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#4535358 - 08/31/20 12:48 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Fw. Ivan Immer
Jasta 6
Albatros DV Uprated
Bessinghem, Flanders
6 victories 12 claims
20 missions 13.5 hours
Currently in hospital with nurse Ratched

Last edited by MFair; 08/31/20 12:50 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!
#4535402 - 08/31/20 08:46 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Ajax, ON
31 August, 1917 05:00
Wasquehal, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
31 confirmed kills

Surprise! Ziggy’s Schwarm was sent to patrol over their old airfield. Yes, they would be flying over Ghistelles. Only Kaiser himself knew why. As they approached the airfield they encountered a solitary Camel that came out of the cloud cover and singled out Ltn Fitzner from the entire formation. Ziggy was behind and closing the gap, but not before the Englander opened fire. Hahn fired just after to clear the intruder off his wingman’s tail. The two of them corkscrewed down low. Hahn kept up with his prey and continued to fire and inflict damage to the British machine. Finally one of the last volleys hit the pilot and the plane went into a shallow dive. Zygmunt continued to watch his target until the doomed plane hit the ground. This was just south of Ghistelles and the new occupants of their old base witnessed the entire fight. The confirmation for downing the Camel came in before the wheels of Hahn’s plane touched the turf on his return to Wasquehal.

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."
#4535420 - 09/01/20 01:09 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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End of Month Stats:

Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
Jasta 17
Wasquehal, Flanders Sector
Albatros D.V (Uprated)
86 missions
74.12 hrs
32 victories
46 claims


"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."
#4535424 - 09/01/20 02:37 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
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So much to catch up on over the weekend!

Epower, your last episode was a tour de force. I hope we will still get a chance to learn about what happened to Tommy. The final scenes with Eliza were truly touching. Good writing doesn't tell you how a character feels; it makes you feel it. That's what you did. Remember I suggested that I wished Maurice Jarre were still here to write "Eliza's Theme"?

Fullofit, I am getting very nervous about Ziggy's run of success. He is swatting EAs out of the sky these days. Again, hats off to your splendid flying. I finally had a chance to sit back and enjoy all your videos. There is always something to learn!

Lou, great to have Freddie back in action. I love the Albatros livery and am dying to find out what happens next at St Omer.

Lederhosen, Willi has an incredible record. Hats off to you!

Carrick, Marcel has done a good job in his first month! Best of luck.


Tagebuch of Oblt. der Res. Hans-Dieter Vogel, PLM. HHO, EK1, EK2

Jasta 12, Roucourt, France

Part 31



[Linked Image]
31 August 1917 – Heading home with a smashed windscreen


27 August 1917

Beautiful clear morning. Our job this morning is to fly south towards Bapaume where there is a new enemy observation balloon. We take off shortly before six and climb steadily southwest toward the lines. We are five: Joerke, Schobinger, Backhaus, and Langhaus, and me. Backhaus arrived at the Staffel yesterday and this is his first time up to the lines. The sky is so clear there is little worry about being surprised by enemy machines. Far off to the north we see an English two-seater plodding up and down the front surrounded by Flak bursts. But we have other business today and leave him to his own devices.

The balloon is ten or twelve kilometres over, just north of Bapaume. I plan to claim the privilege of my position and make the first run at the target, so as soon as we cross the lines I open the throttle full and begin a shallow dive. The balloon shines with a bright ochre glow in the early sunlight. I come at it in a long curve so as to approach it from the side. I fire from 500 metres and continue in short bursts until the last second when I pull up and to the left. By then my Himmelwurst is smoking. I have time to make a vertically-banked turn and take a second run at it before the others have their go. But just as I am about to level off, the flames appear and the balloon crumples and falls in an inferno. I see two parachutes drifting off and am secretly glad that the English observers have got away. There is no question about this one. It goes down as my thirty-seventh victory.

We encounter a flight of DH5 scouts on our way home. I hope to feast on them like I have done twice before, but our good fellows are too eager and I dare not join in for fear of collision. I have made a firm rule that no more than two machines may attack the same enemy. The good news is that Vzfw Joerke downs two of the English machines. I am able to confirm both of them.

We return to discover that headquarters has approved my recommendation to promote Joerke to Feldwebel. We plan a celebration for tonight. One of Brother Benjamin’s small casks will be tapped and we have acquired some pheasants. Steinmesser has contracted with a local woman to prepare the meal. There is good rice and mushrooms and a red wine sauce. We even have tinned pears for dessert.

I have to remind Steinmesser that we have these things called aeroplanes that require supplies. It can’t all be about food. He has taken to the job of provisioning the Staffel with a vengeance. The barns behind the château are now home to a cow and several pigs. His only frustration seems to be the major at the commissariat. He is convinced that we are being shorted our allotted rations.

