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#4536195 - 09/07/20 09:53 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick, your squad is having a rough time!
Lou, an audience with the man himself! I think some shiny gong will be in order after those heroics.


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!
#4536210 - 09/08/20 12:55 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine - Almost to the great Boelke! Congrats on Vogel's ongoing run. Shame about poor Gresser. No memorial place setting in the mess, eh? Or was that a ww2 LW thing? Enjoying Vogel's metamorphosis. Steinmesser... I wonder what mischief he'll bring down on Vogel.

Fullofit - Woah! Way too close for comfort. Return of the ramflieger? I thought we were destined for an MVR chasing Hawker redux with that Fee. Ziggy's almost caught up to Vogel now. Well done.

Lederhosen - Some amazing work there. Very nicely done indeed.

MFair - Love the sunrise pic. Oliver flies at that hour but no such lightshow. Must be something about dawn in Hunland. Wagnerian. Lovely pic. Ivan is chugging merrily along. The swith to Jasta 12 was definitelly the right move, and now a cool nickname. Better and better! BTW, what up with Nurse Ratched? Sadly, Oliver's out of that game for the foreseaable future so Ivan needs to step up his game.

Carrick - Difficult slogging for Marcel right now but he's still kickin' Loved the shot a page or two back of the early am light on the SPAD.

Lou - Great story. I knew Freddy would get up to something dramatic. Well-finessed with Capt. Tillson and then a Gotha! One golden duck for the Robinites. Is that the pitter patter of Gong Fairy wings I hear?

A new squadron, a new rabbit hole. So much material on 56 Sqn. Exactly the opposite of 54. Brain is full...





À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 21 of many




28 July 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Per my orders, Parker woke me for the morning show. He was particularly appreciative of the silk cravat I’d bought for him at Kingsman. I shall miss him greatly, Ackers too. I sat with Ackers in the mess then saw him off with ‘A’ Flight. I waited with Uncle in the Squadron Office. An overwrought Biggins entered, announcing the arrival of my tender, and proceeded to take my bags.

“Good luck to you, my boy,” said Uncle. “Do keep the wings on.”

I bade farewell to a tearful Biggins and that was that. Off to No. 56 Squadron.

______________________________

Estrée-Blanche aerodrome sat on the high ground above the village. The river Laquette meandered through the town on its way to join the Lys at Aire, some miles to the East. A large church and the Chateau de Crémenil were visible from the high ground.

[Linked Image]

The aerodrome itself was even larger than Bray Dunes. Four squadrons based among the 13 massive Bessonaux. In addition to 56 there were No 66 Sqn (Pups), No 70 Sqn (Camels), and No 19 (SPADs). Three long avenues of tents ran north and South away from a clutch of Nissen huts which served as Cookhouses and the 12 squadron messes; one for Officers, Sgts & Men in each of the 4 squadrons) The fine gunnery range was the work of German POWs as was the Lorry park. Estrée Blanche had a hard, all-business feel to it.

[Linked Image]

56 occupied three hangars on the far end of the row, behind which were located various stores and the squadron office.

....................The sign read:
[Linked Image]

As requested, I walked right in. Major Blomfield greeted me energetically, introduced me to Captain T. B. Marson, the RO, then proceeded to make inquiries as to my latest experiences with No. 54 Squadron.

“We need tip-top aviators to bring down the Huns,” the Major said. “Nothing else matters. That’s why you’re here.

“By the way, Winningstad, are you married?”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Engaged?”
“No.”
“Very good. Regular girlfriend?”
“No, sir.”
“Excellent!”

Salt for the wound.

I couldn’t wait to see my new mount and so accompanied Major Blomfield to the hangars. The Major, while not a tall man and slightly built, moved with incredible pace and energy, all the while pointing out items of interest with his leather covered walking cane. He gave the impression of a commanding officer who knew everything that went on in his squadron. Even with the flight out on patrol, ‘A’ Flight hangar was a busy place, swarming with Ack Ems. Here I met Flight Sergeant Pickett, ‘A’ Flight’s senior NCO and Lt. H. N Charles, the Squadron Engineering officer. It was Lt. Charles whose field modifications of the defective Zenith carburetor gave the SE.5 and additional 5000 feet of operating height. Word was that 56 Squadron were all picked men and from what I saw that appeared to be true.

