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#4564079 - 04/13/21 01:10 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Walter is tot?! Mein Gott! Both sides now flying these massed stacked formations. Enemy flights staying together much longer than in the past. War just got deadlier.

The boys couldn't find any beer of sufficient quality for Walter's toast, so they went with the old standby.



[Linked Image]

"A cup to the dead already—
And hurrah for the next that dies!"

#4564090 - 04/13/21 03:18 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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carrick58 Offline
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Walters remains were packed and transported back to his city.

Attached Files a1d648e8209b0d28a59ac5760f1506eb  Beer Wgn.jpg
#4564133 - 04/13/21 07:42 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Albert Tross Offline
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Now that's my type of hearse Carrick.


Flugmeister Jacob Kühn
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

4 confirmed kills

13th April 1918

MFJ1 only flew the one mission today. Oberleutenant Saschenberg had explained that the whole Jasta was to fly down to the Ypres salient and patrol around.

The weather was still good but more cloudy than previous days. This would make spotting the enemy more difficult and give them more opportunities to surprise Jacob and the rest of MFJ1.

Saschenberg himself was leading the flight and they took off together and formed up before climbing.

They climbed up to 4000 meters and headed out towards Ypres. Jacob kept his eyes peeled throughout but all they spotted was a large flight of DFW's returning from a mission.

They completed their patrol without incident. The toughest part was maintaining course with all the mountainous clouds they were flying in.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg

"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4564137 - 04/13/21 08:01 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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A bit of catch up with Oliver first then the rest of the gang's adventures later tonight.
______________________________________________


À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 70



8 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

Last night we gave Harry Brown a proper sendoff. He is off to Home Establishment. I barely got to know him in the time we spent together. He is a loyal son of Canada and bent my ear constantly about his home town of Victoria, BC. I was moderate in my consumption but my head still hurt this morning. Another experienced hand leaving the squadron. I will need to spend even more time getting the new men up to speed.

6.50 Morning patrol of our lines south of Amiens. Villers-Bretonneux to Montdidier. B Flight was Johnson, Dingbat, ‘Peter’ Southey, Clear, Sorsoleil and Dave Clowes. The landscape looked particularly vibrant this morning. I couldn’t say what it was but something was different today…

Alas, my goggles were filthy and try as I might I could not get them clean. Might be time for a new pair.

Over Villers-Bretonneux, we flew under 6 Hannovers who were heading west. After a long climb we split into pairs and engaged. The G/O took particular and malevolent interest in C5333 and shot the machine full of holes.

[Linked Image]
His attention to me allowed Sorsoleil to get close and send him down.

C5333 wallowed with the aileron damage. I fired a red flare and left for Bertangles.

Four of the six Hannovers met their end but not without inflicting considerable damage to B Flight. C5333 would be out for two day as would a number of other machines.
____________________

With 2/AM Knight at the wheel, Robin and I set off to the No. 2 ASD, now mercifully relocated from the ulcerative sore of Candas to its new home at Rang-du-Fliers, just north of Étaples. The Transport crews moved the entire depot here in two days. What an incredible achievement! Knight drove the squadron Crossley like a maniac. I’m not sure he let off the throttle at all. We arrived at No. 2 ASD late morning to find that our aircraft were not yet ready.

We headed then to the sprawling hospital complex in Étaples and eventually found No.24 General where we hoped to see Fred Brown. Lucky for him his wound, while not serious, was a Blighty. Unlucky for us, he’d shipped for England two days ago.

Robin left with Knight to explore Étaples town. I inquired after Nurse Vera Brittain. A considerable wait followed. I was on the verge of stepping out for a walk when a voice spoke from behind me.

“Captain Winningstad?”

Approaching me was a VAD nurse. She looked exhausted, but there was a light to her features even so and the hint of an impish smirk at the corner of her full mouth. Her nose was just ever so slightly large for her face and ramped along like a small duck’s bill.

“Miss Brittain.” I replied in greeting.

“The orderly said only that an airman was asking for me. When he said he was American I wondered if it might be you.”

She had little time and so led us to the canteen for tea, where she told me more of Victor, or “Tah,” as she and her friends called him. Miss Brittain had traveled back from Malta last year after Victor was wounded, then after his death she returned to serve at No. 24 hospital. Circumstances with her mother’s health would now require her to return to England. She didn’t say so, but I thought she was quite irritated by the entire affair.

I walked her back to the reception tent. Knight and Grosvenor were there waiting in the Crossley.

“I’m sorry I have so little time,” she said, “but I am so very glad you came to see me. Now I have a face to go with your letters. Do take care, Captain Winningstad.”

[Linked Image]
She stopped and turned again for a moment before continuing back to the wards.



