/05/20 10:49 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: MFair]  
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Originally Posted by MFair
Offstv Gunther Ganz
Jasta 6
Flanders.
March 5th,1917


It looked like the weather had sat in for a while. Ganz could not bare sitting around for almost a week. He asked Wulf he he could take some leave and visit his family in Berlin. “It will be a quick trip Herr Ganz but I think you deserve it. It will give your leg a bit more time to heal. Be back by the 9th”.
“Thank you Sir,” replied Ganz as he hurriedly rushed to pack his kit.


Have great leav Ganz! We might even be on the same train!

#4509731 - 03/06/20 02:08 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Seb and MFair, I think von Toombs and Ganz should plan on hitting a few of the nightspots in Berlin together before they each return to their respective jastas. Would make for some fun interweaving of your stories. Just a thought. smile2

.

6 March 1917
Netheravon, Wiltshire

Captain Swanson was grinning from ear to ear as he climbed out from the cockpit and leapt down to the frigid, crystalline ground. The snow and wind had subsided just long enough by mid-morning for Swany to try out the new mount.

“So what do you think of her, Captain?” It was 2nd Lieutenant Thomas “Sammy” Luke making the inquiry. Coming over from the Royal Engineers, Luke had earned his Aero Club certificate in January and been commissioned a flying officer shortly thereafter. He finished up his advanced flight training in February and, like Swanson, had just arrived at 66 Squadron. He seemed a very decent and cheery fellow.

“She’s a joy to fly Sammy, a pure joy!” Swany beamed.

The Sopwith Pup, (officially called the Scout), was indeed a joy to fly and the current favorite of R.F.C. pilots, and rightly so. Called the “Pup” because it looked like a diminutive version of the Sopwith Strutter, (a bus Swanson was well familiar with, having earned his VC flying one back in 70 Squadron), the nickname was apropos for other reasons as well. The plane was lively and quick to respond, downright playful really. However, unlike a flesh and blood pup, this one was far more obedient, doing precisely what was asked of it, precisely when it was asked. It had a superb rate of climb, and while it was somewhat slower than the Hun’s latest scout, it could turn twice while the Albatros was making a single go round. Its only shortcoming was the single Vickers .303, (nearly every German scout plane had twin guns). However, the installation of the much-improved Kauper synchronizer gave it a firing rate twice that of the Strutter, which helped to close the armament gap a fair amount. All-in-all, the plane was a winner, and Swany could not wait to give it a go in battle. But wait he would have to, as the squadron was still in the process of gathering men and machines before shipping over to France. Hopefully it would not be a long wait.

“Your turn my lad, before the weather changes”, Captain Swanson piped as the Ack Emmas gave the Pup a quick once-over. “I’ll watch while you take her up, and afterwards we can toddle across to the mess and warm ourselves over some hot tea and toast and compare thoughts on her.”

“Outstanding idea, Captain”, Luke chimed.

“Please, as I told you earlier, you can call me Swany, everyone does.”

“Right-o, Swany it is then.”

.

#4509763 - 03/06/20 03:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Train Journey to Berlin.

Feldwebel Sebastian von Toombs GMVK, EK1, EK2
Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 18
Halluin/Rekkem, Flanders
16 victories
Evening of 4th March 1917

I would have quite a journey ahead of me, first the 9hrs and 20minutes to Berlin and then a 1285 km journey via the impressive ‘Preußische Ostbahn’ from Friedrichstraße Ostbahnhof to Königsberg. Which would take another 14 hours ... I had to be back by 8am on the 8th so was going to mean more travelling than seeing Kitty, but We would have one whole day together and most of a morning and in my book that made it all worthwhile.

I was hoping for a fairly uneventful and quiet journey. Among the stack of books, that Paul had given me on my return from Hospital was recent translation of Homer’s Odyssey. I had read a few pages while in my hut, and marvelled at its ability to cast me onto the warm shores of the Ionian Sea. Sadly, there was always an interruption, and I hadn’t got much further than Telemachus’ problems with his mother’s suitors and his first meeting with Athena. But two full days travel was sure to be a wonderful opportunity to read, relax and rest with the promise of Kitty at the other end.

