Gentlemen...great stuff by you all. I'm glad to see my fellow brothers are doing splendid work for the Fatherland. If we all come out of this on the other end, Friedrich will have to personally invite you to the vineyard for a night of over-indulgence of the fruit drink. Feldwebel Friedrich Baldwin Eberwein Jasta 35, Aertrycke
29 Oktober 1917 Young Georgi was gentler when waking me up. He whispered so as to not wake Zanthier. I asked for the time and he said it was just after five. I could see his breath in the air as he answered. The fire had gone out and the cold was vicious. I shivered as I quickly put on my clothes and threw some wood on the fire in hopes I could start it back up, if not for me, for poor Zanthier. He had a cough that had been getting worse through the night. I wondered if we were all going to catch sick soon.
I walked the road with Kammerer, who was also on the first flight this morning. We didn't say much, but exchanged some pleasantries as we grabbed a quick bite before heading to the hangar. It was empty. We then decided to check HQ and we found the rest of the flight in there, hovered around the fireplace, smoking, shivering, quiet. Hanstein entered, looking rough. Dark circles under his eyes, wrinkles lining his mouth as he began to talk. We were to take off around 6,15 and head Southwest towards the line over Passchendaele. More two-seaters and possible scouts covering were expected, as they had been frequenting the line every morning around sunrise. Three pilots to provide high coverage in one flight, four in other.
I made my way to my machine and hopped in. The mechanics helped me strap in and I tested the controls. The sky was clear, and the horizon began to take it pre-sunrise hues of oranges and reds. Stars still shined in the sky to the west, where the faint rumbles of morning artillery could be heard. We started our engines and made our way off into the sky.
The cold only got worse as we made our way to just above 4000 meters. My nose stung as I felt the snot and drippings freeze to my nose and mouth. No amount of layers could prevent this level of discomfort. My right knee ached even more as we continued. Kette eins dropped down low and after a group of two-seaters. We remained up top for cover and looked for the escort. Eventually, we returned home as we didn't see anything else. Kette eins didn't get any claims, just scared them off.
Everything seemed simple until our approach to land. As I made my circle around the field, my engine sputtered, smoke plumed, and the engine failed. I didn't have enough speed to turn and I was forced to go forward. Luckily, the field of sad looking cows was directly in front of me, and long enough to make the landing. In a blink of the eye, I was landing in the mud that expedited my stop. The machine tipped forward at a forty-five degree angle before dropping back into the ground. I said there shocked at what had just happened. I could see in the distance the truck and mechanical crew rushing down the road to get to me. I just sat there. I unstrapped and went to jump out when I was overcome by extreme nausea, discarding my morning meal all over the ground. I was shaking. I sat on the opposite side of the Albatros, where they would see me, and lit a cigarette, my shaking hand unable to light the match the first few times. I did my best to collect myself.
Martz said something knocked lose and he'd have to fix it. The young Unteroffizer gave me a ride back to hangar, where everyone asked me how I was and what had happened. I played it off that everything was fine, but really, it wasn't. I knew, almost expected, to be killed by the enemy one day, but I didn't think an accident such as this would lower my chances of survival even more so.
The day was uneventful. I sat in the cottage and chatted with Zanthier, who was definitely sick with something none of us wanted.
30 Oktober 1917 Martz didn't seem confident the night before that my machine would be ready, so I was surprised to find it in good order the next morning. I hadn't slept as Zanthier coughed throughout the night. Georgi came in to wake him for the dawn flight, so I walked with him to see if I needed to take his place. Fortunately, Hanstein took pity on him and sent him back to bed. The morning show going on without him, and they didn't need me. I sat in the HQ and minded the phones and correspondence while Hanstein had breakfast.
Six of us took of at 9,00 in response to call that a flight of Sopwiths were coming over the lines north of Ypres. Hanstein led Gondermann, Lausnitz, Justinus, Wendland and myself. I was again shaky as we set off. My stomach with the familiar pit of anxiety and fear. I felt like this was going to be it: I'm either going to make it or die.
We had just reached 3000 meters when we saw them: six Camels just above us, diving down in our direction. Time stood still as the events unfolded. One instantly fired on me as I saw the tracers fly overhead. I turned left (yes, left....always left) and tried to keep my nose horizontal. The Camel kicked hard rudder and was almost on my tail instantly. I couldn't believe how fast he turned. I turned hard left and down, attempting to gain speed, but the Camel seemed to remain within distance. Any time I attempted to turn level, I felt the machine struggle, so I felt my only chance of survival was to keep the nose down and turn left. They were right, the Camel didn't turn nearly as fast when going left, but it was impressive how quick of a right-hand turn it held. The two of us remained focused on one another. Before I knew it, we were close to the ground, no more than 800 meters. I continued my left turn in hopes that eventually he'd turn right and I'd get a chance. Finally, he decided to stop following me and leveled off to get ready to turn right. He took a bit longer and as I finally gained an advantage, he just began to turn right. We were head to head, both of us firing. The tracers went everywhere around me, none in me luckily. I was unsure if I had hit him. He flew over me and behind, I kicked hard left rudder and turned. He turned right. I had turned quicker, and he was going to fly directly into my sights allowing me a shot directly on top of him. I held down the triggers and watched the leading tracers hit him from engine to tail.
