.



I know, right? Another thing that caught my eye is that massive wristwatch being sported by the person in blue at the far left, behind the officers. From what appears to be a dress and shawl, as well as the style of shoes, I'm guessing it's a woman, but I'm really not sure. Either way, that is one monster timepiece.

.

Strangely enough, there was a report about a missing watch belonging to a dead pilot...

Epower - A proper knees up to celebrate your award, and not just yours but all those MC's as well. It's a good job the weather was so awful as you'd have struggled to get that head in the cockpit. Cracking letter from Vera Brittain, all those clean uniformed Americans certainly impressed her, but after all the bad news and tribulations of the past couple of weeks that's understandable.

Carrick - Well done nailing that enemy aircraft, it always feels better getting your first, even if it is rejected. Thankfully Dubra recovered from that spinning SPAD, he did the right thing and just centered the controls.

NR - At last Cunningham meets the enemy, or should that be sees, rather than meets. But he did his job and scared them away. Hopefully tomorrow will bring more luck.

Lou - Very kind of that French Major to stop and give Freddy a lift and I like the way they appreciated his bling. So Freddy wasn't impressed with the all the Richthofen shenanigans. It was quite a show certainly, the Germans themselves couldn't have done much better.

Raine - Jacob's in good form currently which is always welcome. Being based in the northern tip of Flanders seems to funnel the enemy aircraft towards him, which suits him just fine.

Flugmeister Jacob Kühn, EK2
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

13 confirmed kills

23rd April 1918


Morning sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg called Jacob into his office before the preflight briefing. Jacob saluted and Saschenberg replied. "At ease Flugmeister" stated Saschenberg.

"I have a different type of challenge for you this morning Jacob" continued the Oberleutenant.

"What's that sir?" replied Jacob

"Kette Zwei will be flying down to the Ypres salient, however both Leutenant Heinrich and myself will be flying off with Kette Eins a bit later" explained Saschenberg.

"I would like you to lead the flight Herr Flugmeister".

Jacob looked stunned and the response brought a wry grin from the Oberleutenant.

"Don't look so shocked Jacob, throughout your time here you've continually showed that you have your fellow pilots best interests at the forefront of your mind and this has not gone unnoticed" explained Saschenberg.

"But what will the other pilots think Herr Oberleutenant? Some of them outrank me". asked Jacob

"When I said it hadn't gone unnoticed Jacob, it was several of the other pilots who noticed it, and mentioned it to me. It is a natural choice. Leadership is not for everyone Herr Flugmeister but I believe you to possess all the required qualities" stated Saschenberg

"Thank you Herr Oberleutenant, i'm honoured and I won't let you down" said Jacob.

"You best hadn't Jacob" said Saschenberg with a smile.

Jacob saluted and left.


Oberleutenant Saschenberg took the preflight briefing this morning and confirmed that Kette Zwei would be heading down to Ypres.

He then confirmed Flugmeister Kühn would be leading the flight. Several of the pilots smiled at Jacob and Brenner, who was next to Jacob patted him on the back.

Half an hour later and Jacob was rolling down the airfield at the head of the kette.

The weather was ideal for flying, with blue skies and little wind. They formed up near Aertrycke and climbed up to around 4500 meters before heading off south west.

Jacob, normally watchful was doubly so today, but thankfully found nothing.

As they progressed towards Ypres Jacob looked around and felt an enormous sense of pride. "From naval office boy to leading a flight with the Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffeln" muttered Jacob to himself.

The flight progressed without incident and on landing Jacob went to make his flight report.


Afternoon sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg took the afternoon briefing and confirmed the whole Jasta would be flying. He himself would be leading and they were to head once again towards Ypres.

They took off in broad sunshine and climbed after forming up. They'd reached 5000 meters before heading down towards Ypres once more.

Jacob was in his more usual spot of last man within Kette Zwei and maintained a sharp lookout in the near perfect skies.

They'd reached Ypres and as they patrolled around they saw flak bursts ahead and below them. Jacob scoured the area for what the flak batteries had been aiming at.

Then he saw them, three enemy two seaters coming across the lines. Jacob searched for any escorts but saw nothing.

Kette Eins was already diving down onto two of the enemy aircraft which Jacob now recognised as Strutters.

