NR - Baptiste is back in the air at last. Not the kind of milk run he might have had in mind for his first outing but as far as sitting ducks go, an Albatros just taking off is pretty good even if he was a tough cookie. Those two seaters acting like a flak battery made things hot too but he kept his cool and kept hitting the enemy.

Then what could have been quite a dodgy afternoon sortie but thanks to some blind Boche it went quietly.....you were quite safe though, those Strutters would have torn a hole in them. Nice paint job btw.

Epower - A busy few days for Oliver, first Daley's service which seemed touching and came with the good news of a DFC for him. Then the less than touching McCudden funeral, a dull affair and with so few brass there save for Salmond, bad show on their part and one that did not go unnoticed obviously. The comparisons with von Richthofen's showy send off were accurate and striking.

It did provide an excellent chance to catch-up with so many familiar faces, not least of which was Major Mannock, there's a chap who normally had something to say.

The finding out of the faulty air filter on Mac's crate would explain the engine failure, but the murky grey of what happened next remains, each 'witness' giving their own varient.

Oliver clearly carries the ghosts of that meeting in London before he left and they nearly appeared there. I'm not sure the others would understand and I fear the burden of knowledge is something Winningstad is going to have to bear on his own.

As for Kevin, he had a fabulous time with Olivia and you're right, she's there with him all the time regardless of what anyone says. The chance to become a CO came out of the blue but clearly Beery had prior knowledge, and he kept that quiet very well. He'll almost certainly have to win over the Captains already at 64, most of whom would certainly have seniority. Exciting times.

e power Hercule's Esc's are short of wireless equip for Arty adjustment flights. He uses Flares instead Yellow is start firing. Green is on target , and Red is Off Target..

Captain Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
41 Squadron
Conteville

70 confirmed kills

26th July 1918

Morning sortie

Kevin, Captain Shields and Captain Chappell had been asked by Major Bowman to take down a Hun balloon out past the Bethune lines.

The weather had closed in again and whilst this made staying unseen easier, it made flying damned unpleasant. The rain was driving into the trio as they took off and headed east.

Visibility was seriously reduced but Kevin kept his eyes open nonetheless.

The journey to the lines went quietly and the three airmen nosed down and headed towards the target area.

Eventually Kevin saw the sausage shape of the Draken in the distance and lined up on the balloon. He blasted the gasbag and came around for another run. This time the balloon billowed smoke and as Kevin climbed away it exploded, with black smoke and burning fabric all over the place.

The three airmen formed back up and headed home which against the prevailing wind and driving rain was most unpleasant. Thankfully it went without incident.


Afternoon sortie

Kevin took the afternoon briefing involving 'B' flight and explained that they'd be heading to the lines around Arras again. 'A' flight had already left on their own sortie towards Bethune.

The weather had not improved a single jot as they took off and headed south east after forming and climbing.

The trip out went quietly enough and the patrol turned north along the lines. As they reached the northern limit of the patrol Kevin saw a shape through the clouds, two in fact. He waggled his wings and went to investigate. As he came through the clouds he spotted them again, Hun two seaters.

He looked around, the rest of 'B' flight were nowhere to be seen.

The Rumplers had seen Kevin now and turned for home. Kevin went after the leader and came up behind but the high winds made staying in the right place virtually impossible.

He blasted the Hun but the Hun gunner then answered with a burst. Kevin ducked down and then nosed up, hitting the enemy aircraft again.

A huge bank of clouds were looming ahead so Kevin pressed home his attack with vigor. He blasted the Hun again and watched as the Rumpler side slipped and nosed down towards the ground.

As Kevin came around, the other Rumpler entered the large cloud bank and disappeared. He thought twice about going in after him as they were just over the lines.

He went back to the patrol area but found nothing so headed home.

On landing he saw the rest of 'B' flight in their landing cycles. "Where did you lot go to?" Kevin asked Bill Shields as he climbed down.

"We saw you dive to the right into the clouds, then as we went after you we lost sight of you. We hung around there for 10 minutes but then thought it best to head home" answered Shields.

"So no-one saw my Rumpler go down?" asked Kevin.

"In that soup? We just about saw each other pal" said Shields.

Kevin went in to make his report. Needless to say the Rumpler was rejected.

Later on in the evening, Kevin was in Major Bowman's office when the Major was called into the Adjutant's room for a few moments.

The Major's phone rang, Kevin left it for a second but as no-one came in he answered it.

"Major Bowman?" said the voice on the other end.

"No this is Captain Carroll, can I help you?" said Kevin.

"Ahh Carroll, this is Major Gilbert of General Salmond's staff".

"Yes sir, the Major is out of his office for the moment shall I pass on a message?" asked Kevin

"Yes, it's all a bit garbled here but Major Mannock is missing believed killed. He was last seen flying low over the lines near Merville, his wingman survived and is on his way back to his unit so has only made a preliminary report to those around him, including an infantry Captain who contacted us" said Major Gilbert.

"Oh no, Mannock too now" said Kevin.

"Yes, it looks that way. Anyway report this to Major Bowman please and take further instructions from him" finished the Major.

"Yes sir" finished Kevin, who put the receiver down.

A moment later Bowman came back in. Kevin looked stunned.

"What's up? Who was on the phone?" asked Bowman.

After Kevin had related the story to the Major, Bowman had the same stunned expression as Kevin.

"Good lord, MacAlister, then McCudden and now Mannock. These are dark days indeed" said Bowman.

"Shall I brief the others sir?" asked Kevin.

"We both can Captain, I'll come with you" said the Major.

The pair left and went to the mess.

Leutnant A.B. Schutzmeier
27th July 1918
Marne

11 confirmed kills, 1 pending.

Oh Gott, it seems like the Jasta is barebones. We're currently around 7 airmen. For our luck, Goering has moved as the commander of Jagdgeschwader I. Seems like I am the leader in here! Or at least, I think. Well. The last Oberleutnant got killed some days ago, we're mostly Leutnants and Unteroffizieren. Anyways, just one sortie today, still needing to set down some things in this new aerodrome. Also, everybody got a DVII now, but I took myself the privilege of getting one of those stored OAW models from the batch of the highest rankings, for there are none!
Still gotta give it a paint job, but I'm rather sure I'll give it something not too exagerrated.

1st Flight

I can say we began with something interesting. We had a balloon busting mission. We took off, and I decided to keep low since we'd have trouble finding the balloon higher up, with all these clouds. It was pretty quick, in and out. I think I can say I took the kill, but it seems that Lux wants his fare share too. We'll see what the top brass will say.

I'm happy to be back on the front.

Carrick - Unfortunate about the loss, but at least things are mostly quiet besides that! Looks quite cloudy.

Epower - Who knows! Staying alive is certainly the priority though, as is getting witnesses to make sure these victories actually get confirmed.
That funeral really did seem to be a most dreadful affair. Very much same it seems for the conversation and conclusions drawn from it. Certainly not the best times for Oliver it seems. Here's hoping the truth will eventually reveal itself.

