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#4537956 - 09/21/20 11:33 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit, Ziggy has become a real gypsy moving from one end of the map to the other. You'll have to get settled down and back in the air now that Vogel is back.

Epower, wonderful saga with great details. I am learning a lot about 56 Squadron from following Oliver's story. By the way, Richthofen was largely grounded in mid-to-late August by order of the Fourth Army commander of aviation. So I'm not sure who was joyriding in that red Albatros, but don't be surprised if you meet the Baron another time.

Carrick, your man is not having much luck with the claims gods these days. I agree that he needs a Spad sometime soon. Is his squadron due for them?

After what seemed like an age, Vogel is back…

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

Jasta 12, Roucourt, France

Part 37

21 September 1917


I am enjoying the post these days. Each morning brings a handful of letters, some from young boys looking for a signed postcard, but some – the more interesting some – from young women set upon capturing an aviator. Some profess their undying admiration in the language of poets; others prefer the language of the harbour. Either type makes for a good chuckle after dinner in the Kasino. Yesterday one caught my attention. The writer signed her name only as Marenke. It is a Dutch name, I believe. The cancellation stamp is blurred and I cannot see where she is from at first. She writes simply yet sincerely and she enclosed a simple pen and ink sketch for me to decorate my “tent.” She should see my well-appointed stateroom here at Roucourt. Our ambassadors abroad should live so well! The sketch is of a simple farmer’s work shed with tools and a barrow and a straw broom leaning against the wall. A well-composed scene. Marenke has a good eye. There is a return address on the back of her letter: “Die Weiden,” Uedem. I put the envelope aside. Where is Uedem?

The enemy has begun to receive more of their latest scouts, the SE and the Camel. We have lost Wolff, the pleasant fellow with the boyish face I met not long ago at the hospital in Courtrai, the one who introduced me to Richthofen. He fell on the fifteenth of this month. Not even the great ones can escape the hands of fate. First Dostler, then Wolff.

When I was injured, I was second only to Richthofen and advancing quickly. Now I learn of another Kanone, Zygmunt Hahn. This fellow has just taken command of Jasta 30 up north. And in the last week while I winced about with baggy pants and bandages on my thighs, he has surpassed my score. I like to think that the score does not matter, but I confess it bothers me. I have no family, nor fortune, nor title. Becoming the stirring attraction of this military circus is my only chance in these strange times to elevate my station. So it is that I was delighted this morning to get confirmation that I am cleared to fly again after a medical examination yesterday. I bandage my legs carefully (they still sting), put on my thickest corduroy trousers and a heavy sweater and make my way to the pilot’s hut on the field.

Feldwebel Joerke is prepared to lead the next flight and I tell him that he is welcome to join me but is out of work as a flight commander. Good man that he is, he expresses his delight. We have with us Ewers, Backhaus, and a new man named Leidereiter. Shortly after twelve-thirty, our observers report brisk enemy activity from Lens south. We take off into a brisk cloudless sky and turn north. Just past Lens we see several aeroplanes milling about down below. I lead our flight in a long dive. There are three or four English triplanes circling about an equal number of Albatrosen. I pick one and go for it but Joerke has the same idea and for two or three minutes we get in each other’s way. Finally Joerke breaks off and I finish off the Englishman. He puts down in a field five kilometres north of Lens. His machine turns over and smashes to pieces. By the time I am done with him all the other machines have disappeared. I patrol the front for forty minutes alone and return to Roucourt.

[Linked Image]
"His machine turns over and smashes to pieces."

My machine has been losing oil pressure and the mechanics say they will work on it this afternoon so I will not be back in the air. I recruit Joerke to join me in the Benz. We will drive north to try to find my Sopwith.

Attached Files Crashed Tripe.jpg
Last edited by Raine; 09/21/20 11:37 PM.
#4537974 - 09/22/20 03:55 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit - Tell me this is not a government operation. Back to Ceurne?! Maybe this is a good thing. Romance awaits.

Carrick - Very cool pic of Marcel flying shoulder escort for the Strutters. A true son of France he returns to the fray sans pinkie. Is there a wound badge for the armee de l'aire?

