Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC x2, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

54 confirmed kills

1st October 1918

The car arrived back at the airfield just in time for the rain to start heavily again. Andy and Captain Bridgeman had said little on the return journey. Andy kind of got the picture that Bridgeman was struggling communicating with Andy, it had been like that since he learned of his impending promotion to Major. There was no animosity, just silence.

Andy had enough on his mind than his CO's insecurities. He had promised to return to Bella but he knew this war had many twists and turns to it yet. He would have to live with that added pressure now, but he wouldn't let it effect his performance. Especially now he was going to the 49th very soon.

He sat in the mess for a few hours with Brooks and Swaab answering some questions, sidestepping others.


Afternoon sortie

The rain had stopped when Andy woke and went for breakfast but the airfield was still sodden. The ground crews worked all morning trying to drain the water away and did a good job.

By 3pm it was decided to resume flying. A request for a hit on their favourite balloon had come in and Andy volunteered with Doolin and Vernam.

They set off into the virtually cloudless blue skies and climbed up before heading out north.

Andy was loving being back in the air again, the sound of the purring hispano was music to his ears.

The trip out went quietly until they nosed down and Andy saw the Hun gasbag ahead and below. He throttled back as it neared and fired a long burst into it. A thick stream of smoke came out of the top of the Drachen and as Andy was coming around for another go it erupted in flames.

The other pair were already making their way home and Andy began climbing back up towards them. As he crossed the old front he saw a glint of metal and glossed canvas out to his right.

It was a DVII racing towards him. He didn't panic and rolled away whilst throttling back. The Fokker momentarily flew across Andy's sights and he fired a burst into the Hun.

The Fokker tried to climb away but Andy had already throttled back up and went with him, blasting him as he went.

The German was now struggling to maintain level flight and a final burst had the pilot slumped backwards and the Fokker heading down into the ground.

Nothing else was in the vicinity so Andy made his way home.

No word on either Andy's claim or his impending transfer came through during the evening.

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Albert - What a marvelous break for Andy, being allowed all those tender moments with Bella. Plus, getting to hang out with the likes of Bill Thaw, Harold Hartney, and Charles Biddle, (and if you've not read "The Way of the Eagle", you absolutely should). Too bad about Luke, but then he always was a daredevil. Murphy wasted no time getting back to work either; a Hun gasbag and a Fokker to boot. Chilling shot of the defeated and dying Boche pilot. Also, congrats on the Ld'H !

Fullofit - So the rain and wind left, but so did all the potential targets, eh. Ah well, Klaus has plenty to his credit already, and no claims submitted means no claims denied.

Carrick - I think I've been to that pub, it's on Coronation Street if I recall.

Epower - So Ripper recovers from his wound and returns to camp just in time to nearly snuff it in an air raid, then gets shot again in less than a fortnight? Yup, the gods really are out to get him. I'd tell him to stop taunting fate but I fear that ship has long since sailed.

Raine - It's great to see Fergie back at it. Nice job with the air Hun and the sausage roast, not to mention making it to triple ace!

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3 October 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

The rain had continued all through the first and second of the month, grounding all flying from Fienvillers. Just as well, given how most were feeling after Major Abbott's VC party. Many toasts were made, many stories were told, many songs were sung, and countless drinks were drunk throughout the evening and well into the wee hours of the next morning. Freddy of course was fine that next day despite having gotten well sozzled, and while his men loved him for his generosity at the bar, they hated him for not having to pay the same price as they when it came to sobering up. If medical science could sort out just why and how it was that the young ace never got a hangover, and bottle and sell it, 'twould be a boon to drinking men everywhere, not to mention the fortune that could be made.

The dud weather lifted during the night allowing for flying to resume this morning. And, the new month had brought new orders for 43 Squadron; they would now be allowed to cross the lines with their Snipes and begin concentrating on ground attacks. And as a christening, HQ ordered the Major and his lads to bomb the Hun drome at Guesnain. More a baptism by fire really, given that Guesnain sat on the western edge of Douai which was considered air Hun central, boasting no less than eight enemy aerodromes in its immediate vicinity. Add to that it was some twelve miles behind the lines with numerous Archie batteries along the way. Abbott was not looking forward to this one. However, as it turned out, it was one of the quietest bombing flips anyone could have imagined or hoped for - thank God.


'A' and 'B' flights preparing to depart, with trepidation. Major Abbott would lead 'A' flight, which was fitted with the Coopers and would do the actual bombing, while 'B' flight led by Captain George Howsam would fly top cover.



The Snipe armada climbed towards their destination through the cloud-studded morning sky which, apart from themselves and another flight made up of seven SE5s far away to the north, was empty of planes.



