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My Own Brand Of Crazy

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/01/18 02:18 AM

I'm not planning to join in the Centennial threads, as the war is almost over. That said, now that I've learned from their rules things new to me, like Manual Pilot Creation and using Quick Combat for training, I've gone off the OCD deep end.

I found that the earliest I can start a new career is January 1915, and that all the QC mission I fly will be applied to that day. I then realized that I could use the QC to practice and write my own personal log to assign those missions an earlier date. I then wondered how far back I could take it.

Then I realized that, while the 100th anniversary will never return, the 104th is happening right now. RAF No 3 squadron was the first to cross over to France for the war, with several others only days behind. That was August 13. Since I wanted to have a fighter pilot and a two-seater pilot from each power running simultaneously, I figured why not do the research for the squadrons I wanted and find out where they were on August 1. Or July 30, which was yesterday, and the day I wanted to start this mess. So I created a French pilot. The earliest date I could find was August 12, so I created the pilot and flew a QC mission, choosing an airfield for my "training" base and practicing touch-and-goes in a Caudron G.IV. I'll continue this sort of thing until August 12, then move to the base they were actually at during that time. It's weird, but I'm starting a career at the very beginning of the war, and almost a year before the eindeckers made their first appearance.

But that's just me...
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/01/18 02:33 AM

And then something really awesome happened, all by itself:

It's not enough for me to just make up a pilot. I want real names, so I came up with a generator using dice and websites dedicated to names - British, French, German - first, last and middle, and to generate city names as well. And that's where it got weird.

My first pilot is French. I rolled a 14 for the first name, so it starts with 'N'. A further roll came up with 'Noel'. I rolled for a middle name, and he has one. Being French, he might have a few more, so I rolled for that. Nope, only one. The next roll was a 15, so it begins with 'O'. The only 'O' I could find on the list I had was 'Odil'. For the last name it came up 11, which is 'K'. The only French last names beginning with 'K' on the list I had were 'Kay' and 'Kirouac'. A further roll said his full name is Noel Odil Kay. Unusual, but there it is. Except it gets even weirder.

For the city I rolled an 9, which is 'I'. I could find exactly zero French cities beginning with 'I'. Well, except for "Irish Nantes". That's a nickname, and it came about apparently because Nantes was founded by Irish smugglers as a base from which to sneak things into England. And it turns out that 'Kay' is a Celtic name. One source says it's related to MacKay and McKay, but it's also the name of King Arthur's foster brother and Chamberlain, Sir Kay, or Sir Kai in the earlier versions.

So there you have it. Noel Kay's surname comes about because he's descended from the Irish smugglers who founded Nantes. And that's the weirdness. I didn't come up with that origin and then make up the names, I rolled up the names and the story is a logical explanation for something that actually had nothing to do with me at all. Like I said at the beginning, "all by itself".
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/01/18 12:09 PM

That is crazy, and interesting.
Posted By: MFair

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/01/18 02:53 PM

Sailor Steve,
That is as Barmy as it gets!
Posted By: Jammer28

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/02/18 01:10 AM

Wow, that's going deep into immersion! I've been creative in coming up with names but not to that level! smile2
Posted By: HumanDrone

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/03/18 01:52 AM

I think either Deej or Lou might be warming up the cricket bat... This guy's "around the bend" Barmy!

Sailor Steve, welcome to the meat grinder! That is quite a great story you came up with there!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/03/18 08:05 AM

02/08/1914 Caporal Noel Kay has been transferred from Breuil-le Sac to Camp de Chalons where Escadrille C13 is forming. It seems that the rising tensions between France and Germany over the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia knows no end. Actual hostilities may not be far off.

Meanwhile, In England I've created a new pilot. Sergeant Corrigan Yegor "Corrie" Aujla, of Saanitch, British Columbia, Canada, has begun training with No 3 Squadron RFC at Netheravon. One of the fun things I just discovered on my own is that you can not only select the season in Quick Combat but also the airplane. This is good because the game has No 3 Squadron starting in January 1915 with Morane parasols, and that is when they first outfitted with that aircraft. Prior to that they were flying BE.2s. With QC I can actually change it so my British pilots are flying BE.2s for the first few months of the war.

I love this game.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/04/18 03:05 AM

03/08/1914

Noel Kay is busy flying orientation flights to learn the area of Chalons.

Corrie Aujla is also doing orientation flights around the middle of England.



A side note: My stepmother had been to France and loved the wine country, so she named her daughter for that region, with a spelling variation: Chelon..
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/05/18 03:47 AM

04/08/1914

Escadrille C13 got word that late yesterday afternoon Germany declared war on France. Noel Kay and Caporal Alfred Esnault made a flight from Chalons to Nancy and back.

With No 3 Squadron in Netheravon, Corrie Aujla has been assigned a senior observer. He made his first flight with Captain Fabio Carlson aboard. His first opinion of his new aircraft commander is "He drinks too much." On the other hand he's starting to become friends with Welsh pilot Sergeant Robbie Reinard.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/06/18 02:04 AM

05/08/14

In France, Noel Kay and Alfred Esnault make a flight from Chalons to Auve and back, with some sightseeing along the way.

In England they receive the news that at 2300 hours last night Britain declared war on Germany, due to that country's invasion of Belgium.

Corrie Aujla makes another very long flight with Captain Carlson. They head south to the Channel coast and when Aujla starts to turn back, Carlson begins waving at him from the front cockpit, signalling him to keep heading south. Following orders Augla travels out over the Channel until they are out of sight of land. Carlson then signals him to turn east. Aujla does so, but after a few minutes begins to worry about their fuel and turns back northward. Carlson signals him to turn eastward again, but Aufla ignores the Captain's frantic waving and returns to land. By this time a thick fog has set in and Aujla becomes disoriented and heads west rather than north. With the sun setting and fuel running low he finally sets the plane down in a field near the town of East Wittering. After berating Aujla for a time Carlson seems to realize that he might not want the attention punishing Aujla might bring to him. They finally find a house with a telephone and manage to get through to Netheravon, informing their commander of where they are and that they will find gas in the morning and head for home. The family invites them to sleep in their barn.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/07/18 04:08 AM

6 August 1914:

In France, Noel Kay makes another flight, this time to Belrain and return. No news from Belgium.

In England Corrie Aufla and Capt Fabio Carlson are awakened at 0300 by the family with whom they have taken shelter for the night. Father and son take them in a horse-drawn wagon to a gasoline storage facility on the outskirts of East Wittering. The man there fills a tank on the back of a lorry and gives them a ride back to the farm, along with the father. The son follows with the wagon. When they explain that they will have to return with payment they are told that with the new war brewing this one is free. The plane is filled and at 0405 they take off in the dark. The sun rises while they are in flight and they land back at Netheravon in time for breakfast. Captain Carlson says nothing of their disagreement, so neither does Sergeant Aujla.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/08/18 02:05 PM

7 August 1914

In France Caporal Noel Kay suffers an engine failure three minutes after takeoff. On landing the plane hits a tree and is badly damaged. Caporal Esnault is unharmed, but Kay receives a severe gash to the forehead and is taken to the town hospital.

At Netheravon in England Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson make an extended flight northeast to Oxford, south to Portsmouth then northwest back to Netheravon. Total flight time is 3 hours 1 minute.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/09/18 05:48 AM

8 August 1914

In France Noel Kay sits in a small cottage hospital in Chalons while Escadrille C 13 moves to their new field at Verdun.

In England Corrie Augla continues his training with 3 Sqdn. Today is a flight from Netheravon to Woking and back.
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/09/18 12:22 PM

Good reading with a cup of coffee in the morning!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/10/18 05:22 AM

Thanks! I have extended logs in the form of diaries for both, but I think a quick summary is less boring.

9 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is informed by the doctor that he could probably leave now, but they want to keep him under observation for a couple more days.

Netheravon: 3 Squadron is informed that British troops are organizing for the cross-channel trip to France, and they will be following soon after. Corrie Aujla's flight takes him and Capt Carlson far to the northeast and back. Aujla now has passed the 20-hour mark in the BE.2. The weather continues overcast as it has been for the past couple of weeks.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/11/18 05:56 AM

10 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is now being told that he can probably leave for Verdun in a couple of days, but won't be cleared to fly for another week. Meanwhile news has come through that French forces have attacked the Germans near Mulhouse, in Alsace. This is the first fighting by our troops.

Netheravon: Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson flew eastward today, to Guilford, then northeast to London. From there they followed the Thames, heading back up-river to Esher in the southwest, then northwest to Woking. From there it was west by southwest back to Netheravon. Flight time was 2 hours 39 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/12/18 04:17 AM

11 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay writes "Still sitting out in the warm afternoon sun. I could grow used to this. News came that yesterday the Germans captured Liège in Belgium, and have re-taken Mulhouse."

Netheravon: No flying today. No 3 Squadron is moving to Swingate Down tomorrow and every man is busy organizing and packing for the equipment to be moved directly to Dover.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/13/18 06:50 AM

12 August 1914

Chalons:
Noel Kay writes: Today we received news that France and Britain declared war on Austria-Hungary yesterday.
0930 A car came to take me to our airfield at Verdun. We arrived at 1237. Three and a half hours! I could have flown there in one hour. Anyway, the boys were all happy to see me.

Swingate Down:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
0748: Squadron took off for Dover via Brighton. At 0916 my friend Robbie Reinard suffered an engine failure and landed just east of Brighton. Lt Salmond had us land nearby. After examining the situation he had us take off for Eastbourne at 0927. From there the Lt took off with a mechanic. at 1354 he returned with Robbie's BE. in tow. At 1420 the Squadron took off for Dover. at 1520 we landed at Swingate Down and were assigned quarters for the night.
Time in aircraft: 26.13 hours. Total flight time: 26.13 hours.


Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/14/18 05:36 AM

13 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Yesterday Belgian troops defeated the Germans at Haelen. The Austro-Hungarians have started their invasion of Serbia.
0947: First flight in almost a week. Flew around the Verdun area, learning what is where. 33 minutes.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
At 0625 No 2 Squadron took off for Amiens. We are to follow shortly.
0815: Squadron took off from Swingate Down for Calais and then to Amiens. We have some concerns about Robbie's engine, but the local mechanics assure us it is in good working order.
08:52 Crossed French coast west of Calais. Headed west.
0900: Turned south, following coast.
0925: Turned inland, following the Somme River.
1002: Having skirted the forest around Abbeville, we turned south towars Amiens.
1020: Landed at Amiens. There we met the boys from No 2 Sqdn, and they had a good story to tell. It seems their commander, Major Burke, had them travel around the forest as we did, just to ensure a place to land in case of engine trouble. One of his pilots, Lt Harvey-Kelly, positioned himself at the rear, broke off and flew straight across the forest. When the group landed at Amiens they found Harvey-Kelly's BE already there, making himself the first British pilot to land in France for the war!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/15/18 04:41 AM

Started another new pilot. No 3 Squadron is destined to be a fighter unit, and I wanted another one that would remain in two-seaters.

14 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay is still busy learning the area. Meanwhile news has come through that yesterday the Austro-Hungarians began their invasion of Serbia.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla and his observer Captain Fabio Carlson are spending time flying around Amiens, getting to know the area and their comrades from No 2 Squadron.

Eastchurch, England:
Sergeant Ries Meismer has begun training with No 4 Squadron at Eastchurch. Today was a 45-minute flight up to London, eastward down the Thames then south back to Eastchurch. It's a quiet little town right on the coast.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/16/18 03:30 AM

15 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Flew south of the city today. Found a large army camp, with dozens of tents in a field. Had to buzz them. Keep their spirits up. The news tells us that Liege has fallen to the Germans.

Amiens:
Corrie Aujla writes:
Made a flight over to Abbeville today, then as far north as Bethune. Two hours in all. Big news - tomorrow we transfer to Maubeuge, on the Belgian border. Our troops are going to be stationed there, the first line of defense.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meismer writes:
Made a short flight today up to the mouth of the Thames and back. Our training is being cut short. Tomorrow we fly to France!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/17/18 08:20 AM

16 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends the day flying around the north side of Verdun. "Such a beautiful place. It's hard to believe war could ever come here."

Amiens:
No 3 Squadron transfers northeast to Maubege, nearer the Belgian border.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meisner writes:
Transfer flight from Eastchurch down to Amiens. We're in the war now! As we crossed the Channel I was thinking it's only five years since that French fellow made the first hop across from France to Merry Olde. Now it's a matter of routine. It could still be bad if one us had an engine go bust halfway across, but still we don't really think about it. Now we're safely ensconced in our new quarters and waiting to see what comes next.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/18/18 03:08 PM

17 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends about an hour exploring the region to the east this time.

Maubege:
Corrie Aujla flies an exploratory patrol to Lille and back.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer spends an hour learning the area around his new home. He is excited about being "...in the war now...",, and considers himself a crack pilot with his whopping six hours of training.

Dusseldorf:
Flieger Odis Först, 18 years old, makes his first solo flight in an Aviatik B.I. Considers himself lucky to get back on the ground in one piece.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/19/18 03:19 AM

18 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spent the day making his way southward this time. Actually only another hour. The rest of the day was spent talking to mechanics and chatting with his fellow pilots.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla writes:
"0505: Extended navigation exercise. Three BEs. Lt Cruikshank was flight leader. Robbie was number 2, with me in third spot, We flew up to Arras, then up to Tournai and back to Maugeuge."

Amiens:
Ries Meismer .took off with his observer for another exploratory flight. He had barely made 1,000 feet when his engine started banging and sputtering. Fortunately he had enough altitude and engine to make it back to base. Total flight time 7 minutes.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först made his first extended flight, following his instructor down to Jüchen and back. Almost an hour in the air.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/20/18 04:46 AM

19 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay and another pilot made an extended flight southeast to Toul, east to Nancy, northeast along the Belgian border and back to Verdun. 2 hours 18 minutes.
In the news the Germans took Haelen yesterday. Everyone is wondering when they will reach France.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla and two other planes patrolled up and down the Belgian border for almost two hours. Nothing to report.

Amiens:
The entirety of No 4 Squadron made a very long familiarization flight, west to Abbeville, northeast to St Omer, westward to Lille then back to Amiens. 3 hours 32 minutes. Ries Meismer is amazed at his commander's planning skills. They landed back at their home field with less than 15 minutes' fuel remaining.

Dusseldorf:
Cadet Odis Först followed his instructor around the area again, this time west to Kaarst, northeast to Duisberg and back to Dusseldorf. Almost an hour, and any hour spent in the air is a good one.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/21/18 03:41 AM

20 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a long flight east and then south, experimentally takes the plane up to 12,000 feet.

Maugeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes another patrol of the Belgian frontier, this time in company with one other plane.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer continues to learn the area around Amiens.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först continues his training with a flight from Dusseldorf to Köln and back.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/22/18 02:48 AM

21 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a flight to Chalons and back. While near Chalons he suffers another engine failure. Kay manages to put down safely at the nearest airfield. After an examination the mechanic tells him it's going to take two days to repair. Kay gets a telephone call through to Verdun, and his commander tells him to stay with the plane and return home when it is ready.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes yet another patrol of the Belgian border. Nothing to see, nothing to report.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer makes a very long flight - almost three hours. The squadron is told that they need to get all the flight-time possible, as the war is going to come to them all too soon.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först makes a very long flight, following his instructor all over the region. No explanation is given other than that they need practice navigating.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/23/18 02:55 AM

22 August 1914

Chalons:
Noel Kay spends the day in town revisiting some of the places he saw during the week he was stationed here.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla spends yet another couple of hours patrolling the Belgian frontier. As usual nothing is happening.

Amiens: Ries Meismer makes another long trip around the area. Not as long as yesterday, but still enough to tire even a young pilot out. His observer is even more bored, since he has nothing to do at all.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först repeats his flight of yesterday, this time solo. He botches his landing and receives a stern warning about the cost of the planes. If it happens again he may find himself grounded for an indefinite period.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/24/18 06:17 AM

23 August 1914

Verdun:
The starboard engine finally repaired, Noel Kay and his observer flew back from Chalons to Verdun.

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron has the day off. Everyone is busy packing as they are transferring to a new field tomorrow.

Amiens:
No 4 Squadron is also not flying. They are also preparing for a move.

Dusselforf:
Odis Först and his three fellow students follow their instructor on a long flight down to the Belgian border near Liege and back.
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/24/18 12:30 PM

Glad Noel made it back to Verdun!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/25/18 06:26 AM

So is he.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/25/18 06:40 AM

24 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends another half hour just flying around. It seems like it's all for nothing. At the end of the day he writes: "News from Belgium is not good. Our forces have lost another battle and are in retreat, as are the first British forces to engage the Germans. At the same time our army in Alsace is withdrawing."

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron is transferring from Maubeuge to Le Cateau. Ten minutes after takeoff Corrie Aujla's engine conks out. He lands on the grass at a nearby farm, but the plane is still moving when it hits a patch of furrowed ground. The BE noses over and is severely damaged. Corrie and the much disliked Captain Fabio Carlson both receive fairly minor injuries. The squadron flies back to Maubeuge, and an ambulance is sent to pick up the injured pilot and observer. They are put into a cottage hospital and are told they will be there for the next two days. The squadron takes off for their new home at Le Cateau.

Amiens:
No 4 squadron is also transferred to Le Cateau. They make the journey without incident.

Dusselforf:
After the flight the previous day Odis Först and his three fellow students are told to take the rest of the day off, spend some time on the town, but be back at noon the 24th. Today they gather in various states of sobriety and are told to pack their gear and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow they are all flying to Belgium to join a new squadron forming there.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/26/18 06:34 AM

25 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "There is no more news from the Front, the Front has come to us. The Germans have overrun our border and taken several towns. Today we are hastily packing everything.
Tomorrow we move to Chappy."

