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#4520896 - 05/14/20 08:59 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Thanks epower: I thought maybe since it was in no mans land that Nigel could split back over the lines, but The game decided it was a NO. Just as well as I was having a hard time with a Lewis and a floating gun platform ( the N-17}

Francois has a vickers Mg so his hit rate is higher with more ammo. Just hope that he lasts thru 1917.

Last edited by carrick58; 05/14/20 09:13 PM.
#4520897 - 05/14/20 09:09 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Francois Gaston Pistache
Chevalier de France
Sergant, Esc 90
Mix N-23 and N-24 Bis
Toul, Verdun.

May 16, 1917.

1 victory
1 unconfirmed

Took off for Hun land to do a Balloon, was jumped by Enemy Scouts 5 or 6 swarmed down us so we had to turn or burn I got off 40 rds at one then peeled off and dove down to Zee Deck to clear a squad mates tail only to have one get behind me. No choice but to turn, reverse and climb the chandel The e/a couldnt follow that low and his wing dug in then the a/c cartwheeled and broke up. I put in a claim, it was rejected. Zee Hq said a Scout must be behind or making a pass, or diving.or underneath coming up Not being chased to score. Claims 2 e/a losses 1 N-24 Destroyed pilot KIA + 1 wnd with 3 a/c damaged,

Attached Files CFS3 2020-05-14 13-34-53-78.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 05/14/20 09:17 PM.
#4520911 - 05/14/20 11:21 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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18 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Chipilly, France

Rain all last night. The field here is still swampy. We didn’t fly today and that was for the good. If we’d had a scrap some Hun would have bagged me for certain. All I could think about was Eliza. I spent the entire day as if in a trance, alternating between transcendent elation and a crushing sadness. I replayed every moment of our meeting as though it were a moving picture, closing my eyes and reliving it, trying to feel the touch of her again. A hard run or an hour on a heavy bag would’ve been just the thing to help clear my head, sadly an impossibility with this dressing still on my leg. Met Office says more rain tomorrow.


19 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Chipilly, France

Another washout. Off to Corbie this afternoon. I’d not been there before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. We had the Café Fou largely to ourselves. Mme de Rochefort and her 4 daughters kept the wine flowing and served us what seemed like a never-ending parade of courses. It was a binge lunch of the most decadent proportions. We returned to Chipilly in a state of wine-induced contentment, our bellies full to bursting. A grand time with new comrades. I was grateful for the distraction.


20 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Chipilly, France

0550 hrs. Escort two No. 34 Sqn R.E.8s to bomb enemy troop concentrations West of ProNville.

Pixley, Hyde, Charley, and Hudson. Near ProNville three v-strutters attacked from 1000 feet above. Hyde shot at one Albatros then sheared away and attacked another. I chased the first Albatros through a series of turns and barrel rolls and finally put a long burst into the cockpit. He lurched over forward and dove into the mud a mile west of ProNville. My 3rd Kill. I do hope somebody saw it…

[Linked Image]

Found a Pup running west low over the lines. Not Milford again, surely. I flew over and saw that it was Reg Charley. He was clearly in some trouble and made a beeline to nearby Lechelle aerodrome, where he landed. I circled and saw him exit the Pup on his own.

1350 hrs. Offensive patrol from Riencourt NW along the Arras rail line. Hudson, Hadrill with Nobby Scott in the lead. A perfect afternoon for flying. Halfway there I saw that Hudson had dropped out. We were now 3. We flew on just above a solid layer of cloud. High overhead 5 Albs circled about. When they came down, they were 7 altogether. I found myself alone with 3 of them.

[Linked Image]

"I attacked the uppermost Albatros, its fuselage adorned with a strange triangular sigil."

[Linked Image]

I don’t know why but his two comrades didn’t follow as we went around then down through the cloud layer. I lost sight of him momentarily and when I’d found him again, he’d opened a considerable gap. I shot from long range to no effect. Dammit. He’s getting away!

The Black Pyramid Albatros fled deeper into Hunland, and I followed. I would have him! It wasn’t until the firestorm of anti-aircraft fire came roaring up that I recovered my senses. I was over ProNville aerodrome and didn’t even realize it. Moron! Get out of here!

Retreating into the cloud layer I made good my escape. Stewart was going to roast me for this when he finds out and with good reason. I will remember this fellow.

Something’s not right with Hudson. This patrol is the fourth time in as many days he’s had a “dud engine.” I can’t say I know him very well, but he was extremely outgoing and friendly to me when I arrived. Lately, he’s been short-tempered and withdrawn. I’ve often seen him rubbing that scar on his head. An old wound? The man is no coward, to be sure. MC last year when he was only 18 years of age, two wound stripes, four Huns destroyed. I’m not sure what I should do.