9 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

Another day ferrying machines back from No. 2 ASD. Alas, their cooks survived the relocation. Mess unchanged from the swill they served at Candas.


10 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France


5.45 Dawn escort of 5 Harry Tates from RFC 13 on a recce of lines. Villers-Bretonneux to Montdidier Why they required five machines for such a mission I had no idea.
No Boche sighted. We saw the R.E.8s home then climbed east looking for Huns. Over the mud, silhouetted against the cloud layer a flight of 5 Albatri flew below.

[Linked Image]
B-Flight harried the sons of Tydeus. This one fell to my guns. None of the enemy would see home again.



12.40 Line patrol Corbie to Amiens. Jumped by a flight of 10 Albatri as we climbed south of Bertangles.

[Linked Image]
I fired at one with a great ‘M’ on his top plane then tracers whizzed over my head…

[Linked Image]
I rolled around the diving attacker and latched on. He fell thunderously on the riverbank.

Of the ‘M’ Albatros there was no sign. I circled for a minute changing the Lewis drum. Found Saunders and Sorsoleil… and a low flight of sliver aircraft maneuvering aggressively. Pfalz engaged with a single SE5!

I dove on one who pulled straight up into a full loop without any change of angle. A fatal error. The maneuver bled away what little speed he had, and I followed easily. After a short burst the Vickers ran dry. I closed and emptied half a drum of Lewis into his cockpit.

[Linked Image]
“He fell out of the chariot, and the fast-footed horses
shied away. And there his life and strength were scattered.”


The evening dispatch rider brought confirmation of all three claims. One Hundred Twenty-five.

#4564149 - 04/13/21 08:23 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 71


11 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

6.45 Back to Harbonnieres aerodrome. With Manzer, Johnson, Duke, Dingbat and Clear, B-Flight would pummel this most forward German aerodrome in the Amiens salient.

No Huns into target. They waited until the very last moment when we were most vulnerable. Perfect timing…

Bounced by Triplanes! Eight, maybe ten. I pulled the release to jettison my Cooper bombs and the cable snapped! With bombs still attached I was now dogfighting two of the Dreideckers with 100 pounds of extra weight. They shot me to pieces. A third dove in and hammered my right wing. C5333 pulled hard to starboard and only reluctantly answered the controls. Dodging, weaving, I put my nose down at full throttle.

[Linked Image]
The two Triplanes followed…

[Linked Image]

I ran under part of the ever-expanding dogfight which now included A Flight as well. The Triplanes broke off as I managed to pull away. I was low, under 1000 feet as I approached the lines south of Villers-Bretonneux. The torn canvas on the lower right plane required almost all my attention to keep C5333 level.

[Linked Image]
She wanted to snap over to the right in the worst way.

With the creaking noises coming from the lower plane, I thought about the advanced landing ground at Esquennoy, south of Amiens but opening the throttle seemed to steady the machine so I limped home to Bertangles.

Sons of B*tches! This was the second time a flight of those cursed Triplanes swept me out of Hunland with my tail between my legs. There would not be a third!

Evans greeted me with huge grin as I pulled up to B-Flight hangar. His expression changed to wonderment as he took hold of C5333’s wing and looked over the many bullet holes. On seeing me climb down unhurt Evans’ cheery demeanor returned and he pointed out the newly finished Bag, hanging in the far back corner.

Perfect timing. I made my report then vented my fury on the bag.

In the North, the situation near Arras is in doubt. The Huns took Armentieres yesterday and now threaten the vital rail junction at Hazebrouck. General Haig’s Special Order of the Day reached the squadron at lunch.

[Linked Image]

Is there another general in the British army who feeds the Mill of Ares more than Haig? Backs to the wall. Stand and die... Did he think that up all by himself? Well, this time he might be right. Gods help the PBI who must carry out these orders.


1.15 On standby after breakfast. Evans had C5333 ready to go by Noon. Forward observers reported unusual Hun air activity over the lines SE of Amiens. B Flight (Duke, Sorsoleil, Falkenburg, Dingbat and Clear) scrambled and grabbed for altitude heading southeast. At 13000 feet over the intercept point we saw two low dots which turned out the be Albatri. I led the flight down circling at which point the entire flight broke off and went haring off after the two Huns. This had to be a trap! I stayed high as the flight followed the Huns into a cloud formation over the No Man’s Land. Madness!

Seething with rage at this gross indiscipline, I circled waiting for my comrades to emerge from the cloud. When they did so 10 minutes later, I continued circling as 3 SEs climbed up to my altitude. I was in a fury and I stopped scanning above. Tracers whistling past my left wing snapped me to attention. A flight of Albatri dropped on me unawares.

Ridiculous to be caught out like this!

