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#4544857 - 11/13/20 11:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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Great stuff everyone. Friedrich's story will continue tomorrow, and to catch up, it will be like a Netflix binge.


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.
#4544870 - 11/14/20 01:08 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Rupert Harkonen
Underofficer
Jasta 33
Wynghene, Flanders

Victorys: 2
Claims: 1
Bagged a gas Bag today my flight leader started it smoking then I fired off 200 rds and she blew up.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-11-13 16-35-10-62.jpgCFS3 2020-11-13 16-50-20-65.jpg
#4544905 - 11/14/20 02:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Ajax, ON
14 November, 1917 14:45
Saint-Loup-en-Champagne, Marne Sector
Jasta 19
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO
82 confirmed kills

Finally, after a day off they were back in action. This time - balloon defence north of Sillery. Das Franzosen were spotted near the balloon. Flak had them in their sights and announced their presence to Ziggy’s Schwarm of three. Hahn, Tybelsky and Leusch against what looked like three Rotkäppchen. As he settled on one of the SPADs and began to track him, another one snuck behind and perforated Zygmut’s mount. It was lucky no serious damage was inflicted and the disgraced German ace could avoid further damage, get on his assailant’s rear and reciprocate in a similar fashion. The bloody fools on the ground fired indiscriminately at all aeroplanes overhead and Ziggy’s Albatros received additional damage from them. He knew the crews were not first rate, but he didn’t realize things were this bad. The SPAD took some more damage from Hahn’s Spandaus before falling out of control and crashing near the base of the balloon. Zygmunt had Tybelsky as his witness, but knowing the balloon Flak batteries they were already calling in to claim that SPAD.

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."
#4545035 - 11/15/20 03:52 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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15 November, 1917 09:45
Saint-Loup-en-Champagne, Marne Sector
Jasta 19
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO
82 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

The orders came to intercept enemy planes heading for our factories at Warmerville. The SPADs came out in force, but Zygmunt and his Schwarm had no problem keeping up with them and after a few attempts to chase them away the French machines used their speed to run away across to their side. And just in time - Hahn’s Mercedes began to overheat, trailing a thick tail of light grey smoke. Ziggy was forced to switch the engine off and glide to the nearest aerodrome. Thankfully Leffincourt wasn’t too far off.


[Linked Image]

Attached Files 1917-11-15.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."
#4545100 - 11/16/20 02:21 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Rupert Harkonen
Underofficer
Jasta 33
Wynghene, Flanders

Victorys: 2
Claims: 1


Intercept: 4 a/c up, but no contact.

Barrage Patrol: Caught a flight of 2 seat types slightly below us our kette dove to attack. The Tommy s lost 2 a/c, but we lost one. I saw the whole thing, he made a pass then rolled over to gain speed. Smoke puked out then the machine broke into a ball of fire smashing into the ground below.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-11-15 19-26-56-70.jpgCFS3 2020-11-15 19-27-23-44.jpgCFS3 2020-11-15 19-31-14-81.jpgCFS3 2020-11-15 19-32-48-32.jpgCFS3 2020-11-15 19-29-50-91.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 11/16/20 03:47 AM.
#4545137 - 11/16/20 02:23 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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AceMedic88 Offline
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Well, Friedrich bit the dust on November 1st...

It poor visibility/poor weather, while patrolling the lines just to the west Ostend, Friedrich experiened a mechanical failure and crashed, killing him instantly.

It was a short war for Friedrich, but so it goes.

On to the next one


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.
#4545174 - 11/16/20 06:59 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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A Toast to the next one that goes down.

Attached Files dawnerol fynn.jpgattractive-blond-pin-up-army-girl-military-salute-addressing-command-general-standing-ammunition-box-31708923.jpg
#4545181 - 11/16/20 07:25 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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AceMedic88 Offline
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Carrick, any reference to The Dawn Patrol is top-notch in my book.

Here's to the next one!


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.
#4545189 - 11/16/20 08:00 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Ace - Dreadful tidings. My condolences, old man. I hope I didn't jinx things by starting a file of Friedrich posts.

Looking forward to your next man. Hurrah!

[Linked Image]

Last edited by epower; 11/16/20 08:01 PM.
#4545190 - 11/16/20 08:08 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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AceMedic88 Offline
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Epower...no worries. You didn't jinx him. He used up all nine-lives when he made it out of that shell explosion at the front.