Oxspring’s Flight came through. He leaves tomorrow to join 66 Sqn and the famous Captain Swanson, another Yank in the RFC. He’s downed scores of Huns. More than Captain Ball and second only to the naval ace Mulberry. The rumor mill has it that when the US entered the war, Swanson painted his entire Pup like the Stars and Stripes. That must have been a sight. We gave ‘Oxo’ a magnificent send off. It’s our last night in Chipilly too. Stewart, after chiding me for my mad dash into Hunland took his seat at the piano and to the tune of “Up from Somerset,” we launched into the "Song of 54".**

Oh! We came out from Birmingham
To see the great big war –
There was Oxo right chock full of fight,
And Nobby out for gore.
Archie shot at us "Gr-r-umph! Umph!"
And blacked the sky so blue,
When right up flew a Halberstadt
And said, ‘And vitch vos you?’

................Chorus...................

Oh we’ve come up from Fifty-Four.
We’re the Sopwith Pups, you know.
And wherever you dirty swine may be
The Sopwith Pups will go.
And if you want a proper scrap,
Don’t chase 2Cs anymore;
For we’ll come up and do the job,
Because we’re FIFTY-FOUR.

A two-seater looked at Oxo
And "vat vos you?" he said;
And Oxo blushed quite red with rage,
And shot the blighters dead.
Then we found some Hun balloonists
Behind old Vendhuille town ;
The Huns seemed keen to pull it in,
And so we helped it down.

Chorus—Oh, we’ve come, etc.

Then the Hun, he looked down on Peronne,
From which he’d run away,
And Struggy, seeing seven there,
Cried, “Splendid ! Chaps! Hooray!
Although there’s only four of us,
You’ve got to fight, you see.”
And so they went right into them !
By gad I they brought down three !

Chorus—Oh, we’ve come, etc.

**F. J. Morse, penned the squadron anthem



Last edited by epower; 05/15/20 08:07 PM.
#4520912 - 05/14/20 11:24 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick, M. Pistache looks like he's going to make a name for himself very quickly! Well done.

Tagebuch of VzFw Hans-Dieter Vogel, Jasta 26

Part 3

12 May 1917


As the days grow warmer and lengthen we fly more often, at least twice and usually three times each day. Steinmesser and I have set up our tent like a true pleasure dome. He has run a cable from the workshops, where a constantly humming generator provides electricity. Inside the tent, it powers our bordello light. This is a standing lamp with a yellowish bulb and a brocade lampshade with a fringe that bathes the tent in a golden glow. It came from a second hand store in Cambrai. We have acquired a bookshelf, a small table, and two chairs. In the mornings we put the kettle on the hot plate, which has migrated to the tent from the hangar. We are miserly with Steinmesser’s excellent coffee. Still, there is enough to provide a mug each every morning. I have found a boulangerie in the village that makes wonderful jam tarts. This is our breakfast!

As the sun rises above the eastern treeline the officers arrive arm in arm for the morning patrol. This morning the boss leads us – Goering, Auer, “Pastor” Loerzer, and me – on a defensive patrol over several of our airfields. There is not a cloud in the sky – a great day for hunting. Ninety minutes later we are back on the ground after a routine flight with no enemy in sight. Now it is time to head for the Kasino and a mid morning toast and ersatz coffee. I generally prefer tea when I am there. At least it is really tea. Close to noon we repeat the exercise. This day, Saturday 12 May, we are assigned to a barrier patrol. This means parading up and down our side of the lines to prevent the enemy from coming with their bombs or from spotting for their artillery. This patrol is more eventful. A large formation of Sopwiths climb up below us and nearly surprise us. The English machines are brown and are difficult to see against the ground.

What a boxing match! We dive and zoom and twirl about the sky, sometimes missing each other by a few centimetres. But somewhere in the midst of all that I become too focused on a Sopwith that seems to dangle before my eyes and another unseen English scout punches holes in my Albatros. My machine immediately begins to spin out of control I throttle back and try everything I know to stop its plunge to earth. Nothing seems to work. And then – slowly, so slowly – it comes out of the dive when I switch off the engine. Full left rather and stick hard over! Now my machine staggers back to level flight. I start the engine again and find I can hold the machine level as long as I do not fly much faster than stalling speed. But here comes another Sopwith. Its machine-gun fires: “Pop! Pop! Pop!” The Englishman’s mechanism does not let the gunfire quickly like ours. I make myself small and wait for the bullet that will end my war. I can smell the phosphorus from the Sopwith’s tracer rounds. It is Loerzer the Elder. The boss scares the Englishmen away and my machine staggers back to the field at Bohain. I do not fly the rest of that day as Steinmesser and his gang take my machine apart to put it right.