Tross - Well, as far as easy flights go it certainly was the best you could get as far as easy flights go, besides a complete lack of action altogether. Though the Alb's unwillingness to die and the Archie Two Seaters weren't helping the situation. Still, at least no one died or anything. I suppose so, the Strutters do have a record for being dangerous fighters here. But still, better than risking it like that I guess!
So what started out as a good day with a downed balloon and an albeit unconfirmed Rumpler kill has ended in darker moods and news. Really is a shame, that one. Though I suppose such is life in war, anyone can die at any possible moment. At least Kevin is still hanging in there doing fine.

Kebab - Welcome back to the front for Schutzmeier then. So the Fatman disappeared and left a rather dreadful Jasta behind. Here's hoping Schutzmeier is able to hold it all together and deal with the situation in the days to come, given the current position here's finding himself in. Good job on the balloon in such bad weather and here's hoping the kill goes to him!



Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Field hospital, Verdun
26th July, 1918

2 confirmed

A largely quiet day for the Escadrille. We were still operating in reduced capacity due to the woundings and damaged machines, plus the weather has darkened and the rainclouds started rolling in to the front making things all the more worse for us. Our first flight of the day was a simple patrol near St Mihiel behind our own lines, perhaps as a barrier against any daring bomber trying to sneak in through all this weather. To our knowledge, no one showed up or at least while we were there so that went well given our current situation. Closer to the afternoon we gathered into a flight of six and went to escort some more Strutters through the clouds and towards the Boche troops. We met up with them and guided them along in the mist, nearly suffering several collisions in the process but thankfully besides that no other incidents occured and we went back home to rest. By the end of the day we received good news that most of the damaged machines should be back in working conditions, and the pilots were finishing up their recovery so we should be back to full operational capacity soon enough. Hopefully the weather clears up too, don't like flying in this soup...

I have not had a chance to fly for several days and still have not caught up with everyone's stories. I'll post this episode and get a bit of reading done.

I am going to be away on holidays for the next couple of weeks. Actually, I won't be away. Instead, we will be at home hosting visits from both our sons and their families. With eleven people under one roof including a six-year-old, a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and a one year old, as well as a ninety-three-year-old, it will be mayhem. I do not anticipate getting any time at WOFF until 12 August. I will do my best to keep up with everyone's adventures. If – God forbid – you need to start a new pilot, please send me two or three suggestions for squadrons and I will make the assignment. I won't be able to research the squadrons myself because I will be away from the computer I use for WOFF.

Journal of 2nd Lieutenant Robert Fergus Drummond
11 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Part 3


"We passed low over the Filescamp aerodrome and turned about."

A week has passed since my last journal entry. Life here has been so full and simultaneously so empty.

But first the minutiae of squadron life. We are living across the field from a company of Chinese labourers, wonderful little fellows who smile and laugh and point at us as we steer our Bristols into the wind on early patrol. Do they know something we don’t? They are being directed by a section of Royal Engineers who have bridged the language divide by the simple expedient of speaking English louder. The Chinese are engaged in erecting a role of tin-sided Nissen huts. Two have been completed. One is occupied by the flight commanders and the armaments officer. The second, I am happy to note, is shared by Beard, Coler, Buckingham (my observer), and me. Words cannot express how happy I am to be rid of the tenting life. I am even more happy to be living with Buckingham, whom I view as a good luck talisman. And from what I understand, the feeling is mutual.

It has been a rough period for the squadron. A week ago we were sent out as a patrol of seven machines to intercept a Hun two-seater that had been making early morning appearances in the Vimy sector. We never saw the two-seater, but instead ran into a very large group of Fokkers. We fought from 12,000 feet down to the ground. Buckingham and I dealt with a pair of very capable Hun pilots until one of them seemed to run out of ammunition. The other made a run for it and we were able to send it down trailing a thin stream of grey smoke. The pilot put the Fokker down in more or less one piece in a small field just behind German lines. We filed a claim, although it was denied because the EA was considered to be capable of recovery. When we got back to Le Quesnoy, we discovered that the squadron had been mauled. Hurst, one of our three Americans, was gone together with his observer Simpson. Chambers, another of our Americans, was gone with his observer Templeton. Bathurst, a new man, had been shot down in flames. I had not had a chance to meet his observer. The losses, combined with the number of machines requiring extensive repair, caused Major Heath to request permission to stand down the squadron for several days.

On 23 July 1918, we resumed operations. Still nowhere close to full strength, we were led by Captain Seabrooke on a line patrol north and south of Arras. On the third beat of the patrol, as we approached the southernmost point of our beat, a very large formation of Fokkers appeared a thousand feet below us and slightly to the north. Captain Seabrooke fired a white flare, which was our signal to head for home. I pointed the nose of our Bristol at the nearest cloud and dived for it at full throttle. We emerged a couple of minutes later into the wet and gloomy world below, making due west with all haste. Buckingham slapped me on the shoulder and pointed behind. I could not see anything against the backdrop of dark cloud. He fired about three rounds to let me know that we had an unwelcome guest. I noticed off to the north a row of sheds and a large L-shaped field. This could only be our aerodromes at Filescamp Farm and Izel-les-Hameaux. I raced for the protection of our anti-aircraft machine guns. We passed low over the Filescamp aerodrome and turned about. Our Hun pressed on through the ground fire to attack us. There followed a wonderfully exciting scrap. Buckingham got off a couple of well-placed bursts, and I finally managed to get behind the Fokker. I fired a long burst and the Hun dipped earthward, trailing smoke. It crashed about a half mile along the Filescamp road to the east of the aerodrome. We landed at Filescamp and led a sizeable expedition in two tenders. The enemy machine was badly smashed up and its pilot frightfully disfigured. We did our best to ignore this grim sight as Buckingham laid claim to a large section of fabric cut from the broken fuselage. This would be our contribution to the mess.

We returned to learn that we had lost two more machines with their crews – again, the pilots were so new that we had no clear recollection of their faces. Needless to say, the celebration of our second victory was muted.

The squadron lacked enough observers to fly on 24 July. On 25 July, we were fitted out with bombs to attack a railyard behind Vimy. We never got there. Once again, we were engaged by a superior number of Fokkers. The fight spread out quickly. Buckingham and I circled about with a green and red Fokker, whose pilot seemed rather skilled. But Buckingham succeeded in damaging the German machine when it momentarily drew up about 100 yards abeam of us. I was then able to get behind it and finish it off over no man’s land west of Athies.

We turned westward and looked about. Almost at once I noticed a lone Fokker low over the trenches, heading east. This straggler was likely already damaged and we were on his tail in an instant. Two long bursts sent him down to crash amidst his own lines, again near Athies.

I was delighted that afternoon to learn that both these machines had been seen to crash by captain Seabrooke, who was some distance off. Buckingham and I have now shared in four victories.