Douai:
Corrigan Aujla writes: "At 0500 we were awakened and told to get into our uniforms and make sure we had everything we needed. At 0515 we ate a hasty breakfast and were told the Germans had broken through and would be here within
hours. I was packed into the back of an ambulance with some other enlisted men. Captain Carlson rode in the front with the driver and by 0545 we were part of a truck convoy headed west. Most of the French army is retreating slowly, preparing for a fight if necessary, so we had the roads to ourselves, and made good time. We drove from Maubeuge to Valenciennes, a distance of 25 miles or so, in around five hours. After refueling the trucks and some food for ourselves we were underway again. It has taken us six hours to get to Douai, a distance of about 35 miles, Now we are encamped outside Douai, preparing to get some sleep before taking up the journey again. I have no idea what has become of the Squadron and my friend Robbie Reinard."

Le Cateau:
Reis Meismer writes: "0723: Didn't even have time to unpack. Transferred again from Le Cateau to Saint-Quentin along with No 3 Squadron. It seems we'll be travelling with them for the foreseeable future. 1 hour 52 minutes. It should have taken less than half that, but they had us make a detour to the west to see exactly where the Germans are."

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Took off at 1041. Made the flight from Dusseldorf to Jamoigne, flying over Liege along the way. 2 hours 53 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/27/18 03:57 AM

26 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Escadrille flew from Verdun to Chappy. We are now 25 miles closer to the lines. Hoping we start operations soon."

Bouvai:
Corrie Aujla writes "We were awakened at dawn again. By 0600 we were on the road. Two hours later we were in Arras. The roads took us through Beaumetz-les-Loges, down to Doullens and then to Beauvai. We arrived there about 1500. The army colonel in charge of the convoy decided we were safe enough and elected to camp outside Bouvai for the night.

No 3 Squadron and No 4 Squadron have moved yet again, from St. Quentin to La Fere.

Jamoigne:
The beginnings of FA 13 make a 20-minute exploratory flight around the area of their new home.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/28/18 03:19 AM

27 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and Eduard Camplan make a familiarization flight around the Chappy area.

Bouvais
Corrie Aujla and Captain Carlson are still with the truck convoy, which is spending all day and another night camped near Bouvais.

La Fere:
Sergeant Ries Meismer and his observer Captain Ted Wimund make a long flight of almost three hours learning the area around La Fere.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först meets his new Commanding Officer, Hauptmann Alfred Streccius, and his assigned observer, Hauptmann Reinhold Straub. Först and Straub take a one-hour flight around the area.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/29/18 05:15 AM

28 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Finally, our first patrol. We took off in shifts, one plane every two hours. We didn't see any Germans, nor did any of our flights. Everyone returned safely in their turn."

Bouvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "We are still camped at Beauvais. Colonel Blayne has not been able to get in touch with his superiors, nor have we with ours. The war is at our doorstep, but you wouldn't know it from the tranquil atmosphere shrouding this place. Well, tranquil except for all the men and vehicles running to-and-fro.
.
La Fere:
Ries Meismer and Capt Ted Wimund make a shorter flight and then are informed that they are moving again tomorrow.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Reinhold Straub make a somewhat longer flight than yesterday, getting to know the area and each other.

St Cyr:
A new French pilot, Filimor Oda Dion Isaïe Hance, begins training at Saint-Cyr, west of Paris.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/30/18 04:29 AM

29 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and his observer are again part of rotating patrols. He finally sees some Germans. He will put that in his report though he is certain his superiors know exactly where this group is, since he has a front-row seat to a French-German artillery duel. They stick around until fuel concerns send them home again.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Still no word from either command, which is odd because with the war going on right next door they must need those trucks somewhere. Twenty of them, just sitting. Our bigger worry is what will become of us when they finally do move. Do we go with them, or sit here and wait to hear from our Squadron? Or do we set out on our own hoping we're heading in the right direction? If we stay we have no means of support with the army gone. If we go with them we risk becoming part of the infantry war. If we go our own way we could get drafted into some other unit, or even captured by the enemy. There seems to be no definite future, and no easy choice to make."

La Fere:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons, with Ries Meismer in No 4, move yet again, this time to Compiegne.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Straub make an even longer flight to the north, knowing full well that the fighting is to the southwest. Orders are orders, so they go where they are told.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 08/31/18 06:02 AM

30 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Patrolled over another battle between our forces and theirs. In a fit of rudeness their infantry decided to direct some machine gun fire in our direction! We even took some damage! All was well, though, and we got home safely. The Germans are still advancing."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The day has come. Colonel Blayne has gotten through to his superiors, and they are indeed wanted at the front lines. Captain Carlson has decided that we should stay here in Beauvais. He has made a deal with a local hotel-keeper that we should be his guests on the Captain's word as an officer that he will be recompensed in full when we have the means. M Jumonde says it's "part of my duty to help fight the war by aiding our British cousins."

La Fere:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron transfer again, from La Fere to Senlis.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Another long flight around. Three-quarters of the way through the motor quit running. We were in a forested area, but over a large patch of open grass at the time. I managed to put the plane down, though not without some damage to the wing. We stayed with the plane, and some time after we were due back they sent a plane looking for us. He landed and took Hptmn Straub with him. another hour and he came back for me. By dinner time a truck had gathered the plane and returned. Hptmn Straub is full of praise for "his" pilot, and tonight I seem to be the toast of the squadron. Tomorrow is another day."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/01/18 10:06 AM

31 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying to day. Escadrille moving tomorrow."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: ":M Jumonde has come up with a different plan to pay for our rooms: we'll go to work for him. Capt Carlson will help with his books, and those of other businesses nearby, and I will do all the odd jobs around the area ̶ cleaning, clearing up trash, helping move things ̶ anything that needs doing. I joined the army and seem to have become a civilian through no doing of my own."

Senlis:
Ries Meismer writes: "Moved yet again, this time to Juilly."

Jamoigne
Odis Först writes: "We are grounded today, preparing for a move forward tomorrow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/02/18 07:02 AM

1 September 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Transferred from Chappy to Clermont-en-Argonne today. Successful move with no problems."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "I went to work helping a man with a truck pick up trash in our neighborhood and finished the day helping Mme Jumonde with her garden. Late in the day a flight of aeroplanes passed overhead. They were at about 2,000' altitude and looked to be a high-winged parasol of some kind. I counted five of them.

Juilly:
Ries Meismer writes: "Made a scouting flight to the northeast of Paris. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Odis Först writes: " Transferred from Jamoigne to La Ferté sur Chiers. An easy flight. 46 minutes. Had some excitement later in the evening. At about 1930 an Aviatik came in and landed, not long before dark. It was a Leutnant Boelcke. We already have one! Ltn Wilhelm Boelcke is one of our observers. This one was his younger brother Oswald Boelcke. He is a rarity, an Officer Pilot. Apparently he was assigned to a different unit but took his plane and a mechanic and came here, claiming he was bound for another field but had to stop here for the night. It's a strange thing, and not for a poor flieger like me to understand."

Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "Long training flight with our instructor leading us north to Beauvais, then over to Chantilly and back. 1 hour 59 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/03/18 05:36 AM

2 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "622: Patrol over German territory. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Helped pick up trash again all day, and haul it to a place they had picked out, where we buried it. Hard work, but it keeps my mind off what I'm missing."

Juilly:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons move again, from Juilly to Serris.

La Ferté sur Chiers:
Odis Först writes: "1256: Flew our first real patrol today, south to the lines then eastward for awhile. 52 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/04/18 04:17 AM

3 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "0849: Patrol over German territory. They are at Chateau-Theirry. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The Germans are still moving westward. They are now at Chateau-Thierry, only 50 miles from Paris. We have still heard nothing of our own armies."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "Transfered yet again, from Juilly to Touquin."

Chatel:
Odis Först writes: "Yesterday the Boelcke brothers took off looking for a better field. They returned this morning and have found one. We spent the morning packing and took off at 1403, and after a short 15-minute flight we were at Chatel.

Saint-Cyr, just north of Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Tomorrow we join the war!"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/05/18 06:28 AM

4 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "No flights. Preparing to move again."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Word has reached us that the Germans have been stopped northeast of Paris. We are awaiting word of whether Bouvais will be evacuated."

Melun:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron RFC transfer again, from Touquin to Melun.

Chatel:
Flieger Odis Först and Hauptmann Reinhold Straub make an exploratory flight around the area of their new base.

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance "joins the war" when MS-26 moves 30 miles to their new airfield at Vincennes, southeast of Paris.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/06/18 05:10 AM

5 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Esc 13 Transfered to Le Petit Maulan.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "No definite news of the fighting around Paris, but it doesn't seem to be heading this way. Life continues here as normal, including my own work. Capt Carlson is helping
various shopkeepers with their books while I found myself helping a local shopkeeper repair his lorry. He repaired while I operated the jack-lift."

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "1040: Long flight to the southeast. The Germans are to the north and east, but we have to make sure. 2 hours 22 minutes."

Chatel:
:Odis Först writes: "1650: Scouting mission, looking for the French army. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1026: Our first patrol. Everybody searching to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."
Posted By: CCIP

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/06/18 07:03 AM

Hi Steve, good to see you here!

Just thought I'd mention I'm enjoying your logs smile
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/07/18 04:03 AM

Hey George! Long time. And thanks. It's weird flying at a time when there's no combat, but I'm having fun.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/07/18 04:13 AM

6 September 1914

Clermant-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "1635: Area patrol. The Germans haven't moved."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Good news!!! A motorcycle dispatch rider arrived today with a message for Captain Carlson. It seems Colonel Blayne reported our situation as soon as he could. It took a couple of days for HQ to get the message, and a couple more before a rider could be arranged to come look for us. Transport will be unavailable for the next few days but as soon as it is we will be taken to HQ to await further transport to our squadron. They seem to have moved around a lot, and their exact location will have to be ascertained before we can join them. Now it's only a matter of time.

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "No flying today. Moving again tomorrow."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0428: Transfered from Chatel to Sainte Menehould."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1224: Patrol to the east again. 2 hours 26 minutes. No Germans in that sector."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/08/18 11:21 AM

7 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "0800: Patroled lines. Seems to be stalemated. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Spent the day helping a local farmer load his crops into a lorry."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "1319: Transferred from Melun to Touquin. 27 minutes.

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0919: Familiarization flight. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1505: Patrolled east yet again. It doesn't matter how many times they send us east of Paris. There are no Germans here. 1 hour 19 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/09/18 04:59 AM

8 September 1914

Oe Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Another day working in a field. I haven't been in the air in two weeks. I'm most anxious to get back to flying."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer Writes: "1400: Flight north to look for Germans. Maybe next time. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "1428: Patrol to the west, over our right flank. Our forces seem to be pulling back. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimo Hance writes: "1639: Patrolled to the north this time. Still no Germans. 1 hour 23 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/10/18 06:22 AM

9 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "More field work. My French is getting to a point where I can communicate my needs. No real conversations yet."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meisner writes: "1601: Transferred from Melun to Coulommiers. 19 minutes (but it's only 6 miles)."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0658 Patrolled the lines. The enemy does not seem to be following our withdrawal. 46 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Moving tomorrow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/11/18 07:58 AM

10 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Pouring rain."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla wirtes: "Woke up this morning to pouring rain. We spent the morning sitting and chatting with M and Mme Jumonde. Their daughter-in-law came for lunch, with two small boys, aged 6 and 4. in tow. Her husband, the elder couple's son, is a clerk in the French HQ in Paris. We were enjoying the rainy afternoon talking to them and playing with the boys when a car pulled up and a fellow British sergeant knocked on the door. He enquired as to our identities and told us that the Germans were on the run. General Joffe had accomplished this feat by sneaking a third army through the city by recruiting all the local taxicabs! This new group was joined by the rear-guard pieces of pieces of the two armies facing the two German armies, then drove this new force up the middle between the two German forces. Taken totally by surprise, the the Germans had pulled back across the Marne River and today, in the rain and the mud, have stopped ant the Aisne. Paris was safe, and Sergeant Bellerman was here to take us to British HQ. We said our goodbyes to the Jumondes, of whom we had grown quite fond, and climbed in the car, Capt Carlson beside the driver and me having the back seat all to myself. The drive from Beauvais to Paris took almost 5 hours, and as Mme Jumonde had made us a nice basket of sandwiches and a bottle of wine we had no need to add a dinner stop to the time or to go hungry. I wound up in a small barracks with eight other enlisted men and three empty beds. Capt Carlson of course got his own room."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meismer writes: "Heavy rains. Everyone is grounded."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "Nothing is flying today. Heavy rains. Last night, following a late flight. Hptmn Streccius and Ltn Wilhelm Boelke (the observer) were driven off to dinner with General von Pritzelwitz. Today at lunch there was some kind of to-do at the officers' mess. Later the officers came to visit us, and called us to attention. Ltn Oswald Boelke (the pilot) very seriously announced that the Captain and the senior Boelke brother had both been awarded the Iron Cross! With the younger brother leading we gave them both three resounding cheers."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hance writes: "0418: After being awakened at 0300 we checked everything out and were ready to transfer from Vincennes to Saint-Soupplets. As it grew light the sky was heavily overcast. The flight took 29 minutes through intermittent rian squalls. Later in the day we were glad we started so early, and it turned to contiuous pouring rain for the resr of the day.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/12/18 02:31 AM

11 September 1914

The entire Marne region of France is driving rain, with no sight of letup. Reports from various units are pretty much the same.

In Paris, Corrigan Aujla writes: "I don't know what Capt Carlson is doing. I myself was put to work running messages back and forth to various offices. It''s pouring rain everywhere."

In eastern France the Germans are retreating toward the Aisne river. At Sainte Menehould Odis Först writes: "Still raining. We spent the day watching our retreating troops march by. Soon we will have to fly, rain or no."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/13/18 12:51 PM

12 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan;
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Still raining. No news of where the German armies have got to."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "My new job is not hard. It's still raining and still no news of No 3 Squadron. I'm sure it will happen soon."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "Waited all day for the rain to lift. At 1630 we were preparing to take off in driving wind and rain when suddenly both let up. We flew from Coulommiers to Fere-en-Tardenois at 1635, taking 57 minutes for the flight. The rain remained light the whole way."

Sainte-Menehould:
Odis Först wirtes: "If anything the rain has gotten worse. The number of troops marching past is dwindling. Word is they are forming up on the east side of the River Aisne, and that they are starting to build some kind of barricades."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "We are still grounded by this infernal rain. I still haven't seen one single German, or even heard their artillery. I long to be of some service in this so-called "war"."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/14/18 06:51 AM

13 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "The rain has let up some, but extremely strong winds are keeping us on the ground. Word has come that our forces have crossed the Aisne River and have the Germans pinned down there.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Third day pushing the message cart. Still no word on No 3 Squadron."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "The rain and wind have picked up again. We managed to get here alright. Now we need to get into the air again."

Buzancy:
Odis Först wirtes: "Hptm Steccius has determined that we fly today. The troops are gone except for a small rear guard, and Ltn Oswald Boelke suggested we sleep in our clothes with weapons at our sides. At 0230 we were awakened by the noise of artillery fire, and we've been up ever since awaiting the sun. Took off at 0730 for Buzancy. Everyone made it safely. 35 minutes."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "Still waiting for better weather. It feels like I'm going to spend the rest of my life on the ground."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/15/18 05:00 AM

14 September 1914

All across the front a series of storms keep everything grounded.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Got paid a visit from Cpt Carlson. He's been working with the office with some job, and he's been in touch with the group responsible for keeping track of where everyone is. Just this morning he found that No 3 Squadron is in Fere-en-Tardenois, and likely will be for some time. As soon as transport can be arranged we are heading back to our friends, our machines, and our flying!"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/16/18 07:06 AM

15 September 1914

Most of the front is still rained out, but a couple of interesting things are happening locally.

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "1345: We made the move back to Verdun. waited all day for the rain to let up, and it did shortly after noon. We waited some more to make sure it wouldn't come back, and then we took off into a heavy wind. 39 minutes later we were back at the field that feels more like home to me than any aeordrome we've had yet."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Sometimes you wait forever and nothing happens. Other times they happen so quickly your head spins. We had just finished our breakfast when a sergeant came asking for us. He was there to drive us to our squadron! We departed Paris at 1008. the roads were muddy but we had a good driver, and we pulled into Fère-en-Tardenois some five hours later, at 1553. The driver asked for directions to the aerodrome at a hotel on the entrance to town, and in a couple of minutes we were on our way. at 1610 we pulled up to the brick building that held our office and officer's quarters. Major Salmond was truly shocked to see us standing in front of his desk. His shock turned to delight and there was shaking of hands and clapping of shoulders all around. Other officers were called in and then I was released To the enlisted pilots' tent. Everyone there was also stunned for a moment, and the the cheering began, followed by rounds of story-telling that lasted well into the night. Robbie Reinard was especially glad to see me, as he had spent so much time wondering if the Captain and I were alive, dead, prisoners, or who knows what? The only bad part of all this is that even though I'm back with the squadron I am still unable to fly again due to this ongoing rain."

