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#4531892 - 07/29/20 06:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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lederhosen Offline
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Well I thought I'd get some thing up before this month ends.

First "Official" job with the new Unit. A very long bombing run (3hrs+). I thought I was clever using the mission editor to alter a way point, but forgot to tell the escorts.
HA the joke was on me when the two of us crossed the lines to fly 24km over to bomb a rail head. No cover and two flights of EA waiting...Bombs gone and high tail it out.
I was quite sure my Rumpler would be too quick for the sops and N23's. My sidekick, however, flew an out dated DFW and I he is now missing.

And I did manage to catch the top of a tree while landing !! I was told it's not Christmas yet.


Attached Files wab.jpgwa.jpgwab.jpgc.jpgwab.jpgcd.jpgwabe.jpg
Last edited by lederhosen; 07/29/20 06:50 PM.

make mistakes and learn from them

I5 4440 3.1Ghz, Asrock B85m Pro3, Gtx 1060 3GB
#4531910 - 07/29/20 11:52 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Maeran, well, well. A double helping of Westvletern! Lindley will nurse quite the hangover. But that means the General didn’t get his beer. I wonder if there’ll be an inquiry?

Raine, so ... it’s a race to the death! I’ll try to keep up.
That is a beautiful screenshot Raine.
Now, to businesses. Well done on taking out those Tommies. Someone needs to keep them at bay. Congrats on your promotion and the EK1 to boot.
60 DM!? Loerzer bought that Sopwith confirmation cheaply, me thinks. Enjoy you new digs!

Lou, I’m afraid Wolff will recover, but not well enough to return to Jasta. Sad.
Now Freddy’s got his appetites I see. Hungry for food, wine and women. That’s what a bullet to the arm will do to you. You start to appreciate everything more. Not that Abbott didn’t appreciate these things before. I hope nurse Ellison gets more mileage out of Freddy than nurse Nora did out of Swany.

29 July, 1917 14:40 afternoon mission
Ghistelles, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Offizierstellvertreter Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1
17 confirmed kills

They barely reached their patrol area over the friendly aerodrome of Heule when Flak started to erupt around them. “What?! Are they shooting at their own aeroplanes. Are they mad?!” Ziggy couldn’t see any hostiles, but then Strasser began maneuvering and Hahn finally noticed the enemy planes as well. They were diving out of the sun. It looked like two, but maybe more were still lurking in the bright glow of the sun. Zygmunt assessed situation and targeted one of the enemy planes. He was able to hit him a few times before the Pup decided to make his escape by diving steeply close to the ground. Ziggy followed closely as not to lose the sight of his prey. He nearly did just that when they passed through a thick layer of clouds, but was quickly able to reacquire his target. The Britisher was certain he made a clean getaway, but was soon proven wrong by the machine gun rounds slamming into his fuselage. It was soon all over with the English machine diving into the ground, trailing grey smoke behind. Zygmunt gathered his flight and return to base after completing the assigned patrol route. His claim was quickly confirmed as it was the only enemy machine shot down in the area.

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."
#4531913 - 07/30/20 12:54 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Well, my Werner Wollenberg career is over. He flew a line patrol on the morning of 24 July 1917 and bagged a Sopwith Strutter west of Halluin. Returning to his aerodrome at Rumbeeke together with one another Albatros, he spotted a formation of seven more Strutters. One of the Sopwith's broke off and dived at the two Albatri and a wonderful twisting and turning scrap began. Wollenberg was shooting up the Sopwith nicely and the fight had come down from 2000 metres to less than 500 when there was a horrible crunch and Wollenberg's machine became uncontrollable. I paused and hit F1 to take a look around and it appeared that the second Albatros had come up directly underneath Wollenberg and caused the collision. The Strutter, well ventilated by now, waltzed off home.

At least I won't have to worry about managing to campaigns in parallel!

Lederhosen – that is a beautiful looking Rumpler!

Carrick – why does it seem that all the combat flying your men do is merely R&R after their exhausting time in hospital?

Lou – Freddie just makes me smile. What a tremendous character! I am dying to see how the whole thing with Nurse Ellison develops.

