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#4522084 - 05/23/20 01:40 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Maeran Offline
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Introducing 2nd Lieutenant Robert Bertram Lindley RFC
[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Baizieux aerodrome turned out to be a collection of huts, tents and hangars on the east side of the hamlet that gave its name. The army were resting soldiers here and so the entire facility dwarfed the little French settlement. Half way along the landing area was a windmill, which looked to be in working order. It wasn’t turning today as the tender turned south to reach the squadron offices of 23 squadron RFC.
The driver leaned over his shoulder to peer at the thin and scrawny looking youth sat on one of the benches in the back. “This is you, sir,” the driver said. “Do you need a hand with your bag?”
The young man had a pilot’s wings on his maternity jacket and a second lieutenant’s pip on his shoulder. Both looked new and completely out of place on their owner, who jumped down and dragged his valise toward him. “I shall be fine, thank you,” he replied.

There was a middle aged captain in the office as the new pilot opened the door. He looked up with a smile.
“Ah, replacement? Very good. Major Leighton is over at Wing for a meeting. I’m Captain Pye-Smith, the adjutant, recording officer and anything else they throw my way. What’s your name, subaltern?”
The new arrival looked confused for a moment. “’Subaltern’ sir?”
“Another word for second lieutenant,”Pye explained. “Perhaps old fashioned nowadays, but I find it breaks up all the ‘lieutenants' to say it every now and then.”
“I see sir. My name is Lindley.”
Pye consulted a list. “Lindley... ah yes. We have you in C flight. Captain Patrick is your flight leader. I’ll have a man take you over to C flight squadron office.”

C flights squadron office was a small shed behind the hangars that Lindley would soon find held the flight’s aeroplanes. A desk and a filing cabinet occupied most of the space inside. A man with captain's insignia on his shoulder and a bemused expression on his face looked up from his stack of paperwork.
[Linked Image]
“You'll be the replacement then?” The officer was only a little older than Lindley. His accent was that of a home counties education, but the way he pronounced ‘you'll' hinted at a Scottish origin.
“I am sir,” Lindley replied. “Lindley's the name.”
“A pleasure, I’m sure. I am Captain Patrick. It might say Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick on the paperwork, but rest assured it’s me.” He stood up and came around the desk. “What hours do you have, solo?”
“Twenty-four sir.”
“By God! That's nothing!” Patrick was aghast.
“My instructor said that I was needed at the Front,” Lindley explained as Patrick gave him a sour look.
“Do you at least have some time on Spads?”
“The last hour was in a Spad, sir. That was yesterday at Candas.” A look of concern appeared on Lindley's face, “You aren’t going to send me back are you sir?”
“I can’t afford to, Lindley. However, I’m shocked at your lack of experience. This is the sharp end of the sword, and I desperately need good pilots. Okay, Lindley. Get in 1591 and take her on a few laps of the aerodrome. Show me that you aren’t an idiot.”
“Shall I stow my kit away first, sir?
“I shouldn’t bother with that second lieutenant. Not yet, anyway. Show me how you fly.”

As Lindley went off to find mechanics to wheel his aeroplane out, another pilot wandered over to Patrick. “Hello Pat,” he said in a gentle Irish accent. “Is this the new boy?”
The pair watched as Lindley looked at the side of the Spad as though he did not know how to climb up into the cockpit. O’Grady, the Irish pilot took out a hip flask. He took a sip.
“What’s his name?” O’Grady offered the flask to his flight commander. Patrick took it.
He screwed up his face in an effort to remember. “Lindsay? It might not matter anyway.” He took a pull. “This is the Irish stuff. Pure filth.” He had another sip anyway.
“What would a Jock like you know about good whiskey? Shall I get the fire truck to stand by?”
“Better had.”

Lindley took longer to run up the field than Patrick expected. The new pilot was clearly being cautious with the stall speed of an unfamiliar machine. Once unstuck and climbing above the French countryside, Lindley marvelled at how close the town of Albert was. It was practically within touching distance. He couldn’t really see much below him. The large cockpit of the Spad felt very secure, but also very closed in. He hoped that he could make good use of the spaces he could see through the extra wing bracing struts.
The landing run was fast, the Spad bumped horribly across the grass for much longer than Lindley liked, but eventually the machine came to a halt and Lindley breathed a deep sigh of relief.
As he climbed down from the cockpit, a fire truck drove up with Patrick and another pilot holding onto the runnning board.
“How did I do?” Lindley asked.
“Well, you haven’t crashed yet,” Patrick admitted. “This is O’Grady, he’s flight deputy. As new boy, you get the drinks.”
O’Grady nodded, “squadron tradition.”
“I see,” Lindley nodded back. “Then where is the mess?”


