Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate This Thread
Hop To
Page 354 of 366 1 2 352 353 354 355 356 365 366
#4583130 - 10/21/21 05:48 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) ***** [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
epower Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
epower  Offline
Artless Aide-de-camp
Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 737
Great stories all. I'll connect with your adventures in greater detail anon, but for now I must drop this rather massive catch up so I can, err...catch up.

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 109




7 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

8.45 Offensive patrol south of Cambrai. The push begins tomorrow and our job is to keep the Huns blind. Flying with Hazell and A Flight. Longton and B Flight flew 2000 feet below.

Crossed the lines at 13,000 feet. Turning north toward Cambrai we spied 3 DFWs escorted by an entire Jasta of Fokkers. The DFWs circled to make a fight of it.

[Linked Image]

Hammered a DVII on my first attack. His machine shuddered then rolled over and dove straight down.

I stayed high and chose another. We were now over British lines as we fought down to 2000 feet.

[Linked Image]
A final burst sent him into the mud.

Circling back west, I was now well under the fight. Caught onto a low DFW trying to escape east.

The Hun’s engine was failing and his slow speed made for a tricky firing pass. A second run at him sent him earthward trailing smoke.

[Linked Image]
As he landed between two shell holes his wing collapsed. Tommies rushed out to greet their latest capture.

Wing telephoned after lunch confirming both the Fokker and the DFW. One Hundred Ninety-two.
__________________

More new men. Five in as many days.

2Lt. P. W. Johnson – 3 Oct
2Lt. H. V. Evans – 4 Oct
Lt. T. A. Lawrence – 5 Oct
Lt. A. A. Creswell – 5 Oct
Lt. R. A. Eldridge just this morning. He replaces Robert Kingsley Rose who left today for No. 205 Squadron.

We’ll have our hands full trying to keep them alive. For now, they fly practice patrols. It would be murder to send them over.

Mail and a letter from Eliza!

[Linked Image]



8 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France


The push for Le Cateau is on. Scruffy took B Flight up on a balloon hunt at Dawn, sending a gasbag down in flames south of Busigny. At 8.00, IX Corps requested urgent assistance with a troublesome balloon east of Mericourt. C Flight were slated for the early afternoon patrol so Barton volunteered to lead the attack. I went along as did Seymour.

Barton led our three-ship flight climbing south of Athies. Low haze and broken clouds at 3000 feet. We were still grabbing height south of Athies when 7 Greentails burst out of the clouds.

[Linked Image]
Four of the Sons of B!tches chased after me!

Circled and spun down then ran west kicking rudder like a madman. Reversed twice to land a front quarter snapshot. F5449’s canvas sang like a drumhead but the bullets struck only cloth. One more hard scissor when the ominous dull plunks sounded. Petrol tank holed!

Bloody hell you’re in it now, Oliver!

I put the nose down and dove at full power. This far over our lines, only one Hun followed as I dropped under 200 feet. We danced about with some head on passes. Each time he turned to port. On the next cross, I dove down in advance and pulled up and over. F5449 wallowed at the top of the reverse. I fought to avoid the stall as I rolled her level. She answered…

[Linked Image]
Bullet strikes all around his engine. He started smoking.

I was firing from 120 yards when the Wolseley started coughing then quit entirely. Switched to the gravity tank without success. As I put the nose down and glided away, the Hun broke hard and retreated east to his lines. I looked for a field. Smoke and spraying coolant obscured my vision as I settled down into a nice comfortable looking pasture.

[Linked Image]
I didn’t see the fence until the last moment

Thank the gods I was only going 20 mph when I hit. F5449 lurched her tail around to starboard on impact but she didn’t go over. Fearful of fire, I leapt free of the cockpit and moved a short distance away. All the cold, violent energy which sustained me through the terror of fighting now drained away. I dropped to one knee on the wet grass. It was then I noticed the hole in my Sidcott suit and the pain in my left hip. I never felt a thing during the fight. Pulling off my flying suit, I put my hand to my hip. The pressure hurt but not greatly. My hand came away bloody.

Yet again, I am still alive.

__________________________

Latest innings to the Greentails. They got in each other’s way all four attacking me like they did.

“But Poulydamas himself avoided the dark death with a quick spring to one side…”

Seymour and Barton got clear of the Huns and returned safely to Athies. I telephoned the squadron from a nearby battery. Allen dispatched the Shelsley and a recovery lorry.

Wound not serious. Another graze, another gift from the Luftstreitkräfte.

The men of No. 24 Sqn never fail to astound. Not only did Nichols and Webb have my new mount, F5459 ready for testing by Noon. They even had time to paint the fuselage and top plane with my signature large ‘X’. I returned from my brief flight to Flight Sergeant Fisher informing me that the bag was once again in its proper place in the back of A Flight Hangar and might I like to inspect the installation.


1.00 Offensive Patrol, Walincourt to Busigny. Flying in the low group with C Flight. Hazell led A Flight 2000 feet above. After three circuits of curiously empty skies we spotted 5 DFWs 1000 feet below escorted by 7 Fokkers slightly above our altitude. Hazell and A Flight came charging down to deal with the DVIIs while C Flight attacked the DFWs.

[Linked Image]
Firing both guns from 150 to 40 yards got the Hun smoking.

The Observer’s fire struck my left aileron but F5459 remained as lively as ever. Pulling up and away I flew formation with the Hun, staying 300 yards to port. He fired wildly at me to no effect as I put on a fresh Lewis drum.

[Linked Image]
A second pass struck the pilot.

Onto a second DFW racing east in a shallow dive. His machine looked to be damaged and oscillated sporadically. I thought it might go over but the pilot kept the DFW level.

[Linked Image]
Most of a Lewis drum and an equal share of Vickers removed his top plane.

F5449 is off to the Depot for repair courtesy of Jasta 5’s rough treatment and my dreadful landing.

Lt. Lawrence is gone after a mere 3 days with the squadron. To hospital with the clap!
Gods below! We’re undermanned as it is. This makes 5 men lost in the last 5 days. Maddening.

I hammered the bag for a half hour waiting for the late afternoon patrol.

Both DFWs confirmed. One Hundred Ninety-four.



9 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Yesterday’s gift from Jasta 5 bears a scab now that any movement cracks. I alternate between a mad desire to scratch it fiercely and a mild wince of pain. The MO put a dressing on it and will debride the wound over the coming days. What joy.

