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#4564319 - 04/15/21 02:23 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 73


13 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

5.50 Balloon strafe on the southeastern outskirts of Albert. No. 84 Squadron came up in force with 13 machines from A and B flights.

[Linked Image]

Arrived at the target to find the remains of a large air fight and the funeral pyres of numerous aircraft. No Balloon to be found, though one of the burning wrecks looked suspiciously like the remains of a gasbag. I checked the map for almost a minute as B flight circled. This was definitely the spot. Fortunately, the mission was not a complete washout. Two Triplanes flew below among the columns of black smoke.

[Linked Image]
My attack forced the Triplane to break directly into the guns of Sorsoleil.

He fell thunderously, and the black smoke of his funeral pyre rose from the ruined landscape. The second Hun followed him down to the House of the Death God.

Captain Burke, our able RO, spent the morning on the telephone in a vain effort to determine who if any had destroyed the Kaiser’s gasbag. It would remain a mystery. None claimed it.

Breakfast of Bertangles bangers and mash. Excellent. I’m always starving after these dawn shows. Caught up on some letters then spent an hour on the bag.


12.00 Noon line patrol, Amiens to Villers-Bretonneux, with Southey, Duke, Manzer, Johnson and Clear. Made sure we were at 14000 feet before heading east. 16,000 feet at the lines. Visibility excellent. Fleecy Cumulus up to 10,000 which provided a nice backdrop on which to see any Huns.

After 30 minutes on station a flight of 6 DFWs flew directly below. I led B Flight down and scored solid strikes on the leftmost Hun.

[Linked Image]
My Vickers jammed after 20 rounds, and I peeled away.

Johnson followed in and sent the Boche down out of control. Two more DFWs fell to B Flight.
Everyone returned safely to Bertangles. Johnson, Southey and Manzer were badly shot about but intact.

After a lengthy session in the gun butts with Lt. Northcote, squadron Armaments Officer, I was feeling more confident about the state of C5333’s weaponry. These stoppages must end!

Spent remainder of the day in Amiens. Found some Cognac for Evans and Woodley.

McCann was forced down behind the lines during the late afternoon show. Larson saw him land intact so we hope he is alive and a guest of Kaiser Bill. He was only 8 days with the squadron.



14 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

4.45 B Flight drew the dawn patrol again. Balloon strafe 3 miles southwest of Harbonnieres aerodrome. Heavy mist and rain. Visibility was dreadful under 6000 feet. D*amn goggles kept fogging up. Climbed above the cloud layer and the air cleared slightly. The white lance of a searchlight illuminated a large flight of what appeared to be Hannovers a mile above. We’d not catch them. Our mission was the balloon calling down artillery on the infantry.

Went in on the gasbag with Dingbat flying my left wing. No Archie at all.

[Linked Image]
B Flight flew past as the balloon exploded.

The Kaiser’s Flakmen rolled out of their bunks and announced their displeasure but to no effect

[Linked Image]
Home to breakfast.

By Noon the weather closed in, postponing any further operations. Hammered the bag then spent the afternoon sorting through ammunition.

Wing confirmed the Balloon. One Hundred Twenty-eight.

#4564365 - 04/15/21 11:00 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Epower - A brilliant sunrise shot there. Looks like the rain stopped just long enough for a fine photo op. And 128 confirmed for our Oliver? Amazing! Too bad about McCann ending up a POW, but perhaps the Kaiser will keep him safe until war's end. A successful trip to Amiens from the sounds of it, finding Cognac in such trying times.

Carrick - A hearty welcome to Sgt. Dubra. May he manage to stay alive long enough to make it to Adjutant. And yes, Freddy has a batman, (lower case 'b').

Fullofit - Those Fokkers of Rudi's and Körner's look like they caught some serious 'ell in that go round. But they won the day regardless. That one Strutter nearly took Rudi out via collision though, so close.
But what's this about me "still looking in from time to time"? I posted several reports last week as well as miscellaneous comments! And while I was out most of the weekend on family matters, and was tied up Monday with the three Bertangles sisters, I was here again yesterday posting. Sheesh, can't take a break for even a weekend without being painted as MIA. winkngrin

Raine - Mac had a good day, four shot down with three being confirmed! 45 on the tally board, he's up for some new bling soon I should think.

MFair - So Karl expired in hospital? Another one for the Choir Invisible. Here's hoping his younger brother Ludwig can manage some payback for his sibling, and keep on the green side of the sod in the process.

Albert - Condolences on Jacob's lost kette mate Nebgen. At least they can give him a decent burial. Your man's at four confirmed and two pending? Some bling there soon as well methinks. That one screenshot of the dogfight swarm is epic.