Drinks before dinner, while having the same casual aspect as in 54, took place in a rather different environment. No more Stewart noodling about on the piano, but a 15-piece orchestra provided background music. At dinner, I sat on the Major’s left, Capt. Bowman on his right and the ‘B’ Flight commander, Capt Henderson to the right of Bowman. The pilots I’d command in ‘A’ Flight were among the best in the RFC. 'Georgie’ Hoidge, G. C. Maxwell and R. A. Mayberry were all aces with 17, 8 and 5 victories, respectively.

Under canvas here as well. Two men to a tent, with a wood floor about 2 feet below ground level. The excavated earth formed a revetment of sorts around the outside. No sandbagging needed as yet. Unlike Bray Dunes where nightly bombing was the norm, Estrée-Blanche was over 30 miles behind the lines and rarely saw Hun bombers.





29 July 1917

56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Sighting in the (two!) guns early this morning with 2nd A/M Milton, the ‘A’ Flight armorer, then an orientation flight about the countryside. The SE.5 is very much a half-baked creation. To the good, it rolls quickly, is very sturdy and dives like whistling death. No more delicate circling or side slipping down as in the Pup. To the bad, it also wallows like a pig above 11000 feet. The SE needs a more powerful engine, 150 hp isn’t enough for a machine this heavy. Under-powered, the engine tends to overheat quickly when run at full revs. The warning of ‘fire’ from the Sergeant at Farnborough remains uppermost in my mind. Radius of turn inferior to the Albatros. If the rumors of a new 200hp Hispano are true, the SE.5’s speed and rate of turn should be markedly superior to any Hun machine now flying. Lastly, the trigger mechanism is most unsatisfactory, consisting of a brake handle which requires so much pressure as to deflect the stick and spoil aim when firing. The Pups arrangement with its trigger buttons is far superior. Lt Charles assured me he could adapt a Sopwith control column.

1:30 Afternoon show was an escort of 3 RE8s from RFC-5 on a recce of Hun lines between Lens and Athies. Maxwell, Mayberry & Hoidge. Tock Trevelyan, an old hand with 8 victories, would fly as my wingman. I had a good feeling about him. It was a big step up from guarding Goodbehere.

At 10000 ft over NML we engaged a flight of 6 Albatri. More accurately, we allowed ourselves to be engaged by 6 Albatri as they sat 2000 feet above our wheezing Hispanos. When they did come down the fight spread wide. Latching onto one, I couldn’t follow his turn at this altitude, but I slowed him just enough for Tock to get a good burst in. When the Hun broke, I closed, fired 15-20 rounds then flew high as Tock came in and sent him down in flames.

[Linked Image]

The remaining Huns dove through the clouds and ran for home. No other Huns sighted.

Tock caught a treetop on final approach and was killed! How does this still happen?! I just met the man. We would have been such a team and now he’s dead. I can’t believe it. Eight Victories, nine with the Alb he knocked down today.

[Linked Image]




30 July 1917

56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Early morning escort of 2 Strutters from Esc 219 on their bombing run NE of Lens. We saw them safely back to friendly lines then returned to Hunland looking for trouble. No e/a sighted

3:20 Line patrol of the Bapaume road SE of Mossy Face with ‘C’ Flight flying top cover. Reached our patrol area to find 5 Albatri providing a welcome. One for each of us...

[Linked Image]

I shot through the initial bounce then reversed and caught one of the lower Huns. When he broke hard left, I rolled up and back onto him landing two good bursts. The Alb went straight down. I followed and saw him burst into flame and break up at 5000 ft. Found Mayberry and Barlow and finished the patrol. Only other e/a was a DFW high and out of reach.

[Linked Image]

If the Pup is a rapier, the SE.5 is very much a war hammer; harder hitting and far deadlier if handled correctly.

Two guns is something altogether different. No more death by a thousand cuts with the single Vickers. 800 rounds per minute from the Lewis gun! No need to restrict the rate of fire since it sits above the propeller arc. I need to practice reloading. When the Lewis is down on the Foster mount the slipstream blast is considerable and makes handling the SE a bit tricky. The wind force nearly knocked the spare drum out of my hand.

Both Corporal Allyn (Fitter) and 2/AM Moody (Rigger) were all smiles about the Albatros. Seems there’s a bit of ragging between the various crews when their man bags a Hun. I’d showed Grevelink’s drawings of Sutton’s harness to Allyn this morning. On my return he’d nearly completed the work and promised it for the morning patrol.