Guesnain was reached without so much as a how-do-you-do from the Hun. No enemy scouts, no Archie, not even ground fire until Major Abbott began strafing the hangars at the Boche drome. This was too easy.



Freddy dropped his four Coopers, all falling wide of the two wooden hangars which had been his intended target. However one of the bombs did manage to set a Fokker on fire that was parked in front.



Moments later Abbott spotted a lone D.VII that appeared to be returning to the drome from somewhere. The King's ace got himself lined up and fired into the red nose of the pale blue Fokker, which immediately spun out and crashed near the burning bus on the ground.



With no other signs of nasties about the Major decided not to press their collective luck and turned for home, crossing back over the mud, and still no sign of resistance or Archie. He wondered if the enemy's ability, or willingness, to put up a fight was nearing exhaustion. One could only hope.


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Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Acting B Flight Commander
Avensnes- Le-Comte,
Flanders.

Oct 3 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed

Balloon Defense; I had Blue Section of B Flight circling a Gas Bag up near Roulers. What a Sitter our 3 a/c had to stage thru Ypres. Our Section did manage to swat away at 3 Hun Flies. No Kills, No losses. Just a Bang up.

Albert, Raben’s trigger is starting to itch again after this period of inactivity. The lack of targets isn’t helping.
As for Andy, let’s hope he doesn’t discover that certain itch after his memorable night of passion. This could prove difficult to put behind him when it’s in front of him.
So, Captain Bridgman said little to Murphy for the duration of their trip back to base. What’s up with that? Lost in his thoughts?
Very good show for our soon to be Major in the afternoon. A balloon and another cocky Fokker to top it off. Our man has not lost his touch. Very nice shot of that Hun taking a nap in his pit in that last pic. Now we wait for the confirmations. Well done!

Lou, you are the glass half-full kind of person. Me, I’m the glass half-empty guy: no claims submitted means no claims gained. The itch is back, hopefully scratched today, as you will soon see.
Now, I see Freddy gets to scratch his itch with the help of a set of Coopers. A near miss on the hangars results in destruction of a nearby parked Fokker. Then another one joins his Kamerad after Abbott has his way with him. Unfortunately I have a feeling, me: the glass half-empty guy, that the aerodrome was not damaged sufficiently and the HQ will have to send No. 43 back again to finish the job tomorrow. Rather precarious times for our aviators flying this deep into the snake pit. Good luck with the claims. Hopefully the claims office is reasonable as of late. Have they been invited to Freddy’s VC party?

3 October, 1918 08:00
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
137 confirmed kills

The flight was returning from their patrol of the enemy front lines near Marbache when they were surprised by a group of bombers over the field. A raid was in progress and Klaus wanted to get to them as quickly as possible. He almost missed one of the Bréguets attempting to sneak up behind him. He avoided the attack just in time and began circling with the French machine. The rear gunner had an open field of view and was taking potshots at the Fokker. Klaus couldn’t keep it up and decided to do something about it. He swung his plane the other way to break the vicious circle and was now free to go after the enemy. The rest of the Fokkers were already engaging the Bréguet, and so were the Aircos. They were coming down fast and thick. Klaus picked one and fired at it in a climb. Another one came from behind so close his Fokker was buffeted by the disturbed air from the other machine. He continued to try to acquire any target, but they were just swirling around, protecting one another. Raben finally picked one that seemed like an easy kill and committed to it. He continued to pound the enemy until the engine caught on fire and the plane nosed down to crash beneath. Klaus already had another Amerikaner in his sights. This one attempted to hide in the clouds but Klaus stuck to him and continued his onslaught. The second Airco went down on fire and only now Raben noticed his engine was overheating. The rear gunner must have hit his radiator.

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He reduced the revs and aimed for the airfield below, but not before he spotted a Bréguet chasing after his sick bird. He had a choice to fight or to flee. The Bréguet would definitely get him with his engine in such state. Instead he decided to duke it out. He opened the throttle up again and went after the bomber. It took him a while to bring this beast down in flames. His engine ceased quickly after and Klaus was forced to glide the rest of the way to the airfield.

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(Note: I am certain that one of those Aircos coming from behind flew straight through Raben’s Fokker. Either Klaus is already a ghost and doesn’t know about it yet a la Sixth Sense, or there is something wonky with DH.4’s collision detection.)

Lou - A welcome return to action for Freddy but it could have been a real humdinger of a mission. An airfield attack in the heart of the German front. In the end it was a walk in the park for our toothy ace. Then a single DVII turns up to see what all the commotion is about and finds himself a permanent resting place thanks to Freddy's Snipe. As for Andy, it was a wonderful trip but now it's back to business, very serious business.