Raine - Haha. It's true you sent me down a monstrous deep rabbit hole transferring Oliver to 56. At least there's ample documentation, unlike 54. MVR was lashed to a desk in late Summer 1917 but I wonder if he didn't slink off and have a go as he would do later on August 26th. The Red Albatros landed mostly intact. Could be this further injury is what finally convinced our dear Baron to take convalescent leave on Sept 6. Who can say? Oliver doesn't know and Intel have no answers.

Good to see Vogel back in the cockpit. A triumphant if painful return to operational flying. So Vogel has finally noticed young Ziggy. Well, well. Will the German people split into Team Hahn and Team Vogel or stay true to Voss and MVR? Plot thickens.




À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 25 of many



21 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Morning run to attack the Epinoy rail junction. On the second pass Muspratt went on in ahead of me and ignited some ammunition. The entire shed blew sky high! No e/a sighted.

[Linked Image]

2.15 Deep Offensive Patrol Harlebeke to Rumbeke. Jeffs, Hoidge, Barlow and Maxwell. Six Albs with yellow-striped tails in over Harlebeke. Jasta 28 markings.

[Linked Image]

A Hun with an all green fuselage gave me fits. Couldn’t move on him whatever I tried. The rest of the fight worked lower. When another Hun joined the green one it was time to go. I drew these two away from the fight and toward our lines. I thought I saw an SE5 trailing but couldn’t be sure.

The SE in a shallow dive extended easily across the mud. The Huns followed doggedly along, bracketed by British Archie. No black puffs around the trailing plane. A long gradual turn to the North dragged the Huns underneath. It was time to dance. Head to head I dodged their attack.

[Linked Image]
A reverse put me on their tails

It was Barlow who dropped down and finished the green-bodied Albatros. The other Hun ran for his lines. We let him go and returned to Estrée-Blanche.

Ackerman went with C Flight on the evening patrol and failed to return. Bowman said he’d landed intact behind the lines, so we hope he’s alive and a prisoner. My wingmen do not survive long.

A week of heavy losses in the squadron. All were new men:

D. A. Page killed on the 14th. Thirty days.
J. G. Young made prisoner the same day. He lasted 4 days.
R. T. Leighton down behind the lines on the 17th. We came to 56 on the same day, three weeks ago.
D. S. Wilkinson also down in Hunland on the 17th. Six weeks.
H. M. Rushworth made prisoner on the 18th. Joined 8 days ago.

Unacceptable losses amongst the new pilots. Ackerman was unlucky to lose an engine 10 miles over. Smith was too keen. Nothing to be done about that but how to keep the others alive long enough to be effective? I talked to my fellow flight commanders, along with Hoidge and Maybery. Bowman was skeptical about pairing up as wingmen and I agreed. It just doesn’t seem to work. Maybe one day when there’s wireless communications between aeroplanes. Stewpot always spoke of that day coming and how it would change things. McCudden instructs his entire flight to stay with him. I don’t care for that idea. Too many shield bearers and not enough spearmen. He does, however, have an interesting idea about keeping the fledglings out wide on the edge of the ‘Vee.” If attacked they would dive under the flight. Running under mother’s skirt as it were. This might work.



22 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.45 Early morning standby for A Flight again. Maybery, Hoidge, Jeffs, Maxwell and Turnbull. The phone rang with news of incoming Huns east of Neuve Chapelle. McCudden and B Flight flew top cover.

[img]https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/27121/filename/Let's%20dance.jpg[/img]
No Huns found over the lines near Neuve Chapelle. Time expired, I took A flight north looking for trouble. Found a solitary DFW south of the Lys. Maybery followed my ineffective first pass and killed the Observer.

[Linked Image]
On my second attack I got in close.

[Linked Image]
"He fell, thunderously, and darkness closed over both eyes."

[Linked Image]

Climbing again, A flight reformed and scrapped with 3 Albatri over the Menen Road. The fight quickly descended into the clouds. Two near collisions sent the wind up me. I stayed high and flew top cover.


1.30 A Flight would attack Lieu Saint Amand aerodrome, 25 miles into Hunland. Savagely Archied by Kaiser Bill’s flak men from the moment we hit the lines until our return.

[Linked Image]
The Hangars appeared impervious to bullets and refused to burn.

The evening dispatch rider brought good news about my DFW. Thirty-eight.