The artillery boys confirmed the Albatros. Thirty-one.




31 July 1917

56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

10:00 Another escort of Esc 219 and their Strutters, this time going deep over to bomb East of Cambrai. Approaching the lines it was clear they intended to take the direct route which would run a 20 mile gauntlet of Anti-Aircraft batteries. Just SE of Monchy-le-Preaux the hate began and continued with unrelenting ferocity. Over Cambrai, the Huns finally connected.

[Linked Image]

A bright ball of orange light exploded directly in front of the SE. Something slammed me in the left chest. The prop shattered. I could see a yellow-orange cloud flickering on the right exhaust manifold.

Fire!

Killing the magnetos I broke hard right for the lines and put the SE into a steep dive. The flames went out almost immediately. I dropped another 500 feet to be certain then levelled off. After a minute it was clear I’d enough altitude to clear the lines and crossed NML at 2500 feet. The SE glided surprisingly well for such a heavy brute.

I felt my chest with my right hand. A three-inch metal splinter protruded, and my glove came away bloody. I made to pull it out but soon thought better of it. Any touch felt like an electric shock through my chest.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
The Peronne road lay ahead.


[Linked Image]

Dropping under 1000 feet, I suddenly felt light-headed and lost sight of the road. A last second sideslip put me onto a clear spot, and I set the SE down. I remember fumbling with the harness, wondering why it wouldn’t come free. I felt hands lifting me out of the cockpit and heard urgent voices.

“Stretcher bearer! Stretcher bearer!"

Last edited by epower; 09/09/20 04:23 AM.
#4536240 - 09/08/20 09:59 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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EPower, so many hazards and different ways to die! A wonderful description of 56 and the SE 5. We will be happy to hear Winningstad is ok. That was a tough break!


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!
#4536311 - 09/08/20 07:16 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Shredward Offline
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That Chateau would look lovely sitting on the other side of the village....
Anyone? Anyone?
Fuller ? Fuller ?


We will remember them.
#4536323 - 09/08/20 08:37 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Shredward,

We'd need to move the Lys and create the Laquette. I mean how hard could that be? Tell 'em Lou. duck

#4536326 - 09/08/20 08:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower;

so tell me, the screenie showing Estree-Blanche....is that the PE stock airfield or what?


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#4536331 - 09/08/20 09:26 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lou, it’s only target fixation if you get shot down by another plane, otherwise it’s hunting.
Speaking of, Freddy should be expecting a visit from the Gong Fairy after his own hunting expedition. I’m surprised the General didn’t promote the man on the spot. Talk about missed opportunity, lousy, good for nothing, self-centred, pompous ass loudmouth.

MFair, beautiful morning shot. I’ve noticed our missions start pretty early. Just in time to experience this kind of WoFF goodness. Not you Epower, you’re one month behind, so the sun rises too early for you. Plus, the Huns are blocking the view anyway.
Looks like Ivan is earning his keep rather well. All these SPADs falling to your guns. What’s your secret? At this rate Immer will overtake both Vogel and Hahn pretty soon.

Carrick, Marcel is not having a good time. He has to fight both: the Huns and the weather.

Epower, that is one ugly castle. That can’t be French. It probably leaks too. I for one am glad it’s not in the game. (I hope Shredward saw this).
Ouch! That is definitely not the best way to start at your new post. Oliver may yet receive a new nickname: Fire-eater. That is if he survives this latest ordeal. I certainly hope he does and while recovering at the hospital meets a French nurse, but will totally ignore her, but in the end will warm up to her, but it will be too late and he’ll be two nurses down. More to come.

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

Zygmunt’s flight was ordered to intercept enemy planes crossing the lines near Lens. They were just arriving on scene when Ziggy noticed two aeroplanes chasing each other below over the No-Man’s Land. He quickly reached them and realized it was one of the silver Nieuports chasing an Albatros. He dove to attack from behind, but overestimated how slowly the Nieuport was moving. He had to weave from side to side to lose speed and height. He finally reached the tail of the Nieuport, who was oblivious to his presence. It only took a few bursts to bring the Englander down, but as Zygmunt was climbing to gain a little more altitude, he found another Nieuport at his back. A second later bullets hit his plane.
“- Not good!” He thought to himself as he examined the lower starboard plane wingtip turned into a sieve. He immediately notice his mount wasn’t performing as usual. The Nieuport was back at his back firing. Thankfully all rounds flew by harmlessly. They were very low and Hahn could feel his plane about to stall in a turn. He levelled the wings to recover just in time. It was only luck that had the Britisher continue to bank. Zygmunt had his Albatros turning towards his adversary. He made a high deflection shot and hoped for the best. The silver scout presented its tail to Ziggy and the German pilot took full advantage of it. The Nieuport was soon following his wingman down to the ground. Hahn’s plane turned north east and towards the safety of his own aerodrome. His Albatros was out of commission for the reminder of the day and did not participate in the afternoon operations.