This afternoon I have a new experience. The post arrives and there are two letters for me. These are the first things I have received in the post other than bills and official correspondence. When I open the first letter, I find a photograph of myself in uniform. It is the Sanke card for which I posed a few weeks ago. There’s something odd about the picture. Then I notice that the printer has had my Pour le Mérite painted in; I had not yet received it when the photograph was taken. The artist has done a good job. The little forgery is scarcely noticeable. There is a note attached from a young boy who lives in Potsdam. He begs me to sign the card and return it to him. The rest of the letter is full of schoolboyish praise and professed wishes to become a pilot. I borrow a pen from Mueller and sign it. I do not know what to say in reply, but the good adjutant tells me he will draft something for my approval. The other letter is more interesting. It is from a young woman from Magdeburg. She too has seen the Sanke card and professes undying love. She is uncomfortably forward with her emotions and promises of affection. The men sense my embarrassment and demand that I read the letter aloud. I do so, and am inclined to believe that this will be nightly entertainment for a while. The letter is scented but to the disappointment of all, it does not contain a photograph of my secret admirer. The men compete to describe how hideous a woman must be to profess such love for me. This too promises to be nightly entertainment.

Dinner is a huge success. The Kasino formerly had a cluster of small tables. We have acquired a very long formal dining table with a slightly shorter table which we use as a head table. The two are set up in a “T” shape. The smaller tables are moved to the library, which we use as a lounge and games room. The Karambol Billiard table has been set up in the front parlour. But back to the dinner – it is proclaimed to be the best meal ever served in Jasta 12. We get poor Joerke quite drunk. Even Backhaus makes a speech – something about being lucky to have been assigned to such a wonderful group. I feel the same way.


29 August 1917

Second day of rain. Our field is a quagmire and flying is impossible again. I visit the commissariat with Steinmesser and speak to our friend the major. He insists that we have received everything we are due. He manages a snide remark that suggests our Staffel might have better luck if we were good enough to be part of Richthofen’s Geschwader. Steinmesser begins to stand and I fear he will say or do something that will land him in trouble. I put a hand on his arm and motion for him to sit.

“Have you met Von Richthofen?” I ask the major. He has not. “Pity. I see him often and he visits us occasionally for dinner. Would you like me to get you a signed photograph of him?”

The major has been stiff and reserved until now. I see him lean on the arm of his chair. “Can you do that?” he asks.

“I can and I will,” I reply. I confirm the spelling of his name – Erich Zielke. “Very good, Major Zielke,” I say. “We will be making a goulash for him and we will need some better bread than we have been able to get. Perhaps a couple of bags of flour and a kilo of butter would assist. The major said he would see what he could do.

More letters have arrived with more promises of undying love and a few more earthly intentions. This could go to a boy’s head!


30 August 1917

The rain continues. The conversation with the major has got me thinking, so after lunch Steinmesser drives me in his personal lorry up to Marckebeeke, where I plan to have a chat with Richthofen and invite him for dinner. Steinmesser intends to visit some of his Belgian contacts, including Brother Bernard. I learn, however, that Richthofen has gone to visit Jasta 6 at Bisseghem, so we continue on towards Menen to find him.
As we arrive I see Richthofen and his big ugly dog talking with several pilots outside a hangar. I stroll over and join the conversation. It is strange how the blue medal on my collar makes me welcome with people who might not have given me the time of day a month ago. Richthofen, however, is warmly and genuinely welcoming. I have brought with me a small bag full of bones from our kitchen, which I present to him for Max, his dog. The Baron is delighted and I realise that this last minute idea was inspired. We retire to the large house at the edge of the village that serves as Staffel headquarters and Kasino. He serves me some rather poor coffee and we chat for about an hour. He must return to Marckebeeke and I must wait for Steinmesser to pick me up. I mention my need for a signed photograph for major Erich Zielke, and I promised that it will be sent to me tomorrow. When Richthofen leaves I take my coffee mug into the front room and find a comfortable armchair by the window.

“Hello! What are you doing here?” I recognise the fellow I met at Marckebeeke a few weeks back. The name comes back to me – Immer. He sees my new rank and apologises for his familiarity, and I assure him that two working-class Berliners shouldn’t worry about such matters in the middle of a war. He has done well so far with Jasta 6 and already has six machines to his credit. His arm is in a sling and I learn that he is an escapee from the hospital in Courtrai – out for the afternoon in any event. He tells me he will be back in the air in a few days. I realise how comfortably the two of us are getting along and suggest that he join me in Jasta 12 if his Staffelfuehrer will permit him the transfer. Immer thinks about it for only a few seconds before telling me that he will talk to his boss immediately. I realise that I must put a word in with von Adam first and explain why I am trying to poach one of his men.

