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#4538320 - 09/25/20 03:24 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Ah, I see ... a made up position.


"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."
#4538366 - 09/25/20 02:24 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Lots of activity in my absence!
Fullofit and Raine, this competition could get nasty. Trying to catch up with the Baron might have been what took Voss out! You two fly smart.

Carrick, I here Lou's Lt. Abbot has some teeth to spare! What is it with those unconfirmed kills, you must have witnesses!

EPower, I had to hold my breath Hoss! I thought you were gone for good. You have met the Baron and bested him but its getting very dangerous with your squads losses and now you also.

Immer is back at Roucourt. Vogel has him supervising the construction of a new field. Roucourt East.

[Linked Image]


Attached Files fields.jpg
Last edited by MFair; 09/25/20 02:25 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!
#4538369 - 09/25/20 02:50 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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This latest development should make life easier for Ziggy…

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

Jasta 12, Roucourt, France

Part 39

24 September 1917


Our task this morning is to escort three two-seaters over the lines to bomb a British aerodrome. We take off shortly before seven and fly south to form up. There is a small lake there that we use as our forming up point. Once we are all together we climb to 2000 metres and has north to where we will meet our fat friends near Lens. This brings us close to our home at Roucourt. As we pass over it, we see a group of four Sopwith Camels approaching Roucourt from the west. The opportunity is too good to miss. They have not seen us. I lead our flight down to the attack. We are five – Joerke, Standorf, Neckel, me, and a new fellow named Koelpin. It is a perfect ambush. Joerke bags his Sopwith with the first burst. Mind tries to run for home. I catch him as he approaches the lines and fire a hundred rounds until his machine catches fire and falls not far from one of our balloon positions. I then fire a yellow flare, our signal to regroup.

We patrol the area around Lens for twenty minutes without seeing the three DFWs that we are to meet. This is strange because our encounter with the Sopwiths lasted only about five minutes. They should not have left. Finally, after waiting longer than our orders require, I lead our five Albatrosen westward, climbing to 3000 metres. We begin to patrol up and down the front and even a little into enemy territory. Our two-seaters must have gone home. I am beginning to think of heading home ourselves when a large formation of English Nieuports approaches from the south. We climb toward them.

The opening of the fight is like a cavalry counter-charge. Our two formations rush at each other head-on, flash past one another, and then begin to mill about with each looking for an advantage. I quickly realise that these Englishmen are no rookies. For several minutes I am forced to fly defensively, trying to gain more altitude. Every time I see a possible target, I find one or two Nieuports turning in behind my machine. Finally this dance spreads out across the sky and I see a Nieuport turning a little below me. I check over my shoulder – nothing. Now my Albatros falls onto the Englishman’s tail, a hawk among the pigeons. I fire two quick bursts and see my rounds tear pieces from his wings. The pilot falls forward and the little white machine begins to tumble out of control. And then suddenly I feel a searing pain, as if someone had laid a hot poker across my ribs. A machine gun rattles close behind and I smell the phosphorus of his rounds. Spin away! Spin for your life!

I level out a thousand metres above the trenches. Warm blood soaks the inside of my coat. My head is light and my stomach turning. Look behind. Nothing. Thank God. The smoke of Douai in the distance. Must stay awake. The sound of a machine gun brings me back to life. The Englishman who shot me has reappeared. I turn one way and then the other to throw off his aim. At the last possible moment, I kicked the rudder over and settle onto the grass at Roucourt. Our ground gunners chatter away at the Nieuport. The Englishman gives a cheery wave and disappears to the west.

[Linked Image]
"The Englishman gives a cheery wave and disappears to the west."

And so I find myself back in the Lazarett. Fortunately, the wound is not serious, just painful. And fortunately, Immer is still here and has not traded away the brandy. He is being discharged today. We are expanding the fields at Roucourt and I write a short note to Schobinger that he should take over while I am gone and should put Immer in charge of preparing the new field. Immer leaves me his bottle of brandy. I praise my own foresight in giving it to him.

The doctors say I should be back in the air in a week.



Attached Files Back at Roucourt.jpg
#4538386 - 09/25/20 04:12 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 - Balloon defense. In all my hours of WOFF I've never gotten that mission. Ziggy needs to do some kind of video montage (I used the word correctly here) like in the Blue Max where Stachel climbs the leader board. Nice camera work following that hapless Strutter down. The powers sure are making Ziggy wait for 50. Soon, I'm sure and then there will need to be a celebration for the Ages.