Lindley was lost. The banks of cloud obscured any recognisable landmarks. Not that he thought that he would recognise any if he did see them. It was only Lindley's second day at 23 squadron and he was wondering if he would ever see Baizieux again.
It had started when the third member of C flight, a Canadian called McGregor shook Lindley’s cot.
Lindley peered up at him through a hungover fug.
“O’Grady’s still too drunk to fly,” Mac told Lindley. “Captain Pat wants you up and in flying kit by half past.
Lindley held his head. “Argh! Is he worse than me?”
“You look a bit pale, but you threw up most of it, so you’ll do. We’re not picky, Lindley.”
Lindley sat up on the edge of the bed. His head pounded. He groaned.
“How much did I drink last night?”
“A fair bit,” McGregor handed Lindley a lukewarm mug of tea. “You can check your account with the mess, but remember to divide it by six.”
“Six?”
“Rounds.”
The tea helped, as did a boiled egg that Lindley’s batman provided. Lindley managed to reach the flight line in time for Patrick to tell him about the line patrol.
“We’re going up to the lines by Monchy,” Patrick told him. “You just stay with the flight. I’m not expecting any heroics from you today. Watch me closely and try to stay in formation.”
[Linked Image]
Patrick was mildly surprised that his new pilot was still with the formation over Monchy. Maybe this new chap isn’t so bad after all.
Patrick waggled his wings and began a descent. Lindley was taken slightly by surprise at this but followed the flight down. His Spad was slightly above and far behind the rest of the flight as Patrick dived steeper still.
Below them and racing east, a two-seater aeroplane stood out against the cloud. Two black crosses declared its German allegiance.
Patrick and McGregor’s Spads flashed past the German reconnaissance machine’s tail. Lindley saw the observer’s gun turn. As he closed in as well.
The Spad had a Vickers machine gun mounted on top of the engine and firing through the propeller arc by means of an interrupter gear that Lindley did not quite understand. What he did understand was that the sight was off to his right. Even as he tore down toward the 2 seater, he leaned across and squinted down the iron ring.
Lindley saw the observer heave the parabellum upwards and moments later bullets were punching holes in the wing to Lindley’s right.
“Hell’s bells!” Lindley pushed the stick forward and the Spad tore downwards with a lurch that reminded him that he had been sick recently.
Everything went white.
Then browns and greens appeared as Lindley dropped out of the cloud. He was high enough to level off safely, but he was now visible to anyone below.
Black bursts filled the air. “This must be Archie,” Lindley thought as he twisted and turned. Then his Spad plunged into cloud again.

And that was how Lindley got lost on his first patrol. Every so often a break in the cloud offered hope, but no landmarks.
A dot in the distance attracted Lindley’s attention. An aeroplane!
Lindley turned toward it and soon it was clear that the other machine was heading towards him. Perhaps it was Patrick or McGregor?
The aeroplane was slightly above and Lindley saw the tailplane. It was spade shaped. That wasn’t a Spad, but an Albatros!
The enemy machine came in and Lindley heard a ratatatat of gunfire. He dived for speed before zooming and turning with his rudder. Now the element of surprise was gone and Albatros and Spad circled in a desperate contest.
[Linked Image]
Not entirely certain of how he did it, Lindley got a burst in on the wing of the sharklike machine. He saw a flash of black and white as the German dived away.
Lindley was pleased as punch. His first solo combat was a roaring success. Now to find home.
After an eternity, he spotted a river with a that Lindley hoped was the Somme. In any case, if he followed that west he should be alright.

The yellow Spad descended to a bumpy landing at Baizieux. The pilot was climbing out of the cockpit even as the propeller slowed to a stop.
“Ah, Lindley! We were wondering!” Patrick shouted as Lindley trotted across to the shed ahead of the mechanics wheeling the Spad home.
“I got one!” Lindley’s face beamed with delight. “I need to go tell Pye-Smith.”
“You got one, eh? Well, you’d better tell me the whole story.”
His flight commander listened as Lindley related his adventure with the Albatros.
“So, let me get this right,” the Scot recounted. “You got lost, found and shot at a lone Albatros with no witnesses, but he dived away and you think you got him?”
“That’s right.”
“But there are no witnesses and you don’t really know where this happened?”
“Yes, but I shot him and he dived away...”
“Did you see him crash?”
Lindley’s smile dropped, “well, er, No.”
“Then he didn’t. It’s a trick to get out of trouble. Drop a long way, recover when you’re far away from your man and use your speed to get out of bother.” Patrick patted a crestfallen Lindley on the shoulder. “But you did chase him off, so that’s something.”