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."
#4536336 - 09/08/20 09:46 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Robert_Wiggins]  
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Shredward Offline
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Originally Posted by Robert_Wiggins
epower;

so tell me, the screenie showing Estree-Blanche....is that the PE stock airfield or what?



That is the superlative work of l'Étoile du Nord

Cheers,
Shredward

and if anyone named Bueller or something like that sees this, we have pics of the Chateau

Last edited by Shredward; 09/08/20 09:57 PM.

We will remember them.
#4536345 - 09/08/20 11:43 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Shredward]  
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Originally Posted by Shredward
and if anyone named Bueller or something like that sees this, we have pics of the Chateau

I think he’s busy drawing a Ferrari on his computer and riding his friend’s naked woman.


"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."
#4536351 - 09/09/20 01:56 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Marcel Jules Gilbare
ESC. 15 GC 13
Senard, Verdun
1 Victory
2 Unconfirmed


Sep 8, 1917.


2 Section had Escort Duty today. Flew above 2 Recon types to Photo the Lines. No e/a contact.


Attached Files CFS3 2020-09-08 18-32-13-67.jpgCFS3 2020-09-08 18-37-30-33.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 09/09/20 01:57 AM.
#4536353 - 09/09/20 02:44 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Shredward]  
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I'm not buying that explanation Shredder... nope


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#4536354 - 09/09/20 03:01 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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Lou, some wonderful adventures are happening in St Omer. Freddie is someone that is easy to underestimate, it seems. Capt Tillson won't make that mistake twice! I love the night bombing episode. I'm assuming you set up the historical mission in quick combat and logged to your campaign. Well done! Little jaunts like that certainly add colour to the campaign.

MFair, Immer has certainly made a splash at Jasta 6. He is really on a tear. Here's hoping that he has a better time with the claims gods than Vogel is having lately.

Carrick, Marcel is doing well and most importantly, he remains on the right side of the grass! Great screenshots as always.

Fullofit, Ziggy is a force to be reckoned with! He is certainly racking up a score these days. I am holding my breath waiting for the results of the last two claims for the pair of Nieuports. Vogel can hear the squeaky shoes creeping up behind him. As you will see, the claims gods are throwing their lot in with Ziggy.

Epower, what a wonderful introduction to 56 Squadron. It appears that you have fallen down the mother of all rabbit holes. Your last mission, however, was a little too much of a near run thing. I was so relieved to see that Oliver made it back to earth more or less intact. How long is he out for?

I have had a few days away and I'm still playing catch up. Unfortunately, Vogel's luck with claims has diminished somewhat.


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

Jasta 12, Roucourt, France

Part 33


6 September 1917


Up in the air well before 7 AM. We are to rendezvous with two DFW bombing machines and escort them down south to Bapaume, where they will bomb the airfield. We climb to 3500 metres and freeze all the way there and back. I hate these assignments where you are compelled to play nursemaid and fly along at 140 or 150 km/h waiting to be attacked from behind the nearest cloud. In any event, we are fortunate this morning and make no contact with the enemy. North of Bapaume we sight seven Spads far below, too far below to attack as we would not be able to catch up with our charges afterwards.

I return to Roucourt to find Offizierstellvertreter Immer has arrived from Jasta 6. To my delight he has already gone up with Schobinger’s patrol. He has claimed a British SE and we enjoy a cup of tea while he tells me about his first impression of this new British machine. We agree it seems to need a larger engine, but that is a problem our opponents are certain to solve in short order. I tell Schobinger that he will take Immer under his wing for the next few weeks at least.