Some hot moments while I flew in a desperate series of breaks, completely defensive and dodging for my life. The two Huns who glommed onto me were most keen - too keen it turned out as I led them lower and under the remainder of B Flight who attacked in earnest. Freed from pursuit I sought the enemy.

An Albatros, his wings and tail painted silver in the strange lozenge pattern of the Hun.

[Linked Image]

“Menelaos the spear-famed, son of Atreus stabbed him.
as he fled away before him, in the back with a spear thrust
between the shoulders and driven through the chest beyond it.
He dropped forward on his face and his armor clattered about him.”


Sorsoleil was with me. As we exited No Man’s Land to the west, we flew over another Hun racing east for home. He might have made good his escape had he kept running, but he turned and came vaunting forward…

[Linked Image]
“and he fell, as a tower falls in the strong encounter.”


[Linked Image]
I flew past the Cathedral of Amiens offering thanks to whatever Gods protected me this day.

The Boche are coming up in huge stacked formations and flghting with much greater tenacity and discipline. They keep their flights intact for much longer throughout course of the fight, instead of chasing off in individual duels. There was always another Hun waiting for my break today. I should be dead, twice I should have been killed.



12 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

5.50 Offensive patrol 4 miles SE of Villers-Bretonneux. Crossed the lines at 12000 feet and ran up on 5 DFWs returning home. The enemy split into a 2 and 3 ship flight as we closed. I led us after the trio, landing some hits before the Vickers jammed. Pulled off to clear the stoppage.

[Linked Image]
B Flight were fully engaged with the DFWs when a high flight of Albatri dropped in.

Charged back into the scrum and chased a Hun off Manzer’s tail. Got shot about. A second Albatros landed a solid burst into my left wing. C5333 still responded but her roll was slower. B Flight completely scattered. Found Duke and climbed West. No joy at the rally point over Chipilly. Returned to Bertangles. After an anxious wait the remainder of B Flight all returned, three with claims of a DFW sent down.

12.15 The noon patrol was an escort job of 5 Breguets from Escadrille 7 on their recce over the old Somme battlefield south of Beaumont Hamel.

High Albs were waiting at the RV point attacking the Breguets as we arrived.
Snarling furball ensued. Two near collisions with the Frenchmen. Blue Albatri everywhere! There had to be a second flight of the Huns. Shot about again but not badly.

[Linked Image]

Finally got a line on a blue Albatros with a skull painted on his fuselage. I managed a quick burst but his partner behind forced me to break off. The sky was full of Huns.

Worked my way out from under the fight. When I returned the combat had scattered into individual tail chases as both SEs and Huns raced for safety. Four of the five Breguets were shot down. With Southey, I escorted the last one to nearby Poulainville.

The enemy have adapted their tactics. We must respond in kind and come up in larger formations. A single flight of 6 has little chance at medium altitudes. The Huns have the advantage of height and numbers every time.

Last edited by epower; 04/14/21 12:30 AM.
#4564157 - 04/13/21 09:11 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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trustworthykebab Offline
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I'm sorry, no updated on Mitteleuer for today, and probably tomorrow. My old 2014 laptop has been giving me some tough problems as I'm currently looking forward to formatting it. I'll try to come back as soon as possible though, rest assured he'll somehow make himself notice in the skies, if not with enraging the whole French airforce biggrin

#4564173 - 04/13/21 10:19 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Albert Tross Offline
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Epower - So Winningstad met up with Nurse Brittain. What a hateful job those nurses had back then. Dealing with the most horrendous injuries hour after hour and day after day. Even the most caring of souls must become numbed. His visit must have been a relief, a flicker of humanity in a monstrous world.

The airwar had changed entirely from the days of Boelcke, Immelmann and Hawker. Massed formations stacked up to nearly 20000 feet, aircraft flying nearly 50mph faster than in 1915. Two seaters able to fight as hard as scouts and in the right hands be twice as deadly. Winningstad proved he was still master though with those victories, but blimey that was a close call, coaxing his machine over the lines.

Fantastic tale and brilliant pictures, especially Haig's speech.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4564174 - 04/13/21 10:24 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Raine Offline
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Between work and some problems getting the new installation to recognise my rudders, I have not caught up with everyone's stories and apologise for my inability to comment at this time. I have flown my first mission in BH&H2 a day early and I attach this quick update…

War Journal of Flight Commander George Ewan MacAlister, DSO, DSC
208 Squadron, RAF
Serny, France

Part 34


After three days at the CCS, the medical powers prepared to bundle me off to a stationary hospital to complete my recovery. But the shop was not too busy and one day led into another until 7 April when all hell broke loose. On that day seven German divisions fell upon the small Portuguese division that was holding the line in our sector and threw them and a supporting British division back. My first intimation of our dire situation was some nervous chatter among the nursing sisters. Then one, another, and a hundred more Portuguese soldiers appeared at our doorway looking for food. They were dishevelled and ragged and for the most part without arms or accoutrements. According to the few that spoke any English the Germans were following close behind. By noon I was bundled onto an ambulance and driven through thick fog west towards Saint Omer. There I lay on a siding until nearly midnight, after which I was loaded onto a hospital train bound for Boulogne.