The next pilot will be a Canadian, David Charles Bissett of Hamilton, Ontario


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.
#4545198 - 11/16/20 10:26 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Ace, sorry to see Frederick go so soon. Another warrior reaches the gates of Valhalla. Looking forward to the Canuck story.

16 November, 1917 09:45
Saint-Loup-en-Champagne, Marne Sector
Jasta 19
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO
83 confirmed kills

The SPAD from two days ago has become Zygmunt’s 83rd confirmed victory.
With his Albatros’ engine fixed and purring like new, Zygmunt could lead his Schwarm today. They’ve just taken off and Hahn looked back towards the airfield to check how the rest of his flight members were falling into formation when he realized there were more planes there now than before the take off. Flak was also present signifying enemy machines. He quickly turned back and lunged headlong into the furball. SPADs were zipping around everywhere. Ziggy acquired a target right away. It was mayhem with enemy and friendly planes flying dangerously close to each other. Ziggy’s target disappeared below his Albatros and reappeared behind as three new ones. Zygmunt thought it was a neat trick, but this was no time for parlour tricks. He simply selected one of them - it didn’t matter which one and continued his chase. In the end he was able to shoot down his target over the neighbouring aerodrome of Saint-Remy. Another SPAD appeared in front of him, but this one was able to extend and climb up while running away home. Hahn knew he wouldn’t be able to catch him. He aimed and sent a parting volley in the Fenchman’s direction before switching to one of his wingmen that just happened to fly nearby. This one didn’t put up much fight and crashed south of Saint-Loup. The flight was given a signal and they all landed back at their 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."
#4545217 - 11/17/20 01:25 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Rupert Harkonen
Underofficer
Jasta 33
Wynghene, Flanders

Victorys: 2
Claims: 1


Nov 16,1917.

Line Patrol: 5 a/c no enemy contact.

Flew over to neighboring AF to drop off Flight Boots and Maps for their C.O.

Attached Files CFS3 2020-11-16 17-18-07-83.jpg
#4545218 - 11/17/20 01:27 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Epower and Lou, what a brilliant collaboration! Poor Oliver had to play the fly to Clarissa's spider. I'm sensing that there may be a Russian connection in this little mystery. Can't wait to find out. I think we have the makings of a first rate movie here. Lou, was there any particular inspiration for Freddie? He is a wonderful character!

Fullofit, Ziggy keeps plugging away. I don't have a chance of catching him unless he gets himself in some sort of trouble. Terrific videos.

Carrick, Rupert is off to a great start. Keep it up!

Ace, so sorry to hear about Friedrich. It will be great, however, to read about a follow from Hamilton, Ontario. That is one of my former home towns.

Vogel continues his sub 50% kill to claim ratio…


Tagebuch of Oblt. der Res. Hans-Dieter Vogel

Jasta 12

Phalempin, France


Part 54

11 November 1917


The day is occupied with desk work. There is much to do after a change of location and I am well behind. Mueller has worked miracles to prevent complete administrative disaster. Moreover, he has organised a wonderful dinner tonight in Bruges to celebrate my sixtieth victory. As I am now at sixty-five, I suggested we wait until seventy if I am so lucky. But the fine Belgian beer is calling and Mueller has found a brewery with a fine old beer hall and restaurant. The fare is simple – sausage and stew and dumplings and potatoes, but it is hardly and very flavorful and the beer is outstanding. We are also bidding farewell to Feldwebel Joerke. He is being transferred to Jasta 13. I shall miss him. He has saved my life on several occasions and is our most successful pilot, after one who shall remain nameless.

Steinmesser asks me if we are ready to bring our animals north. I must delay him. I am forbidden from saying anything at present but high command believes there may be more trouble coming from the enemy before the snow falls. Our time in Erkegem may not be long.


12 November 1917

We have orders to escort three observation machines well to the south beyond Lille. Our rendezvous is near Roulers. The flight is long, slow, and cold. Just as the lead DFW fires a flare to signal their readiness to head back home, I spot a large formation of enemy scouts approaching from the south-west. They have a significant height advantage. I immediately turn north and begin to climb. If the enemy goes for the DFWs, they will put their backs towards us and we can attack. If they follow us, the DFWs are safe. The enemy scouts – we now see they are Camels – go for the observation machines, as they should. We turn and dive at them. But now we see a second flight of Camels. In seconds their machine guns are chattering away. Now the sky is full of twisting and turning aeroplanes. Twice in a matter of seconds I come within a metre or two of fatal collision. There are too many enemy machines. It is all I can do to prevent any one of them from firing the fatal shot.