Jacob decided to launch an attack on the third Strutter. He half rolled and dived down, keeping the enemy machine on his sights.

The distance between them seemed to close in an instant and Jacob fired. His rounds tore into the enemy aircraft as Jacob flew under the Strutter and then climbed away. He looked back and saw more Kette Zwei machines hitting the Strutter. It lost it's top wing and spun down into the ground.

Jacob could see Kette Eins had already dealt with the other two.

The Jasta formed up and headed home. A few of the Albatrosse had received hits but were ok.

On landing Jacob went to find who'd finished the job on the Strutter, it was Leutenant Heinrich.

'Another fine day for the Jasta' thought Jacob as he enjoyed a drink in the kasino later.

Jules M. Dubra
Sgt, Esc 26
Hetomesnil, Aerodrome
Marne


2 Victory's
1 Unconfirmed

April 23, 1910.

Double Kills. Dawn Patrol: just about to RTB when the flight of 11 dove on 2 Pflaz D-IIIa e/a's below. I dove last so I could see a flight (5) V struts closing off to port adding to the melee Mon amie, what a buzz saw. Then a 3 winger came buzzing thru We lost 2 Spad's destroyed + 4 Damaged.,but claimed 5 e/a. Mine was a Pflaz DIIIa that was closing on the tail of a Spad, I was able to smack him numerous times with 40- 60 rds each time my Mg barked. The e/a flamed and went in. I chased and fired at the tri plane but he turned on Zee spot and was gone by then I was low to the deck so headed home. Near the AF I spotted a/c in the landing circle so I joined as I got closer the 2 in front turned into blue tailed V struts chasing a Spad. I broke them up then chased one on the deck and shot him down over our Army encampment. 2 Kills.Confirmed in one flight. Intell indicated that the Pflaz and fokker a/c units unidentified But the Blue Tail Albatross is from Jasta 77b

RAF Lou: In the picture what appears to be a dress and shawl, as well as the style of shoes, It could be a enemy pilot undercover Not very stylish or a sexy outfit but good for trench sneaking at night.

RAF - They truly do, almost feels like they're the only ones even slightly reliable in the whole German army at this point. The Squadron does need time to recover from what went on, though I suppose Dean is still largely pissed off.
So, Abbott went to see THE event. Quite a distate for giving enemies such honours, perhaps that's something that Dean would agree on with Abbott.

Raine - Suppose so, downtimes are better for surviving than scraps after all!

Tross - Indeed, at least this broke the spell of not seeing enemy up close and not while not having a chance to engage because of how outnumbered the flight is, even if nothing came of it! Hate to disappoint, but tomorrow did not bring much luck to poor Dean.
Fine job with the Strutters and an even finer job leading the flight, Jacob is really doing great for himself.

Carrick - Dubra is just about halfway to becoming an ace, good on him and a good job with downing those Huns. Neat paintjob on those 77 lads.




2/LT Dean Andrews Cunningham
№64 Squadron RAF
Izles-Les-Hameux, Flanders
April 23rd, 1918.

Another day bringing good and bad, though it seems like thanks to my luck it just had to be more bad than good. Starting off with the good, word has spread that the legendary Richtoffen has finally been slain in fierce combat by our lads. Some may be disappointed in one way or another by the loss of a skilled airman like that, but the way I see it? Those Hun airmen are fighting to kill us without remorse, so just why should we feel any for them? Good riddance and a shame it was just him and not the blasted Boche that sent me on a hospital vacation. I digress though, I suppose this highlights the reality of war. Even someone like him who lasted such a long time ended up falling, and in the end no one is invincible.

Lieutenant Randolph has returned from his well timed leave today, so the squadron has one more man flying now, slowly but steadily recovering from the terrible luck we've endured lately. I can only hope that this trend continues. Not long after his arrival, we were briefed on our orders for the day, that being an early morning sortie North to Merville in order to make sure that none of the Hun bombers or scouts decide to take a trip over the lines and make the lives of our folk anymore difficult than they have to be. In the glow of a warm orange sunrise we took off from the field and begun our scheduled flight plan of climbing out before heading North, A flight under Randolph trailing closely behind after us. Everything went peacefully and well, and in the calm morning air we watched the sun rise higher and higher, not a single Boche in sight. The tranquility was soon interrupted however by the orchestra of cannons over at the front resounding in the air as a backdrop for our flight. Ignoring it we flew on, closer and closer towards Merville when disaster finally struck.