Of my beloved Naval Eight I heard nothing until much later. Then I learned that Squadron Commander – now Major – Draper had been the last to leave La Gorgue that day. With the fog grounding the squadron he had all our fine Bentley-engined machines pushed together in the middle of the field and he put the torch to them all! By the time he left, the Huns were within small arms range of our aerodrome. It must have been an agonising decision and one certain to be second-guessed by those far from the smell of powder.

In any event, I spent another week in Boulogne and was cleared to rejoin the squadron, which by this point had relocated to Serny. This was a very large aerodrome, which we shared with three other squadrons: 18, 22, and 103. We had been fully re-equipped with by the time I arrived back on 13 April, albeit with Clerget-engined Camels. We miss our naval supply system!

I now share a hunt with Cooper, White, and Dennett. Unfortunately we have lost our gramophone and record collection in the retreat, not to mention most of our furniture. According to White, we will have no problem keeping our “backs to the wall” as General Haig has encouraged us, since we have no armchairs to lean them on.

14 April 1918 was my first time back up and I was slated for only a single mission – a defensive patrol over the area west of La Gorgue where we understood the front line to be. There were scattered rain showers below a layer of cloud at 5000 feet. We climbed above to discover large groups of enemy two seaters milling about and taking turns dropping bombs wherever there was a gap in the cloud layer. We were able to isolate a few of the Huns and bagged two of them, the credit going to Fowler and Griffiths, a new man.

#4564184 - 04/13/21 11:36 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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NotRelevant Offline
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Fullofit - Must be the irony of life. Dean gets his good weather and in return is rewarded with being cheated out of his claims and a trip to the hospital! Only so much oggling one can do with folk near dying around you.
Looks to be that Rudi is well on track on getting that 80!

Carrick - Here's to that, it was good while it lasted at least! At least Walter didn't suffer much.

Kebab - Sounds like Helmut's lucky to get out of that one alive! Maybe it's the paintjob.

Tross - Better a quiet patrol than a totally hectic and lethal one, right? Though Jacob's one kill away from Ace status, bet that must be tempting him, hm?

Epower - Really atmospheric screenshots and great kills!

No updates from Dean for now, still in the hospital trying to get over his rejected claims and get some sleep despite the constant nearby artillery booming.


"Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they're invincible.
I bet you do, too, Buddy."
#4564185 - 04/14/21 12:09 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit Offline
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Ajax, ON
Carrick, what a shame and the new planes were just around the corner. Verdammt! Better luck with Monsieur M.

Albert, after a while you grow a thick skin and ignore the bad news of rejected claims. And you have to work hard on those Strutters to bring one down without joining him right after.
As for young Jacob, a day of inactivity. He should enjoy this easy life while he can. Those Camels, SPADs and SE5s won’t let him roam around unchecked for long.

Epower, behind again. Is this on purpose? winkngrin
About those goggles. Anyone else noticed we are starting our missions with them being already dirty? I thought the dirt was supposed to build up during the mission. At least that’s what I think the “dynamic” setting is for.
Oliver continues to plow through the Albatri and the Pfalzes, but where are the Dreideckers to keep him in check? 125! Well done - this has to be the most successful DiD career.
Ah, I see. There they are, the Fokkers I mean. These are no obsolete Albatri to swat out of the sky. Run Oliver, run! Now careful, gently bring your bird back to the base. Don’t forget about those bombs still hanging there. Winningstadt lives to fight another day.
So, it looks like the enemy figured out a way to best the Tommies - throw many more planes at them. It seems to be working. Oliver better keep his wits about him. It is getting dodgy up there.

Kebab, is your laptop simulating engine fire? Make sure to turn it off and dive.

Raine, good to see George on the mend and back in the air. Too bad about the lovely Bentleys and the downgrade to Clergets. I’m sure MacAlister will make the Hun pay for this.

NR, you have to take the good with the bad. There will always be more claims and there will always be more good weather. Hopefully this time around it’ll be the enemy ogling the nurses in their hospital.