#4522132 - 05/23/20 07:09 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Maeran, that is an excellent introduction. Great detail and many likeable characters. Even Robert’s picture gives an impression of a frail, maybe even sickly chap. Hopefully he can do great things, despite his constitution. It will be great to follow his (mis)adventures.


"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."
#4522211 - 05/24/20 03:28 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Maeran - Great to have you back at it. A fantastic opening chapter to young Robert's RFC adventures. Did his squadron mates stick him for all 6 rounds at the bar? A tough initiation indeed! I particularly like that windmill pic. I always feel like I'm under a bridge flying the Spad.

#4522244 - 05/24/20 10:59 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Some epic stories gents! I’ve been away for a while and Ainslie is a bit out of date. I’m doing my best to catch up. I’ll be up to date in a few days and will bring my man also. Stay safe folks!


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!
#4522245 - 05/24/20 11:01 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Ajax, ON
24 May, 1917 13:50 afternoon mission
St. Pol-sur-Mer, Flanders Sector
RNAS-2
SC Tobias Chester Mulberry VC, DSC&Bar, DSO&Bar, L d’H, Od’L, WS
12.4 confirmed kills

The Albatros shot down two days ago has finally been confirmed.
Toby felt a little safer when a Strutter from RFC-45 joined the formation over Dunkirk. The biplane’s role was to escort the two flights of D.H.4s on a bombing run of the front lines near Nieuport. After some time following the shore of the Channel they’ve reached the Front. The first thing that happened was the Strutter turned back at first sight of the enemy. Toby and his wingman FL Colburn had to spar with the two attacking Germans alone. He watched as his wingman dove after the intruder. Mulberry dove after them, but soon had his hands full of another German machine attempting to get on his tail. They continued to attempt to get the upper hand but in the end Toby lost his opponent in the ground clutter. He decided to complete the mission and bomb the heck out of the enemy. As he set his sights on the nearest trenches he noticed some movement just above them. It was his Hun! Mulberry dropped his bombs and, now much lighter, caught up to the German just where the mud ended on the enemy’s side. The Boche plane had a number 2 painted on his fuselage. Toby brought the machine down and turned back.

YouTube Link



He then proceeded straight towards his base, but bringing down their wing mate was witnessed by an angry mob of Huns. They chased Toby all across the Frontlines and caught up to him only near Furnes where he intended to land. He saw one of the Albatroses come out of the clouds and soon after two more chasing Colburn. Toby watched two Huns collide in a turn, which only left one Albatros to one De Havilland. Mulberry then had to help his wingman with a stubborn Boche stuck to his tail. After that things went a little smoother. In the end Toby took out another Hun, this time with the number 5 on the fuselage. After that it was time to land.

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."
#4522262 - 05/25/20 04:10 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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29 April 1917 - Part I
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France

0450 hrs. Up early today for the morning show, a defensive patrol between Bapaume and Ablainzeville aerodrome.
Stewart led Mac, Sutton and Grevelink. I flew #2 again. Reached Bapaume at 8500 ft. Shortly thereafter Mac gave the dud engine signal and turned south.
Uneventful patrol, no e/a sighted. As we approached Flez after two hours of frozen boredom, I was thinking about the hearty breakfast awaiting me just a few thousand feet below. That was when the Le Rhone started hemorrhaging oil.

[Linked Image]

I was still at 9000’ and the low clouds made it difficult to see the field. I had to descend quickly. Unlike the first time, I knew the engine would fail. A long side slip got me to 1500 ft. I lined up for the normal landing approach, then changed my mind and headed around the opposite way behind the church. Risky, but I didn’t want to be over hills and trees when the engine quit.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Gliding now. I could set her down here, but it would be more of a crash than a landing.

[Linked Image]
I know I can make it

[Linked Image]
Steady now...

[Linked Image]
This is gonna be close

[Linked Image]
Safely down. Whew!
As the ground staff raced over to the Pup, I tried to think of some witticism with which to greet Cpl. Mitchell but failed completely. In the end I climbed down from the cockpit, slowly removed my gloves, and walked around A6215 inspecting for damage, just like Nobby had done that day I'd taken two bullets through the windscreen. What was it he'd said? "Can't get windy about such trivia." I made a good show of it anyway, even though my heart was hammering away in my chest.


Last edited by epower; 05/25/20 04:40 AM.
#4522270 - 05/25/20 05:01 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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29 April 1917 - part II
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France


1330 hrs. Escort 3 Harry Tates from RFC-34 to bomb enemy rear area west of ProNville. Pixley in the lead again with Stewart, Sutton, and Hudson. I was flying #3.