One moment I was steadily cruising along in formation, trying to keep in place with the light bit of turbulance providing an occasional challenge, when all of a sudden my engine simply gave out and stopped. No grand dramatic moment, no prolonged moments of tension. It simply stopped, and in shock I watched as the RPM needle steadily plunged to zero and the prop stopped spinning... Grateful that I was at the very least at a very high altitude and not above Hun lines, I waggled my wings desperately to indicate to my flight that I was having issues and then broke off, looking at the ground for landmarks to either hopefully find a field nearby or at least a flat enough patch of grassland to attempt a landing on it. All the while I also tried starting my engine, hoping that maybe I'll be able to get it to cooperate, but to my dismay the only thing I've got was a faceful of oil and a completely broken engine that refused to even try starting itself up... Luckily for myself, through my oiled goggles I soon spied that I was not only above one field, but two whole fields. This of course was great news, and I promptly started heading down when I swear I've heard the distinct rattle of a machinegun and promptly broke just as I felt a sharp pain along my arm. Trying to ignore it I flew, turning instead and landing over at the second field, which I soon found out was the Acq airfield, the other one if memory serves being called 'La Gorgue'. Appreciative over this field being significantly friendlier, I managed to put my craft down without slamming into a tree or anything of that manner, though the landing was still rather rough and unfortunately broke off most of my prop, further rendering the already dead engine useless, alongside giving me a few extra cuts and bruises.

Soon I was surrounded by confused airmen and other aerodrome inhabitants asking me who I was and just what I was doing slamming into their field like that, to which I explained that my engine went out and as far as I was convinced, the other field tried to shoot me down on my way so I had to make do with this instead. Feeling pity for my situation, a tender was to be arranged for me to return to Les-Hameux, and while waiting on it the local mechanics to kindly take a look at my machine and sadly confirm that it was wrecked beyond reasonable recovery and would have to be seperately taken away while I had a medic look over me and what appeared to be a very light though bleeding bullet graze on my arm. Fortunately it was nothing to write home about and was quickly solved with a bandage and disinfection. Dejected, I sat around waiting for the tender in the mess and after thanking my unexpectant hosts for their hospitality I departed and arrived to Hameux later in the day.

There I was met with all the familiar faces, relieved to finally have me back, and relayed the full story to them, and eventually was dismissed, retreating to acquire rest after the oil and crash landing incident, still wondering what on earth could've happened over at La Gorgue...



-----
This one genuinely does leave me baffled. Does the game model some kind of friendly fire/misrecognition ability for the AI, or did I run into some bizarre bug I wonder? While trying to land, as per the story, I heard the sound of MG fire, which deeply confused me as there wasn't a single enemy plane in sight, the confusion only deepening when I decided to take a look and saw that the game first told me there was a 'bullet strike' and then that my pilot was actually bleeding, with the post mission menu telling me my pilot was 'shaken up'. If the AI can't friendly fire (which is my only possible logic conclusion, though I don't even know if that's possible) then that must've been some weird spawning bug or something in regards to AA units?

Gentlemen, I will have to catch up with all your stories another time. For now, I have to bring Rudi up to speed and to do that I’ll have to borrow Epower’s literary device - the fast-forward flashback.

Auf der Suche nach der verlorenen Zeit - erster Band

20 April, 1918 06:45
Bonneuil Ferme, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
79 confirmed kills

The weather finally improved enough to resume operations. This morning the Schwarm was sent to patrol enemy front lines north of Montdidier. In the middle of his patrol they found 6 enemy planes above them, close to Mondidier. Rudi was waiting for them to come down. One of the braver ones attacked from behind while diving. He overshot and Fuchs followed. Few volleys later he was diving for cover while followed by a number of Rudi’s flight mates. He didn’t waste time and soon found another victim to call his own. Fuchs stuck with this one and after a well aimed series of Spandau bursts he sent the Franzose spinning down. The spin was so violent it ripped half of one wing off. Rudi watched both the plane and its wing fall to the ground. The skies appeared to be clear after that. The Schwarm reformed and returned to Bonneuil Ferme.