13 April, 1918
Balatre, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
77 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

Fuchs and Tybelsky were hunkering down in the trench while the aerodrome bombardment continued.
“- Those Franzosen are systematic. They’re going row by row across the field.” Albert poked his head out to appraise the situation.
One of the hangars was hit and ignited the fuel stored inside. It all went up in a huge blaze. Ammunition and flares were next, going off like it were Chinese New Year. Suddenly Tybelsky jumped out of the trench and began to run screaming. “- Schweine!”
Rudi went after him, he never saw him this upset at the French and as they were approaching the barn he realized Tybelsky wasn’t referring to the enemy.
People were running to save the horses and the livestock.
The bombardment ceased around 5:00. At least 200 shells landed on the airfield and rendered it useless. 25 of the Jagdgeschwader’s airplanes were destroyed. All the chickens were fried to a crisp. The pigs survived but were too badly burned and had to be slaughtered. Miraculously there were no personnel casualties. It was obvious they wouldn’t be able to operate from Balatre for the foreseeable future and by late morning orders came to relocate south to Bonneuil Ferme. The transfer went quickly since there was nothing to pack. The pilots that still had their machines in working order would fly there by noon and everyone else would get there later by road. The transfer flight to the new digs was uneventful. For once Jasta 19 was thankful not to have seen enemy planes.


"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."
#4564206 - 04/14/21 08:16 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Albert Tross Offline
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Raine - So for a while it really was 'backs to the wall' after the Germans broke through the Portuguese held line.

At least MacAlister had some time by the sea to recuperate and by the look of it it's done him good, albeit now flying inferior Camels. The squadron did a good job with those two seaters.

Fullofit - With nearly 80 kills and all that flight time, I'd expect Rudi to have the hide of an elephant. Glad to see he made it from all that shelling, shame about the livestock though and the wrecked aircraft. Glad to see the brass have seen for fit to finally move the Jasta away from those guns.

TWK - hope you get the laptop sorted. I've been having preliminary looks at upgrading my own.

NR - Enjoy the time off and smell the fresh smell of clean bedding and (hopefully) clean nurses.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4564219 - 04/14/21 10:52 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
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L'Etoile du Nord
.

Fullofit - Rudi just keeps going and going and going, even when the Tommies are trying to shell him into oblivion. Thank God for foxholes. 77 confirmed? Wowzers! He's giving that Manfred fellow a run for his money. By the way that sunrise shot of the jasta on the 11th is awesome.

Raine - Glad to see that Mac is fit again and ready for duty. He best watch himself, now more than ever, it's suddenly gotten much more dangerous in those hostile skies.

Epower - Oliver's been a busy lad, ferrying planes about, meeting up with yet another of his lovely lady friends, swatting down the Hun like so many annoying flys. But those special orders: "Every position must be held to the last man"? I don't like the sounds of that at all.

Carrick - And another one bites the dust. Farewell Walter, Valhalla awaits you. And what a nice sendoff on the family wagon.

MFair - Holy cow, over two weeks in the hospital for Karl?! Definitely want one of those nurses that visit Carrick's fliegers. Well at least your man lives to tell the tale. And I agree, it is a whole new WOFF universe of danger now.

TWkebab - Helmut's new livery is quite nice; understated, not too flashy. Best not to draw more attention to yourself than you can handle when it comes to those enemy planes, they will find you regardless as indeed they did. Your man was lucky it was only a flesh wound, and he did well to stick with his mates in spite of it.

Casey - Sorry to see that your man has been invalided home and that you must drop out for now. Real life does have a habit of getting in the way of our flight simming.

Albert - Looks like Jacob has made a very good start, four confirmed claims already! He's also a smart man to stay out of those arguments between his kette mates. And don't you just love that new scenery.

Not Relevant - Your fellow Cunningham was lucky to get down in one piece after his wounding. And a week in hospital right about now may not be the worst thing. But talk about adding insult to injury, both claims rejected! Bloody HQ.


Fantastic videos and screenshots and reports everyone, a most enjoyable catch up.

As for Captain Frederick Abbott, he's just happy to still be in the same place after an entire week! His batman, Corporal Coles, has his new quarters set up and organized just the way Freddy likes it and it is most comfortable. The weather's been rainy, more often than not, though there was one particularly fine day. There was however a predawn recce sortie on the 11th that devestated 'B' Flight: seven Albs jumped them in the darkness and by the time things were sorted out three Camels had been so shot up that they had to be written off, and one man was lost, 2nd Lt. Osborn, who'd only been with them five days. Freddy's own kite took a good venting and was down for repairs for an entire day, though he did manage one confirmed claim in exchange for all the damage. No more action until this morning when the lads of 65 Squadron caught a trio of Rumplers over Amiens and knocked two of them down. With the Hun still pushing their offensive who knows what tomorrow will bring.


After an initial attack from below on the Hun B/R bus that disabled the rear gunner Freddy came back around and finished the job, sheering away the Rumpler's lower portside wing.
[Linked Image]

.