7.50 Offensive patrol: Caudry to Busigny. Entire squadron up in two flights. I went with the top cover group led by Barton. Crossed into Hunland at 14,000 feet. Northeast of Busigny, A flight dropped suddenly. Barton led us circling down. Something was moving down there but in the haze and against the mud it was impossible to see from height. That #%&*$# Hun camouflage again.

Dropping lower we saw that A Flight had 3 DFWs in hand. One by one they went down smoking.

Circling with Barton as we reformed high flight when a lone Greentail entered the lists.

He was too keen. A grievous fault…

[Linked Image]
...and grievously hath Greentail answered it

12:30 Morning reconnaissance patrols reported large, crowded columns of German infantry moving toward Le Cateau. Offensive patrols scrubbed. We rearmed with bombs.

[Linked Image]
A supply depot was too tempting to resist.

Target below. Thousands of Huns in column. Most on foot, some in a convoy of lorries.

[Linked Image]
My bombs found their mark

[Linked Image]
Fewer Huns to challenge the advance

Scruffy made another of his brilliant tactical reconnaissances and once again was ordered to report directly to the Army Commander. This makes for his 9th such mission in the past two weeks. Returning over the fighting, he destroyed a machine gun holding up our cavalry. I sent forward a recommendation for a decoration.

Tomorrow Captain Horace Dale Barton is off to Home Establishment after 10 months of frontline service, having arrived on New Year’s day. Palmer will take over C Flight when he returns from leave on the 14th.

Lt. Young, our EO, is proving himself a worthy successor to the legendary Harry Rogers South as Mess President. With such ingredients at hand, Sgt. J. W. Welch created a magnificent farewell dinner. The NCOs and men took up a collection and presented Horace with an engraved silver cigarette case and a personalized swagger stick. From the officers, a silver & crocodile skin flask.



10 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Rain and heavy mist in the morning. I flew off to have a dekko and barely made it home alive. Pea soup as thick as San Francisco fog. No clearing above the clouds. MO debriding the graze on my hip. Crusty scab replaced for now with a raw welt. Wound healing.

12:30 Weather improved slightly. Still misty with light rain but flyable. Full squadron patrol of our lines Busigny to Caudry over the shallow salient pointing at Le Cateau.

Over Bernes Aerodrome a Schwarm of Fokkers flew a mile to the West some 2500 feet above. They dropped to chase and we dragged them into A Flight. They kept on and now the odds were in our favor.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
“Now the son of Phyleus, the spear-famed, closing upon him
struck him with the sharp spear behind the head at the tendon,
and straight on through the teeth and under the tongue cut the bronze blade,
and he dropped in the dust gripping in his teeth the cold bronze.”


A second Greentail with a white ‘L’ painted thrice on a green fuselage band. I knew this one from two days ago!

[Linked Image]
“He struck him fair beneath the collar-bone, and the pointed
bronze head tore clean through and came out by the base of the shoulder.
He fell, thunderously, and his armor clattered upon him.”


AA crew at the aerodrome awarded the first Fokker. At least they fired their guns this time. Second Greentail confirmed. One Hundred Ninety-five.

208 Sqn arrived yesterday from Foucaucourt. Naval 8 as was. Memory of a grand night with George MacAlister at that pub behind the Regency Hotel came flooding back. I dare not dwell on it.



11 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Noon – Offensive patrol over Le Cateau. Low clouds, mist and rain made for poor visibility and difficult flying conditions. No e/a sighted.

Ernest ‘Perc” Crossen goes to Home Establishment tomorrow. He will be missed by one and all. Since the big Canadian arrived at the end of March, he’s done brilliant work. 3 confirmed, 2 balloons and 3 driven down damaged.



12 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Low clouds, mist, and rain. B and C Flights went off together midafternoon armed with bombs. Harries, flying at barely 100 feet in the mist, spotted 12 German machine guns in action. He dove to attack, silencing eight, and forcing the other four to limber up and withdraw.
I wrote up a recommendation for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Allanson’s engine conked on takeoff. He did the correct thing and continued straight to force land in the field beyond but he hit a shell hole. The machine flipped over and broke, as did poor Allanson’s nose and left arm. Another man lost.



13 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Heavy mist and Rain. Both patrols returned early. Visibility practically nil. It’s a deadly risk for no gain sending pilots up in this soup. Huns appear to think accordingly. No reports of enemy air activity.

Major Draper, CO of 208 Sqn. hit by AA fire today and was badly wounded. Not a good time for 208 to lose their Mad Major.

Feeling restless tonight. My thoughts wander often to Eliza and her last letter…
How marvelous, as she would say.

What would be more marvelous? In no particular order: a whiskey, a hot bath in a proper tub, and Eliza’s naked body entwined with my own. For now, I content myself with a whiskey as I write and dream of our next meeting.



14 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Weather finally clearing. Wren woke feverish and struggling to breathe. He’s in hospital and done for the war. It’s that d@mn influenza.

9.00 A and C Flights up on Offensive patrol: La Goise to Le Cateau.
I flew deputy to Hazell with A Flight.

We’d barely cleared the field when Fokkers appeared above. Hazell led us to the South, circling as C Flight took off. The Huns squandered their height advantage and attacked C Flight giving us the chance we needed.

Some dire moments for C Flight over the field until we arrived. The Huns soon realized their jeopardy. Half tried to disengage to the East. All too easy to clear the remaining Boche off C Flight.

[Linked Image]
“...and he in the dust face downward
dropped while death breaking the spirit drifted about him.”


With half their Jasta fleeing east, the remaining Fokkers fared poorly. I caught onto one, painted with a beautiful iridescent lozenge pattern, and put half a drum of Lewis and 50 rounds of Vickers into him. His left top plane crumpled but the wing stayed on as he spiraled down. He looked to be in a shallow glide that might allow him to land, but as he approached the ground his descent steepened.

[Linked Image]
“He fell, as when an oak goes down or a white poplar,
or like a towering pine tree which in the mountains the carpenters
have hewn down with their whetted axes to make a ship-timber.”


2.00 With B Flight plus Evans, Lawrence and Creswell each making their first patrol into Hunland.

Over Wassigny we spotted 3 DFWs flying some 1500 feet lower. Dove on the attack and came up and under. Some damage with a short burst but my speed was too great. On the second pass the Gunner gave as good as he received. I broke off with F5459 full of holes. The Hun trailed smoke.

[Linked Image]
Geraghty swept into the fighting and shore the DFW’s wing clean off.

Scruffy reformed the flight and we resumed patrolling. 10 minutes later we tangled with 7 Fokkers closing at our altitude. At the merge, I put a 60-round burst into the face of a converging Hun.

