We flew in five, escorting two Aviatik C I reconnaissance machines. Two Nieuporty 17 appeared.
I sent my subordinates to fight. Unfortunately, everyone rushed to attack. I was left alone escorting the scouts. Again…
So the boring job of the "shepherd dog" fell to me again, they were running after medals.
Any attempt to recall at least one of them (H key - Help me!) ends with a message - it is impossible. Yes, I already know that. But still our main task is to cover reconnaissance planes!

Lost a key ..? Comfort me.

December 23, 1916
Proville

Dear "Lost"

Don't send your subordinates to fight when you're flying escort, wait for the enemy to come to you. As you said, your mission is to protect the two-seaters. An enemy flight that doesn't pose a direct threat to them isn't really your concern.

And if they become a problem (i.e. attack the planes you're protecting) still don't send your subordinates to fight. Instead lead them into the fray, keeping an eye, as much as is possible, on what your charges do in the meantime. Then, once you have successfully vanquished said enemy, you can gather your flock and return to the more boring part of your duties.

Hello

You're right but ...

If I lead everyone into battle to meet these two Nieuports 17, the reconnaissance planes will be completely alone. When 2-4 SPAD 17 come from the other side, and that happened to me, it will be v e r r r y bad. I won't have time to come back, especially my subordinates, who maneuver sharply. It doesn't help to summon them (H)!

That is why I asked if, for example, 2 of my 5 planes could be sent into combat. So as to fight rationally - two fights with two opponents, and the other three guard the "herd".

Am I directing my attention to the wishes of the players at this point?

greetings

If an enemy attack the planes you're guarding the rest of your flight will most likely defend against them without your needing to send them. But, essentially, it's a crapshoot. Choose to engage the known threat with everyone else, or to hang back for the one that may or may not materialize. But the same can be said if you're NOT the lead and the rest of the flight peels away from the bombers/recce boys.

It would be ideal if a flight leader could assign individual members of the flight to engage small groups. But that may not be something that can be coded. For all the amazingness that is WOFF, it IS still based on a very, VERY old game.