I dressed in my finest uniform along with my medals, threw the wonderful, green leather-bound book into a small rucksack together with a small wash bag and jumped into the waiting truck that Walter had indeed commandeered.

The station was over-crowded. All sorts of people were vying for space on the platform. Mostly men of all stripes and uniforms with an occasional lady, often a nurse, dotted around. I suppose about half of the milling crowd appeared injured, bandaged arms, heads and many leaning on sticks. More pitiful were the others, whole, but with a half-frightened, wide eyed look. Ready to jump at the drop of a hat and who remained on the train platform by force of the will. We call it shell shock, the neurosis that haunts many of those who have spent too long in the trenches.

I had a travel warrent from the Kommandant, but I didn’t intend to use it. I really didn’t feel like travelling third class for the best part of 27 hours so instead went to the ticket office and spent a princely sum on a first class seat. ‘Von Toombs do not travel except first class’, my father would bluster, and although at times I didn’t mind. Today I did, only four hours ago I was 3000 meters up escorting DFWs through a maze of flak. I deserved this luxury.

I waited for the train, keeping myself pretty much to myself. I lit a cigarette, cupping the match in my hands, as I savoured my first pull, allowing the smoke to fill my lungs I noticed a rather fine looking chap, with a slight limp walking along the platform towards me. Our uniforms are fairly distinctive, being Prussian blue and of a different pattern to our land-locked cousins. A quick glance was enough to be sure here was a fellow flier. He stood very erect, shoulders straight but could not hide that he was in pain each time he put all his wait on his right leg. As he neared me, he face erupted into a huge smile. “Pilot?” He asked rather forthrightly putting out his hand. “Hullo” I replied, “Yes. Von Toombs Jasta 18, pleased to meet you.” I was lying, I was hoping for the minimum of contact with anyone, certainly anyone this side of Berlin. Nonetheless, I took his hand and gave it a firm shake.

“Cigarette?” I offered him my packet of Turkish blend cigarettes. “Thanks old man”, he answered his hand starting to reach for one. “Offstv Gunther Ganz, Jasta 6. Actually do you mind old man I don’t smoke...”

“Not at all” said I putting the packet away into my jacket.

To be continued...

Last edited by SebToombs; 03/06/20 03:50 PM.
#4509768 - 03/06/20 04:08 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Yes, storylines coming together. Excellent!

.

#4509774 - 03/06/20 04:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Thanks Lou! Great to see Swany in a Pup, it’s my favourite plane! Brilliant new start for our daring captain!

Back at the station ...

It was clear to me, that Gunther was a fairly shy chap, what had possessed him to make contact with me was a mystery. But if I was going to have a travelling companion, a quiet one one would be best. “How far are you going?” I asked,
“Berlin, to see my family” he answered. There was silence and neither of us spoke for a few minutes, standing on the crowded platform lost in our own thoughts.

Out of the corner of my eye I took stock of him, he was ramrod straight, smartly dressed with observant, intelligent eyes. I could tell that he wouldn’t miss much in the air. I could see him now, watching and observing all that was going on around him. I thought of him in those moments as a wise, but young owl. There would be hidden depths there, deep waters of thought, strategy and bravery. Every now and again I noticed him wince, it was almost imperceptible and he was desperately attempting to keep what the British call a stiff upper lip. I broke the silence, “Injury?”
“Yes, is it obvious?” He smiled with that owlish glint in his eyes.
“No, not really, I’ve only been out of hospital a week myself, forced down by Tripehounds, took a couple of bullets. You?”
“Yes, the same, ambushed by Triplanes, plane was riddled with bullets”. He became more comfortable as he continued. “I was only in hospital a couple of days and have been up once since then. Strutters everywhere. I’ve been given some leave to fully recover and see family”.