The minutes drag on, rolling, diving, zooming, full rudder one way and then the other. Finally the fight spreads across the sky and I am left with one opponent. The wind is carrying us further to the east. It is a matter of time before my English friend must try for home. And there he goes. The Sopwith rolls on its back and dives away, seeking a bank of clouds below. I follow him and we emerge from the cloud about 500 metres above the trenches. I close until I cannot miss and then fire. The Sopwith spits out a little stream of orange flame. I zoom back upward towards cloud as the enemy machine falls trailing oily black smoke. Leutnant Adam has seen it fall. I have victory number sixty-six.

[Linked Image]
"The Sopwith spits out a little stream of orange flame."


13 November 1917

Today we patrol the line from Menen down to Béthune. There is little air activity. After nearly an hour, two RE8s appear ahead and slightly below. Our five Albatrosen dive to the attack. Adams, Ewers, and I select the trailing machine. I am third on the attack and the enemy observer already has his machine-gun pointing in my direction. His first burst punctures my fuel tank. The fight has scarcely begun when I must switch off and begin a long glide towards Haubordin.


14 November 1917


Today we are ordered to patrol over our balloon line north of Passchendaele. We are not there long when we encounter a large formation of enemy Sopwiths. The enemy machines are gaily painted – unusual for English aircraft. I am told these are naval aeroplanes. My new Albatros is performing well and I am able to gradually emerge above the fight. From here on my perch I can choose my prey. I see a Camel with a white nose and red wing tips on the tail of Feldwebel Koch. In seconds he is mine. My first burst damages him and I follow him downwards towards the lines. At length I catch him. My second burst sets him aflame and he falls west of Diksmuide.

I turn east and begin to climb. Now I see Leutnant Adam circling about with another Sopwith. This one has blue and white stripes on its nose and red wing tips. Again, my first burst does damage and the English machine dives away to the west. Again, I catch him low over the lines. My next burst sets him aflame. He too falls near Diksmuide.

Now I head home yet again. But this time I encounter a lone Camel flying west at 1000 metres. He does not see me coming. This one too I set aflame, sending it down west of Diksmuide. It has been a productive day.

Unfortunately, only the second of my three Camels was witnessed, so my score stands at sixty-seven.

[Linked Image]
"This one too I set aflame..."


15 November 1917

Last night we received our orders to relocate. This morning we are bound for Phalempin, north of Lens. The men work all night to load our equipment and stores and spares. All the machines except one can be flown and we take off at nine. We shall be in trouble if we meet the English today. Our Albatrosen are overflowing with clothes and personal effects. Many cockpits are shared with dogs. Becker is taking his life in his hand by transporting Rollo on his lap. The dog is bigger than Becker! As one of the new men, Adam is required to fly with Rollo’s companion, Ruprecht. Neckel has his own Mitzi, and just as well – the animal has a reputation for getting sick in the air.

The flight takes only half an hour. My first close view of Phalempin leaves a good impression. There is a mix of canvas and permanent hangars, with wind vanes made from the rudders of Nieuports and Sopwith on their roofs. But most impressive is the lovely cottage that serves as a pilot’s hut and Kasino. It has a fine little patio with a retractable awning where one can take coffee in good weather. Unfortunately we shall likely not be here until spring. Or perhaps I should not say that too quickly. We share the field with Jasta 30. Its Staffelfuehrer, Oberleutnant Bethge, comes to greet me as I climb down from my machine. I have met once before. A fine fellow, bespectacled and looking very much like a professor of mathematics. He welcomes me to Phalempin. The Kasino has been divided for our use, although we shall share a bar and the associated expenses. I am glad to see that Bethge does not run an absolutely dry Jasta.

We shall be billeted in the village. The field is established on a farm, located just behind the Kasino. But the farm is at the very edge of the village so there is only a short distance to walk from any billet. There will be much to explore and discover.

Attached Files Kill 66.jpgKill 67.jpg
Last edited by Raine; 11/19/20 11:03 AM.
#4545233 - 11/17/20 12:13 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Raine - Vogel has been a busy fellow from the looks of things, and despite the bouts of bad weather he continues to find targets to run up his score. But another move? He and his men were hardly settled after the last one. At least they have better digs, if only for a little while. Enjoy Phalempin!
Glad you liked the collaboration. To the inspiration for Freddy, while I did draw ideas from several different fellows, (Lieutenant The Hon. George Colthurst St. Barleigh, and famed British actor Terry-Thomas, to name but two), the bulk of his character has sprung from my own imagination. He’s a fun chap to write.