Received a letter from my father that evening. He suggested that I was not taking my life as seriously as I should. I took his advice to heart and decided that my account at Cox & Co. could pay my mess bill this week; I bought a round for the squadron.

News came tonight that Major Mannock, one of the most successful pilots in the RAF, has been killed. Had a long chat with Captain Hay. Hay has become a bit of a confidant since our difficult introduction a fortnight ago. He told me that he no longer believed in diving into every fight regardless of odds. I said that the Bristol was a fine machine, but we should avoid asking too much of it.

I awoke on the morning of 26 July feeling very poorly. Very long patrol south of Amiens. We ran into another large group of Fokkers and Captain Hay, who was leading, immediately gave the washout signal. We each dived away to the west and managed to bring ourselves safely home.

Albert, flying away from Strutters ain’t an option. They are faster than you and they’re more accurate with their gun fire while chasing you down more so than any scout.
Klaus is more afraid of the Strutters than any other flying machine and that’s saying a lot.
Kevin on the other hand has no such problems with the German two-seaters. They behave properly. What rotten luck.
Another one of those white knuckle balloon busting missions with minimal numbers. Good thing the Huns stayed away. Then that unconfirmed two-seater. The weather really did help the other Hun get away.
Rather miserable times for RAF.

NR, yup plenty of reading material to catch up on. I hear the weather is rather nasty everywhere. If it’s not a heatwave, then it’s a deadly flood. Topsy turvy world this is.
Klaus has definitely missed the opportunity to make that aerial tic tac toe game a hit. He just needed one more kill. No matter. There’s plenty more of that where these came from.
So, Baptiste’s hellbent on bringing down the Hun menace. Good for him, his heart is in the right place at least. The victories will come to him and the christening of his crate as well.
And speaking of victories, it looks like Baptiste has set his sights on a blue rudder. Perhaps a souvenir? Alas, it wasn’t to be. The PanzerHun evaded Leander’s for quite some time before meeting an arboreal end. Tough luck with the confirmations but this seems to be the case when dropping an enemy over the lines. He’ll definitely get the Boches again.
Then in the afternoon a bit of good luck meeting a flight of blind Huns. They probably were Raben’s Schwarm Eins from the looks of it.
Then the next day ended up being rather easy on the Escadrille. No losses. That’s a good thing. A great opportunity to replenish and restock.

Epower, first Klaus needs to shoot down two enemy planes with 40 bullets - two three-second bursts, then the Countess will follow.
As for the meeting with Kaiser, well … his mind was preoccupied and he only could think of Strutters. What should he have asked for? His daughter’s hand in marriage? She’s already married (rotten luck).
Ah, so you’ve picked up on the beer shortage. Perhaps that’s why Jasta is so grumpy. And you are right, the French recruit their rear gunners in all sorts of strange places.
As for Oliver, the things you learn at a wake. Right? Let’s just hope Oliver leaves it at that and doesn’t get involved in some government coverup. He may find himself with a year old filter on his machine one of those days.

Kebab, so Goering is gone. Happy days! Looks like Schutzmeier is also getting the preferential treatment by treating himself to better equipment. Let’s hope it’ll serve him well.

So Raine, what would you say the total age under your roof is with all these people around. Are you breaking 400?
So, good news and bad news. A proper roof over Robert’s head, but not many people to share it with after that mauling. The Brisfits are wonderful machines, but even they can’t do wonders against superior numbers. Congrats on the confirmed kills. It gets easier.

26 July, 1918 08:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
55 confirmed kills

Both early bird Amerikaners from yesterday have been confirmed.
This morning Jasta 18 was sent to patrol over Metz railyard. It was another strangely quiet mission without spotting any enemy planes. Perhaps the large grey rain clouds had something to do with it? Schwarm Eins disappeared somewhere into the clouds again.
After landing Leutnant Wilhelm Kühne who was leading Schwarm Eins questioned Klaus why he didn’t come and aid them fight the Strutters. Klaus simply shrugged. Let someone else fly with a target painted on their back for a while.

26 July, 1918 15:20 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
55 confirmed kills

In the afternoon they were off to patrol the Front sector along the friendly lines from Marbeche all the way to Lunéville. More rain and more grey clouds but they soon left it all beneath their wings. Close to Nancy the Schwarm encountered a flight of bombers and quickly eliminated them all. Klaus followed one in a dive firing at it until he was sure the beast was dead. He then pulled up from his dive and spotted another bomber going down. He sent a few parting rounds in his direction and took stock of the situation.

YouTube Link



They were now under the clouds and just about to climb back up and above them when Klaus spotted a trio of low flying biplanes. SPADs! Certainly the escort of the doomed bombers. Raben would not let this opportunity pass him by and dove after the enemy planes. They’ve spotted him and one of the enemy planes was already turning around to meet him. Klaus was sure he scored some hits as he went by head to head. He then quickly turned his Fokker around to get on the SPAD’s tail. He continued to track his target and another burst or two brought his adversary spinning down into the ground. He soon spotted his wingmate and faced him. The new SPAD tried to out climb him, but was unlucky enough to be hit with a burst in the exposed belly, killing the pilot instantly. Klaus watched it go down beside his fellow pilot and at the same time spotted the third enemy coming right at him. Raben had him in his sights and was about to squeeze the triggers when something told him there was something not right. The shape of the SPAD was wrong. He held his fire and allowed the machine to get closer. It was a Fokker. Klaus was glad he listened to his gut.

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The two were now approaching the enemy airfield at Manoncourt-en-Vermois. And with that, more SPADs greeted them. They’ve set to work and began to clear the sky from the French menace. One came from above at Raben firing his guns, but thankfully missed. After avoiding the attack, Klaus turned the tables and was now chasing his attacker. It was then he realized it was an Amerikaner. The pursuit was short and the enemy was presently falling out of control to crash near its own airfield. He crashed near the road to Lunéville. He then turned towards the aerodrome and immediately picked up another SPAD. This one came at him from above and was even able to fire off a few rounds that harmlessly pierced nothing but the air. He then came around for another round, but Klaus fired a few rounds as they were passing each other head on and spooked the Yankee. He tried one of the fancy maneuvers to shake Raben off, but he was too low to manage anything effective and the Fokker remained on his tail. Klaus continued to pummel his target and eventually brought it down. This latest Amerikaner fell on the other side of the road, across from the previous crater.

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By now Klaus was thinking to himself he should quit while he was ahead, but just at that moment he spotted yet another SPAD entering landing pattern. Raben could not pass an opportunity like that and gave chase but he had to be careful. The SPAD was now between Manoncourt and Azelot airfield and could easily drag Klaus over either of them. The German wasn’t keen on flying through a wall of bullets the anti-aircraft crews were just waiting to throw his way. Instead he decided to bide his time and when the enemy cleared one of the airfields and began to lose altitude, he had to strike. It was now or never. He aimed carefully and sent a burst into the SPAD. Klaus registered hits and the Amerikaner banked to avoid further fire. Raben ruined with him and sent another burst. This was the killing blow and the enemy machine careened down towards the ground where it smashed in full view of the airfield ground crews. This time he definitely overstayed his welcome and quickly put some distance between himself and the airfield. The Flak followed him for some time while Klaus gained altitude before crossing the Front lines to avoid being targeted by the Poilus below. Raben has not encountered any more opposition on his way back to his base and was able to touch down with only drops left in his petrol tank.