[Linked Image]
Scruffy followed on and sent the Boche down in flames.

With her perforated canvas, F5459 struggled turning to the left. It took me three go rounds with the Fokker before I got position behind him.

[Linked Image]
“He fell, thunderously, and his armor clattered upon him.”

Returning to Athies I could see the bomb damage at the aerodrome. The AA crews gave a good account of themselves.

[Linked Image]
Funeral pyres of two Hun bombers rose next to the aerodrome.

A decent bag for no losses. Scruffy sent the Fokker down, and Geraghty shot the wing off the DFW, both victories which I confirmed. In addition, Geraghty, Harries and Barlow each drove down a Fokker heavily damaged but none saw the machines crash. Neither did any see my Hun fall. Unlikely these would be confirmed. We awaited word from forward observers.

Palmer returned from leave this afternoon. He merely nodded when I informed him of his promotion to Captain and new role as C Flight Commander.

The evening dispatch delivered mixed news: Scruffy’s Fokker and all three of my DVIIs confirmed. Predictably, RAF HQ denied Geraghty, Harries and Barlow’s Fokkers. Also, Geraghty’s DFW! Outrageous! I confirmed this one personally. A telephone call to Colonel Cairnes brought no further information. May lice infest the loins of those bloody Claims Office imbeciles. How dare they question my word!

One Hundred Ninety-eight.



15 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

7.45 Early morning offensive patrol over La Groise. Yesterday’s encounter with the DFWs and Fokkers did considerable damage. Despite the best efforts of A/Ms only 6 aircraft serviceable.

I led a mixed flight. Climbed to 16,000 well west of Athies before turning for the lines. Over La Groise, I spotted 7 Fokkers against a cloud below. Very hard to see them against the ground clutter in this light. Blast that Lozenge camouflage!

[Linked Image]

Huns scattered for the clouds as we attacked. I chased one with a Green and White slash on his top plane. My flying was as decrepit as my marksmanship and after a quick burst which did precisely nothing he dove into a cloud. I gave chase but never saw the Hun again and very shortly found myself alone. Returned to Athies after this most unsatisfactory encounter.

More than the usual number of A/M and ground crew greeted our patrol on landing. Everyone knows even if none have the bad manners to mention it. I’ve no doubt there’s a veritable casino worth of betting as to if or when it happens. The thought of my 200th victory is now impossible to ignore. Only the bag provides a refuge.



16 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Heavy mist and rain all day. I went up on reconnaissance but the cloud cover was solid for 5000 feet. The guns are booming since yesterday. Tomorrow Fourth Army will assault the Hun positions on the Selle. We’ll be powerless to assist unless this filthy weather lifts.

Little to do but wait it out and hope for a break. The bag is my solace now.


17 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

More dirty weather. Low clouds and thick, heavy mists. Got one patrol up for an hour this afternoon. No enemy sighted. At least the squadron are getting a chance to rest. These past two weeks of low attacks exact a heavy toll. If we weren’t in the middle of a push I’d have Lt. Young organize a binge.



18 October 1918
No. 24 Squadron RAF
Athies, France

Weather cleared during the night.

8.45 Patrol of our lines in front of La Groise. We never got close. As B and C flights circled for altitude 8 miles west of Athies an entire Jasta of Fokkers burst out of the clouds. Huns! 15 miles into our lines! The Archie boys were cutting loose with everything they had at friend and foe alike.

Nothing for it but to sail into the storm of spears thrown…

[Linked Image]
“Throwing first, he struck the horn of the horse-haired helmet,
and the bronze spearpoint fixed in his forehead and drove inward
through the bone; and a mist of darkness clouded both eyes…”


[Linked Image]
“…and he fell as a tower falls in the strong encounter.”


I landed at Athies and began a nervous wait. Not even the bag was any use. One by one all pilots returned, some with heavy damage. Nobody wounded, five claims including mine.

Worrisome to see Huns this deep into our territory. They’ve rarely been so bold.

2.00 Briefing for the afternoon patrol when the siren rang out. Air raid! Racing to our planes we could see the Archie bracketing the bombers high overhead. This far away they were mere silver dots against the dark background of the nimbus clouds. Devilish cunning these Boche to have come so far west undetected.

The Archie boys for all their victory-stealing ways did a magnificent job of showing us the enemy. Even so the Huns might have gotten away but they circled back twice to attack the field, giving us time to climb to their level. Once through the low mist and cloud layer we could see them more clearly. DFWs.

Made one attack on the trailing machine, landing a series of short bursts until the Vickers jammed. Drew off to clear the stoppage as Seymour made his attack run.

[Linked Image]
When Seymour broke away, I closed, trading fire with the Observer.

A bit rash to be certain, but the DFW fell off to the right belching black smoke. His spiral became a tumble as he fell.

I had no time to watch him crash. More Archie announced a flight of seven Fokkers flying below.
Light colored, almost opaline in the filtering light, they stood out against the shell churned mud. Blue engine cowling with white tails. I’d never fought these Huns before.

[Linked Image]
“Who among mortal men are you, good friend?
Since never before have I seen you in the fighting where men win glory,
yet now you have come striding far out in front of all others,
in your great heart, who have dared to stand up to my spear far-shadowing.”


[Linked Image]
“Yet unhappy are those whose sons match warcraft against me.”

A stream of Fokkers raced east, but they were too far over. Archie puffs burst around them the entire way and I soon caught a second one as he fled.

[Linked Image]
“This man Eurypylos, the shining son of Euaimon,
running in chase as he fled before him struck in the shoulder
with a blow swept from the sword and cut the arm’s weight from him,
so that the arm dropped bleeding to the ground, and the red death
and destiny the powerful took hold of both eyes.”


I circled back for 10 minutes looking for any S.E.s but finding none I made for Athies. Half the squadron had already landed when I touched down. Seymour was in excited conversation with Barton. He’d seen my DFW crash. Professionals that they were, the A/Ms went about their work as per usual but I did see a number of furtive looks in my direction as I waited for the rest of the patrol to land. The betting pool must be staggeringly large.

Eventually all but two planes returned. Much to my relief, Harries and Bissonette telephoned from Bouvincourt 10 minutes later. Harries landed with control cable damage and Bissonette followed him down as a precaution. I walked over to the squadron office. Now it was just a matter of confirmation.
Colonel Cairnes telephoned just before dinner, well in advance of the evening dispatch rider. Yellow tail Fokker from the morning went to the Archie boys. The three afternoon claims he confirmed.

“Fine show there Winningstad. A Fine show.”