#4531916 - 07/30/20 01:20 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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jawdrop And he didn’t even get a medal! That’s terrible after watching those Gothas coming together. Yup, one pilot’s enough. Now you can concentrate on that Vogel vs. Hahn challenge. Keeping fingers crossed the two can meet one day. After the War probably.


"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."
#4531917 - 07/30/20 01:36 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Oh no! Pilots are dropping like flies. A mid air no less. Tough one bud. At least you have a backup!


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!
#4531919 - 07/30/20 02:00 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Okay, FullofIt, game on! I'm not tremendously hopeful because the claims gods hate me. Here is the latest from Vogel.

Tagebuch of Ltn. der Res. Hans-Dieter Vogel, EK1, EK2

Jasta 26, Iseghem (Izegem), Belgium

Part 20

29 July 1917


Freie Jagd! And I am leading with Oberleutnant Loerzer just off to my left and Dannhuber and Auer on the other side. The morning is still cool and the sun barely up. It pains the eyes to look to the east but that is where the enemy will come from if they are about. We circle southwest of Menen until we reach 2000 metres. Then I set course for the north rim of the salient. We have not gone far past Menen when I see two aircraft circling about a little below and off to my right. We dive and find an Albatros – Jasta 27, I believe – giving up the fight as the little brown English machine heads back across the lines. It takes only seconds to adjust the angle of my dive to cut off this enemy’s escape. I closed the distance quickly. The machine is unfamiliar. A single seat RDD [1] with a pronounced dihedral. My first burst causes the Englishman to roll away to his left. And now the mystery is solved. I see that the upper wing is staggered back from the lower. It is a De Havilland Type 5, the first I have seen. It is easy to follow. My second burst finishes the matter and the little brown scout smashes into the mud below.

[Linked Image]
"A single seat RDD with a pronounced dihedral."

Bullets rip through my Albatros. I am low over the enemy trenches and a dozen machine guns and a thousand rifles are seeking me out. I climb away to the east but my radiator is damaged and streaming boiling water past my shoulder. The machine carries on for a few kilometres until I see our aerodrome in the distance and switch off.

I return and claim the DH5. We laugh and joke and drink bad coffee in the pilots’ hut. The boss tells me I am lucky and should lead the next patrol. He spends much of the time at the telescope that is mounted outside. The adjutant brings him papers to sign. Blume’s weasel dog scratches incessantly. I suggest we give him a bath with petrol, which Blume does not find funny. We persist in insulting the poor hound until Blume concedes that the thing needs a bath. He is just about to go in search of a tub when the telephone rings. Enemy aircraft have been spotted assembling south of the Lys. We immediately take off and climb in the direction of Rekkem. There we circle and climb to 2500 metres. Our first sight of the enemy comes when our Flak gunners put up a show just to the south of Menen. We turn towards the black puffs and soon see small groups of Sopwith Camels already engaged with our own Albatros scouts. I pick out one Sopwith and dive on it. Oberleutnant Loerzer stays with me.

The Englishman does not see me and my first burst is from extremely close range. The machine drops into a spin and I follow it down as quickly as I dare. Just above the ground it recovers and begins to turn west. But then, before I can close the distance, it begins to fall out of control again. I believe the pilot has collapsed. As I circle and watch the Sopwith fall I see Oberleutnant Loerzer follow it down and fire into it. We return to Iseghem and the Oberleutnant files a claim for my Camel. I consider contesting it but I am holding the better part of sixty marks which he has given me and judge it a fair exchange.

That evening we stroll into the town and have a modest dinner together at the hotel restaurant across from the train station. Meat is scarce but the fish is excellent and there are potatoes and even some baked tomatoes. And beer! There is always beer.

The boss’s Camel has not yet been confirmed. It seems Blume has indicated that he saw me fire into the machine and believed that I disabled the pilot. The matter is with Hauptmann Wilburg at Fourth Army. I have not yet heard about the DH5. We shall see.

NOTES:

[1} RDD = Rumpfdoppeldecker – a biplane with an enclosed fuselage, as opposed to a "lattice-bodied" aeroplane like an FE2.