Fullofit - Just as Klaus was getting bored with the inaction, he gets more action than he could ever have wanted in the shape of Breguets and DH4's. Klaus went toe to toe with one of them which is always a danger and sure enough he takes some damage but not before he brings down two of the enemy crates. Then, with his last few RPMs he takes on that final Breguet and slays the beast. The next moment his engine seizes. The gods were with him then most definitely. A strange happening with that DH4, I paused the film as it passed and it must have been touch and go if not actually colliding. As for Andy, it was good to return to action and grab a victory. All personal thoughts are out of the window for the foreseeable, it's down to business.

Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC x2, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

54 confirmed kills (awaiting one confirmation)

3rd October 1918


Morning sortie

The morning mission was to be a trip, involving both flights, over to the old front east of St Mihiel. Andy was leading 'B' flight and took off into the blue skies.

The weather was good, more cloud than yesterday afternoon but still decent enough, as they formed and climbed up.

The trip was going quietly as the old front appeared beneath them. Just at that moment Andy saw a large formation ahead and above, clear as day in the bright sun and blue sky.

He signalled and climbed up as the formation neared. He could now see it was a Jasta's worth of Fokker DVII's who proceeded to dive down onto the waiting SPADs. Thankfully 'A' flight was just behind and moved to join in the battle.

Andy avoided the initial passes and came around to the right. He saw a Fokker on the tail of a SPAD and went to help. He fired a burst into the Hun, but it took another to make him roll away. Andy stayed with him and continued peppering him with shots.

The Hun turned to the right but Andy was wise to it and put a long accurate burst into him. A final flurry took the pilot out and left the Fokker nosing down and smashing into the ground.

As Andy looked around for another target bullets whizzed past him. He looked behind to find another DVII coming down at him.

He avoided the attack and as the Fokker overshot he went after him. The Fokker realised his predicament and dived away.

Andy went with him and managed to stay behind the twisting Hun. A burst from Andy's Vickers tore a chunk out of the German and as the Fokker tried to level, Andy blasted him.

The DVII spiralled down and smashed into the ground.

Andy took stock and saw another Fokker trying to flee a distance ahead. He went after him and was catching him fast. The Fokker tried to turn to face Andy but he fired a good burst into the Hun as he turned.

The German dived towards the ground and Andy went with him. The dive became vertical and the ground approached quickly. Andy levelled out but the Fokker didn't and went straight in.

Andy was rocked by the explosion but levelled out and as no more Huns were nearby he headed home, forming up with other SPADs as he went.

On landing and reporting in, 5 Fokkers had been downed for one SPAD lost. Thankfully Remington Vernam was ok.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting four confirmations)

The second sortie of the day was an escort mission. Half a dozen Breguets from Esc 7 were to complete a recon of the new lines north of Toul.

'B' flight would maintain close escort whilst 'A' flight would patrol around.

The weather had closed in once more and with the winds picking up, flying was not a pleasurable experience.

Thankfully the whole mission went without any incident and the recon of the lines was completed.

Later on Captain Bridgeman was able to confirm three of Andy's claims, the last one this morning was rejected. This brought his total to 57 confirmed kills.

Fullofit: 1:21 was the nearest miss ever!

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Rick - I agree, it would be hard to have a nearer miss than that.

Fullofit - Yikes! I am truly amazed Klaus survived that furball. Then again you might be right, perhaps he didn't and he's already passed on but just doesn't know it yet. "I see dead pilots." As for Freddy inviting those twits from the claims office to his VC party - yeah, that didn't happen.

Albert - Another hat trick for our Andy. Let's hope the claims board is feeling charitable. And inquiring minds want to know, when will he get his command, and when will that French general return to kiss him on the cheeks again?

Carrick - What, no pub visit?

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4 October 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

Major Frederick Abbott and his crew were tasked today with bombing the Boche railyard at Vitry-en-Artois, some five miles behind the lines beyond Arras. The young CO used the same approach as yesterday's aerodrome attack, having 'A' Flight come in with the Coopers while 'B' Flight stayed above to offer protection from any air Hun that might decide to spoil the show. Again, it turned out to be a quiet sortie, with no enemy planes to be seen anywhere and only a half-hearted attempt by Archie at putting up a defence. Not only did the lads of 43 Squadron thoroughly mess up the railyard, the Major also bagged a nearby Hun gasbag and put the fear of God into a Boche truck convoy making its way through the devastation. A very good outing indeed.


Major Abbott leads 'A' Flight up and away shortly before 10:00 on the bright October morning. Captain Orlebar follows immediately, leading 'B' Flight.



Along the way and some 12,000' over the Bois de Watron the Snipes cross paths with a flight of Camels, with each crew giving a friendly wave to the other.