“Thank you, sir. I do hope you’ll join us for dinner tomorrow.”

“I shall. Most assuredly,” he replied. “Goodnight.”

Lt. Allen looked at me inquiringly, his head tilted in oddly canine fashion. I said nothing. Other men had claims sent forward as well and Colonel Cairnes said nothing of those. We’d wait for the official notification in the evening dispatch before breaking the news.

The dispatch rider was late and didn’t arrive until 9.30. In addition to official confirmation of my victories and three more for the squadron, he brought momentous news:

Hazell has the DSO and a squadron command! He’s off to No. 203 Squadron in three days. The mess got rather lively after that. I consulted with Lt. South as to the state of our food and liquor stores. He assured me we were well stocked for a binge. Tomorrow would be an historic evening for both officers and other ranks. I quietly left the boys to it and came back here to the squadron office. I sit enjoying a whiskey and writing this entry. I wonder who won the pool?

Two Hundred one.

I’m relieved it’s done at last.




Last edited by epower; 10/21/21 06:16 AM.
#4583148 - 10/21/21 12:17 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Epower - Wowzers, what a catch-up! Yet again Ripper cheated death, even with four Fokkers after him the best they could do was hole his tank and provide him one more inconsequential scar, (tis but a scratch). No doubt that more-than-a-bit-suggestive letter from Eliza has helped sustain him through it all; the endless sorties; the comings and goings of men and machines; the triumphs and the losses. And a new goal reached, the unimaginable 200 mark- outstanding! But do tell, who won the pool?

Carrick - I imagine that nurse was admiring Cecil's latest wounded stripe, yeah, that's it.

Raine - Wonderful to see Fergie continuing to do his bit. And now a night on the town, how marvelous is that. But what's this, our hero has twenty-five victories to his credit? Methinks another gong is in his immediate future!

Albert - Big changes for Werner I see. Congratulations on his promotion and on his new assignment to Jasta 78! I've a hunch once he is in his new mount he will be increasing his score by leaps and bounds. But what of the letter from Inge and her invitation to continue their correspondence? Could there be some sort of future there? No doubt time will tell.

Fullofit - So the dud weather has grounded Klaus. Ah well, it's always nice to have a break and allow the boys in the hangar a chance to patch up the kites. Perhaps a trip into town is in order for your man as well.


The weather around Senlis-le-Sec went from bad to worse on the evening of the 19th, curtailing all flying for Major Frederick Abbott and his men until late this afternoon when they managed an uneventful line patrol between Monchy and Old Mossy Face. It does appear however that the day tomorrow will be relatively clear and crisp, and in anticipation of that Freddy has contacted operations up at St. Omer to see about ferrying a plane across the Channel to Dover. They have assured the young VC recipient that something will most certainly be available and ready for him tomorrow whenever he arrives. Spiffing!

.

#4583166 - 10/21/21 01:37 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Epower - A mammoth tale topped off by a mammoth score congratulations on reaching 200 confirmed kills. Remarkable and having the CO around for dinner to celebrate as well, he's a good chap that Cairnes. What's also remarkable is Oliver's leathery tough hide..... nothing but a scratch. Another scar to show the ladies or a particular lady should I say. A splendid letter from Eliza there, she's obviously been dying to write to Oliver and now as they are moving again it's the perfect time. She can barely contain herself from thoughts of him. So Hazell has his own command. He's been out there long enough, thoroughly deserved as well.

Lou - So a damp precursor to the main event for Freddy and now he's being given wings to make the journey. Shame he can't just land it up the Mall and nip in. As for Werner, he's got a hopefully uneventful trip across the front in an aircraft he's flown for an hour. Who knows where the conversation with Inge will lead but it won't be quick that's for sure.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583173 - 10/21/21 02:06 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
Raine Offline
Member
Raine  Offline
Member

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,105
New Brunswick, Canada
Epower – Massive kudos on passing the 200 victory mark. I don't think this has ever been done before in a DiD campaign. Not only did you accomplish this nearly impossible goal, but you did it while being tempted by Eliza's siren song.

#4583225 - 10/21/21 08:52 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Fw Werner Rendel
Jasta 78b
Buhl Lorraine airfield

21st October 1918

Werner struggled to wake, not due to tiredness or alcohol, but due to the comfortable bed he was in, compared to the board-like camp bed he'd been used to.

Eventually he stared himself and went down for some breakfast.

The driver was prompt and they headed off towards the AFP 7 airfield. They reached it 20 minutes later and and after getting through the multitude of paper checks he was directed to the airfield office and a rather perfunctory middle aged Feldwebel on the desk.

After more paper checks and signatures he was directed to his mount which was fuelled and ready to go out on the airfield itself.

He was due to fly to Giraumont to refuel which meant a flight across the Ardennes. Werner checked the weather forecast which was thankfully ok.

Werner couldn't help but notice the large amount of Gotha bombers sat on the field, 'probably no fuel for them, what a waste' thought Werner as he walked.

He now saw the Fokker, already painted in the 78b colours. A mechanic was walking with him to start the engine with him.

He squeezed his bag behind and under his seat and climbed in, strapped up and checked the switches, set the fuel and magnetos and told the mechanic to crank the prop.

The engine started nicely, Werner throttled up and listened to the roar of the Mercedes DIIIa engine as he rolled down the airfield and into the air.

He climbed up to 3000 feet and stayed at that height. He'd been told to stay around that height to ensure the ground units could see his markings clearly.

After 15 minutes flying south east he could see the vast brown and green of the Ardennes forest ahead.

"Herrgott! Ich hoffe der motor hält aus!" said Werner to himself.

He was deep over the forest now, if the engine quit now he was done for. Thankfully it held out and eventually he saw farmer's fields ahead.

He now saw an airfield in the distance. He checked the map and decided it had to be Giraumont.

He set himself to land and came down gently enough for a newbie.

A ground crewman came and met the aircraft and guided it towards the hangers.

Werner climbed down and headed towards the office. There he was met by a Leutnant who commanded the airfield. It was used as something of a staging post at the moment but with the retreat, they'd been ordered to expand and prepare for permanent residents.

The Leutnant took Werner to the mess and arranged some refreshment for him.

Werner knew he still had a long flight ahead so didn't want anything heavy, thankfully the cook had some cooked Nuremberg sausages available and Werner gratefully accepted them.

After an hour, some milk and a talk with Leutnant Hummels, he was ready to go again and the Fokker had been refuelled and checked over.

"We've loaded your guns as well junge." said the Leutnant.

"You'll be flying not far from the front. Best be prepared. Stay around 3000 feet again meine freund." continued the Leutnant.