I hunt down the Staffelfuehrer and haltingly explain that I would like Feldwebel Immer to join Jasta 12. I tell him that I need a few more NCO pilots to balance out the Staffel so that the NCO pilots I already have will not feel like the odd men out. I can see that von Adam is your typical stiff Prussian and that what I am telling him seems a little ridiculous to him. He says he will think about it, but just as Steinmesser returns to pick me up, he comes to the front room and informs me that he will approve the transfer.


31 August 1917


Clear weather at last. We are airborne at first light to meet with a pair of DFW observation machines who will photograph the lines near Lens. The patrol is long and cold and we see no enemy machines despite the cloudless sky.

In the afternoon we perform another escort, this time far to the south where the two-seaters that we are shepherding drop their bombs on a French aerodrome.

We recross the lines west of Cambrai and head northwest towards Monchy. I spot a lone two-seater flying south over the lines. We have a chance to surprise it so I dive and make a firing pass. The machine is a British RE8. Its pilot zooms up into the right. By all rights its gunner should be holding on for dear life and unable to get me in his sights, but indeed he does. Rounds smash into the side of my engine. Two holes appear in my windscreen and one of my cabane struts is partially shot through. I have memories of how I lost the little finger on my right hand. I am developing an intense dislike for RE8s!

The engine still runs true and there is no sign of a fuel or water leak. Still, I gain height to ensure my safe return if I lose power. From my high perch I watch our newly-minted Feldwebel Joerke shoot down the English machine.

Attached Files Heading home.jpg
#4535425 - 09/01/20 02:42 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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End of August report

Oberleutnant Hans-Dieter Vogel,PLM, HHO, EK1, EK2
Jasta 12
Roucourt, France

Albatros DV
88 missions
59.6 hours
37 kills
70 claims.

#4535527 - 09/01/20 07:58 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Ajax, ON
Raine, Vogel doesn’t need to be nervous at all about his lead. I’m estimating Hahn is about a week’s worth of claims behind, at least. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos. What have you learned from them so far?
So, Vogel’s army of admirers is growing, but I fear the ‘lady’ could as well be a convict who had grown fond of male company during his incarceration. I do hope I’m wrong!
Well now, what have we here? Vogel and Immer in the same Staffel? This should be interesting. MFair, consider yourself poached. A good Flieger to add to Jasta 12 repertoire and getting in Major’s good graces. All in one day. Not to even mention an encounter with the Great One. That must have been some day!
Congrats on taking out the gas bag. Another close call with a Harry Tate. Stay away from those.

1 September, 1917 05:00
Wasquehal, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
32 confirmed kills

Staffelführer Wendler gave Zygmunt the good news this morning. He’s been promoted to the rank of Oberleutnant in light of his recent successes.
This morning’s mission was to take out the observation balloon west of Loos. The gasbag was brought down by Ltn Gustav Schniedewind while Hahn watched from above. There was no sign of enemy scouts.
Afternoon missions were scrapped due to the high winds. The weather was about to turn for the worse.


"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."
#4535545 - 09/02/20 01:18 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Posts: 737
epower Offline
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Fullofit - Congrats on Ziggy's promotion and the three confirmed. He's continuing to move up fast. That solo camel was too keeen. How long before Ziggy has a squadron of his own, I wonder?
Brevity. Brevity. If there's ever to be a cliff notes for the tale of Oliver and Eliza, you've got the Gig as ghost writer.

Raine - Nice poach of Ivan there. Is this a first for DID? As for the easily awed Major Zielke, I sense that Steinmesser will be getting some "biographical leverege" on him as events unfold.

Lou - we miss you, Freddy and Thomas.

MFair - Lady luck just served Ivan a double helping. Congrats. Nurse Ratchet is a tough customer but things could be worse, it could be Nurse Diesel! Hope all is ok.

Led - Hope you and Willi can join us soon. The pilot in that pic looks very much like Yul Brynner, btw.

Carrick - I trust Marcel will be back in action soon. Hey, painting supervisor beats raking the zen garden any day.

___________________________________________



The day come round at last. I’ve been waiting a whole two months to make this post...

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 20 of many




25 July 1917

(Continued from previous entry)


Still in shock, I read the note many times. What did “for your sake” mean? She’d written “my love,” and spoken it too if that memory were real. She’d never done that before. In all our time together Eliza never uttered any of those words, the ones she forbade me. The first and only time she’d done so was now.