.


15 April 1918
65 Squadron R.F.C.
Bertangles, France

Two dismally wet but quiet outings today for Captain Frederick Abbott and his gang. The first flip was in the darkness of early dawn and was utterly pointless as they couldn't see a thing. The second was shortly past lunch and, while they could now see, it was still utterly pointless as there were no hostile planes to be found anywhere. Ah well, c,est la guerre, or lack of same.


Taking off from the west field at Bertangles in the rain, again. All this precipitation is starting to drag a bit.
[Linked Image]


Approaching the bottom of the gloom at just under 3,000'. Somewhere above all this gray the sun is shining.
[Linked Image]


That "somewhere" was 12,000' up, on top of the dense, towering clouds. Sunshine - yes. Winds - yes. Warmth - no. Air Huns - also no. The enemy planes must all be up north trying to reach the channel ports along with the rest of the German army.
[Linked Image]


An hour-and-a-half later and it's time to return to the rain and the dreary. But there's hot tea waiting, as well as a nice cozy Nissen hut to warm up in. So much better than that leaky old tent back at Conteville.
[Linked Image]

.

#4564382 - 04/15/21 01:46 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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MFair - So you're keeping it in the family with the Kemp siblings. Good luck.

Raine - A fine couple of sorties for MacAlister. Those Pfalz don't stand a chance against a well flown Camel, even one without the view through the top wing. As for Jacob, the skies are so busy now it's sink or swim, thankfully he's swimming at the moment.

Carrick - Bonjour Monsieur Dubra. Straight on the wine I see, keep a clear head for those first sorties.

Fullofit - Another Strutter gone to meet it's maker (not Mr Sopwith....the other one). Shame about the denied claim but the rate Rudi is going he'll have more than 80 within a week I bet.

Epower - I found the one with the hospital train and picture, that looked very modern for the time.

A busy time in the air for your chap, and the right choice to leave those Hannovers and concentrate on the matter at hand, bringing down the balloon. Another confirmation and 128 confirmed victories, top job.

Lou - it does look bleak out there for Freddy and 65 Squadron and was no better on the other side of the street Jacob can assure you. Clearly the Germans thought better of it though.


"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."
#4564449 - 04/15/21 06:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Jules M. Dubra
Sgt, Esc 26
Hetomesnil, Aerodrome
Marne,


April 15, 1918.

I had Zee local Orientation Flight of the flying sector by my Flight Lt. A good fellow. My mount seems very fast and handles well at speed. Slower and all is not well. Additionally , The motor has a problem of over heating if u go full power for too long. Another problem is the ammo for the Mg, far too many are bent or have cracked cases so care must be taken. The other thing I noticed was that Rank and the title of Ace has its privileges. The lower ranks have details and Dawn Patrols while the Aces seem to show up just before late morning or afternoon Patrols often with a Mademoiselle on their Arm. The Flight Captainie and the Commandant share a separate Chateau with Maids. I am appointed a/c maintenance Sgt in addition to Flight Duties ? My background is in the producing and selling of Mademoiselle Under garments

Attached Files CFS3 2021-04-15 10-59-56-48.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 04/15/21 06:46 PM.
#4564476 - 04/15/21 08:33 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick - So Dubra's made a start, he clearly has experience of the SPAD so that will help him. If the Mademoiselles find out he's got a background in fancy lingerie he may find a few of them on his arm as well.


Flugmeister Jacob Kühn
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

4 confirmed kills (2 awaiting confirmation)

15th April 1918

Morning sortie


Oberleutenant Saschenberg had not yet returned from Brussels so Leutenant Heinrich took the morning briefing and confirmed he would lead the morning sortie.

He explained Kette Zwei would be patrolling down towards Passchendaele whilst Kette Eins had an escort flight taking marine DFW's to attack the lines south of Nieuwpoort.

The weather was still pretty bad, thick clouds and patches of rain making visibility difficult and taking it's toll on the airfield again. It was flat as a pancake in northern Flanders and the water table was high anyway.

Kette Zwei took off a short while later and climbed steadily. Once up to 11000 feet they moved south west towards Passchendaele.

The weather was awful until the formation broke through the rain clouds. Then it remained grey but at least dry.

Jacob, flying at the rear of the formation, studied the skies as they flew.

They'd now reached 14000 feet and we're about 10 minutes away from Passchendaele. Jacob was scouring the horizon to his left when he saw something.....there...yes... definitely aircraft coming through the clouds.

Jacob kept an eye on them and they were definitely getting closer. He now saw the familiar shape of Sopwith Camels. By now the rest of the Kette had seen them too and as one, they turned to face the incoming attackers.