"Viel Glück" finished Leutnant Hummels and Werner parted with a cheery wave.

The second leg of the journey took Werner near to Metz and he was thankful he'd stayed low as there were troops everywhere.

He passed Gross-Tanchen airfield and knew he was heading in the right direction. 20 minutes later he saw Buhl Lorraine ahead and set himself up to land.

He climbed down from the aircraft after a neat parking job over by the hangers and marched towards the office.

After showing his papers to the adjutant he was introduced to the CO of Jasta 78, Leutnant Ludwig Schmid.

The Leutnant welcomed Werner and sent him off to clean up, settle in and then report back in due course. Thankfully the quarters here we're permanent and although Werner was sharing it was still a lot bigger than the tents back at Toulis.

An hour later he reported back to the Leutnant, who was perusing Werner's papers.

"So Feldwebel, 9 confirmed victories already and in a Hannover! Finally they've sent us someone we can use, rather than wannabe heroes or clueless cretins." said Schmid.

"One hour in the Fokker DVII? Well, you've quadrupled that today haven't you." continued Schmid.

"It's too late to send you out today and we can't spare the fuel anyway. We'll start tomorrow morning and you can join our patrol. For now go and relax in the kasino and meet your fellow pilots." finished Schmid.

Werner saluted and left.

Attached Files Screenshot_20211020-175203~2.png1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg

"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583281 - 10/22/21 11:59 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Albert - New mount, new digs, new comrades and challenges to meet. Life is good for our Werner, despite the shortages and the direction the war is taking for the Kaiser's own. Glad to see he made the trip over the forest without incident. Now what will tomorrow bring?

.


22 October 1918
Somewhere in England

Major Frederick Abbott is back in Blighty, currently on his way to London from Dover. The day dawned clear and bright with minimal winds aloft in a sky blessed with white fluffy clouds at 7,000', a much-needed change from the low-hanging gloom that had been plaguing Flanders as of late. The King's ace was given a serviceable Camel to ferry back across the Channel from St. Omer, and the old kite made the journey without issue.


What a fine day for a flip across the Channel, with the white cliffs of Dover a most welcoming sight to any Englander returning home.
[Linked Image]


Circling the field at the northeast edge of the city.
[Linked Image]


Down safe and sound. Now it's off to London to once more meet the King, this time to receive Britain's highest honour.
[Linked Image]

.

#4583287 - 10/22/21 12:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Attention!

[Linked Image]

His Majesty King George V hereby confers the following honour:

[Linked Image]

A grateful people thank you for your service and loyalty.

.

#4583318 - 10/22/21 04:23 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Lou - So Freddy had an old friend to take him across the channel. Cracking shot of the white cliffs. Now a trip up to the old smoke, will Freddy bump into some old friends whilst there? As for Werner, he's got what he wanted, flying scouts, we'll see what the first sortie with his new mount has in store.

Raine - Congratulations to Fergie on the DSO, very well deserved.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583321 - 10/22/21 04:54 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Albert, congrats on promotion to Feldwebel. That Rittmeister rank is that much closer methinks. And of course transfer to a unit with planes that will make that a possibility even faster, that is if they have the spare parts needed to keep the birds flying.
An unexpected letter from Inge surely brighten this gloomy day for Werner.
Then off to the depot and his new mount. Too bad it is the Mercedes-engined type and not the BMW. Convenient though that it was already painted with the correct markings. Then a long trip across treacherous countryside with a sausage pit stop at Giramount. And finally off on the home stretch. Tomorrow will be another exciting day.

Raine, Klaus can handle a lame Fokker, but prefers one in full working condition. It’s less work that way.
Speaking of work, it seemed Fergie had to do some extra to get his Fokker. A victory nonetheless even if not confirmed. Fortunately many more came after with proper confirmations. Drummond is a certifiable quarter-centurion, huzzah! Congrats on the latest bling.

Epower, 200! Amazing! Oliver has more lives than a stray cat. Hades will have to wait a bit longer for this flyboy.

Lou, there’s nothing in the town for Klaus. Everyone and everything is trying to leave this godforsaken place. Les Poilus are coming!
It looks like the doors have already started opening for Freddy even before receiving his VC. Very kind of the depo to have a kite available for Abbott to take up and over the channel. And how nice it is to see those white cliffs? We don’t see enough of them and the cliffs will have to wait for another war.

22 October, 1918 08:45
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
156 confirmed kills

This morning, after two days of rain, it was another ground forces support between south of Pont-à-Mousson and Malzeville.
The Schwarm was attacked over Metz by a bunch of SPADs. One of them came after Klaus, but missed and it was his last mistake. Klaus was on him in a heartbeat and making Swiss cheese out of this French plane. August was trying to get on the action and take back the last victory Klaus had “stolen” from him, but the Franzose fell in flames to Klaus’ Spandaus.

YouTube Link



He turned his machine around to see Schwarm Eins chasing a single SPAD. Ltn. Künster’s machine went by in flames. Hopefully the man was able to land in time. The SPAD corkscrewed towards the ground and Klaus thought he was too late, but the enemy machine levelled out above the ground and was getting away. Everyone followed, trying to take the foe out, but once more, it appeared that it may have been Klaus who had the final burst into the machine before it smashed into the ground.

YouTube Link



"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4583339 - 10/22/21 06:24 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
carrick58  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
RAF Lou: A Large Wound Stripe on a WOFF Pilot is Noticeable

#4583348 - 10/22/21 07:47 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Fullofit - Klaus is back in the klouds. That was like an air display, there were smoke trails all over the place in those videos. Two down for the Kaiser's finest so let's hope for some confirmations, always nice to send one down in flames. As for Werner, it's been a busy few days for him, now it's time to settle down and do some business.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583352 - 10/22/21 08:38 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Fw Werner Rendel
Jasta 78b
Buhl Lorraine airfield

9 confirmed kills

22nd October 1918

Werner had spent a good evening with the rest of 78. As well as Lt Schmid, several other pilots had kills, such as Hans Jungwirth, Ludwig Reimann, Emil Prime and Gerhard Ungewitter. Werner was popular with his 9 kills in a two seater.

Morning sortie

Lt Schmid took the briefing and introduced Werner for the couple of pilots who hadn't been in the kasino last night. He then explained that with the fuel shortages, the Jasta would be flying one sortie a day unless directly ordered to fly more.

He explained that whilst this sector was not as busy as further north there were plenty of enemy aircraft around.

Today's outing would be to the lines between Luneville and St Die, the Jasta would fly as one large group to maximize numbers.