AceMedic88 - Oh no, not Friedrich, and so soon! Another brave lad gone off to fly with the angels. Here’s hoping that David Charles Bissett can survive the madness.

Carrick - What’s Rupert up to, dropping off gifts for the CO at the neighboring field. Is there some black market trading going on there? I’d no idea the Kaiser’s men indulged in such things.

Fullofit - Ziggy is lucky, again, that the Spad driver who snuck up on his six wasn’t a better shot. Head on swivel. And those ground gunners? All they see are planes to shoot at, I don’t think they care one whit whose planes they are. Odd for Ziggy’s Mercedes to suddenly overheat like that, they seem to be a very reliable motor. Perhaps the radiator flaps were stuck shut, or maybe his ground crew shorted him on water in the radiator. He should look into that. And 83 victories now? Kudos!

Epower - I must agree with Fullofit. If we were to use “Beyond The Wire” for our pre-pilot service time, none of our fellows will ever become pilots. That looks unsurvivable.

.

#4545244 - 11/17/20 03:33 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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Lou,

George, of course! That one hadn't come to mind. Terry-Thomas, on the other hand, was already cast as Freddie in my imaginary Woff movie. What I love about Freddie is that irrepressible joy that comes out of him even after walking into a rather immovable wall.

Robert's Phalempin mod is a gem. I've been looking forward to getting a chance to see it. There's a weird part of me that likes to leave new things until I trip over them in the sim like Easter eggs. I downloaded the Phalempin mod ages ago but have seen it only from a long distance, with the exception of one emergency landing there when I was too busy not dying to look around and was careless enough to exit without exploring the place.

#4545255 - 11/17/20 04:33 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine great pics

RAFLou:
Nein ! Nein ! , I know nothing.

Attached Files -Schultz-hogans-heroes-33769118-200-200.jpg
#4545300 - 11/17/20 10:26 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Raine, thanks but how much more trouble can Ziggy get into? I’m hoping Vogel’s luck with his claims will improve and we can continue our competition, although it may be a bit more difficult after watching today's video.
So, another move. That must be very stressful for the dogs. You’ll definitely enjoy the patio in front of the Kasino. That is if the weather holds. Congrats on the latest slew of downed Camels. They do burn nicely.

Lou, Ziggy appears to be getting complacent. Head on a swivel it is from now on. And that radiator, definitely some water has been squandered on making the tea.

17 November, 1917 09:45
Saint-Loup-en-Champagne, Marne Sector
Jasta 19
Leutnant Zygmunt Dolf Hahn EK2 EK1 HHO PLM AO
83 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

Zygmunt was the first one to roll down the field and take off. He couldn’t hear the alarm bell anymore. Instead he was craning his neck to follow a trio of enemy planes above. The rest of the Schwarm had taken off now as well. Hahn watched on of the SPADs descent rapidly towards the airfield like a hawk would onto his prey. Zygmunt tracked his movements and positioned his Albatros above and behind the enemy machine. He was close now and squeezed the triggers of his machine gun. A stream of bullets connected with the enemy. Zygmunt continued to fire until the French pilot couldn’t control his stricken aircraft and smashed into the ground with enormous impact.
He quickly looked around for the other invaders and spotted them battling with his wingmen over the aerodrome. He was there in a flash and positioning his plane behind the second SPAD. This one took a series of bursts before entering a violent spin and crashing promptly below.
This only left the last of the Frenchmen, which decided to withdraw after taking some damage from Ziggy’s guns. Unfortunately for him Hahn was close enough still to continue to damage his machine and after a while the third SPAD corkscrewed into the ground beside his other two mates.
The fight was over and the German pilots filed one by one into a landing pattern and gently set down on the ground. Zygmunt made three more claims today.

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."
#4545314 - 11/18/20 01:25 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Rupert Harkonen
Underofficer
Jasta 33
Wynghene, Flanders

Victorys: 2
Claims: 1

17 Nov 1917.

Intercept: No contact.

#4545323 - 11/18/20 03:05 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit - Nice work saving Tybelsky. Gotta keep those sharp-eyed witnesses alive. Oliver can sympathize with the spontaneous engine failure. Fortunate that Ziggy was not...<Dr. Evil pinkie to corner of mouth> embroiled at the time. Touch and go with those SPADs over the aerodrome. Good thing they weren't Nieups. I'm wincing at those near collisions. Crazed Staffel Komaraden at it again. Ziggy seems much more focused now that Nadette is no longer around to distract him.
Congrats on hitting 83. With 3 more pending Ziggy is cementing his position as KanoneKonig.