23 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

6.00 Escort of 2 Strutters from Escadrille 53 to Bomb east of Oppy. Maybery, Hoidge, Maxwell, and Arthur Rhys-Davids. Crossed the lines at 9500 feet. Strutters made two runs on target. Recrossing the lines 3 Albs tried to sneak up under the Strutters. They did not succeed.

[Linked Image]
I targeted the Leader, a black ringed Alb with a black tail and a white elevator.

[Linked Image]

I hit him on the initial bounce. A second pass sent him down for good. He crashed in our lines Northeast of Arras.

Afternoon escort of 3 harry Tates from RFC-21. They would make a reccy of the lines east of Bethune. Quiet patrol, no e/a sighted.

No news yet about the white elevator Albatros.




24 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

4.50 Dawn Balloon strafe east of Passchendaele. Hoidge, Turnbull, Maxwell and Jeffs.

[Linked Image]

Uneventful flight into the target. No Archie. Huns happily abed.

[Linked Image]
Singed but otherwise unharmed.

Broke off at the very last moment. Kaiser Bill short one gasbag.

I wonder how Aunt Rhea, the Vicar and General Aubrey are getting on.



Flakbatterien, now fully awake for our return trip, gave us absolute hell all the way to the lines. A metal splinter appeared as if by magic, standing upright in my right thigh. It stung but I could tell it wasn’t serious. Another souvenir.

South of Ypres of the Hispano spewed up clots of oil and seized.

[Linked Image]
Bailleul Asylum lay in the distance. I had just enough altitude to make the field.

Major Blomfield sent a car immediately. I was back at Estrée Blanche by 10 o’clock.


2.30 In a spare SE for the afternoon show while the men collect B35. Moody was able to swap the Sopwith joystick into this machine and install a spare version of Sutton’s harness that he’d fabricated. At this rate he’ll be expert in no time. More of the fellows are asking for these modifications. McCudden was particularly insistent about triggers with a mere 3 ½ ounces of pressure. That seems incredibly light.

A Flight were off to intercept Huns near Langemarck. After 30 minutes patrolling no e/a sighted. Went east looking for mischief over Douai.

[Linked Image]
Rumpler! They usually fly much higher.

[Linked Image]
Maybery applied the finish.

Heading north we overflew a stripe-tailed Albatros.

[Linked Image]
Getting a better feel for the SE in a dive. I did not overshoot this time.
The Hun fell southeast of Reincourt.

[Linked Image]
Found another. He too fell thunderously. Jeffs followed him down to be certain.

Grandpa Marson back from leave. No word on the two afternoon Albatri but the White-Elevator DV from yesterday was confirmed. Thirty-nine now.



25 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.45 Balloon strafe 4 miles NW of Marcoing. Maxwell, Hoidge, Barlow and Jeffs.

In on the balloon and nothing. The observer didn’t even parachute away. Another pass and the wretched sausage still refused to burn. I passed so close I thought I could see the observer smoking!

[Linked Image]
All five of us had a go but after a third failed pass, I took the hint.

Gathered the flight and climbed for the lines. Just back into friendly airspace when 4 Albs descended.

[Linked Image]
Lulu fell in British lines SE of Arras.

After lunch it was time to deal with the Kaiser’s inflammable balloon. Jeffs went in ahead of me and got the bag leaking.

[Linked Image]
I started firing at 400 yards.

[Linked Image]
The observer parachuted to safely this time, shaking his fist at me in defiance.

No word about today’s Albatros and Balloon, but Wing did see fit to reject all three of my claims from yesterday.



26 August 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Flying with a new wingman this morning, Oscar Ackland. Last night I spent an hour with him working through what he was to do in various situations. He picked up on things quickly and asked some surprisingly perceptive questions. Let’s hope he lives longer than Tock, Smith and Ackerman.

5.45 Line patrol Menen to Ypres along the road. Ackland, Maxwell ,Jeffs, Barlow, and Hoidge.

[Linked Image]
Four high Albs down to play. Yellow-stripe tails. Jasta 28

[Linked Image]
Over the Lys south of Menen his life and strength were scattered.



Swirling shapes over Rekkum aerodrome. DFW coming out of the clouds. He didn’t see me.

[Linked Image]
A full Lewis drum from 50 yards staggered the Hun.