Attached Files DH5 – possible kill 18.jpg
Last edited by Raine; 07/30/20 02:04 AM.
#4531943 - 07/30/20 12:42 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine – Tough luck on the loss of Wollenberg, but then that is war. And as MFair noted, at least you have the back-up. Now you can devote your full attentions to Vogel, who continues to do well I see, despite the boss stealing his claims.

Fullofit – “His claim was quickly confirmed.” Wait, what? That doesn’t sound right. Must be a slip-up on the part of the claims office.

Lederhosen – Great to see you back. A three hour sortie? That is a loooong time in the virtual air. And I agree with Raine about that Rumpler livery, it is super!

Carrick – Ah yes, the seaside. What a fine place to recover from one’s injury. And such lovely scenery too.

.

29 July 1917
Abbeville, France

(continued)

After enjoying their dessert, a wondrous raspberry tart so light and tangy sweet as to defy further description, the couple went for a walk through the city. The young nurse led the way as her charge had never been in Abbeville before. They strolled along together chatting about nothing in particular while Lizzie held Freddy’s left arm, his right one being back in the sling, which he’d placed in his pocket during dinner. They drew little attention from passersby as a nurse walking a wounded soldier about town had become a regular sight after three years of war.

“By Jove, this is marvelous!” Abbott announced. “An outstanding dinner, and now you and I walking about together on a beautiful evening, as if all were right with the world.”

“It is nice, isn’t it Freddy”, Nurse Ellison agreed. A few steps further she spoke again, “So tell me more about where you grew up. Was it a large estate?”

“Birchley House? Largest in Biddenden I believe; a big old rambling sort of place. Why?”

“No reason, just curious, making conversation.”

“Haw! I think you’ve designs on me, Lizzie. After my fortune, are we?”, Frederick teased.

The woman feigned offense, “How dare you Sir”, then giggled, “And what if I were?”

“Oh I’m not judging you, old girl”, Frederick replied cheerily. “Life’s short, even more so now, so take what you can from it and enjoy it while it lasts I say. And if you coming after my fortune means we get to share together what time there is? Well wouldn’t that be spiffing!”

Nurse Ellison gave Abbott’s arm a squeeze, “I like you Freddy, you’re a fun fellow, and really quite sweet.”

The couple walked on; along the Rue Alfred Cendré, through the Place St. Pierre, and across to the narrow Rue des Capucins. On the north side of the street stood a small hotel and as they approached it Nurse Ellison slowed to a stop.

“That’s a lovely looking place, isn’t it”, the young woman sighed.

“Yes, I suppose it is, for a hotel”, Frederick agreed.

“I imagine the beds there are soft and large - don’t you?”

Frederick’s eyebrows raised as he suddenly realized the game afoot. “Oh yes, I imagine they are. Shall we go in and find out?”

“Why Freddy - are you suggesting - do you want to bed me?”, Nurse Ellison replied, pretending to be shocked while offering a come hither smile.

“By Jove, I certainly do. Do you want me to bed you?” 2nd Lt. Abbott asked with a sly grin, quite sure of the answer.

Lizzie leaned close and whispered into the young airman’s ear, “Yeah, yeah I do.”

Several minutes and a few francs later and the couple were alone together in an upstairs chamber. The young nurse had her back to Frederick while she undid her uniform and as she slipped out of it she turned round to see him standing fully naked in front of her. She laughed as she began to speak, but was suddenly gobsmacked.

“You wasted no time getting undr… my Lord, Freddy!”

“Tis rather magnificent, isn’t it”, Abbott announced proudly with a toothy smile. “My royal sceptre as it were.”



An hour passed in which the young pair experienced life as only two such people in such times can. Afterwards they lay together and shared a cigarette as they stared up at the ceiling.

“Where on earth did you learn to do those things, Freddy?” Nurse Ellison asked in a spent, albeit most appreciative voice.

“Upstairs maid”, Frederick said matter-of-factly as he took a long draw off the Murad and gazed at the smoke as it curled upwards. “Came home on exeat, cricket quarter, when I was seventeen. No one around but the servants, parents were up in London. She walked in on me when I was changing and saw my full manhood. Told me any girl who sees something like that is going to expect great things. Took it upon herself to teach me those things. Wonderful week really.”