YouTube Link



21 April, 1918 06:50
Bonneuil Ferme, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
80 confirmed kills

The Baron was at 80 after taking out two planes yesterday but Rudi’s SPAD has also been confirmed. Fuchs was now matching Baron’s score again.
Today Jasta 19 received their orders to transfer to Le Mesnil near Nesle.
There were no problems during their short jump to the new aerodrome. Everyone landed safely.
News of the Baron being shot down reached the aerodrome in the evening. Many, including Tybelsky, did not believe the reports.

Good kill that one!

Jules M. Dubra
Sgt, Esc 26
Hetomesnil, Aerodrome
Marne
April 24, 1918.


2 Victory's
1 Unconfirmed

My unit could only put up 7 machines for Line Patrol: No contact

Trooper, I really like this new damage model. The wing was not shot off, but came off after the SPAD went into a spin. Brilliant!

MFair, I see Carrick’s been kind and allowed one of his nurses to tend to poor Ludwig. Take your C.O.’s advice.

Albert, no news is good news but I see Imperial Navy will stop at nothing to deliver it anyway.
Well done on that SE. I gues Jacob introduced the poor sod to the finer points of dogfighting and illustrated the disadvantage of operating flammable machinery. Kühn is now a Kanone.
Jacob then goes and takes down a Camel for good measure. Hopefully it gets confirmed, although thought of one enemy less in the skies should be a reward onto itself.
21 April, 1918 - a dark day for the German Air Service. I imagine similar scene played out across most airfields.
Looks like Sachsenberg has a guardian angel. That is the second time Jacob saved his hide, isn’t it?
That Kühn is going places. I’m surprised he’s not up for a promotion yet. It shan’t be long I expect.

Raine, so now we have Mick and Mac together. Good thing neither of them is a Mi’kmaq Indian.

NR, bad weather is pilot’s worst enemy. Good thing Dean is keeping himself occupied.
Terrible luck with the gun jams over the enemy airfield, near miss and a machine in slightly used condition now in enemy’s hands. Add to that lost pilots. Not the best day at 64 Squadron.
Odd how the Hun Schwarm left No. 64 alone to press their attack on the airfield. How un-German of them!
I suspect the culprit of that bullet hitting Cunningham near the airfield was an advancing unit of Sturmtruppen. Did you go through the post mission replay to see who shot at you? Most likely too late now.

Lou, Pippart’s future isn’t known, but great things can be expected of men joining Jasta 19. Rudi’s there after all.
65 at 65, eh? That’s some coincidence! Well, not really. It was bound to happen.
So, Freddy’s a little bitter about von Richthofen getting a proper send off by the enemy. Perhaps he should have thought of the Germans returning the favour to the Englanders shot down over their territory. All of them achieving less than the Baron, but deserving a proper burial just as much.

Kebab, good news on new hardware. Good luck recovering Helmut, or the new chap.

Epower, thanks! DiD isn’t just about flying, getting shot and nurses. It takes all kinds. And who knows? VD could be in Rudi’s future.
And mud moving duties continue for Oliver. A very dangerous and thankless job to say the least. Finding the aerodrome rebuilt after the previous attack must also be frustrating.
So, Oliver finally gets to spend some time with his old friend Freddy. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the two could fly missions together? Ripper below, destroying Hangars at Harbonnieres again and Tiggy-Winkle dropping air Huns. Haw!
An epic bash to celebrate the latest round of decorations and the mysterious punch! Oliver should be grateful to all the Gods above and below for that foul weather.

Auf der Suche nach der verlorenen Zeit - zweiter Band

22 April, 1918 05:45
Le Mesnil, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
80 confirmed kills

Rudi and his Schwarm have been sent to patrol enemy front lines between Amiens and Montdidier. The mission proceeded as planned until a skirmish erupted between Jasta 19 boys and a mix of SPADs and Strutters. Rudi took a few shots at the silver biplane during the merge, but quickly switched to the enemy scouts. Along with another Fokker, Fuchs sent the devil down, then switched to another. He would have had this one as well were it not for a Strutter that zoomed right in front of him and distracted the German ace. Fuchs was then attacked by another SPAD, or was it the same one? He quickly turned the tables on the enemy and did some attacking of his own. The enemy plane dove for the deck and Rudi lost him in the ground clutter. He circled over the enemy’s last known location, but couldn’t see any fresh smoking craters. He then noticed a Fokker below tangling with a SPAD. He was on them in an instant and finally was able to bring this Franzose down. They then dashed across the lines to their own side and returned to base.