YouTube Link

A MEMOIR IN THE MAKING.

17-May-1920

Tuesday 11.11am

Vernon Forth-Wright sat in the Gentleman's Club nursing a Gin & Tonic. Gordon's of course. Just a dash of tonic. No need to drown it. Ice was out but a slice of lime, acceptable. He was deep in thought, brows furrowed. Another sip. Perhaps he should write a memoir. After all if A. P. Herbert can write a novel about The Great War, anyone can. And no-one had bothered yet to publish a book on the war in the air. Sip. Yes, a piece of cake. Without further ado, Vernon arose unsteadily and called to the waiter. "My hat and coat!" He knocked back the remnants of the gin and grabbed his swagger stick. "Hail me a taxi" ejaculated Vernon as he swayed toward the club's exit, hat and coat in hand "I have important business to which I must attend" he said to no-one in particular. Which no-one in particular acknowledged, buried as they were in The Times.


And so, after suitable directions, Vernon reached the exit in a state of urgent arousal. The prospect of a memoir based on his WW1 flying escapades filled him with a euphoria not felt since Mrs Hepplethwaite-Dunkley slipped him an amphetamine tablet whilst on leave in 1916. Flushed with excitement he raised his swagger stick to the awaiting taxi and exited the club's revolving doors.

TWK - So Shutzmeier is the defacto leader after Goering takes off to fill his desk job. The plus side of which is he was able to grab himself an OAW built DVII. He then put it to good use against that balloon, let's hope he gets the confirmation.

NR - Baptiste doesn't like the dodgy weather and it's not surprising when he's nearly colliding with the aircraft he was supposed to be escorting. At least the Escadrille is now back upto strength so he should be busier over coming days.

Raine - Drummond seems to have found his feet now with the squadron, not least because he's remained alive when so many others have fallen. He's struck up a good relationship with Buckingham which is vital and this has resulted in several kills. He's having to become extremely hardened to losses, an inevitable consequence of the smaller flights.

On a personal note, enjoy your vacation pal. I know you've spoken about not seeing your family in ages so have a fantastic time.

Fullofit - Wow, after a quiet sortie in the morning, Klaus kaused khaos in the afternoon though. It was absolute slaughter, aircraft after aircraft fell to Klaus's guns. Thankfully he realised that one of his intended victims was not as it seemed and was in fact a friendly Fokker. Otherwise he may have celebrated his numerous victories in front of a court martial.

As for Kevin, it was a weird day, he should have realised when he looked at the weather. He'll be back for another blast tomorrow.

Well, on my last day in the office before the holidays I have managed to burn a couple of hours making my way through all the campaign accounts. Things are about to get interesting as we move into the Hundred Days and especially as we approach the historically bloody month of September 1918. Let's do our best to nurse our characters up to the Armistice!

Carrick, Hercule is doing well so far in his Breguet. Too bad the claims department has not yet recognised his prowess.

Fullofit, I know it’s not, but Rabin is making it look easy to scrub the sky clear of Spads. Incredible day's work! Your question had me counting on my fingers. I think the combined ages that will be under my roof total 393 years.

NR, wonderful to see Baptiste celebrate his return by downing an Albatros.

Epower, great account of Mac’s funeral. The way he went was so sad. Oliver’s total bag has reached truly historic proportions.

Trustworthykebab, I hope you have had a good break and I’m looking forward to seeing Schutzmeier back at the front, especially now that he is in a command role. Congratulations on number 11. Regarding your question, I have not personally tried the mission mod. From what I understand, it is historically sound and would be all right to incorporate in a campaign career.

Albert, splendid work with Kevin and a well-deserved promotion to command. He still has three and a half months to try to catch up with Winningsted!

Catch, a new memoir would be a wonderful addition to the campaign, especially coming from your wit and knowledge. Or is this just a teaser?

Catch, welcome to the club. I say this to everyone writing their memoirs - congrats on surviving the war! Well done! Now, with Vernon aroused and already ejaculating, I think this is going to be one spunky story.

Albert, it did look like Klaus had to make up for those quiet sorties. A Bréguet and five SPADs should do it. Don’t you think?
So, a day off for Kevin? May as well with all this action going on, he could use some quiet time. Hopefully he won’t have to make it up the next day as Klaus did.

Raine, 393! I was close. Wow, all this living history under one roof. Just don’t mention any of it to the rest of the household or you’ll never hear the ends of it, especially from the women.

Fullofit - Day off's are for wimps.....and wannabe courting couples.....and courting couples. Klaus certainly made up for some quieter sorties that's for sure especially when one of them is the mighty Breguet.



Captain Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
41 Squadron
Conteville

70 confirmed kills

27th July 1918

Morning sortie

Major Bowman took the morning briefing and confirmed that both flights would be heading across the lines to Monchy to 'look for trouble' as he eloquently put it.

Looking for trouble was one thing, finding it was going to be difficult in the awful weather which had worsened overnight.

Kevin's SE squelched down the airfield as he took off and formed up with the rest of 'B' flight.

After climbing upto 12000 feet they headed off east towards the lines.

They eastward journey went without any incident until they were over the lines and above the main banks of cloud. Then Kevin spotted another formation to the left and below him. He signalled and headed towards them, staying above.

He now saw they were Dreideckers and signalled to attack. The Huns tried desperately to climb up towards the SE's but Kevin came around and dived onto one of them.

He fired into the German who rolled away. The rest of 'B' flight now joined in the fun and a large melee ensued.

Kevin had followed his target as it spiralled down and hit it again as it tried to level out. The Dreidecker went down again but Kevin stayed above and as the Hun levelled out again he raced down and poured a devastating burst into him. A large chunk of the top wing disintegrated and as the German spiralled down the aircraft fell apart and smashed into the ground.

Kevin now spotted another Dreidecker nearby and went after him. The Hun turned to face Kevin but having changed the lewis gun drum, Kevin blasted him with both barrels as he flew past.

Kevin whipped around and onto the tail of the German and fired a long burst into him. The Dreidecker lost power and height and went into the ground as Kevin flew over.

No other enemy aircraft could be seen and Kevin formed up with a nearby SE and headed home.

On landing he found that five Dreideckers had been claimed for four damaged SE's.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)

Major Bowman asked Kevin to take the briefing for the afternoon as he had business to attend to at the airfield.

Kevin explained that both flights would be heading back towards Monchy and to look again for any enemy activity.

The weather was still very poor and only drainage work by the ground crews allowed the flight to take place at all.

