Beanie, immersion is what makes this sim, not the high score. Even the “boring” missions are good.
Looks like you’re going to catch up with the rest of the group in no time at the rate you are going.

Raine, those Huns are going to be a nuisance for the next month. Better pace yourself. Great report as always.

MFair, how’s the hospital food? Any nurses teasing Gunther yet?

Wulfe, well well. Your first confirmed Hun. Congratulations on a spectacular victory. Almost didn’t survive to hear about it. And what tale that was. Brilliant!
I’m surprised we didn’t hear from Robinson about Evan breaking formation again. I guess he’ll just have to get used to it. Swany makes a cameo in the story to boot! Well done.

Epower, that was some voyage. Across the entire US by train, then across the entire Atlantic. Picked up a dream of a girl in the process and now enlisting in RFC. Oliver is flying high. Another brilliant storyteller. We have a whole slew of great writers in this DiD Campaign. I’m glad we can all partake in their talent.

1 April, 1917 08:05
Auchel, Flanders Sector
RNAS-8
SC Tobias Chester Mulberry VC, DSC&Bar, DSO&Bar, L d’H
86 confirmed kills

The white-tailed Albatros claim was denied.
The orders came this morning to escort 2 Harry Tates from RFC-59 on a recon mission of the front sector between Neuve-Chapelle and Lens. The two flights arrived at the rendezvous point and everyone started to search the skies for the two-seaters. Toby spotted them over Béthune from far away. They were on time, where they were supposed to be and at correct altitude. As soon as the RE-8’s noticed the Tripes the Very light went up and the two observation machines headed for the Front. Mulberry and the rest of his flight followed them. They were soon over enemy side of the lines with Flak following their each move. It didn’t take long before six Albatroses noticed them and came down from above and to disrupt their operations. Toby managed to stay above the melee and survey the situation. He finally picked a target and went after him. It was a protracted duel but in the end the German machine went down.

YouTube Link



Toby couldn’t see any of his wing mates and decided to head west for the safety of friendly space. As he was nearing the edge of the mud he noticed a straw coloured fuselage below going in the opposite direction. Another Albatros. Toby stalked this Boche, until he closed the distance enough to be sure of a kill. He fired and the Albatros went down.

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He then turned for home and reached it without too much trouble. The trouble found him leaving the airfield. It was another Hun returning to his own side, but Toby wasn’t about to let him go. He closed in on this Hun and similarly to the previous one, he opened fire from close range. The German pilot was stuck turning to port and losing altitude. In the end his engine caught on fire and quickly crashed to the ground.

YouTube Link

Fullofit, “Toby fired and the Hun fell” you have got to get out of this rut mate! As for nurses, there is one Red Cross nurse, Mona Louder, that’s not bad.

MFair, you're right. This is getting boring. We'll need some Huns to shoot at Toby, but wait. They're all in hospital busy with nurses.
It "sounds" like Gunther is drawn to her for some reason.

What happen to Nurse Ona Topa ?

Carrick, she only had eyes for a certain sailor. Commander Bond, I believe.

Nigel Farnsworth Philby
Sgt, Rfc
1 Rfc Sqn
Flanders
2 unconfirmed
Bell Asylum, Flanders


April 2, 1917. I had 1 of the new boys up in the local area when my blood ran cold. There slightly below was 6 Hun Scouts with Striped tails. I waved to break right and dove at full power for home. The Huns must have been asleep because none saw us ? or came after us.

Epower. what a great start for Oliver! Terrific writing.I particularly liked the exchange with the recruiting officer: "You're not artistic are you?" "Not at all, sir." "Thank goodness." And it's "Eliza" after only a brief meeting? Brazen hussy! Well done, Oliver! I'm looking forward to his continuing saga.

Wulfe, that was a truly immersive tale. Evan will, I hope, be giving the other fellows lessons on that Bristol.Good job getting down with a fuel leak.

Carrick, good job getting away from those Huns before they saw you. It's getting off the dangerous up there.

MFair, hope to see Ganz back with us very soon.

Fullofit, I swear that Toby is simply batting Albatri out of the sky. It's just not fair to the poor Huns!