Over the Peronne to Cambrai road 4 Albatri dropped on our formation.

[Linked Image]
The Huns timed their attack well. Pixley was in trouble.

[Linked Image]
The Hun broke left as my tracers sailed past him. Pixley was clear. I was on the Albatros now.

[Linked Image]
I closed rapidly, fired 15 rounds, then pulled up and rolled back around on him.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
I had him in my sights and could see the tracers landing all around the cockpit.

[Linked Image]
The Hun dove away. Pixley was waiting.

[Linked Image]
“…and he fell, clawing the dust in his fingers.”

A very neat piece of aerial fighting. Whatever our disagreements, Pixley and I always fought very well together. It was hard to know whose kill it was. In the end, we agreed to share it and Uncle sent it up to Wing as such.

#4522375 - 05/25/20 11:09 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Sgt. Ainslie Harris
40 RFC, Bruay
May 25th, 1917

Harris checked his controls as his flight prepared to take off. His wrist was sore but he was sick of doing nothing. Five days ago, after an escort mission, his foot had caught on the side of the cockpit and he went arse over spout to the ground. Other than his pride he had severely sprained his wrist making flying nearly impossible. Before he let his machine loose he flexed his wrist. The next moment he was bounding down the runway with rain whipping past his windscreen. Once over the lines, Archie started in earnest. He was used to it by now but a particularly close burst still made him jump. The flight turned northeast before Munchy and started a slow glide to to the Railyard. Escort missions and ground attacks had been the norm for the last two weeks. Lt. Keen gave the signal and the flight dove. Harris lined up on a large warehouse. When it filled his windscreen he let loose his rockets and pulled up. As he went into a climbing turn he looked back and smiled. The warehouse was on fire. He had scored a direct hit. He checked his surroundings and dove again on a pile of stacked goods near the tracks. Tracers came up to meet him. Harris jinked left and right to throw off the ground gunners aim then lined up on his target and fired 3 long bursts. As he pulled up into a climbing left turn He saw at least 4 Albatros among his flight. Harris checked his rear and turned onto an Albatros closing in on one of his flight. He gave a long burst and saw the Hun shudder as it broke away. He was now so close on his tail firing he feared a collision. When he pulled away his whole body tensed as he thought there was no way out of a collision. They missed by inches. Harris gathered his wits and looked around. It was hard to see in the misty rain but he spied another Hun being chased by a Nieuport and joined in. After firing several bursts the machine dove away trailing vapor. He knew he was low on ammo and did not follow. He climbed for altitude and could not find any of his flight. He turned northwest and headed home.

Back at Bruay he claim on the Albatros with the broad white stripe behind the fuselage. His flight came in one by one. Lt. Keen, upon meeting Harris said, “Well Sgt.! I hope you landed on your own two feet this time.” Harris smiled at the joke. “Yes Sir, I did! She didn’t throw me this time.” Keen continued, “nice work on that Hun! I saw the whole thing.” Harris beamed, “thank you Sir. I’ve filed my claim already.”

After a quick lunch they were up again for a patrol of enemy lines from Monchy to Vimy. It was a nice change from the escorts and ground attacks. There was no contact and with the weather worsening, the leader called it a wash and they headed back to Bruay. Harris was looking forward to some dry clothes and And a hot meal. As they approached the airfield his heart sank. Four of the hangers were on fire and two Nieuports were burning near them. There was more work to be done.


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!
#4522378 - 05/25/20 11:37 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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some really good stories here and Maeran great Introduction very Historical.

#4522380 - 05/25/20 11:47 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 25, 1917.

4 victory's
1 unconfirmed

Had Zee New boys up, but got into a fight with Zee Bosche Over the lines. Our five a/c were at 8000 ft and spotted 3 Recon types slightly higher off to the right closed and fired 40 rds then Escort came down. They had given the slip to our Rovers and hits us. Scattering it became a turn fight till an e/a sat on my tail then it was spin out of the fight and run. We lost 1 a/c ( KIA) and 3 damaged. Enemy drove off ,but no kills.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-05-25 16-17-30-92.jpgCFS3 2020-05-25 16-19-21-15.jpgCFS3 2020-05-25 16-20-55-68.jpgCFS3 2020-05-25 16-24-32-29.jpgCFS3 2020-05-25 16-24-54-61.jpg
#4522492 - 05/26/20 07:36 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 26, 1917.