13 May 1917

The next day dawns as beautiful as the one before. I am angry with myself for getting shot up yesterday. I am determined not to make the same mistake. We take off shortly after first light. Enemy machines have been reported to the south-west near St-Quentin. But we do not get there. Scarcely have we lifted off when we come under attack from six or seven English Gitterrümpfe - lattice-bodied machines. The old hands still refer to them as Vickers, the first maker of this type. But these are De Havilland scouts, a much more nimble model. Still, they are no match for our Albatros machines and I look forward to a rich harvest. I see one of them turning behind Blume’s Albatros and take careful aim. Suddenly bullets rip through my machine. Not again! One of these box kites has surprised me. Like yesterday, the first hits affect handling. We are low down and I dare not get into a spin. At full throttle I head back to the field. The Englishman does not dare risk the ground fire from Steinmesser and his team. The others return with their hides in one piece. I am the subject of much good-natured teasing.

[Linked Image]
"One of these box kites has surprised me."

After our toast we take our mugs and chairs outside to sit in the sun, but our relaxation is quickly interrupted by the announcement that enemy machines have been spotted crossing the lines in our direction southwest of Cambrai. We pile into the boss’s car and race to the field. Already our machines are running and the engines warm. We pull on our flying gear and climb in. We do not form up in the field. The enemy is here. As I lift off a bomb explodes near one of our hangars. The sky is full of Sopwiths. I turn for the nearest English machine and the dance begins. I am getting used to this and turn vertically better than I did before. I managed to damage the enemy aircraft in time to turn away from another Englishman who has thoughts of getting behind me. But I turn the table on him and catch him in a climb. I fire a long burst and his machine tumbles. There is not far to fall. It crashes only a couple of kilometres from our aerodrome. Now the sky seems empty. Two machines circle about far-off to the south. But then I see the black puffs of our Flak artillery to the west. A Sopwith is trying to escape. I dive on him and get close but not close enough. I fire nearly two hundred rounds from long range. The Englishman turns back at me and now we chase each other in circles. At one point we are so low that I nearly crashed into the steeple of a village church. It looms up so quickly and I pull the stick back into my stomach. The Albatros misses by an arm’s length. I would not have far to go for my funeral service! Finally the English pilot breaks out of the circle and races for home. I catch him over the lines and fire. Part of the Sopwith's upper wing separates. His machine falls and crashes.

[Linked Image]
"Part of the Sopwith's upper wing separates."

Back with the Jasta I submit my claim for the first Sopwith and report the second one. In the end only the first is confirmed as there was heavy ground fire when the second Sopwith fell. But I am content. There is a chalkboard behind the bar and my name is on it. Beside my name there are three cockades for my three victories over English and French machines. The boss gives me his car to go and get a souvenir from the Sopwith that I downed close to the field. He laughs when I tell him that I have never driven an automobile and he sends Auer to be my chauffeur. Little remains of the Sopwith that crashed. The body of the pilot is badly burned and lies under a sheet of oilcloth. I have no interest in meeting the poor fellow. The tail section has separated from the body of the machine. I am able to get the entire rudder. It will be added to the collection in the Kasino.

14 May 1917

We are ordered to take down a balloon across the lines from St-Quentin. Before we get there we meet a large formation of French Nieuports. It is eight of them against four of us and we are on the other side of the lines. I have learned my lesson this week and watch my tale more closely. I manage to damage at least two of the French machines without any of them punching holes in mine. And then once again the skies empty. I turn toward home and only then remember what I came here for. Honesty compels me to say that I was not thrilled to turn west again, but duty drove me to do so. After several minutes I saw the observation balloon that we had intended to attack. It seems that none of the others have made it this far. A thorough examination shows no sign of the enemy. I turn into the attack. From two hundred metres to less than twenty metres, I fire a series of long bursts. When I pull away the balloon is emitting two separate plumes of dark smoke. I turn about and attack again. This time the balloon explodes in a rolling ball of fire. The Flak is heavy and I waste no time in going home.

[Linked Image]
"This time the balloon explodes in a rolling ball of fire."

We fly twice more that day. At noon we take off but I return with a broken tappet rod. And in the afternoon we have an inconclusive scrap with some French Nieuports. That night at dinner I learned from the boss that our gunners have reported my morning attack on the balloon. I am invited to add a fourth cockade beside my name on the chalkboard. “And while you are at the bar,” the boss says, “you can order champagne for your comrades to drink your health.” My debt to the Kasino is increasing. I shall need a promotion if I am to afford any more success here.