Just beyond the sprawl of No Man's Land Freddy finds their target and dives to attack, his only resistance some light rifle fire coming up from the railyard.



Unlike yesterday's bomb run, Abbott's efforts today score direct hits on two buildings, with the flying debris setting fire to several supply stacks. The rest of the lads have similar success and they leave the place in utter chaos and shambles.



Spotting a Hun obs balloon just to the south, Freddy heads directly for it and is pleased to see it lightly defended and left up for target practice. As Abbott closes he hits the gasbag with repeated short bursts from the Vickers and soon has it smoking.



It explodes in a most satisfying manner, after which Freddy turns west for the return trip.



However, no sooner had the gaggle of Snipes reached the mud when the Major spies a convoy of enemy lorries trundling along, quite unaware they are about to have their day ruined.



Freddy swoops low and strafes the column from end-to-end.



As he climbs away he is chuffed to see two of the vehicles have caught fire. But the young CO and his men must bid a hasty adieu as the hornet's nest below, now properly poked, begins opening up with every available rifle. Fritz's efforts result in a few harmless vents in the retreating marauders, but nothing more.


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Albert, those two-seaters are definitely much easier to deal with at low alts. I’ve also gone through that bit a few times and I’m convinced it that Airco went board to board with the Fokker. I just don’t know where they’ve found the room for the wings.
As for Andy, “it’s all business” line doesn’t work when you mix two star crossed lovers. It’s good that Murphy can still function at all. The actions from the 3rd prove that he can, and how. Well now, so Andrew is now bringing down Huns in droves. Congrats on the latest confirmations. The afternoon benign mission offset the excitement of the morning show somehow.

Rick, I am convinced it wasn’t a miss, but I won’t complain too much. My pilot is still in one piece.

Lou, it’s funny you can call it a furball with a straight face. They were Bréguets and Aircos for Christ’s sake. Only in WoFF: a two-seater furball.
As to Freddy, he has his ground attack technique down pat. The railyard is utterly razed. The Major doesn’t stop there. An unsanctioned balloon raid and transport column strafed for good measure become Abbott’s playthings. That’s the proper way to wage war!

4 October, 1918 08:50
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
139 confirmed kills

One Airco and one Bréguet from yesterday have been confirmed.
The HQ sent Jasta 18 today to patrol friendly front lines from south of Pont-à-Mousson to Marbache. As they were overflying the No-Man’s Land they were accosted by a flight of Bréguets. They had the height advantage and they exploited it well. They desperately wanted to attack from the rear. Klaus allowed them to get behind and commence their dive. He then turned towards them to spoil their plans and squander their height advantage. He had to admit it to himself that his plan worked very well. He then proceeded climbing on the rear of one of the beasts and let his Spandaus punish the Franzose for his insolence. He almost had him, but in his final bid for freedom the enemy was somehow able to slow down his large plane on the spot and had the Fokker pass him by. By that time another Bréguet was attempting to sneak up behind Klaus. He almost succeeded and put a few holes in Raben’s plane. Klaus was able to free himself and after assessing the situation went after one of the bombers. He then switched to one that was closer and had him on the ropes while the enemy attempted to fool Klaus again with that tail-sitting trick. Raben was far enough away this time and poured both barrels into the nearly stationary target. The enemy dove but Klaus had his sights on him in no time and continued his fusillade. One of the idiots from his flight attempted to get in on the action, but only managed to distract Klaus. Raben soon reacquired his target and noticed it was now smoking. It only needed a small incentive to go down in flames and Klaus was more than happy to facilitate.

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The rest of the enemy planes were now gone, save for one flying much higher. Klaus and the rest were already climbing to intercept it. It was then that Raben heard gunfire from behind. He instinctively jerked his steering column and got out of the way of a Bréguet that came who knows from where. The high-flying bandit quickly forgotten, Klaus was already tracking his assailant. They entered another circling fight that Klaus immediately disengaged from. Giving the rear gunner an easy target was not his style. The enemy gunner was a really good shot and was able to clip Klaus nonetheless. Raben decided to put more distance between himself and the bloody gunner. In the meantime, his cousin August saw the opportunity to get an easy kill and engaged the bomber while the gunner was still preoccupied with Klaus. He pounded the enemy machine while Klaus reduced the distance again. The two men fired at the same time and sent the enemy machine spinning down on fire and minus one wing. The claim for this one will be hotly contested.

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Lou - So Freddy's given another ground attack mission and true to form he delivers as hard a blow as possible. Not only to the railyard, which was whacked good and proper, but to a balloon and an enemy convoy which just happened to be in the vicinity. He's leading his men from the front that's for sure. As for Andy, it's good to be back in the air certainly, the switch to the 49th and his Legion de Honour are just around the corner.