4 victory's
1 unconfirmed


Led B flight's 4 a/c on a Aerodrome attack. Spotted 2 Recon types flying around the field, I engaged the rear seaters as my 3 wing-mates dove on the field Mg ing the Tents. I took a few hole when the rear gunners got me in a little bit of Zee Cross fire,but by then the attack was over . I waved to withdraw and we RTB The Esc's made a Successful attack with 2 a/c damaged very light.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-05-26 12-08-59-83.jpgCFS3 2020-05-26 12-11-33-89.jpg
#4522506 - 05/26/20 09:20 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Carrick, careful of those two seaters! But then, you already know. They are just too hard to pass up.


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!
#4522639 - 05/27/20 08:32 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair : How many times have I been shot down by 2 seat A/c . MMMMMMMMMM, Let me count the ways . OMG I cant count that high !

Last edited by carrick58; 05/27/20 08:32 PM.
#4522663 - 05/27/20 10:39 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Sgt. Ainslie Harris
40 RFC
May 27, 1917

Harris and Redler sat in their hut eating sandwiches. After their aerodrome had been bombed 2 days ago, things were still not ship shape. “I bet the officers are all barked up since they ain’t got a proper mess hall to have their meals. Hell, must be real hard on’em to have to eat like us common folks!” Harris said. They both broke out into laughter.

Redler had his second victory, and Albatros, confirmed yesterday. The two fliers both now had two. Harris spoke up again, “Ya know, when I got my first one on my first mission, I thought this was goin’ ta be easy. How wrong can a man be?” Redler joined in, “Well ground attacks and escort missions are not conducive to victories. I will be happy when we are flying proper scout missions!” Harris laughed, straitened up on his cot and gave his best proper Englishman imitation,”I am surprised at you Sir, You should be happy to be serving King and Country!” When they stopped laughing, Harris got serious. “When I first came over I drove an ambulance. I tell ya, the things I saw........” Harris shook his head. “Tell ya straight up hoss, I’d ruther be here flyin whatever missions they order than goin’ back to that.” Redler nodded, “I suppose your right.” Harris looked up, his eyes narrowed, “suppose hell! I’m tellin ya straight up!” Harris sighed and continued, “Didn't mean to snap at ya friend. We just need a good nights rest.”

Last edited by MFair; 05/27/20 10:42 PM.

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!
#4522683 - 05/28/20 12:48 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofot - lovely job and that new skin for the DH4! Toby's record is awe-inspiring.

Lou, nice job on the episode about Nora. The conversation between Nora and Lizzie was especially well written. I could almost hear them and the dialogue was tone perfect. (And epower, you awakened the history and language nerd. Coup de foudre in the sense of "love at first sight" appears in the late 18th century. In the sense of an unexpected event, it is at least a hundred years older.)

epower - that raid on Flez episode was a heartbreaker. And great job on 29 April putting the disabled machine down safely. You must have had branches in your undercarriage!

MAERAN!!!! Welcome back! We've missed you. Lindley's first episode was a cracker. I love the portrait of Patrick and the reassurance that you've had a lot to drink but threw up most of it. I hope you have time to keep this up.

MFair – great start for Harris.

Carrick – Pistache is doing a fine job with the N23. Mind you, I have found that engaging two seaters is hard enough at altitude, never mind low down over their own airfields. Please be careful!

With all of this outstanding action it's painful to be out for so long. Here's an episode from Vogel. I have started another pilot but I won't post anything until I think he has a chance of living for a while.


Tagebuch of Fw Hans-Dieter Vogel, EK2, Jasta 26

Part 5

27 May 1917.


[Linked Image]

This is the first day I have been able to sit up and write. Steinmesser was good enough to bring me some clothes yesterday, together with a few personal effects including my journal. I am in the Kreigslazarett in Valenciennes. This hospital is in a small convent building next to the town church. It is staffed with good army doctors and German Catholic nursing sisters. But more of that later.

This chapter of my life begins a week ago – Sunday, 20 May. The enemy has been sending their scouts over to harass our observation balloons south of here, near St-Quentin. Only three of us are sent to stop them: the boss, his brother (the Pastor), and yours truly. We fly about in circles for nearly an hour and are ready to go home for breakfast when some English Spads appear. I have never fought with a Spad before. They are very fast and cannot be followed in a dive, especially in an Albatros. For a few minutes the three of us turn about in the centre of a swarm of Spads. The English machines dash in and fire a few rounds and then use their speed to get away and climb again. Our machines are more nimble so we slip one way or the other to throw the enemy off his aim and we fire quickly, hoping to do some damage in the instant that the English machine passes in front. After several minutes of hair-raising battle, I become separated from the Loertzer brothers. Fortunately only one Spad pays attention to me, and its pilot makes the mistake of trying to turn with my Albatros. I get behind him. He spirals ever downwards, trying to get away but he runs out of height. Now we are low and over enemy territory. My next burst does damage and the Englishman can no longer run. It is the work of a minute to finish him and see him crash.