Tracers pinged everywhere as they clashed. Jacob put a burst into one Camel as he raced past and the enemy rolled away.

Jacob looked around and saw both formations now engaged in a large melee.

He looked for a target and found one as a Camel came across from the right. Jacob rolled with him. The Camel saw him however and avoided the attack. A series of scissors followed but Jacob was always on top.

He fired into the Camel as he flew across his sights and the enemy tried to climb. Jacob poured both barrels into him and the Camel stalled and fell.

Jacob followed him down and watched as the Camel desperately tried to level out. The enemy aircraft nosed in and ended up wedged next to a tree.

Jacob looked around and saw two more Albatrosse nearby and the Camels were running for home.

The three kameraden flew back to Jabbeke and landed. Other Albatros could also be seen approaching as they set down.

Jacob unclipped the belt and climbed out. He walked over to Leutenant Heinrich.

"Bravo Jacob I saw your Camel hit the ground" explained Heinrich. They went to clean up and file their reports.


Oberleutenant Saschenberg had returned by early afternoon and called Jacob to his office.

"We will be burying Nebgen this afternoon and I would like you to do something for me if you would?" asked Saschenberg.

"If I can sir, of course" replied Jacob.

"I would like you to complete a fly past as the burial takes place. Nebgen lived for flying and would be honored by your gesture".

"Of course sir, that's the least I can do" confirmed the Flugmeister.

"You can also keep an eye on the skies above" stated the Oberleutenant.

"Aye aye Herr Oberleutenant" Jacob replied.

"One last thing Jacob"

"Yes sir?"

"As well as your claim today, your two outstanding claims have now been confirmed" stated Saschenberg.

"That brings your total to 7 already Jacob. You are proving yourself a fine pilot and I'm very happy you were sent here. Your calmness and precision in the heat of battle is making you deadly Flugmeister and long may it continue" finished the Oberleutenant.

"Thank you Herr Oberleutenant , I won't let you or the fatherland down" finished Jacob, who saluted and left.

Jacob climbed into his Albatros and took off as the funeral began. Completing several circuits of the airfield and flying over the small burial site behind the hangers.......rocking his wings as he did so.

Attached Files A1.jpgA3.jpgA4.jpgA5.jpgA6-1.jpgA7.jpgA8.jpgScreenshot_20210415-204705~2.png

"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."
#4564504 - 04/16/21 12:19 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Carrick, welcome Sgt. Dubra to the Front. I hope your stay here will be a pleasant one.

Epower, Rudi would prefer this contest to be finally over. This rivalry is unhealthy. Actually, it was the French artillery. I don’t know if that’s better or worse.
Finally some Dreidecker victims for Oliver. It must have been a slaughter 13 vs 2, or would you say even odds? Hope those gun jams are a thing of the past, like engine fires wink
And got the balloon too - redemption from the earlier mission. Congrats on the latest confirmation. Lovely shots.

LOL Lou, just teasin’ but seriously weekends off? What’s that all about? There is a war going on, y’know.
I’m tellin’ ya, those Strutters are the most dangerous things in the air. The front gun, the rear fun, the ramming thing they have going on. A veritable menace.
Freddy’s eye still twitches at the mere mention of the word “Conteville”. Pointless patrols or not, Abbott fulfills his duty, scaring the Huns away in the process. Hopefully better weather is on the way. Very gloomy shots there, Lou.

Albert, I wouldn’t be so sure about Rudi’s claim success rate. I have a feeling HQ is trying to keep the Baron in the lead at all costs. Aristocracy and all that.
What’s with all these trips the C.O. is taking lately. His absence is getting noticed (just like Lou’s).
So, seven confirmed kills. Our Jacob is going places. Three more and he’ll be called Der Kanone. Congrats!
A wonderful gesture and an honour for young Kühn to be selected for the flight during Nebgen’s send off.
Is there a better machine in Jacob’s near future?

15 April, 1918 05:45
Bonneuil Ferme, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
78 confirmed kills

The Strutter from yesterday has been confirmed.
Jasta 19 scrambled to their machines after receiving a call about approaching enemy planes! After climbing to 1,000 m Rudi spotted the enemy flight. He was still too low and the rest of the Schwarm was just catching up to him. He watched as the planes above began to descend. If they wanted a fight, they would get one. It was a Bréguet that was after him and it missed the Fokker by the tiniest of crotch hairs. Then the Strutters came and seeing that the Bréguet was being taken care of by the rest of his Schwarm, Rudi concentrated on the Strutter. It was a slippery one and the rear gunner was particularly lively. Fuchs had to employ his bag of tricks to eliminate the two-seater. The Strutter in return concentrated on making a sieve out of the Fokker. Finally, after a particularly effective volley, the biplene’s engine began to smoke. Rudi knew this one wasn’t going anywhere. The silver plane glided down near the aerodrome and crashed into the nearby woods. Fuchs checked the skies for more intruders, but all he saw were enemy planes on fire falling out of the sky. With the job done Rudi gave the signal to land.