YouTube Link



23 April, 1918 06:45
Le Mesnil, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
80 confirmed kills
Awaiting one claim confirmation

The HQ decided to send Jasta 19 to patrol over factories near Cappy. The flight competed its mission without encountering any enemy planes, then returned back home for a well deserved meal and hot cup of ersatz coffee.

Carrick - Great job by Dubra there downing two enemy aircraft and both confirmed too, although I'm not surprised given that flamer was like a meteor coming down. The infantry must have seen that the length of the Marne front.

NR - Cunningham's not having much luck. Engine problems can hit anyone but to then be brought down by a single bullet. Hopefully that luck will change. As for where the bullet came from, what height were you at? Anything lower than 3500 feet and you run the risk of being shot from the ground. Could it have been shrapnel from an AA burst?

Fullofit - Welcome back to Rudi, and what a return. That SPAD seemed to just hang there saying 'shoot me' and Rudi obliged. Now with Richthofen gone, Rudi is the top German ace out there. I agree with the excellent damage model, it's a great improvement.

Jacob has saved a few of their hides to be honest. That's why they have him as last man in the formation all the time, he's basically everyone's wingman. As for promotion, funny you should say that.

Flugmeister Jacob Kühn, EK2
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

13 confirmed kills

24th April 1918

Morning sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg took the briefing and explained that this morning's sortie would be down to the Ypres salient again. The artillery in the area has been pounding the British lines and HQ wants those guns protecting.

He confirmed that both kettes would be flying and he would head up Kette Eins while Leutenant Heinrich would lead Kette Zwei.

The weather was still decent but very large cumulonimbus clouds had appeared and would make spotting the enemy far more difficult and make getting jumped a doddle.

After forming up and climbing to 13000 feet they headed off towards Ypres.

All was quiet until they neared the northern part of the salient. Kette Zwei was just about to head into a large cloud but just as they entered it Jacob saw aircraft emerging from the same cloud over to the right and a little above.

It was too late to turn as Kette Zwei had entered the cloud, had they been seen? It seemed to take forever to get through the cloud but eventually they emerged back into the sunlight.

Jacob looked back and not a moment too soon, diving down towards them were several Nieuport scouts. Jacob fired his guns to warn the Kette and spun around towards the attackers.

He avoided the incoming attack and climbed above the melee. He selected a target, one of the Nieuports flew across to his right and Jacob swooped onto him. An accurate burst and the Nieuport wobbled under the fire and dived into the cloud. Jacob checked his six and followed into the cloud.

As he emerged he checked around but couldn't see the enemy aircraft. He was about to give up when he half rolled and as he glanced down he saw the silver wings and red roundels below and running for the lines.

Jacob swooped down and onto the Nieuport's tail and put a long burst into him. The Nieuport leant over and started a downward spiral toward the lines.

Jacob had seen this trick before and followed him down. They were now nearing the ground and they were still on the German side of the lines.

Jacob waited for the Nieuport to level out but it didn't it carried on spiralling down and crashed into the ground just behind the German lines.

'Clearly he wasn't kidding' thought Jacob as he levelled out.

He looked around but saw no other aircraft and headed back towards home. As he flew he then spotted another aircraft, silhouetted against the morning sun, it was at the same height as Jacob and seemed to be heading towards him.

Jacob saw it was another Nieuport and nosed down under the enemy's nose as it flew over. Using the speed he'd gained he zoom climbed around and perfectly onto the tail of the Nieuport who'd seen nothing.

Jacob put a long burst into the cockpit and clearly hit the pilot as the Nieuport nosed down and went straight into the ground.

Jacob finally flew home and on landing he saw several other Albatrosse already there and others approaching.

In the post flight debriefing six Nieuport's were claimed including Jacob's two without serious loss. Some Albatrosse had been damaged but none seriously.