Attached Files Jumped by a DH2.pngKill 3.pngKill 4.jpg
#4520914 - 05/14/20 11:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Epower – you sneaked in with your post while I was doing mine. Oliver is doing well and I see that you're well on your way to catching up. Following that Hun to Pronville was probably not the best idea he ever had. I should think that if I were alone with three Albatri, heading east is the last thing on my agenda. I love the excerpt from the 54 Squadron songbook. If I recall correctly, 46 Squadron commandeered the book and used all of the songs even if the rhymes only worked with "fifty-four." I loved the name Café Fou, by the way. It wouldn't be a real place by any chance? If not it should be. Stay safe. April is a long month.

Last edited by Raine; 05/14/20 11:34 PM.
#4520923 - 05/15/20 12:41 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine - The old simultaneous post trick. Steinmesser has got to be the best roommate ever. Did he actually invent the lava light as well? VzFw Vogel continues his climb I see. Did we ever clear up the Hans-Dieter/ Hans issue? Either way he's moving up fast. I suspect he's in for a talking-to by the Flying Pastor. Young Oliver is indeed somewhat rash on occasion, and I'm not optimistic about him improving his impulse control anytime soon, especially now that he's been hit by the Thunderbolt. It might take something major to "shake him up...considerably." Alas, the Café Fou, the enchanting Mme de Rochefort and her 4 lovely daughters exist only in my imagination. 46 Sqn did indeed commandeer the book, or at least the 'Song of 54' as told in 'No Parachute.' I found a few very dated references on the aerodrome site and after some digging found treasure. Probably one of the very few remaining copies of "Cinquante-Quatre" the 54 Sqn songbook privately published in 1917.

Digitized here: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31175035252413&view=1up&seq=5

If Oliver manages to live longer, we might see more of it.

Carrick - condolence about the maneuver kill rejection. There's more Boche where he came from.

Last edited by epower; 05/15/20 12:42 AM.
#4521005 - 05/15/20 06:48 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Catch up time. Buckle your seat belts this might get a little bumpy

21 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Chipilly, France

Woke up to the news that my 3rd kill claim was rejected. I guess it was too low and too far into German lines. No matter. There are more where he came from.

0700 hrs. Time to move. The entire squadron headed for our new home at Flez. Good God! Hudson crashed en route. Maybe it is his engine.

Getting settled into new lodgings and new hut mates. I’m in with Hadrill, Grevelink and Cole. Flez is part of a larger aviation park centered around Guizancourt. Both names refer to the same place so I’m sticking with Flez. RFC -24 base here and more squadrons will join us shortly.

[Linked Image]

Orientation flight in the afternoon with Nobby (Scott) and Milford (Hyde.) So many churches, some intact, others destroyed. I wonder how many will survive the war. To the northeast, just shy of the Amiens - St. Quentin road, sat the narrow spearhead of the Étang de Trefcon, and farther northeast on the same line the ovate leaf shape of the Étang de Bihécourt. Both were visible for miles.


22 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

1225 hrs. Line patrol of friendly territory Cambrai to Havrincourt Wood.
Many low clouds. Difficult to keep formation at 7000 ft. No e/a sighted. They were probably there but the could layer was too thick to see anything.

Only one job today. Nice to have a brief respite and get settled. Grevelink and Cole quartered together at Chipilly and have brought a great number of domestic comforts along with them, not the least of which is a large ornately patterned rug. I've contributed precisely nothing but I did manage to get Parker assigned to our hut. He's been known to have sources for certain items. Went to explore Monchy-Lagache, just up the road. Not much there beyond the one estaminet. Grevelink had the soft touch with the local farm wives around Chipilly, perhaps he can find us a replacement for the Café Fou. I do wish I'd know about that place earlier. Oh well.


23 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

0550 hrs. Escort 2 R.E.8s of RFC-34 to photograph enemy positions south of St. Quentin. Pixley as FC with Stewart, Foster, and Hudson.

Beware the Hun in the Sun.
Hun. Singular. Not Seven of them.
Seven to our five, but A flight was close by.
Do come down then, dear friends.
It was a good scrap.

[Linked Image]
"There were many Huns in the sun."

[Linked Image]
"I chased an Albatros off Hudson’s tail."

[Linked Image]
"Pixley joined in and we had a perfectly timed two versus one attack."