MFair - Welcome back. You've not been idle I see. Roucourt East is looking nicely graded but who picks all the rocks out? Funny thing about that Baron. In all my hundreds of hours playing OFF/WOFF over the years, I never, ever ran into him until the Aug 20 mission. I hope the collage wasn't too distracting biggrin

Raine - Ach du lieber Himmel! Vogel is perforated yet again. It's a revolving door at the Hospital and all the Nurse Diesels. Grim viewing. Wound badge in Silver now?

Attached Files Nurse Diesel.jpgHeer wound badge Silver.jpg
Last edited by epower; 09/25/20 04:14 PM.
#4538389 - 09/25/20 04:25 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Sorry, no Verwundetenabzeichen, silber or otherwise, until March of 1918. wounded

.

#4538391 - 09/25/20 04:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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Order of the Royal Pincushion coming up.

#4538393 - 09/25/20 04:51 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Ah yes, the Orden des königlichen Nadelkissens, a lesser known and oft forgotten Prussian honour.

.

#4538404 - 09/25/20 06:04 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, me thinks that Vogel may have been perforated by hugging Nurse Diesel.

Last edited by carrick58; 09/25/20 06:05 PM.
#4538407 - 09/25/20 06:14 PM 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 25th 1917.

My fellow walking wounded convalescence mates are planning to sneak out in the next few nights to see the show down the street at the Lido. A dancer named Mata Hari , currently the Rage of Paris, is in the Stage production of Harem Nights.

Attached Files 88da9fe2a5d6a786aedd386752aa8b1a--vintage-burlesque-vintage-dancenarta harti.jpg
#4538409 - 09/25/20 06:21 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair: Immer's: Aerodrome is wonderfully camouflaged It just looks like a plain old soft dirt field surround by Trees. A good days work.

#4538429 - 09/25/20 09:56 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair Offline
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Raine, what rotten luck! At least you are are still alive and it isn’t too bad. Immer and Schobinger will hold down the Jasta.

Gents, I didn’t mean for “Roucourt East” to find its way into the campaign as it was meant in jest. It’s just one of many food plots planted at Yalobusha Farms. Unlike Flanders, we have not had a wet September so those are not rocks EPower but dirt clods that are just as hard. Once gone over with a harrow and packer, it’s powder. Anyway, the planting is done!

EPower, I pulled up the collage at lunch while in Grenada, the thought of the Baroness kept me preoccupied while on the tractor for the rest of the day! Most of the night too.

Immer will be in the skies on the 28th.


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!
#4538432 - 09/25/20 10:38 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine, that’s an incredible bad luck! Vogel is becoming a veritable Kugelfanger. The only saving grace in this whole situation is the bottle of brandy. Good ol’ Immer! Enjoy the cow-spooking nurses.

Epower, didn’t you say montage involves singing? That would another way to scare the poor cows. Ziggy isn’t fond of curdled milk. Videos will have to do. And yes, that 50 is taking its time.

MFair, Immer is extending the landing strip to avoid all those Damenlandungen, right? I’m sure Vogel will appreciate that more comfortable approach.

Carrick, better be careful what you say around that performer. Remember to tell her only your rank and serial number when she takes you “prisoner”.

Lou, what’s happening to Freddy? Is he undergoing a plastic surgery?

25 September, 1917 05:45 morning mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
51 confirmed kills

The two Camels from the day before last have been confirmed, but nothing from yesterday. This, of course, meant Zygmunt has passed the 50 victories mark. Müller surprised him by having one of the artistically inclined mechanics paint a head of a rooster on the side of his Albatros. Zygmunt was touched by this gesture. He wondered what else did Müller find out about him.

[Linked Image]

The orders just came in to intercept enemy machines headed for Avelin aerodrome. They were in their machines and climbing within minutes. Zygmunt saw them first approaching from the west and he had a smile on his face. For once the enemy was intercepted while flying lower than the German flight. This should definitely make things easier. He flew over the approaching Camels and watched the Englanders struggle to reach his altitude. Then he waited for the rest of his Schwarm members to each pick a target before he himself would sweep up the leftovers. Ziggy dove after one of the enemy planes and began to track him, but soon realized Bongartz already had him covered. He quickly disengaged and went after one with a striped cowling. He soon had him damaged and scrambling for the front lines. Hahn continued to track his prey and only relented after seeing his Camel catch on fire. The enemy was soon diving to the ground and crashing into one of the fields. With all enemy planes eliminated and mission accomplished, the flight returned to Ceurne.