Fullofit - Klaus had the news of a couple of confirmations in his ears as he took the Jasta up again. It was a clever attack by those Breguets, Klaus's eyes are searching up top as a Breguet sneaks up from behind. It happened not once but twice during that sortie today. Clever, very clever but ultimately the attacks failed. From the front the Breguet struggles to do enough damage on a single pass. The same can't be said for Klaus. He pummelled that first Frenchman although there were a few heart in mouth moments but he finished it off very nicely. Then that second one, who gets the final confirmation is up in the air, which is exactly where that Breguet no longer is. As for Andrew, Bella is definitely occupying the back of his mind, but that's all.

Captain Andrew Murphy, DSC x2, CdG
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

57 confirmed kills

4th October 1918

Morning sortie

After breakfast and just prior to the morning briefing Captain Bridgeman called Andy into his office.

"Andy, thanks for coming, this won't take long. I've finally got the transfer paperwork for your switch to the 49th. You'll be reporting there tomorrow morning. Not that it's much of a change of course, seeing as their based across the airfield." said Bridgeman.

Although he'd been expecting the news for the last few days, it was still a huge moment for Andy.

"Thank you sir, for everything." was all he could manage.

"No need to thank me, it's all down to you. Speaking of which, if you want to take today off, flying wise anyway, I'm fine with that." said Bridgeman

"Thank you sir but there's no place I'd rather be today than in the air with the other guys." said Andy.

Bridgeman smiled, "I thought as much but I had to ask."

Andy and Bridgeman left and were heading over to the briefing room when the airfield alarm sounded.

The flak guns to the north opened up and Andy raced towards his aircraft. With the engine already started he was in the air shortly afterwards and climbing for all he was worth.

The weather had cleared a bit and he could see the puffs of archie up above and headed towards them. As he looked down he could see several other SPADs now getting airborne but he was several thousand feet above them already.

He could now see the enemy aircraft above, it was a formation of Rumplers who began to run for home as Andy neared.

Andy came underneath the lead aircraft and came up gradually. The Rumpler spotted the SPAD and started evading but Andy was wise to it and swung with him.

He came up close behind and blasted the two seater with a long burst. Another burst had the Hun nosing down and heading straight into the ground.

As Andy came around and looked for another target. He looked below and saw something of a melee going on.

It looked like several SPADs were engaged with a large number of DVII's.

He dived down and went to help. He saw one Fokker attacking a colleague and fired a burst into him, forcing the Hun to roll away.

He then saw another Fokker ahead and went after him. A good burst made the Hun dive for the ground. Andy went with him as the Hun did his spiralling fall. Andy didn't buy it and throttled back to slow his descent.

The Fokker eventually levelled out and Andy leapt onto his tail. He fired a lengthy burst into him and another had the Hun in flames and heading down into the ground.

Andy saw the remaining Huns running home so decided against chasing them and landed.

Four Hun aircraft had been downed and although two SPADs were lost, both pilots, Doolin and Brooks were ok.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)

Andy's final mission with 'B' flight was to be a trip across the old front lines and towards the Lac de Madine.

The weather was still good as Andy led the rest up and headed north. They'd reached 15000 feet and could see the stretch of water ahead when Andy saw aircraft off to the right.

They were coming the other way and as Andy headed towards them he saw it was a flight of Rumplers.

He raced towards them and the two seaters turned and ran. Andy wasn't giving up that easily and tore into the flank of one of the Huns. He fired a good burst which had the German lurching to the left. Bullets whacked into Andy's SPAD as he went past and came back around. Andy came up behind the Rumpler who had somewhat recovered himself.

He put a devastating burst into him which tore the lower wing away and left the Rumpler spinning wildly down into the ground.

Andy saw the holes in his wing and thought it best to head home. The rest of 'B' flight joined up and they landed safely some 20 minutes later.

On landing, only Andy had downed anything. He went to report in and clean up. As he walked towards the office, something amazing happened.

The rest of the pilots had formed up in front of the office and broke into rapturous applause as Andy neared.

Andy could feel the emotion welling up but managed to keep it in check.

After cleaning up he made his way to the mess where a celebration had clearly been set-up during the afternoon.

A raucous evening ensued, Andy was given a fine send off.

RAFLou Cecil has to stay away from the Pub for awhile due his Uniform Tailors Bill. and Sqn Mess tab are both due.

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Acting B Flight Commander
Avensnes- Le-Comte,
Flanders.