Ries Meismer writes: "Still unable to fly. There was some hubbub over at the tents of No 3 Squadron, with whom we share the field. It seems that a couple of long-lost pilots, separated from their unit back when the Germans took Maubeuge, have suddenly turned up again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/17/18 04:56 AM

16 September 1914

All across the front it is still raining. The ground war continues with fighting along the Aisne River, but the only flying recorded is by Cpl Filimor Hance of Escadrille MS 26: "0503 Took advantage of a break in the rain to move from Saint-Soupplets to our new base at Pisseleux. 57 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/18/18 04:12 AM

17 September 1914

Bad weather continues across the entire front. The Battle of the Aisne goes on, but without aerial reconnaissance.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/19/18 02:30 AM

18 September 1914

Heavy fighting rages around Noyon and Reims, but the planes are still grounded.
Posted By: RAF28Jenks

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/19/18 01:32 PM

Beautifully Barmy SS! The pace /length is perfect. I always went a bit over in detail lol. This is great! Thanks for sharing!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/20/18 05:41 AM

Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately there was yet again nothing happening in the air on the 19th, as it was still raining all up and down the Front. The ground forces were fighting all around the area in rain and worse, mud. My information on this weather comes from Knight of Germany, a collection of Oswald Boelcke's letters home, edited and commented on by Professor Johannes Werner, English translation by Claude W. Sykes.
Posted By: jakethescot1

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/20/18 04:47 PM

From the depths of the Atlantic to the sky's over France. Quite a journey.
Posted By: HW3

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/21/18 01:52 AM

I am enjoying this game, thanks for posting about it Steve, I would have overlooked it otherwise.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/21/18 02:30 AM

20 September 1914

As fighting on the ground continues, the planes are still grounded. One group is forced to move by advancing Allied forces.
Odis Först writes: "1408: A slight break in the rain sees us transferring from Buzancy to Pontfaverger. 36 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/22/18 03:40 AM

21 September 1914

On the ground a battle rages for the possession of Noyon. The French are pushing the Germans back, all in rain and mud.
In the air...well, no one is in the air, except for one escadrille, MS 26.

Filimor Hance writes: "We're being transferred again - this time to Anvers. Anvers? Six days out here, unable to fly at all. Now we are ordered to fly anyway, and we're going back to PARIS?? Why? The Germans have left that area. There's nothing there to observe. Why? Took off at 0614. Flight took 2 hours 24 minutes. All in the rain. Now we're at a field in the southern side of the city. What next? London?"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/23/18 01:17 AM

22 September 1914

In real life there was a bombing raid by two British planes on a Zeppelin shed. A second raid turned back due to the weather. Everything else was grounded, including all of my pilots. Meanwhile the ground war rages on. That, and a lot of naval stuff going on in the Pacific.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/24/18 12:48 AM

23 September 1914

The weather starts to clear a little and some squadrons are flying again, with varying results.

Fere-en-Tardenois
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Cloudy, but no rain. 0546: First time flying in more than four weeks. They had me practicing take-offs and landings all morning. 33 minutes. Captain Carlson went on an orientation flight with Sgt Holmes. After they returned the Captain started shouting at the Sergeant. Major Salmond came out, dismissed Lance Holmes and went with Captain Carlson back into his office. Later in the day the Major took the Captain on a flight, after which the Captain retired to the officers' quarters."

From the same airfield Ries Meismer writes: "0447: No rain! went on a long flight to the Aisne area. Seems to be a lot of fighting, but no major movements. 2 hours 56 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0852: Made two flights today, each of about two hours. Nowhere near the fighting, but Bruno Seigneurie thinks he has the answer. They don't believe we're ready and don't want to risk us until we've gained more experience. If that's true, then I guess I'll have to live with it. Soon enough we'll see some action."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/25/18 08:36 AM

24 September 1914

At Verdun, Esc 13 is still grounded by rain.

Fere-en-Tardenois, 3 Squadron
Corrie Aujla writes: "I was kept from flying today. Major Salmond took me into his office and started asking me questions about Captain Carlson. What was he like in the air? Had he ever shouted at me? Had he ever tried to strike me? I eventually mustered the courage to ask what was going on, and he said that when it was all resolved he tell me what he could. For the meantime I was not to speak of this to anyone. Of course all the enlisted pilots wanted to know what was going on, and it was all I could do not to tell them anyway. What kept me in line was the thought that it could mean my career. For the time being I'm saying nothing, and won't broach the subject with Major Salmond again until he chooses to tell me something."

Fere-en-Tardenois, 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Several flights went up today. Due to a shortage of available machines I was not one of them."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först srites: "Overcast, but no rain. I get to fly today! 1458: Patrolled over the fighting near Reims. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1258: One long flight, up to Beavais and then north. Halfway from Beauvais we turned back to Paris and Anvers. 2 hours 51 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/26/18 08:36 AM

25 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1516: Patrolled north of Sedan and back. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0638: Sent up to familiarize myself with the region. 1 hour 3 minutes. After lunch I was introduced to Captain Arnold Williamson, and told that he would be my observer from now on."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0758: We made an observation flight up to Laon. We did see some German army movement, and they did shoot at us. They missed. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Fairly nice day. 0515: Long patrol over the lines. 3 hours 3 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1603: Flew around the city, then southward. 2 hours 45 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/27/18 03:16 AM

26 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0452: Flew up to Charleville, then to Sedan and south back to Verdun. Noted several enemy positions. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0755: First flight with Capt Williamson. He's a nice enough fellow, if a litle dour. Patrolled between Chateau-Thierry and Paris, looking for any Germans slipping through.
Didn't find any, but had a good flight. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1019: Patrol between Chateau-Tierry and Laon, looking for German forces trying to flank our own. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0846: Flew west and south. Fighting is heavy along the Aisne. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0603: Flew west of the city, then south. 1 hour 42 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/29/18 02:34 AM

27 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0659: Flew over the lines, looking for unusual movements. 1 hour 28 minutes"

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1047: Patrolled between Paris and Chateau-Thierry and Paris again. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois: No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1228: Patrolled the area around Laon again. The German trenches begun at Reims are now being expanded to include Laon."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1054: Patrolled between Compiegne and Laon, looking for possible flanking movements by the enemy."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0800: Flew north to Beauvais and back, plus a circle of the City. 2 hours 8 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 09/30/18 05:07 AM

28 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0842: Flew up around Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1339: Flew up around Laons. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meisner srites: "1454: Traded places with No 3 Sqdn. They patrolled up by Laon while we ran back and forth between Paris and Chatea-Thierry. 3 hours 22 minutes. I finally got a chance to talk to that chap from No 3, the one who went missing for two weeks. I asked him for details and he said "Well, we got caught out when the Huns took Maubeuge. Caught a truck convoy that took us all the way to Beauvais. Stayed there for a few days. The higher-ups caught us up and moves us to Paris. We stayed there until they had time to shunt us back here. Actually I'm unhappy about it. If it hadn't happened I'd have at least ten more flying hours behind me." I was expecting a long story with lots of adventures. Anyway, I also got to compliment him on the reputation he's gained for his perfect landings. every time. Our own commander makes us watch when he comes in. All he said to that was "Well, the one you made today wasn't half bad." I said I learned from watching the best. He didn't seem to like that much, so I let it drop."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1336: Flew down to the south of Epernay, well into enemy territory. 2 hours 34 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1039: Flew up to Chantilly, then to Beauvais, then west of Paris, then home. 2 hours."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/01/18 12:55 AM

29 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1040: Up to Sedan again, then over to Reims and back to Verdun. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1539: Back to the Chateau-Thierry-Paris patrol. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0531: Patrolled between Soissons and Reims. 2 hours 42 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1625: Long flight up to Laon, the north to Saint-Quintin. Our forces have dug in at Reims, and now theirs are doing the same, but there is some worry that they might try a flanking movement to our north. We then flew south-west across the lines and almost to Paris. We returned to Pontfaverger after the sun had set, and it was growing dark, but the hangars were lit up and the north side of the field had fire-pots lit, giving us a perfect view of the field. 3 hours 10 minutes. After we had had something to eat Ltn Boelcke had Hptmn Straub and myself into the squadron offices. His brother Hptmn Boelcke was there also. The Ltn asked us both how we felt about making very long patrols. Hptmn Straub and I both said we didn't mind at all, and when Ltn Boelcke asked me again I commented that I rather liked being in the air for such long periods of time. He then said that many of the pilots didn't like making patrols of more than two hours, and he would keep me in mind when longer Patrols were required. I retired to the enlisted pilots' tent and said nothing to my fellows.

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1253: Flight north of Paris, then south, returning over the city. 1 hour 48 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/01/18 03:46 PM

30 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1314: Flew to Sedan again. 3 hours 12 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0414: Patrolled the Chateau-Thierry-Paris run again. Something different this time - there were two of us. Sgt Jem Bodley and Lt Erik Alvord were in the other plane. Capt Williamson and I had lead. 2 hours 37 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0827: Another trip up to Laon. The German trenchworks are expanding. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0450: Patrolled to the west over the lines, then south, following the artillery eastward, then north back to Pontfaverger. Artillery was so heavy I could still hear it back at home field. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1455: Flew over to Abbeville, then over to Beauvais, south to Amiens, then Chatilly, and back to Anvers. 2 hours 25 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/02/18 02:53 AM

1 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1744: Long patrol over enemy territory. Got lost when it got dark, Finally made our way back to Verdun. 2 hours 54 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0725: Patrolled from Paris to Soissons this time. 3 hours 28 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1036: Took over the Paris -Chateau-Thierry patrol from No 3 Sqdn. 2 hours 49 minutes "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0638: Flew west to the front lines, then followed them south and east. 2 hours 48 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "0449: We have transferred to a new field - Breteuil. 56 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/03/18 08:59 AM

2 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0552: Long flight up around the Sedan area again. 4 hours 15 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1122; Flew to Chateau-Thierry, across the lines up to Laon, back down to Soissons, over to Riems then back to Fere-en-Tardenois. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1340: Took our new pilot, Lt Douglas Perkins, on a flight around the area. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "What an honor! Ltn Boelcke came to me this morning and said we would be flying with him today! Further, he said I would be flight leader and he would follow me. Of course I was very nervous, but things went better than I could have hoped. We took off at 0940 and patrolled the lines from Bapaume down to Peronne, then home again. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. No sooner did we get settled in here than we were told we're moving again tomorrow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/04/18 05:53 AM

3 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1023: Patrolled between Verdun and Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Rere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1356: Chateau-Thierry to Paris run again. 2 hours 9 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, Nor Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1513: Flew with Lt Perkins again. This time he flew and I rode in the front cockpit. He's a good enough pilot, but I still felt nervous having absolutely no control over the machine. I don't know how the regular observers do it. 1 hour 36 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Raining today. No flights."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0600: Transferred to Esquennoy, 2 whole miles away. 22 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/05/18 02:35 AM

4 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "The news tells us that the Germans have taken Ypres and are moving northward. 1222: Short flight up and down the lines. Raining by the time we landed. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Fer-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0504: Dawn flight up to Laon, over to Reims and back again. Slight rain. 3 hours 4 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1619: Over to Paris, then up to Laon and the lines, back south to home. 2 hours 35 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Heavy rain. No flying."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain has moved in. No flying today."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/06/18 02:43 AM

5 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1427: Flew up and down the lines again. Low patchy fog. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0509: Moved from Fere-en-Tardenois to Amiens. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0823: Moved with No 3 Sqdn to new field at Amiens. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1207: Extended scouting flight all the way to Paris and back. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0637: Short familiarization flight. 55 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/07/18 04:56 AM

6 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Fog and rain. No flying today. Amazing news though. Two Frenchmen mounted a gun to their Voisin and after several tries yesterday managed to shoot down a German Aviatik. The crew were both killed. It's the first time ever that one airplane has shot down another, and it was two of ours who did it!."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0659: Flew west to the sea, then around the area and back. 2 hours 3 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1015: Flight up around Abbeville area. 1 hour 37 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1434: Another long flight around the front. Not much to see. 4 hours 11 minutes.

Esquennoy
Jelimor Hance writes: "0747: Longer flight exploring area. 2 hours 19 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/08/18 04:14 AM

7 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0740: Beautiful day. Flew to Sedan, then a pass down the lines. 2 hours 5 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0918: We had a group of senior Army officers show up today. Our orders were to give them rides to various towns and back. I drew a Colonel Healey and was told to take him up to Doullens. He took me aside just before we took off and asked if, once we were out of sight of anyone who could get us into trouble, I could take him for a loop. I said that was certainly possible. After we had turned around over Doullens and were above farm country coming back, I granted his wish. A ways further one we did another. He had told me he had never been up in a plane before and likely never would again, so how could I refuse. As we were returning to Amiens he practically begged me, via vigorous signs, to break off and go around one more time. I had to explain myself to Major Salmond later, but when I told him the poor fellow reminded me of an eager puppy begging for a treat he said it would have been easy enough to just lie about my approach or something, and since he appreciated my honesty he could forgive me "Just this once". 1 hour 12 minutes.'

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1207: Interesting day today. A group of Army dignitaries paid us a visit. We were assigned to fly them around the area. I was given a General MacFreign, an Artillery commander. We were not supposed to take our charges anywhere near the lines, but I had special orders to show him what his guns were doing so he could better decide how to dispose of them. We flew over to Peronne, then south to Laon and Sissonne, and then back to Amiens. I gave him a good long look and he seemed happy enough about what he saw. 2 hours 40 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0559: Another flight almost to Paris. We witnessed a large artillery duel between the lines, and received some pretty heavy Flak near Villers-Totterets. 2 hours 32 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1021: Short flight around local area. 46 minutes."

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/09/18 01:10 AM

8 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0950: Up to Sedan again. No fighting going on at the moment. 2 hours 31 minutes."

Abbeville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1044: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 32 minutes. "

Abbeville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1502: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 34 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0848: Reconnaissance to Soissins and back. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain. No flying today."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/10/18 03:57 AM

9 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1246: Another trip to Sedan, then over to Reims and back along the lines. 2 hours 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1130: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 17 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1051: Long patrol up and down the lines. 2 hours 49 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1121: Long flight around extended area. 3 hours 3 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/11/18 04:47 AM

10 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1511: Short trip over the lines. Eduard took some pot-shots at a balloon. 47 minutes. The Germans have taken several towns up north."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1202: Flight over to the lines, patrol and back. 2 hours 36 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1620: Flew up to Lens then patrolled down to Cappy. 1 hour 32 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1356: Patrolled the lines from Baupaume down to Soissins. 2 hours 44 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1439: Followed the leader all over the area, 2 hours 13 minutes. I'm starting to wonder again if we'll ever be allowed into the war. I asked myself the same question a month ago, and nothing has changed."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/12/18 06:13 AM

11 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1613: Short dusk flight to check for enemy crossing the lines. Landed just before dark. I've made one night-time landing, and I don't want to do it again. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes. "0606: Short flight around the area. Moving again tomorrow. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1452: Flew up to Saint Omer scouting for a new field. 3 hours 10 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1655: Gave a new pilot a quick tour of the area. 23 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0506: Took off in pitch dark with Capitaine Jannerod to look for a new field. He already has one in mind. All we need to do is check it out. It started snowing while we were aloft, fortunately not bad enough to make us land and seek shelter. It looks like he picked a good one, and if the weather doesn't get worse we'll be moving tomorrow. It's up near the coast where the Germans are advancing. 2 hours 43 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/13/18 03:17 AM

12 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0837: Flight up to Sedan again. No unusual movement. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0917: Transferred from Moyenneville up to Saint-Omer. 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1302: Followed No 3 Squadron up to Saint-Omer. 50 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0748: Long flight scouting our side of the lines. 2 hours 46 minutes."

Oostende
Filimor Hance writes: "0804: Transferred from Esquennoy to Oostende. 1 hour 15 minutes. We are now right at the front. Capitaine Jannerod informed us that the Germans have moved all the way to the coast and our forces are right behind. Our job now is to see where the enemy moves next so our troops will know immediately. We are the front line."

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/14/18 05:31 AM

13 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rainstorm moving through. No flying."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Massive storm moving through. No one is able to fly."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Rain everywhere. Both our squadrons are grounded."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1048: Raining, but not enough to cancel our patrols. We flew south across the lines and down to Epernay. Saw an entertaining show along the way. We heard an artillery barrage while crossing the lines, and witnessed an enemy truck convoy racing helter-skelter down what was left of a road, being hounded by our shells all the way. We even got a couple of them. Flying down to Epernay and back we encountered a lot of Flak. It was pretty wet down there. I suspect they were bored, and we provided the perfect diversion. The rain picked up on our way home but we made it back safely. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "0934: I've been complaining about ever getting to the war, and now we're desperate to get away from it. We woke up to the sound of thunder, and it wasn't just the storm, it was the German guns. The Germans moved up to the outskirts of Oostende during the night and were now preparing to attack the city. Packing everything up took far longer than we would have liked, and we could hear the sound of infantry firing at each other by the time we were ready to take off. The trucks moved out and we took off down the coast to Dunkerque. We had to fight rain and stiff winds all the way, but 57 minutes later we were safely back on the ground again and well behind the lines."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/15/18 04:59 AM

14 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1122: Patrolled behind the lines. Nobody is moving, nothing is happening. Both sides are sitting in their trenches, seemingly just waiting. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This is the second day in a row we are rained in."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Raining again, not flying. There is a big difference."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1256: Patrol over to Soissons, then down the lines to Reims, then home. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Flew back up to Oostende to see what the damage was. Our forces have dug in a couple of kilometres up from Niewpoort. The Germans are blocked there, and exchangingartillery fire. The Germans will dig in now too, or be forced to pull back. 52 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/16/18 12:21 AM

15 October 1914

The entire front has closed down again. To the north lies a heavy overcast and rain. The Marne and Verdun regions are silent, with a heavy fog lying everywhere. Even it anyone could fly there's nothing to see.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/17/18 02:19 AM

16 October 1914

While the Verdun sector is still fogged in, to the north the rain has lifted a little

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1023: Capt Williamson and I took a familiarization flight around the area. North to the coast and Dunkerque, then south to Clety and back to our field. I hadn't realized just how big the Saint-Omer complex is. It's HUGE!! Hangars everywhere, around thirty BEs parked or flying. It's an interesting place. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0906: Orientation flight east to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up the coast and around to Calais, then home again. We are at the Saint-Omer extension, which is at the west end of a very large field. The main base is at the east end, with the hangars being about a half-mile apart. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1151: Flew up to Oostende again. Artillery exchange going on just east of Niewpoort. Looks like more trenches being dug. 1 hour 23 minutes.
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/17/18 03:08 AM

Wow, no wonder the whole front is a giant mud pile!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/18/18 02:24 AM

It was. I have a copy of Oswald Boelcke's letters home, and he talks some about the fog and the rain. Since I'm taking this all day-by-day I'm hurting right now, as on days like today I don't get to fly at all either. What's even more funny is that I've been tied up for the last four years with a '100 Years Ago Today' project, and on this same day in 1918 there was no aerial combat at all.