I eyed his travel warrant and the crowds of obviously injured men, “Look old man,” I said, “You can’t stand all the way to Berlin, wait here”. Without waiting for a reply I headed to the ticket office and bought a second, first class ticket, this time to Berlin. The von Toombs coffers are pretty deep. Father owns a shipping company after all. I arrived back to him at the platform just as the train appeared. “Put the warrant away, use it another time, I could do with the company” I said, thrusting the first class ticket into his hands, “Not many here will know the terror of a tripe on their tails, the smell of oil about to catch alight or the sound of bullets wizzing through canvas and wood. This is most definitely my treat!”

To be continued...

Last edited by SebToombs; 03/06/20 04:37 PM.
#4509795 - 03/06/20 08:36 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Offstv Gunther Ganz
Jast 6

Ganz settled into his 1st class passage with his new found friend, Feldwebel Sebastian Toombs. “Your name is familiar to me Sir, I know I’ve heard of you.” Before Toombs could speak Ganz brightened up with a smile, “Now I remember! You are becoming quite the celebrity! What, 16 or 17 victories? I’ve read of your exploits in the paper. Congratulations Sir.”
Toombs smiled back, “something like that. 16 actually.” Ganz replied, “I would have thought you would have been of a higher rank by now eh”
At that Toombs laughed before adding “who knows what command thinks as long as you and I shoot them down and they can attend their meetings and parties, all is well. Don’t you think?”
Ganz looked off at nothing in particular for a moment before speaking. “I’ve been shot down on my last two flights. If one was a betting man, he would not bet on my future my friend.”
They sat in silence before Toombs spoke up. “The people only see the glorious stories on paper. They have no idea of the dangers of flying. But, you know, I love it! Sitting in my Albatros I feel invincible. There's no one who can best me in the air.”
Ganz looked at Toombs, “We’ll then, my generous friend, maybe some of that invincibility will rub off on me!”
The two fliers laughed out loud.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
#4509802 - 03/06/20 09:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Seb and MFair, excellent chance encounter, but for God’s sake do not molest any 15-year old girls on that train. You are in Luftstreitkräfte and not some RFC riff raff!

Lou, there is nothing like the feeling of exhilaration in a nimble scout. Looking forward to Swany’s exploits. I have a feeling the Huns are going to start crying foul, or uncle, or just crying.


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

The snow was still falling but the reports were that it is local and should clear up soon. The Huns are up so it can’t be that bad. This was their first mission this far south and into the dangerous territory of many well known Huns hunting there. Yes, that area between Menen and Halluin. Toby took the flight up and above the snow clouds. Thankfully the sky was filled with large grey clouds they could hide in. Mulberry led his flight skipping from cloud to cloud. He was not in the mood to encounter a Schwarm full of crack pilots, like Manfred von Richthofen, Sebastian von Toombs, Gunther Ganz or Lazlo Halasz, especially when his own flight was made up of only 4 machines. He was lucky so far and managed to avoid all patrols, but as he turned for home, his luck had run dry. He saw them emerging from behind a cloud and already diving on the Tripes. They must have been following them for a while now and waited for a perfect moment to strike. All seven machines were gunning for the ambushed Sopwiths. There were twice as many Boches but Toby and the rest of the flight faced them nonetheless. The two flights merged and the clouds were filled with scouts. As Toby turned to get into position, he noticed the square wings. These were not the dreaded Albatroses! In fact these were the well known and docile Halberstadts. Mulberry started to breath easy again. They should be fine as long as they don’t get dragged into ground fire range. His target was wriggling like a fish on the edge of a sun drenched dock, but Toby followed him patiently, firing at each opportunity. They were now back under the clouds with the snow degrading the visibility. He finally damaged the poor German pilot’s machine to the point of air unworthiness. It was an easy target after that and went down quickly, just south of Halluin. Mulberry looked around for more targets, but apart from Thornely attempting to form up, there were no other airplanes in sight. The two remaining Tripes made their way north and back to base.

YouTube Link



"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4509804 - 03/06/20 10:28 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Excellent tales gents' - keep them coming. I always like to pop in here from time-to-time and catch up on the latest exploits!

@Carrick, hopefully Philby will be upgraded soon to a Nieup. 23 or 24.