We both hit the Alb hard and on his second attack Pixley followed the diving Hun down and finished him. The fight spread out and I found myself alone.. I spotted a DII Albatross below me. I dove on him and landed a short burst before zooming up and reversing.

[Linked Image]
"The Albatros ran into the morning sun, but I caught him quickly."

I think his engine may have been damaged or maybe he was new. A second burst and he went nearly straight down, crashing into our support trenches. Climbing west I found Foster and we returned to Flez. Foster hadn’t seen my Hun crash but it fell right into our second line trenches so Captain Nicholson allowed me to go forward with my claim.

____________________________________________________

1250 hrs. Escort the same 2 Harry Tate’s from RFC 34. Reccy lines in front of Cambrai. Stewart, Nobby, Milford and me.
Still in a climbing circuit over Flez, at about 6000’ when I saw archie bracketing 2 Albatri high above. A sloppy formation turn spread B flight all to hell, half of us going in opposite directions, and that’s precisely when the two Albs came screaming down. They couldn’t have timed it better.

[Linked Image]
"I looked back, mesmerized by the velocity of their descent."

[Linked Image]

As I turned my head forward again my entire field of vision was Albatros. I never saw him coming. How we failed to collide I have no idea, but my foe possessed just enough skill to keep me alive. He could avoid a collision, but he couldn’t set up a good firing pass. A better pilot would have killed me.

He shot past me and reversed. Average or not he was blindingly fast. Retaining the speed of his dive, he was literally flying circles around me. My Pup felt like it was moving thru syrup. The Hun kept working for a front quarter shot and nearly got me twice. Stop flying in opposite circles with Albatri! After his third pass he’d bled away most of his extra speed, so I took a chance, put the nose down, then came up over the top. Success! I was 40 yards behind him and fired. I could see the tracers out in front of his propeller walking backward and splashing around the engine and upper wing. The Albatros vomited several clouds of black smoke then dove sharply. I lost sight for a time until our gunners pointed him out down low with their smoke puffs.

[Linked Image]

After a shallow descent, the distance between us closed rapidly. He wasn’t maneuvering. I took careful aim…

“…and balanced the spear far-shadowed, and threw it
and struck the shield of Priam’s son on its perfect circle.
All the way through the glittering shield went the heavy spearhead
and smashed its way through the intricately worked corselet;
straight ahead by the flank the spearhead shore through his tunic,
yet he bent away to one side and avoided the dark death.”


Watching him glide down to a field, I thought he deserved to make it. At the last moment though, his plane hit a ditch and cartwheeled violently. I circled, but seeing no sign of life, I flew on.

________________________________________


[Linked Image]
Empty sky. I climbed again, searching. In the distance archie flashed low near our airfield at Flez. Racing there I flew under a single Albatros, who proceeded over my head then dove straight down at full throttle (!) to attack…Vaux-en-Vermandois aerodrome? Did he not see me? Was something else down there?

[Linked Image]

Nothing for it but to give chase. He never saw me coming. My initial burst of 15-20 rounds knocked out his engine. I’m not sure if I hit the pilot. He managed to set himself down but skidded into some trees and crashed.

Three in a single day! I knew I’d been lucky. That second Albatros, the one I didn’t see, he should have killed me. I thought Stewart would take a strip off me for that, but he was philosophical when I told him. I’d missed something. I hadn’t been deliberately stupid.

He was sitting at the piano as we spoke playing a light, rolling piece that sounded eerily familiar. I thought it was Beethoven.
“No use admiring the enemy, Winningstad and keep you head moving in time, like this little bagatelle I’m playing for you. There’s a melody here, it’s rather famous. You do hear the melody, don’t you Winningstad?
I wasn't sure what he was talking about. I loved music but was an indifferent student of its inner workings and never had any talent for playing.
“Keeping track of Huns is like music. Stare at one spot too long, and you lose the larger composition.”
He played some gloomy, random-sounding slow chords.
“Look about too quickly, you see nothing at all.”
He chopped down on the keys ferociously, producing harsh, strident notes.
“And then, my son…”
The slow melancholic strains of the Chopin Funeral March. I knew this one.
“The Hun you don’t see sends you west. Here endeth the lesson.”
Once again, the notes of his original bagatelle danced about the mess.
“Stewpot, what’s this piece you’re playing, I know I’ve heard it before.”
“That nurse, the one with whom you’re so besotted, what’s her name?”
Was it that obvious? Have I been acting the lovestruck fool these past seven days?
“Eliza.”
“You knew it all along,” he said with a wink and turned his full attention to his playing, moving his body to the music.