I leveled off when he passed to see if I could quickly turn right on him, but it wasn't needed. His machine was on fire, spiraling. He crashed in a muddy field by a crumbling church. I made note of where it was. I looked around and only saw Lausnitz coming up on me from the west. I settled in on him port side and he motioned to head home. I did. Once on the field, we all began discussing the fray. Everyone had gotten shots in, but I was the only one with a claim. Lausnitz said he had witnessed me fire into it and watched it go down. He complimented me on my patience, but took the moment to remind me that I should have never dropped altitude that fast. While it paid off, I should always maintain the advantage of altitude, even if that means letting a kill go away.
Hanstein made the call, and by lunch it was confirmed. My first kill was a Camel. At dinner, the squadron made a toast and brought out the champagne cognac reserves. The men were a bit more cheery than days past. Perhaps a green pilot showing they could hold their own did something to the morale, but I wasn't going to let my ego take hold of the situation. Zanthier went to bed early, but I remained in the main room of the cottage with the other pilots until my head started to buzz. I learned a lot about all of them, and I was glad to feel like one who belonged.
Last edited by AceMedic88; 10/30/2004:08 PM.
I got fired as the door man at a sperm bank. Apparently it's in poor taste to tell leaving customers "Thanks for coming."
Former U.S. Army Medic - SGT.
#4542739 - 10/30/2004:02 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Raine, finally some good news! I see the curse of the unconfirmed kill is broken. Well done on those Camels. It appears they are no match for the mighty Albatros after all. Have you asked Steinmesser if he’s got any spare roof tiles to replace just in case Vogel decided to go all Willi von Klugermann on that roof? Dangerous maneuver after stressing the airframe due to air combat.
Ace, I’ll repeat it again. It looks like the Camel is no match for the mighty Albatros. All this nonsense about its superiority is just Limey propaganda. Well done on that first kill. That should take the edge of those jitters young Eberwein was having. Good going!
This morning they were sent to protect the observation balloons near Diksmuide. No contact. It was strange. Usually RFC or RNAS chaps came out to play in this part of the Front, but not today. The 80th kill continues to evade Ziggy. The good news is that Müller convinced Nadette to agree to come back and continue to clean Hahn’s office once again. Zygmunt keeps his hands to himself while she’s around.
"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."
#4542810 - 10/31/2001:04 AMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Rupert Harkonen Underofficer Jasta 33 Wynghene, Flanders Oct 30, 1917.
Some Spads caught my Kette in the landing circuit after Patrol. They shot up my ride very good holes everywhere, but managed to do a hard landing breaking up the a/c. Should be back up in a Few days as the Jasta has No a/c in Res.
#4542813 - 10/31/2001:16 AMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Another one of the enemy observation balloons was giving Army HQ fits. Jasta 36 was tasked with eliminating that thorn in their side. The gasbag was brought down by Bongartz east of Armentières after Zygmunt peppered it well first. The enemy planes were still absent. In the evening Zygmunt was pleasantly surprised with news of his promotion to the rank of Hauptmann in anticipation of his 80th victory. He was still stuck on 78 though.
"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."
#4542943 - 11/01/2009:59 AMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Ivan’s flight took off for a routine line defence patrol. As they were climbing to patrol altitude a flight of Brisfits dove on them. Ivan latched on to one and sent it packing west. He turned back to the fight but the Brisfit were giving up and heading home. He spotted one low and dove on it. Another of his flight already had him and he climbed again only to spot another heading west. He dove again. As he started pouring rounds into it he felt bullets hit his machine and him. He pulled away looking for Roucourt. The world around him was turning grey and then black. His Albatros smashed into the ground into a thousand pieces.
Well Gents, Germany’s newest hero has bit the dust. Hunting season is in full swing and I will be occupied for a while so I will wait till February to rejoin. Y’all stay safe and I will be checking in on everyone to see how you are going. Till next time Amigos!
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!
#4542982 - 11/01/2005:50 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 3,696Fullofit
Senior Member
Oh no! MFair sorry to see Immer go. Those dastardly two-seaters have to pay for this. Enjoy the hunt.