YouTube Link



25 September, 1917 12:40 afternoon mission
Ceurne, Flanders Sector
Jasta 36
Oberleutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM
51 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

The afternoon patrol of friendly front lines took them over a stretch between Halluin and Loos. It also took them flying through thick clouds. Zygmunt often looked down for gaps in the cloud cover to attempt some semblance of navigation. He was following the road to Lille and just confirmed they were still on course. It was then that he looked ahead into the grey clouds when suddenly a flight of enemy planes came straight at him flying in the opposite direction. For a second everything stopped as they were missing each other by mere centimeters. After the initial shock they began their usual business. Ziggy climbed on the back of one of the SPADs and fired enough into it to be sure of certain damage, but couldn’t finish the job as there was another one of the devils right behind him. He danced with this one as well until the Britisher got tired of the pace and dove away for home. Hahn had no chance of catching him, but there was another pair still turning circles around each other. Zygmunt waited for an opening and made his presence known. The enemy was disadvantaged and attempted to disengage, but Ziggy kept his Albatros above and was ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. They were now over the No-Man’s Land and Hahn’s machine was closing in for the kill. He fired into the rear of the SPAD before he had to dive under to avoid a collision. As he turned around for another pass the enemy plane was moving away. Zygmunt continued to fire as the SPAD was moving out of range. In the last moment he witnessed the Britisher’s plane start to bank and soon after dive down to crash into the mud below. Ziggy was certain the pilot must have been hit and lost consciousness in the end. This was enough of action for the German ace for the day. He gathered his wingmen and return back home. His 50 kill celebration was about to commence in the Kasino.

YouTube Link


Attached Files 1917-09-25.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."
#4538456 - 09/26/20 04:40 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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MFair - Good news about the successful planting, and the fact that the men won't need to form a skirmish line and pick up all the rocks on Roucourt East. I think I read an account where the CO, after losing yet another propeller to rocks on the airfield did exactly that with the entire squadron - officers, NCOs and men. Glad the Baroness could beguile the tough day on the tractor.

Fullofit - Fifty! Well done indeed. Nice paint job by Müller. There's something more about the rooster, isn't there? Now, as to the celebration, I think there's a good chance something unusual might happen. Can't wait to find out. Congrats to Ziggy.

Carrick - Nurse Diesel's merry widow does look a bit hazardous.




À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 27 of many



28 August 1917

32 Casualty Clearing Station
Brandhoek, Flanders


“All the way through the glittering shield went the heavy spearhead
and smashed its way through the intricately worked corselet;
straight ahead by the flank the spearhead shore through his tunic,
yet he bent away to one side and avoided the dark death.”


Still alive.

I was banking left to stay under the DFW, so Ackland shot me through and through the right oblique muscles instead of my spine. The bullet missed hip bone and my abdominal cavity then exited and dug across the top of my right thigh. If the wounds don’t turn septic, the doctor thought I might return to duty in another week.

[Linked Image]

Ambulance train back to No. 10 Stationary hospital in St. Omer. I’m not a walking case this time.



30 August 1917
No. 10 Stationary Hospital
St. Omer, France

Chapel ward at half capacity with the lull in Ypres show. Many of the wounded shipped to England. Wounds much improved. No surprise, I’ve always been a quick healer. Doctors and nurses impressed. My entire right side and right thigh are bruised purple and yellow still. I can move about with less pain now but I’m going a bit crazy with nothing to do. Eliza weighs heavily on my thoughts. One of the officers two beds over, Lt. Victor Richardson, was shot through the head but retains his faculties, not to mention his life! The doctors removed his left eye and he’s blind in the other, yet his spirit could not be more cheerful. I’ve taken to reading aloud to him as it seems to buoy his spirits and many of the others gather around to listen.

[Linked Image]

Weather continues rainy. Ackland, Nash and Sloley came to visit and brought me my Iliad and a copy of “Batchelor’s Buttons!”
Ackland was a bit glum still, not knowing if he’d find me on my deathbed or not.

“It’s good to see you so well, sir. We feared the worst.”
“You don’t call me sir, Ackland, unless you’ve been very naughty indeed. Now that I think about it, shooting your Flight Commander in the back might qualify. You did bring me my Iliad so we’ll let you off with a warning this time. Crosses, you shoot, not so much the Cockades."

“Yes, sir.”
“Who has A Flight now?” I asked.
“Captain Maxwell, sir,” Ackland replied.
“Excellent. Remember how we talked about surviving the first 30 days, THEN go looking to shoot Huns?”



4 September 1917
No. 10 Stationary Hospital
St. Omer, France


The doctors have pronounced me fit and tomorrow I return to the squadron. Lt. Richardson left for England yesterday. We got to talking in the last days. He’s sweet on a VAD nurse named Vera. I shall miss him and our conversations. Reading “Batchelor’s Buttons” and other comedic fare to him and the assembled officers kept me sane here, or at least helped to keep my mind off Eliza. I’ve not shared the Iliad. Men fresh from the mud of Passchendaele need something lighter.