The weather had rolled in again and a steady drizzle fell as Werner sat in his cockpit and throttled up.

The Jasta formed up and climbed up to 14000 feet before heading south west towards the lines.

Despite the weather Werner was thoroughly enjoying the experience. The Fokker was a lovely aircraft to fly, simple and powerful and that long couple of flights yesterday had done him the world of good.

They reached the lines quietly enough and began heading down towards St Die. On the return leg Werner saw dark specks ahead, these grew into aircraft and Lt Schmid signalled. They were a formation of SPADs and the two formations raced into each other.

Werner fired into a passing aircraft and came around whilst climbing. He saw the SPADs desperately trying to turn and swooped down onto the tail of one.

He fired a burst into the enemy aircraft who tried to climb away but he'd slowed when turning and went nowhere. Werner smiled and put a long burst into him and watched as the SPAD went straight down into the ground.

Werner looked around for another target and found one below the main melee. He nosed down and went after him, the SPAD tried to roll away but a burst from Werner clearly did damage as the Frenchman levelled out and seemed to stay there. Another burst and the SPAD lurched over and spun down, smashing into the ground.

As Werner levelled out again he saw a final enemy aircraft trying to escape off to the right. Werner turned after him and although the SPAD was pulling away he fired into him and smirked as the clearly outraged Frenchman swung around to face his attacker. Werner was waiting for just that and pummelled the SPAD with a long accurate burst. Clearly the controls had been hit as the SPAD lurched over and went uncontrollably down into the ground.

No more enemy aircraft could be seen so Werner climbed back up and formed up with a couple of nearby DVII's. They headed home and landed safely. Several other kameraden also soon arrived.

Six SPADs had been downed and although three DVII's had been damaged none were lost.

Later on Schmid called Werner to his office. "Fine job out there today Feldwebel. To down three on your first proper outing is superb. Unfortunately I can only confirm the first one. The other two were not seen. Still, that brings you to 10 confirmed kills. Keep going junge, mein gott, we need pilots like you now." said Schmid

"Thank you Herr Leutnant." said Werner before leaving and heading over to the hangers to talk about painting his DVII.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg6.jpg7.jpg8.jpgScreenshot_20211020-175713~2.pngScreenshot_20211020-181027~2.png

"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583401 - 10/23/21 12:34 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Albert - An outstanding first outing and first blood for Werner and his new mount. Too bad all three claims were not awarded him, but he and Schmid know he got them. And ten confirmed is nothing to sneeze at.

Fullofit - I fear Klaus and August may end up taking themselves out if they keep trying to steal kills from each other. Seems a risky game, though one that your man is obviously winning. And it doesn't look good for Ltn. Künster.

Raine - Congratulations to Fergie on his most well-deserved DSO. Drinks are on him!

.

23 October 1918
London, England

The trip up from Dover had been uneventful, apart from a brief layover Abbott had made in Biddenden. He'd dropped in at Birchley House to pick up the spare uniform he kept there for his visits. Mr. Pearson, the trusted family butler, upon receiving young Abbott's wire the day before informing him of the situation, had made sure said uniform was freshly cleaned and pressed, with ranks, ribbons, and wounded stripes updated for the Investiture. The flash of crimson representing the VC however was left off, as was tradition when receiving the actual medal from the King. A soldier would often wait weeks, sometimes months, before he received his gazetted award from His Majesty, and in that interim was allowed to wear the appropriate ribbon on his uniform. However, when the lucky fellow did at last stand in front of the King to have the honour presented him it would hardly due to have that honour already sewn on his tunic.

During his short stop at home the Major invited Mr. Pearson, and two others of the elder's choosing, to the ceremony at the Palace as he'd been allowed three guests to attend. Freddy's parents weren't at home, hardly ever were, but even if they had been would most likely not have attended anyway. None of his siblings were about as they all had lives of their own elsewhere, and truth be told had never had time or concern for the family's youngest. Abbott would have invited Nurse Ellison, but the last letter he'd received from her several days ago, and which took nearly three weeks to even reach him, indicated she was serving at a CCS somewhere up near Armentières. No, truth be told, Mr. Pearson, along with the rest of the staff at Birchely House, was the closest thing Freddy had to a caring family. Such is life. And with that the young man was on his way, leaving instructions for Mr. Pearson to pick up the guest passes from the Savoy Concierge, should he and whomever else be able to attend.

After having had a most enjoyable early evening bouncing about in the Savoy bar catching up on all the latest gossip, followed by a splendid long night's sleep in the deep soft bed in his room, the Major awoke fully refreshed this morning. He cheerily washed up, dressed, and prepared for a fine day out in London. A light breakfast of warm, fresh scones with raspberry jam, along with several cups of piping hot tea, and he was off next door to the Cecil where he stopped in at RAF HQ to pick up his trio of aforementioned guest passes for tomorrow's Investiture. Upon exiting back out onto the Strand and turning east towards St. Mary's Church he spied a group of five young nurses approaching him, their crisp, white muslin caps catching the morning sun. As they drew nearer he flashed his toothy smile and was about to say "Good day, ladies", when he suddenly recognized the young woman in the middle of the group, his eyes opening wide with surprise.

"By Jove, Lizzie!" The Major exclaimed.

Nurse Ellison, equally surprised and shocked, but managing much better at keeping some composure, replied with her own comely smile, "Oh my, look what the cat dragged in."


(to be continued)

.

#4583414 - 10/23/21 02:52 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
Albert, air display indeed, but since this was the era of black and white cinematography, the smoke is only black, no red white and blue.
As for Werner, I see it is all back to business with a bang. We’ll win this war yet. So, three SPADs but only one confirmed. That sounds about right for the fat man with tombola. Welcome to his sphere of influence and get used to many rejections from His Fatness. Still, that one put Werner over and he is now a veritable Kanone. Wunderbar! Looking forward to see what he comes up with the paintbrush.

Lou, a competition between the two men is very healthy. It keeps then on their very tippy toes.
As to Freddy, oh dear. He is in a pickle now. I recon Mr. Pearson will have to relinquish his spot at the Investiture for one young nurse. Unless, she’ll be satisfied with just getting “investitured” herself that evening. To be continued, indeed!

