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#4524049 - 06/06/20 03:07 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Carrick - Excellent choice of pic there. One of the finest films ever made, war or otherwise. This long dolly shot of Kirk Douglas walking down the duckboards before going over gives me goosebumps every time.



Attached Files Oliver Pup A7331.jpg
Last edited by epower; 07/16/20 01:30 PM.
#4524064 - 06/06/20 04:40 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Fullofit]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Fullofit--OH NOES! THIS CANT BE HAPPENING!!!

So, Toby has gone west (nice pic--how long have you been saving that)? I guess his twin air bags did not save him. So sorry to read and see his demise. I know exactly what you mean by that feeling of shock when you wind up staring at your computer monitor with disbelief for several seconds after the end of a long career. Or, in my case, many short careers.

Too bad WOFF does not support posthumous awards. Toby certainly deserved one. Alone and behind the lines, confronted by five (or was it seven or more) hostile aircraft, SC Mulberry downed three or four enemy scouts before crashing near the lines. Even then, he did not die from direct enemy action, but airframe failure. Actually, a fitting end for Toby, undefeated even in death.

His observer, on the other hand.... skullhead


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4524065 - 06/06/20 04:45 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Wonderful stories from everyone else, as well, particularly epower, Raine, Lou, MFair, carrick, Maeran, and anyone else I may have failed to mention. Keep up the good work!


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4524082 - 06/06/20 11:27 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Buckeye, it’s nice to know you and others keep up with our pilots. This really is a community. A bit daft sometimes but a community non the less.

EPower, could not agree more on that film and scene. I first watched it as a young lad and was glued to it then.


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!
#4524089 - 06/06/20 01:16 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Hey Bob, you’re right! Toby was not shot down, he was let down by Mr. de Havilland and his weak wings. (Just like the German airforce that claimed they were never defeated.) I didn’t realize you could rip the wings off on a D.H.4.
A posthumous award? That would be a nice touch. Gong Fairy? Nah, I didn’t even bother claiming those last 4 Huns.
And as to the pic, yes I’ve been keeping it for this occasion for a while. You know me well. Cheers!


"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."
#4524096 - 06/06/20 02:10 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Our brave and Chivalrous Foe.

[Linked Image]

#4524112 - 06/06/20 03:25 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Oh dear, a Lutheran funeral! Toby is going straight to hell.


"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."
#4524128 - 06/06/20 05:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Perish the thought old boy. A thousand years hence fathers will still teach their sons the tale of his deeds.

#4524148 - 06/06/20 09:08 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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carrick58 Offline
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epower: I agree Paths of Glory was a well made film

MFair One of the things that attracted me to the forum was a sense of community.

Last edited by carrick58; 06/06/20 09:11 PM.
#4524150 - 06/06/20 09:53 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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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.

5 Victory's
2 unconfirmed

Jun 6, 1917.

Morning Patrol: Over NML with a 3 a/c section spotted 2 e/a Scouts flying parallel to us on the same heading. I dropped down and in front to draw them off. My replacements couldnt get in a killing shot at the e/a. I reversed and got in a turning fight only to be out turned ( an Ace ? ) did a series of ,Chandels and a loop but he was still on me finally, a spin out down to the deck and he turned for home so did I. Upon return I was posted as D Day Runner so took the 3 wheel Motorcycle back to the farms for dairy or anything I could find

Attached Files CFS3 2020-06-06 14-23-30-35.jpg
#4524153 - 06/06/20 10:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Fullofit]  
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BuckeyeBob Offline
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Ohio, USA
If only Toby was two cup sizes larger--it might have cushioned his fall.


( . ) ( . )


“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
#4524221 - 06/07/20 12:52 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Bob, how did you sneak that lewd picture by the censors?!


"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."
#4524229 - 06/07/20 01:51 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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RAF_Louvert Offline
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit - I still can't quite believe Toby is gone, airbags and all. I will also add had sadly fitting that last screenshot of his is.

Carrick - If Francois left with a three-wheeler on a supply run to the local farms I can only imagine the comely farmer's daughter who rode back with him in the side car. And I echo Epower's comment about "Paths of Glory", it is a fantastic, epic film and a must-see for anyone.

Epower - That is a wonderful old photo, where did you happen across it? And honey badgers, they don't give a s**t!

MFair - "Badger" is an outstanding nick for Ainslie, first rate! And if I haven't already said it, congratulations on his bump to 2nd Lieutenant, most well deserved.

.