#4564245 - 04/14/21 05:04 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
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carrick58 Offline
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RAF Lou: Abbott: has a Batman ?

Attached Files Screenshot-1808batman.png
#4564265 - 04/14/21 06:09 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Albert Tross Offline
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UK
Carrick - Apparently his full name is Robin Coles......I'll get me coat......

Lou - Abbott did well pulling two victories out of those difficult sorties. Poor Osborn, the skies in 1918 are no place for beginners. At least the squadron has what might loosely termed 'proper digs' now.

As for Jacob, as an old navy man, he's used to hearing men grumbling. But there's some bad news where 'der zwei alte damen' are concerned.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4564275 - 04/14/21 07:05 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
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Albert Tross Offline
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UK
Flugmeister Jacob Kühn
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

4 confirmed kills

14th April 1918

Leutenant Heinrich took the briefing today as he confirmed that Oberleutenant Saschenberg had been called to Brussels again.

He explained Kette Eins was already airborne escorting a flight of DFW's to attack the guns to the north of Ypres.

Kette Zwei would patrol west towards the lines south of Nieuwpoort. The weather had closed in once more and he made it clear we were to stick together and keep our eyes open throughout.

20 minutes later they were airborne and forming up. As they climbed Jacob saw aircraft high above attacking Ghistelles airfield. He wanted to climb up at them but remembered Heinrich's orders to stay together.

They climbed up steadily and Jacob kept his eyes on the enemy bombers. The cocky Tommies were still attacking the facilities below. Jacob signalled Leutenant Heinrich and drew his attention to the bombers who were now only a few hundred meters above.

Heinrich pointed towards Jacob and then upto towards the bombers. Jacob got the message straight away and climbed up towards the enemy.

As Jacob got nearer several of the RE8's made for home. Jacob could see one hanging around and went after him. He kept underneath and watched as the two seater tried to evade. Jacob stayed with him and then lined up and put a long burst into the cockpit area of the RE8. The enemy swayed and then tried to dive but Jacob fired another burst into him and this time the two seater lurched over to the right and kept going, smoke was pouring from the engine and Jacob saw the pilot, motionless in the cockpit.

The RE8 plunged into the depths and crashed west of Ghistelles but definitely on the German side of the lines.

Jacob swooped down and caught the rest of Kette Zwei up.

They continued to their patrol area and all was going quietly. The weather was not good at all and Jacob watched as his kameraden fought to maintain formation.

Just then he thought he saw something ahead, a movement, a glimmer. He focussed hard, 'there it is again' he thought.

He scanned around nervously but saw nothing else as he returned his gaze forwards he saw a formation of enemy scouts closing in fast.

For once Kette Zwei was at the same altitude and Jacob charged his guns.

The SE5's and the Albatrosse raced towards each other and fire erupted from everywhere.

Jacob fired directly into one of the enemy and dived. Jacob climbed as he went past the enemy and came around. He saw the SE he'd hit limping home and left him alone. He saw another SE trying to get on his tail. He swooped around and the SE tried to respond.

A swirling fight ensued for what seemed like ages and they were losing height. Jacob tried something, he rolled down and then pulled up, his wings creaked at the zenith of their breaking point. Jacob saw the SE was a fraction late rolling with him and for a moment flew past Jacob's nose.

Jacob fired into the SE who dived away. Jacob looked around and saw nothing else nearby. He spotted the SE now try to regain his lines. Jacob dived onto the tail of the SE and put a lethal burst into him. The SE shuddered and seemed to hang in the air. Jacob hit him again and he watched as the SE fell and slammed into the ground.

Jacob drew a deep breath and looked around. He saw nothing else however and made his way home.

As he climbed up to a decent height he saw several other plumes of smoke and debris. It had been a murderous battle Jacob could see.

As he landed at Jabbeke he heard other aircraft nearby and indeed a few Albatrosse were coming in to land as well.

Leutenant Heinrich was one of them. Jacob walked over, the Leutenant looked and grimly smiled at Jacob.

"Did you get that SE Jacob?" He asked, "Yes sir" confirmed Jacob. "What about that two seater you went after" asked Heinrich. "He's done for" stated Jacob.

"Excellent Jacob, that makes up for our loss" stated Heinrich.

"Our loss?" queried Jacob.

"I saw Nebgen go down" stated Heinrich "He went straight in".

Jacob was deep in thought as he took it all in. The Leutenant's voice woke him up. "Make your report and make your claims, we'll have to wait for confirmation" stated Heinrich.

Later on that evening it was confirmed that Nebgen had indeed been killed. His body had been recovered and would be returned to the Jasta tomorrow.