An Airman’s Odyssey – by Capt James Arthur Collins, VC, DSO, MC

Part One Hundred and Twelve: In which we bid farewell to Fienvillers

We had planned to throw a dinner in town on the evening of 31 March 1917 to celebrate the promotions of Child and Orlebar to Lieutenant and the posting of Russell to Home Establishment, which had just been announced. Unfortunately, that plan got scrapped when orders came in at dinner hour that we were to move the following morning to the field at Vert Galant, about six miles away. We wolfed down an early meal and got to work. Already the Leyland lorries were rumbling towards town with the heaviest equipment. We packed our personal kit and the few hut decorations and bits of furniture, which we carried over to the flight shed where we bribed the ack emmas to make sure everything left in a vehicle. The mess bar was stripped down and packed away before we were done, and so when everything was set and all the officers were bedding down on floors (their cots having been shipped off), I walked into the village with Russell and Murray, intending to drink enough that the absence of a bed would make no difference.

There were two estaminets in the village. One was already closed but the other was clearly open as the sound of laughter and a badly played piano could be heard from well down the street. We arrived to find the place crowded and already occupied by much of the squadron including Major Harvey-Kelly. He welcomed us to his table where we each had to share the edge of the chair. Cognacs were ordered and toasts were drunk. We stayed far longer than we should have, long enough that the proprietor’s two plain daughters began to prompt improper thoughts in my mates. I, of course, was immune. We left after 1 AM at the suggestion of the local gendarmerie and wove our way from gutter to gutter past the houses and up the long road to the airfield, pausing only to pee in the direction of Hunland.

Fortunately we were not slated to leave until nearly eleven the following morning. It was a glorious day for flying so I circled around over Doullens for a while before searching out the field and settling in. Vert Galant is a splendid aerodrome consisting of two very large flat fields straddling the Amiens-Doullens road below a small crossroads. There was a distinctive L-shaped farmhouse and barn at the crossroad that would provide a clear landmark. The western field was occupied by a Sopwith squadron, number 66. We had the eastern field, just south of that farmhouse and barn. As we circled overhead we could see men were already struggling to set up two rows of bell tents across the lane from the farm. There was also a row of Armstrong huts on the field, also just south of the farmhouse. The hangers, mainly Bessonneau type, bordered the western edge of the field next to the main road.

We touched down and turned toward the hangers. As the prop stopped turning, I climbed out, pulling my bag behind me. The squadron office was set up in a tall white house just up the road from the crossroad. The office was upstairs and the two large rooms downstairs had been declared the squadron mess. Already crates and boxes and bits of furniture were being piled inside. It struck me that we had lost our crud table with this move. Captain Watley assigned one of the Armstrong buildings to the three flight commanders. I gave him my report and walked back to the field to retrieve my small bag, which I had left in the hangar. As I stood at the crossroads waiting for a gap in the procession of military vehicles and wagons heading up the road I heard a familiar voice.

“Collins! You look lost.” I looked about. An officer was approaching from a line of huts on the west field. This was one of those cases where you see somebody out of context and it takes a moment to recognise him.

It was my old pal, Swany!

Heavens forfend! Modern woman, if you please.

I've not yet caught up with all the marvelous tales herein. Too much to do creating young Oliver's backstory.
I do love the crossovers, though. Really creates an immersive sense of community.

You've all inspired me and I thank you.

Collins and Swany back together. We Huns are done for !

Hi Fullofit

I have set myself a goal - to survive the war. So my flying is very conservative, although Karl is very duty and honour bond. Kills are a bonus

Nice flying by the way

That is exactly the way I fly

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Trooper - That's a very smart way to fly.

Beanie - Glad to see your getting caught up with Karl's sorties and such. From the looks of it your man should have a gong coming his way, we'll have talk with the Clerk of Commendations about that.

Fullofit - It really does seem like a carnival shooting gallery when Toby's up there in his Tripe, and the Boche are the poor tin ducks he just keeps plinking down. Great videos as always.

Wulfe - Swany was only too glad to lend a hand knocking those nasty V-strutters off your mate's six the other day. Congratulations to Evan on his first confirmed victory, well done! And another excellent episode.