She’d taken me to family, to Aunt Rhea. Was that a test? If it were, I’d passed with flying colors. The old girl loved me, and very nearly wrapped me in one of her crushing hugs on the train platform but eying my bandage she opted instead for a kiss on each cheek.

I wasn’t due back until the 27th but everything about this city reminded me of Eliza. London held nothing for me. I needed my own family now. Home to 54 Squadron.

Headed to RFC HQ at the Hotel Cecil, sans bandage, where an obsequious, stuttering Staff Captain informed me that all documents, including my orders had gone ahead of me to France. He mentioned as an aside that 54 Squadron were now at Leffrinckhouke, 6 miles SW of Bray Dunes. Fortunately, he was able to provide me with orders to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough where I might ferry an aeroplane back to St. Omer. I hoped it might be a two-seater so I could fit my bag.

The remainder of the morning was a mad dash about the city. Final fitting at Kingsman, then off to buy presents for the mess while the tailors made the changes. Good whiskey was nearly impossible to obtain. I managed one bottle of Oban, another of Glen Livet and one of Laphroaig. I’d give this last one to Mitchell and Johnson. Phonograph records were easier, a Chu Chin Chow to replace the one destroyed during my DSO prize party and several others at random. All musicals. Collected new tunics at Kingsman, also a cravat for Parker and a fine shirt to replace the one I bloodied.

London and Southwestern railway from Waterloo station to Farnborough. I arrived at 4 o’clock and reported immediately. Tomorrow I’d be ferrying one of the new S.E. 5s to St Omer. I wasn’t sure how I’d get my belongings to Leffrinckhouke until I examined the machine and discovered its rear compartment.

A room in town for the evening. Dinner of Shepard’s pie at the pub. I had no desire to be alone and so stayed until closing, drinking but lightly.


26 July 1917

Royal Aircraft Establishment
Farnborough, Hampshire

Fog delayed my departure until late morning. I managed to finesse my possessions into the rear compartment of the SE5 by the narrowest of margins. Many out of the bag and loose. The phonograph records and the whiskey I wedged in as well, hoping they would survive the flight.

Sergeant Collins walked me through the SE5’s particulars. I’d not flown and inline-engine plane since training.

After the engine warmed and I prepared to throttle up and taxi, he added,
“One last thing, sir. Don’t run her at full power for any length of time.”
“Why is that, Sergeant?” I asked.
I couldn’t hear his reply over the roar of the engine, but it sounded like he said “fire.”
“Fire?!” I shouted.
He nodded, gave me a thumbs up and stood away. Another triumph for the Royal Aircraft Factory.

Fire. So much for a placid cross channel flight. I made for Folkestone then flew low along the Cliffs of Dover.

[Linked Image]

Climbing to 7000 ft over Dover Aerodrome, the oil pressure was only 30 psi and the Hispano began to struggle as I continued upwards through 9000’. Still, the revs were steady if a bit low and the oil pressure held, so I set course for France. Low clouds ran up the Channel, opening from time to time to let the sun through.

[Linked Image]

The French Coast at last! I dropped down to 2000 feet, just under the clouds and headed up the coast to Calais. From there, a course of 135 should have set me right on top of the No.1 Aircraft depot at St. Omer. Either the West wind or a balky compass pushed me east, but after several go rounds with the Étang de Romelaere the Depot hove into view.

[Linked Image]

An ebullient Biggins collected me some hours later. I missed tea but made it back just before dinner.

I presented myself to Major Horn on arrival.

“You’re not due until tomorrow, Winningstad.”
“Change of plan, sir,” I said.
“On the run from the Constables, are you?”
“Not today, sir.”

“That’s a relief. Good to have you back. Your early arrival will allow us a proper sendoff.”

“Sendoff, sir?”

“Orders came yesterday. Your Flight’s come through. I’m deeply sorry to see you go. I did everything I could to keep you with us.

Major Horn handed me the authorizing signal from Brigade.
You will report to Estrée Blanche, etc, etc, Flight Commander, etc, No 56 Squadron...

I looked at the signal in disbelief. 56! That was Captain Ball’s squadron. Crack pilots every man jack among them, and they flew the new SE.5s.

“I’m not sure how I feel about this, sir,” I said. “It’s an honor to be sure, but 54 is more than just a squadron for me.”

“I know exactly how you feel, Winningstad.”

_________________


Ackers had appropriated one of the better huts for us. He was so pleased with himself that I hated to break the news of my impending departure.
“That’s a right kick in the bollocks, Rippar. I’ve only just gottin’ used to you being about. 56, eh? That’s some rare company there.”