We spend the afternoon out at the pilots’ hut on the field. Around two-thirty, the telephone rings and our front observers inform me that enemy machines are approaching. I ring the large brass bell outside the door and our mechanics run to get our Albatrosen started while we scramble into our flying kit. Only four machines are ready: mine, Joerke’s, Ewers’s, and Hochstetter’s. Four minutes later we are in the air. Already black bursts of anti-aircraft fire are visible just to the west. We climb desperately, our machines scrambling for altitude at the edge of a stall. Slowly, ever so slowly, the altimeter needle turns. I can now make out the faint outline of two yellow machines against the bright, clear sky. The Englishman must see us for they fire a flare and begin to head west. Already we can see that these are Sopwith bombers, old and slow.

We are strung out over two kilometres. I am in the lead. Suddenly, to my surprise, the trailing Sopwith turns about to attack. We rush at each other head-on. I skidded to one side with full rudder and see my tracer rounds striking the English machine. My opponent rolls and dives beneath me. I follow. He tries the same trick again. This time I follow but give myself more room to turn after I pull out of the split-S. Now I have him. My twin Spandaus bark and the rounds plunge down into the Sopwith. The enemy machine has no observer. It is damaged and I close to within fifteen metres before firing again. A black plume of smoke spews from the stricken Sopwith and it begins its long curving dive to a final resting place.

[Linked Image]
"A black plume of smoke spews from the stricken Sopwith and it begins its long curving dive to a final resting place."

I have followed the Englishman down to one thousand metres. My comrades have caught up with me and we reform. Now we climb south-east toward Roucourt. It is Ewers who sees him first and signals – a lone de Havilland scout down low and heading home. I race ahead of the others and dive on the unwary foe. It takes only one burst and he falls into the mud below. The others are nowhere to be seen. Off to the west I see Flak and assume they have found other Englishmen eager for sport. I begin climbing west to join them when, to my shock, another DH5 crosses directly in front of me. The Englishman is oblivious to my presence and I am behind them in a flash. Two bursts in quick succession finish him off and he joins his squadron mate in the mud below.

Returning to Roucourt, I find we have had a good day. Hochstetter claims a de Havilland. I claim the Sopwith, which is confirmed. At long last I have 40 downed enemy machines to my credit. The two DH5s, however, are rejected. Meanwhile, Schobinger has encountered a number of Spads and some de Havillands. Immer has two claims, both of which have been confirmed. The new boy has already made a name for himself – his comrades are calling him “Wolf”!

Tonight we open the second of Brother Bernard’s casks of beer to celebrate. Steinmesser has promised us more. The evening meals are still a bit sparse although our midday meal is now without parallel among the frontline units. Still, the kitchen can put out some smoked fish and good bread. Toasts are drunk and the Kasino rings with laughter. Our little gang is coming together nicely.

Steinmesser and I moved to the front room and enjoy cigars with our beer. “Can you get any more of this stuff?” I ask him.

“I’m picking it up at the monastery tomorrow,” Steinmesser replies. “There is a man in Courtrai I need to speak with.”

I cocked my head at him. “Max, that sounds pretty devious.”

“More than you think. I have a plan for our friend the major at the commissariat.”

That reminds me. I still have the autographed photograph of Richthofen with which to charm our provisioner-in-chief. I mention this to Steinmesser.

Steinmesser smiles and leans forward. “Hans-Dieter, my friend, I will be needing that photograph from you. And I need you to go and see the major tomorrow and tell him that Richthofen is tired of being treated like a star opera singer and has refused to hand out any more photographs unless he is ordered to.

“What are you up to?” I ask.

“Wait and see, my friend. Wait and see.”


7 September 1917

Today is mixed sun and cloud with occasional spots of rain. We are to cross the lines and destroy an enemy balloon near Bapaume. The flight is without incident. Joerke, Becker, and a new man – Holck – join me. The target balloon is easy to see in the early morning sun. We emerge from the clouds about three or four kilometres from it and dive straight in. I see our rounds hitting the balloon and smoke emerging. The balloon erupts in flames and we pull up into the right, still in formation!

[Linked Image]
"The balloon erupts in flames and we pull up into the right, still in formation!"

On our return, we discuss credit for the balloon, the destruction of which we have all witnessed. All four of us fired at it. In the end we draw cards for credit and the honour goes to Hochstetter.

We fly again in the afternoon, a defensive patrol over our aerodromes at Haubourdin and Phalempin. We arrived there at 4000 metres and circle about for a half-hour without seeing anything. Just as I am about to lead the flight home, we notice puffs of anti-aircraft fire down low. There are train yards north of Lens. We dive in that direction to investigate and find my favourite prey – DH5s – shooting up the place. The enemy pilots are well occupied, and it is a simple matter to slip in behind them unnoticed. I fire too long bursts into the first and enemy de Havilland and what should fall to its destruction. Then I spot a second English machine running for safety and dive on it. It, too, falls to my guns.