I am alone and low behind the enemy’s front. That is not healthy! I climb away to the east, accompanied by a close guard of “Archie” bursts, as the English call Flak. By the time I am over the lines I am back up to 1500 metres. That is when I see a lone English two seater heading west. He is slightly higher and I follow behind and beneath him, closing the distance between us quickly. But when I am still 300 or 400 metres away, the enemy pilot suddenly turns to give his gunner a clear view. He turns right and I dive away to my left to get back under the protection of the two seater’s tail. He is now about 200 metres away. His observer fires a short burst.

I have never been hit on the head with a hammer, but that is what it felt like. Actually, my father once through a schnapps bottle at me and it caught me over the ear. That was a glancing blow. This is not. I do not lose consciousness although I know something is very wrong. Blood is everywhere and I can barely see. I point my machine towards the bright eastern horizon and race at full speed. I feel sick and struggle to stay awake. I do not remember landing, nor do I remember anything much of the next two days.

I am brought to a Feldlazarett that was set up in a church with half a roof. My tunic is gone, my boots are gone, and my head is wrapped in bandages. They tell me I am very lucky. My skull has several small fractures and there is a chip that I will be able to feel for the rest of my life just behind my right ear. No bones are displaced and what brains I have are still where they should be. I have two black eyes that frighten me when I first look in a mirror.

I am there for days before I am moved here in an ambulance wagon. This is much more comfortable and better staffed. Today I ate solid food for the first time. The sisters are kind but plain and without humour. My headaches recur and can be severe but my vision is returning to normal. Yesterday when I spoke some words were slurred. It is getting better a little today. They say that if the bones knit together properly by next week I may be given some time away from the front to rest. They say that I can probably go home. I have no home to go to! I will not go back to my father and I can’t go back to being a waiter in London, not for a while at least. It’s funny. Nearly every one of the millions of Germans at the front would give their arm for a couple of weeks of home leave. I have the leave but I really can’t think how to use it. I’m not sure about this whole God thing they talk about in church. If He is there, He has a cruel sense of humour.

[Linked Image]
Kriegslazarett in Valenciennes

I should have mentioned the Spad to Steinmesser. It is too late to claim it now.

Leutnant Loertzer has just visited. He tells me I am now a Feldwebel. Also, he presents me with the Iron Cross Second Class. Perhaps if I had my whole head shot off they would make me an officer.

I cannot continue. More later.

Attached Files Lazarett.pngFoto-AK-Valenciennes-Kriegslazarett-VII-Gruppe-8-ca-1916.jpg
#4522736 - 05/28/20 11:38 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
.

Raine – At last we know the circumstances that put Hans-Dieter out of action. Captain Swanson can empathize about the head wound, he still has the occasional headache from his own. It's fortunate the sisters are taking such good care of your man, however humorless they may be. And who knows, perhaps a lovely young novitiate will show up to brighten his days in the Kreigslazarett.

MFair – Despite getting off on the wrong foot with his CO Ainslie appears to be settling into the job, even with a sprained wrist. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten saddled with a nickname after that little mishap. Hope he and his mates can get Bruay back in order soon, after that Hun remodeling.

Carrick – I think we can all feel your pain when it comes to those two-seaters. At least it was only Pistache’s plane that was caught in zee crossfire.

Epower – Any landing you can walk away from, right? Oliver did a good job of making the most of his altitude when his engine went west. Fine screenshots, and that last one with the multiple frame overlays is a neat idea.

Fullofit – Leave it to Toby to turn his D.H.4 into a fighter. I’m fairly certain the designers never imagined their B/R bus could be put to such use. Now, to Mulberry’s G/O, does the man not know his gun is movable? Worthless clod.

Maeran – A wonderful introduction to Robert Lindley, outstanding. And Patrick seems a descent fellow to have in charge, quite an understanding sort from the sounds of it. Also, the windmill photo is a neat addition.

Hellshade and Trooper, nice to see you both dropping in. Grab a drink and stay a while.