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."
#4564587 - 04/16/21 02:44 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Fullofit - Geez Louise, that Bréguet nearly took out the Kaiser's ace on that merge. And then those Strutters did their best to finish the job. The G/O in that last bus fought him all the way to the end. I am amazed Rudi walked away from that one still intact. Another super video.

Albert - A fine tribute on Jacob's part for his fallen comrade. And a stellar group of screenshots again. Nice old photo as well.

Carrick - So Jules has a background in women's undergarments. That should serve him well in certain circles, though not so much in aircraft maintenance. But then l'armée is not known for assigning men to the tasks best suited to their particular talents.

.


16 April 1918
65 Squadron R.F.C.
Bertangles, France

A bad morning for 'B' Flight, both in terms of the weather and in the outcome of their first, and only, flip of the day. They were to meet up with the Red Baron and his pack of killers in the skies above Albert. It would not end well for the King's own.


Yet another wet dawn patrol for Captain Frederick Abbott and 'B' Flight, tasked with an OP of the lines from Albert to Amiens. They were back to full strength, Osborn's replacement having arrived yesterday morning and managing two familiarization flights before day's end. So it was that 2nd Lt. Cecil Peabody was now deemed "ready" for his first sortie, with the strict understanding that he would break and run for home at the first sign of trouble.
[Linked Image]


The rising sun taunted them through the gloom with an orangy glow along the eastern horizon.
[Linked Image]


At 11,000' the King's airmen broke through the top of the storm clouds into a bright new morning. Lovely.
[Linked Image]


But there was little time to enjoy the view as the six Camels of 'B' Flight were immediately set upon by eight Hun triplanes. Dam'n! There, amongst them, was the all-red mount of Richthofen - the Circus!
[Linked Image]


Within seconds a Camel was falling in pieces, a black streak marking it's path. It would be later learned that it was in fact Peabody, the poor sod never had a chance. One of the garish Fokkers picked out Freddy as his intended victim and the two aces commenced battle.
[Linked Image]


Abbott and his Boche counterpart were equally matched, neither being able to get an upper hand despite each man's best efforts. Why one of the Hun's partners wasn't joining in for the kill was a puzzle, but a puzzle Freddy was most grateful for. He'd be in a world of trouble if he had to fend of two or more such opponents.
[Linked Image]


The pair spiraled and looped and twisted their way down, down, down, until they were below the clouds and back in the driving rain. The droplets stabbed at Abbott's exposed cheeks like a hoard of angry hornets but he hardly noticed as he continued fighting for his life with his most worthy adversary.
[Linked Image]


And then the Hun made his one and only mistake when he stalled for a brief moment, hanging in the air, unable to maneuver just long enough for Freddy to at last get the Vickers on him.
[Linked Image]


As Captain Abbott watched his victim pirouette earthward towards the mud, his Camel was suddenly blasted by gun fire from below. Bloody hell, he'd gotten dragged down over the enemy front lines! His left calf burned red hot as his kite began spewing oil and fuel. He pointed the nose of the Camel west and made best speed back across as countless Fritz rifles were emptied at him.
[Linked Image]


There was no way he was making it back to Bertangles, that was certain. It was all he could do to coax his kite as far as Lahoussoye, and only just barely made that.
[Linked Image]


Once safely on the ground the Captain was helped out of his vented, broken bus and taken to the camp's medical officer where he was treated for a fairly deep grazing on the back of his left leg, the Boche bullet having gouged a trough diagonally across the length of his calf on that side and ending just below where he'd gotten scarred a month earlier, (if he didn't end up with a gammy leg after all this it would be a miracle - broken at school, shot twice in combat, ankle badly sprained falling out of his plane, and all on the left side). Once the wound had been properly cleaned and dressed, Abbott was given a ride the seven miles back to Bertangles, after which a tender was sent to collect his Camel while he waited for the remains of 'B' Flight to return. Only two of the six actually flew back to camp under their own power. Peabody was dead and gone. Ack-Ack Leitch had put down just this side of the new front lines across from Albert, his mount nearly destroyed, yet he survived unscathed. And George Cox had crashed hard in a field two miles short of camp, (due to the ragged state of his kite after the encounter), and smacked his head on the butts of his Vickers giving himself a minor concussion. All this for only two claims on the Circus - Freddy's fellow, and one for Leitch. A truly wretched showing and the loss of yet another green lad. Madness.