Last edited by epower; 05/16/20 01:42 AM.
#4521015 - 05/15/20 08:09 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Originally Posted by Raine
If I recall correctly, 46 Squadron commandeered the book and used all of the songs even if the rhymes only worked with "fifty-four."


'Nobby' Scott went from 54 to 46 to be a flight commander. I think he took a copy of the song book with him. (Not proven, just my theory). I love the link to the songbook epower. I looked when I had Cadogan West at 54 back in the old campaign. I never found a copy, so well done and thank you.

April has been brutal to all of us hasn't it? No new story from me just yet. I'm writing it up. Probably be done tomorrow, but I wanted to comment on the songbook.

#4521017 - 05/15/20 08:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Wonderful to have you back at it Maeran. I look forward to getting to know your new man.
I'm glad to bring Cinquante-Quatre to light.
You're probably right about Nobby. He transferred to 46 on June 21, 1917 and that was about the time the book was going to publication. He's the only 54-46 transfer I know of. It's fun to hear Arthur Gould Lee talking about him in No Parachute.

#4521060 - 05/16/20 12:41 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Francois Gaston Pistache
Chevalier de France
Sergant, Esc 90
Mix N-23 and N-24 Bis
Toul, Verdun.


May 15, 1917.

We had a Staff Officer come down from Hq and briefed the Esc for a Recon of Zee Bulge in the lines at St Mehiel . II sections 4 a/c flew at 8000 ft marking troop positions. We passed over a low flying e/a flight, but no fight ensued.

Attached Files flyboys-squadron-5437.jpg
#4521063 - 05/16/20 01:23 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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24 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

1015 hrs. Patrol of friendly lines between St. Quentin and Gonnelieu aerodrome. Rain and high winds. Pixley leading. Difficult to hold formation in turns. No e/a sighted.

Wing awarded yesterday morning’s Albatros to the AA battery nearby but confirmed the two Huns from the afternoon. I have Four now – 1 balloon and 3 Albatri.

Some disturbing news making its way around the aerodrome. Yesterday, No. 11 Sqn lost Seven FEs. Over half the squadron. Madness! Why are they still flying those death traps against V-strutters?


25 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

0550 hrs. Patrol behind the lines from our airfield at Flez, north to the Albert-St. Quentin road. Pixley leading with Sutton, Stewart, and McGregor, our latest arrival. I’m the new lad no longer,

After 35 minutes, Pixley turned sharply heading due east. No signal. This was out of our patrol area. What did he see? We were 4 miles into enemy territory, above Fontaine-Uterte aerodrome when Pixley dove abruptly. Stewart followed but the rest of us were caught flat-footed. No signal again! D#mn!! Completely lost him. After searching for several minutes Sutton and Mac formed up on me and we swept lower. Nothing. After 5 minutes of fruitless searching we climbed back over the lines and finished our designated patrol.

Why would Pixley to go haring off like that, ten miles out of our patrol zone? I’d always thought of him as a reliable and disciplined leader. Two days ago we’d attacked that Albatros together, almost as though we’d rehearsed it previously. When we met after the patrol, Pixley and Stewart reported chasing a two-seater returning to Hunland. I looked askance at Stewart. He shook his head, very slightly. What on earth was this about?

Pixley and I had some sharp words in private. It didn’t start that way and I wasn’t trying to pick a fight.
“I don’t understand why we went so far out our patrol area. We’ve never done that before”
“Initiative, dear Winningstad, initiative."
“But we were ten miles east, well over the lines. What were you chasing?”
“A two-seater as I said. Were you going to sit up there all day and watch the show?”
Stay calm, Oliver. Stay calm.
“How can we follow in formation if the FC doesn’t signal? Sutton and Mac didn’t see anything either. You were there one second and gone the next.”
Pixley’s features darkened ever so briefly before returning to their normal expression, calm with the slightest whiff of superiority.
“Then all three of you will need to pay more attention next time.”
What an ass!
“And if Stewart hadn’t come sailing down to rescue you?”
Pixley said nothing at first. He looked at his nails as if noticing some imperfection there.
“I realize this will come as a surprise to you, Winningstad, but twenty days on the line, one balloon and three inattentive Huns do not an expert make. One could fill the Bodlean with what you still don’t know.”
He turned and walked off toward his hut.
Are all Etonions this annoying?
I stood there fuming. Pixley had gone tearing off on some wild goose chase without so much as a fare-thee-well. What else was he chasing? That was the better question. We would have overhauled a 2-seater long before reaching Fontaine-Uterte. Why did Stewart shake me off like that and then refuse to discuss it with me later? Something was not right here.