Oct 4 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed

On a balloon attack at 0945hrs, I say, bit of a sticky wicket. The Sausage was protected by 4 Fokkers. I seamed to be the popular target by the Huns so went Defensive during the Melee. Finally, my wingmates broke them up I did notice during the tight turns and chandels the one Hun scout went down plus the Balloon went up in a fiery burst 1 pilot wnd plus 2 damaged on our side. Afternoon, I was given command of B flight and told Pac ur Kit 54 Sqn in on the move. This Time its Phalempin AF over in the Roulers Area. Intell has it that the Huns are running short on 2 seat machines so if encountered they are the number one target. on Patrols.

I need to get a bit of time to catch up with everyone's stories. And speaking of catching up, here are the next few days in Drummond's journal…

Journal of 2nd Lieutenant Robert Fergus Drummond, DFC
32 Squadron, Royal Air Force
La Bellevue, France

Part 13


"I managed to catch one of the two-seaters in turn and get a good burst into it, sending it down in flames."


We are having a somewhat difficult time of it. The Huns have adopted a strategy of putting very large formations up for part of each day, even though they cannot sustain such pressure throughout the daylight hours. They hope to encounter smaller formations of our machines and so to dominate them. For the most part, we British have responded by grouping our squadrons for mutual support. Unfortunately, we at 32 Squadron remain under strength and have not been considered for these larger groups. As a result, we remain precisely the sort of smaller formation that the Hun is looking for.

That was the case on 22 September 1918 when our B Flight, commanded by Captain Zink with yours truly flying the “behind and above” position, was attacked by a very large formation of Fokker biplanes. We had been sent over the lines west of Lens to intercept some enemy observation machines. Unfortunately for us, the Fokkers intervened. My SE was badly hit in the first head-on pass and all I could do was dive away for the nearest cloud and home.

The following day brought better fortune. At dawn we flew a close offensive patrol along the enemy lines north from Monchy. We encountered about a dozen Fokkers and had a brief scrap with them. I was able to single out a black-and-white striped machine and get a good burst into it from behind. It broke up in the air and fell just north-west of Monchy. I found myself alone and well into Hunland and made my way home. By the time I returned to La Bellevue, our gunners had already confirmed this is my sixteenth victory. A Flight had been with us for this fight and lost two men, McDonald and Astley.

On 24 September we did a morning line patrol south of Arras. Zink spotted a formation of only seven Fokkers and we dived on them. Most of the Huns were painted in the same black and white striped livery as the one I had downed two days before. I managed to get on the tail of one of the Fokkers and chased it eastward, causing it to break up over Oppy. Zink saw the EA go down from a distance and it was confirmed as number seventeen.

Over the next three days we flew several escort missions over the lines and another close offensive patrol. Our only scrap of significance occurred on the afternoon of 25 September, when we mixed it up with a formation of Fokker biplanes and a few Camels. I managed to get my petrol tank holed and dropped out of the fight. We lost a new man named Emerson.

On 28 September, we flew northeast to Vimy in search of an observation machine that had been spotted. Instead, we ran into a large group of Albatri. It was lovely to see these old chums, as I was thoroughly fed up with Fokker biplanes. After a lengthy scrap, I was able to chase one into Hunland and send it down. Moments later I spotted a second Albatros sneaking homeward and sent that one down as well. By this time I was low in fuel and I made my way toward the forward aerodrome at Mont Saint Eloi. There I found two of our SEs being harassed by a lone Fokker. Captain Zink was in a turning fight with the Hun and I joined in, driving the EA off. I followed it back over the lines and sent it down to crash.

We returned to La Bellevue later that morning, as we had orders for an escort mission shortly after lunch. The RE8s we were to marry up with never showed and Zink led us on a merry chase after some Hannovers that had the misfortune to fly in our direction. I managed to catch one of the two-seaters in turn and get a good burst into it, sending it down in flames.
Unfortunately, none of my four claims this day was confirmed.

It seems the heaviest action at the moment is to the south toward Cambrai. Three British armies, with the Canadian Corps at the front, are engaged in breaking through the extremely strong defensive positions along the Saint Quentin canal. If we push through there, the German armies that are being forced back by the French and Americans farther south will have a hard time of it. Hopes are high. Still, we are running out of time before winter puts an end to offensive operations.

Understood. Take what you can get, the pendulum swings back all too soon!

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Raine - Fergie's lot is having a tough time of it and suffering some very discouraging losses. And it can't help when all four claims from a single day's work are denied. I hope things get better for your man, and soon.

Albert - And so Andy is sent off to his new command, congratulations! And how convenient that it's just across the field from where he was. Talk about your easy moves.

Fullofit - Those sneaky, sneaky Bréguets! If any of them had been saddled with a gunner worth his salt Klaus could have been in a world of hurt, though that one did try his best and got close. But once again the Kaiser's ace wins the day, while his cousin tries his best to steal Raben's kill. No honour, no honour at all. And I was chuckling to myself when I used "furball" to describe that two-seater bruhaha.