[Linked Image]



12.40 Offensive Patrol Iseghem Aerodrome to a point 2 miles NW of Passchendaele. Ackland, Maybery, Arthur, Hoidge, Jeffs and Barlow.

[Linked Image]
Round and round with a purple Albatros

[Linked Image]
A long fall from 14,000 feet.

Gathered A flight. Five minutes later more Huns attacked.

[Linked Image]
Magpie! Not Black 5

[Linked Image]
East of Saint Elois Winkle he fell.

Flight scattered all over Hunland, only Ackland was right with me. We headed north and spotted a low DFW.

[Linked Image]

In on the DFW with Ackland flying my wing. My final burst got the Hun belching black smoke. He nosed over sharply as if falling off a table.

[Linked Image]

A tracer stream over my right shoulder chased the DFW down and slashed B35 like a falling blade. Something hit me in the lower back and sliced the top of my right thigh. The Christy Mathewson fastball had come at last but even now it wasn’t straight down the middle but rather a beanball below the right kidney. Tearing pain knocked the wind from me. I fought to retain consciousness.

Ackland flew past as I banked left toward the lines. He shot me!

[Linked Image]

Over the lines. Don’t pass out. Land now Oliver, you're bleeding out! The stubble field...


Last edited by epower; 09/22/20 06:02 AM.
#4538038 - 09/22/20 07:49 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Wunderbar, Another one bites the dust.

.

Attached Files 600px-Flyboys-spandau5.jpg
#4538039 - 09/22/20 07:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, More then haft of the Esc has Spads The morning Report listed 16 Spads + 2 in Res. and 1 N-23 flyable 1 Damaged and 2 in Res. However, Pilots are listed as
18.

#4538045 - 09/22/20 09:06 PM 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
5 Unconfirmed

Sep 22, 1917.

Finally a Spad to fly ( although I dont like the Paint Job } and what happens a Brew up with a flight of Boche. Being used to a N-23 I went on Auto defensive and twist and turn then a reversal only then I understood the Spad is Boom and Zoom I dont know how many shot me . taking a bullet in the leg, and getting the port part of the elevator shot away . I make a controlled crash near an Aerodrome. Zee Esc. Lost 3 destroyed + mine and 1 damaged for 0 e/a Zee Docs say its off to a hospital to remove the zee bullet. Curses !

Attached Files CFS3 2020-09-22 13-45-09-02.jpg
#4538055 - 09/22/20 09:59 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, it is wonderful to have Vogel back in action. With a whole week lost for Hahn with all the transfers, his chase for the highest score shouldn’t be too difficult. Hopefully that Tripe will be confirmed once Hans finds the wreck.

Epower, that’s an excellent picture of an explosion you’ve captured. I see you’re not thinking of England anymore. Congrats on all the confirmed kills. Seems Oliver has all the luck with the claims board. (Well, except those three in a row).
But what’s this? Another wound? And a serious one at that! That is not looking good. And what’s even worse done in by friendly fire, by a noob to boot. Oh the fickle hand of destiny. Perhaps he’ll end up on Eliza’s operating table? She would not dare let him die. Fingers crossed!

Carrick, finally my wish has come true. You’re welcome.

22 September, 1917
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
49 confirmed kills

Jasta 36 was back where they belonged. They were still setting up and there would be no flights today but Ceurne was their home for good. Ziggy was back in his office: bright, roomy, dry and clean. As he walked in, he nearly tripped over a bucket full of dirty water. He knew exactly who was responsible for leaving it there. He picked it up and was about to take it out to the corridor when he smelled the faintest trace of perfume. Violets. He knew that sweet smell and was now aware someone was standing behind him. He turned around slowly. The girl was standing right in front of him. She gave him a quick smile.
“- Bonjour Monsieur. Puis-je?” Her hands wrapped around the bail of the bucket Ziggy was holding. She turned around and walked off.
Zygmunt was left standing in the doorway trying to understand what it all meant. Did it mean anything? What did she say to him, was she walking or floating and what IS her name?


"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."
#4538074 - 09/23/20 01:44 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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Epower, please post again before I bite my fingernails to the quick. That last screenshot looks grim.