Afternoon sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg led the afternoon mission which was to fly to the lines south of Nieuwpoort.

The skies had thickened and some rain was in the air as Kette Zwei headed out.

The thick clouds made visibility very difficult and although the Kette eventually climbed above the grey mass, the mission passed without incident.

Later that evening Jacob was called into Oberleutenant Saschenberg's office. The Flugmeister saluted.

"Ahh Jacob, take a seat" began the Oberleutenant.

"Fine work today meine freund, those Nieuport's caught us cold thanks to the weather but your prowess prevented a nasty situation".

"Unfortunately none of us saw your two claims so we will have to wait for confirmation from whichever ground units were around there" explained Saschenberg

"But I have other news, definite news Jacob" said the Oberleutenant

"Yes sir?" enquired Jacob.

"Following my reports over the last few days, headquarters have agreed with me that you should be promoted to Oberflugmeister, with immediate effect" stated Saschenberg.

"Congratulations Oberflugmeister, it is well deserved".

"Danke Herr Oberleutenant" said Jacob with a beaming smile.

Jacob saluted and left the office.

Albert, the way Jacob’s going he’ll be challenging for that top spot in no time.
LOL, that is most likely the reason why Kühn is the Holzauge. Keeping everyone’s behind safe from the rearmost position.
Speaking off. Jacob saves the entire Jasta’s hide this time. This is starting to become a habit. At least they could pay attention and watch how Kühn eliminates the opposition, so that they can confirm his claims. Congrats on the promotion. I knew it wasn’t far off.
That is one dead Nieuport driver in one of your pics!

24 April, 1918 05:50
Le Mesnil, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
81 confirmed kills

The SPAD claim from two days ago has now been confirmed.
The HQ provided Jasta with simple orders this morning: Patrol friendly front lines between Roye and Champien. They did just that without encountering any unfriendly machines. Upon completing their assigned duties, the men were allowed some free time. Most took the opportunity to wet their whistle at the Kasino. Rudi found a hole in one of his socks and felt the need to mend it right away.

(And now I’m up to date. See Epower, that’s how it’s done!)

Fullofit - Bad weather is indeed a pain, though it seems to be clearing up somewhat. Luckily. Gun jams are certainly a pain and as for the Schwarm, who knows. If anything, lucky for Dean and the 64th, would've been a massacre had they Schwarm attacked and inflicted even more losses. Maybe they were just blind. As for post mission, I unfortunately did not. Honestly, it may as well be that, given I'm quite out of ideas. I mean it was literally behind the frontlines, away from the front, right between two friendly fields with not a foe in sight. Might as well be Hun saboteur spies at this rate.
A bit of downtime for Rudi now that he's got 81 kills? Sounds like a pretty good deal, eh?

Tross - Certainly not the best time for him as of late. For the height, can't recall the exact one but it was as I was circling my now engine-less plane to land at the field, so I was low enough. The problem is that this was away from the front lines, right between two friendly fields with not a single foe plane in sight. I swear I've heard the sound of an MG too, so I really have no clue what that was all about.
Congrats to Jacob on the well deserved promotion, especially with all those kills!





2/LT Dean Andrews Cunningham
№64 Squadron RAF
Izles-Les-Hameux, Flanders
April 24th, 1918.

Today has been largely a bomb run day for our lads and a day of tiring flying for us. Some 18 miles East from us lies the frontline, and just at the start of the german side of no man's land propped up a sizeable Hun camp, no doubt preparing men for the next assault on ourselves. Both our command and the folk in the trenches aren't enthused by such an idea, and as a result from the early morning a bombing mission was to be carried out in order to disturb the camps operation and inflict casualties. We were chosen to be the escort, though unfortunately the entire affair has lasted far longer than initially expected.