@Raine, it looks like it's time for Collins to upgrade to the 180hp Spad 7, a good mount for 1917 (I recommend however comparing the stock FM for the Spad 7 with my 180hp tweak for it, in quick combat mode first, before choosing an FM...don't want Collins to end up with a "downgrade" rather than an upgrade to the 150hp variant in the congested skies of 1917)

@MFair and Seb, perhaps the Bosta 2 C.O. at Ghistelles knows of good restaurants in Berlin that he can recommend to Ganz and v. Toombs, I'll have to ask him in the casual campaigns thread biggrin

@Lou, loved that part with Swany and the Colonel in the office at HQ, with the detail about the Colonel possibly forgetting to set the ceiling fan in reverse, great stuff

Happy flying all,
Von S

Last edited by VonS; 03/06/20 10:29 PM. Reason: Fixed typos.

~ For my various FM/AI/FPS/DM Mods. for First Eagles 2, WoFF, RoF & WoTR, and tips for FlightGear, recommended is to check over my CombatAce profile (https://combatace.com/profile/86760-vons/) and to click on the "About Me" tab while there. ~
#4509815 - 03/07/20 12:28 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Nigel Farnsworth Philby
Sgt, Rfc
1 Rfc Sqn
Flanders

March 6,1917.

1 Rfc Sqn is on the move to some where in Flanders, It will probably take a few days before we will be Operational. Some pilots were give time off so the rest of us are double tasked. I was posted to drive a total of 2 a/c up then truck back as Admin and Anti a/c moves up then help maintenance pack up. At least the weather opened up a little. A lot of work as the Sqn has 23 N-17's of which 7 are in Res ( 2 dont have motors or wing spares and 1 without Prop ) In addition we have 1 2 out of 16 authorize Pilots. 1 wnd 3 on leave.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-03-06 15-55-40-45.jpgCFS3 2020-03-06 16-33-54-99.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 03/07/20 12:37 AM.
#4509818 - 03/07/20 01:15 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lou, between you and Toby, the Germans don’t have a chance.
Fullofit, nice flying. Stay above the fray and pounce like a hawk. For what it’s worth, I’ve always been attracted to the older ladies, but at 64 that pendulum swung south some years ago. I’m sure Ganz is of the same mind.
Carrick, hope you enjoy your new home.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
#4509822 - 03/07/20 02:07 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Seb, MFair --

Loved the linked stories - one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign. Great writing, too. As this thing goes on, I get the sense that we begin to get captured by the era.

#4509830 - 03/07/20 03:05 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Top-notch storytelling--and flying! Thoroughly enjoyable!

@Seb Your stories continue to be engaging. I like how effortlessly you have woven Herr Toombs' and Ganz' stories together. If not for Kitty, I would be very much afraid for the ladies in Berlin!

@MFair Be careful with that gimpy leg! Those lady Berliners' (isn't that a local pastry) will find your injury a great matter of interest, I imagine!

@Lou I am looking forward to Swany's new life as head of a squadron. I imagine he will still find time to fly a few patrols, though!

@Raine Evocative writing, as usual. It seems that Collins has lots of irons in the fire, including wine(eries) and (a) woman. I expect he is about to break open in song at any moment!

@HarryH Lazlo also seems to be floating on air. I just hope that he keeps his feet on the ground and remains focused on the job at hand. The Entente has a manpower shortage as it is!

@Carrick Keep plugging away, Sir. Love your pics! (Can someone get Philby a better mount?) winkngrin

@Fullofit Amazing show above the trenches. Very atmospheric. Did you catch the name of that Halb pilot? He seemed to be very skillful. I shall drink a toast to his memory.


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4509868 - 03/07/20 11:46 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair, when you say attracted to older women, you mean the ones with fully developed breasts, not older than you, right?
BuckeyeBob, thank you for your comments. I’m glad you are enjoying this thread. One of those days you should get your head out of the clouds and try your hand at piloting one of these wonders, and of course tell us all about it here. The lucky recipient of Mulberry’s spa treatment in that Halberstadt was none other than Bertram Heinrich. At least that’s what the British propaganda tells me.