Carrick, so happy you finally got a Spad. Of course, you had to go and break your toy before it was even out from under the Christmas tree! Naughty boy.

Fullofit, you realise of course that your little cleaning lady is a friend of Steinmesser. He's hired her to keep Ziggy on the ground until Vogel can get his score back up. I'll post tomorrow night but the first couple of days back in the air have not exactly seen rip-roaring success.

#4538077 - 09/23/20 02:23 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, what!? A spy! I bet her name is something fierce, but for Ziggy she concealed her identity with some sweet-sounding alias, like her perfume. Oh, and that’s low, even for Steinmesser! What a villain. Looking forward to finding out what Vogel’s been up to. I bet he’s busy responding to his fan mail.


"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."
#4538088 - 09/23/20 04:14 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 26 of many


[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

#4538096 - 09/23/20 09:22 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Phew! That was close. I’m glad Oliver hasn’t reached Hades quite yet.


"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."
#4538123 - 09/23/20 01:51 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick - Not just yet.

Raine - Grim indeed, but we can't have you biting your nails, so here's another montage collage.

Fullofit - Too close. Wasn't sure if Oliver would wake up on this side of the veil when I exited after landing.


Last edited by epower; 09/24/20 03:02 PM.
#4538149 - 09/23/20 05:57 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Marcel Jules Gilbare,Sgt.
17th Field Hospital
Paris, France.

Sep 23, 1917.

My doctors seem happy with my Operation missed the bone completely. Of Course , replacing the 4 front teeth I lost in the crash might take time.

https://giphy.com/gifs/animal-planet-life-at-vet-u-sterile-high-five-l0MYCigjKr5DWdaQE/fullscreen

#4538183 - 09/23/20 11:36 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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23 September, 1917 05:45 morning mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
49 confirmed kills

Ziggy’s first mission after such a long period was balloon defence near Lille. Somewhat boring and uneventful outing. The Schwarm returned home without seeing a single hostile.

23 September, 1917 12:30 afternoon mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
49 confirmed kills

After protecting their own balloons in the morning, they were now sent to attack the enemy’s. As they were about to cross the lines, a flight of Camels came down on them just north of Menen. Ziggy was the last one to notice them. The Englanders must have been hiding behind a cloud and attacked from above and from the rear. It was a veritable dogfight complete with tail chasing. Zygmunt was stuck in this vicious turn fight, realizing this had no sense and he would get nowhere fast continuing to circle. Instead, he dove under for a change of pace. “- Let’s see how they like that!” He observed his target and quickly pounced on the tail of the Britisher who thought he was safe now and could turn for home at his leisure. It was a shock to him when Spandau rounds began to tear into the wings and the fuselage. He was soon seen spinning to the ground below.

YouTube Link



Zygmunt was now looking for the rest of his Schwarm. A quick scan of the sky revealed another pair still locked in combat. Hahn turned his machine towards the fight and watched as the Camel chased the Albatros. By the time he got there, the British scout was circling the spot where he shot down the German machine, admiring his handiwork and looking for the survivor to finish him off. That unsportsmanlike behaviour enraged Zygmunt. He was determined to teach that Schweinehund a lesson. He managed to get on the Englander’s back and continued to fire until his machine disinterested mid-air.
“- Look for survivors now, you Scheißkerl!” His comment was directed at a crater smouldering in the woods below.
The balloon would have to wait for another time. He brought his machine and the rest of the surviving Schwarm back to base.

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."
#4538193 - 09/24/20 01:30 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Marcel Jules Gilbare,Sgt.
209th, Rest and Convalescence
Detachment, Bungalow 4
Montmarte, France.


Sep 23, 1917.

Funny place to put a Convalescence Group, just down the Street are some of the Notorious Night Spots of France. My Nurse is keeping and eye on me so cant sneak out yet to see the sights even if I feel good enough to hobble around. She asked about my missing teeth so told her that I was a international French Hockey Player from Canada before becoming a fighting man for the Honor of the Maids of France.

Attached Files 1686475462.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 09/24/20 01:31 AM.
#4538196 - 09/24/20 02:26 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit, it will take some doing to catch up with Ziggy the way he is going. Great work today!

Carrick, that "I'm a French Canadian hockey player with no teeth" pickup line works every time!