We returned to Roucourt and I file two claims. Unfortunately, both enemy machines fell into British lines out of sight of our own positions and both claims are rejected.

Schobinger’s Kette has been up twice and Immer has two more claims. Muller is telephoning everyone he knows in the army looking for confirmations.

Steinmesser is back from Courtrai but he is avoiding me.


Attached Files Balloon bust in formation.jpgKill 40.jpg
#4536387 - 09/09/20 11:20 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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RAF_Louvert Offline
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Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Achtung!

[Linked Image]

It is the Kaiser's Royal and Imperial command that the following individual be recognized for his valor:

[Linked Image]

You make the Vaterland most proud.

.

#4536396 - 09/09/20 12:11 PM 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
.

MFair - Congratulations to Ivan on his well-deserved decoration! Also, I agree with Carrick about that dawn patrol screenshot in Immer’s last post, beautiful.

Raine - Well done on Vogel making the forty mark! Let’s hope he’s not stuck there now with all those denied claims that followed it. And what is the latest mystery surrounding Steinmesser - oh the anticipation. Love that Alb formation over the destroyed balloon by the way.
To Freddy’s Gotha run-in, I did create the sortie in QC after I’d first created a test pilot to check out what the in-sim weather was for that night over St. Omer.

Carrick - Looks like Marcel is still flying in that reserve N23.

Robert - But Shredward is correct, that version of Estree Blanche is the superlative work of l'Étoile du Nord. winkngrin

Shredward - I’m with you, that Chateau would look lovely sitting on the other side of the village.

Fullofit - You’re wrong about Bueller, I think he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious. Now as for Ziggy’s latest go-round, he’s fortunate that Nieup pilot’s wingman wasn’t a better shot on his first assault or it would have been more than your man’s wing looking like a sieve.

Epower - Oh nooooo! Oliver has only just arrived at his new digs and is already wounded? Please tell us it was not serious, or worse, an ender! Now as for moving the Lys and creating the Laquette, the fellow you’ll want to ask about that would be Xjouve.

.

#4536408 - 09/09/20 01:46 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7,993
Robert_Wiggins Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
Robert_Wiggins  Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7,993
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Thanks for the confirmation Lou and apologies to Shredder.
It looks so perfect a match of terrain colors that it could fit nicely into WOFF.

Is there a link to a higher resolution of the image handy?

Best Regards


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#4536419 - 09/09/20 02:47 PM 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: Kudos, The pics and story are Super.

RAF Lou: Me thinks, Marcel is getting the short end of the stick.

#4536423 - 09/09/20 03:19 PM 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
.

Carrick - Marcel should go out and find himself a bigger stick, methinks.

Robert - You will want to check with Epower about a high res version of that image he posted.

.

8 September 1917
11 Squadron R.F.C.
La Bellevue, France

Lieutenant Frederick Abbott had returned to camp with the squadron's new mount on the afternoon of the 3rd to a hero's welcome, the news of him downing the Gotha over St. Omer having preceded his arrival. He was in high spirits, but those were soon dampened when he learned that he and Lieutenant Thomas Yale had been split up, each man now assigned one of the new replacements as a team member. Major MacLean had deemed it wise to have two of his most seasoned fliers work with the new lads in order to bring them up to speed as quickly as possible and increase their chances of survival, just as he had done for Frederick when he arrived. Abbott found it very odd and fairly funny that he was now one of the veterans, and as such would be training in the green man. But he took it in stride, as he always did, and vowed to do his best to bring the new fellow along, said new fellow being 2nd. Lt. Wallace Wimund.

For the next several days there was little opportunity to introduce Wimund to aerial combat. Either the weather was a washout or, when it did permit flying, there were no Hun about that wanted to play. However, on the morning of the 8th this changed when Abbott lead his flight on a patrol of the lines east of Ypers. The skies had cleared and it was a fine morning for flying. And, as Frederick would soon learn, the Boche had a new surprise in store for them.