Lizzie took the cigarette from him and inhaled it deeply. As she let it back out she spoke, “Well next time you see her you tell her thank you for me. That was fantastic, I think I saw God at one point.”

“It was a bit of alright, wasn’t it Lizzie”, Abbott agreed. “You were quite fantastic yourself, you know. Upstairs maid never did that bit to me you did in the middle there.”

“Yeah? Well, I've learned a few things myself”, Nurse Ellison giggled. “So how’s your shoulder Freddy? You did tax it a fair bit.”

“It’s letting itself be known, but I’m up for another go if you are Lizzie my dear.”

“Oh yeah, more of that please!”



Another hour passed in encore, after which the two young lovers decided it best to get themselves back to hospital. As it was now they would both have to slip in and hope no one of import caught them since it was well past the institution’s curfew. Nurse Ellison said she knew the best way round to do just that. Frederick had no doubts that she did.


(to be continued)

.

#4531946 - 07/30/20 01:12 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lou – wonderful episode. I thought that "Came home on exeat, cricket quarter…" was a splendid bit of Carthusian research! And Nurse Ellison – I am shocked, simply shocked. Taking advantage of poor young Freddie like that.

#4531952 - 07/30/20 01:31 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, thanks, yet another rabbit hole explored and I now know more about Charterhouse than I ever imagined I would. As for advantages taken, those seemed rather equally spread about. biggrin

.

#4531956 - 07/30/20 02:48 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fido Bedlow
Sgt, Rfc.

33rd Medical Unit
II Corp Hospital
3rd Army Bungalow 2.
Row 4, Bed 4
Nantes, France.
July 31, 1917.

Bit of a row down here on the Sea side. One of the Red cross women hit a sailor in the head with a Beer Bottle while in the Seaside Cafe. Since we were on the Joint British / American haft of the consulate Convalescent Beach the ruckus continued until the American Paddy Wagon took the girls in tow . Happy to report, The British Sailor would not press charges. He told the coppers that As a sailor of The King getting hit by beer bottles was an occupational hazard . On the down side, we were told to report back to the Medical Establishment and our units and stay off the Beach.

Attached Files prohibited_bathing_suits_1920s.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 07/31/20 12:50 AM.
#4531975 - 07/30/20 05:22 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Attention!

[Linked Image]

His Majesty King George V hereby confers the following honour:

[Linked Image]

A grateful people thank you for your service and loyalty.



Perhaps Nurse Ellison is handy with a needle and thread? Congratulations to Freddie are in order.

#4532009 - 07/30/20 08:13 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Raine - Appalling news. I was rather fond of Werner. It did seem like his old CO put the whammy on him somehow. My my, Vogel will need some anti-itch cream for his growing case of Halsschmerzen, or the Great War equivalent. Now the CO is poaching claims?! The No Fun League continues across the mud.

Fullofit - Got us a real contest going on here. I like it. See above post about itchy neck. Dangerous game for both Ziggy and Vogel. (un)friendly fire vs Kill stealers galore. Too close to call at this point.

Maeran - It was the Case(s)of the General's Beer after all, with a nice extra from the locals too. Lindley has some fierce livery. New nickname for the young man as well?

Carrick- When is the "Nurses of the Entente" retrospective hitting the newsstands? Glad Fido's getting his walks.

Lou - My goodness! Nurse Ellison going with some unorthodox therapeutic techniques. Looks like Freddy not only rose to the occasion but also measured up and exceeded expectations. One for the Robinites!
And now a Gong! Well done, sir.

#4532035 - 07/30/20 11:18 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lederhosen - Willi's new Rumpler is looking very sleek and fine indeed. Good to see him back after that untimely wounding.

#4532045 - 07/31/20 12:52 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower: with Fido there are messes

#4532049 - 07/31/20 01:42 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 12 of many



12 July 1917
54 Squadron RFC
Bray Dunes, France


0700 hrs. Defensive patrol from just east of St. Omer to our aerodrome at Acq. Gonne, Ackers and Burr this morning. Goodbehere flew my wing. I put Gonne with Burr.