41 Squadron took off and headed east once more. As they'd reached about 12000 feet Kevin saw aircraft over to his left but after a few moments he realised these were Breguets and relaxed.

The trip over the lines went quietly until they were above an army camp south of Monchy itself. Then Kevin saw another formation of aircraft ahead and below them. There was no flak near the other formation, unlike 41 Squadron which was getting pounded. Kevin therefore signalled and nosed down.

He could now see the black crosses of a formation of Fokker DVII's. He swung around and picked a target. He pounced on a particular Hun and hit him with a good burst. The Fokker and Kevin went into a tight turning match but Kevin had the speed from his dive and hit the German again.

The Fokker spiralled down but Kevin was wise to this and went with him, keeping an eye where the Army camp was.

The Fokker levelled out but Kevin was right there to deliver the coup de grace and watched with satisfaction as the stubborn Hun smashed into the ground.

As he started climbing up he spotted another enemy aircraft over to his left and trying to head home. He caught up easily and came up behind the Fokker. A long burst followed which had the German trying to climb away. A final burst of vickers, as the lewis had ran out, found it's mark and tore the wing off the stricken Hun. He spiralled into the ground nearby.

Kevin realised he was on his own and now headed home, landing safely some 25 minutes later.

Five enemy aircraft had been downed and although an SE had been destroyed, the pilot was ok although shaken up.

After submitting his report and washing the muck off his face Kevin was called into Major Bowman's office.

"Kevin, first rate job out there today." started the Major.

"Thank you sir, we had the height advantage on both sorties which made a hell of a difference" said Kevin.

"Indeed, well you made full use of it" said Bowman.

"Both of the Dreideckers from this morning have been confirmed, unfortunately neither of the DVII's could be. Apparently you'd dropped beneath the clouds so no-one saw anything and of course you were over the lines" said Bowman.

Kevin nodded his understanding.

"One more thing" said Bowman. He reached into a draw and took out two gold crowns. "You best get these on my friend" said Bowman.

Kevin took them "thank you sir" but he looked a little perplexed.

Bowman smiled "Your papers have come through, you're heading to Izel-le-Hameux tomorrow morning, 64 Squadron awaits" said the Major.

Kevin smiled "Is that why you didn't fly this afternoon?" he said.

"One of the reasons, you don't miss much......Major" said Bowman smiling.

"Before we head over to the mess I'd just like to say.......how very proud I am of you Kevin. From day one you listened and learned, from day one your attitude was exemplary. Your fellow pilots saw this which is why they warmed to you so quickly. Take that with you to your new command. Take your coolness, your judgement and take that aggressive edge, which has served you and your squadron mates so well.

There will be doubters, let them doubt. There will grumblers, let them grumble. You are where you are because you deserve it and I have no doubt you will turn 64 into the feared machine that 41 has become these last couple of months" explained Bowman.

".....and remember, I'm only at the end of a phone if you need any help" finished the Major.

"Thank you so much for those words 'Beery'. I owe you a lot and the best way I can repay you is to take the spirit within 41 Squadron, with me, and imbue 64 Squadron with it as best I can." said Kevin.

"Let's go and celebrate my friend, thankfully you don't have to report to 64 until later on in the morning" said the Major as they both left.

As they entered the mess a loud cheer erupted as did several rounds of "for he's a jolly good fellow".

After several rounds of some fine whisky's from both sides of the Atlantic, the songs became louder, and rather more risque. Kevin had been in the infantry and thought he'd heard all the versions of "Mademoiselle from Armentières" but clearly not.

After more rounds, Fred McCall had declared his undying love for Kevin and that he was worried for Kevin's safety without all the Canadians around him. At that point he and 'Dozy' Claxton jumped on the bar and blasted out a rendition of "The Maple Leaf Forever".

Things became blurry even for Kevin after this and he couldn't remember falling into bed in the early morning.

Albert, indeed, but what to do when it’s raining cats and dogs? Everyone is a wimp then.
So, final day with No.41. Four claims and two confirmed. Yeah, those claims across the lines just don’t work so well. Just look at Raben’s haul from yesterday and no credit. At least Kevin can drown it all in whiskey.
Finally a command of your own. Congrats on the promotion and looking forward to see how our hero will whip No. 64 into shape.

27 July, 1918 08:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
55 confirmed kills

None of the claims Klaus made yesterday were confirmed, not even one. Claiming victories across the lines is tough.
Before their morning mission to defend the Mars-la-Tour aerodrome August approached Klaus and let him know abandoning Schwarm Eins will not fly in this Jasta. He needs to take more responsibility. Klaus wanted to ask if Schwarm Eins has same orders, but decided to hold his tongue. The C.O. let Klaus know Schwarm Eins will be composed of only three members and Klaus better take care of them on this mission. Great, babysitting work!
The Schwarm (and a half) clawed their way up and above the rain clouds. When they set their course for the second waypoint a flight of SPADs came down on them and decided to made the day that much more interesting. Klaus watched the first one to come down and lead them to one side, while the rest comes up from behind. Raben was wise to this trick and let one of his wingmen go after the decoy, while the main strength of the Schwarm (and a half) remained with him. The remaining SPADs were now coming down and Klaus hit one as it passed by. He watched as the enemy went into a dramatic spin. He knew well it was another ruse. He followed his theatrical foe down waiting for him to pull out of the spin and continue as if nothing ever happened. He waited. The altitude was dropping rapidly. The SPAD continued to fall. Another Fokker went for a closer look, sniffed around and left the rotting carcass to smash into the ground. Klaus came out of his dive, surprised he got the enemy with his initial burst. But there was no time to marvel, another SPAD was coming his way. It was closely followed by a Fokker. After being shot at the SPAD went into a spiral, just like the first one and the Fokker that was attacking left him for dead, but Klaus wasn’t convinced and continued to track the enemy. Just before crashing, the French machine miraculously regained control and was on his merry way heading back across the lines, except for Klaus, who was now on his tail and firing. It was a great surprise for the enemy pilot. His controls weren’t working for real now and he continued to spin into the ground as originally planned.

YouTube Link



When that little scuffle was over Klaus obediently followed Schwarm Eins with their three planes to the next waypoint. He decided it made sense to catch up and combine it with Schwarm Zwei, which also now consisted of three planes, including Klaus. May as well make it one Kette. This at least will allow him to do more damage should any Strutters decide to show up.
His mind wasn’t even halfway made up, and Schwarm Zwei hasn’t reached Schwarm Eins yet, when a whole armada of dots showed up to his port side. He counted nine dots, to his six. Not the best odds. What followed was a blur, a furball composed of Fokkers and SPADs. Needless to say, Klaus found himself outnumbered and in a damaged crate. He saw the airfield below and thought to himself he should like to live one more day. He put his Fokker in a dive and went straight for the aerodrome and safety. August be dämned with his experiments and reduced flights.