5 September 1917

56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Grandpa Marson sent a car for me. I looked back toward the main Hospital building as the Crossley turned onto the main road.

[Linked Image]

One of the nurses was standing there looking directly at me, or so it seemed. I thought for a moment she might the Matron but dismissed the notion. She’d be 90 miles south in Tincourt with 55 CCS. I think my mind played tricks.

I reported to Major Blomfield, who had some bad news. Ackland was killed the day after he came to see me. Dammit to Hell! He’ll be the last “Wingman” I fly with for the time being. I just seem to get them killed when they try and stay with me. Enough.

[Linked Image]

Moody is newly promoted Corporal. He and Allyn had B.35 looking tip-top.

Flight Sergeant Pickett had another change to show me. “In honor of your red Albatros, sir, be it the Baron or some other Hun,” he said. “We touched up the paint on the wheels.



6 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Work. I must occupy every waking moment lest thoughts of Eliza invade my idle mind. Flying, fighting, and training the fledglings will be my sole focus for the near future. Corporal Allyn had another surprise for me. This morning a large sand-filled heavy bag hung from the rafters in the corner of A Flight Hangar. Any serious efforts there will need more time as my right side remains quite sore.

5.00 A Flight would attack the Athies Rail junction. I’ve only been away for 10 days but it feels much longer. The dawn light changed dramatically in that short time.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Sheds burning and no e/a sighted. A good start.

No PM show for me this afternoon. Major Blomfield insisted despite my protests. As for the two Huns from August 26, they will remain unclaimed. No matter, there’s more to be had.

Maxwell’s MC came through yesterday. Tonight was a celebration. Splendid meal, the orchestra in fine form. Many toasts. Maxwell is very much a soldier’s soldier. Commissioned in the famous Lovat Scouts he fought at Gallipoli. One of the few to down a Hun on his very first patrol, though I never tell that to the new men. I wonder occasionally why Major Blomfield shanghaied me instead of giving Maxwell “A” Flight when Prothero was killed in late July.



7 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.00 Defensive patrol in 54’s old neighborhood. Chipilly to Corbie. No e/a sighted. Took a detour over the lines on the way home up to the Lys but couldn’t find any Huns. A single patrol again. One more day like this and I’ll be having it out with Major Blomfield.



8 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

6.00 A proper patrol at last! Escort 2 Caudrons from Esc 27 on a reccy of the lines between the Lys and the Lille-Bailleul road. Goodness these Frog machines are slow. Over the lines 3 Albatri attacked. Maxwell and Hoidge sent their Albs down as did I.

[Linked Image]
The Hun fell thunderously northeast of Loos.

Found the ponderous Caudrons again and saw them home. Hideous, slow-moving contraptions. I pity the poor devils flying them.

Wing rejected the Albatros. It was good to be back.



9 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

7.00 On standby for nearly two hours when the phone rang. Huns near Lens.

Over the lines, 6 red-spinner Albatri appeared out of nowhere. In the chaos which followed Muspratt chased one with a green tail. The Hun jinked wildly. I stuffed the stick and rudder down into the right corner. Blood strained my eyes. The harness bit my shoulders as B35 entered an uncontrolled bunt. Not enough! I knew all too well the sickening crunch. B.35 still flew but my lower left plane was in a dire state.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

A Flight had the Huns well in hand as I made good my escape. The SE has its flaws, but she is a sturdy beast. Returned to Estrée-Blanche and landed the wrong way, not wanting to risk the usual approach over the tree line.


1.15 Escort 3 R.E.8s of 53 Sqn on a reconnaissance of enemy lines near the Loos road. Up in a spare, although Allyn did manage to install the Sopwith joystick. Still climbing we overflew 3 Albatri south of Bailleul.

[Linked Image]
None would return.

Crossing the lines, Periwinkle Albs attacked.

[Linked Image]
In his own lines he fell, northwest of Lille.

Flaming DIII confirmed, periwinkle nose DV rejected. Forty-four.




10 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

6.45 Line Patrol in front of Menen. Maybery, Barlow, Maxwell, Hoidge and Jeffs.

On our second circuit we climbed up 2000 feet to attack a Rumpler. After two passes Maybery sent it down out of control. As we circled down another Hun entered the fray.

[Linked Image]
A solitary Triplane. It climbs like a lift! Gods below, can it turn!

For five minutes three of us fought the Triplane. This Hun was an old hand who flew with incredible skill and put holes in all of us, but in the end he tarried overlong. I caught him with a high angle snapshot, and he stopped maneuvering. A 30-round burst from in close sent him circling down to crash near Rekkum Aerodrome.