Carrick - Nice kill of the Sopwith. Next time, you must have witnesses! Some very cool screenshots. Way to bounce back with the Gasbag. Rupert is off to an excellent start. Very curious about the grey market activity. What gives?

Lou - You're correct, Beyond the Wire would be a seal-clubbing fest. Maybe not the best example but perhaps there's a single player mod of some game in the works. I had to look up George's name before I remembered Blackadder goes forth. "The Guns have stopped. I've survived the Great War, 1914-1917..." Classic stuff.

Raine - Sad to see Joerke go. Good wingmen who don't collide or shoot their leaders in the back grow scarce. Nice kill of the Camel. Then there are those obsessive target fixated enemy Observers... Yeesh. Good thing you weren't over the lines.
Major score relocating to Phalempin. I've been lucky to fly out of Bray Dunes and now Estree-Blanche for the past few months. Mucho Immersive. H & B on 67 kills.

Ace - looking forward to your Canadian.

________________________________________________________________

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 40 of many



20 October 1917
Royal Automobile Club
London, England

Quite the evening. I’d made a hash of things with Clarissa. She was right, I’d brought Eliza with me. Not how I imagined events unfolding. Best to chalk it up to experience and move on.
Writing her would be a terrible idea.

[Linked Image]

I gave the note to the manager to post. At exactly 9.30 I stepped into the car Major Baring sent.

Do not speak unless His Majesty addresses you. Address the King as “Your Majesty” at first and “Sir” thereafter. Salute, step back, turn. I’d heard it all before. I was determined not to lose my mind this time as I had in July.

No sign of Aunt Rhea and the General among the many guests. Today’s ceremony was a huge Investiture with over 250 medals awarded. An enormous crowd thronged outside the palace gates, hundreds of people pressed against the railings and gathered on the steps of the Victoria Memorial. While the King conferred awards inside the palace, those of us to receive the VC waited in forecourt of the palace, seated on chairs. The Grenadier Guards provided both their Regimental band and the guard of honor.

We sat with fifty or sixty wounded men, present by special invitation; men who paid a much higher price than I for their wound stripes. Once again, I counted myself lucky. Many of those present had lost one or both legs, others were missing an arm, or an eye.

As we waited for the King to emerge, I saw Aunt Rhea and the General in the crowd of spectators and abandoning military decorum gave them wave, which they both returned.
General Aubrey wore a black coat and a bowler hat. The many medals of his long service shone prominently against the black wool. Already standing four inches over six feet the general appeared a commanding presence, as if somehow invigorated by the circumstance and drawn up now to his full height. At his side Aunt Rhea stood in a dark green coat with sable lined collar and sweeping black hat. This was not eccentric Aunt Rhea in her oil-streaked duster and driving hat with rebellious, windblown strands of hair escaping confinement, but Rhea, namesake of the Titaness, towering, majestic, the mother of the Olympian Gods.

A large group of French and American officers sat off to one side. I couldn’t see Smokey among them.

[Linked Image]

His Majesty appeared at last, and accompanied by several officers took his place at a small table in the center of the forecourt. As each man went before the King, Captain B. Godfrey Faussett, Equerry-in-Waiting, read the citation of each man’s deeds. CSM Skinner had captured 2 machine guns and taken over 60 Huns prisoner. He wore seven wound stripes! Lt. Insall would receive the VC for actions performed in 1915, having been made prisoner shortly after his medal action and only recently escaped! The others had performed similarly incredible feats of valor, all during the Passchendaele show. A lump rose in my throat on hearing the citations. I was humbled to be in such mighty company.

Lt. Gilbert Insall, Royal Flying Corps
CSM John Skinner, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers
Capt. Ivor Rees, South Wales Borderers
Sgt. Robert Bye, Welsh Guards
Sgt Edward Cooper, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Sgt Alexander Edwards, Seaforth Highlanders
Pvt. Wilfred Edwards, The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Pvt. William Ratcliffe , South Lancashire Regiment
†Capt. Harold Ackroyd, Royal Army Medical Corps

I wasn’t quite out of my head as at Bray Dunes but was still incredibly nervous and being the last man to come forward did nothing to quiet my mind. I lost all feeling in my limbs as I waited at attention. Lt. Insall for all his valor and initiative, did not cover himself in glory with his salute. I was determined to do better for the Royal Flying Corps. Finally, I stood before the King.