23 October, 1918 08:00
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
156 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

No news on the SPADs from yesterday.
Their orders for today were to patrol enemy front lines between south of Pont-à-Mousson and Marbache.
The Schwarm was intercepted by a flight of enemy bombers west of Verny. Klaus had a difficult time engaging them. It was only after a prolonged game of cat and mouse that he was able to finally get on the tail of one of them and bring it down by shooting off one of the wings. The Bréguet went down spinning. He then noticed three of them were still high up and now on their way back home across the lines. Another one was falling in flames. Klaus went after the Bréguets above and was about to get into a fight with the one that turned around and thought his chances were good against a full Schwarm. In the meantime, the gunner in the Bréguet on fire below still took his time and fired on Raben’s Fokker. Klaus didn’t let himself be distracted and kept his eye on the prize. He had the enemy on the run and scoring hits. Another Fokker distracted the rear gunner and allowed Raben to finish the job. The French bomber went down minus half of its wings. In the distance another Bréguet was going down in flames.

YouTube Link



"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4583429 - 10/23/21 05:05 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Lou - So Freddy had a night on the town and a sleep in his own bed that's nearly as good as the VC itself. All he needed was some company. He's all set to head off to the palace then who does he bump into! Talk about coincidence. Looking forward to the next installment. As for Werner, yes it was good fun with the exception of the rejected claims.

Fullofit - A fine mission for Jasta 18, a flight of Breguets like that is no picnic especially when they're playing their do I attack or don't I. Klaus was patient, and for once his kameraden helped. Klaus was then able to do his business. Those claims are mounting up again. As for Werner, yes that Tombola didn't spin well for him, but those SPADs won't be back.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583450 - 10/23/21 07:46 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Fw Werner Rendel
Jasta 78b
Buhl Lorraine airfield

10 confirmed kills

23rd October 1918

Werner and Gefreiter Muhr the mechanic had finished the paint job on Werner's DVIIOAW. He was wondering what the official line would be with him painting prussian markings onto bavarian aircraft but in the end he thought 'ach was zur hölle'.

Morning sortie

Leutnant Schmid took the briefing and explained that they would be heading to the nearby railyard to defend it from the repetitive attacks it had been suffering lately.

The weather had improved in as much as it had stopped raining but there were still plenty of clouds around behind which, french aircraft could lie in wait.

Werner and the others took off and were climbing up when Werner saw black dots and flak bursts above and moving towards the railyard to the north.

Werner set off after them but he needn't have bothered, the French bombers had seen the climbing Fokkers and now dived down into the attack.

Werner avoided the Breguets and looked around for an opening. One of the large aircraft was now below Werner and turning right. Werner nosed down and pounced onto him, all guns blazing. The French gunner pinged off a burst but it was wildly off target and gave Werner the chance to nip down underneath the tail.

He nosed back up and hammered the Breguet with both barrels. The gunner fell forward and another burst had the enemy aircraft in flames and spiralling down towards the ground.

Two other Breguets were already falling and just as Werner thought about forming up a trail of bullets whacked into his wing. Werner instinctively rolled away and a SPAD zoomed past.

Thankfully Werner's controls still functioned fine and he went after his attacker. Had the SPAD simply continued going he would have been fine but he made the mistake of rolling right and pulling back up. Werner didn't need a second invitation and blasted the Frenchman.

The SPAD dived down and Werner bided his time and just as the enemy aircraft levelled out some way below him, he dived down and fired into him. Another long burst and the SPAD lurched into a spiralling fall and smashed into the ground below.

Werner took stock but couldn't see any more enemy aircraft and formed up with a nearby DVII. They headed home and landed safely.

Three Breguets had been downed and three SPADs. One DVII had been lost but Leutnant Foerster was ok.

No news on Werner's claims had been received by the time Leutnant Schmid called Werner to his office.

"Excellent work out there again junge. They tried to catch us napping but it is they who are fast sleep now." said Schmid.

"Yes sir, they had all the advantages, but we won the day." said Werner.

"I don't have any news about your claims yet, but I do have other news for you." continued Schmid.

"Yes sir?" asked Werner.

"As we speak we are taking ownership of three of the BMW engined DVII's, known as DVIIF's. I'm going to ruffle some feathers doing this but I'm going to allocate one to you." confirmed Schmid.

"They are quicker, more maneuverable at higher altitudes and can climb like the wind." finished the Leutnant.

"Thank you sir. I appreciate you trusting me with one of them." said Werner.

Werner saluted and left. He now had to go and badger Muhr into painting his new mount.

Attached Files 1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg

"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583452 - 10/23/21 08:12 PM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Albert – Ruffled feathers indeed. His second outing with his new crew and already being offered one of the latest mounts available? Way to go Werner! Best of luck on those claims. As for Freddy heading off to the Palace, that comes tomorrow.

Fullofit – Klause and his kette did a masterful job tag-teaming those Bréguets. Outstanding! Here’s hoping your man’s claims are credited as well. Now then, to the upcoming Investiture: there are Investitures, and then there are investitures.

.

23 October 1918
London, England
.

(continued)


It is one of those eternal frustrations, how fate will throw two people together, then just as quickly separate them, only to bring them back together again at its next whim. As it turned out Major Frederick Abbott and Nurse Elisabeth Ellison were both in London at the precise same moment for the precise same reason – the Investiture at the Palace. While Freddy was to receive the Victoria Cross and another bar to the DSO, Lizzie was there to receive the Royal Red Cross, First Class. Both young people were to be presented with the highest honours available to each of them in their current, given situations.

After the initial shock and thrill of finding each other again, there on the Strand, the Major and Nurse Ellison, along with her companions, spent the remainder of that day enjoying a fair portion of what London had to offer. While Freddy and Lizzie refrained from any unseemly displays of public passion at their initial reunion, the couple did stroll about arm-in-arm from that point forward with Lizzie giving her escort a peck on the cheek at one point when no one was watching. And, considering the looks the two gave each other repeatedly throughout the day, there was most certainly the promise of a much closer reunion to come later that night.

By six o’clock the group had gotten their fill of touring about and returned along the Strand to enjoy the atmosphere at the Savoy bar. Once inside Freddy began making the rounds, calling out to those he already knew, and inviting others he hadn’t yet met, to share in the camaraderie, and the drinks, at his expense of course. One new man who presented himself was a stout lad from Canada and a fellow pilot, Lieutenant Robert Drummond.

“Grand to have you aboard, Drummond old top”, Abbott invited with his signature toothy grin, then continued with the introductions of those ladies and gentlemen in his immediate orbit at that moment.

“A pleasure to meet you all, and thank you for the invitation to join you, Major”, the junior officer replied in a fashion much too formal for Abbott’s liking.