There were mutterings as Heinrich announced it. Jacob glanced at Brenner, he was forlorn.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg6.jpg7.jpg8.jpg9.jpg

"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4564302 - 04/14/21 11:07 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Dec 2012
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MFair Offline
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MFair  Offline
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Posts: 3,086
These are some superior stories folks. I have got to get caught up! Spooky Tooth Ranch is about normal again with the torrential rains today, it will not be dry enough to do anything for a bit.

I hope to be back in the next few days with a new pilot. Karl died in hospital. Actually, his real life counterpart did a stupid thing. I only keep one campaign pilot so I backed him up so I could fly and check out some settings with the new sim. Of course I soon killed him. So, when I went to restore him back in hospital, I hit “backup” instead of “restore”! The ringmaster said to start again on his hospital release date and add, or estimate his previous standings. I think I will start a “L” pilot. Ludwig L. Kemp. He is Karl’s younger brother who joined 56, again with a word from the Baron himself. He was looking forward to serving with his brother, but......... he is the last hope for the Kemp family. Besides, I can’t let Carrick get ahead of me.


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!
#4564303 - 04/14/21 11:14 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
Raine Offline
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Raine  Offline
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Posts: 2,105
New Brunswick, Canada
Albert – Kuhn is off to a magnificent start and is doing the Navy proud.

Lou – great photograph of the Rumpler coming apart. Nice to see that the new edition has reduced the number of times the wings come off in tandem.

Carrick – poor Spatenbrau caused the spades to come out of the warehouse one more time. Good luck with the new man.

EPower – very timely episode with Vera Brittain. I’m reading her “Testament of Youth” at present. Formidable lady. Your near misses are scaring me. Please keep Oliver safe!

Kebab – good luck with your computer and hope to see you back soon.

Not Relevant – Hope Dean is healthy soon and back in action.

Fullofit – how ironic it would be if Rudy survived all the air battles only to get shelled while sitting in his aerodrome. Best wishes
.
With many thanks to Pol for his outstanding support, I have resolved the final glitches with my keys and controllers and have had a chance to fly a couple of missions. The skies are certainly less friendly with BH&H2 and I neglected entirely to take screenshots in my desire to stay alive.


War Journal of Flight Commander George Ewan MacAlister, DSO, DSC
208 Squadron, RAF
Serny, France

Part 35


The Huns have pushed their balloon line forward with their advance and we were ordered to destroy a particularly inquisitive gas bag west of Loos. The clouds were low with scattered rain showers and we picked our way nervously eastward, knowing that at any time bags of air Huns could materialise out of the cloud layer above us. Fortunately we reached our target without incident and I led the attack. A long burst from my Vickers started a stream of smoke from the balloon and I loosed my eight Le Prieur rockets, which ignited the thing. I rolled to the left in celebration and promptly ceased my rejoicing when I noticed tracers flashing past my head. We had been visited by a formation of Pfalz scouts!

I turned one way and then the other, annoyed at how the upper wing obstructed my view. Our old naval Camels, lost in the advance, had lovely great cutouts so that we could follow Huns in battle. My German friend kept disappearing out of view. Then I saw Cooper dive beneath me and the Hun was chased directly in front of my guns. A short burst did damage and I was on his tail in a flash. One more burst sent the German down out of control. I saw it crash west of Loos. Moments later I saw another silver Pfalz on the tail of a Camel. I closed to within fifty feet without being seen and my twin Vickers tore the Hun apart.

We returned to Serny and I filed my three claims. The balloon and the second Pfalz were confirmed. The first Pfalz was recorded as driven down because it was not witnessed.

In the afternoon we were to escort some RE8s over the lines near Bethune. As we flew over our old aerodrome at Mont Saint Eloi, a large group of enemy two seaters escorted by Albatri passed overhead. With our escort job to do and no height advantage I continued eastward, but to my surprise the Huns scouts dived on us. We had a jolly scrap and I succeeded in shooting enough pieces of an Albatros to send it down. It was confirmed later.

My three official victories this day brings my account up to 45. Major Draper proposed a congratulatory toast to me at dinner so my head is rather big at the moment.

#4564308 - 04/15/21 12:16 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
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Fullofit  Offline
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Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Albert, Rudi’s definitely nipping at Baron’s heels, but the claims board isn’t making it easy. Another denied claim.
Jacob is now an old hand, shooting enemy planes left and right. Now, if only those claims could come through. That would make up in a small way for the loss of Nebgen. Well done. Jacob will make Vaterland proud yet.

Lou, glad to see you’re still looking in here from time to time. Definitely getting close to Baron’s score. Only a few more days to catch up to him before he flies off into the sunset, or is it sunrise for the Germans?
Thanks, couldn’t resist taking that picture.
Looks like 65 is trading machines with the Huns at the moment. Not a good kill ratio with those Fokker D.VIIs on the horizon. It looks grim for our plucky pilot.