Another lovely Summer day in northern France. Still climbing south of the field, we spied two unescorted DFWs.

[Linked Image]
Ackers and Burr each chose their man.


[Linked Image]

I climbed with Goodbehere, readying for the follow up. No further attack was necessary. Burr sent his Hun down in flames. Ackers’ man went down out of control and crashed near the rail line west of Bergues. Resumed our patrol. No other e/a sighted.


1300 hrs. Air Raid! Bombs falling as we raced to take off. Hun bombers escaped but not before pounding the field.

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

The French aerodrome and the farm itself took the brunt of the damage. A few serious injuries but no one killed.

Major Horn told me I might go on leave tomorrow, more likely on the 14th. Beach for a swim. Stopped at the post office in town to send a telegram to Eliza with the details of my impending leave.



13 July 1917

54 Squadron RFC
Bray Dunes, France


Not much sleep. Anticipating the leave call. Parker had all my kit ready for a royal inspection, bless him. He saw me poring over the London map.

“Off to London, sir? Begging your pardon, sir, but if you’re in the 'unt for accommodation might I suggest this establishment. Luxury with a certain, discretion, shall we say."
He handed me a folded note.
"Concierge is a man named Tracy. Tell ‘im A. L Parker suggested you call. If he pretends ignorance, tell ‘im ‘Nosey’ sent ya.”

My Word! This was as much as I’d ever heard from Parker in one go.

Some tea and toast then down to the flight line.
Now I know why they grant leave without notice. All I’ve been thinking about is Eliza and England.

0700 hrs. Line patrol De Blankaart to Polygon Wood. Thankfully, no e/a sighted. Worked the bag to clear my head. I couldn't have my mind wandering as it was this morning. I had a bad feeling we'd see Huns on the afternoon show.

On call for an intercept this afternoon with Goodbehere, Ackers, Foster and Charley. Goodbehere would fly with me again.

1230 hrs. Reports of incoming Hun raids near Menen. B-Flight scrambled and raced east. 13000 ft over the lines we patrolled for 30 minutes. No Huns to be found.

Leave tomorrow. I’m on the early morning train out of St. Pol.

Telegram from Eliza:

“Departure uncertain.
Will send further communications c/o RAC London.
Advise timetable. E”

Departure uncertain as in not coming, or departure time uncertain? She will advise me of her timetable or I should tell her mine? Mind spinning. What if she couldn’t get away? I didn’t even want to think about that possibility. Walked down to the post office to send a reply, then spent another half hour on the bag flaming off the nervous energy.

Goodbehere was reading in the mess. I set him to the forward aerodrome tests Strugnell had put to me in April. Was that only 4 months ago? He picked it up quickly. Easy to underestimate him with that childlike mien of his.

‘Babe’ Hudson is missing. He went out at 1830 on some crack-brained special reconnaissance 30 miles over. Last seen low over Bruges heading toward Ostend. The plan was for a high flight of Pups to go over then Hudson to detach from the formation, drop low and count barges, cranes, and other equipment of military interest on some d*mn canal. The remainder of the formation providing top cover, lost sight of him over Bruges. Ridiculous sending antiquated Pups on such a mission. Why not something fast like this new SE5?

What a waste of a fine pilot, and better man. He volunteered for the blasted mission! One of the bravest men I've met here. MC last year at 18 years of age. Relentless, like one of those vicious terriers. You'd never know it looking at him. He looks even younger than Goodbehere, hence the "Babe" nickname. I hope he’s alive.

Attached Files Hudson Aero.jpg
Last edited by epower; 07/31/20 03:38 AM.
#4532054 - 07/31/20 02:31 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower - another excellent instalment. The tension after Eliza's telegram was palpable. I pity that heavy bag. Your man Parker is a gem. Far better and more useful than Vogel's man Dresl. Dresl wouldn't know where to take a fine lady. In fact, Dresl would probably be able to identify a woman only two out of three tries. Best of luck to Oliver on his leave!

Lou – congratulations on the fine gone. Now that Freddie has his MC you have to take very good care of him. Or is that Nurse Ellison's job?