“Haw! None of that around here Robert old man, call me Freddy“, came the jovial reply. “You can sort out what everyone else prefers to be called at your leisure, though you may not have the entire lot sorted out before this place closes at eight, might be forced to join us again later at Murray’s to finish up. And what are you drinking?”

Drummond was put at ease immediately by Abbott’s amiable nature and replied in kind, “Thank you Freddy, and whatever you’re having will be fine.”

“Scotch it is then!”, the Major beamed as he motioned to the nearest waiter to bring another round to the group.

The two men visited briefly before the drinks arrived, in which time Abbott learned that Drummond was currently serving with 32 Squadron flying the latest SE5 Wolseley. He further learned the lad already had twenty-five confirmed victories to his credit, and would also be meeting the King tomorrow for an award of the DSO.

“Spiffing, old sport, top hole work!” Freddy complimented. “Perhaps you’d like to come join my crew at 43 Squadron. We’re flying the Snipes, and while they may not be quite as nimble as those Wolseleys your nipping about in, they can run rings round the Fokkers above 15,000’. And with the twin Vickers sighted to converge at a hundred yards you can cut the Hun to pieces with them.”

Lt. Drummond thanked the Major for his offer and assured him he would consider it, by which point the drinks had arrived, along with Lizzie and one of her nurse companions, Miss Edith Cubbins, both of whom had been away in the ladies powder room during the initial round of introductions.

Abbott promptly jumped in, “Robert, this is Nurse Cubbins. And Edie, this is Lieutenant Drummond.” The Major paused a moment as he slipped his arm around Nurse Ellison’s waist and coaxed her next to him, then proudly announced, “And this is my Lizzie!”

“Your Lizzie? I like that!”, Nurse Ellison replied, feigning offense as she did so. “Perhaps I’ll go cozy up to that Colonel over there at the bar and show you just how much I’m not your Lizzie.”

Freddy’s bushy eyebrows furrowed in mock concern as he exclaimed, “You wouldn’t! I thought we were an item.”

Lizzie continued the charade for another brief moment before bursting into laugher, “No, no I wouldn’t Freddy, you great lump.”

Abbott gave a triumphant smile as he pulled Lizzie even closer, than asked Robert how long he was planning on being in London.

“Through the 26th”, the Lieutenant replied, then added, “I’d like to see some of the sights here during my stay, but I’m going to need a good map, or a guide, as I’ve no clue where the best places are to go.”

In response to this announcement Nurse Ellison quickly jumped in, “Edie here can help you with that Lieutenant, can’t you Edie? You know London like the back of your hand.”

Nurse Cubbins gave an initial look of mild shock at her friend’s suggestion and began to stammer a reply, “Well, I, yes, I mean, I suppose I could…”

Before the young woman could finish Lizzie pounced again, “Of course you could Edie, why couldn’t you? You’re not seeing anyone, and he seems a nice bloke.” Nurse Ellison snapped her gaze towards Drummond, “You’re a nice bloke, aren’t you Lieutenant. You’d be a perfect gentleman to my Edie here, wouldn’t you?”

Robert’s replied was every bit as stilted as Edie’s had been, “Yes, I, well, of course, I would be…”

“Yeah, yeah you would be, why wouldn’t you be?” Lizzie ploughed ahead, “So there you are then. Edie, you can serve as guide and tour companion to the Lieutenant. And Robert, you can serve as escort and protector to Miss Cubbins.”

“Haw!” Freddy blurted out. “You’re a pip Lizzie, an honest-to-God pip!”

“Yeah, yeah I am, and I’m famished as well. Weren’t you taking me to Rules for dinner?”

“I am indeed, my fine woman”, Abbott assured. “Shall we head over there now?”

“Yes please”, Nurse Ellison cooed.

“Right-O, we’re off then”, Abbott agreed, then announced in a loud voice to everyone within earshot, “I’m taking my lady here out to dinner, but I expect to see all of you at Murray’s later tonight. And I’ll stand the lot of you to the first two rounds, after that it’s every man and woman for themselves.

A cheer went up from the surrounding crowd at Freddy's offer, after which he and Lizzie left the bar, and in so doing also left Lieutenant Drummond and Nurse Cubbins to sort out their own affair.


(to be continued)



#4583477 - 10/24/21 02:46 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
carrick58 Offline
Hotshot
carrick58  Offline
Hotshot

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.MM.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sq
Bungalow 9, West Wing Plaza
Row 2, bed 8
1st Army Resident Hospital
Lorraine, France.


Oct 23 , 1918.

11 Victory Confirmed
7 Unconfirmed


Well final word on my score came down, My wing man had to finish off my second claim so its 11 kills. Posted a letter to my Aunt for part of my Inheritance. I will be renting a cottage near a Beach for the next 10 days at least here in France with a Full time Nurse I have a Notary on the look out.

#4583489 - 10/24/21 09:10 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
Albert Tross Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Albert Tross  Offline
Flight Sim Nut
Member

Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 795
UK
Lou - Freddy and Lizzie are most definitely the item, strolling around London arm in arm. Freddy was very much the gentleman considering the other nurses were very much in toe. Then onto the Savoy and an unexpected meet up with another air ace, 'Fergie' Drummond. Lizzie is quite the fixer-upper it seems and now Fergie has a shapely escort to take him around London. As for Werner, yes it's come as something of a surprise him being given the DVIIF, he's got a lot to live upto now.

Carrick - Congratulations on Cecil's confirmed kill. So he's going to chillax on a French beach to recuperate, I hope it's down south, anything else may be a bit chilly.


"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
#4583491 - 10/24/21 10:00 AM Re: Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018) [Re: Raine]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
RAF_Louvert Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
RAF_Louvert  Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,879
L'Etoile du Nord
.

Carrick - I'm with Albert on that location. Southern France definitely for Cecil's cottage.

.

Page 354 of 366 1 2 352 353 354 355 356 365 366

Moderated by  Polovski 

Quick Search
Recent Articles
Support SimHQ

If you shop on Amazon use this Amazon link to support SimHQ
.
Social


Recent Topics
CD WOFF
by Britisheh. 03/28/24 08:05 PM
Carnival Cruise Ship Fire....... Again
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:58 PM
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
by F4UDash4. 03/26/24 05:51 PM
The Oldest WWII Veterans
by F4UDash4. 03/24/24 09:21 PM
They got fired after this.
by Wigean. 03/20/24 08:19 PM
Grown ups joke time
by NoFlyBoy. 03/18/24 10:34 PM
Anyone Heard from Nimits?
by F4UDash4. 03/18/24 10:01 PM
RIP Gemini/Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford
by semmern. 03/18/24 02:14 PM
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.0