YouTube Link



27 July, 1918 15:05 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
55 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

After this morning’s escapades Klaus was leading this abnormally small Schwarm to patrol friendly front lines between Pont-à-Mousson and Marbache. They were near Verny when a flight of enemy bombers appeared overhead. Klaus gave the signal and as soon as the Bréguets went on the offensive, he began to avoid any of them attempting to latch onto his tail. He was surprised all of them didn’t go straight after him, but who’s going to look a gift horse in the mouth? It was a boon and Raben took pleasure in taking advantage of it. One of them crossed his gunsights and he fired a few rounds. He may have hit it, but wasn’t sure. The wind was buffeting his plane and throwing his aim off. The large bomber went into a steep dive and Raben decided to let that one go and searched for another target. He found one being chased by August. Along with his cousin they’ve brought one of the beasts down. Klaus may have been the one to set the bus on fire but it probably was August who fired the last shot and took out a big part of the top wing for good measure. Klaus found another target soon and went directly after it. Two more Fokkers were already on him and softening him up for Raben. He lined him up and again registered a few hits, but the wind was blowing him off course. To make matters worse, the bomber’s rear gunner pierced his fuel lines as Klaus was flying overhead to make another pass at his target. There was nothing else to do but to stick with it and make sure to bring that bomber down before having to set his own bird down. The Bréguet went down and smacked into the ground beautifully. Klaus had just one more thing to do: set his plane safely down, which he did in a large field near the wreckage of the bomber. Klaus got our of his machine and started to wait for the recovery crew.

YouTube Link

Hercule Orville Lorrient
Sgt , Esc 44
Brequet 14AI
Esquennoy, Flanders

26, July 1918.

2 unconfirmed.


As Englander flyboys say, Zee Hq is Crackers. Our orders came down for a 4 a/c Bombardment of troops at the end of our sector Escort 5 SE 's from 56 Sqn. We only have 2 a/c flyable + 2 in repair. My flight leader and I (2 ) took off at 0855 hrs. We met our Escort 1 Se 5 haft way to the target. Crossing over the lines , we had 5 or 7 Fokkers falling on us. I punched off Zee Eggs and circled to help out, but it was no good, Zee Boche got my Leader's a's and 2 e/a were chasing the SE towards Hunland. ( Rpt Missing }. The others dropped on me. I twisted and tuned taking hit firing where possible as were my gunner. He hit one and it wobbled then the other zoomed and dove away. We made it. , a shot up wreck. of a a/c. Landed ( more like crashed at a friendly AF.}

Raine - What better way to celebrate than downing an Alb! Do be sure to enjoy your holiday, sounds like it'll certainly be hectic.
A pretty tough time for the 11th Squadron it seems and a tough time for Robert, but congratulations for the victories that did occur, and of course on staying alive against all those odds of constant Fokkers.
Here's hoping people do manage to make it to the Armistice!

Fullofit - Yeah, the weather is just a pain constantly. Here's hoping it won't be getting worse down the line.
Indeed, Klaus will be getting more kills I'm sure, and the proof is right there. Dear GOD, what is that, five? Six kills? Six in a flight. Klaus was on a rampage, plain and simple. Even if it did mean having to nearly run out of fuel, but still, what a feat. Here's hoping for some confirmations at least!
Baptiste did indeed set his sight on downing as many huns as he can, or at least trying to anyway, though his success might just vary. Today I'm sure you'll find is one of those ironic times where this very much applies. A rudder would've been nice, but alas, can't land on the Hun field, ask them to hang on for a bit while you go fetch it and then fly off. It's an enemy airfield, not a roadside cafe afterall.
Given that Flight Eins was absent in that first sortie again, that wouldn't necessarily surprise me if they somehow managed to wind up down here too with their disappearance and blindness!
The time for R&R was good, but alas that doesn't last!

Well, post appeared while I was typing this up so here's that: Shame about the lack of confirmations, but that doesn't change the fact how much of a succesful fight that was.
Tsk, what a shame about getting chewed out for the abandonment. Shame Eins isn't getting this kind of treatment. Could it be, do I smell favouritism?
So a far less lucky day then today? Those first two spad kills went well, but then an utter furball occured. Looked like a real mess, that one. Plenty of tense moments but thankfully Klaus lived on.
That luck seems to carry on into the afternoon. Fight itself didn't seem too bad of course, but getting shot down isn't fun. Here's hoping for some confirmations at least!

Catch - Curious to see how this memoir will turn out!

Tross - Well, what can one say. Nothing really good about bad weather unless you're trying to deliberately hide yourself in it! The near collisions are the worst part though. What a sad end it would've been! As for getting busier though...
Ah, 'looking for trouble', what a good way of putting it. Good job on finding that trouble with the Dreideckers and putting them down! They're pretty scary to fight I find, so good on Kevin for taking the advantage he had and keeping it up till the end. Not once, at that, but two whole times in that fight. 5 planes for 4 damaged sounds good for sure.
Thank god for those ground crews letting the boys keep on flying. The second sortie it seems was just as good then. Still five kills, two more for Kevin. Shame about the destroyed SE of course, but if the pilot was okay! Really good point on how much advantage the height difference does make. Congrants on the two confirmations at least!
What a touching moment with Bowman and one has to admit that he's right, so that celebration is certainly warranted! Here's hoping MAJOR Kevin gets on well at his new Squadron, and on that note, 64th Squadron eh? Sounds all too familiar


Carrick - Sheesh, tough day too it seems! Doesn't seem like a good situation to be in, pressed by so many Fokkers. But at least Hercule managed to make it out of that alive even if it was a crash landing.




Sergent Baptiste Cyrille Leanders
Escadrille SPA23
Field hospital, Verdun
27th July, 1918

2 confirmed, 1 pending

To call today ironic would be an understatement.
It all begun just fine. The Squadron was now at full capacity again, and the Captaine announced we'll celebrate by going on an offensive patrol behind the lines over at St Mihiel. That was all well and good. The weather wasn't good though, and I'm sure the weather here was a contributing factor. The flight there was fine, and our second flight was following close in behind us as we flew through thick clouds. Shortly after closing the lines, a sight presented itself! A Boche single seater flight, headed deeper back into their own land and oh so close to us. We had the height advantage and were well able to chase them down, but the Captaine it seems decided it wasn't worth it and the Boches didn't complain so we just flew on...