17 October 1914

The rain has closed back in in the north, and today there is no flying again at all.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/19/18 04:45 AM

18 October 1914

While the fog continues over Verdun-Sedan and environs, the rain has lifted in the north.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1047: Group flight over to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up to Calais, over to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Starting to get a feel for the area. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1201: The rain lifted long enough for us all to make another flight. We flew west to Boulogne, up to Calais and Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1028: Flight up to Niewpoort and the lines. South as far as Diksmuide and the westward back to Dunkerque. Several artillery engagements. 59 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/20/18 05:13 AM

19 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. We have been told that as soon as the weather clears a little we are being moved west, to Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, for some rest."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Reis Meismer writes: "1318: Another familiarization flight, over to Bailleul and back. 1 hour 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1436: Another short flight around the area, this time by ourselves. 45 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us. Don't know what the officers are doing, but we enlisted pilots played a game of football. Not so easy when you can't see from one goal to the other, but a lot of fun."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1433: Transferred from Dunkerque to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, only a few miles away. 14 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/21/18 11:07 AM

20 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur -Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1333: Fog lifted just long enough to take off. Sgt Pelliers, the camp cook, made sure we had bottles of hot coffee and sandwiches for the flight. We flew west to Soissons, northwest to Amiens, then turned north to Doullens. Arrived at Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise after a flight of 2 hours 38 minutes.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1435: Flew over to Boulogne, then down to Hesdin, then back home. 1 hour 20 minutes. Time in aircraft: 78.17 hours."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1536: Late afternoon flight over to Boulogne, back up to Calais, then up the coast to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Landed just as it was getting dark."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1511: Still following the same plan - from our new field up the coast to Dunkerque and Niewpoort, then down the lines to Diksmuide, then home. There was a heavy bombardment going on by the British against the Germans, with no reply. After only a week of artillery fire the land is starting to look like a desert. The town of Diksmuide appears to be abandoned, and many of the houses are levelled. No infantry activity. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is a little less today, but still too much to fly. We played some more football. Ltn Boelcke was at the field, working personally with the mechanics on his machine. He came over and watched our game for a few minutes, then went back to work. The rest of the day was spent reading, playing cards and chatting with each other.

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/23/18 02:09 AM

21 October 1914

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0821: We made an experimental run today. As part of the coordinated patrol plan No 3 Squadron will be covering the area from Diksmuide down to Bailleul. We started a run at 6,000 feet to avoid Archie fire, and slowly descended through the cloud cover to 2,500 feet. Nobody shot at us anyway, but the recommendation for now seems to be only flying on clear days, so we can be high enough to guarantee a safe run. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0842: Another patrol from the coast down to Diksmuide. 1 hour 1 minute."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0910: We have been set up in a rotation to patrol distinct areas, giving the maximum coverage possible. Our part of the lines is between Bailleul and Loos. We made our first flights in that role today. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0925: We've been transferred not for rest but to get us into the fight! High Command has organized a plan for squadrons to start flying patrols up and down the lines based on sector. Our patrol area is from Lens south to Arras. When we arrived on station there was an artillery exchange going on just to the north of us. We didn't get to watch as our patrol took us to the south. 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still fogged in. We had a couple more games today. Ltn Boelcke was back to watch, and had two more officers with him."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/25/18 01:01 AM

22 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0857: Flew once again from the coast to Diksmuide. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1010: Started our regular patrols today, Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Second patrol from our new field. Heavy artillery exchange west of Lens. Quiet around Arras. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1045: Patrolled from Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather turned good today, and we made good use of it. We all got to fly one patrol. The Boelcke brothers, in the other hand, flew five times, mainly because Hptm Wilhelm Boelcke was working with our artillery to develop better reporting techniques, without much luck. Our one patrol came in the mid-afternoon.
1428: Flew to Reims, the west along the lines to Verdun. 1 hour 35 minutes."

.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/25/18 02:15 AM

23 October 1914

The rain has returned to the Front, and once again the entire Flanders district is grounded. The Germans however are flying despite a light rain.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0717: Despite a light rain the visibility is good.Patrolled from Laon to Reims. 1 hour 41 minutes. The Boelcke brothers had success with the artillery today, guiding ours to destroy three enemy batteries."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/26/18 05:13 AM

24 October 1914

The Flanders district is still grounded due to the rain.

Meanwhile, at Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0912: Despite some haze we were able to get aloft for awhile. Patrolled from Verdun some way to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/26/18 02:22 PM

25 October 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1108: We were given a deep scouting raid, to Chalons, Epernay and Reims. Not much to see but a lot of fog on the ground. Lucky for us there was none when we took off. Luckier there was none when we landed. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Everything seems to be quiet on the Diksmuide run. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1202: Flew again today. Same route - Lens to Arras. Heavy artillery over the trenches beside Lens. Smaller barrage in the outskirts of Arras. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: 1202: Back flying. Diksmuide to Bailleul again. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1233: Back flying again. The assigned route - Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 23 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 10/30/18 03:59 PM

Sorry I've fallen behind on this. I like to fiddle, and Friday I tried to upgrade my computer and broke it instead. Replacement parts should be here tomorrow. I should be back online then and caught up in a few days. Meanwhile I'm posting from my local library.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/05/18 03:58 AM

Got my computer back yesterday. Very much upgraded processor and motherboard. I'm back in the game, as the saying goes.

October 26, 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1252: Another quiet run. Some artillery along the way, not aimed at us. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1321: Lens to Arras again. Fighting for Lens continues. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1335: Same patrol - Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1410: Patrolled Bailleul to Loos again. Not much going on. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover is too low for flying today. We could do it, but we would be too close to the ground fire. Hauptmann Wilhelm Boelcke has been awarded the Iron Cross, 1st class, and apparently this has caused some stress between him and the other officers. Our outdoor games continue."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/06/18 05:00 AM

27 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1427: Too much haze to really see anything, and no fighting to speak of. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1440: Heavy artillery battle outside Lens. No enemy troop movements. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1515: Fairly quiet today. Lots of haze and some fog. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Same run, Bailleul to Loos. Same result - quiet. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still too low a ceiling to stay safely above the ground fire. We had another couple games today, and Ltn Boelcke attended, with three other officers."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/07/18 05:06 AM

28 October 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0753: Mild rain showers. Quiet in our sector. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0825: Morning patrol today. Light rain. Sector still quiet. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1549: Quiet patrol. Lots of mist and fog up around Niewpoort. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1559: Some rain, but still flying. Much artillery fire all down the line. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover still keeping us down. We had a treat today. Ltn and Hptmn Boelcke both showed up, along with a couple of other officers I don't know, and asked if they could join us! Of course we said yes. Hptmn Boelcke and one other were on our team and Ltn Boelcke and the other officer were on the other team. Sad to say we lost both games. Still and all, it was a great change to our everyday pace. One almost hopes it stays this way for a few more days. Almost. Flying is still much more fun."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/08/18 09:11 PM

29 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0814: Routine patrol. Some artillery, no assaults. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0922: Hazy day. The only artillery was by Lens. 1 hour 7 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0934: Hazy day. Very little activity. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1009: Average patrol. Hazy. Not much going on. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded. Cloud cover has settled in, leaving us in haze and fog. Played a couple more games today, but without officers. The Boelcke brothers had business to take care of, and the others didn't show up without them. Starting to feel like we're going to live here forever, unless they transfer us to the infantry."

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/11/18 04:51 AM

30 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0938: Routine patrol. Nothing to report. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1043: Light haze. Fairly quiet. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1146: Nice day for flying. Some activity north of Poperinge. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1156: Another fairly quiet patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Weather is worse. Raining all day. No outdoor sports. Mostly playing cards and chatting, with some reading thrown in. The magazines we have are getting old."
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/12/18 02:29 AM

Glad you got your computer back, the whole war was put on hold biggrin
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/12/18 04:23 AM

Thanks. Now that my main obligation is completed (chronicling day-by-day events of the war) I should be able to get caught up.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/12/18 04:32 AM

31 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1103: Routine patrol. Some artillery along the lines. 1 hour 14 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1210: Beautiful day for flying! Much artillery between Loos and Lens, and some south of Arras. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1316: Hardly a cloud in the sky. A lot of artillery all up and down the line. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1336: Routine patrol. A bit of artillery in a couple of spots. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1347: Weather clear enough to fly, but just barely. Patrolled from Reims westward. Some activity, but not much. 1 hour 36 minutes. The Boelcke brothers are just about to depart to do some more testing of the Hauptmann's artillery-guidance system.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/13/18 07:53 AM

1 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1231: Wet, misty day. British shelling Germans east of Veurne. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1331: Nothing unusual to report. Misty weather, more artillery. 1 hour."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1453: Misty weather. Not as much fighting as yesterday. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1514: Misty day. Average patrol. Not much happening. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1537: Flew over to Verdun. Circled the city drawing flak, then came home again. 1 hour 38 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/14/18 03:12 PM

2 November 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0830: Long flight to the forest east of Compiegne. There is a large enemy battery there and they want some of our people to bomb it. Hptmn Straub and I spend some time marking The locations of the guns. 2 hours 51 minutes.

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0853: Cloudy, threatening rain. Some fighting along the front, but not much. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0929: Much the same as yesterday. Weather a little better. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1356: Weather a little better today. Not much activity. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1445: A little nicer today. Usual artiller exchange between Loos and Lens. 1 hour 15 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/18/18 06:38 AM

3 November 1014

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0814: Foggy today, but not so much we can't fly. Artillery back and forth all down the line. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1027: Some fog. Routine patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1109: Dreary, foggy day. Nothing much happening. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1135: Flew to Verdun again, then all the way down to Saint-Mihiel. Marked troop and battery positions for HQ. Flew home directly across enemy territory. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1521: Foggy day. Routine patrol. 1 hour 16 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/20/18 03:37 AM

4 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1014: After a test flight to check some control problems, we finally took off into a mild rain. Any worse and we won't be able to fly. It was hard to see the ground properly from our patrol flight, but everything seems to be normal. 7 minutes, then 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1206: Took off for patrol. Rain got bad, forced to turn back. 18 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes"1405: Forced to turn back because of rain. 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1515: Patrolled from Reims eastward along the lines. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Grounded today due to heavy rain."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/20/18 07:06 PM

5 November 1914

The entire Flanders region is once again grounded due to intense rain. Even the troops in the trenches are occupied with trying to stay dry and war, so fighting has almost completely stopped.

On the border between Marne and Verdun the weather is not so bad. From Pontfaverger Odis Först writes: "0802: Exploratory flight down to Chateau Thierry, then to Epernay and finally Reims. Patchy fog here and there. 2 hours 22 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/21/18 03:19 AM

6 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out. The area from Reims to Verdun is now covered by a heavy fog, so no one is flying there either.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/22/18 12:34 AM

7 November 1914

Yet again the entire front is either raining or foggy. No flying for me today.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/22/18 02:14 PM

8 September 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0952: The sun came out today. Flew the usual patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1137: Sunny day, routine patrol. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1238: Sky is clear for the most part. Back to our usual patrol. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1437: Weather much better. Usual patrol. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still fogged in today.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/22/18 10:24 PM

9 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out, and the area around Reims is still foggy, but the men of FFA 13 are getting things done.


Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The Boelcke brothers came to the field today to give us instruction on conducting spotting and communication with the artillery. They have already done so with the officer pilots,and now it is our turn. We spent three hours this morning going over procedures with Ltn Oswald Boelcke, then spent time with our own officer observers learning to follow flight paths as each one likes to conduct them. Finally we learned the most by standing in front of the crowd as if we were the instructors, and explaining to each other how it's done. As soon as the weather is good enough we'll be going up in groups and practicing with some officers from the artillery."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/23/18 04:45 AM

10 November 1914

Rain and fog everywhere. Nobody is flying today.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/24/18 05:11 AM

11 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0818: Misty day, but good enough for flying. Usual patrol. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Saint-Pol Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Rain has let up. Able to fly a patrol today. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1257: Slight rain showers. Same patrol as always. 1 Hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1414: Sky cleared enough for a patrol. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still grounded due to heavy fog."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/25/18 10:17 AM

12 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1007: Lovely day for flying. Sun, not a cloud to be seen anywhere. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1248: Nice flying weather. Routine patrol. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1422: Beautiful day! Standard Patrol – Loos to Arras. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1552: Last patrol of the day. The sun was close to setting when we took off. By the time we reached the start of our run it was getting dark. We couldn't see too well, but there was still some artillery firing. We landed by the light of the fire pots. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded, waiting for the fog to lift."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 11/29/18 07:25 PM

13 November 1914

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1031: Morning patrol this time. Overcast, occasional rain. Routine. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1039: Today it was our turn. The fog had lifted somewhat, so the Boelcke brothers flew over to their favorite artillery unit to inform them that the enlisted pilots were ready for flight training. They arrived at our field around 0900 and explained exactly what we would be doing. At 0930 they departed for the field where we would be conducting our exercise. We didn't have to know anything about the flag signals. We only had to follow the directions of our officer-observers. The operation lasted all day, and our total time over three flights was 2 hours 26 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1149: Heavily overcast but dry. Routine patrol. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1417: Overcast, some rain. Usual patrol, nothing to report. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1550: Late afternoon patrol in the rain. Returned to field just after dark. 1 hour 6 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/01/18 02:44 PM

14 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0911: Much nicer weather today. Big artillery battle west of Lens. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1212: Routine patrol. Light scattered clouds. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1319: Got to try out our new job today. We circled an enemy battery near Reims for some time guiding our fire onto their guns. We weren't exactly accurate, but it was good exercise and we got a good close-up view of the action. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1338: Another lovely day. Standard patrol. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1547: Last patrol of the day. Not much to see. Returned to field after dark. 1 hour 19 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/01/18 09:54 PM

15 November 1914

Yet another rainstorm sweeps across the Flanders front, grounding everything.

Down at Verdun the story is much the same, except that the cause is the perennial fog returning again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/02/18 11:30 AM

16 November 1914

The rain and fog continue as everyone waits for a chance to fly again. With winter here it that chance does not appear to be good.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/02/18 07:02 PM

17 November 1914

Still bad weather all over the front.
Posted By: Hentzau

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/03/18 02:23 AM

I wouldn't have pointed you over here if I'd known you were going to take a break from your 1/72nd wargame modeling thread. Just kidding. lol Enjoy! S!
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/03/18 04:25 AM

Unfortunately I haven't built anything in almost three years. The good new is that the '100 Years' research, which was what really tied me up, is minimal now.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/03/18 04:26 AM

18 November 1914

Another day and still no one is flying.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/04/18 01:57 AM

19 November 1914

Still the bad weather goes on. Soldiers are fighting in ankle-deep mud and aeroplanes can't take off in those conditions.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/04/18 04:28 AM

20 November 1914

The world is still wet and miserable.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/07/18 01:51 PM

Sorry I haven't posted in four days, but I was in the hospital for eye surgery. Not that it matters; as of November 21 1914 it was still raining and foggy everywhere.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/10/18 04:44 AM

22 November 1914

The sun has come out over Flanders, and the pilots in that area are once more flying their usual patrols. Nothing exciting is happening, though, and everything is routine.

North of Verdun the Germans are still locked in fog.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/10/18 02:03 PM

23 November 1914

After one day's flying the rain and fog return, and everyone is once again grounded.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/11/18 08:09 PM

24 November 1914

The sun comes out, kinda sorta, and all too briefly, but the Flanders crowd are able to get into the air one more time.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0801 Transferred to Gonneham. 50 minutes." (from Saint-Omer)

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Overcast skies. Heavy gusts over patrol area. Wondered a coupld of times whether we were going to make it back home. Make it we did, however, and landed in drizzling rain. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1150: Took off into a light rain shower. Normal patrol. Hit by machine-gun fire over Arras. Minor damage only. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Gonneham
Ries Meismer writes: "1530: Followed No 3 Sqdn to Gonneham. 36 minutes." (from Saint-Omer Extension)

Meanwhile at Pontfaverger FFA 13 is still grounded by fog.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/12/18 03:08 AM

25 November 1914

After one day of flying the rain and fog return. Again no one is flying.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/12/18 07:33 PM

26 November 1914

Nothing has changed. The entire region is still either rained out or fogged in.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/14/18 03:57 AM

27 November 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0905: From our new field it's a bit further to reach our starting point, but closer to the finish. Routine patrol. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0920: First flight out of new field. Much shorter flight time to patrol area. Clipped a hedge on landing. Tore off landing gear and wrecked plane. I don't know which is worse - coming so close to crashing or being put on report for carelessness. 54 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1017: Sun came out. Set out on routine patrol. Engine started acting up. Made it back to base 47 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1223; Got to fly today. Routine patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Pontfaverger
FFA 13 is grounded by the fog for the 13th day in a row.
Posted By: Ace_Pilto

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/14/18 08:41 AM

Are you using mission editor to gather the information for these reports?
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/15/18 02:11 PM

No, I just fly the mission in Quick Combat and record it in my personal logs. I've assigned each of my pilots a section of the trenches to patrol, and that's all I'm doing right now. I hadn't even thought of the mission editor.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/15/18 02:25 PM

28 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Nice day. Very quite over the lines - no artillery at all. 1 hour 6 minutes. I've been promoted to Sergent!"

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1043: Routine patrol. Nothing happening. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Clear sky. Routine patrol. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "I've been grounded for two weeks. My time is to be spent studying procedures for a week, then helping the mechanics."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Two straight weeks of fog now."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/16/18 06:33 AM

29 November 1914

The situation becomes somewhat reversed, with rain once again covering the Flanders area, but now Pontfaverger sees a rare day with high overcast but no fog. However...