[Linked Image]
More Huns entered the lists. This one fell on his aerodrome at Rekkum


2.00 Orders to intercept a raid SE of Bethune. Maybery, Maxwell, Jeffs and Hoidge. Three Periwinkle Albatri sat 2000 feet above us at the lines then finally attacked.

[Linked Image]
Periwinkles again!

Working above the fight I saw an Alb chasing Jeffs. I closed the distance rapidly, firing both guns all the while.

[Linked Image]
The Hun flew apart. I barely dodged the wreckage.

All three of today’s claims confirmed. Forty-seven now.



11 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Dawn intercept over Bullecourt. Climbing in our usual spot over Fruges we could see explosions at Auchel Aerodrome 8 miles to the East.

[Linked Image]
Searchlights lanced the sky to the North as we chased Huns we couldn’t see.

[Linked Image]
Never caught the bombers so we headed to our intercept point.

[Linked Image]
No enemy sighted.


11.45 Escort 3 Strutters from Esc. 53 to bomb enemy positions on the Menen-Roucourt road. B Flight providing top cover.

[Linked Image]
Albs attacked at the lines but B flight had them on the run.

A second flight of Huns got in amongst the Strutters who immediately formed a defensive circle. I chased a blue nosed DV. Jasta 36 again.

[Linked Image]
Massive damage to his upper top plane limited his agility.

[Linked Image]
He crashed next to the Lille North Road south of the Lys.

No word on today’s Albatros but the dispatch rider brought news that Guynemer is missing. If true, this will be a heavy blow for the Armée de l'Air.

Today, Major Blomfield posted another letter to the squadron.

[Linked Image]

I know we can bag the squadron’s 200th Hun. “A” Flight should be the ones to do it!



12 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

4.45 Dawn Patrol of the lines in front of Menen. Maybery, Maxwell Hoidge and Jeffs. Climbed to 14,000 and flew east. En route over the Ypres road we overflew a single DFW, 1000 feet below. Teamed with Maxwell who attacked first but then suffered a stoppage to both guns.

[Linked Image]
Floated way too high but the Observer missed.

Several short bursts separated his left top plane and the Hun spiraled to earth. He crashed on our side of the lines, 2 miles south of the Menen-Ypres road.

Reforming A Flight we grabbed again to 14,000 and made for our patrol area. No other e/a sighted.


12.45 Another deep raid, this time the aerodrome at Lieu-Saint-Amand, 25 miles over. Hoidge, Jeffs, Maybery and Maxwell.

[Linked Image]

Shot up the aerodrome, leaving the Kasino and one hangar smoking. No e/a sighted.

Another cooling system explosion of final approach. Closer investigation revealed a small bullet nick in the feed pipe.

Yesterday’s DV rejected, today’s DFW confirmed. Forty-eight.

Last edited by epower; 09/26/20 02:00 PM.
#4538460 - 09/26/20 06:30 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
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epower Offline
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epower  Offline
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 28 of many



13 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.45 Intercept Huns near Dadizele with Maxwell, Jeffs and Turnbull. At 11000 feet over Dadizele we found 5 red-spinner Albatri flying 500 ft below. I led A flight down, B35 got going too fast.

[Linked Image]
I completely botched my attack and ended up well below the fight...

[Linked Image]
...and nearly paid full price for my mistake.

Finally extricated myself after Jeffs cleared the Albatros off my tail. The Huns bolted into the clouds.
Reformed and attacked a solitary DFW with Jeffs and Maxwell.

[Linked Image]
The Hun observer, despite numerous other targets closer in, devoted his full attention to B35.

Maxwell eventually sent him down.

Just the one show today. I’m healed enough now to have a full go at the bag without feeling like I’m going to damage myself.



14 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

7.00 A Flight attacked Haubourdin aerodrome to little effect.

[Linked Image]

Everybody dispersed. Couldn’t reform the flight so I went home.

[Linked Image]

Another engine seizure approaching Estrée! At least they’re happening on our side of the lines.


12.00 Escort 3 Strutters from Escadrille 108 on Reccy of lines between Vimy Ridge and Bethune. After the Strutters finished their photography, we saw them across the mud then picked up two unexpected visitors.

[Linked Image]
Fees of No. 20 Squadron. Tom’s unit!

[Linked Image]
Sloley sent a single intruding Albatros to the Death God. Too keen. Far too keen.

Celebration muted tonight. N. H. Crow went West today. Shot down over the lines. The Huns dropped a note saying he was dead. He’d been here less than a month.