Carrick – wonderful photograph. I completely misunderstood it, though. I thought it was a courier delivering Ukrainian bathing beauties from Amazon.

Vogel's luck in the claims department has taken a turn for the better. It must have something to do with that goat I sacrificed to the claims gods in the back yard (MFair – beats naked dancing anyway).



Tagebuch of Ltn. der Res. Hans-Dieter Vogel, EK1, EK2

Jasta 26, Iseghem (Izegem), Belgium

Part 21

30 July 1917

I awake before Dresl pounds on my door. The rumble of artillery that is the constant backdrop to our lives has reached a crescendo this morning. Something is afoot. I wash and shave quickly, adjust my new (to me) officer’s tunic with the Iron Cross proudly displayed, and make my way downstairs to the Kasino. I opt for tea. The coffee is vile. The kitchen staff has visited the local bakery and there are croissants and viennoises with currents. There is even real butter. I pull up a chair by the fire with a plate on my knees and the mug of tea on the floor beside me. The adjutant comes in with his own mug of coffee and pulls up a chair beside me.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” he says. “You are leading a patrol as soon the mist thins a little bit.” I glance out the window. The wind is up and it will not be long. “Freie Jagd. You will like that.”

I nod to him appreciatively, my mouth full of buttered croissant. I take a gulp of strong, sweet, black tea. “I’d like to add a few more to my score,” I say. “Since the promotion I feel it is expected.”

The adjutant smiles. He is older than the rest of us, a transfer from the infantry where he gained his Iron Cross and lost his left forearm. “Staying alive is expected too, Herr Leutnant!” And after a short pause he adds, “I have some news that will please you then. Your DeHavilland from yesterday has been confirmed. And the Camel is yours too. The Staffelfuehrer confirmed that the machine was definitely about to crash when he fired at it.”
“That makes nineteen,” I say, and immediately regret saying it out loud. The adjutant sees that on my face and pats me on the shoulder as he heads back to his office.

We take off shortly before seven into a clearing sky with occasional patches of cloud. The British guns promise a major offensive operation and our own guns reply in kind. We clear the trees and turn southwest toward Courtrai to form up. Once we are altogether we climb to 1000 metres – we are the low patrol today – and fly northwest toward Passchendaele. Just as we cross over Ledegem, I see four machines in a Kurvenkampf, two Albatrosen fighting two Sopwith Camels. The six of us will be a welcome addition to the party. I do not realise how welcome we are until I see five more Sopwiths diving on us. Now we have our hands full. It is a wonderful and wild fight for several minutes, but we are all experienced men. Oberleutnant Loerzer is with us, as well as Auer, Dannhuber, Blume, and Dahm. I fire at several Englanders as we mill about and then one of them makes the mistake of turning away from me. My Albatros is the quicker machine and I am gaining on him. The enemy pilot is panicked. He races for home and lets me approach. Blume is after him too but I will get there first. I am close but say to myself aloud, “Get closer!” The machine guns speak and the Sopwith falls. I note the position – about a kilometre north of what the English call Polygon Wood.

[Linked Image]
"Blume is after him too but I will get there first. I am close but say to myself aloud, 'Get closer!'”

I turn east again and gain height. Blume has already turned toward home and is well ahead of me. Just then I see movement against the torn ground below. It is another Sopwith, a straggler from our earlier fight. It is a moment’s work to turn and dive on him. The first burst kills the pilot and he too falls close to the shattered wood.

Both Camels are confirmed! It seems my fortunes have turned about. These are victories number twenty and number twenty-one.

The weather changes in the afternoon. The winds rise and the skies cloud over, and then the rain comes. The guns continue but there is no flying.


31 July 1917

A fine rain rustles against the window pane and the low cloud skims over the grey slate roofs and chimney-pots of the town. Again I am up before Dresl can wake me. I take my raincoat downstairs. My flying gear is in the pilots hut at the field. Last night we were told to be prepared for more offensive patrolling over the front; the time to depart will be given to us this morning once the weather is known for sure. Again I find the adjutant already at work. He has taken his mug of coffee to the front window and is staring at the sky.