Odis Först writes: "1552: Fog lifted. No patrols, but everybody got in a little flying time, some more than others. We were barely airborne when the engine started running rough. Our first time to fly in two weeks and we only got 15 minutes in!"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/16/18 03:00 PM

30 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Got to fly again today. Routine patrol. Very little fighting going on. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0935: Sun came out. Routine patrol. Some fighting south of Arras. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Exciting time today. It stopped raining. Took off at 1222 into a light fog. No sooner had we left the ground than the BE started to roll to the right. The angle was too steep to set ;her down again. At an altitude of about fifty feet we turned right towards the hangars. The plane kept turning to the right and I was able to apply enough rudder to get her on the ground again. We were both pretty shaken up. It turned out that one of the control wires had worked loose and the mechanics had somehow failed to spot it.

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "Third day on the ground. It's harder today, as the weather has cleared enough for everyone to fly. Except me."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The clouds are still high and the fog is gone. Only trouble is, now it's raining."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/16/18 11:29 PM

1 December 1914

The weather has closed in again. Ground fighting on the Western Front goes on in the rain and mud, while the air squadrons are grounded throughout the region.
Posted By: JJJ65

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/17/18 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Sailor_Steve
No, I just fly the mission in Quick Combat and record it in my personal logs. I've assigned each of my pilots a section of the trenches to patrol, and that's all I'm doing right now. I hadn't even thought of the mission editor.

Interesting. And how do you generate enemy air activity?
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/18/18 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by JJJ65
Interesting. And how do you generate enemy air activity?

I don't. I just fly patrols up and down the lines. None of my pilots has yet seen an enemy aeroplane.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/18/18 02:28 AM

2 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0950: Got another patrol in. Quite a bit of artillery all down the line. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1058: Gloomy day, but good enough to fly. Still fighting south of Arras. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1256: Able to fly again today. Standard patrol. 1 hour 23 minutes. Late in the afternoon we received a new delivery - a French type Morane-Saulnier, a two-seat parasol aircraft. If the weather we will be taking turns flying this new machine."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "Day five on report. The rain has lessened and the boys are flying again."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The rain has worsened. it's blowing up a gale."
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/18/18 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by Sailor_Steve
Originally Posted by JJJ65
Interesting. And how do you generate enemy air activity?

I don't. I just fly patrols up and down the lines. None of my pilots has yet seen an enemy aeroplane.


Makes sense as its so early in the war
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/20/18 01:41 PM

3 December 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1124: Gloomy, wet, gusty day. High winds blowing us all over the place. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1222: Gloomy weather. Standard patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1433: Routine patrol except for the part where we were hit by machine gun fire. No serious damage but still something to worry about. 1 hour 24 minutes."
Posted By: Ace_Pilto

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/20/18 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Sailor_Steve
Originally Posted by JJJ65
Interesting. And how do you generate enemy air activity?

I don't. I just fly patrols up and down the lines. None of my pilots has yet seen an enemy aeroplane.

Is ol' Stevo in the club yet? If not, he is prime cricket bat material. If so, sorry, it's hard to tell who's who when there are three of everyone.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/21/18 07:01 PM

4 December 1914

Yet again the entire region is enveloped in driving rain. Nobody is flying today.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/22/18 02:19 AM

5 December 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0913: Rainy patrol. No fighting going on anywhere. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1252: Raining still, but not quite enough to stop us. Sector quiet today. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1349: Patrol in the rain. No activity at all. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "Eighth day on restriction. Squadron is flying again."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Weather has turned nasty. Blowing wet snow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/22/18 05:49 PM

6 December 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1050: Skies clearing. Some artillery near Passchendaele and heavy fighting around Messines. 1 hour 22 minutes.

1426: My turn to take the Morane up today. After one last lesson on using the "blip" switch and a warning on the machine's quirks, I was off. All the descriptions and warnings in the world don't tell you how much the plane wants to fly to the left. Constant right rudder and working of the stick are required just to maintain a straight course. The French gauges don't help either. I did one circuit of the aerodrome and a touch-and-go. A second circuit and I landed too far to the left, right towards some trees. I didn't quite touch down when I decided that breaking off now might be a good idea. I climbed out and circled the field again. This time the ground crew were waving a red flag, meaning that my landing should be final. I brought the machine in safely, thinking I might be in trouble. Actually they wanted me out of the sky to avoid confusion. A pilot from Paris brought us a second Parasol! If the weather holds I
should have twice the opportunity now to practice on the new aeroplane. 17 minutes."

Saint -Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1425: Nice day for a flight. Big artillery exchange near Nieuwpoort. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1518: Partly cloudy. Some artillery around Athies and Arras. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Ninth day on restriction. Squadron is flying again.12/6/14 Ninth day on restriction. Lovely day out today. Quite cold, but partly clear. Watching the boys fly is getting harder and harder. Capt Wimund came to visit today. He actually apologized for not making it sooner, but he's been busy flying with another pilot. He says he doesn't hold the accident against me at all. It could have happened to any of us. No 3 Sqdn has a new pair of aeroplanes – a pair of Morane parasols. The second one arrived today. They've been taking turns getting used to the new machines. I wonder if we'll get something similar soon."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still snowing."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/23/18 05:47 AM

7 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0948: Much nicer today. Constant artillery all down the line. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1258: More time in the Morane. Some more touch-and-goes. 22 Minutes.

1352: Took off for patrol. Engine quit over Houthulst Forest. Tried to turn back to Ypres. Couldn't clear the trees. No injuries sustained in the crash, but the BE is stuck up in the tree and we both fell while climbing down. Capt Williamson and I will both be in hospital for at least a week. Flight time 29 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1600: Another nice day. Some artillery, but not as much as yesterday. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Tenth day on restriction."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The snow has lightened, but is still coming down."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/23/18 03:08 PM

8 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0930: Beautiful day for flying. Some fighting near Diksmuide. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1113: Beautiful day. Very heavy fighting opposite Lens. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Captain Williamson and I are in a military wing of a small hospital in Ypres. Yesterday evening the doctor told me that I had sprained my ankle and would be able to walk out in four days. The Captain is a little worse off. He twisted his hip and is lucky it's not broken. He will be here for a week at least, and maybe on crutches for a few days after that."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Eleventh day on restriction. I have kept busy helping the adjutant organize reports, and try not to think about the fellows up flying on this beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky."


Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The air has warmed up somewhat. The snow has turned to rain again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/23/18 07:58 PM

9 December 1914

The rain has returned again, and air squadrons all over the front try to occupy themselves with different ways to fight the boredom.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/24/18 07:39 AM

10 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1108: Routine patrol. Another lovely day. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1240: The sun is back. Routine patrol. South of Lens the engine started giving off a horrible screeching sound. We managed to find a nearby airfield. Their mechanics determined that we had a bearing going bad. It should be repaired tomorrow. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Official Report: "Sergeant Ries Meismer was killed in a landing accident today, at 1253 hours.After twelve days on restriction for a prior landing accident, Sgt Meismer was practicing take-offs and landings when on approach to the field and apparently watching the low hedge that caused his crash on the 27th November he became distracted and flew straight into a tree. The family, of Launceston, Cornwall, UK, will be notified."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Second day a Ypres. Captain Williamson and I had a good long talk about the future of The War and Aerial Reconnaissance. I'm hobbling around with a cane but feeling better quickly."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We had a clear day today. We didn't do any flying, but Ltn Boelcke received a brand-new Fokker two-seat monoplane from the factory, courtesy of Lt Parschau, Herr Fokker's leading trainer. We all turned out to watch him give his fellow officers a ride. The machine is unusual in that its seats are side-by-side rather than fore-and-aft."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/24/18 05:05 PM

11 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1239: Light fog up to 400 metres. Usual patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1406; The usual patrol. Misty weather, a little fog. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Third day in Ypres. Ankle is much better. Captain Williamson managed to walk from his bed to the privy, leaning on a nurse."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather is good enough to fly but Hauptmann Streccius had a planning meeting involving all the observers, and they were discussing plans for the Unit most of the day."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/25/18 02:48 PM

12 December 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0922: Moderately clear day. Hptm Streccius had us up practicing, re-learning our flying skills. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: 1418: Partial overcast, 300 metres, mainly over the lines. Couldn't see a thing. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1534: Heavy overcast made it seem later than it was. Routine patrol, returning home in the dark. The artillery duel in the dark was quite beautiful. Finding the field was easy enough. Judging the altitude for landing was not. Still, we made it down safely. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This morning Capt Williamson and I had a discussion of what I should do next – remain here with him while he recovers or return to base. He was of the opinion that I should return and get as Much time in on the new Moranes as possible. He wrote a note to that effect and then sent a cable to Gonneham to have a car sent for me. It arrived shortly before lunchtime and by 1600 hours I was back in my cot at the aerodrome. I'm walking quite well now and should be able to fly tomorrow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/27/18 02:42 PM

13 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0859: A little fog, low overcast. Routine patrol. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1442: Because I wasn't part of the regular rotation learning to fly the new Moranes I had to wait all day for my turn. I finally got off late in the afternoon. Still I managed to fly a good turn around area and land just before dark. 1 hour 11 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1536: Another night patrol. How I hate these things. Take off right at dusk, the sun is completely gone when you reach your patrol line. Can't see anything except for the occasional artillery, and then have to land in the dark. The fire-pots are lit, but judging distance is still difficult. Crossed the 100-hours mark. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Just when we're ready to go on patrol, it starts snowing again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/29/18 02:24 AM

14 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Straight from last patrol of one day to first patrol of the next. High winds aloft, lots of clouds, some rain here and there. Last night's barrage has ceased and the sector is fairly quiet. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0907: Today they had me take off first, but only gave me a limited amount of time. 18 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1053: Heavy overcast, some rain. Massive artillery duel near Lens. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded by the snow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/29/18 09:34 PM

15 December 1916

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0940: Was allowed more time in the Morane today. Took it up to 3,000 metres. 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0947: Good day for flying. Broken clouds. Not much happening. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1214: Sky is fairly clear Much artillery around Lens and Arras. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Pontfaverger
FFA 13 is still snowed in.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/30/18 04:09 AM

16 December 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1006: Gorgeous day! Hptm Streccius only allowed us to practice again. 41 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1033: More time in the Morane. Flew up to St. Omer and back. 53 minutes. Capt Williamson is back. If he's feeling fit enough we fly again tomorrow. We lost one of our new Moranes today. Sgt Bodley had a mishap. He is fortunately unharmed, but the machine is only good for engine parts.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1122: Beautiful day. Good patrol, though fairly quiet. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1344: Beautiful day. The artillerists think so too. Lots of fighting. 1 hour 17 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 12/30/18 08:42 PM

17 December 1914

Once again the entire region is rainy and snowy, and no one is flying. There is not much ground activity either.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/03/19 03:01 PM

18 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: High clouds. No rain. Not much fighting. Routine patrol. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Northolt, Britain
Dugan Vystavel is the new pilot I've created to replace the lost Ries Meismer. He hails from a tiny village in New Zealand called Okato. He came to Britain for advanced studies in science and mathematics in November 1913, and due to his aptitude in those fields he was taken into the army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He immediately started learning to fly on his own, and now has many hours in Bleriots and Boxkites. He has spent his first few months in the army studying the principles of photography. Now he has been taken into flight school. Because of his previous experience and new field of study he is earmarked to be rushed through training on the BE.2 and thence to No 4 Squadron at Saint-Omer where pioneering work is being done in the field of aerial photography.
Dugan Vystavel's first log entry: "0815: First solo flight. 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1133: Good enough to fly again. Long practice flight getting ready for action again. 1 hour 49 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1141: No sooner had Capt Williamson and I taken off for our first patrol in a week than the controls jammed. We made a stuttering circle of the field. I managed to put her down on the field, but the plane wouldn't level off. We snagged the left wing and then nosed over. Neither of us was harmed but yet another BE has been written off as a total wreck. 13 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1251: Another clear day, with a few random clouds. Quiet again. 1 hour 17 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/05/19 01:00 AM

19 December 1914

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0845: Touch and goes plus a little fly around the area. 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0937: Hazy day. Ordinary patrol. Very quiet. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1208: The machine we have today seems to be holding together alright. The patrol was quiet. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1422; Late afternoon patrol. Returned home just before sunset. All quiet. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Fog has moved in again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/05/19 09:33 PM

20 December 1914

Northern Europe has been het by a massive storm. It's raining everywhere - even in England.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/06/19 01:41 PM

21 December 1914
The storm continues over Northern Europe.

Around London the weather has cleared somewhat, and training squadrons are flying again.
At Northolt Dugan Vystavel writes: "0936: Captain Johnson took us on a long flight around London, looking for landmarks and taking notes. It was my first extended flight since joining the Army. 2 hours 17 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/06/19 07:14 PM

22 December 1914

The entirety of Norther Europe is either raining or fogged in again. There is no aerial activity.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/06/19 11:26 PM

23 December 1914

Yet another day of rain, snow and fog across the front. This winter is becoming boring and depressing.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/07/19 04:54 AM

24 December 1914

Flanders is still in the midst of a storm, but there is flight training in England and the Verdun area has received a brief reprieve.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Hptm Streccius took advantage of the good weather to send us on real patrols for the first time in more than a month. Because of our experience there Hptm Straub and I were assigned a long range patrol down to Epernay and back. We encountered quite a bit of enemy flak but they weren't remotely accurate. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1210: Nice day, if a little hazy. Captain Johnson led us on another flight over London. Our last flight he had us write down landmarks. Today he had us circle over the landmarks as soon as we saw them. I wasn't the first on any of them. 1 hour 21 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/09/19 09:56 AM

25 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0911: Hazy Christmas day, but we can fly. Routine patrol. Absolutely silent along the front. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Late yesterday afternoon, after all the flying was done, the officers threw a nice Christmas Eve party for the enlisted men. After it was over we enlisted all moved to one of the hangars and continued until late into the night. At that same time the officers held their own party, so everyone was very merry for Christmas Day. This day brought us very nice flying weather, so we all had a job to do despite theholiday. We didn't mind. With the weather we've been having any day like this one is welcome.
1012: Hptmn Straub and I were assigned to fly due west to a "hot" section west of Guignicourt. It wasn't so hot after all, as the artillery seemed to be taking a break and the infantry didn't seem inclined to move at all. We circled the area and came home again. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1107: Patrolling on Christmas Day. Very quiet, no activity at all. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1338: Usual patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1353: Captain Johnson gave me a map with certain points marked on it and instructions to follow them. I flew alone eastward to central London, then north to Baldock, southwest to Luton, west to Reading, southeast to Guilford, northwest to Woking and then back to Northolt. He knew I would not be landing until after dark, and I knew that I might crash and die on Christmas Day. I managed to get down safely. 2 hours 57 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/11/19 02:27 AM

26 December 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0815: Foggy day, but we flew anyway. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0906: Fairly nice day. Long flight directly across London to Southend, then back up to Chelmsford, over to Harlow, up to St. Albans then back to Northolt. 2 hours 17 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1043: Took off from Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer for our new home at Roesbrugge. 43 minutes later we were there. It is a very nice field with several finely-ground gravel pathways to land on, all clearly marked out with a great building for us to live in, with rooms even for the mechanics."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1233: Grey hazy day. Normal patrol. Some activity, but not much. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Gloomy fog, overcast, raining, not flying."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/11/19 07:47 PM

27 December 1914

The rain has returned over norther Europe, especially at Pontfaverger where it is being driven by gale-force winds.

At Dover, on the English coast, Dugan Vystavel writes: "Last night Captain Johnson informed me that the squadrons were desperately in need of pilots, and due to my prior flying experience, totaling forty hours, my ten hours in the BE should be enough. I packed my bags and went to bed, and at 0800 this morning a car took me to the train station in London. The 1030 train to Dover saw me at the airfield there by noon. There I met three other new airmen in a similar situation. We will spend the night here and take the morning ferry to Calais, then a train to No 4 Squadron at Saint-Omer. I'll be starting the new year in a front-line combat squadron.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/12/19 05:24 PM

28 December 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0949: Another routine patrol. Some fighting along the way, but not much. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1356: Clear skies today. Just a few clouds. Routine patrol. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1139: First patrol from our new field. A little further to the coast but a lot closer to home at the south end of the patrol. Fairly quiet along the front. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "After a night's sleep and a good breakfast we were driven to the docks. Caught the 1000 ferry across the Channel. Docked at Calais at 1053. Caught the train at 1207 to Saint-Omer. No 4 Sqdn now has four new pilots. We begin our orientation tomorrow morning at 0800."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "A driving gale with accompanying rain is moving through our part of the world. We are once again grounded.:"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/13/19 12:47 AM

29 December 1914

And again the entire front is closed down due to rainstorms everywhere.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/13/19 11:25 AM

30 December 1914

The wind and rain are still with us, but two pilots are having an interesting time of it.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1155: The storm has moved on – for the day. We made a reconaissance flight over Verdun, and then down the lines. 1 hour 46 minutes."