Epower, I need your help here. I have been wracking my brain for the name of the actress who is the nurse in your montage. I'm terrible that sort of thing.

Vogel had a decent couple of days…


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

Jasta 12, Roucourt, France

Part 38


22 September 1917


Joerke and I were unable to find the fallen triplane last night and returned to Roucourt tired and muddy. It will not be a confirmed victory. I stayed in the Kasino for only one drink and retired early to my room as I intended to go with the early patrol in the morning. Unfortunately, our new man Neckel has revealed his dirty little secret. The man plays the accordion and does so well but relentlessly. He is a great hit with the pilots and our rooms ring with laughter and sound like a Heurigenlokal. It takes more than an hour to get to sleep.

Morning sees me in the pilots’ hut at the field, warming my hands on a tin mug of cocoa. It is truly cold now at dawn and we can comfortably lounge about in our flying gear. Ewers answers the ringing phone. English machines are heading our way! In three minutes we are airborne and circling the field, climbing hard. Our Flak gunners mark our targets for us – a formation of RE8s approaching from the south-west. The enemy machines have time to drop their bombs and turn about before we are close enough to bother them. Our five Albatrosen chase after them all the way to the front near Monchy where we open fire. I dislike this kind of fight with two-seaters; it has already cost me a finger. I follow the two-seaters like a porpoise, diving beneath their tales and firing upwards. There is always a temptation to fire for too long a time, which leaves you directly behind and at the same altitude as the enemy machine you are targeting. This is a perfect formula for getting yourself killed. After three attempts I break away to calm down and try again but Leutnant Becker slips under the tail of my RE and his first burst causes it to break up in the air. Then Gefreiter Neckel, our accordion man, succeeds at downing another two-seater. We return home.

In the afternoon we are to escort two observation machines to take photographs of the English lines near Arras. Our rendezvous point is north, near Lens. We arrive at the right place and time to find our DFWs under attack by a pair of French Spads. We rush to their defence and succeed in chasing off the enemy machines. But the Spads dive away from us and we cannot catch them.

Back to Roucourt. I am driven into Douai to visit Kriegslazarett 651, where Immer is recovering from his wounds. I bring him a bottle of good brandy from our well-stocked cabinets. Immer, however, reminds me that he does not drink. I offer him a cigarette. He reminds me that he does not smoke. I pour a drink for myself and tell him that I have learned not to trust men with no public vices. They are certain to have dark secrets. “Then I shall not tell you about my time with the nurses,” he says. We laugh, but I look about the ward and shudder to think of what such a frolic might be like. The German army has scoured the countryside looking for young women who should be nurses rather than milkmaids because they frighten the cows.

We talk of growing up in Berlin. He still has some family there and they are having a difficult time. The British blockade is causing real pain. Immer says that when the war is over he would like to move to America. We discuss whether this will be possible now that America has declared war on us. We still have not seen any sign of the Amis but they will come and when they do, they will be many of them. I leave him with the brandy in case he can trade it for something.


23 September 1917


We receive orders the night before that we are to destroy a balloon south of Havrincourt Wood. We are five: Leutnant Standorf, Leutnant Becker, and Feldwebel Koelpin. Koelpin has been with us only two days. We take off and immediately turn south, climbing to 2000 metres. There are few clouds and navigating is simple. I see the enemy balloon when we are still eight or nine kilometres away. It is not the thing a leader should do, but I am frustrated and decide to surprise the flight by opening my throttle fully and diving directly at our target. I begin to fire from a long way off and continue in short bursts as the gas bag first smokes and then explodes in a ball of flame. It is a silly thing to do but I roll my Albatros three times over the enemy position. We climb away to the east and regroup.

[Linked Image]
"I begin to fire from a long way off and continue in short bursts as the gas bag first smokes and then explodes in a ball of flame."