15 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.45 Line Patrol from Lens to Arras. At the lines, a DFW flew directly toward us at the same altitude.

[Linked Image]

I reversed, got well under him, and must have knocked out the observer with my initial burst. I put a full drum of Lewis into the DFW and he fell in flames.


12.30 Line Patrol over Bullecourt. Staying low under the clouds at 6000 feet looking for 2-seaters. 6 high Albatros DIIIs dropped down.

[Linked Image]

When my attacker overshot, a short burst staggered the Albatros and sent the Hun plummeting into the western outskirts of Monchy-le-Preux.

A second Albatros attacked from on high, yet...

[Linked Image]
“...his weapon had been loosed from his hand in a vain cast.”
He flew below me, squandering his advantage. Southeast of Arras his life and strength left him.

To the West an Albatros chased a Pup. Hoidge attacked the Albatros but was himself set upon by another Hun. I fired from range and the Hun broke off Hoidge.

[Linked Image]
Two short bursts then a longer one sent the Albatros rolling away to his right.

He crashed 3 miles south of Arras on the Bapaume road.

Four Kills today, three of which Wing confirmed. Fifty-one.



16 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

6.45 Intercept incoming Huns east of Arras. In a spare today after B35’s shredding yesterday. Allyn fixed me up with another Sopwith grip. “Set the triggers like Captain McCudden’s, sir. Very light touch, just 3-4 ounces of pressure.”

With Sloley, Barlow and Jeffs, A Flight crossed the mud at 14,000 feet. I could see 3 dots moving across the Sun North to South. Gave chase but lost them. Overflew 7 Huns 3000 feet below.

[Linked Image]
Black tails. Jasta 12. My initial burst hit the pilot. The Albatros went straight down.

Two of his comrades sought to avenge him and gave me a bad minute or two before Sloley chased one away. I fought the other in a descending scissors.

[Linked Image]
South of Monchy-le-Preux I put 30 rounds into his cockpit and he fell out of control.

[Linked Image]
A third Hun was running for home. My second burst knocked out his engine.

He landed and I thought he’d made it safely down but the Albatros hit a shell hole and broke in half. I couldn’t see if the Hun survived the crash.

Circling to look for the flight, I found Barlow, then saw an SE to the East, surrounded by the grey cotton balls of Archie. Heading that direction I spied a fourth Albatros slinking home.

[Linked Image]
He fell thunderously near Riencourt and his armor clattered upon him.

A red day for A Flight. Barlow downed one, as did Sloley. I had four. Of the 7 Black Tails who went forth from Jasta 12, only one returned.


1.45 Line Patrol from Vimy Ridge to Athies. No e/a sighted. With our patrol complete we headed into Hunland but found only empty sky. Met up with 3 Fees at the lines. No 20 Squadron again. Flew escort.

[Linked Image]

The Fees turned south unexpectedly, and a gap opened. It was then that a solitary Albatros dove in.

[Linked Image]

We were too far back! Fortunately, the Fees managed to fend off the lone Hun long enough for us to close the distance. Maxwell sent the Albatros spinning down.

Wing, much to my surprise, confirmed all four of the morning Albatri. Seven Huns in two days!

Fifty-five.





Last edited by epower; 09/26/20 06:35 AM.
#4538474 - 09/26/20 01:09 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
.

It’s been a busy week for me so it was most enjoyable to just sit here drinking coffee and catching up on everyone’s recent adventures. Brilliant stories, screenshots, videos, and photos, (except for the one of Nurse Diesel, could have done without that).


Epower – Wowzers, speaking of catching up! Oliver has had a very full several weeks, what with the near-ender and all the air activity. Fifty-five total? Seven confirmed in two days?! Someone is entering the rarified heights of the VC methinks.

Fullofit – Ziggy has been busy too, and has at long last broken the fifty mark. Outstanding! Perhaps another kingdom award in his near future too. And to that, what town/region was he born in?

Raine – What’s this? Another wounding of Vogel as well?! This war is getting much to dangerous, time to talk with the generals about dialing things back a bit. Hope your man enjoys the nurses, again.

Carrick – Marcel is in recovery too? Are the hospitals running a two for one special? I’d tell your man to enjoy the nurses as well, but telling a Frenchman that is the epitome of pointless advice.

MFair – That’s a beautiful piece of land you, err um, I mean Immer is working on there. It’s going to make a fine airstrip. I have 80 acres in northern Minnesota with a very similar strip of open meadow that is also the perfect size for a WWI airfield.