“We have met before,” he said.
“Yes, Your Majesty, at Bray Dunes in July."
“Ah yes, I remember now. I see you’ve kept your family stick at the ready.”
“Indeed I have, sir."
“So many enemy machines, a great feat of arms. However did you manage Eighty?” he inquired.
“My aim was off when I fired at the 81st, Your Majesty.”

Oh dear Lord, I’ve done it again!

As he had at Bray Dunes, the King smiled and laughed quietly.
“I hope you have quite recovered from your wounds” he said.
“I have Your Majesty, thank you. I’m fully fit for service.”
‘“We remain grateful, Captain Winningstad and trust you will continue well in our service.”

With that the King shook my hand. I gave him my absolute best salute, one that even Sgt. Major Mulvaney might struggle to critique, took a sharp step backward, turned crisply and marched back to my seat.



Two camera men kept scuttling about. I don’t think they recorded half of us, but fortunately, they did catch the moment when Mrs. Ackroyd, widow Captain Harold Ackroyd, R.A.M.C. was at last presented to the King and received her husband’s Victoria Cross. At this the cheers of the spectators were particularly warm and prolonged. Captain Ackroyd had also been awarded the Military Cross and the King handed it to the boy.

The ceremony concluded, the King visited with the wounded men and most graciously motioned them to remain seated as they rose, some with but a single leg, to receive him.
I was congratulating my fellow VCs when Smokey walked up, joined by several French officers who took a keen interest in Lt. Insall.

‘Young Bull,” he cried, shaking my hand and clasping my shoulder with the other. “Your pardon, make that, Young Bull, VC!” A huge grin lit his scarred face.

General Aubrey and Aunt Rhea soon joined us. I made introductions as a group of nurses filed past.

“My dear Captain Winningstad, so wonderful to see you again. You two certainly wanted to ensure our attendance,” she said. Seeing my look of puzzlement she continued, “You both sent us invitations...”



It was at that moment I finally understood. Trailing the exiting nurses walked a tall officer. On his uniform, hung the newly awarded medal of the Military Cross. His sleeve bore a golden wound stripe. Phoebus Apollo himself, his pale blue eyes gazing down from his unimaginably handsome face. Accompanying him was a Nursing Sister wearing the shining silver disk of the Military Medal, the highest award for valor available to a nurse. Eliza.


(To be continued)

__________________________________________________

[Note] The group photograph and film above records the 26 September 1917 Investiture at Buckingham Palace. Those VCs mentioned in the narrative received their medals on that date. The availability of historical footage was too tempting to resist so I placed Oliver in their ranks and shifted the whole thing to the October date. Names in bold are linked to Wiki pages.
Captain Harold Ackroyd, it should be noted, received 23 separate recommendations for the Victoria Cross for his actions July 31 thru August 1st, 1917. He was killed by a sniper on August 11, 1917.

Historically, King George V did award 244 medals at the October 20, 1917 Investiture, in addition to the 9 VCs. Those receiving the Victoria Cross on October 20, 1917 were:

Capt. Cuthbert Grieve, Australian Imperial Forces
Maj. William Bloomfield, South African Native Labor Contingent
CQSgt. William Grimbaldeston, King's Own Scottish Borderers
Pvt. Thomas Whitham , Coldstream Guards

Mr. T. Colyer-Fergusson, father of †Capt T Colyer-Fergusson, Northampton Regiment
Mr. Frank N Wearne, father of †Lt. Frank Wearne, Essex Regiment
Mrs. Davies, widow of †Cpl. James Davies , Royal Welch Fusiliers
Mr. James Barratt, brother of †Pvt. Thomas Barratt , South Staffordshire Regiment
Mrs. Henderson, widow of †Lt. Col Edward Henderson , Loyal North Staffordshire Regiment

Last edited by epower; 05/04/21 03:05 PM.
#4545327 - 11/18/20 05:57 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
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Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 41 of many


(continued from previous entry)


Oliver!” she exclaimed.
Eliza, good God!” I replied.

We both stood staring at the other in shock. Eliza was first to recover her composure.

“Auntie, General Aubrey, may I present Colonel Percival Harding-Royce.
"Colonel, my Aunt Mrs. Tennyson, our dear friend General Aubrey, and Captain Butler of the United States Marine Corps."

“Enchanted,” replied He who Strikes from Afar. “General Aubrey,” he continued with a nod. “Captain Butler.”