So, how was it with your lady?” He continued.
“Everything I hoped for. It was perfect,” I said. “I nearly asked for her hand. She even took me to meet her Aunt. Then I hurt my head two, no, three days ago and everything changed. It all went to hell. I don’t know how or why. She left me a note.”

“Jaysus! What did she say?”

“Read for yourself.” I said and handed Ackers the folded envelope that I now kept in my pocket.
“Ah no. I’m sorry, boyo," he said, handing the note back to me. "That’s a right kick in the bollocks for you too. There’s more to the story with that one. Maybe she’ll come round.”

After dinner, Stewart was noodling about on the piano and a singsong got started. Goodbehere added his lovely tenor but then would skip verses. He didn’t’ know all the words! This would not do. By now I’d had more than my usual dose of whiskey and headed off to the hut. When I returned a short while later, book in hand, Goodbehere was still humming along to many of the verses.

“All right Goodbehere, enough of that,” I said. “It’s time you put that fine voice of yours to better use. This is one of my spare copies of Cinquante-Quatre, which you as a proper 54 man will study until you know these songs by heart. Think of it as a test. Learn all these songs, AND survive for three months, until say… the 1st of October and the book’s yours. You can put your name in it. Stewpot will be the judge. Get the chop, the book goes back to the squadron.***



27 July 1917

54 Squadron RFC
Leffrinckhouke, France

My last day with 54.

“Shall we empty the bag for transport, sir?” asked Corporal Mitchell.

“No, keep it here so the men can make use of it,” I said. “And here’s something for you two, for the coming Fall nights.”
I handed Johnson the Laphroaig. His eyes lit up. “Thank you, sir. Most kind of you,” he said.

“We’ve made some modifications to A6189, sir” said Corporal Mitchell beaming. “Might you care to have a look?”
He led me to the front of the Pup and opened the cowling. There on the inside painted in bright yellow letters against the blackened metal were the words:

PROPERTY OF CPLs MITCHELL & JOHNSON
KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT!


________________

Stewpot only had the morning show today. We sat in the mess and talked all afternoon. Before dinner he gave me a copy of a photo I’d taken my first month with the squadron.
“You’re the new lad, you take it,” they’d all said.

[Linked Image]

As excited as I was at the chance to fly SE.5s with 56, I felt uneasy, like I was jumping ship. 54 was my home, the only one I’d known in the Flying Corps, and just like Astoria in so many ways. I didn’t want to go, especially now with so most of the old hands gone. So many new faces around the room, men like Goodbehere just out of training. I thought of all the men I’d flown and fought with, no longer with us.

R N Smith WIA
G C T Hadrill POW
F C Kantell POW
H C Duxbury WIA Dow
Mortimer ‘Monty’ Cole WIA
B G Chalmers POW
R G H Pixley KIA
C E Sutcliffe KIA
E J Y Grevelink KIA
C T Felton POW
F N Hudson Missing, presumed dead
M C ‘Mac’ McGregor WIFA

Nobby posted to 46 Squadron, Oxspring to 66, Sutton and Starey to Home Establishment. Strugnell had gone too when I was on leave, posted to HE and then to a Squadron of his own.

Hurrah for the next man who dies!


Ackers sorted me out, told me a bit of truth.
“You’re lucky is what you are, boyo. No more flyin’ Pups against those great bloody DVs. Don’t you forget your mates in 54 when you’re up there on Mt Olympus.”

At dinner, many toasts, speeches too; Uncle at his sardonic best and a serious one by Major Horn. Afterwards the party really got going. My last chance to celebrate with 54, I wasn't going to miss out. No point in dwelling on earlier maudlin thoughts. A binge for the ages, oddly with no broken furniture. Much singing however, and many renditions of the Song of Fifty-Four.

Tune - "We've come up form Somerset."

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

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

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

Chorus – Oh we’ve come, etc.

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

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


____________________________________



***Lt. Percy Goodbehere survived the war. On October 22, 1917 he collided with squad mate Lt. George Cowie. Cowie was killed. Goodbehere spun down, survived the crash, and was made prisoner. He died in 1967.

How Percy Goodbehere came by his copy of Cinquante-Quatre is open to speculation. What is known is that sometime in October of 1917, Goodbehere wrote his name in the copy of Cinquante-Quatre that I purchased in June. I didn’t know it was his copy until the seller sent me additional pics after I made the purchase. That’s when I saw the inscription. (see pic below) Completely floored.

I’ve started a thread on the main WOFF board for discussion of this copy, so we don’t clutter up the DID thread. All the pics of the book and the Squadron Farewell Banquet program are there.