1350 hrs. An intercept mission far to the north of our operating area. Just SE of Arras in fact. Stewart FC, Hyde, McGregor and Nobby Scott. For the first time I flew as the No. 2.

As we arrived on station, we overran a huge gaggle of Albs, 7 or 8 of them, about 2000 ft below. Stewart led us down and the fight was on. I chased a white and black ringed Alb around with Stewart and we took turns attacking it. I landed one short burst, but the rest was snap shooting.

[Linked Image]
"Herr Magpie then dove away, Stewart in hot pursuit."

I lost them against the muddy ground. Returning to the patrol area I found Hyde, and we climbed back to 10000 ft. Archie announced an Albatros high overhead, but he was out of reach. After 5 minutes we found two Pups of A flight (Foster & Sutton) and headed home to Flez.


26 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

0545 hrs. Deep Offensive Patrol between Le Cateau aerodrome and Berty E/W aerodrome. 15 miles into enemy territory. I was nervous. This was terra incognita, and far deeper into Hunland than I’d previously ventured. Nobody said anything, of course. 54 Squadron were a cold-blooded lot, and this was just another mission, but everyone seemed to be a bit sharper in the briefing. I knew this patrol was something altogether different from our normal fare.
Pixley would lead. I wasn’t happy about this after his last escapade. I flew as no. 2 with Foster, Nobby Scott, and Hadrill rounding out B flight. Good weather with a blanket of low cloud at 9000 feet. Flying high above at 13,500 we had the sky to ourselves and two hours later we touched down at Flez. No e/a sighted. All too easy.

1445 hrs. Escort two B.E.2c of RFC-52 on reccy flight. We would fly a 10 mile stretch of front north of St. Quentin. Pixley leading. I was #2 with McGregor, Sutton and Hadrill. ‘A’ Flight were certainly fielding the first team today. Strugnell led Hudson, Stewart, and Nobby.

The mission got off to a bad start. No Quirks at the rendezvous. We circled for 10 minutes but saw nothing. At that point Pixley gave the dud engine signal and peeled away for Flez. I now led the patrol! Oh boy. I circled for another 5 minutes, thinking things through. Where are these miserable Quirks?! Did they go ahead without us? Acting on that assumption, I took B flight to the lines and we ran the 10-mile length of the patrol route with A Flight trailing overhead. No Quirks. Two Harry Tates flying west under our formation were the only aircraft I spotted. Of course, I was staring at the map half the flight so it’s possible I missed something below. I don't know how I'm to spot the enemy, flying like this.

Now let’s get home. Wide, easy to follow turns. Now the spiraling descent to Flez, everybody where they should be.


[Linked Image]
"I rolled to a stop alongside the flight and just sat in the cockpit. Eight aircraft returned safely to Flez. No mishaps. No losses."

C Flight had a bizarre tale to tell. Six Pups in all were to escort 6 FEs from RFC-22 and 7 BEs from No 52 Sqn to bomb Bohain. That was nearly 15 miles into Hunland. By the time they’d reached the target only 2 FEs and 2 BEs remained, the rest having turned back. And what did they drop? Pamphlets! Propaganda leaflets of some sort. Shortly thereafter they scrapped with 12-15 Albs and sent them packing. Hudson, Charley, Rome bagged one apiece! C- Flight all returned safely but both FEs were forced to land behind the lines and their crews made prisoner.

Last edited by epower; 05/16/20 11:08 PM.
#4521130 - 05/16/20 07:19 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
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Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Carrick, Pistache looks like a keeper.

Epower, a few busy days I see. Oliver is now getting the hang of this merry-go-rounding. That’s quite a marathon. Congrats on the hat trick. That’s the only way to win this war. Get more of them than they get of you. That’s in addition to the “Für Elise” lesson from Stewart. Only a few more weeks and you’ll be all caught up.

Raine, that was almost it for poor Hans! Lucky he knows how to make himself small, or he’d end up with a few piercings. Glad he made it back in one piece after that encounter on the 12th. Then the 13th ... oh dear! Hans needs a pair of eyes in the back of his head. But no need to despair - Hans finally gets his man, twice in fact! Congrats are in order and hopefully a medal to go with it soon.


"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."
#4521144 - 05/16/20 09:54 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Posts: 6,659
I sure hope so since I am running out of good sounding names.

#4521145 - 05/16/20 09:57 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
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carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Francois Gaston Pistache
Chevalier de France
Sergant, Esc 90
Mix N-23 and N-24 Bis
Toul, Verdun.


May 17, 1917.

Still raining, it rained yesterday and now today. Zee weather is on the side of Zee Bosche.