.

#4564594 - 04/16/21 03:00 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Lou, stop that flying around and finish your mods! Didn't your parents and teachers tell you to "do your chores first and then you can plat around". jawdrop sigh
You clearly haven't learned your lessons! Where did I put that cricket bat duh


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#4564597 - 04/16/21 03:11 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Bah, it'll get done when it gets done and not before. biggrin

.

#4564607 - 04/16/21 03:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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Apologies for the mild absence, unfortunate dealings with people being unreasonably difficult when they don't need to be.

Fullofit - Guess so! Dean would definetely be looking to send some Huns over to the hospital after what they've done.
Rudi I see is still doing great for himself! Let's hope that streak of greatness keeps up.

Tross - Dean's been trying to! Kinda hard to enjoy all that with chaps moaning about their legs blown off the next tent down, but hey, it is what it is.
Good job with those camels!

Louvert - Really is an insult added to injury. Seems like HQ might have their favourites in regards to whose claims they approve.
Good god, good on Abbott for making it out of that one. The Circus really doesn't mess around, great photos there.

Raine - Asides from diminishing moods, Dean's quite fine and on track to being thrown bay into the fray.
Congrats to MacAllister with those 45 victories.

Epower - The weather must surely be Dean's worst enemy. After the Huns that is. Truly though, better be alive and in good hands than, well. Dead and in several burnt pieces.
What an amazing sunset though. Can't get over how great BH&HII looks sometimes.

2/LT Dean Andrews Cunningham
№64 Squadron RAF
Field Hospital, Flanders
April 16th, 1918.



Those past few days have been a mixed bag. On one hand, some of the nurses here surely don't look half as bad as one could imagine from someone having to deal with diseased and dying men all day long while fearing a stray shell might fly off course and send them all off to hell. On the other, I think I'm finally starting to understand the pain that grounded airmen must be experiencing all the time. I wonder how things are back at the squadron and over at the front. Every day there's new wounded and every day there's planes flying towards the front. Feels like things are just getting more and more intense... Tomorrow will be my last day over at this blasted hospital. I can only pray that I won't be coming back here anytime soon.


"Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they're invincible.
I bet you do, too, Buddy."
#4564618 - 04/16/21 04:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
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epower Offline
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Last edited by epower; 04/16/21 04:51 PM.
#4564646 - 04/16/21 06:32 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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(Knocks at the Wiggins house) Excuse me Mr Wiggins sir but is Lou playing out?


Fullofit - Great video, that Brequet was a close call. The French have obviously given their two seater pilots something in their champagne the way they're throwing themselves around. For a moment I thought they were double teaming Rudi, but he came good.

Lou - Now there's a classic dogfight, a well flown Camel against a well flown Triplane. Not just any old Triplane but one of Richthofen's finest. It came down to one mistake and he made it. A nasty flesh wound is a payable price as long as Freddy's alive to see it heal. Another newcomer bites the dust, poor Peabody. As for the rest of the Squadron, let's hope they learn from the experience.

NR - Just one more day in hospital for Cunningham and not a moment too soon. Cooped up in bed is no place for a fighter pilot and it's clearly getting to him.


"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."
#4564662 - 04/16/21 07:29 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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Flugmeister Jacob Kühn
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

7 confirmed kills

16th April 1918


Morning sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg was leading the flight today and confirmed we would be heading out to the lines south of Nieuwpoort again as the British bombers have been attacking the nearby army camp again. The whole Jasta would be flying.

The weather was still poor, thick clouds and rain once more. The airfield was a quagmire again making take offs and landings dangerous.

Thankfully everyone got airborne safely and they formed up and started climbing.

Jacob was watchful throughout as Kettes Eins and Zwei began moving towards the lines and he felt better as they'd climbed above the rain and mist.

They'd not got far when out of the murk ahead there appeared a formation of aircraft. Jacob saw they were in arrow formation and closing fast.

Kette Zwei who were leading the Jasta saw the incoming aircraft and Jacob recognised them as Sopwith Strutters.

The two formations collided in a barrage of machine gun fire. Jacob fired as one of the Sopwiths raced past. He came around quickly and latched onto one of the two seaters. The enemy rear gunner peppered Jacob's machine with bullets and Jacob put a burst into the Strutter.

The two seater rolled and dived but Jacob had anticipated the move and came up behind the Strutter. He put a devastating burst into him. The Sopwiths wing disintegrated and he fell away spewing thick smoke.