Now then, to Freddy. No, he is not getting plastic surgery as he is quite fine with how he looks. No, despite his oversized teeth, he does not have any to spare. To his flying, it’s been a solid week of perfect weather and the air Hun have been willing to play. These two factors have resulted in some fairly successful outings that now have Lieutenant Abbott sitting with just over 100 combat sorties and 19 confirmed victories. And, he’s managed to avoid another hospital visit, unlike so many of his peers here.

Also, since collages and/or montages, (and for that matter triages), seem all the rage these days, here is Freddy’s week in review. Oh, and remember, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.


[Linked Image]

.

#4538495 - 09/26/20 06:43 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
Marcel Jules Gilbare,Sgt.
209th, Rest and Convalescence
Detachment, Bungalow 4
Montmarte, France.

Sep 27, 1917.

Curses foiled again, The Nurse had hidden my belt and suspenders . Thus disabled ,I cant sneak out and see the Mata Hari Dance show with my mates. Mon ami ! How would it look a Sgt Pilot in dress uniform with his hands in his pockets to hold up his pants attending that kind of entertainment?

#4538496 - 09/26/20 06:46 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
MFair: It was a Dirt Field ?

#4538504 - 09/26/20 08:20 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
MFair Offline
Senior Member
MFair  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
Fullofit, congratulations on hitting the 50 mark. Beautiful flying and I love “the rooster.”
EPower, someone has been busy! Thats a lot of flying. Good thing about getting behind is when you have to spend a week or two in hospital, you don’t have to wait. The best thing about the Baroness and that lovely nurse is they live in our fantasies which, nine times out of ten, never live up to the expectations. After all, she did marry Mickey Rooney. She had to have a screw loose somewhere.
Carrick, Yep, a dirt field. It was full of grass but after burning, disking, harrowing, seed spreading and harrowed again, it will be a nice grass field.


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!
#4538507 - 09/26/20 08:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
epower Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower  Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
Lou - Good to have you and Freddy back at it. Collage Montage for one and all! Some cool pics in there. A Magpie I see. Is FReddy still flying with his new G/O? Congrats on crossing the 100 hour mark. I'll see if I can scare up a picture of Frau Blucher so you can erase the Nurse Diesel image. She turned 94 this year, btw.

Carrick - Zut Alors! That blasted nurse is onto Marcel and his licentious ways. Yes, hands in pockets at the Mata Hari event would be a very bad look indeed.



À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 29 of many



17 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

I woke to the wonderful sound of rain and my batman, Harris, muttering softly that the morning patrols were cancelled. Lt. Hubert Charles, our wizard of an Engineering Officer, is my tent mate. We rarely see one another outside the hangar or the mess as he usually works late into the night and I’m often on the dawn show.

Paperwork. The administrative part of the Flight Commander’s responsibilities came as an unpleasant surprise, but I couldn’t ask for a better group than A Flight and Flight Sergeant Pickett is as fine an NCO as I’ve encountered in my time here.

An hour on the bag. Spent the afternoon writing letters but not *that* letter. Not yet.

Weather looks dud for tomorrow as well. Half the squadron are off to St. Omer to woo Fair Maids but not Muspratt, Coote and Arthur. Those three are inseparable and of a different mind. They’re not prudish or priggish about it, they simply prefer to be walking and “talking about everything under the sun,” as Coote says. The squadron call them “The Children.” They were all keen on Oxford or Cambridge when the war came and can’t wait for it to be over so they can go to University.

Of the Triumvirate, Arthur is the most scholarly. He won a prestigious scholarship to Oxford when he was at Eton. He laughed when I told him about sneaking off to the Bodlean Library when I was at the School of Military Aeronautics. I learned we share a love for the classics. His Latin is nearly fluent and far surpasses my own, but I can almost hold my own when it comes to Greek. Such a wide-ranging mind, so many interests. The Far East holds a fascination for him. He was intensely curious about my travels on Astoria. If Oxford is full of people like him, I might reconsider University.

I wonder what these three will become in peacetime.



18 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

More Rain. One day was a nice respite but now I grow restless and my mind wanders... Even the bag is no respite.

Stewart’s MC from July was Gazetted. Goodness knows what mischief the randy old satyr has gotten up to since he’s sewn on that white and purple ribbon. The Fair Maids of France must be swooning by the dozen. Stewpot’s been out since last December. Transfer to HE can’t be far away.



19 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

6.00 Air Raid!! We scrambled all flights. Far above I could just make out the dots of Hun Bombers. We gave chase and caught them north of Armentieres. Four DFWs in echelon left.

[Linked Image]

In perfect firing position on the outermost DFW. Both trigger cables parted. I continued firing the Vickers with my left hand on the handle but now had no throttle control. The Hun Observer made things too hot and I dove away. Hell!