Epower - I am thoroughly enjoying Oliver's backstory and catch-up, most enlightening and entertaining. And that Miss Ludlow, I wonder if we'll be seeing her again somewhere down the road. And I like the crossovers as well.

MFair - Gunther best watch out for those German nurses, I hear they have ways of getting what they want.

Carrick - It looks like Nigel's crew are managing to hold their own. Here's hoping they can continue to do so with all those Albs up there.

Raine - I wonder who that Alb pilot was the other day that dragged Collins over the lines and nearly got Jim knocked down by ground fire. Clever Hun whoever he was. It will be fun to have Jim and Swany back together again, in particular for this impending push we've all been hearing about. Let's hope they both survive it.


Jim wasn't the only one who had to think for a moment about whom it was he was seeing when Swany came sauntering across the road yesterday at Vert Galant. Captain Swanson and his flight had been shaken from their slumbers before dawn that day to go chasing after some night raiders who were dropping bombs in the local vicinity. Searchlights were stabbing up into the predawn skies trying to pick out the invaders, and as Swany pushed his Pup at its best climb rate to quickly gain altitude one of the Hun B/R buses was caught in the beam of the nearest light. The Captain led his crew and gave chase, knowing full well they would never catch up as the Boche was far too high and had better speed than the Sopwith. Still, they had to try. As B Flight approached Arras they knew, again, it was a lost cause and spent the next hour patrolling along the front before returning to camp to warm up with some hot tea and toast. By then the sun was up and things were noisy as trucks were rumbling in and out of camp, due not only to the arrival of 19 Squadron and their Spads, but at the same time the departure of 70 Squadron and their Strutters. So when Swany saw Collins suddenly appear at the crossroads on the north edge of camp it took him a moment to recognize his old chum as well.


The Captain led his crew and gave chase, knowing full well they would never catch up. Still, they had to try.


.

Unteroffizier Karl Roth

Jasta 6 Wassigny 9 – 14 March 1917

9 March: Patrol Friendly Front Lines Trescault to Mont St. Martin
Good flying weather - uneventful flight

10 March: Reconnaissance (DFW CV from Ss-13) Havincourt to Villers-Guslain
Excellent flying weather – uneventful flight

11 March: Balloon Busting (Observation Balloon Sector FB426 – area of Bertincourt/Havincourt, 3 miles North of Lechelle

After the briefing had been completed, Karl’s heart sunk and a feeling of dread washed over him - he had heard so much about balloon busting and none of it was good! (In reality previous OFF/WOFF Campaign balloon busting missions had not gone so well)

The flight to Bertincourt was uneventful. The Kette attacked from the North East from 3,000 feet. Karl followed the Kette leader Josef Wulf who fired on the balloon. Karl drive and started firing but over shot the target. Cursing himself he circled and gained height intending on making his way back to German front lines. To his surprise he found that the balloon was slightly to his left and 500 feet lower. He immediately dived and fired two long busts as well as reducing his speed hoping that it did not make him a sitting duck! As Karl climbed out of the dive, he observed that there was black smoke coming from the balloon. He looked over his shoulder to see the observation balloon in flames. Not wishing to stay around any longer Karl started to zig zag towards the German front lines as well as trying to gain as much height as possible. At this stage Karl was alone having lost contact with the rest of the Kette, although he could see Kette Eins in the far distance at about 4,000, who were being subjected to anti-aircraft fire. It was not until he had landed at Wassigny and switched off the engine did Karl relax. On inspecting his aircraft Karl found to his surprise that he had not been subjected to any ground fire. The other Kette pilots also reported only a couple of holes in their machines. It seemed that the enemy ground gunners had been taken completely by surprise. Would they be as lucky a second time?

Karl submitted a claimed of an observed balloon destroyed.

12 March: Balloon Defence FB8108 - located at Marcoing/Flesquieres
Rain first part of the flight – clear weather until end of the patrol. Uneventful flight.

13 March: Reconnaissance (3 x DFW CV from FA(A) 293b) – Boursies to Croisilles
Weather overcast. DFW’s subjected to enemy ground fire which was ineffective.

Karl’s observation balloon claim was confirmed – so nice of the pencil pushers back at HQ – let them attack an observation balloon!