Jacob glanced down and saw it slowly spiralling down towards Ghistelles airfield. Just then he saw another formation over to the right and diving into the fray...... Camels!!

Now MFJ had a real fight on their hands.

For some reason the Camels had ignored Jacob, or not seen him as they attacked the others. The Flugmeister came around and dived into one of the Camels just as he was attacking a kamerad.

Jacob fired into the unknowing Camel who leapt up and presented a target too good to miss for Jacob. He fired into the Camel who burst into flames. Jacob glanced and saw the enemy aircraft nosing straight down into the ground.

Jacob looked and saw Albatrosse bettering Camels and Strutters all around. He found one Camel below and diving for the deck trying to escape.

Jacob swooped down onto the tail of the Camel and put an accurate burst into him, the Camel tried to turn away but another burst had him smoking badly. Jacob watched as the Camel smashed into the ground near Ghistelles.

Jacob levelled off and took stock. He saw plumes of smoke all around. He saw several Albatrosse and formed up with them.

Oberleutenant Saschenberg signalled to head home.

On landing and joining the others in discussion he found they'd destroyed eight enemy aircraft including the three Jacob had bagged. One Albatros had been lost but the pilot, Flugmeister Wessels was okay.



Afternoon sortie

The weather was still bad as Jacob and the rest of Kette Zwei took off. Oberleutenant Saschenberg was leading again as they headed off towards Ypres.

Despite remaining vigilant throughout the sortie passed without incident and Kette Zwei landed safely some eighty minutes later.


Oberleutenant Saschenberg gave a briefing that evening about the progress at the front. Bailleul had been taken and the enemy had given up Passchendaele. Things were looking very good as long as they kept the pressure up.

There was a loud cheer from the room as he finished.

Oberleutenant Saschenberg took Jacob off to one side. "Your two Camel's are confirmed Jacob, the Strutter could not, the flak batteries are claiming to have scored hits too".

Jacob gave a sly grin at this and Saschenberg followed with his own.

"That's nine confirmed kills now Flugmeister, you're being true to your word Jacob about not letting anyone down" said Saschenberg as he passed Jacob a drink.

"Now keep it going kamerad" finished the Oberleutenant.

"I intend to Herr Oberleutenant" concluded Jacob as he sipped his drink.

They rejoined the others and a celebration ensued.

Attached Files A1.jpgA2.jpgA3.jpgA4.jpgA5.jpgA6-1.jpgA7.jpgA8.jpgA9.jpgA10.jpgB1.jpgB2.jpgB3.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."
#4564664 - 04/16/21 07:30 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: Yes, Jules wants to keep a hand in Even as a pilot.

#4564679 - 04/16/21 08:26 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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Jules M. Dubra
Sgt, Esc 26
Hetomesnil, Aerodrome
Marne,

April 16, 1918

Dawn Patrol : No Contact

Supervise work around Hanger then got ready for the afternoon Patrol

Late Patrol: Due to the late arrival of the fuel truck got off late in the day. Over the lines the Esc flight of 10 a/c flushed a covey of 7 Enemy Scouts. I made 2 passes firing a short string each time then the gun Jammed. Zoomed then kicked the rudder and went home. Upon landing , I went to the mess and later over drinks , I was told we were in a Target Rich environment. Inside the Bulge in the lines around Michel the Kaiser had JG 1 and the best of JG 2 along with ground attack 2 seats very dangerous. Score the Esc claimed 1 e/a for 0 losses just 2 damaged

Attached Files CFS3 2021-04-16 12-58-52-76.jpgCFS3 2021-04-16 13-02-21-95.jpgCFS3 2021-04-16 13-02-54-23.jpgCFS3 2021-04-16 12-58-23-37.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 04/16/21 08:32 PM.
#4564722 - 04/16/21 11:45 PM 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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Ajax, ON
Lou, I tells ya, these bombers are out to get Rudi. But why?
Thanks Lou, I’m very proud of thwarting their attempts and having it on film winkngrin
Dear God, Freddy’s been properly spanked. Those Dreideckers are a murder. But luck was with Abbot this morning, only a minor wounding. He’ll be up and about presently, but there definitely is something sinister about his left side. Very nice set of gloomy sunrise shots.

NR, ah finally, Dean will be back to normal soon. Very well. I’m surprised no one came to visit him, but I guess everyone is too busy for such pleasantries. It’s payback time.

Albert, oh they did double-team Fuchs, but thankfully his Schwarm wasn’t taking a nap this time around. Can you imagine getting hunted down and taken out by Strutters? The shame!
And speaking of Strutters, way to go Jacob! That’s one less headache to worry about with the enemy machine spiralling down into the ground.
And then repeated the feat with two more Camels. As they say around here: Jacob is en fuego!
Only one more kill and Kühn will join the elite. Congrats!