At around 4 in the morning we were roused awake and briefed on the situation. We were to take off and meet a flight of DHs, escorting them to the camp where they would do their job and then escort them back. We done just as ordered, flying towards the sunrise into Hun lines, where our escorts proceeded to do their job and we turned to head home with no issue. However when we landed the shenanigans had truly begun. As it turns out, we were informed that the initial attack had not yielded any positive results, so we were to escort a repeat attack later in the day.
At around noon we once more took off, heading to meet our new escort of RE8s and guide them towards the camp again. Some misfortune was brought by a sudden onset of clouds and rain, though we carried on regardless, repeating the attack on the camp now with RE8s and guiding them back, the Hun Archie greeting us and wishing us a farewell as per usual. Yet, even despite this repeat attack, high command was still not satisfied and thus we were ordered to fly later in the day AGAIN escorting, this time the original group of DHs once more to carry out a third attack in hopes of inflicting greater damage.
Finally, at 4 PM came our final flight, and we once more took off to rejoin our friends from this morning, flying through clouds of flak behind them, ever vigilant for Hun scouts looking to interrupt now that the rain has cleared up again, but be it fortunately or unfortunately for us we didn't see a single soul besides us and eventually returned home. Results were still unsatisfcatory, but it seems like they've thought against sending us off for a fourth time, and we were dismissed.

Leaving the debrief I couldn't help but wonder whether or not the Hun air force may have been killed off for good on days like these, given just how little signs of them there are...

NR, Rudi’s socks are now all in top shape and he’s ready to wage war.
Definitely a Prussian sharpshooter had a go at Dean’s approaching machine. Let’s stick to that.
So, an early morning attack on the potato heads across the mud for Cunningham, eh? Some lovely sights developed while the sun was rising.
That High Command is a fickle beast, not easily satisfied. Sending poor 64th time after time to do their bidding while Luftstreitkräfte was sitting pretty in their Kasinos sipping on their Schnapps. Did you actually get to fly 3 missions on that day? I was alway wondering about that. Usually it’s 2 max, even during high activity.

25 April, 1918 04:45
Le Mesnil, Flanders Sector
Jasta 19, JG II
Oberleutnant Rudolf Emil Fuchs EK1, HHO, PLM
81 confirmed kills

They’ve climbed over the thick cloud layer and the rain and began their patrol over the balloon north of Mondidier. Rudi’s Schwarm was tasked with providing top cover for Schwarm Eins flying closer to the balloon and providing its protection. It took some time before Fuchs realized the other flight was under attack. He circled above waiting for an opening and found just that when a SPAD chased by a Fokker tried to evade it by climbing higher and away. Little did he know he was flying right into Rudi’s gunsights. It was like shooting ducks in a barrel. The Franzose never saw it coming. He went down with the engine on fire north of Roye. Fuchs continued to watch the burning plane until more movement to the side caught his eye. Another SPAD was being chased by Pippart and his wingman. They were both firing wildly at the French machine. Rudi decided to join them despite the increased risk of a collision. It was like a great turkey shoot! They were now below the clouds and the rain made the hunt that much harder. The SPAD nearly slipped away in the squall, but Fuchs managed to pursue long enough to cripple the enemy. He had to disengage when his airframe began to shake violently in the dive. As he levelled out he saw the enemy plane smash into the ground. No more hostile machines could be seen after that. They’ve completed their patrol before returning back to base.

YouTube Link

Fullofit - The English and French better beware Rudi and his socks then!
And yes, clearly, those dastardly Hun sharpshooters. Sneaking behind our lines and shooting at pilots, #%&*$# them all and their Kaiser to hell! As if we don't already have enough problems.
Indeed, those patrols are getting earlier and earlier. I actually had another screenshot back on the ground during takeoff when it was totally dark but it seems like it didn't save. Gotta admit the sunrises and sunsets in this game are VERY scenic.
And yup, 3 flights in a row, all close air support for those bombers trying to bomb an Armee Lager. One in the early morning, one close towards noon, and finally one in the afternoon. I wonder if it may be related to the fact that its both an active battle and because neither of those times the bombers seemed to have done much damage so we had to do reruns? No clue. Either way, high command sure loves sending 64th to do things for them. Why clearly, maybe the truth is that the Huns are sitting in their Kasinos because they are so scared of Dean now that he's back... clearly. Totally.


Another great day for Rudi, two more down. Those frenchmen really must try harder if they want to best Rudi and the 19th.

NR - a busy day for Cunningham, three sorties and all against the same target. All you can do is get the bombers there, whether they hit the target or not is out of your hands. Still no sign of the enemy? Bizarre, in late April 1918 I'm amazed you can go several days without seeing the enemy.