14 March: Reconnaissance (3 Roland CII from Ss-17)
Heavy rain and heavy cloud cover. Although the Kette reached the rendezvous point - the two-seaters could not ben seen, so the Kette returned to Wassigny.

Unteroffizier Karl Roth

Jasta 6 Wassigny 15 – 21 March 1917

15 March: Airfield Defence – Guise (North East of St. Quentin)
Uneventful flight

16 March: Airfield Defence – Awoingt (North West of Cauroir, North East of Cambrai
Uneventful flight

17 March: Patrol Enemy Front Lines – Boursies to Ronscoy
Excellent flying weather. Halfway through the patrol a dark smoke trail appeared from Lt Carl Holler’s machine. The Kette leader Lt Karolus Barenfanger signalled for him to return to Wassigny. He was able to land safely, without damaging the aircraft.

18 March: Reconnaissance (DFW CV from Kasta 6) – Gouzeaucourt to Boursiers
Excellent flying weather

The 2 seaters were attacked by 6 British Sopwith Triplanes over between Pronville and Brayelles. They attacked from the West at 5,000 feet. Both Jasta 6 Kettes (Eins Kette 3 aircraft, Zwei Kette 5 aircraft) immediately engaged the British. Although Karl was able to get a couple of bursts on one of the British machines, he failed to bring it down (as soon as Karl opened fired on the British triplane, he was confident that he was about to get kill 8. But the movability of the British machine got it out of trouble)

A DFW and Sopwith Trip collided and both crashed destroyed close to Brayelles. No other aircraft were brought down by either side, although all Zwei Kette aircraft (except for Karl) received light damage.

This had been the first encounter the Jasta has had with the new British triplane and although openly not discussed - quietly the Jasta pilots were impressed with the movability of the British machine.

(The triplane that Karl engaged was flown by ace Roderic Dallas RNAS – 1) I used labels to find out who I had been fighting against.

19 March: Balloon Busting Observation Balloon Sector FB411 – area of Ytres

Due to the success the Jasta had against the previous observation balloon, HQ had expressed a wish for the Jasta to attack another observation balloon – first thought that went through Karl’s mind ‘lucky us!’

As the Kettes were making their way to Ytres, Kette Eins (3 aircraft) was attacked by 4 British Sopwith Triplane. Kette Zwei pressed on towards the observation balloon’s position. The Kette attacked the observation balloon from the North East diving from 3000 feet. Lt Eduard Ey attacked it first, and the balloon went down in flames. Karl who was following Eduard, started to take enemy ground fire. He climbed and headed for the German front lines with Eduard leading the way. All Jasta aircraft returned safely although Karl’s aircraft had been hit on the wings and tail sections.

20/21 March: Flights cancelled.

Jasta 6 have finally received the new Albatros DIII (Albatros DIII early) in numbers, although Karl is still flying an Albatros DII

Nigel Farnsworth Philby
Sgt, Rfc
1 Rfc Sqn
Flanders
2 unconfirmed
Bell Asylum, Flanders


April 3, 1917.

The Sgn took off with Eight a/c B flight put up 5, A flight 3, on a offensive ( show the Flag flight by Loos.} Landed less than an Hour later with 5 a/c, 2 Rovers destroyed by e/a 1 crashed forced down enemy side, of which mine had 15 bullet holes.
Just after Crossing the lines, our rovers got hit by 5 e/a V strutters. I went back to help, avoiding another enemy flight. I was dropping down to help a N-17 being chased only to have a Gayle painted V strut drop on my tail. I couldnt get away, so went into a stall then a tailspin to the deck and Blue Maxed for home Then e/a gave up on me.

March 25, 1916 - Folkestone, England
My sifting continues. No change in the weather. Found this draft of a letter to Smokey. The one I sent was on some RFC letterhead.
_____________________________________________________
28 August 1916 - Reading, England

Dear Smokey,

You will laugh when I tell you that I’m now three weeks into my preliminary officer training. Do please set aside your distrust of officers this one time. After all, I did rise from the “lower decks” and under your watchful eye to boot. Hah hah. Many of the new pilots in the Flying Corps have already seen service in France. Most transferred from the infantry and will go directly to Aeronautics School. Those of us without military experience, like yours truly, must first learn the basics of military life.