16 April, 1918 05:45
Bonneuil Ferme, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
78 confirmed kills

His latest Strutter has been denied. It fell too close to the airfield for the Flak crews to pass up the opportunity to poach his kill. The loss of the Strutter claims hurt the most, since they require most of the work to bring down.
Today the airfield at Ercheu, just west of their own, required defending. The weather wasn’t ideal for flying, but if the enemy was sending their planes up, then so did Jasta 19. Rudi led his Schwarm and at some point he realized he was flying by himself. He looked back to see his flight mates were engaged in a battle with SPADs. One of them came at Fuchs with his guns blazing. Rudi didn’t need much time to get on the attacker’s rear and begin reeling him in. He fired a few rounds, but had to disengage. Another SPAD came calling and asking for attention. This one was a little better and managed to hit the Dreidecker, but that was the last he saw Rudi’s tail. It was Fuchs now hitting the SPAD. The fight went down to lower level, through the cloud layer and into the rain below. Rudi’s Fokker was keeping up very well with the diving brick. In the end the French machine ran out of altitude and was promptly shot down.

YouTube Link



As Fuchs was regaining height, he noticed a pair duelling just ahead. The SPAD was stunting while making his getaway. Rudi followed and watched as the biplane did a loop to reverse direction and come at him. Fuchs was already firing into the fuselage as the enemy approached. The SPAD came just over Rudi’s top wing and went down into the ground with no control.

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."
#4564724 - 04/16/21 11:55 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
MFair Offline
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MFair  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,086
Raine, so Mac has 45 now. Stay safe, the skies have just because more deadly.

Lou,Freddie should take a full week off if he wants. He has earned it.

AT, Jacob is doing very well with 9 confirmed. I see a medal in his future.

Carrick, ladies undergarments! Pictures please. No gaudy stuff. Basic red or black will do.

Fullofit, no trenches. But the front pasture is 28 acres that forms a hill in the middle. Been working on a replica of Stonehenge.

Not relevant, good to hear Dean is getting out of that god forsaken place. Be careful.

I hope I didn’t miss anyone. My apologies if I did. Hopefully I’m caught up. All the little bugs out the new download and ready to roll.


Feldwebel Ludwig L Kemp
Inglemunster airfield
April 16, 1918

Ludwig was devastated to find his brother had died a few days before. He did not even know he was in the hospital. There was no time to morn, as Hauptmann Collin made clear. “There is a war to win and you have a job to do” were his words.

Kemp was up at first light for his first patrol on the 15th. They were to patrol between Passchendaele and Armentieres. Kemp was instructed to head for home if there was any combat. As it turned out, there was no chance to run. Passing between clouds approaching the patrol area they ran straight into a flight of DH4’s! Things happened so fast , Kemp didn’t even have time to think before he was peppered and the controls on his Albatross were sloppy. He dove to the ground with an Englishman on his tail. Kemp dodged and weaved until he pulled level with the ground at the last moment. To his relief, the DH4 gave up and turned back. He nursed the wounded bird to Menen and landed there.

He no sooner had returned to his home airfield when his flight was back in the air to patrol the same area. One of the replacements that had transferred in with him had been killed in the earlier melee. He could not even remember his name. It was still cloudy and light rain. It was a miserable patrol. Luckily, they had no contact and Kemp was able to get his nerves back from the morning’s debacle.

At Kasino that evening, Ltn. Beckman introduced himself. “Your brother was a fine man” he had said. When Ludwig asked how he had been wounded, Ltn. Beckman had shrugged. “Fortunes of war. He was testing a new engine above the airfield and was jumped by 13 Strutters. He did good to get his machine down in one piece.”

On the morning of the 16th they were to patrol near St. Marguerite. On their second circuit around the area the two flights were set upon by Camels. Kemp knew what to expect this time. It was a wild fight of twisting machines. Kemp tried to stay above but a Camel took him to task and he had to dive for speed. Shaking the Camel he got a few pot shots off at others crossing his path then as soon as it had begun, it seemed over. He climbed eastward as he looked around. Seeing some of his flight circling St. Marguerite he headed that way. It was then he saw a Camel streaking home low! He dove on the Englishman and fired as he came in behind him. The Englishman pulled up and Kemp did the same, stitching him from tail to prop. The Camel nosed over and exploded into a thousand pieces on the ground. Kemp could not believe his luck. As he landed, Beckman was standing next to his machine with a broad smile as he gave Kemp a hardy wave.