“Colonel, you remember Captain Winningstad. You met at Grovetown in the Spring,” said Eliza.
The Lord of the Silver Bow, seeing the VC on my chest, saluted me first which I returned.

D@mn him for his military courtesy. Two can play that game. You’ll not show me up this time, by God.

“I congratulate you, Captain Winningstad. You’ve risen far since our first meeting,” he said.

Too far for your liking, my dear Apollo?

“Thank you, sir. Congratulations to you as well. You were wounded recently. No too badly, I trust.

“It was trivial,” he replied.

“My dear we thought you’d given us the slip.” Interjected Aunt Rhea.
“No, Auntie. They sent the others out but then Queen Alexandra invited all the Nursing Sisters to tea.”

____________________________

Smokey and I left together. He’d only just arrived and having not yet found accommodations we collected his kit at Victoria Station and set out to the RAC where the VC once again did its work. My room as it turned out attached en suite to the one next door, which as chance would have it was recently vacated. Problem solved. Smokey, much to his annoyance, remained attached to Pershing’s headquarters in some capacity which he could not discuss for reasons of security. Over an afternoon of hard exercise with the accompanying time in the Turkish bath I caught him up on the past two months.

“That’s an ill wind, my friend,” he said, “but it blows of its own accord and has naught to do with you. Eliza’s wounded in some fashion.”

___________________________________________________

[Linked Image]
"Dinner at the Savoy was an excruciating affair."

I’d made arrangements at the Savoy for the five of us, so there was no path forward that did not include Eliza and Colonel Harding-Royce. Dinner at the Savoy was an excruciating affair, perfectly civil and with the occasionally interesting conversation but the gulf of what was unspoken between Eliza and me was like a dead body on the table which everyone by some tacit agreement chose to ignore.

“I do feel like dancing,” Eliza blurted suddenly. “Oh, but you boys are in uniform. Shall we go to Murrays, then?”

Impossible. Clarissa might be there!

“Grafton Galleries,” I countered, trying to hide my panic.
“Capital idea,” spake the Lord of the Silver Bow. “Murray’s is so often crowded, practically overrun with you Flying Corps chaps, what?”

General Aubrey made some sort of harumphing noise, interspersed with an “I don’t know,” as if to beg off.
“Oh General,” trilled Aunt Rhea, “do come along. It will be a grand time and I remember you as quite the dancer in years past.”
“Please, General. It won’t be the same without you,” joined Eliza.

Eliza had forced the issue. There was nothing for it but to soldier on.
_________________________

Apollo, he of the golden sword, together with Eliza swept across the dance floor with Olympian grace. The General and Aunt Rhea after cutting a magnificent pair returned to our table.

“Thank you General,” said Aunt Rhea. “Your skills have in no way diminished.”
After seating Aunt Rhea, General Aubrey clipped the end of his cigar and set it alight, puffing up a great cloud of smoke. Smokey gave me a kick from under the table.

“Mrs. Tennyson, may I have the honor of this dance?” I said, standing and extending my hand.
Did she flush a little?
“Why Captain Winningstad, you may indeed. My heart is atwitter!”

"Captain Butler, have I ever told you about South Africa?" said General Aubrey with a knowing look in my direction. "Paardeberg, there was a battle! Captain Winningstad, you remember the positions...”

I pushed the second ashtray within the General's reach and set the bottle of champagne next to him.

"Thank you, my boy. Off you go now...
"Here was Cronjé in his Laager. Guns, Guns, Guns! On the right, completely exposed, the low rising Kopje..."

Arm about her waist I twirled Aunt Rhea onto the dance floor.

“It took you long enough to figure this out. And it’s Aunt Rhea, in case you've forgotten.
“What’s become of you two?” she asked.

“She broke things off. Rather suddenly. I would have thought you knew that from Eliza,” I replied.
“Talk to her,” said Aunt Rhea.
“And say what exactly? There was no equivocation in her last letter. She made her wish to be left alone quite clear,” I replied.

“Eliza doesn’t know her own mind right now,” said Aunt Rhea.

Could that be true?


“Shall we pay our dancing companions a visit?” I asked, indicating Eliza and He Who Strikes from Afar.

[Linked Image]

“Oh, yes, let’s. I’m sure there’s more than meets the eye with that Colonel, but what does is a public school dandy and he’s far too tall for her. I’d be a better match for him, I think. Beh HEH!” she said, her contralto rising in a laugh.