Attached Files Inscription full.JPG
Last edited by epower; 09/02/20 05:53 PM.
#4535548 - 09/02/20 01:44 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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End of Month Stats (July 1917 - yes, I'm still a month behind, but not for long...)

Capt. Oliver Alden Winningstad DSO, MC
56 Squadron RFC
Estree-Blanche, France
R.A.F. SE.5
154 missions
190.52 hours
31 kills
45 claims

#4535559 - 09/02/20 03:26 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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carrick58 Offline
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190.52 hrs Wow.

#4535561 - 09/02/20 03:30 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: carrick58]  
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epower Offline
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Originally Posted by carrick58
190.52 hrs Wow.


Not the book thing, eh? That's OK, I can respect that. Tough crowd here, Carrick. Tough crowd. <insert Rodney Dangerfield line here> My wife asked me to take out the garbage. I said I already did, so she said go keep an eye on it... wink

Last edited by epower; 09/02/20 03:35 AM.
#4535563 - 09/02/20 03:34 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Marcel Jules Gilbare
ESC. 15 GC 13
Senard, Verdun
1 Victory
2 Unconfirmed

Sept. 1, 1917


Departed with 4 other a/c for a gas Bag hunt, but ran into Zee Boche. 6 e/a's were mixing it up with 4 Sopwith 1B 's and we went to the middle of the melee. I got off a few rds (40) at a fellow with a stripe around the fuselage. He roll away and split for home. fire off a few long range shots ( 60) at 2 others but they got clean away. RTB.
I did see 2 Sopwith's go down 1 without a wing and the other spun in. My flight lost 1 destroyed. for 1 claimed

Attached Files CFS3 2020-09-01 20-06-39-76.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 09/02/20 03:36 AM.
#4535590 - 09/02/20 01:42 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
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RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Carrick - Ah yes, the one that got away. There’s always tomorrow.

Epower - Brilliant episodes, as always. A crushing blow for poor Oliver, and then off to a new squadron immediately after. Very fortunate that he is made of stern stuff. To the book and papers, they are a truly incredible treasure and could not have found a more appreciative home. And well done on weaving them into your story so eloquently.

Fullofit - A stout congratulations to Oberleutnant Zygmunt Hahn. The man will need a bigger hat methinks.

Raine - Dinner with Manfred, quite the affair. Let’s hope that signed photo of the Baron will reach the major soon and Jasta 12 will start receiving their full rations. Now to Vogel’s newfound unknown admirers, unknown may well be better in the long run, but then again one of them just might prove to be a real beauty. You never can tell. And Immer is moving to 12? A merging of stories yet again!

MFair - I’ve a strong hunch Ivan is going to enjoy serving under Vogel’s command. Rich fields for new tales, once your man is healed and back at active duty.

Lederhosen – Willi has amassed an incredible record, 276 mission, 111 claims? Well done!

.

29 August 1917
St. Omer, France

(continued)

“You’ve survived the Fees, I see”, the somewhat gaunt, spectacled lieutenant commented as Abbott and his squadron compatriots approached the officers’ mess of the airpark. “And an MC already? Two-seater work must suit you, despite your scout pilot training.” The fellow grinned while taking a long draw off the cigarette he had just lit up.

“By Jove, I remember you”, Frederick remarked with a toothy smile. “You’re the assigning officer who saddled me with that gawd-aweful mount. Never did get your name when I was here last.”

The man exhaled the smoke, stepping forward and extending a hand as he did so, “Never gave it - William Larpenteur”.

“Freddy Abbott - good to see you again. And these two rascals are Tommy Yale and Reggie Harrington.”

As the men traded greetings 2nd Lieutenant Harrington piped up, “I was through here about six weeks ago myself, and you sent me to 11 Squadron as well.”

William, cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, studied Reggie for a moment as he shook his hand. “No, sorry mate, don’t recall. But then I do see a lot of faces coming through the pool. I only remembered your friend here because - well - he’s just one of those a fellow remembers.”

“He is that”, Harrington agreed with a boisterous laugh, and was joined by Lieutenant Yale who added, “Yes, one does not quickly forget this lad.”

With formalities out of the way Frederick continued, “We were just going to grab a bite of lunch, care to join us? That is if you haven’t already eaten.”

“I haven’t actually, was loitering here deciding if I wanted to risk the mystery meat and stale bread today, or not.” Lieutenant Larpenteur grimaced as he considered the possibility.

“That bad, eh”, Abbott chortled. “Well Willy old man, if you can direct us to a decent café in town I’ll stand you to lunch. Our tender’s right over there.”

“You’re on. And I prefer Bill to Willy.”

“My apologies, Bill it is then. Come with us as our guide and hopefully we’ll all find a decent meal.” Abbott gave their newfound friend a slap on the shoulder as the men headed off in search of more edible fare.