The morning is fine and clear, the sky a turquoise sea with white, puffy cloud islands. It is too beautiful to go home so I lead the others north along the lines, climbing to 3000 metres as we go. Near Monchy we spot three machines in a “V” formation heading east. They are still slightly higher and we climb hard to meet them. They spot us when still a kilometre away and turn towards us, and I see to my delight that they are de Havillands. These little English scouts have usually fallen like flies but our friends this morning are a skilled lot. I pick one Englishman and chase him about, turning twenty times to the left and then twenty times to the right. Neither of us gains an advantage. Then Standorf joins the scrap and I see another de Havilland in a turning game with Becker. I leave my fight and join Becker’s. In a few seconds I am closing in on the tail of the English scout. Just as I begin to fire, he zooms up directly in front of me. I pull the stick back into my stomach and brace for the inevitable collision. Our two machines touch but the noise and shock are less than I anticipate. My Albatros falls away from the fight, out of control. I am looking directly down at the mud of the front spinning about at an alarming rate. I carefully ease the stick back. A second or two passes and then, ever so slowly, the Albatros responds. The machine will not stay level without right aileron and rudder. I do not dare open the throttle. The left lower wing is gone beyond the V strut and the fabric is torn away from much of the rest of the wing.

Thank God. No one is following. Monchy passes beneath as I ease the aeroplane lower and lower. In time, the field at Roucourt comes into view through the ground haze. I am down to 100 metres. The final turn to the field is done as mildly as possible, just above stalling speed. Finally, the machine touches the grass and rumbles toward the sheds. Mechanics rush out to gawk at the damage. The thing to do is to be nonchalant. I feel sick to my stomach.

Feldwebel Grier, the Werkmeister, asks what happened as I dismount.

“Wing fell off,” I say. “Can you get me a new one?” The mechanics are all laughing. This is as it should be.

[Linked Image]
"The left lower wing is gone beyond the V strut and the fabric is torn away from much of the rest of the wing."

I return after lunch to the pilots’ hut to find my machine is as good as new. These men are wonderful. Then the phone rings and we are off. Once again, English machines are headed in our direction. We take off, me, Koelpin, Joerke, Ewers, and Becker. And once again, we see a group of RE8s overhead. They rush to drop their bombs and we chase them home. This time we do not catch them quickly enough and bid them farewell with a few distant bursts. We turn for home.

Our group has scattered during the chase and I am still well in front of the others as we approach Roucourt. I see a group of eight specs approaching high above. Friendly or enemy? Something does not seem right. I circle about to let the others catch up. The strange machines are still a long way off, but they do not look like ours – too square in the wings, too short in the body. Camels!

The first English scouts dip their wings and dive in our direction. The fight is on. I find myself scrapping with one all alone. I get a couple of brief bursts – nothing really damaging but enough that he turns and dives beneath me. I roll and dive onto his tail. There is a large wood between Roucourt and Vitry and we are just above the treetops. The Englishman pulls up and to the right and I get a quick burst at him before following him in the turn. We are too low to dive and his machine turns tighter than mine. I begin to climb gently before he can get behind me. As he closes in on my tail, I break left and dive a little. The Englishman is tiring of the fight and is far from home. He takes advantage of this moment to turn west. I climb after him and fire a long burst from a distance. I can see some debris in the air. I have hit his machine. Now I can close the distance more quickly and it is nearly over. One more burst and the English machine dips its nose towards a large field south of Vitry. I throttle back and watch. If he puts his machine down safely I will land beside him and he will be our guest for dinner. But at the last moment, the Camel’s nose drops and the machine spins into the ground and explodes.

[Linked Image]
"There is a large wood between Roucourt and Vitry and we are just above the treetops."

I turned back to Roucourt to find Leutnant Becker struggling with another Camel. This one sees me coming and runs for home. I follow him past Oppy and over the lines. Finally the English machine dips a wing and enters a vertical spin. I will not follow it down over the enemy trenches but I watch to see if it is a ruse. It is not and the Camel crashes a couple of kilometres over the lines.

This evening I learn that my balloon of the morning is confirmed, as is the first Camel of the afternoon. I had claimed the DH5 I collided with, which I last saw falling out of control, and I claimed the second Camel this afternoon but both those rejected. Still, this brings my account up to forty-four.

News comes at dinner. Voss has been killed. We have no details yet.

NOTES:


A Heurigenlokal is a wine bar or garden that specialises in serving new wines.

Attached Files Kill 43.jpgAfter the collision.jpgKill 44.jpg
#4538263 - 09/24/20 03:49 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick - Definitely time for Marcel to grow a mustache, at least until the false teeth arrive. Glad the surgery went well. Maybe Marcel can invite his nurse out on the town instead.