Saint Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "We were taken to a wooden hangar with a BE in the middle, and men working on various mountings to allow the plane to carry a camera. We were told that if we were interested we could become part of this new section, working on taking accurate photographs from the air. All four of us volunteered on the spot. This is something completely new and most interesting. We would report here at 0800 every day for study, except for days when we would also be flying regular patrols."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/14/19 08:51 PM

31 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Gloomy weather, but flyable. Only a little artillery along the way. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Gloomy, overcast, but flyable. Routine patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0821: Heavy overcast. We four "fledglings" were assigned to explore the area. Since we lack aircraft two of us were flying and two riding along. I was observer on this flight, which took us west to Boulogne-Sur-Mer then up the coast to Calais and Dunkirk, then back to Saint-Omer.
1317: After lunch it was my turn to fly. Our directions had us heading south to Bruges, then to Hesdin. From there we ran north to Boulogne then east back to Saint-Omer. In all it was in interesting and informative couple of flights, and helped with our navigation skills. 1 hour 41 minutes for my flight. "Riding along" doesn't count."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1120: Dark, overcast, gloomy day. Not much fighting going on. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The rain is back. No flying today."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/16/19 03:52 AM

1 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Gloomy again, heavily overcast. Hardly any fighting. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0816: Some sun, mostly clouds. Silent along the front. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0933: Fairly clear up over the coast. Quiet patrol, little fighting. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1031: The longest flight I've ever taken. Major Reynolds, the squadron commander, laid out a course for me and came along for the ride. We flew from Saint-Omer west to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, then northeast to Gravelines. From there we went south to Hesdin, then Abbeville. Turning east we flew to Amiens, then north to Doullens and finally home. Major Reynolds then told me I was qualified to start flying patrols. 3 hours 35 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still rained out.."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/17/19 12:28 AM

2 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0943: Fairly clear. Routine patrol. Almost no fighting. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0952: They had us fly the Morane today. I have to be careful. We've already lost one, and this is the only one we have left. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Routine patrol. Quite windy aloft. Massive artillery exchange near Niewpoort. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1415: Captain Mapplebeck and Lt Theobald took me on my first patrol of the lines. It's quite a way east from here. My assigned observer is Capt Landon Richard – or rather I should say I'm his assigned Chauffer. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The rain has stopped, but it's too windy to take off or land."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/19/19 12:30 AM

3 January 1915

The rain has started in Flanders again. No one is flying anywhere.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/19/19 05:37 PM

4 January 1915

The rain continues over the entire region. Everyone is still grounded.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/20/19 03:32 AM

5 January 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0815: My old friend Robbie Reinard and I have been assigned to make the first flight to Paris to pick up our new Morane parasols. Patchy fog on the ground, but we got off all right. We arrived at Le Bourget at 0956, after a flight of 1 hours 41 minutes.
1010: Took off from Le Bourget in our new Moranes for the return trip. Arrived back at Gonneham at 1212 after a flight of 2 hours 2 minutes. There was plenty of time for the riggers to fit the pintels to mount the machine gun. When next we fly we will be fully armed."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0924: Accompanied Captain Mapplebeck's plane on an artillery-spotting mission near Liévin. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1109: Patchy fog. No activity. Had to land in the fog. Not fun. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1216: Routine patrol. Patchy fog. Heavy artillery near Diksmuide. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The wind has died down. It is, however, still raining."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/21/19 03:58 AM

6 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0845: Robbie and I flew again together. Since we have the only armed machines in the squadron we were assigned to orbit an enemy airfield near Douai for awhile to see what happened. Nothing did. Meanwhile two more of our fellows went down to Paris to pick up their new Moranes, and now we have four! 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1005: Followed Capt Mapplebeck on another artillery spot, this time near Ledegen. Forced down by engine trouble. Landed near the lines. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1230: Clear day. Routine patrol. Little activity. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Our new Kommandant, Hptm Ludwig Schäfer, arrived today. Hptm Streccius was due to depart on the 1st but put off leaving until he could show the new leader around.
1304: Assigned to accompany Ltn Boelcke on a Photo mission. I'm not sure what happened, but I managed to crash on take-off. Neither Hptm Straub nor I were injured, and the machine received only minor damage and will be ready to fly tomorrow. I received a stern warning. To top it off the other two machines couldn't find the target. Not a good way to greet the new Kommandant. I understand that Ltn Boelcke is upset he wasn't allowed to fly with his brother this time, but it was pointed out that Hptm Boelcke is not qualified on the camera. Hopefully the next mission will be better."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1354: Beautiful sunny winter day. Routine patrol. Heavy artillery near Zerkegem. Engine failed over Diksmuide. Managed to set it down safely on our side of the lines. 44 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/21/19 12:14 PM

7 January 1915

Winter drags on as the rain returns and the Western Front is grounded again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/21/19 06:17 PM

8 January 1915

Across the Front it is still raining, storming and foggy.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/23/19 12:40 PM

9 January 1915

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "We were told yesterday that on the first clear day we would be moving again – back to Verdun! We’re going home! It looks like the weather will be good enough tomorrow, so we made our preparations to fly early. They want us moving in the dark so as to keep our whereabouts concealed from any possible prying enemy eyes.
0513: We took off well before dawn, and headed south-south-east. Capitaine Provillard had arranged that after each turn he made he would fire a flare to let us know where he was. Over Compiegne we headed due south to stay well away from the lines. Near Soissons we turned east-southeast for awhile, then due east to Verdun. We arrived there with perfect timing, about twenty minutes after the sun rose. I’m horrified to see what has become of the city in the three months we’ve been gone. The enemy artillery has smashed the north side into rubble. The rest of the town looks okay, but it’s a real shock seeing our first home town in such a state. 3 hours 9 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0807: Accompanied Capt Mapplebeck on a photo-recce mission over Ledegen. 2 hours 9 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1015: Took off to accompany Capt Corwin and Lt Robert on a photo mission. Engine started spewing oil as we were circling for altitude. I put her down safely just half a mile from Merville. The other plane completed the mission safely alone. It will be a couple of days before our plane can be hauled back to Gonneham and repaired. 10 minutes.

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1453: Routine patrol. Once again I had the last flight of the day. Landed just before sunset.1 hour 6 minutes."

Pontfaverger is still fogged in.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/23/19 11:24 PM

10 January 1915

Once again the weather has closed in, and pilots all over the front sit and wait.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/24/19 03:35 AM

11 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1020: Flew with Capt Mapplebeck on an artillery spot over Passchendaele. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Routine patrol. Partly cloudy. Little activity. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "No sooner did we return to Verdun than we were beset by fog. Now we've been sitting for two days. I'm starting to wonder why we came back here."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Good weather, but engine still not repaired."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "This is our fifth straight day of fog. It's hard to tell there's a war on except for the occasional dispatch.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/25/19 05:18 AM

12 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0800: No special operations today. Routine patrol. Perfect weather. Big artillery battle all up and down the line. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Another routine patrol. Cloudless sky. Very little fighting. 58 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0951: Finally another clear day!. Recon patrol over Sillery then up to Reims. 1 hour 11 minutes.:"

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1000: My first solo patrol, from Armentieres to Neuve-Chapelle. Heavy artillery fire around Lille. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1251: The sky is clear today. We are assigned a reconnaissance mission over Grandpré. Took some damage crossing the lines on the return trip. 1 hour 11 minutes. Our new machines started arriving today – The Farman F.20."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/25/19 01:28 PM

13 January 1915

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0929: Routine patrol. Light rain. Some artillery opposite Niewpoort. 59 minutes. We are told that the next day of clear weather we are moving back to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0947: Took off in a light rain for a routine patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1149: Second solo patrol, this time in the rain. Still, visibility was fair, and we made it home with no trouble. 1 hour 30 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Foggy today, with a little bit of snow. No flying."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is back again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/26/19 03:02 AM

14 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0823: Did my own Artillery Support mission today, with Capt Cottrell doing the spotting. We were accompanied by Robbie Reinard and Lt Ness. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1043: MS 26 transferred back to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer. As nice as Roesbrugge was, this feels like coming home. 37 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1339: Saw my first taste of combat today. I was leader of a flight of three planes on a mission to bomb a German rail yard. My observer was Lt Ronald Jefferson. The other two planes were manned by Sgt Crowe and Lt Winfrey, and Sgt White and Capt Fletcher. They say we caused some damage, but I don't know how they could tell. 2 hours 16 minutes.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us, just like always."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/26/19 02:31 PM

15 January 1915

Winter has moved in again with its attendant rain, snow and fog.


16 January 1915

It's still stormy everywhere.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/26/19 10:42 PM

17 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0829: Accompanied 2nd Lts Newbury and Webb on a photo mission over the trenches near Pozieres. 2 hours 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0903: Accompanied Capt Mapplebeck on an artillery mission near Neuve-Chapelle. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1136: Beautiful day! Routine patrol. 1 hour 18 minutes."

The Verdun region is still covered in fog and rain.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/27/19 04:08 AM

18 January 1915

The rain is again falling on Flanders, but the Verdun area has cleared up, if only for a day.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0803: Clear enough to fly. Deep reconnaissance past Reims. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1417: Overcast but dry. Short patrol over the lines near Varennes-en-Argonne. 39 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/27/19 04:46 PM

19 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0801: Flying the standard patrol today. Much of the front lines obscured by low clouds. Just approaching Diksmuide when the engine started rattling and spewing oil again. Managed to set it down in a field near Ypres. They sent a lorry for the plane and us in the afternoon, and by dinner we were back at Gonneham.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1000: Patrolled the lines again. Some artillery all down the line. Partly cloudy. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1308: Routine patrol. Little activity. Scattered clouds, sometimes blocking view of ground. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rain has set in. Impossible to fly."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The high winds are back, and have brought rain with them."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/29/19 03:51 AM

20 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1300: Standard patrol. Mostly quiet. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1448: Routine patrol. No activity apparent, but view often blocked by low clouds. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still raining today."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The wind and rain are still with us."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "My plane is being repaired again. The engine is a total shambles, so they're putting in a different one. Hopefully this one will hold together."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/29/19 10:17 PM

21 January 1915

Winter sets in again and everyone is grounded.


22 January 1915

The winter is still here, and everyone is still bored and sulking.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/31/19 04:14 AM

23 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0814: Sky clearing. Routine patrol. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0823: Scouting patrol over Loos with Capt Mapplebeck and Lt Burr. 2 hours 1 minute."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Accompanied Lts Newbury and Ness on an Artillery mission. Engine ran well. 1 hour 49 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0905: Clear enough to fly. Ltn Müller and Hptm Liezka led Ltn Boelcke and Oberltn Bertram and Myself with Hptm Straub on a long test flight. Once we had checked out our machines we were free to do as we wished, and Ltn Müller wished to stay aloft as long as possible. We didn't stay up all that long, returning before we had used half our fuel. Everyone has noticed that the Boelcke brothers aren't flying together anymore. We all wonder why, but nobody dares ask. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1510: Beautiful day, except for the freezing part. Quick patrol over the lines. 59 minutes"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 01/31/19 07:38 PM

24 January 1915

Flanders is washed out again, but Verdun is livable for the second day in a row.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0925: Flew down to Commery, then up the lines to Saint-Mihiel. Over Saint-Mihiel we were hit in the engine by a round from the DCA. We managed to land safely near a village and call for help. 54 minutes in the air."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1028: Ltn Boelcke led Lt Müller and me on a scouting mission over the lines near Verdun. The weather was quite misty, but we had no trouble seeing the enemy positions. I had some motor troubles on the way home, and it cut out entirely as we were circling to land. We made it down safely but hard. The Aviatik will be ready again in two days. There is a spare I can use until then, so no time will be lost on my part. 1 hour 43 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/02/19 06:39 AM

25 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0900: Heavy overcast. Standard patrol from Hooge to Neuve-Chapelle. Heavy fire near Messines. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0901: Routine solo patrol. Passchendaele to Hooge. 1 hour 18 minutes. Passed the 20-hour mark in the Morane."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0947: Routine patrol. Not much going on. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "The weather has turned foggy."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog has settled in again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/02/19 06:13 PM

26 January 1915

The entire front is rained out again.


27 January 1915

The rain and fog continue.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/03/19 04:31 AM

28 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0904: Accompanied Lts Carlson and Webb on an Artillery spot up by Passchendaele. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1004: Led a scouting mission over the German aerodrome at Phalempin, with Sgt Crowe and 2nd Lt Stewart accompanying. Captain Mapplebeck flew above us watching for the enemy. My observer this flight was Capt Buckingham. 2 hours 15 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Some high clouds, but mostly clear. Routine patrol. Some fire near the coast. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. I’m beginning to wonder why we came back here. At least at Saint-Pol we were flying most of the time."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes nothing, but is still grounded.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/04/19 02:16 AM

29 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1008: Artillery Spot near Miramont, with Lts Cruikshank and Webb. 1 hour 39 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1105: Took off to lead an Artillery mission with Lt Crowe following Suffered an engine failure and forced to land. Lt Crow managed to complete the mission. 18 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1246: Routine Patrol High overcast. Some artillery near the coast. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Verdun is still fogged in.
Posted By: Polovski

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/04/19 03:26 PM

Sailor_Steve if these are in Quick Combat then you will never meet an enemy if you have set it to Freeflight too? Or is that the idea?
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/06/19 03:56 AM

Yes, that's the idea. It's now February 1915 and though there have been shootdowns in real life they are still few and far between. Franz and Quenault scored the first ever shootdown on October 5th. A few more by the French followed. Richard Flashar and Demuth got the first German "kill" one month later, on November 5th. Louis Strange and Francis Small made the first British downing on November 22nd and Adolphe Pegoud and his observer Le Rendu scored their alleged 'hat-trick', shooting down a Taube and two Aviatiks one hundred and four years ago today, on February 5th, 1915. They all had guns mounted themselves and deliberately went hunting. For my poor pilots just flying patrols is excitement enough. I'm just now reaching the point where the Game Campaigns are kicking in, so it shouldn't be too long before they start seeing some real action.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/06/19 04:01 AM

30 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0801: Went with Capt Mapplebeck on a scouting mission. Hit by Archie – no serious damage. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1120: Trench photography near Lens, with Maj Salmond. Big push by the Germans. 1 hour 23 minutes"

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1423: Routine patrol. Took a newcomer in tow to show him the route – Cpl Roman Becquerel. 1 hour 29 minutes."

The Verdun area is still totally grounded.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/07/19 02:17 AM

31 January 1915

Once again the weather closes in and the region is rained out.


1 February 1915

Flanders is still pouring rain. Verdun is still fogged in.


2 February 1915

Nothing has changed. Everything is still grounded.
Posted By: rtoolooze262

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/07/19 01:23 PM

So far most of the war has been a battle against the weather
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/08/19 02:10 AM

3 February 1915

Most of the Front is still washed out.

In Wilhelmshaven a new pilot begins his career. Alongside the Zeppelin sheds where he has been training the last several weeks, Leutnant Lennart Jarman Altendorf makes his first solo flight.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/08/19 02:03 PM

4 February 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Still raining, but not enough to deter us. Photo mission with Lts Newbury and Webb. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0909: Rain is slightly less. Able to fly. Routine patrol. Not much happening. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0911: Hptm Podalski took each of us on a flight in turns, assessing our skills. 38 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Followed Capt Mapplebeck and Lt Crowe on a scouting mission over Haubourdin. 2 hours 15 minutes."

Verdun is still covered in fog.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/09/19 04:18 AM

5 February 1915

The whole world is shut down due to weather...or at least the parts my pilots are all flying in.


6 February 1915

The storm is massive. Everything everywhere is still shut down.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/12/19 03:39 AM

7 February 1915

Varying stages of fog and rain are still around, but everything is light enough today that everybody got a good flight in.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Thirteen days since we last flew. Not knowing what tomorrow will be like, they sent us up in groups to make sure we all got flying time in. I was fourth man in a scouting mission that included Ltns Soltau, Müller, and Boelcke. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0904: Artillery mission. Lts Richards and Ackart leading. Myself with Lt Nash and Sgt Crowe and Capt Henry in support. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1002: Bombing mission against a railyard with Lt Cruikshank and Robbie Reinard. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1003: Hptm Podalski led his three students on a long flight around the area. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1003: First hunting mission. Two of us patrolled near Passchendaele looking for enemy planes on recon missions. My partner was Caporal Garros. He's something of a legend having been the first man to fly non-stop across the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately we didn't find any enemy machines. 1 hour 35 minutes.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Fog has lessened a little. First flight in two weeks. Long deep penetration scouting mission up around the Sedan area. 3 hours 13 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/14/19 04:28 AM

8 February 1915

Flanders is rained out again, but surprisingly Verdun has its second day in a row of no fog!

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Led a flight of four planes on a scouting mission across the lines from Reims. 1 hour 59 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1004: Scouting flight over Somme-Vesle. Lots of flak. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1202: Another long flight so we could get used to being over water. We travelled northeast across the Jade to Cuxhaven, south to Bremerhaven, then back west to our field. 1 hour 55 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/16/19 03:22 AM

9 February 1915

The front is yet again unflyable. Everybody waits and wonders what will happen next.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/19/19 03:00 AM

10 February 1915

The Front is still closed down, but at Wilhelmshaven the sky is clear enough for the fledglings to fly.
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1445: Flew southeast to Varel, then south to Oldenburg, east to Bremen, then back to Sande and home. Arrived just after night. Got some practice landing in the dark. 2 hours 9 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/19/19 08:15 PM

11 February 1915

The entire front is still closed down, now including Wilhelmshaven.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/20/19 03:49 AM

12 February 1015

The Front is still rained out, but the rearward training school at Wilhelmshaven is flying again.
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0809: Long flight up to Minsener Oog, then down to Witmund, southwest to Aurich, south to Westoverledingen, then north-northwest back to Sande. Once the weather is clear in Flanders we will be moving to our new field at Bertincourt. 2 hours 18 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/20/19 09:26 PM

13 February 1915

Nothing much has changed, except that even the rear area at Wilhelmshaven is being rained on again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/22/19 12:02 AM

14 February 1915

Verdun is under attack by a series of snowstorms, but Flanders is enjoying a clear day.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0810: Transferred from Wilhelmshaven to Bertincourt. Hptm Podalski led the three of us south to Dusseldorf first. 3 hours 28 minutes. Had some lunch Stretched our legs for a bit. 1306: Took off from Dusseldorf. Flew across Belgium and into France. Landed at Bertincourt after dark. 4 hours 35 minutes. Total trip time: 8 hours 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0901: Photo-Reconaissance mission over Monchy-Le-Preux. Billy Crowe leading. 2 hours 52 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Artillery Spotting mission south of Arras. Lts Cruikshank and Webb leading. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1003: A week since we last flew. With Lt Garros in a patrol over our own airfield at Alquines. 1 hour 37 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/22/19 05:39 AM

15 February 1915

After one clear day the winter storms hit again. Flanders is raining. Verdun is snowing. Nobody is flying.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/22/19 11:35 PM

16 February 1915

Flanders is still soaked with rain, but the Verdun area gets a reprieve.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Sky is clear. Patrol up the lines. 1 hour."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Clouds have lifted. Patrol westward over Reims, then back down the lines. 1 hour 52 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/23/19 12:51 PM

17 February 1915

Verdun has started snowing again. In Flanders it's still raining.