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5 October 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Senlis-le-Sec, France

"Pack up and move to Senlis-le-Sec immediately." These were the orders that came in from HQ late yesterday afternoon. No advanced notice, no warning, just move, NOW. The squadron worked through the night to get everything broken down and packed up on the tenders. And this morning, shortly before ten, the pilots flew their mounts the fifteen odd miles to the east to join everyone else who was already there setting everything back up at their new digs. Senlis-le-Sec sat directly on the rearmost edge of what used to be the front at the beginning of the war, in fact remnants of the old supply trenches still ran along the western edge of the field. If one looked east and south the result of four years of fighting was starkly evident, despite nature's best efforts to reclaim the battle zone. But if one looked west and north it was the precise opposite, little to no evidence of such ravages, simply Flanders as it was before this madness began. The place had a certain bleakness about it, though to see how quickly the land was attempting to heal itself gave one hope.


Looking to the southeast over 43 Squadron's new home and beyond towards the frontlines, now twenty miles away.



Looking to the northwest across an unscarred landscape. The contrast made one pause.



Home sweet home, for the moment at least.



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Raine - Good to see Fergie back in action and despite the odds he picked up another couple of kills to take him to 17 confirmed. Ahhh the good old Albatros, how I'd love to come up against a few of them for a change. The 28th proved a great day for claims but an awful day for confirmations, four rejected, that's got to hurt. Too bad about McDonald, Astley and Emerson, we know it's no place for newbies.

Lou - A surprise change of scene for Freddy and Co. 20 miles from the frontlines now, who decided that when we're marching forward? At least Senlis looks reasonably set-up, a long way from the dank days of Droglandt and Conteville. As for Andy, yes virtually no change in location, but a huge change in situation.

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Actually Albert, before the move 43 Squadron was parked 35 miles from the front lines. At least this gets them somewhat closer to the action.

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Albert, it only proves Raben’s wingmen don’t have his back. It looks more like every man for himself and Klaus intends to follow suit. Not so for Andy and his crew. They seem to be looking after each other. Working together to bring down as many Huns as possible, not stealing kills from each other. Congrats on the latest victories. Let’s hope there’ll be a few confirmations as well. Then a proper send off for their highest scoring ace and off to a new job.

Raine, looks like No. 32 is having supply issues that can be felt all around. Flying understrength against fully equipped and with superior numbers Boche could prove difficult. Fergie is hanging in and dishing out pain as appropriate. Too bad about spotty claims record. Let’s hope he’ll have more luck in the future.

Lou, I thought you’d have a healthy snigger with that furball. As for his wingmen, there is no honour and no class. A band of louts, that’s all they are. The lot of them.
It’s the same with the RAF HQ. How dare they send transfer orders without prior notice? The cheek! Albert’s right, at least the conditions don’t look spartan and time to target should be reduced as well.

5 October, 1918 08:00
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
140 confirmed kills

Only the first Bréguet Klaus shot down yesterday has been confirmed. The other Bréguet went to his cousin.
The orders for today were to patrol friendly front lines south of Pont-à-Mousson. Most of the patrol went without much fuss except for that time at the end when Klaus found some SPADs returning from their patrol. He was sneaking up on one when the enemy spotted him and banked to engage. Raben had no problem with that. What he had a problem with was another SPAD that snuck up on him and mauled his port side wing. The rest of the Schwarm simply flew on as if nothing really happened. Klaus had to deal with the enemy planes before the rest of the Schwarm realized what was happening. Once they engaged, one of his wingmen was more than happy to finish off what Klaus had started. His Fokker was pulling to port and Raben knew he would have his hands (and pants) full during the landing.

YouTube Link

Lou - Ahh, my mistake, I need my old Flanders maps in front of me obviously.



Major Andrew Murphy, DSC x2, CdG
49th Aero
Toul airfield

57 confirmed kills (awaiting three confirmations)

5th October 1918

Andy had woken rather groggy. The previous evening had been long and joyous but now he was paying the price. Several strong coffees helped as did a doorstop bacon sandwich. He realised he'd miss these hangover cures and hoped the cooks over at the 49th were equally skilled, and understanding.

He had already had his uniforms changed to show his new rank and made his way to Captain Bridgeman's office. The Captain bade him good luck and farewell and passed him a sealed envelope. He made Andy promise not to open it until he was sat at his desk over at the 49th.

They walked out and into another congregation of pilots and ground crews. A series of goodbyes and good lucks followed.

Andy climbed into the staff car that the 49th had sent for him for the short trip around the airfield to his new quarters and waved his final au revoirs.