1 November, 1917 Ceurne, Flanders Sector Jasta 36 Hauptmann Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO 78 confirmed kills
Low pressure settled in and any flying would have to wait until it cleared. The bad weather was not the only thing that was bad. Bad mood all around also set over Ceurne. In light of recent events all flights in Dr.I’s have been suspended until further notice pending an investigation into the failing wings and unfortunate accidents. Such were the orders straight from the HQ. Everyone is back to flying Albatros D.Vs. Ziggy didn’t have any problem with the new orders. His rotten mood was caused by lack of enemy presence to further his tally. It was beginning to feel like an obsession.
"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."
#4543000 - 11/01/2008:24 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Joined: May 2012 Posts: 737epower
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower
Artless Aide-de-camp
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
MFair - Oh No! Not Immer. Ivan shall hunt no more. Terrible news. “What of the hunting, hunter bold? Brother, the watch was long and cold. What of the quarry ye went to kill? Brother, he crops in the jungle still. Where is the power that made your pride? Brother, it ebbs from my flank and side. Where is the haste that ye hurry by? Brother, I go to my lair to die!”
Last edited by epower; 11/01/2008:26 PM.
#4543002 - 11/01/2009:29 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Touching poem EPower. What I call a good hunt is, everyone had a good time and all came home safe. A sunrise, a sunset, the wind or rain in my face, and any beautiful sight the spirits deemed me worthy to see. That’s a fine day.
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!
#4543030 - 11/02/2003:25 AMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Rupert Harkonen Underofficer Jasta 33 Wynghene, Flanders Nov 1, 1917.
Escorted a couple of Rumplers over a Arty Barrage. The cloud had a low layer so we had to fly at the base 3800 meters. No a/c sighted
#4543075 - 11/02/2002:40 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Joined: May 2012 Posts: 4,879RAF_Louvert
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.
MFair, that is sad news about Ivan, sorry to see he's gone the way of so many brave young virtual lads here. We'll miss you having a dog in this fight my friend, but do enjoy your time hunting! And make sure you stop in regularly and keep us informed.
I'll catch up on everyone's latest stories soon, but I must head out for the day. Was just stopping by to post Freddy's EOM stats when I saw we'd lost another one. Stay safe in the virtual skies gents, it is getting a lot more dangerous up there again.
Cheers!
Captain Frederick Heracles Byron Abbott, DSO MC CdG 65 Squadron RFC La Lovie, Belgium Sopwith Camel 26 kills, 43 claims 123 missions 148.30 hours
.
#4543116 - 11/02/2005:23 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Mfair: my condolences on the loss of your pilot. The Fatherland was proud of his exploits.
I'm catching up on Friedrich, so today I provide his exploits from 31 October to provide end of month stats. Feldwebel Friedrich Baldwin Eberwein Jasta 35, Aertrycke
31 Oktober 1917 When Georgi woke me up in the pre-dawn hours, my head was swimming a bit from the champagne the night before. The fire had gone out again and the chill was deadly when I removed the blankets. I restarted the fire and checked on Zanthier. His fever had broke but he was still in rough shape. I told Georgi to get him tea as I set off for the squadron hangar.
Hanstein had us all on alert for calls of British scouts. We were waiting for a sighting, so I had time to grab a quick breakfast and watch the sun rise. At 7,10, we received our first call from the lines at Menen, and six of us, led by Hanstein, were airborne in a matter of minutes. The sky was clear with excellent visibility, but the cold was unbearable. It made the climb to altitude even of a challenge. I was shivering and could feel the cold penetrate my deepest core. The scarf I had wrapped around my face had turned to ice from my breath.
It didn't take long for us to come across a flight of six SE5's about 1000 meters above us. They had the advantage, but Hanstein remained patient. They clearly saw us but waited to pounce for some reason. Our two flights circled, but Hanstein was smart to drag this stand-off more towards our side of lines. We were directly over Menen when they dove on us. We turned toward them to charge head on. My stomach dropped. but my nerves held their ground. The SE5's weren't as calm and collected, under-utilizing their advantage they had. They fired from too far away and came in too steep, dropping below us without leaving a scratch. We all turned onto our own enemy and circled. I preferred the SE5 to the Camel, they didn't turn as easily and I was able to yo-yo with them with ease. The pilot that dueled with me didn't seem to have as much control as me as I fired into him many times. We didn't drop as low as I had the day prior, but he attempted to dive for home, and I let him. I leveled off and found myself completely alone. I circled over Menen to see if I could recognize anyone, and decided to head back home.
Once on the ground, it was clear a few of the other pilots had been hit, but no injuries. Luckily, we didn't receive any other alerts for the day and I was able to spend the afternoon in the cottage ensuring Zanthier covered. By dinner he had color in his face, with only the bad cough remaining.