18 February 1915

The rain and snow are still making life miserable for everyone.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/24/19 03:28 PM

19 February 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0822: Scouting mission over the trenches near Lens. Sgt Crowe and Capt Finch accompanying. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0824: Artillery-spotting mission. Lts Cruikshank and Coltrane leading. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0824: Rain has stopped. My assigned observer is Obltn Alexander Bringmann. Our first mission is spotting for the artillery near Lens, with Vfw Leffers and Hptm von Bülow in attendance. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0913: With Lt Garros again on a defensive patrol over Saint-Omer. Engine troubles forced us to land just as we were approaching the field anyway. Minor damage to landing gear. 1 hour 25 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/25/19 09:18 PM

20 February 1915

And the weather sets in again. Sometimes it feels like this winter will never end.


21 February 1915

Winter continues another day.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 02/28/19 05:20 AM

22 February 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0901: Another defensive patrol, again with Lt Garros, again over Saint-Omer. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0901: Bombing mission on enemy airfield. Three planes. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1001: Scouting mission Two machines. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1005: Scouting mission up near the North Sea coast, with Sgt Alford and 2nd Lt Coltrane, and Sgt Adlam and Lt Fogg. Nothing much to see. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1022: Sky clear for another day. Long-range patrol down to Epernay. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1450: Scouting mission over Buzancy. 1 hour 36 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/07/19 01:16 AM

Well, it was fun while it lasted. On Thursday my computer quit working. After not being able to fix it myself I took it to an expert. It truns out that the 240GB SSD I have just for the OS just up and died. I only got it back yesterday. Today I loaded up WOFF and everything works fine, but my master logbook - the one I put together myself - is lost. I could recreate my careers if I had that to work from, but I don't. I have to start over from scratch, which I not only can but I think it will be fun. The problem is that it will no longer be synchronized to the correct dates, which for somebody like me is tremendously frustrating.

I'm not sure yet how I'm going to handle it. Start over with the same characters? They're still in WOFF, which was stored in it's own drive? Chuch everything out and truly start from scratch with all new pilots? Either way I'd feel silly posting it here with the wrong dates and all. I'll thing of something, but I'm not sure yet what I want to do.
Posted By: Shredward

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/08/19 01:45 AM

what a bummer
mycomputer
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/08/19 04:10 AM

Well, I've decided to carry on as best I can. I realized that I do have a copy of my personal logs, right here. My post reports are all copied directly from the original, so copying them back will take quite a bit of time, but will be fairly easy. Meanwhile it's still winter, so I have a few days of being grounded left before spring hits. Like today.

23 February 1915

The rain and snow are back again, and once again nobody is flying.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/08/19 02:09 PM

24 February 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "0902: Defensive patrol over friendly rail yard, with Cpl Garros. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0902: Recon patrol over enemy airfield, with Capt Mapplebeck and Sgt Crow. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0951: Took off with Lt Cruikshank for offensive patrol over an enemy observation balloon. Barely underway before the engine started spewing oil. Made it safely back to field. 10 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1010: Test flight. Engine quit while landing. Came down short of field. Light damage. 36 minutes."

It's snowing over Verdun again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/09/19 12:15 AM

25 February 1915

Once again the entire front is wallowing in rain, mud and snow.


26 February 1915

The winter continues. The flying does not.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/11/19 05:38 AM

27 February 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0822: Bombing enemy railyard near Lens with Sgts Burr and Alford. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0822: Artillery spotting mission with Ltn Leffers supporting. Using the new aerial telegraph rather than the blinker light. Flight barely started when engine troubles forced us to return to field. 40 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0902: Defensive patrol over friendly trenches, with Cpl Garros. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1002: Scouting mission over enemy airfield at Hambourdin. Engine troubles on the way home forced us to land at La Gorgue. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1013: Line patrol. 49 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1219: Patrol the lines opposite Guignicourt down to Sillery. 1 hour 38 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/12/19 08:40 PM

28 February 1015

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0801: Artillery Spotting again, with Ltn Leffers supporting, on the trenches near Lens. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Offensive patrol over rail yard south of Roulers, with Cpl Garros. Well inside enemy lines. Saw no hostile aircraft. 1 hour 57 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0922: Artillery Spotting mission, Lt Cruikshank leading and us providing support. 1 hour 59 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1003: Artillery Spotting with Sgt Crowe supporting, covered by Captain Mapplebeck. 2 hours exactly."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1116: Line patrol starting over Fresne-en-Woëvre, following the trench line south past Saint-Mihiel, ending at Commerey. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1412: Hptm Straub and I made a long scouting flight down to the aerodromes around Somme-Vesle. Things went smoothly enough, but given our last couple of experiences we spent the whole time worrying about the engine. We made it home right at sunset. 1 hour 51 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/13/19 02:59 AM

1 March 1915

And when everyone finally thought it was over, the winter returns, and flyers all over the region are looking for something to do to forget the boredom.


2 March 1915

The bad weather continues.


3 March 1915

No sign of letup in the weather.


4 March 1915

The weather is still bad. Hopefully this is winter's last gasp.


5 March 1915

Nothing has changed. The winter is winning the air war.


6 March 1915

The entire front is now blanketed in snow. Beautiful, but no flying.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/17/19 03:41 AM

7 March 1915

The weather over Flanders has cleared enough for some flying. Everybody rushes to get a mission in while they can.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0901: Heavy overcast, but we flew a bombing mission against the aerodrome at Bertincourt anyway. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0902: Offensive patrol over Ghistelles aerodrome. No enemy aircraft sighted. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Artillery Spotting, again with Sgt Crowe in support. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1015: Clear enough to fly. Artillery Spotting mission with Vfw Leffers and Gfr Grünwald in support. 1 hour 43 minutes. Gfr Grünwald crashed on landing. He and Gfr Max-Johann Heckert were both killed. While we were away some British planes bombed our aerodrome from high altitude."

The Verdun sector is still snowed in.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/18/19 01:14 AM

8 March 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0925: Clear skies. Supporting Maj Salmond in Photo mission over trenches. 1 hour 39 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0940: Artillery Spotting with Sgt Crowe supporting. 2 hours 22 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1002: Defensive patrol over Alquines aerodrome. Adj Coupet leading. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1106: Bombing mission with Vfw Leffers. Bombed rail yard at Etrun. 1 hour 22 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/18/19 04:04 PM

9 March 1915

Another storm has moved in over Flanders, but for a change Verdun is clear.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0525: Hazy but semi-clear. Set out tefore dawn on a scouting mission deep behind enemy lines. didn’t make it to the lines before the engine started acting up. Managed to land at La Cheppe. The heavy snow made it easy to see in the dark. A telephone call to let them know where we are. The mechanics here will attempt to fix the motor, and Lt Bordage and I will wait with the machine. 50 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0819: Skies clear today. Short low-level scout over the trenches near Suippes. Took a couple of hits from ground fire, but nothing serious. 1 hour 40 minutes.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/19/19 01:24 AM

10 March 1915

Things are back to normal for this long hard winter. Flanders has another clear day while Verdun is fogged in again.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0821: Counter-Battery Direction, with Vfw Leffers. Leffers turned back early with engine troubles. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0822: Overcast. Supported Lt Cruikshank on an Artillery Spotting mission west of Lille. 1 hour 23 minutes."
And then: "1516: Flew a second mission. Another Artillery Spot with Lt Cruikshank, this time east of Arras. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Offensive patrol over the lines at the coast. Lt Albin leading. Saw no enemy aircraft. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Artillery Spotting mission, with Lt Aldaine and Sgt Crowe supporting. 2 hours 8 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/19/19 12:49 PM

11 March 1915

The rain has returned to Flanders and the mud with it. Yet again the air services are all grounded.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/20/19 09:50 AM

12 March 1915

The storms are marching eastward. Flanders is still rained out but Verdun gets another semi-clear day.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1013: Scouting mission over the factories at Rethel. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1122: Scouting mission to the west, near Guignicourt. 1 hour 31 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/20/19 10:58 PM

13 March 1915

Rain is still falling all across Flanders.

In Verdun the sky is overcast and dry, but all the snow has semi-melted into a soft, squishy mud several inches thick.

At Pontfaverger the mechanics are setting up the equipment they've managed to scavenge a set of parallel bars and three springboards for exersize. The camp doctor has spent his own money to purchase a cinema projector, and the men at the trenches are given time off in shifts to join the aircrews and mechanics for the ocassional film.


14 March 1915

The weather is no better today than it ever seems to be.


15 March 1915

The weather continues to be bad.


16 March 1915

Yet another day of bad weather.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/23/19 09:04 AM

17 March 1915

The Verdun area is heavily overcast, but clear enough for some flying.

Senard Aerodrome, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1148: Local patrol over our own field. Basically just using the weather to get some flying time in. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1158: Overcast but able to make a patrol. Flew south over Somme-Vesle. 1 hour 56 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/23/19 06:44 PM

18 March 1915

Flanders is still raining. Verdun is still overcast but flyable.

Senard Aerodrome, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1307: Photography mission over Charleville, very deep into enemy territory. 3 hours 4 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1408: Scouting flight over Epernay. 1 hour 47 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/24/19 03:28 PM

19 March 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0821: Scouting mission over the trenches west of Lens with Vfw Leffers. Saw my first enemy machines today. Two biplanes – English type. Prepared to run, as we’ve heard they are arming some of their machines. They ignored us, though, and soon disappeared into the clouds. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0822: Defensive patrol over our own airfield at Droglandt, an old familiar field. Flying second to SLt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 12 minutes. Garros has disappeared for the time being, off on some assignment He has been taking these “mystery trips” on and off since January, and nobody seems to know what is up."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0902: Led Sgt Crowe on a mission to bomb a rail yard north of Lens. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "It’s been nine days since we last flew! The constant rain has finally lifted and we are in the air again. 0903: Part of a three-plane flight led by Lt Cruikshank to bomb a rail yard north of Lens. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0909: Scouting flight over the trenches from the Aisne River down to Sillery. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Senard, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0926: Another photography mission, this time over Sedan. 2 hours 39 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/25/19 02:19 AM

20 March 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0802: Offensive patrol over the lines near Paaschendale, again with SLt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altenforf writes: "0902: Artillery spotting over the trenches near Cappy, Vfw Leffers supporting. 1 hour 41 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0923: Supported Lt Cruikshank photographing enemy trenches east of Lens. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0958: Scouting mission over German airfield at Haubourdin. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1108: Another scouting flight over Epernay. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1219: Quick scouting mission over nearby trenches. 50 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/25/19 03:55 PM

21 March 1915

Winter closes in yet again. The snow seems to be mostly gone, but a new set of rainstorms sweeps through the front.


22 March 1915

Today is warmer, but still raining all across the fronts.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/27/19 01:08 PM

23 March 1915

Still raining over the Verdun area, but Flanders has dried out a bit.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0823: Another offensive patrol over the lines near Niewpoort. Again with SLt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0903: With Lt Cruikshank on a mission to observe an enemy observation balloon. The order said “Attack”. With what? A carbine? We stayed well above the Archie and looked at it for awhile. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0903: Scouting over airfield at Houplin, near Loos, again with Billy Crowe in company. 2 hours 12 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0907: Artillery Spotting near Lens. Offstv Friedel accompanying. 2 hours 23 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 03/27/19 06:59 PM

24 March 1915

A new storm is moving into Flanders and the last one is still hovering over Verdun.


25 March 1915

No letup in the weather. It's raining everywhere.


26 March 1915

The Winter rain continues, even though it's technically Spring.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/01/19 07:06 AM

27 March 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0820: Followed Lt Cruikshank on a scouting mission over the enemy aerodrome at Haubourdin. 1 hour 42 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0825: Supported Lt Ellis on an Artillery Spotting mission. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Defensive patrol over our airfield at Abeele, with Lt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 20 minutes.
Garros has returned. It seems that he and his personal mechanic Hue have been spending time at the Morane Saulnier factory in Paris, working with Raymond Saulnier on some kind of a mechanism that will let him shoot a Hotchkiss machine gun through his propeller. He showed us the system and told us he would be going hunting for Germans as soon as possible. We are all curious about the thing and he gladly showed us all how it works. I’m not sure I understand completely, but it has metal wedges bolted to the propeller to push any bullets that come in contact out of the way. It will be interesting to see if he gets any results."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1003: Scouting mission over the trenches near Herleville, with Vfw Leffers. 2 hours 1 minute."

Senard, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1100: Took off for photo mission over Guignicourt, looking for suspected enemy troop buildup. Engine failed. Managed to land back at field. 7 minutes.
1123: Took off again in spare plane. Arrived over Guignicourt, took pictures. Followed the Aisne west back over the lines. Motorcycle dispatch rider waiting for us on the field on our return. I guess these pictures are important. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1325: Long scouting flight over enemy airfield at Champaubert. 2 hours 13 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/02/19 03:07 AM

28 March 1915

Verdun is suffering under another rainstorm, but Flanders is quite active.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0903: Lt Christensen and I supported Lt Cruikshank on a Photo mission over the trenches near Lens. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0906: Defensive Patrol with Sgt Desramée over our airfield at Droglandt. 1 hour 30 minutes. Garros went on his own special mission – an Offensive Patrol looking for Germans to attack with his new gun system. He returned, like us, having seen nothing.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1024: Scouting misson with Lt Lehman. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1102: Photography mission, Vfw Leffers supporting. 1 hour 29 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/03/19 05:04 AM

29 March 1915

Saint Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0809: Supported Lt Ellis on an Artillery Spotting mission over the trenches near Lens. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Offensive patrol over the lines near Niewpoort, Lt Coupet leading. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0925: Scouting mission over Haubourdin again, with Sgt Alford supporting. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1101: Scouting mission over Allied positions west of Arras. Vfw Leffers supporting. While crossing the lines engine quit. Was able to glide several kilometres back into our own lines. Made safe landing about 1 km from an observation balloon. Used their telephone to call base. Vfw Leffers was able to complete the mission. 1 hour 14 minutes."
Garros went off on his own again. Returned with nothing to report.

Senard, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1132: Misty weather. Scouting suspected troop buildup in the woods around Buzancy. Didn’t see anything. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1552: Misty day. Scouting mission, further west than usual, over the trenches near Pinon. 1 hour 55 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/03/19 01:03 PM

30 March 1015

Another storm sweeps across the Front during the night. Everyone is grounded again as heavy rains turn everything to mud.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/06/19 01:56 PM

31 March 1915

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0850: Followed Ltns Boelcke and Müller on a scouting flight down to Commercy. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0901: Photo-Reconnaissance mission over trenches near Lens. Lt Aldaine supporting 2 hours 21 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0901: Photo mission over the trenches south of Bapaume. 1 hour 47 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1001: Offensive patrol over the lines near Niewpoort again. This time I was alone. 1 hour 44 minutes. Garros went out alone again. Says he encountered no enemy aircraft."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1218: Lt Cruikshank, Lt Harvey-Kelly and I were sent to that same observation balloon. We saw it. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1621: Sent back to Buzancy again. Heavy overcast. Had to drop to 1,000 metres, but nothing to see. 1 hour 8 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/07/19 02:25 AM

1 April 1915

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0557: Short solo scouting mission over Somme-Vesle. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0644: Photo mission over Sedan. Beautiful clear sky. 1 hour 41 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0821: Went with Lt Harvey-Kelly to bomb a railyard north of Vitry. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0923: Supported Lt Lehman on an Artillery-Spotting mission southwest of Neuve-Chapelle. 2 hours 6 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1003: Bombing mission on a factory near Arras. Vfw Leffers as second. 1 hour 47 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "1104: Offensive patrol over the lines, this time near Paaschendale. 1 hour 21 minutes.
Garros has done it! He returned from his solo flight claiming to have shot down a German Albatros machine! There is no confirmation as of yet, but his forward gun has been fired several times. If someone saw it, this will be the first time such a feat has been accomplished! All of us are clamoring to fly with him the next time so we can provide affirmation when he does it again. Of course the truth is that we just want to see it happen for ourselves. We also want to have one of these gun fixtures for our own machines."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/08/19 12:30 AM

2 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0501: Bombing mission against a railyard north of Lens, with Major Salmond and Lt Cruikshank. Had barely reached altitude when my engine failed. Managed to land just west of the aerodrome at Merville. 33 minutes.."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0530: Trench-mapping mission with Lt Buck near Neuve-Chapelle. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "Our new Commander arrived yesterday, Capitaine Louis Mazier.
0841: Scouting mission over the lines from Reims down to Sillery. Heavy overcast. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1102: Scouting mission over the trenches. Took a Flak hit. Both of us scratched and the engine knocked out. Made it halfway back to Bertincourt and landed near an observation balloon. 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "1108: Defensive patrol over our airfield at Coudekerque, with Adj Coupet. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Garros has gone off alone again. He says he prefers it that way, and wishes the rest of us would stop badgering him. Well, despite his low rank he is rich, popular and famous as the first man to fly across the Mediterranean Sea, so he pretty much gets what he wants. Some confirmation of his victory has come through in the form of some farmers who say they saw the fight from the ground."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1505: Scouting mission over the lines near Varennes-en-Argonne, with Ltns Boelcke and Müller. Engine failed on approach and we hit some trees. Both Hptm Straub and I are in the hospital for an indeterminate amount of time. Some serious cuts and bruises but nothing broken on either of us. 1 hour 32 minutes."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/09/19 05:01 AM

3 April 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0602: Lt Ellis and I are assigned to scout an enemy balloon. 2 hours 6 minutes.
1509: Lt Ellis and I flew a second mission, this time scouting the enemy aerodrome at Hambourdin. 2 hours."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1001: Showed a new pilot, Vfw Fricke, around the area. Took him from our base at Bertincourt north to Monchy-le-Preux, then up to our airfield at Phalempin, southeast to Douai then home again. 3 hours 1 minute.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "1117: Offensive patrol over the lines near Niewpoort. Traveling alone again. Saw nothing. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1156: Sent north to scout Buzancy again. Propeller failed along the way. Made it back to Senard safely. 28 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Rain squall moving through. No flying today."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Ltn Boelcke came to visit us today with some sad news. His older brother, our beloved Hptm Wilhelm Boelcke, has been transferred to a new unit. Hptm Straub and I will have to miss the party."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/09/19 09:57 PM

4 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0501: Took of with Lt Harvey-Kelly before dawn for scouting mission over enemy aerodrome at Bertincourt. Harvey-Kelly hit by Archie while over target. He managed to make it back to friendly lines while I finished the patrol. 2 hours 8 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1108: Offensive patrol over the lines near Diksmuide, with Cpl Barra. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yesterday Adolph Pégoud, in a Morane two-seater like ours, claimed two more enemy aircraft. The newspapers are calling him “The Ace”.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Found out today that Ltn Boelcke’s visit was more than just to see us. He was having problems with his breathing. The doctor said something about “murmurs in the bronchial tubes”, and he is being sent to the convalescent home at Rethel for three weeks. Meanwhile Hptm Straub and I are getting on just fine."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "A rain storm moved through today. No flying."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Woke up to rain this morning. We are once again grounded."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Rain has beset us again. We sit here, hoping for better weather tomorrow."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/11/19 12:52 AM

5 April 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1104: Offensive patrol over the enemy airfield at Ghistelles, near the town of Zerkegem, again with Cpl Barra. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1238: Sent on long patrol over Bruvéres-et-Montbérault. Almost there when engine started acting up. Made it south to Rosnay. Engine should be repaired tomorrow. 1 hour 42 minutes.