Captain Swanson is back in camp, having spent a total of three days resting up in Abbeville as per a recommendation from Major Boyd. Swany and Nurse Mead had a second outing together on his last night there. It should have been sooner but there was some confusion between the two of them. The day following their dinner on the evening of the 21st Nora was quite standoffish towards the Captain, and he had no idea why. He’d thought it had been a most enjoyable time for them both, and he had been quite the gentleman throughout the evening, and had spent a fair amount of francs at the restaurant in the process. But the next morning, back in the hospital ward, Nora was cool towards him, so much so that Swany made a point of avoiding her for the remainder of that day. It wasn’t until Nurse Ellison had a brief conversation with him on the morning of the 23rd that things became clear. She had asked the Captain why he was avoiding her friend at which point he noted that her friend was giving him the cold shoulder, to which Nurse Ellison replied, “You are a berk aren’t you. She likes you, she’s just afraid of being hurt. And if you tell her I told you that, I’ll kill you Sir. And I’m a nurse so I know how to do it to make it look like you died in your sleep.” When Swany laughed and asked if she was joking, Lizzie stated flatly, “No – no I’m not.” Captain Swanson and Nurse Mead went out again that evening for another dinner, after which they took a pleasant stroll around Abbeville and during the course of conversation agreed they would write each other. Swany stole a kiss as the couple walked along the Somme, a kiss which Nora returned briefly before pulling away, saying it was too soon for her. The Captain apologized and said he understood. They finished their walk simply enjoying the quiet evening away from the madness of war. When the Captain left the next morning the two parted with a brief embrace, each telling the other they would write as they had agreed to the night before. As Swany was leaving the grounds Nurse Ellison caught him up to tell him he best keep his promise about writing her friend. He assured her he would, saying, “No worries there Miss Ellison, I intend to, if for no other reason than the fact that you scare me more than the Hun.”

.

#4522804 - 05/28/20 05:22 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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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Raine: Your opening line " This is the first day I have been able to sit up and write " Hooked me right into the yarn. Sorta reminded me of getting a wedgie it demanded my full attention. Great going with the pics setting the environment.

#4522818 - 05/28/20 07:13 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
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carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
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 28, 1917.

4 victory's
1 unconfirmed

Morning Patrol: I was up with 4 a/c at the Eastern end of our sector and spotted 2 E/a Scouts slightly lower over the front. Made High side attack the a turning fight. Both a/c escaped to their side. We had 1 a/c damaged

Balloon Defense Western end of sector.: Zee Bosche is good. 6 Scouts dove like Hawks with Striped elevators ans white tails exploding the Bag of gas . Two of them stayed low turning the others zoomed to wards Home. My three a/c engaged the e/a took out my number 3 wing mate then as they turned I got good hits on the tail end e/a. I lost sight of him as he banked hard right and was lost by the Camo on the air machine and Trees. ( I put in a claim ). Claims 1 e/a. Losses 1 N-23 ( KIA) + 1 damaged. and a Balloon.


Attached Files CFS3 2020-05-28 10-42-43-66.jpgCFS3 2020-05-28 10-43-09-68.jpgCFS3 2020-05-28 10-59-24-06.jpgCFS3 2020-05-28 11-02-40-75.jpgCFS3 2020-05-28 11-03-33-28.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 05/28/20 07:16 PM.
#4522843 - 05/28/20 09:00 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
Artless Aide-de-camp
Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
Carrick – Francois continues his ascent. Can he keep his mates alive long enough for them to get skills? Those two seaters are nasty, especially with the spitballs we’re throwing with a single Vickers.

MFair – Good to see you back in the lists. Nice work! Ainslie did a number on that warehouse. I can never get my rockets to do much damage A2G. Black Albatros with a white band?

Lou – Sounds like some dangerous liaisons with those Abbeville nurses. I do hope Swanny gets back into Nurse Nora’s good graces.

Fullofit – A most interesting encounter. Way to throw that DH around. Those black bodies Albs are everywhere. Toby’s G/O (other Toby?) seems rather obsessed with “Contact Port!” Did he move his weapon at all?

Raine – Amazing photo. The place looks a little grim to be honest, but Hans-Dieter is alive and that’s the most important thing. Perhaps the dour nurses have special healing powers and Vogel can return to the Jasta ahead of schedule. EKII. Hans-Dieter is now in the club. A commission can’t be too far away.


30 April 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Flez, France


0650 Strugnell woke violently ill this morning. Major Horn ordered me to lead B flight on a defensive patrol between Lechelle aerodrome and Bapume. Oh boy! Here we go! My first patrol as formal lead. Excited as I was, I must admit my mouth got a bit dry when I saw Cpl. Johnson attaching the streamers to A6215.

Over Lechelle we ran into 7 Albs at our same altitude.

[Linked Image]

I went after two in succession, then stayed high when they dove. I circled above the scrum, swooping in when the chance presented.