#4521159 - 05/17/20 12:46 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
15 May, 1917 20:45
Flanders Sector

Colonel Watts hated trenches, even when there were no major battles going on in his sector. He hated the dampness, the dirt, noise and the putrid smell. His dugout had all the usual amenities: canvas roof supported by four posts, duckboard flooring, a desk covered with maps, a small bookshelf, a bed and the armchair his subaltern “procured” for him. He was sitting in it now drinking a warm cup of his favourite dark pu’erh tea. He hovered his nose over the cup savouring the musty aroma. His mouth watered in anticipation of the rich flavour. This luxury was his only escape from this wretched war.
There was a knock on the wooden post and sergeant appeared at the entrance.
“- Yes, what is it?” The tea was set aside on the table.
“- Sir, one of our patrols captured a man crossing over from the other side.”
“- A spy?” Colonel was intrigued.
“- He says he’s a squadron commander from RNAS-2.”
“- Well, can he prove it? Does he have any documents on him?”
“- No Sir, not exactly...” Sergeant hesitated.
Watts had no patience for interrogation, especially of his own men. He made a gesture with his wrist urging the soldier to continue.
“- He said he escaped from a German hospital after being shot down.”
“- Well, he must be some kind of a hero.” Watts’ voice betrayed a hint of sarcasm.
“- What are you waiting for? Bring him here.” The officer was getting impatient.
The sergeant hesitated again. “- Sir ...”
Watts wanted to get back to his tea. “- Is there a problem, sergeant?”
“- Sir ... he’s wearing a dress!”
Colonel stared blankly at the other man. “- A woman’s dress?”
Sergeant had to think for a second if this was a trick question. Did the colonel know any other kinds of dresses?
“- Well, yes. It’s a very dirty dress, but it would appear so, Sir. Should I fetch him?” Sergeant was desperate to escape any further questioning.
The Colonel couldn’t believe his ears. “- A British officer in a dress? Preposterous! What did you say his name was?”
“- Mulberry, Sir. I’ll go get him now.”
Watts dismissed the man with the wave of his hand. He looked at the table. His tea was cold.


"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."
#4521180 - 05/17/20 11:09 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit - It looks like Toby has given Colonel Watts a story to tell his children and grandchildren, provided the fellow survives the war. Good to know Chesty is at least back on the friendly side of the mud.

Carrick - Your new man Pistache was quick to score his first victory, well done! Too bad though about Nigel ending up a permanent guest of the Kaiser, and at Coditz Castle no less.

Epower - Wonderful storytelling and catching up. The episode from the 12th was particularly outstanding. And I too appreciate the link you provided to the songbook. That’s one that has been on my list of firsts to find for my library but I’ve yet to locate an affordable copy. It’s a rare one. Also, loved the Oxspring crossover story mention. And three in a single day for Oliver, outstanding, even if only two were confirmed. He’s dancing close to MC territory.

Maeran - Glad to see you are still hanging about here. I look forward to your upcoming story.

Raine - Vogel is continuing his strong start I see, four victories already! An EK2c in his near future me thinks. The Flying Pastor seems a bit of a glory hog, it was nice to see your man getting that victory ahead of him. And he and Steinmesser have assembled quite the digs from the sounds of it.

.

Captain Swanson had pushed it again on the 12th with his wounded left arm and after the day’s sorties, (which had amounted to nothing in terms of Huns bagged), he was hurting again. He was ordered to stand down for another five days and allow his wound to heal further. He is supposed to lead this morning’s patrol and is hopeful things will go better at this point as he is fed up serving as officer of the day, day after day.

.

#4521182 - 05/17/20 11:13 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
epower Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower  Offline
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Posts: 737
Carrick - A very special guest lecturer indeed!

Fullofit - Congrats on Toby's successful escape. I trust he crossed the lines without too many challenges to his virtue, or the reputation of the 'Senior Service.'

#4521196 - 05/17/20 02:23 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
epower Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower  Offline
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Member

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Posts: 737
Lou- Your post slipped past me unawares. Good to see Swanny back in the air.

#4521199 - 05/17/20 02:51 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: epower]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Originally Posted by epower
Fullofit - Congrats on Toby's successful escape. I trust he crossed the lines without too many challenges to his virtue, or the reputation of the 'Senior Service.'

Epower, the story of Toby’s ordeal in No-Man’s Land will be told to his children and grandchildren, provided he survives the war. winkngrin

Lou, what is going on with Swany’s flipper? This is worrisome. Will we see first DiD campaign retirement due to injuries?


"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."
#4521240 - 05/17/20 10:40 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Full of it: I think , he should leave out escaping in Drag some people may take it wrong

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