Shortly before two that afternoon the four lieutenants were back at the airpark, their foray into town for a good meal having been most successful, thanks to Bill’s navigating, Tommy’s driving, Reggie’s moral support, and Freddy’s purse. During the course of lunch the captured Albatros came up in discussion, with Abbott remarking how much he would like to take it out for a brief circuit. Larpenteur mentioned he knew the fellow that just might be able to assist Freddy in that, and he would introduce them. And true to his word, Bill was now leading the airmen over to the maintenance hangar in front of which the D.Va was currently parked. Upon entering he called out to an AM who was fiddling with an odd mechanical bit at one of the work benches.

“Have you seen Captain Tillson?”

“Yes Sir”, the young lad replied as he turned and pointed with a grease-smeared finger towards the rear of the building. “He’s back there ‘avin a look at a Hun motor what was dragged in yesterday.“

The four men continued on and as they approached the Captain, a shortish, stocky gentleman whose back was towards them as he hunched over the disassembled engine, he could be heard talking to himself.

“This is interesting - they’ve flattened the pistons - increased compression …”

“What do you have there, Jim?”, Lieutenant Larpenteur inquired casually.

The Captain looked round with a start. “Oh, Bill, hello, didn’t hear you come up. It’s a Mercedes from a wrecked Roland, and the pistons in it are flat on top instead of concaved, most interesting. Must be a recent improvement the Boche engineers incorporated to increase the compression and squeeze out a bit more power. Who are these fellows?” The Captain cocked his head towards the men in question as he grabbed a rag and wiped off his wide hands.

“Allow me to introduce Lieutenants Freddy Abbott, Tommy Yale, and Reggie Harrington - gentlemen, this is Captain James Tillson.” Bill paused for a moment as the men traded handshakes, then went on, “Freddy here is the lad who brought down the Albatros that’s parked out in front and which you’ve been fawning over since its arrival.”

“Outstanding!”, the Captain exclaimed as he shook Abbott’s hand a second time. “It’s the latest type you know, and it’s perfect. How did you manage to bring it down without a scratch?”

“Haw! Luck, old man, plain and simple”, Frederick remarked. “Caught the poor buggar right in the chest with my first shot. He stayed alive just long enough to set his kite down and shut it off before he expired. Most thoughtful of him really.”

“I’d say”, Tillson agreed.

“Freddy here was wondering if he might not be allowed to take it up for a flight around the field”, James elaborated. “He’d like to see for himself how it compares to the Bristol these boys work from.”

“Oooooh, don’t know about that”, the Captain remarked in a most apprehensive tone, his face suddenly lined with worry. “Are you an experienced pilot? How many hours have you put in? Are you familiar with single-seat inlines?”

“Steady on, Sir”, Abbott replied with his wide, toothy smile, “I promise I won’t prang her. I’ve been flying the two-seaters since arriving here, but before that was trained on scouts, both inline and rotary. I would handle your pet out there with the utmost caution and care.” Then as an afterthought, Frederick tapped the ribbon above the pocket of his tunic and added, “And I was recently presented the Military Cross for my flying abilities.”

Tillson, gave a brief look at the slip of white and purple cloth, then caught sight of the gold stripe above the left cuff of the young pilot’s sleeve.

“But what about that one”, the Captain inquired pointedly. “Were you presented that one for injuries received in a crash?”

“Haw! Well done Sir”, Frederick fired back, “but no - was shot in the shoulder by a Hun rotter.”

Yale suddenly piped up, “Actually Captain, after he was shot Freddy here landed his bus safely at camp and saved not only it and himself, but me as well. I’m his gunner you see, so I can personally attest to how mindful this fine fellow is of the things entrusted to him.”

“Thanks Tommy old sport, kind of you to say”, Freddy beamed.

Harrington, not wishing to be outdone, exuberantly spoke up next, “And I was at Charterhouse with him for five years and can personally vouch for his integrity, and for his outstanding ability to do exactly what he is told. If you instruct him to bring that V-strutter back just as he found it, then that is what our Tiggy will do, without question.”

“Tiggy?”, Tillson puzzled.

“Short for Tiggy-Winkle”, Reggie clarified. “It was the nickname we hung on him in school.”

“Ah, I see, most amusing”, the Captain stated flatly. “But all your testimonials aside gentlemen, I still don’t believe it would be wise to allow your friend here a turn in the Albatros. Too many things to go wrong: If the radiator shutters aren’t set just so you could overheat the motor; if you don’t remember to pump grease into the water pump every so often, you could dilute the oil and gall the cylinders; if you don't keep the air pressure pumped up in the fuel tanks petrol could flow down into the gauge and spray all over you and the cockpit, and catch fire; if you dive too steeply you could overstress the wings, possibly even lose them. So many negative possibilities”, Tillson shook his head. “No, I’m sorry, but the machine is simply too valuable to take the risk, regardless of how fine a pilot you might be.”