“Mrs. Tennyson!” I cried, feigning shock.
“Naughty!” she said, eyes twinkling.
We did the Foxtrot over to Percy and Eliza and swapped partners.

It was a mistake. I could have devised no greater test for myself than to dance with Eliza and not fold her in my arms, kiss those familiar lips and speak my love to her. In a hell of my own creation, I maintained respectful distance, my hand decorously about the higher part of her back as if our love, and those intimate moments we shared were now consigned to some other life. All the pain, hurt and anger I’d locked away these last two months, now burst their bonds. I felt like a detached observer, a spectre who had no agency to prevent those events that were soon to unfold.

“I’m glad today wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable,” I said.

“Such a surprise,” she said woodenly.

“Phoebus Apollo is back in your life I see. He is a very handsome man, and he’s added the MC to his DSO since last we met. A wound stripe too. They used to hand out DSOs to staff officers for a sharply worded memo, not so the Military Cross. I’m glad our Lord of the Silver Bow is taking his chances before the guns. Can’t spend all his time safely eating ambrosia back at Brigade.

“Oliver, this pettiness is beneath you,” she said. “Percy has been nothing if not unfailingly courteous to you.”

“Percy is it? That seems rather sudden, or has he been there all along?”

I regretted the words before their echo faded but it was too late to take them back. They struck Eliza like a slap. Her shock and hurt was plain to see. Far worse was the look of utter betrayal. I never felt so low.
Eliza’s eyes filled but no tears fell. We danced the remainder of the number in silence, no longer making eye contact. Soon the music was ended. Returning to our table Eliza said her farewells. General Aubrey and Aunt Rhea followed suit.

“So very proud of you, my boy,” said General Aubrey, shaking my hand with both of his. “Tremendous show. Splendid record. Splendid! You’re always welcome at Aldermaston Park. We’ll get that shooting in yet, what?
"Captain Butler, a distinct pleasure.”

Unlike our previous farewell on the train platform, Aunt Rhea abandoned herself and gave me a crushing embrace as she kissed me on both cheeks.
“Don’t give up,” she whispered in my ear.

“Be well, Oliver,” said Eliza her voice fluttering and her eyes red.
“And you, Eliza,” I replied with a formal nod.

The four departed. I turned to Smokey, my mind reeling.
“I’ve made a mess of things, Old Bull. I don’t know about you, but I feel the need to get thoroughly embalmed.”

“Not here, my friend. It won’t do for a VC man to be seen in his cups. I bought a good bottle I was saving for France but under the circumstances, I say we broach it and see what truth and mysteries lie therein.”
_________________________________

We repaired to Smokey’s rooms and settled in.

“I was going to give you this in parting but now seems like a more appropriate moment,” I said handing Smokey the small case containing the two Dunhill pipes and the package of tobacco.

The whiskey grew smoother with time. With half the bottle drained Smokey and I were much wiser men.

I resumed our old game. Smokey was never without a deck of cards. I cut the eight of clubs.
“Only eight guesses this time, Captain Butler? Hector, Hercules, Hadrian, Heneage?”

Smokey lowered his whiskey half an inch and gazed back at me with the exasperating inscrutable expression I knew so well and puffed on his new pipe.

“It’s not one of those gruesome Old Testament names is it? Hosea, Hachaliah, Habbakkuk?”

“All these years and now you’re closer than you know, Young Bull,” he said.

Smokey paused, took another deep drink of his whiskey before drawing again on his pipe, then examining the implement. “A generous gift, this. One that deserves another in return."
“Hezekiah,” he said, then extended his hand to me. “Hezekiah Augustine Butler. My father was most devout. Augustine was the name of my mother’s family.”

I sat in shock that Smokey would express such an excessively personal revelation. I’d been waiting for years for this tale and here it was at last. I said nothing for fear of breaking the spell.

[Linked Image]

“You asked me how as a Marine I knew so much of seafaring. As I said, I was born to it. My father was captain of a tea clipper.”
Smokey recounted the tale of his early life, and the many adventures sailing the Pacific and the trade routes to London. It was expected he would follow in his father’s path to the Naval Academy, but father and son quarreled and in a fit of youthful willfulness, Smokey enlisted as a Marine in 1898. As to any reconciliation between father and son, Smokey didn’t elaborate.

We saved our most profound observations about life and the nature of the world for the very last bit of the now transcendent whiskey. I staggered back to my room two hours before dawn.

Last edited by epower; 11/18/20 03:40 PM.
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