7 June 1917
66 Squadron R.F.C.
Estrée-Blanche, France

Shortly after three this morning the big push at Messines began with a bang, or more accurately, a series of explosions that shook the ground all the way to Paris, and were heard as far away as London. 19 gigantic mines were set off one after another directly beneath the German trenches at Messines, along the front line for nearly seven miles. Thousands of Huns were killed instantly, many being literally vaporized by the blast. Before the dust and debris had fully settled British and Anzac troops began pouring through the gaps now in the lines and pushed the enemy back two miles in just the first few hours. Major Swanson, along with everyone else at Estrée-Blanche, felt the earth shake beneath them when the mines went off and ran around attempting to catch things as they fell from desks, tables, benches, shelves, and walls. The breakage had been cleaned up by the time the Major was settling into the cockpit of his Pup, preparing to lead A Flight on an escort of Harry Tates from 16 Squadron up to the carnage at Messines. The morning sky was clear and bright with large white clouds hanging hanging out to the horizons. It had been the first decent day of flying weather in nearly a week, and Swany was glad to get up into it and away from the job of CO for a while, said job proving to be full-time and then some. He wondered just how much flying he would be able to do now that he was actually running the outfit.

It was a peaceful flight up towards Ypers and the Messines Ridge just south of there. A Flight had met up with the trio of RE8s over their home camp at Bailleul Asylum and floated above them all the way to the front. The scene upon arriving was awe inspiring, the recently created massive craters having quite literally changed the geography of the area. The King's troops were pushing east and fighting was intense as the Hun brought up reinforcements from the rear. The Harry Tates flew low over the battlefield, spotting the positions of both sides. The British and Anzac troops, at least those with some experience, sent up flares and waved their arms or makeshift flags to show to the friendly planes where they were. The green ones did not, in fear of giving away their positions to the enemy, making the job of the spotter planes much more difficult and forcing them to fly much lower over the fighting than they were comfortable with. The end result of this of course was severe venting of the aeroplanes by hostile ground fire. During all of this a group of four V-strutters attempted to break up the show, but were quickly driven back by the Pups. Swany dropped down on one of the Albs and in short order sent it cartwheeling into the churned up earth below, catching some ground fire himself in the process. With the threat eliminated the Major and his crew continued their escort service without further incident and brought all three of their charges safely back home, before returning to their own camp. They'd been out for a little less than two hours and Swany wished it would have been more as he had a large stack of paperwork waiting for him on his return. Ah well, such is the life of an RFC Officer Commanding.



The Pups of 66 Squadron preparing for the morning sorties.
[Linked Image]


Meeting up with the Harry Tates of 16 Squadron and heading across to the show at Messines.
[Linked Image]


Making quick work of an unwanted interloper.
[Linked Image]


Passing Ypers on the return trip.
[Linked Image]


Major Swanson approaching Estrée-Blanche and the unyielding paperwork patiently waiting for his return.
[Linked Image]

.

#4524238 - 06/07/20 02:35 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Carrick - Francois on the loose with transport in the French countryside. Cherchez les femmes indeed!

Lou - That is a photo of Albert Ball's funeral. I understand that the British POWs present we're granted a special leave to attend. The images page of the Google was most cooperative once I added a few extra search criteria.

There is no substitute for holding the reins but all that paperwork. Yeesh. Swanny needs and artless aide-de-camp, and maybe even a gilded staff.

#4524242 - 06/07/20 02:56 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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2nd Ltn. Ainslie Harris
Bruay Airfield
June 7, 1917

“Beautiful day to fly” thought Harris. The push was on at Messines and 40 was to patrol the lines at Menen. As B Flight approached the lines near their patrol area the ground below looked like a living hell. As Harris took in the scene below, Keen signaled the attack and dove. Harris quickly followed and saw the 7 red tailed Huns below. They scattered like a covey of quail And Harris set his sights on one. He got in a good burst and the Albatros shuddered, side slipped and dove. Knowing he was over his own lines he followed, staying on his tail. As he started firing again , bullets smashed into his machine as another passed overhead. In an instant he new he was in trouble. The Nieuport was not responding to his input. Finally, holding the stick all the way to port he was able to keep it straight. Looking around he saw no one was on him. “Check your bearings hoss! Get down quick.” Thoughts were going through his mind like lightning. “Heading west. Our trenches ahead!” Working throttle and stick he struggled to keep the Nieuport level. As he passed over his own trenches his machine was met with a round of machine gun and rifle fire. “You sonsabitches, I’m on your side!” “That road there” he thought as he spied the straight road in front of him that was mostly clear. The Nieuport hit the ground hard and came to a skidding stop. Harris sat in the cockpit stunned. “That’s as close as you ever came to your maker!” He said out loud. Then a huge explosion 50 yards away which sent dirt falling on the Nieuport let Harris know he was not out of the woods yet. He unbuckled and jumped clear faster than he ever had. He saw a group of soldiers motioning him over and he ran and climbed down into the trench. A rough looking tommie asked, “you alright Sir?” Harris looked around stunned. “I reckon so!” The soldier pulled out a flask and handed it to Harris. “Er’ you go Sir, this will set you right!” Harris looked up at the grizzled figure and took the flask. “Don’t mind if I do friend”. Harris took a good gulp from the flask and handed it back, his hand shaking badly.