On the way to patrol the lines east of Ypres 'B' Flight happens upon a furball in progress just south of the city and join the action.
[Linked Image]


Abbott and his G/O in training find themselves in a protracted go round with a striped Albatros sporting a personal marking. The fellow is clearly an ace by the way he handles his mount, and this coupled with Wallace's inexperience results in a draw as the V-strutter goes into a long dive to outpace the Bristol and escape Frederick's Vickers.
[Linked Image]


After unsuccessfully chasing the striped Albatros down towards the lines, Abbott happens upon a Hun craft the likes of which he'd not seen before. "By Jove, a triplane!" Frederick side-slips his bus in an effort to drop in behind the enemy plane.
[Linked Image]


The Boche goes into a hard climbing turn to port and the King's ace follows, thinking he has the fellow as he brings his sights to bear on the strange new kite.
[Linked Image]


But in the next instant the triplane suddenly snaps sideways and drops beneath the nose of the Bristol, gone in the blink of an eye!
[Linked Image]


And scant moments later the Hun is behind the Bristol, his shots tearing through its port-side wings and windscreen, yet somehow missing both Abbott and his green G/O. Wimund, quite shocked at first, manages to return fire and gets extremely lucky when he lands a few hits into the front of the enemy craft.
[Linked Image]


The triplane dives away to near treetop level and attempts to run, but the Bristol is quickly upon it and Frederick delivers a crushing volley with the Vickers.
[Linked Image]


Abbott pulls up alongside the Boche plane, its engine gone and its pilot looking desperate to find somewhere to land. Frederick escorts him down hoping to capture yet another of the Kaiser's newest threats intact.
[Linked Image]


But the opportunity is denied him when the triplane bursts into flames shortly after rolling to a stop in an open field. The pilot was not seen to escape, the poor buggar burning with his kite - a horrible way to go.
[Linked Image]


Upon returning to La Bellevue Abbott sees they had visitors while they were out. Several hangars are scorched and the edge of the field is sporting a handful of pockmarks. After landing he learns that two ORs were killed in the raid. "Filthy Hun rotters!"
[Linked Image]

.

#4536454 - 09/09/20 09:06 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Raine, unfortunately you are wrong. Zygmunt isn’t catching up at all. The claims gods excrete on Hahn’s claims. All of them denied. Each single one! They are a fickle bunch, toying with the two aces.
From report our gods are treating Vogel the same. How can that be? This is demoralizing! Maybe Steinmesser should be sent to HQ and work his magic? At least your man is 2 days behind and can still extend his lead during that time. Congrats on making an even 40. That is quite an achievement.

Congrats also go to Immer. You’ve been gonged! That cask of beer from Brother Bernard will come in handy.

Lou, are you certain it’s serious? Maybe he’s picked up some virus?
What!? A Dreidecker?! What’s this rubbish? Next thing you’re going to tell me the Gong Fairy is real. That Freddy chap is one lucky boy. Encountering all sorts of strange things. A Gotha, then a German Triplane. Well done to him, but I have a feeling the HQ will have a hard time believing when Abbott tries to claim it.

9 September, 1917 05:00 morning mission
Wasquehal, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
38 confirmed kills

Both Nieuport claims have been denied ...
Jasta 17 has been sent to patrol over friendly aerodrome at Harlebeke. No contact.

[Linked Image]

9 September, 1917 11:35 noon mission
Wasquehal, Flanders Sector
Jasta 17
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
38 confirmed kills

Later on the orders came in to another patrol. This time over the enemy front lines near Mesen. It was another dud mission.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files 1917-09-09 AM.jpg1917-09-09 PM.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."
#4536455 - 09/09/20 09:58 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

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

Fullofit - A virus you say? I wonder which one. But wait, all of your man's claims were denied as well? Who have Hahn and Vogel PO'd at GHQ and how much liquor is it going to take to appease them? On a high note, fantastic screenshots!
As for that Dr.1, no one was more surprised than Freddy to see such a thing. A bit of research has indicated that it was one of the two pre-production units that were being evaluated at this time, with Jasta 11 and Jasta 10 the two outfits doing the evaluating. The one Abbott brought down was indeed from Jasta 10, so apparently there is only one left out there now, and that one is being flown by MvR himself, again according to the research.

And of course the Gong Fairy is real. If you don't believe me, go ask Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, they'll back me up.

.

#4536456 - 09/09/20 10:19 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 841
Shredward Offline
Member
Shredward  Offline
Member

Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 841
Lake Louise, AB Canada
Ah, but then did he see a Fokker Dr.I ????
Fake News !!! right
It was however a very rara avis
Cheers,
shredward


We will remember them.
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