"My God", Yale quipped, "how do the Hun dare even fly the things?"

Abbott looked crestfallen, but only for a moment. He quickly perked back up and then asked, “Fair enough Captain, but might I at least sit in her and get a feel for the controls?”

“Yes, most certainly, that I will allow”, Tillson agreed with a smile. “And call me Jim.”

“Spiffing!”, Freddy grinned back, “and no hard feelings then Jim old man”. As the entourage headed back through the hangar Abbott chatted with Tillson, and by the time they’d reached the Hun plane parked outside he’d invited both him and Larpenteur to join the 11 Squadron trio on an evening raid of St. Omer, said invite being heartily accepted. Five RFC men out on the town with cash at the ready? An evening raid indeed.

(to be continued)

.

#4535599 - 09/02/20 02:11 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
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Raine Online content
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Will Tiggy resist the temptation to take the Hun machine up? Will he be able to fly it if he does? Will he land it in one piece? Tune in tomorrow for the Continuing Adventures of Freddie...

Great stuff!

#4535616 - 09/02/20 03:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Online content
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Given a week of rubbishy weather, I may have time to get my new "1918" PC set up. And to launch the new era in WOFF, here is Vogel's new livery, courtesy of the elves in RAF_Louvert's workshop! Thanks, Lou!

[Linked Image]

Attached Files New livery.jpg
#4535638 - 09/02/20 06:04 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
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Lou - How disappointing for Freddy. Why do I suspect that there's more to come with the "Case of the Captured Albatros?" But first, mischief awaits in St. Omer. Good fun. A most enjoyable tale you've crafted with young Tiggy.

Raine - Oh Snap! That Albatros is looking sharp indeed! Well done Lou.
RFC swagger stick, a Jasta command for Vogel, a new 1918 capable PC and now a killer skin. Life is good.

#4535640 - 09/02/20 06:11 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jun 2012
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Robert_Wiggins Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
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Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Raine;

You will have to speak with the elves and have them prepare a dirtier skin version for later use. This one looks fresh out of the factory!! "Squeeky Clean"!!

Very nicely painted though, I must say!

Best Regards and keep the wheels down when landing!! biggrin


(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper
PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt
MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme
Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered
CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler
Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB
OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD
Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L
Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4

#4535646 - 09/02/20 06:49 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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lederhosen Offline
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nice looken Alb...not over done like mine


make mistakes and learn from them

I5 4440 3.1Ghz, Asrock B85m Pro3, Gtx 1060 3GB
#4535654 - 09/02/20 08:12 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Epower, I didn’t expect that. From 54 to 56, that’s quite an upgrade. I’m afraid us, Albatros operators, will have our hands full with Winningstad’s S.E.5. He will now be untouchable, that is if the engine fire doesn’t get him. You must tell us if you’ll be assigned a ‘5’ or a ‘5a’. I think it’s too early for a Viper, no?
So, the book’s been passed on. That Goodbehere chap better take good good care of it. One day it may be worth something.
As to Ziggy becoming a Jastaführer ... I don’t think so. He’s not management type.

Lou, Hahn’s promotion had gone straight to his head. He already has problems fitting his Nachtmütze on.
Hmmm, that didn’t work. Well, hopefully Tiggy Winkle can still persuade Captain Tillson while away at St. Omer? Perhaps he can pay one of the ladies that is better at persuasion? A ride for a ride, if you know what I mean.
Looking forward to finding out how young Freddy resolves it.

Raine, that’s one mean looking Rabe. Let’s hope it’ll strike terror in the hearts of your enemies.


"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."
#4535655 - 09/02/20 08:30 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Fullofit - Neither did I expect that. The ways of the CM are mysterious indeed and beyond the understanding of mortal men. SE5. for now. Good roll, dives well, absolute wallowing pig above 10000 ft. I hear the Engineering Officer in 56, Lt Hubert Noel Charles, is pretty good at modifying the carburetor. Maybe by the middle of August. Time will tell. Viper is October of 1918, barring Oliver becoming pals with McCudden and getting some of those custom high compression pistons made.

#4535666 - 09/02/20 09:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Ah yes, the weak engine and a head rest that blocks the entire rear view. I would speak to Lieutenant Abbott. He knows a bloke that knows all about German flat piston heads which results in the increased cylinder compression ratio. That would be the ticket.


"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."
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