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!
#4524294 - 06/07/20 11:39 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ajax, ON
Lou, I think the picture is perfectly fitting. Don’t forget Mulberry just gained a pair of wings, despite the Lutheran burial.
So, commanding a squadron ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. Major Swanson needs a distraction from all this paperwork and flying is just what the nurse ordered. Notice I mentioned “nurse”? Just a friendly reminder to write that damned letter if you value your life. Nurse Ellison wasn’t kidding.

MFair, another close shave for 2nd Ltn Harris. The man is as resilient as the Badger himself. But he will definitely have to take a closer look at his recent actions and decide how to keep his hide in one piece. Maybe a transfer to a SPAD squadron could be the ticket?


Feldwebel Zygmunt (Ziggy) Dolf Hahn

Zygmunt Dolf Hahn was born in Allenstein on 14 January 1898 to Maria Wiśniewska and Hauptmann Brüno Hahn. His father, a cavalry officer in Prussian Army, one night, during one of many drunken parties, had his way with Maria, his house help. Maria became pregnant and as a Polish devout Catholic was disgraced for carrying a ba$tard child. In desperation she accepted Brüno’s marriage proposal, who himself, an untamed bachelor, decided to rescue the Polish woman - his Prussian honour demanded it.
When Zyzio (that’s what his mother called him) was born, the family moved to Königsberg to avoid town gossip. He would be showered by love from both parents, but never together. The couple despised each other. Maria resented her husband for destroying her life, always being away from home attending parties and most of all because he was Prussian. Brüno realizing his mistake too late distanced himself from his wife and instead was attracted to other married women. Women who for one reason or another appreciated his virility.
Zygmunt’s mother in spite of her husband’s protests instilled in Zyzio Polish values, teaching him the language and nurturing his patriotism through literature. While his mother cultivated love for her Motherland, his father imbibed him with Prussian values and his obligations to Vaterland.
Zygmunt was schooled in Danzig, attending Kadettenanstalt in preparation for his military career. When the war broke out, young Zygmunt was still in school. It wasn’t until 1916 that he decided to join Polish Legions to spite his increasingly more demanding father and to show his mother that he has not forgotten what she’s been teaching him all these years.

[Linked Image]

The Germans allowed these Legions to be formed to bolster their army against the Russian steamroller and Zyzio would be one of the proud ones attempting to halt their advance and fight for an independent Poland. In reality the legions were a puppet army under tight German supervision, doing more exercises than fighting. Zygmunt became disenchanted with the boring army life, especially after realizing he was always on the outside and never accepted by his Polish peers as an equal and instead always referred to as “Prusak”.*
Zygmunt decided to abandon his Polish roots and become a proud Prussian. His only Polish remnant he decided to keep was a rich repertoire of swear words that to him sounded so much better than their German counterparts.

[Linked Image]

With the help of his father he was able to transfer into a training unit of the Luftstreitkräfte as an observer. Upon completing his training he was posted to an observation unit on the dynamic Eastern Prussian Front. He’s been at it for an entire year. The air activity by then was reduced to sporadic encounters with Russian machines diving away at first sight. Ziggy, as he was known to his flight mates became restless, especially when his brethren on the Western Front were being feted by the public. He was craving this publicity, this limelight and by February of 1917 he decided to request a transfer to Kampfeinsitzer Gruppe in the west. There was just one snag. He had to learn to fly, learn to fly well and learn to fly scouts. First, basic then advanced training. After receiving his Flugzeugführer-Abzeichen (pilot’s badge) the next few months were spent learning the trade at Kampf-Einsitzer-Schule in Mannheim-Sandhofen and by June received his posting to Jasta 17.
___
* Prusak - Prussian in Polish (also cockroach).

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Poster.jpgLegion.jpgZygmunt D Hahn.JPG

"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."
#4524300 - 06/08/20 12:35 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
MFair Offline
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MFair  Offline
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Fullofit, good to see you rejoin so soon after your loss. Here is to Herr Hahn. Say it very fast 3 times. I seem to remember a cute dish named Jessica with the same name. A bit crazy she was, but cute non the less.


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!
#4524308 - 06/08/20 01:54 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
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Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
MFair, there is nothing like getting back in the saddle. It’ll be difficult to get into the new character, but hopefully Ziggy will make a mark of his own.
And ... something tells me you must’ve owned Bikini Summer 2 on VHS at some point. To quote BuckeyeBob: ( . )( . )


"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."
#4524309 - 06/08/20 01:54 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 841
Shredward Offline
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Shredward  Offline
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Lake Louise, AB Canada
What a great landmark the new 'drome at Estrée-Blanche is. No mistaking that !!!

Cheers,
shredward

Attached Files RAF Louverts' Estrée-Blanche.jpg

We will remember them.
#4524516 - 06/08/20 09:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 841
Shredward Offline
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Shredward  Offline
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Posts: 841
Lake Louise, AB Canada
The Wikipedia entry for the Battle of Messines is excellent !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Messines_(1917)

Cheers,
shredward


We will remember them.
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