On reaching the 49th's buildings he was pleasantly surprised to see a similar layout to the 22nd, although the various buildings seemed somewhat smaller.

He was greeted by the Adjutant, Lieutenant Kirkby. Kirkby was 30 and from Fayetteville, AR. He'd been in the army since he was 18 and fought in Mexico where he was wounded in the leg. In 1916 he'd completed staff training and joined the USAS.

"Welcome Major Murphy, I'm very pleased to meet you." said the Lieutenant, saluting.

"Thank you Lieutenant." said Andy who responded.

Lieutenant Kirkby led Andy into the office building and into the COs room. It already had Andy's name on the door. Andy took a seat and suggested the Lieutenant did the same.

The two talked for sometime, sorting out what duties Andy wanted the Lieutenant to take on, or keep doing in most cases.

Andy then remembered the envelope Bridgeman had given him. He took it out of his jacket and opened it. It was notice that the French had decided to award Andy the Legion de Honour!

The Lieutenant saw the expression on Andy's face and asked what the letter was about. Andy passed him the document. The Lieutenant read it and then stated "Ahh this is wonderful sir, if you wish me to arrange the formal presentation I can do that." said Kirkby. "That would be great, thank you Lieutenant." said Andy.

The two then arranged for Andy to meet the rest of the squadron after lunch. There was also a sortie planned for the afternoon which Andy said he'd be joining. He also asked the Lieutenant for the various staff files and began to work his way through them.

The two current flight commanders were Captain Edward Buford and Captain Charles Woolley. Buford was from Nashville, TN and Woolley was a fellow Bostonian.

Andy carried on reading until lunch.

Several other pilots had grabbed kills so far, Lieutenant David Backus, Lieutenant Hugh Fontaine and Lieutenant James Manning. Backus was from St Paul, MN and had two kills so far. Fontaine was from New Orleans, LA and also had two kills. Whilst Manning was from Washington DC and had one kill.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting three confirmations)

After lunch Andy met the rest of the squadron. They seemed a good bunch but rather quiet. He decided to speak to the group.

"Gentlemen, thank you for making me welcome today. Thankfully my journey wasn't too arduous. My job here is to help turn this squadron into the slick machine it can be. This is a crucial time, for us, for our country and for the world. We are attacking on all fronts and I know that you want to join that attack. I'm here to make sure you do. I'm not just here to lead, I'm here to help so if you need something, come and see me. By the way, just in case you were wondering what type of CO you're getting. I'll be leading from the front, starting this afternoon. These next few weeks are not going to be easy, nothing worthwhile ever is, but with luck, skill and God's good grace we will come through and win victory for our cause." finished Andy.

The pilots cheered and clapped.

The talk then went to the afternoon's sortie. The squadron would be heading towards the Toul railyard north of the town as the Germans were attacking on a regular basis.

The weather was excellent with bright sun and few clouds. Thankfully the winds had eased too as Andy led the squadron up. They formed up and climbed away to the north east.

The journey out to the railyard went quietly enough and 'A' and 'B' flights began to patrol around.

After about 10 minutes Andy caught glimpse of another formation ahead. He headed that way to investigate and saw it was a large formation seemingly heading away from him.

As he was turning to rejoin he saw several of the specks ahead move and start diving down towards the 49th.

Andy signalled and turned to face the incoming enemy as the rest of the 49th did the same.

The DVII's raced down and Andy went straight through the middle of them firing into several Fokkers.

The rearmost German tried to turn onto Andy's tail but Andy turned too and a turning match ensued. By using his throttle and holding the stick into his belly, Andy was able to keep with the Hun. They both lost height but as they were well over allied lines Andy had the advantage.

Sure enough the Fokker tried to run and Andy came up behind and hammered the DVII with a long burst. Another accurate flurry took the pilot out and the German aircraft nosed down and went into the ground.

At that point Andy took stock and saw another Fokker ahead. He went after him and caught up easily. The Fokker tried to evade but a long blast had the Hun reeling. He desperately tried to climb away but another burst finished him off, the engine seized and smoke poured from the DVII. It leant over and went into the ground.

Andy saw no more Huns and formed up with some nearby SPADs. Together they headed home.

On landing four Fokkers had been downed and two SPADs damaged. As well as Andy's two, James Manning had grabbed one and Lieutenant Sidney Beecher the other.

After cleaning up and writing his report, Lieutenant Kirkby knocked and entered.

"Major, I've had HQ on the phone. They've confirmed three of your five outstanding claims. I've also spoken with our French allies regarding your Legion de Honour. It seems General Joseph Joffre will be coming to present it personally. I'm still waiting on the precise details but I'll let you know when I get them." said the Lieutenant.

The three confirmations took Andy to 60 confirmed kills.