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4509870 - 03/07/20 12:00 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Meanwhile on the train to Berlin ...

It was past 11pm as the gentle rocking of our carriage lulled us both in to a light sleep. As I drifted off I was thinking of my new found friend. Gunther, was a great travelling companion, our experiences in the air were very similar and he was allowing me space and freedom to read my treasured Odyssey. That’s not to say I wasn’t concerned for him. It was almost as if he carried the certainty of death in his bones. We’d laughed as we joked about the inevitability of death, I told him I was invincible, I believe it. He doesn’t. I can’t help thinking that might be his downfall.

My father, as well as believing that von Toombs should only travel first class, has another saying, “If a dog chases two rabbits he will end up losing both”. If Gunther has two focuses in the air, either believing he will die or trying to stay alive, he will lose that split-second instinct needed to out-fly the Tommy. That has to be our one focus. Flying! If we focus on flying, being one with our machines everything else will flow from it. The victories and life itself. Our Albatros are at the absolute least, a match for, and, in reality superior to anything else out there. ‘Be strong friend Gunther’ I prayed as I drifted into sleep.

I was woken by the rumble of blasts in the distance. Both Gunther and I were fully awake within moments. Our fighter pilot reflexes never sleep it seem.

“Bombs” Gunther stated.
“ It certainly sounds like it” I replied. Our train started to slow down and quickly come to a stop, throwing us both forward.
“They sounded close, but not close enough to have damaged the engine, I wonder why we’ve stopped?” That owlish glint was back in Gunther’s eyes as he calmly walked to the window to assess the situation.

“Sorry sirs, you need to leave the carriage.” A bespectacled smart orderly had appeared at our door. The corridor was full as people flowed sluggishly to exit the train.
“Sounds like BE2s” Gunther said totally unflapped by the sudden change in our circumstances. “Night bombing raid! Looks like they’ve missed the train, but they’re banking round to try again, they’ve not laid all their eggs tonight”

“Schweinhunds” I exclaimed fire raging in my belly. “There’s nothing on this train but sick and injured and soldiers on leave”.
“We’d better get out Sebastian”
Gunther was right, we moved into the corridor. People were running to the cover of a small wood not 50 meters from the track. We got out just as the BE2 released their bombs on the train.

“Run Sebastian!”

To be continued...

Last edited by SebToombs; 03/07/20 12:03 PM.
#4509884 - 03/07/20 03:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Oooo, a cliff hanger! Waiting now with no small amount of trepidation to see how things unfold for Seb and Gunther.

Bob, at this point Swany is a flight leader, but he may make CO someday, though there seems to be push-back coming from high places against the idea of an American volunteer being in command of an entire R.F.C. outfit, (even though he was acting Station Commander at Stow Maries, but that was not much more than a flight). Time will tell.

MFair, I think the Germans are more than capable of holding their own with the likes of Gunther, Seb, and Lazlo banging about in those nasty, nasty Albs. The Entente still have their work cut out for themselves.

VonS, glad you’re enjoying the stories here. I’m quite enjoying your tales of Hauptmann Kiener’s exploits as well over in the casual campaigns thread. I see his Oberursel betrayed him and left him stranded, but any landing you can walk away from, eh?

Fullofit, those Albs are just flat out scary. Glad Toby is such a skilled pilot and has the Tripe to work with.

Carrick, so Nigel and his crew are on the move? Where to? Inquiring minds want to know.


No flying for Swany and the lads at Netheravon today due to continuing high winds and sleet, so it’s off to Salisbury later on. However, three new Pups arrived just after breakfast and Major Boyd told Captain Swanson that, as he is the star pilot in camp, he has first choice of the lot. So right now the young ace is over at the sheds inspecting the new kites as they are being unloaded and assembled to see which one suits his fancy.

.

#4509892 - 03/07/20 03:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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RAF-Louvert: 1 Rfc is moving to Bailleul Asylum in Flanders located 15 miles from the Front. Much too close to the Guns for Philby, The Quartermaster will have to double the Ration of Rum.