“Ah, Vogel. Oberleutnant Loerzer wants you to lead again this morning. We accounted for five enemy yesterday morning and he will not change anything while our luck is so good. You will take him, Blume, and the new man, Gefreiter Duerr. No move before seven.” That gives me time to enjoy more treats from the bakery. But alas! They are all gone. I take two pieces of dark rye and a pot of sharp mustard.

We gather at the field and talk about the bombardment while we dress. The intensity has gained yet again. At seven on the nose we are ordered into the air. The light rain that tapped on my window earlier now stings my face like needles and I huddle behind my windscreen as our black and white Albatrosen climb into the grey sky. I fly slowly to allow the others to form up quickly. It would be easy to lose one another in this weather and we have Duerr, who is new to this business and who has an older machine. I turn us about and head back over Menen.

Five minutes later I see several machines circling about near Langemark. We join in and discover that our opponents are our friends from two days ago, the DH5 boys. There are too many of us and I narrowly avoid colliding with Blume. I climb above the fight which turns out to be the right move. When one of the English pilots tries to break off, I am the first to notice and dive on him. I fire seventy rounds from close range. The DeHavilland zooms up and to the left. For a moment I curse in disbelief for I was sure he was finished. I look up at his machine, nearly directly overhead. And in an instant, the English scout falls to pieces. Its wings fold back and break away and its engine bursts into flame. I turn sharply to avoid the falling debris.

[Linked Image]
"I turn sharply to avoid the falling debris."

Now I am alone. I climb to the east and search for the others. I see one Albatros fighting two other machines. As I approach I am expecting to see more DeHavillands, but these are French Spads instead. They outnumber us and they are extremely good. One of the Frenchman is an outstanding pilot. He hits my Albatros again and again. There’s nothing for it but to escape. I put my nose down and jink about for all I’m worth. The damned Frenchman stays with me and continues to aerate my machine. I am trying my best to make myself small and I wince with every bank or dip, half expecting my machine to break up with the stress. We cross German lines and the Frenchman pulls up and turns away. I murmur prayers of thanks to the men huddled below whose fire has allowed my life to continue.

I claim the DH5. The adjutant says he will make phone calls. In the circumstances, I will be lucky if anyone had their head up to see my Englishman fall.

Attached Files Kill 20.pngDisintegrating DH5.jpg
#4532055 - 07/31/20 02:44 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
Raine Offline
Member
Raine  Offline
Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
New Brunswick, Canada
I am a day ahead because I won't get any Woff time now until Monday. Here are my end of July reports.

Feldwebel Werner Wollenberg (KIA 24 July 1917)
Jasta 7
Rumbeke, Belgium
Albatros DIII (160)

Missions: 22
Hours: 44.05
Kills: 2
Claims: 6

Leutnant der Reserve Hans- Dieter Vogel, EK1, EK2
Jasta 26
Iseghem, Belgium
Albatros DV

Missions: 54
Hours: 32.72
Kills:21
Claims: 45

#4532080 - 07/31/20 10:49 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 – Isn’t it wonderfully frightening how quickly the tables can turn in this. Vogel did well to get himself home in one piece. He is on quite the spree, 21 confirmed. A few more and he may soon be seeing an HHO. Also, thanks for the splendid write-up and MC for Freddy, the man will be chuffed when he learns of it on his return from hospital.

Epower – More fine storytelling, as Raine noted as well. Fingers crossed that everything works out for Oliver and Eliza to reunite. Poor Hudson, let’s hope he manages his way home and is not already captured or worse, dead. Great old photo by the way. And thanks for the kudos on Freddy’s award.

.

Here’s my fellow’s EOM stats:

2nd Lt. Frederick Heracles Byron Abbott, MC
11 Squadron RFC
La Bellevue, France
Bristol F.2B
9 kills, 17 claims
56 missions
68.32 hours

.

#4532084 - 07/31/20 11:33 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
carrick58  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Raine:

LOL

#4532087 - 07/31/20 11:41 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
carrick58  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
EOM Status:

Fido Iggy Bedlow
Sgt Rfc,
19 Sqn
Estree-Blanche,
Flanders, France.
3 Victory's confirmed.
3 Unconfirmed

Missions 23
Hours 18.02

Military Medal

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