That's when we suddenly found ourselves presented with a new threat in the shape of a flight of Rumplers. Rumplers of all things! They came out of the cloud right in front of us and slightly above, and we of course opted to engage, climbing for an attack. I made a pass at one, shooting at him as he passed me with little success and dove down to turn around when I suddenly heard a loud crash. Looking around, I glanced out the side of my cockpit only to find another SPAD spinning downwards with half a wing missing, clearly out of control and bound to crash... This wasn't a very pleasant sight and certainly made me hesitate. I circled around a little, trying to spot a lonesome Rumpler I can make a pass at while seeing the rest of my flight making their attempts and getting subjected to heavy fire and went out of sight. The Rumplers at that point started to reform, so I opted to make at least some form of a move for a lack of any other opportunity and tried to chase down the most isolated Rumpler I could find, being greeted with the sight of a heavily smoking SPAD spiralling downwards to the earth serving as more discouragement. This wasn't good at all, I couldn't see anyone else but I didn't want this to be for nothing so I pressed on. I dove a little to gain speed, waiting until I was below the Rumpler when I suddenly nosed up and flew up, firing at him. He made a turn, the gunner instantly opening fire on me and getting hits in while I tried to keep guns on him. We both went ever upwards into a near stall, during which I managed to shoot off the Rumpler's wing tip. In return for this, the gunner got a rather clear shot on me and put several bullets into my unprepared body.

Overcome by pain and starting to bleed, I dove away and hurried back for the lines as quickly as I could. Last I saw the Rumpler he was spinning around somewhat strangely, so I can only pray I managed to cripple him enough for him to have gone down with that final attack. Fearful of not being able to make it back to the airfield, I looked for the friendly lines and made my way down nearby. They managed to get me over to the medicals who were happy to tell me that I wasn't going to die, though it seems like a trip back to the hospital was warranted for the next 10 days, while my crate would be brought back to our field and fixed. On the bright side of things, maybe I'll get to see Maria again. On the less fortunate side, I received news from the Escadrille once I've finally arrived here at the hospital. As it stands, the Captaine and myself were the only ones out of our flight to have made it out alive, with everyone else either KIA or MIA. I made a report and claimed the Rumpler I shot up and took a wingtip off of, though I doubt anything will come of it as I cannot be fully sure I downed him, plus there wouldn't have been anyone around to see. I can only hope we can recover from this by the time I'm back...

Fullofit - Blimey those claim adjudicators are tough cookies, or did they just give up because it was time for their ersatz coffee break. Either way that's not good for Klaus. Then a ticking off from his cousin. If all that doesn't send a man out with anger in his belly nothing will.

Klaus made good use of the adrenaline against those SPADs, shame there wasn't more in the first group which he could have downed and fewer in the second which took him by surprise. Then a run in with some of the SPAD's big bombing brothers. He was able to nail one of the Breguets, at least one of them. Let's hope the claims board get their fingers out this time.

Carrick - That looked like a tough day for Hercule. I don't know who I feel more sorry for, the Breguets or the single SE, talk about serving it up on a platter for the enemy. Thankfully he made it back.

NR - It's been a rough old day for the Aviation Militaire it seems. The Capitaine decides against the sitting ducks below and instead flys into a hornet's nest of enemy two seaters. Clearly it just went downhill from there and Baptiste's bravery in attempting to even up the score a bit came to a very painful end. Another hospital visit, thankfully not a overly long one but still....a right pain in the derrière.

Major Kevin Carroll, DSO, MC, DFC
64 Squadron
Izel-les-Hameux

72 confirmed kills

28th July 1918

Kevin had been woken by a persistent tapping on the door and Corporal Jefferies' rather dulcet welsh tones informing him that he should get up as the car to take him to Izel-les-Hameux would be here in an hour.

After a hot wash, three strong cups of tea and a doorstop bacon sandwich later, Kevin felt a lot better.

The car from 64 Squadron duly arrived and Corporal Jefferies grabbed Kevin's belongings and put them in.

The other pilots were grouped around the car and Kevin said his goodbyes to them all. He was about to climb in when Major Bowman shouted over "Major Carroll, will you come with me a moment please".

Kevin went with 'Beery' into the office, wondering what was going on.

"Right, you know where you're going to don't you? Izel-les-Hameux........which is...... here!" said the Major, pointing at the map.

Kevin looked incredulous for a moment...."Erm...well...thank you 'Beery'. I am well aware of where the airfield is and even if I didn't, I'm not doing the driving" he said.

"Ah quite so, quite so. Well come along it must be time to go now" said the Major who went back outside.

Kevin followed him and was beginning to wonder if this war wasn't getting to everyone around here.

More goodbyes followed and Kevin climbed into the staff car. A few moments later and the car pulled away, but there was the most terrible racket going on at the back of the car, it sounded like it was falling apart.

The car stopped and Kevin got out and went around to the back of the car. He stood stunned for a moment before turning around to look at the group of pilots and Major Bowman in absolute hysterics.

At least a dozen tin cans had been tied to the back of the car and a sign covered the registration plate which said 'Just Promoted'.

Kevin burst out laughing and climbed back in. The car pulled away again and clanked down the road.

Thankfully Izel-les-Hameux wasn't too far down the road towards Arras.

On arriving at the airfield, Kevin had a look around, les-Hameux was a decent place with permanent dwellings for the pilots and aircraft and a large office for the Adjutant and the CO. The mess was just beyond the office building.

Kevin went into the office, as the driver, Corporal Hind took his case to his quarters.

The Adjutant, Captain Ripley was there and welcomed Kevin.

"Very pleased to meet you sir, your reputation is such that just about everyone here already knows who you are" said the Captain.

"Thank you Captain, is anyone up at the moment?" said Kevin.

"Yes sir, 'A' flight is on patrol and should be back in the next 30 minutes". said Ripley.

"Do you have the pilot files to hand? I'll take the opportunity to start going through them. Then once everyone is back I'll speak to the squadron" said Kevin.

"Yes of course sir" said the Captain, who walked over to the fairly large cabinet and retrieved a number of files.

Kevin noticed that the Captain walked with a pronounced limp, almost a shimmy. The Captain noticed Kevin's gaze.

"I was a pilot in 6 squadron, flying the first FE2a's with Lanoe....before an ack ack over Langemark put paid to all that" said the Captain.

"It is still your own leg though?" asked Kevin.

"Oh yes, it's mine, but the muscles and tendons were torn to bits. After I'd recovered, I did some staff training and came back out here. I've been here since mid 1917." explained Ripley.

"Well I'm certainly glad to have such an experienced airman alongside me Captain" said Kevin.

"Are there any patrols planned for this afternoon?" asked Kevin.

"Yes sir, both flights are supposed to be heading to the front at Bethune. Shall I cancel it sir?" said Ripley.

"No not at all, simply add me to the mix" said Kevin.

"Of course sir, I'll put you at the head, replacing Captain Pope" said the Captain.

"Speaking of which, who's been the CO before I got here?" asked Kevin.

"Well, since Captain Jimmy Slater went home earlier this month, the defacto commander has been Captain Pope, purely on account of his commission date" said Captain Ripley.

"What's he like, Captain Pope?" asked Kevin.

"He's very experienced, been out here since 1915......." said Ripley.

"But?" Kevin interjected.

"He's predominantly been in two seaters and sometimes his thoughts are....how should I say this.....old fashioned" said Ripley.