End of month stats: Feldwebel Friedrich B. Eberwein Jasta 35, Aertrycke Albatros DV 1 Kill:1 claim 6 missions 5.88 hours at the front
I got fired as the door man at a sperm bank. Apparently it's in poor taste to tell leaving customers "Thanks for coming."
Former U.S. Army Medic - SGT.
#4543174 - 11/02/2011:33 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Steinmesser has acquired a fine enamelled iron stove for the pilot’s hut. By the time I arrived at six, just as the eastern sky is growing pink, the heat hits you as you enter. It is too hot to wear my sheepskin flying boots and I resort to padding about the room in woollen socks. Someone has supplied us with religious tracts, promising a thousand years of peace and love before judgement. Someone else has supplied us with several copies of a naturalist magazine, promising us health and productivity through dangling various bits of anatomy in fresh air. The illustrations in the latter documents are far superior.
The morning drags by in interminable small talk and stale reminiscences. Schobinger takes up his flight for a line patrol. Mueller visits with an armful of papers and reports to sign. At last the telephone rings. There is enemy activity to the south near Cambrai. We take off and turn directly south, climbing all the way. As we pass Marcoing, a large group of aeroplanes comes into view far off to the east. That far over they should be ours, but something looks odd. I changed course to place us between the sun and the strange formation. Sure enough, the unknown machines scatter and turn towards us, taking shape as they approach. The long parallel wings, lacking all dihedral, prove them to be Spads. We are outnumbered seven to four. The French Spads are well-handled. Although we out-turn them, the Spads are able to use their speed and power to keep a slight height advantage. For several minutes we hang at the edge of stall speed while our enemies zoom and dive repeatedly towards us. Finally, one and then another breaks away and leaves the fight. The Spad with whom I have tangled for at least five minutes simply puts its nose down and disappears. I look about. Another Albatros, Joerke I believe, is circling about, trying to gain an advantage on one of the Frenchman. He is too far off. Then I notice a single Spad about a thousand metres below. I have the sun at my back and begin a long dive to cut him off from his home. I have calculated well and dry very close to the French machine before firing. Immediately, it begins to trail grey smoke. The Spad circles lower but now I can catch it. I fire again and again. Finally it begins to spin downwards and crashes about four kilometres west of Cambrai, just in front of the German trenches. My machine has been shot up and I put down at Preville for quick repairs and rearming.
"Immediately, it begins to trail grey smoke."
The Spad is confirmed before lunch – number sixty-three.
1 November 1917
Enemy machines are reported near Monchy. We arrive only for strong – me, Schobinger, Necker, and Jobmann. The cloud is heavy. It is one of those mornings where one can run directly into an enemy formation at close range before seeing it. We are slightly more fortunate today. I spot four Camels and we dived to the attack. The Englishman see us and turn to fight. Suddenly we find ourselves facing seven or eight Camels! It is a desperate few minutes. I am paired with a expert pilot who peppers my machine with his twin Vickers guns. Suddenly I find that it has become nearly impossible to turn to the right. I put the nose down and dive at full throttle, praying that the Albatros Werke has resolved its wing problems. Roucourt is not far off and the Englishman does not follow. My machine trundles up to the sheds and I switch off. Cold sweat is running down my chest and sides. I sit in the cockpit for a couple of minutes before unbuckling and climbing down.
#4543179 - 11/02/2011:53 PMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
AceMedic, congratulations on your first kill and especially on making it a Camel!
Fullofit, now that Nadette is back, Ziggy has stopped scoring. Do you think maybe it is a hex? Just saying…
Lederhosen, that is one very impressive record!
Carrick, best of luck with Rupert. I particularly liked your screenshot with the Rumpler.
MFair, I was devastated to read that Immer is gone. I had plans to begin working on his PLM citation this week. Enjoy your brief leave from the front and we'll see you when the snow falls! Be sure to be back before the March offensive and please drop in regularly.
Here are the end of October stats for Vogel…
Oberleutnant Hans-Dieter Vogel Pour le Merite, Hohenzollern House Order, Hanseatic Cross (Bremen), EK 1, EK 2 Jasta 12 Roucourt, France Albatros DV (uprated)
63 victories, 128 claims 135 missions 86.23 hours
#4543191 - 11/03/2001:34 AMRe: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)
[Re: Raine]
Joined: May 2012 Posts: 737epower
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower
Artless Aide-de-camp
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
Still playing catch up. Below are stats as of missions flown thru 17 Oct when Oliver headed to London.
Captain Oliver Alden Winningstad, VC, DSO & Bar, MC 56 Squadron RFC Estree-Blanche, France