[Linked Image]

Shot one off Hadrill’s tail then we chased him to the lines. We couldn’t catch him, so we broke off and headed back toward Lechelle.

[Linked Image]

Two Albatri bounced us on the return. I dodged the first one and he overshot, continuing his dive away east. Pulling into a hard reverse to follow the second Hun, I heard the most horrifying crack and the sound of ripping canvas. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard fired as a gunshot.

[Linked Image]














[Linked Image]
















[Linked Image]
























[Linked Image]
























[Linked Image]
"...and skidded to a halt on her right side."

Fearing fire I jumped out of the cockpit, but everything appeared intact. There was no sign or smell of petrol. A6215 leaned oddly, as though she were deliberately balancing on her right wheel waiting for a simple push that might set her right.

How was I still alive? It all happened so fast. No time for fear or thought. There was the jolt of shock and surprise, then the struggle to control the machine. My blood was still up as during a fight. I tried to calm myself, but nothing worked. My mind, like an engine stuck on full revolutions, was still coming to terms with the idea that I was safely on the ground. I cut loose with a great yell, then another. Fortunately, only the sheep heard me. Oliver of the Great War Cry. Not quite, but it seemed to steady me, and the mad energy began to ebb away.

I walked around the Pup, looking for any other signs of damage. A few bullet holes here and there but nothing stood out, other than the missing wing. Had a bullet gone through a main spar? I walked aimlessly toward the trees lining the field then returned and lay sprawled in the grass. The sky was such a brilliant deep blue. Odd to notice such a thing then. After a while I realized I needed to report so I gathered up my maps and the watch from its case and was about to begin the trudge to Lechelle when a Crossley tender pulled up.

Hadrill leapt out, eyes wide in astonishment. His expression grew more pronounced as he examined A6215.

“By God, sir, you’ve lost your wing!” he exclaimed.

“By God, sir, so I have!”

We both started laughing, Hadrill in amazement and I in the joy of being alive.

Hadrill had seen me going down. After sending the remaining Hun packing, he flew over to investigate and seeing an intact aeroplane he landed at Lechelle. The CO there sprang into action and within 10 minutes Hadrill, two riggers, a mechanic, and the MO were headed out to find me.

I telephoned the squadron and by noon, the ever-reliable Corporal Biggins arrived to collect me. We made it back to Flez in time for tea.

I managed to deflect most of the inquiries with generalities and banter and left the mess after dinner. I had a very clear recollection but didn’t feel like hashing it about in detail. My hut mates, Cole, Grevelink, and especially Hadrill, who had seen the thing happen, weren’t letting me off that easy. After dinner they gathered at my cubicle and I realized they weren’t leaving it alone until they had the full tale.

The Pup snapped hard to the right and spun. Then against all sense she answered, and I rolled her level. Could I keep her this way? Engine to idle. Blip. I didn’t want to get too fast. A sideslip left seemed to help keep the wings level. I over steered with the rudder and almost lost her. Gently. Almost there. I might make it. There was a clear field ahead, but she was rolling to the right and I couldn’t stop it. Opposite rudder then full power. The slewing and the engine torque must have reversed the roll just enough and the increased speed gave the surfaces that extra bite. It was just enough. The Pup hit with a hard crunch, then plowed a deep furrow across the field, waiting at any moment for the Pup to cartwheel or fly apart. She held. She held and skidded to a halt on her right side.

Last edited by epower; 05/28/20 09:41 PM.
#4522850 - 05/28/20 09:38 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: epower]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
Raine Offline
Member
Raine  Offline
Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
New Brunswick, Canada
Originally Posted by epower
Hadrill leapt out, eyes wide in astonishment. His expression grew more pronounced as he examined A6215.

“By God, sir, you’ve lost your wing!” he exclaimed.

“By God, sir, so I have!”


epower,

Channeling your inner Wellington, I see. I'm a big fan of the Duke and this is one of my favourites. The other is when in Portugal a young subaltern wrote to him, asking for leave to return to England and see his girlfriend. The subbie wrote that the poor girl missed him so much she was "pining even unto death." Wellington had recently assumed command and was infuriated to find half his officers were away on leave. He responded to the young man in words along the following lines: "Pining, I am told, is seldom fatal in young women. Generally they recover so quickly as to take another lover within a few weeks."

This was an excellent and frightening episode. Sounds like the Albatros took out a flying wire and that over G pull-out did the rest. Great job putting it down safely. The slightest bit of stress could have reduced your Pup to confetti. Congratulations.



Last edited by Raine; 05/28/20 09:39 PM.
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