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!
#4564728 - 04/17/21 12:23 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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MFair and RAF Lou: This example of Jules and company Dance Line for the Adventurous madam / mademoiselle.

Attached Files saloongalredblack_4can can.jpg
#4564753 - 04/17/21 02:14 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
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epower Offline
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À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 74



15 April 1918
84 Squadron RFC
Bertangles, France

8.45 Mid-morning attack on Harbonnieres aerodrome. I led Sorsoleil, Duke, Johnson, Manzer and McBride. A Flight flew top cover with all 7 aircraft. Wind kicking up over the lines. I went in lower than usual to put my bombs on target.

[Linked Image]
Four Cooper bombs onto the Kasino! There will be no revelry in their mess tonight.

B Flight followed in but did little damage. It looked as though many of the bombs failed to explode. Circled over the airfield watching A Flight at least a mile overhead. They didn’t see the flight of Triplanes dropping down to play…

I put 20 rounds into one who dove away then reversed and sprayed his Kamerad from range.

[Linked Image]
Red cowlings. Were these the Baron’s men?

I came up and over in a Chandelle and onto the red-nosed Hun. Half a drum of Lewis and 50 rounds of Vickers sent him nosing over sharply trailing smoke. He crashed near the field.

Circling above the low ranging fight everything appeared under control. I watched over McBride as he chased a Fokker, spraying lead all over Hunland to no effect whatsoever. How could he miss from that range?! After a solid minute watching McBride’s futile effort, I had to intervene.

[Linked Image]
The smoke of his ruin soon rose from Harbonnieres.

Damage to the airfield was minimal but the funeral pyres of 5 Triplanes rose in long black columns.

B Flight were flush with excitement after landing. Five victories over the Richthofen Circus, two of which I figured to be mine. Captain Burke confirmed the markings as Jasta 11. Privately, I wondered. If those were the Baron’s men, they didn’t give a very good account of themselves. By contrast, the Machine gunners at the field were in top form and ventilated poor C5333 in a most ungentlemanly manner.

I pulled McBride aside on the way to the Squadron office, querying him on what he saw with the Triplane. I didn't care for his answer. We had an appointment in the gun butts after breakfast. As I suspected his sight were off by a mile! When I pressed him further, he admitted to not having sighted his guns for over a week. Ridiculous! I could only imagine what McCudden might say. After some sharp words I gave him his marching orders.

“You will sight your guns every other day, McBride. If you have a hard landing, or any other mishap that has even the slightest chance of knocking them out of alignment, then you will repair immediately to the gun butts to determine if they are still true. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Carry on then, and when you’re done here, take her up and do some practice shooting. Afternoon show is at 3.15.

"And McBride," I continued.

"Sir?"

"Those were Jasta 11's bench warmers we fought today. When we face their First Team you need to shoot straight. You won’t get a second chance.”

His eyes widened briefly and he nodded.

McBride is a cheerful energetic fellow and quite keen. He is, however, a below average flyer on his very best day. I can’t allow him to be a poor marksman as well.
_____________

Our mail and the Comic Cuts have finally caught up with us. Incredible news. McCudden has the VC!

No. 84 Squadron have 7 new decorations! Johnson, Ed Clear, Hobson, and Proccy have the Military Cross. Of the officers so recently gone to HE, Harry Brown has the MC. Fred Brown and Ken Leask will each add a bar to theirs. The Maj and Captain Burke are planning something for tomorrow evening but won't let on.


3.15 Low attacks continue, this time we would hit the aerodrome at Cappy. I had Jack Sorsoleil lead the patrol. He shows every sign of becoming a first-rate Flight Commander. Falkenburg, Southey, Clear, Johnson. I flew Jack’s wing as deputy leader.

Heavy mist and increasing rain disguised our approach. Again, mine were the only bombs which appeared to explode. Something is not right!

[Linked Image]
Two hangars kaput but the field was still operational.

Lt. Northcote, 84 Sqn Armaments Officer, immediately began a full inspection of our Cooper Bombs. By dinner he’s discovered and corrected the problem - the recent shipment of fuses were defective.

Evening dispatch rider brought tomorrow's orders - more ground attacks. He brought other news: Wing confirmed one of the two Triplanes. One Hundred Twenty-nine.


Last edited by epower; 04/17/21 01:29 PM.
#4564795 - 04/17/21 11:49 AM 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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Posts: 3,086
Carrick, nice garments!

Epower, I do not envy you those ground attacks. Nothing to do but put your head down and hope for the best. Surely McBribe’s guns will be on target the next go round. The weight of command, take care of yourself, everyone else and faulty equipment!


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
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