Raine - A well-written tale of Vogel's latest adventures. This new fellow Neckel might need some guidance, however. Rather harsh from the claims folk rejecting the collision kill. You may remember Oliver M Sutton of 54 Squadron. He invented the Harness which bears his name. On May 24, 1917 he collided with a DIII which crashed. Sutton returned to Chipilly and filed a successful claim for his third kill.

I'm not sure why I wrote 'montage' as there's no singing involved. Late night and dull brain, most likely. Collage. Here was a collage. Now, as to the nurse in question, was she the nurse? Or was that the Baroness of Oliver's imagination in surgical garb? Could it be the Matron of 55 CCS? Nobody knows. Oliver was a bit goofed up with the ether and we know what Hunter Thompson will say 50 years hence about a man in the depths of an ether binge. Good thing MFair is off planting or his head might explode with that many pictures of the woman in question. PM sent with the answer you seek.

Fullofit - I'm pleased to see that Ziggy takes a dim view of strafers. Maybe he could bring up the subject if he ever meets that Voss fellow. Oops, too late. You're keeping all of us in suspense by withholding the name of the lovely and mysterious heinemakkefrauliene. Excellent work with the Camels. The half century mark is right there.

#4538298 - 09/24/20 09:28 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower: How can she resist a Charming Smile ?

Attached Files df4d582b0382c772bdd5262806ef3d16.jpg
#4538300 - 09/24/20 09:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Bobby Clahhhhk as they would say in Boston. A $1M smile if I ever saw one.

Marcel will be fending off les femmes in no time.

#4538308 - 09/25/20 12:29 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, too bad about that “lost” camel. Some other mutt probably claimed it for you, Bruno his name was, I think.
Man, oh man! You were this close to joining Immer in hospital. He probably hasn’t pawned that bottle of brandy yet, although I suspect the bottle will be very tempting after reading of the nurse descriptions. Congrats on the latest victories, although half a kill should be subtracted due to that half a missing wing.

Epower, yes, that Voss fellow. I wonder if Oliver had hand in that Flieger’s demise? You better catch up soon, so we don’t have to wonder for too long. What is this Heinemakkefrauliene. My Google translate laughs at me when I ask?

24 September, 1917 05:50 morning mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
49 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

Zygmunt still has no news of the claim confirmation of his kills from yesterday. It always takes longer to verify anything when those Flak Scharfschützen are involved.
The enemy ballon from yesterday’s mission had to go down and Jasta 36 was ordered take care of it. The gasbag went down this time. No enemy machines were spotted.

24 September, 1917 12:00 afternoon mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
49 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

The afternoon mission required Jasta 36 to patrol far behind friendly lines over Kruishoutem aerodrome near Waregem. Zygmunt expected this mission to be a walk in the park. As soon as they were airborne he spotted two pairs of Gitterschwänze on their way back home west. He followed and caught up to the lower pair just north-west of Menen, over No-Man’s Land. He fired on the trailing craft and sent it tumbling, he then quickly switched to the leader and fired again. He could see smoke coming out of the engine as the machine was struggling to stay afloat. The Fee began to quickly lose altitude and as Ziggy watched he could see his wingmen diving to finish him off.

YouTube Link



Hahn was already in pursuit of the other pair, which raced ahead and was well on their way across the mud. Zygmunt wasn’t about to give up so easily. He went after, but once in enemy territory his experience told him to turn back. All he needed was one stray bullet from a luck gunner to finish his career in the enemy’s POW camp. He turned around and was near the edge of the front lines when he noticed another machine above. Could it be another Fee? No, this one had a solid Rumpf. Hahn carefully crept up behind it while climbing. He was astonished he could so easily keep up with the enemy machine, despite constant climb. He even overtook it. Zygmunt began to weave to lose some speed while climbing higher. Was the British machine gliding with no power? No, the propeller was turning. It made no difference, his Albatros was now on his tail. He fired only a handful of bullets when his target erupted in flames. He understood now. The Strutter’s engine must have been failing and Ziggy simply hastened the inevitable. He watched as the enemy plane went down in large circles. He was soon turning back and heading back to his aerodrome.

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."
#4538317 - 09/25/20 02:51 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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