MFair, what’s going? Are you making your own No-Man’s Land complete with the trench system on your farm?
RIP Karl, we’ll just have to write him off to syphilis.
Good thing Ludwig is still around. More fodder for the meat grinder.

Raine, when will the Germans realize that those Pfalzes are no good? George had a field day with them and the score reflects it. Congrats on the 45.

14 April, 1918 06:00
Bonneuil Ferme, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
77 confirmed kills

Rudi’s Strutter from two days ago has been denied.
Jasta 19 began their operations from the new airfield. Their first order of business was to protect the observation balloon on the south bank of Oise.
On their way to the balloon they’ve encountered a trio of Strutters roaming above the front lines. Rudi swooped down to engage. It took some persuading, but Fuchs managed to convince one of them to part with its wings near Tergnier.

YouTube Link



Was it a good decision to engage the Strutters and leave the balloon defenceless? Rudi’s machine was now shot up and Körner was in no better shape. What if they come across more enemy planes? They would be in less than ideal situation. Thankfully no one else approached them for the remainder of the mission. Besides, the balloon was never defenceless - Schwarm Eins was circling it as well.

[Linked Image]

Attached Files 1918-04-14.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."
#4564314 - 04/15/21 01:13 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
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carrick58 Offline
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carrick58  Offline
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Jules Marceau Dubra
Sgt, Esc 26
Les Gigognes

April 13, 1918.

I arrived at the Esc and reported in. The Flight Capitanie assigned Spad VII number 18 as my aerial mount for the fight with zee enemies of France. We adjourned to the Chateau for Wine and an Omelette for dinner. I will be on the flight schedule tomorrow.

Attached Files CFS3 2021-04-14 14-16-55-31.jpgCFS3 2021-04-14 17-50-49-00.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 04/15/21 01:14 AM.
#4564318 - 04/15/21 02:13 AM 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
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Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
Albert - The nurses had a horrific war experience. Amazing women each and every one of them. Not sure how long you've been following the DID but Eliza's first letter to Oliver in January of 1917 shines some light on the experience. Her description of the wounded I quoted from historical sources almost verbatim. You can find it on Page 317 of the DID thread.
Jacob sure landed on his feet and is moving up fast. Excellent pics. I particularly like the one of the unfortunate Camel sans wing. Shame about poor Nebgen.

MFair - Karl to hospital then the next life. Fate, and the vagaries of backups, can be cruel. Looking forward to Ludwig's career.

Lt. Casey - We will miss you. Bet of luck on the new venture and we'll keep a seat by the fire for your return.

TWK - Helmut is getting his baptism of fire for sure. He'll have as many scars as Oliver at the current rate. Glad the wounds are superficial. Not liking the tracers getting that close to your man there. Nice screenie, btw. Let's keep those close calls to a minimum.
Now Helmut is rocking one very fresh paint job. A;ll his mates will know his machine now. Those silver Pfalz can be so anonymous


Carrick - Bienvenue Jules! He's fallen in the varsity. Well done!

NR - Cunningham is slogging some lovely Flemish weather , I see. BHaH2 sure has some nasty new features for that situation. Oh no! Cunningham is perforated. Tough break withthe two denied claims but your man is alive and in the care of Queen Alexandras Military Nursing Service. Spongebaths all around. You know, a wound stripe is as good as a decoration for getting attention from the fair sex. Heal quickly.

Fullofit - Attack of the homicidal Strutters! At least they aren't Ramflieger and now Rudi is threatening to eclipse the Baron himself. Rudi needn't rush. There's time, even withthe finicky claims office.
Alas, Herr Göttsch will not be here to witness. To be killed the very day of his 20th victory. Cruel. Most cruel. Love the painting of the triplanes. Unfortuante about the poor beasts. His Majesty's artillerymen were aiming for something more vital. Balatre was a bit far forward. Command were too keen. Jasta 19 will be much happier farther east.

Raine - Quite the adventure for young MacAliter. I hope he took advantage of his time in hospital to write the fair Bronwyn. How will she react to the wound stripe I wonder? Pleased to see that Mac's Ack Ems sorted out the controls problem. Too bad about the new Clerget Camels. What with new new Air Force, the Senior Service no longer have a monopoly on all the best planes. Not so much of an impediment after all. Congrats on the 3 confirmed. 50 is within reach now.

Lou - 65 Squadron's aircraft losses mount. Poor Osborn. I fear the new ones won't last long with the changing tides of the air war. Freddy back in action I see. Nice work dropping the Rumpler.


Last edited by epower; 04/15/21 02:13 AM.
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