1.40 Escort 3 R.E.8s from 42 Sqn on a bombing mission NE of Lens. Only 2 Harry Tates at the RV point. Several bombing runs at 10,500 feet then the RE8s broke for home. We saw them to the lines then climbed to 12,000 and went back over. Saw 1 high dot to the south and 3 dots at our altitude to the northeast.

[Linked Image]
I latched onto one. Bullets tore into his engine and he started smoking.

[Linked Image]
Another 20-round burst separated his top plane.

A second Albatros attacked head on. As he went past I turned in the opposite direction and used my speed to get around the circle.

[Linked Image]
I hit him solidly with my first shots.

He slid to the left in a shallow descent. I thought he might be under control still, but he knifed into the ground near Phalempin.

Wing confirmed the second Albatros. Major Blomfield was as effusive as I’d ever seen him and made dreadful puns about my score and the ‘measure of the squadron.’ Fifty-six now.


20 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

5.40 Balloon strafe SE of Loos. Went in low and fast. No opposition.

[Linked Image]


12.15 Line patrol over Old Mossy Face with Maybery, Hoidge, and Arthur.

On our side of the lines, 3 Albatri escorted 2 DFWs.

[Linked Image]

I shot through the formation head on. A high climbing turn put me on the tail of the trailing Albatros.

[Linked Image]
I fired from close range. He fell off to the left and spun out of control all the way down.

The DFWs escaped east at full throttle, but 3 Sons of Tydeus would not see home again.

Unusual patrol order for tomorrow morning. A flight have the dawn show and orders are for a Line patrol in front of St. Quentin, almost 100 miles SE. With the Menen Road Ridge attack this could not be correct. Major Blomfield questioned the order in the strongest terms but Wing were most insistent. While Hun 2-seaters call down artillery on our PBI, A Flight will be keeping the skies clear of Boche 100 miles south.

Both the morning Balloon and the afternoon DV confirmed. Fifty-eight.



21 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Dawn Patrol and a long trek Southeast with Maxwell, Turnbull, Hoidge, Jeffs and Sloley. No e/a to be found in the patrol area so we headed North up the lines all the way to Lille looking for mischief. Nothing.

[Linked Image]
Back to Estree-Blanche in time for breakfast.


12.30 On standby for the early afternoon. Orders came through to intercept a raid southeast of Neuve Chapelle.

[Linked Image]
Seven Albatri descending.

[Linked Image]
Arthur in trouble!

[Linked Image]
I chased the Hun off Arthur. He ran low but I caught him over our lines...

[Linked Image]
He fell near our frontline trenches.

W.J. Potts was killed today. Cronyn saw him going down with his wings off. Poor old Potts. Just got married a month ago.



22 September 1917
56 Squadron RFC
Estrée-Blanche, France

Morning tea and toast interrupted by the air raid siren. All flights cleared the field without damage. Pitch dark. I could barely see the flight much less any Huns. Started climbing due East hoping we might catch them at the lines when the Sun came up.

Moving through 2000 feet when the Hispano spewed oil and started in with a horrible clonking. Revs falling, I left the flight to Maxwell and groped my way back to Estrée-Blanche in the dark.

[Linked Image]

A convoy of lorries, headlights ablaze, crossed the Lys at the stone bridge. I followed their line and found the field. Came in high to make sure I cleared the trees but carried too much speed and went off the far end of the field and down the hill. I feared I might go over but managed a ground loop down the slope. B.35 slid backwards for a few yards the came to rest.

I was several hundred yards from the hangars so by the time Flt Sgt. Picket and the A flight crew reached me I’d recovered my composure.

A Flight returned empty-handed an hour later. The rising sun brought unusually high winds, cancelling flight operations for the reminder of the day.

Two good sessions on the bag today. The NCOs played the Men this evening in a Rugby match. Played catch with the strange bloated ball, which is even fatter than an American football. The underhand lateral was a bit different but after a short while I got the hang of it. Arthur was in the Eton XV so maybe he can explain the rules to me. Right leg nearly healed but it’s not up to running yet so I have some time to learn the game.

The evening dispatch rider brought news of yesterday’s DV. Confirmed. Fifty-nine









Last edited by epower; 09/26/20 09:10 PM.
#4538510 - 09/26/20 09:58 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
MFair Offline
Senior Member
MFair  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
Epower, wow! You are racking up Huns at an astounding rate. The pic of the three peeling away in front of you should be a classic!

Lou, my apologies Sir! I missed your last post. 100 missions takes a lot of skill with a bit of luck. Congratulations!


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!
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