"Thank you Captain. I'll go and sort my office out and start looking over these files. Can you let me know when 'A' flight return and they've made their reports etc please?" asked Kevin.

"Of course sir" responded Ripley.

Kevin studied the files for the next hour. There were five Captains.......
Pope from Bletchley, Buckinghamshire.
Captain Edmund Tempest from Pontefract in Yorkshire who was the top scorer in the squadron, after Kevin, with 11 kills. Captain Dudley Evans from Newport in Wales.
Captain William Farrow from London
and Captain Tommy Rose from Chilbolton in Hampshire.

There was a knock at the door and Captain Ripley entered. "Sir, 'A' flight has now returned, thankfully with all hands and the whole squadron is now assembled in the mess ready for you" said Ripley.

Kevin went over to the mess were the throng of pilots was chattering amongst themselves.

"Gentlemen" said Kevin, just loud enough to stop the noise dead.

"Thank you for coming together at short notice so that I can introduce myself. I'm Major Carroll..........." Kevin spoke for a few minutes about what brought him here and his hopes for the future and 64 Squadron's role in it.

"........so to sum up. I'm here with the intention of turning 64 Squadron into the smooth machine that i'm sure it can be. I need your help, and our country and commonwealth demands nothing less from all of us. I will speak with each of you individually as time allows over the next few days. For now, let's stay focussed on our job, to get up there and make life hell for the boche." finished Kevin.


Afternoon sortie

Having finished his talk, Kevin took the briefing for the afternoon sortie and explained that the squadron would be heading towards the lines east of Bethune.

The weather had improved a lot since yesterday as Kevin took off at the head of his squadron. After climbing upto 12500 feet they headed off towards the lines.

Most of the outward journey went quietly until they were coming upto the lines. Kevin saw a couple of black specks ahead, clearly aircraft but there was a distance between them. He also saw flak bursts which told him all he needed to know.

He signalled and headed over there. It turned out to be two Hannover two seaters trying desperately to get home.

He signalled for the flight to attack the rearmost German whilst he went after the leader.

He closed in and sure enough, the Hun tried to evade. Kevin kicked his rudder and stayed behind the Hannover and poured bullets into him. Another burst and the Hannover stopped evading. A final burst tore into the cockpit and the German nosed down. It went right down into the ground and exploded.

He looked around and saw the other Hun falling trailing thick smoke.

64 Squadron regrouped and carried on their patrol which passed off without further incident. They arrived back about 30 minutes later.

Captain Rose put his name to Kevin's aircraft and it was confirmed by HQ later that evening for number 73. Lieutenant Buckminster had downed the other Hannover, bringing his total to 3.

Kevin did the rounds in the mess later on, speaking with many of the pilots but he didn't have too much. He wanted to be fresh for tomorrow.

NR, unfortunately all those kills were for nothing.
Baptiste, on the other hand, is one lucky boy. Tangling with a bunch of two-seaters with eagle-eyed and steady-hand gunners. Ten days at the hospital should feel like a vacation compared to his previous stay. And don’t forget, all those sponge baths.

Albert, I think the boys at the claims office denied Raben’s claims out right. Nobody claims six planes in one outing. Nobody! So it stays that way then. Yeah, the enemy numbers keep growing, while the size of the Jasta flights keep shrinking. C’est la guerre!
As for Kevin, one final mischievous jest from the Canadians and off he went to his new digs. It appears No. 64 was operating just fine prior to his arrival. Planes went up, documents are in order. Nothing really that needed Kevin’s immediate attention. Life should be simple, once he settles in.
Then the afternoon show. Major Carroll showed his new squad mates what stuff he’s made of and they in turn showed him the same. Well done on your first outing and congrats on #73!

28 July, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
57 confirmed kills

One SPAD from the morning mission and one Bréguet from the afternoon have now been confirmed.
In the morning Jasta 18 was sent to patrol enemy front lines south of Pont-à-Mousson and then west of it, towards St. Mihiel. Near the city of Pont-à-Mousson Klaus spotted a few dots in the distance and went to investigate. The dots ended up being a flight of Strutters. It was too late to avoid them, but at least the Germans had the height advantage. Raben dove headlong into the enemy formation. It was like diving into a snake pit. He started to fire his guns at anything silver in front of his guns. He was certain he had damaged at least three machines before noticing his own kite wasn’t as nimble as before the fight. The starboard lower wingtip was a mess. It dangled on a few threads of canvas. One or more gunners had to hit it consecutively. Those bloody Strutters again!

YouTube Link



28 July, 1918 13:45 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Oberleutnant Klaus Gustav Raben PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
57 confirmed kills

After having his wingtip repaired Klaus was ready for the afternoon mission, which was to patrol friendly front lines south of Pont-à-Mousson. The Schwarm only got as far as Verny before chancing upon enemy bombers. Well, the fact is it was the other way around. The Bréguets had them where they wanted - right below. Klaus would try something new this time. He knew the enemy planes would dive and gang up on him. This time he would give the Bréguets a go round. Literally. His plan was to circle with the rest of the Schwarm following behind. Klaus observed the bombers. They were so predictable and went right behind him and right in front of the entire Schwarm. He smiled. The Bréguets got one nasty surprise right up their tail feathers. Klaus swung around and joined the rest of his wingmen in slaughtering the insolent two-seaters. He quickly blasted one of them and watched with satisfaction the enemy go down minus one wing. He then searched for more targets and found one soon enough. Other Fokkers were already having fun with it by the time Raben arrived. He joined them and ended up blowing off another wing from this Bréguet as well. Unlike the first one, however, this one stayed in complete control and Klaus was compelled to help this enemy down. Few more bursts did just that. With the engagement over, the Schwarm was able to reform and finish their patrol.

YouTube Link

Hercule Orville Lorrient
Sgt , Esc 44
Brequet 14AI
Esquennoy, Flander

Kicked the bucket Reached the end of the Bucket list... DEAD EXPIRED Extremis Done For Gave up the Ghost Eradication by Fokker

28, July 1918.

2 unconfirmed.


Bought the Farm today ! Out on an Arty Shoot with no Escort and 2 Fokker's came down from on High as I approached the lines did my best, but they got my rear seat ( Rene) with the first shots then I became Toast. Bummer ! Didnt even make a month.

Carrick - So it's over for Hercule. A brave effort against difficult odds, bon voyage.

Fullofit - At least the claims board finally got their act together and allowed a couple from the previous day. Then a run in with the hated Strutters even with a height advantage it was pointless, especially as the gunners were clearly armed with the 1918 air to air missiles that were so prevalent at that time. They made a right mess of Klaus's wing.

Then to the Breguets in the afternoon, a change of strategy and it seemed to work a treat. Like dangling a bone in front of a dog, even a dozy one, eventually it's going to chew on it. Hopefully a couple more confirmations in the offing. As for Kevin, it was a nice if noisy send off and yes 64 Squadron seems to be operating ok, mainly thanks to the efforts of the Adjutant, Captain Ripley.