That third picture of the silhouetted SE5 against the backdrop of the morning sunrise is superb.

Fullofit - Rudi, ace of aces and supreme darner of socks. That would make an interesting Sankt card image, Rudi in all his bling and a sowing kit. Another two kills as well. That flamer was very nice but blimey, where did that frenchman learn to fly? He must have given fighter training a miss, talk about sitting duck.

Oberflugmeister Jacob Kühn, EK2
Marine-Feld-Jagdstaffel 1
Jabbeke airfield

13 confirmed kills (2 awaiting confirmation)

25th April 1918

Morning sortie

Jacob had risen early and was standing next to his Albatros. A canvas sheet covered the fuselage. As Jacob stood in front of it, the mechanic, Feldwebel Muller stood next to him.

"So it's finished?" asked Jacob

"Yes sir it's finished and a very fine job if I say so myself. I covered it with the canvas to stop the dust getting to the white paint" said Muller.

"Well is it dry now?" asked Jacob

"Yes it's perfectly dry, I worked on it until late last night" said Muller.

"Right let's see it" said Jacob. Feldwebel Muller grabbed the canvas and pulled it down.

Jacob's eyes lit up "excellent work Muller", "it's perfect and well worth the French brandy I gave you" said Jacob.

"You're welcome Oberflugmeister, but what is the insignia? What does it mean?" asked Muller

"It is Mjolnir...... Thor's hammer" said Jacob

Muller looked amazed.......but lost. Jacob saw the expression and nearly burst into laughter.

"It signifies protection, strength and power......a mighty weapon in the right hands" explained Jacob

Muller nodded slowly, he'd understood the words but not really the sentiment.

"Anyway, it's a fine job, thank you Feldwebel, enjoy your brandy" said Jacob as he left the hanger and went to get some breakfast before the morning briefing.

Oberleutenant Saschenberg took the briefing and explained the Jasta would be heading back towards Ypres. The infantry were attacking from the south today and air cover was essential.

The weather was ideal once more. A few clouds dotted the sky but otherwise it was crystal clear.

They whole Jasta took off and formed up near Ghistelles and climbed up to around 4000 meters before heading out south towards Ypres.

Despite keeping beady eyes throughout, they completed the patrol without incident and landed safely some 80 minutes later.


Afternoon sortie

Oberleutenant Saschenberg completed the afternoon briefing and confirmed Kette Zwei would be heading to the north side of the Ypres salient. Kette Eins was required for an escort sortie later on.

The weather was still very good. A few more clouds had appeared but it was still good flying weather.

Kette Zwei were airborne soon after and as they climbed up Jacob looked up and saw several aircraft, clearly enemy as flak bursts were exploding around them.

They were dropping bombs on Ghistelles airfield.

As Kette Zwei climbed Jacob saw one of the enemy aircraft roll and start a dive towards them.

Jacob was amazed, but nosed up and came around to come under the diving enemy aircraft.

Jacob now saw it was a Brequet two seater. He avoided the diving attack and as he came around he saw several Albatrosse set upon the french aircraft.

As they did several other Breguets were now diving to join the fight. Jacob avoided them and remained above them as he picked a target.

Just then bullets hit his wing, and Jacob saw a Breguet below his nose with gunner aiming at him. He rolled and dived onto the bomber and hit him very hard. The Breguet rolled and dived but Jacob went with him and hit him again.

The Breguet lost power and height. Jacob put another burst into it and watched as the Breguet was barely staying in the air. Jacob watched as the enemy aircraft hit the ground and overturned.

Jacob saw holes in his wing and thought it best to return home. Where several other Albatrosse where already landing.

Later on Oberleutenant Saschenberg confirmed six Breguet bombers had been destroyed and whilst an Albatros overturned on landing, the pilot was fine.

"Jacob, I'm afraid we can't confirm your claim today, several ground units around the area reported firing at the Breguet and some claim hits. However one of your claims from yesterday, the first Nieuport, has been confirmed. Basically because it landed on the local commander's head" explained Saschenberg with a wry grin.

"Aye, aye Herr Oberleutenant" confirmed Jacob

"Oh and one last thing Oberflugmeister..........nice paint job" said Saschenberg.

"Thank you Herr Oberleutenant" stated Jacob as he saluted and left.