Here at Reading we attend lectures on general military knowledge, learn how to wear the uniform, who to salute and when, how to behave in the officers mess, rank structure, personal appearance, and the basics of military law. To be honest, it’s not that much different than life on Astoria, just more structure, saluting, attention to the uniform and of course marching and drill….endless drill.

Our instructors are senior enlisted men, sergeants major – men grown old in the service. Rather like the bosuns of the army. Most seem to know their craft and all are deadly serious. While we technically outrank them as probationary officers, we are under “parade discipline” at all times while being instructed and must salute instructors any time we speak to them. Still, because we’re officer cadets they must correct by sharp wit instead of physical punishment. Sergeant-Major Mulvaney is the best teacher among them. He's an old India hand, Boer war veteran, and one of Sir John French's ‘Old Contemptibles’ from 1914. I think you’d like him. I had some hard knocks from you and my shipmates when I was a green hand. Not sure if I wouldn’t prefer those thumpings to his acid tongue. Here are a few:

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Winningstad, sir. Have you forgotten how to salute?”

“You’re drill gets worse every day, Mr. Winningstad, and right now you’re marching like it’s next week.”

“Mr. Winningstad, you have my permission to stand at attention when I’m addressing you.”

“You’ll never be completely useless, Mr. Winningstad. After the war you can serve King and country as a terrible example.”

“Your mother will be so proud, sir. You’re the only man in this parade in step.”

“Consider standing closer to the razor, Mr. Winningstad. We're not shearing sheep here.”

“If the largest room in the world is the room for improvement, Mr. Winningstad sir, you’re living in Buckingham Palace.”

One more week here then I’m off to the School of Military Aeronautics.
My best to you and the boys,

Oliver

Raine, “I, of course, was immune” means you weren’t drunk enough.
Look at that the Dynamic Duo is back together. This definitely will be a Bloody April.

Beanie, surviving the war is the name of the game. This is what we all are trying to do. Some of us try harder than others .
Congrats on the confirmed balloon claim. Good luck with the Tripes. Apparently they’re not that tough and can be brought down.

Lou, Toby May be shooting them all down, but he’s not getting the credit for them. All this effort for naught. Just like Swany chasing those high flying Huns.
Now that the two colonials have been reunited I can’t wait to find out what sort of trouble they’re sure to get into.

Carrick, you’re lucky that Hun was slower than you. You will eventually have to fight them sooner or later.

Epower, and Oliver is getting schooled. Good thing this is just a letter, otherwise he’d still have his eye twitch whenever someone mentioned Sergeant-Major Mulvaney.

2 April, 1917 08:00
Auchel, Flanders Sector
RNAS-8
SC Tobias Chester Mulberry VC, DSC&Bar, DSO&Bar, L d’H
87 confirmed kills

Only one of the Huns from yesterday could be confirmed.
The Naval Eight was sent to patrol over friendly aerodrome of Poperinghe. Patrol went by without encountering any enemy machines. Toby decided to return to base along the front lines. They’ve encountered a German two-seater which proceeded expertly to scamper away. Toby had a good laugh at the Hun’s expertise. His escort wasn’t so keen to follow his example. He made a single pass at Mulberry. He went up as Toby was diving on him. By the time the British ace turned around and faced his foe, the German was screaming down in a dive. That was the last he saw of him.

YouTube Link



It didn’t matter. As they were overflying one of the Boche aerodromes they chanced upon a flight of Albatrosen taking off. The battle was on and Toby and his wing mate tag teamed one of the Germans, while the rest of the flight took care of his Kameraden. The Hun was forced down near Rumbeke, nearly crashing into the trees on his touchdown.

YouTube Link

Yes indeed.

Full disclosure: I was inspired by the scene in 'The Man Who Would be King' where Peachy and Danny go thru the Khyber pass and encounter a young Mulvaney.



Toby is really putting the wood to Kaiser Bill's flieger. That tripehound may give the riggers fits but she's a stone killer in capable hands.

.

Achtung!



It is the Kaiser's Royal and Imperial command that the following individual be recognized for his valor:



You make the Vaterland most proud.

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Thank you very much - I (Karl) will wear it with pride - drinks in the mess on me