#4509894 - 03/07/20 03:58 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick, the QM should bump up the rations on ear plugs as well.

.

#4509916 - 03/07/20 05:56 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Meanwhile back at the train ...

Gunther pushed me face down into the leaves and detritus that formed the edge of the wood. The concussion of the blast shock the earth and splinters of wood, glass and metal flew over our heads.

There was a strange silence. No sound at all.

Pieces of train were landing silently around us. Gunther was mouthing something to me, but I couldn’t hear or work out his words at all. He was up on his feet in a flash, running with a bizarre lopsided gait, as if one leg was much longer than the other, back to the smoking carriages.

I’d had the wind totally knocked out of me, I lay there face down in the damp and musty mud sucking air into my lungs and wondering why the world was quiet. Turning over and scanning the air I saw the BE2s in the darkness swinging around, there were five of the evil beasts. Their bomb racks empty, they were now circling around us shark-like. Their gunners precariously positioned at the front were spitting death on to the confused train passengers below, those hiding in the woods and lying in heaps around the train knew no mercy as the British planes strafed us.

Looking towards the train I could see that Gunther was pulling bodies from the wreckage, dragging them to the safety of the woods. I’d never seen the like of this bravery. Bullets kicking up spouts of mud and grass all around him, but he was not to be deterred by mere smoking lead. Twice, three times then a fourth he went back to the smouldering wreckage of the train dragging injured men to safety. Small fires were burning at intervals up and down the track illuminating Gunther as he lolloped back and forth. The British pilots had seen his brave rescues and were making him the focal point of their fire. As they fired he was bending over some wreckage trying to lift a smoking beam.

Sounds were starting to dawn on me as if from far away. I made a decision to help Gunther. The BE2s were banking away from us and so taking my chance I sprinted across the grass toward him. Trapped beneath the smouldering beam was a woman, she wore a nurses uniform and was vaguely familiar. She was sooty, and her hair was tangled around various bits of wreckage so it was hard to recognise her, she was definitely beautiful and her face tugged at my memory. “Let’s get this bloody thing off her Sebastian”. Gunther was shouting at me, but still the sounds came to me from far away. I nodded.

I could see Gunther’s hands were burnt and bleeding, but he would not give up on that beam, he clung to it like limpets to a rock. I lent him my strength and together we struggled to lift the fallen beam a few millimetres off the trapped woman. We were grunting with effort as the hum of the BE2s started to increase even to my muffled hearing. They were closing on us fast. Firing down on us as they approached. The bullets ripped into the beam, ground and wreckage around us. As I glanced up I was able to look eye to eye with this British flier.

He shouted to me angrily, his eyes on fire with murder. “That’s for the Lusitania you blasted Hun!”

Miraculously, Gunther and I were untouched by the maniacal gunfire and turned our attentions back to the woman lying at our feet. There was no doubt, she was dead. The gunfire had not missed her beautiful and delicate features. I grabbed Gunther, “There’s nothing more we can do here old man”.

The BE2s were making off west now, I tried to catch some identifying decal or number, so I could make him pay one day, but, in the darkness even that eluded me. Gunther was back searching the wreckage. Most people had made it safely to the woods. However, there were enough twisted limbs to know there had been a high cost paid in blood this night.

I joined him and silently we searched for more survivors but there were none. We walked to the crowded woods in silence. I offered my packet of cigarettes to Gunther, he reached out with a shaky hand that was blistered, raw and bloody.

“Let me” I said I took a cigarette myself placed it lightly between my lips and lit it before gently placing it in Gunther’s mouth. He coughed slightly as he drew on the blue smoke. I could see his tears forming white tracks down his grubby face.

“She was beautiful Sebastian, heartbreakingly beautiful”

To be continued...

Last edited by SebToombs; 03/07/20 06:09 PM.
#4509941 - 03/07/20 08:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
Raine Offline
Member
Raine  Offline
Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
New Brunswick, Canada
Terrific stuff, Seb. Can't wait for your first novel!

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