The rest of Flanders is rained in, and at Pontfaverger Odis Först and his observer Hauptmann Straub are still in the hospital.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/12/19 02:54 AM

6 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0422: Took off before dawn with Lt Christenson for a Photo-Recce of the lines near Ypres. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0456: Engine finished after dark last night. Made flight from Rosnay back to Senard. 54 minutes.
1538: Second try at Bruvéres-et-Montbérault. The mechanics at Rosnay did their job. 2 hours 4 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1105: Escorting British BE.2s bombing railyard, with Cpl Barra. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Sitting in the garden at the hospital. Nothing much to do but read and talk to the other patients."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Another rainy day."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Still raining."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/13/19 06:10 AM

7 April 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0421: Took off in the dark for an Artillery Spotting mission. Vfw Fricke accompanying. Arrived just at dawn. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0601: Overcast. Scouting mission over Phalempin with Lts Ellis and Lehman. 2 hours 28 minutes.
1530: Second mission of the day. Scouting with Lt Lehman over an enemy balloon. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Sad news today. While returning from an afternoon patrol yesterday 2nd Lt Carl Christenson and his observer, Lt Ted Fogg, were both killed in a crash.
0606: Accompanied Lt Harvey-Kelly on a Photo-Recce mission over the lines again. 1 hour 33 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "A rain storm has moved into our area. We are once again grounded."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Pouring rain outside right now, so we sit and play cards in the tiny sitting room, waiting to return to our Feld Flieger Unit."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "A rain storm is moving through our area."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/14/19 02:11 AM

8 April 1915

Saint Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0403: Supported Lt Buck on Trench-Mapping photography mission, west of Lens. Took off in pitch black, but the sun was up right when we reached the target. 2 hours 21 minutes.
1325: This is the second day in a row I’ve flown two missions. This one was tagging along with Lt Thayer on an Artillery Spotting mission east of Ypres. We saw our first enemy plane, at a distance. He saw us and scarpered. We had a job to do, so we didn’t get any closer. 2 hours 13 minutes.
Also noted that Sgt Billy Crowe, with less time than I have, is flying one of the new Bristol single-seaters. I’m not sure what to make of that, but, we do our job and don’t worry too much.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1058: Patrolled the trenches northeast of Reims again. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Sitting out another rain storm."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloudy, but we can wander through the gardens again."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Still raining."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/14/19 11:22 AM

9 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1307: Capt Williamson and I were sent on a special mission – to patrol the lines between Béthune and Lens looking for enemy aircraft. We have a machine gun, and they felt it was time we got into the chase. Unfortunately we didn’t see anything, but we were excited the whole time. 58 minutes.

Our long-time Commander, Major John Salmond, is leaving us, having been promoted to command of the 2nd Administrative Wing at Farnborough. His replacement, Major Donald Swain Lewis, is something of a legend last September when he became the first man to direct Artillery using a wireless transmitter."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1421: Short patrol over the lines to the north. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still sitting here bored to death. The tell us we can go back to the Unit tomorrow."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Still raining."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "It has started raining again."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Still too wet to fly."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/14/19 05:51 PM

10 April 1915

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1507: Long scouting mission northwest over Bruvères-et-Monthérault. Landed right at sunset. 3 hours 5 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "The rains have started again, sweeping down from the Irish Sea."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Returned to number 13 today. My first assignment is to pack my bags. After many months here tomorrow we move to a new field. Lt Boelcke is still up at Rethel."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Still raining."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Here we are, still trapped under the storms. At least it's not snowing anymore."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "The incessant rain is still with us."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/15/19 01:31 AM

11 April 1915

Flanders is now under a region-wide deluge. Verdun, on the other hand, is relatively clear.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0626: Scouting mission looking for suspected troop buildup in the woods south of Dun-sur-Meuse. Hit by DCA, engine severely damaged. Managed to land just inside our own lines. Had to walk 7 km to a balloon post to call our field. Four hours later the mechanics showed up with a truck, dismantled the plane and took us back to Senard."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "1601: Took off from Pontfaverger for the last time, for our new home at Warmeriville. It’s only a few miles away but there is an entirely different feeling about the place. Maybe it’s just being somewhere new. 37 minutes."

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/16/19 02:03 PM

12 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0501: With Lt Harvey-Kelly on a Bombing mission over the railyard north of Lens. 1 hour 6 minutes.
1309: Second mission of the day. With Lts Harvey-Kelly and Cruikshank on a Photo-Recce. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0501: The sky has lifted enough for us to fly a photo mission of the trenches west of Lens, Vfw Fricke accompanying. 1 hour 57 minutes."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0521: First flight out of our new field. Scouting mission with Ltn Müller over enemy airfield at Lemmes. 2 hours 36 minutes.
1502: Second patrol of the day with Lt Müller. An hour into the flight our engine failed. Almost made it back to Warmeriville. Landed in some trees. Plane destroyed but we’re alright. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1421: Long scouting mission up to Sedan. Didn’t see anything new. 2 hours 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "The storm over the Channel is still sitting right on top of us.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "The seemingly incessant rain just won't leave us alone. I thought winter was over!"
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/17/19 03:53 AM

13 April 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0514: Offensive patrol over the trenches near Niewpoort with Lts Barault and Barra. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0504: Photo Recce mission with Lt Haldaine supporting. 2 hours 4 minutes.
1408: Scouting mission over Lens with Lts Lehman and Vance. 2 hours 8 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "A new storm has moved in."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "After one day's flying it's raining again."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "A new rain storm is upon us."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "It's raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/18/19 01:04 AM

14 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0501: Supported Lt Harvey-Kelly on an Artillery-Spot on German support positions behind the lines east of Ypres, dodging rain showers the whole way. 1 hour 47 minutes.
1349: Ran my own Artillery-Spot on the trenches west of Lille. Sgt Adlam supporting. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0508: Offensive patrol over the trenches near Niewpoort with Lt Barra. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0517: Scouting mission north of Lens, Lt Buck leading. 2 hours 8 minutes.
1426: Photo Recce west of Lens, Lt Ellis leading, myself and Lt Aldaine supporting. 2 hours 12 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0602: Scouting mission. Vfw Leffers supporting. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "The rain is still coming down. No flying today."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes:: "Today brings more rain."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/20/19 05:28 AM

15 April 1915

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0421: Line patrol from Sillery to Varennes-en-Argonne. Hit by very accurate ground fire. Ailerons damaged, but made it back to Senard safely. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "0507: Escorting BE.2s over Diksmuide with Cpl Barra. 1 hour 20 minutes.
Garros has done it again! He has returned to claim a second victory! We all want this gun system!
Sadly one of our planes did not return from patrol. Sgt Desramée and Adj Simonel are both missing."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes:: "0515: Photo mission over Soissins. Ltn Müller leading, myself and Gfr Bernhard in support. 2 hours 21 minutes. On the way home Lt Müller dropped out of formation and disappeared somewhere. It turns out his engine failed, and he came down in a forest. Lt Müller is alright, but unfortunately his observer, Hptm Jakob Schact, was killed.
1547: Second flight of the day. Photo mission with Ltn Soltau. Ltn Müller is taking the afternoon off. 1 hour 40 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0540: Scouting mission over Haubourdin with Lt Ellis. 2 hours 12 minutes.
1452: Second flight of the day. Supporting Lt Ellis on an Artillery Spot over the trenches east of Ypres, with Lt Lehman. 1 hour 41 minutes.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0701: Test flight Meant to be short, but on of the mechanics, Fw Rammler, begged for a ride, so I took him up to Bapaume, then a brief high-altitude jaunt over the lines so he could see the artillery doing their shooting. 1 hour 47 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "One day of flying and now it's raining again.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/25/19 01:21 AM

Apologies for the long delay, but real life intervened. Friday night I came down with some sickness that didn't make me sick. No outward signs at all. I went to bed and slept. Got up for a head break, and back to bed. Saturday morning the pattern continued. And Saturday afternoon. And Saturday night. And Sunday morning. And Sunday afternoon. And Sunday night. Monday morning I got up and for once didn't feel like going back to sleep. After two days of pretty much non-stop sleep, no food and nothing to drink I was finally operational again. The last two days were spent catching up on my '100 Years' research on the Paris Peace Conference. Today, after five days off, I was finally able to fly again. Happy as a clam, but I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get caught up with the current date.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/25/19 01:29 AM

16 April 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "0514: Offensive patrol over the trenches near Niewpoort with Lt Barault and Adj Coupet. 1 hour 42 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0545: Trench Mapping with Lt Aldaine leading, west of Lens. 2 hours 24 minutes.
1509: More Trench Mapping, this time east of Ypres, again with Fred Aldaine, this time me leading. 1 hour 57 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0802: Scouting mission over the lines west of Lens, ObLtn von Mengerhausen leading, myself and Vfw Leffers supporting. 2 hours 27 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "It's raining again."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Still raining."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes:: "Again the rain is with us."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/26/19 06:14 AM

17 April 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0502: Scouting mission over Haubourdin with Lt Thayer leading. 2 hours 4 minutes.
I like Saint-Omer. You never know what you’re going to see. When we returned from this flight there was a French parasol machine on the field. We got to meet the pilot, Lucien Jailler. He’s a nice chap. He is acting as liaison with our experimental camera division.
1406: Trench Mapping with Lt Lehman, east of Ypres. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0601: Scouting flight to Buzancy. Engine bearing started squealing just before we got there. Made it back to Senard."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes:: "0606: Photo Mission over trenches northwest of Soissons, with Ltn Müller leading. Weather too cloudy for good pictures. 3 hours 7 minutes.
1334: Weather becoming better, we are sent back to the same area to try again. Again with Ltn Müller leading, this time also with Ltn Soltau along. Got the pictures, the bad part being that we have been in the cockpit for more than six hours today. 3 hours 8 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0609: Escorted British BE.2s bombing enemy airfield at Ghistelles, with Cpl Barra. 1 hour 26 minutes.
The Germans have sent us word that Sgt Desramée and Adj Simonel died when their aircraft was shot down by DCA. They have been buried with full honors."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This infernal rain is still plaguing us."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "The rain is back...again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/27/19 03:27 PM

18 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0537: Artillery Spotting with Lt Müller outside Reims. 1 hour 40 minutes.
At about 1030 we heard the sound of a rotary engine. When the machine came in to land it was our beloved Ltn Boelcke in his personal two-seat Fokker monoplane! The doctors had released him, or he had decided it was time to come back to work and released himself. He had had his machine parked at Thugny, near the rest-home at Rethel. No sooner had he checked in and then said hello to his fellow officers while the rest of us cheered, that he went straight back to the office and said he was tired of sitting and wanted to fly. He was given an Artillery-Spotting mission near Varennes-en-Argonne. He chose Lt Müller as his second, and to my amazement asked me if I wanted to be his third. Of course I said yes.
1425: We took off for what turned out to be an uneventful mission, but oh so exciting just because of the circumstances. I hope I get to fly with him again, but then so does every pilot in the unit. Who knows? 2 hours 17 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0602: What a day! Took off with Lt Harvey-Kelly on a scout over Phalempin. While we were there Capt Williamson slapped me on the head and pointed. A thousand feet below us were two German aeroplanes! We tried to get the Lts attention, but he and his observer didn’t see us waving, or the enemy. Finally couldn’t stand it. I dove down to them and pulled up below the rear machine, and Capt Williamson opened up with the Lewis. It’s not easy trying to keep pace with another machine when you’re in front of him. Capt Williamson emptied both his drums at the Hun, but to no effect. By the time we got back home it was pouring rain and the afternoon flights were canceled. We kept the boys entertained with our antics until Major Lewis Called us on the carpet. Even that was a ruse. He just wanted to hear the story without anyone else around. Lt Harvey-Kelly was a bit unhappy, not with us for breaking ranks, but for himself for missing out on the fun when it was right under his nose. Well, we’ve finally seen a Hun aeroplane up close, and we’re not that impressed. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0606: Offensive patrol south of Roulers with Lt Barault. 1 hour 57 minutes.
More bad news. Garros is missing. He failed to return from an afternoon patrol and there is no news as of yet."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0656: Trench Mapping again, with Lt Griffiths. 2 hours 21 minutes.
1132: Artillery Spotting with Edgar Lehman. 1 hour 50 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0715: Another flight to Buzancy. We got a good look and there doesn’t seem to be any activity there at all. Just as we were turning home the engine started acting up again. Not a bearing this time, but a clanking sound. It didn’t seem to affect our flight at all, but until we were back over our own lines we were in constant fear of it quitting on us. We not only made it back to safe territory, but we actually managed to land at Senard without trouble. It turns out one of the piston rings had broken. There was no real danger but we’re still glad to be home. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Still too wet to fly."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/29/19 03:55 AM

19 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0450: Scouting mission over a rail yard southwest of Epernay, Ltn Soltau leading with Ltn Boelcke and myself. I’d love to know why this interest in me that I get to tag along with the big boys, but I don’t dare ask. 2 hours 4 minutes."
1358: Ltn Boelcke and I were sent to an airfield south of Chalons just to annoy whoever might be stationed there and see what kind of reaction we received. They threw flak at us the whole time we were there. 2 hours 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0532: Trench Mapping, east of Ypres, with Edgar Lehman leading. 2 hours 13 minutes.
1445: More Trench Mapping, west of Lens, with Lt Thayer leading. 1 hour 48 minutes.
Some of the boys are starting to hate hate the constant photography runs, but I like them. Or at least I appreciate them. After all, we spent weeks in classrooms, hangars and in the air training for just this job. It’s supposedly what we’re here for."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0709: Navigation exercise with Adj Barault, down to Saint-Omer and back. 1 hour 31 minutes.
No word of Garros. We try to have hope but the longer he is missing the more we are convinced of our fears for the worst."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0859: Scouting flight over the trenches near Saint-Mihiel. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "And it's raining again. At least we have warm clothes and a fire."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Still raining. I think we have our own private rain storm. One of my fellows joked that someone who doesn’t want to fly paid a witch to put a hex on us."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 04/29/19 01:31 PM

20 April 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0423: Took off just before the sun came up. Nice to be flying again. Artillery Spotting just west of Arras. Vfw Fricke supporting. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0613: Ltns Soltau, Boelcke and I were to fly a scouting mission over Château-Thierry. After we took off we realized Ltn Boelcke wasn’t with us. We flew on anyway. Ten minutes later my motor began making an awful racket. I turned back to Warmeriville with my motor barely running. I managed to land safely. An hour after that the office received a telephone call. Ltn Soltau had landed landed near the town of Guignicourt after having his own motor start to pack it in just as he was crossing the lines. Not being near an aerodrome they had to send a mechanic to him by truck, just in case they couldn’t fix the machine there. It will be at least tomorrow before we see him again."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0703: Offensive Patrol over a rail yard near Roulers, Lt Barault leading. 1 hour 59 minutes.
Garros is still missing. No one seems to have seen anything, and no one seems to know anything."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "Another storm is moving through."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Still raining."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/01/19 12:43 PM

21 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0511: Another Scout to the south, this time over Epernay. Lt Boelcke leading with Lt Müller and me following. 1 hour 44 minutes.
1403: The three of us have been sent back to Epernay to bomb the factory we saw this morning. Lt Müller leading this time. 2 hours 21 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0801: Navigation exercise with Adj Barault, to Droglandt and back. 1 hour 29 minutes.
News has finally come of Garros. A message from the Germans says that he has been captured. No details are given, other than that he is alive and well."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1019: Long Scouting Patrol over the woods north of Sedan. Nothing there. 3 hours 39 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Third straight day of rain."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "It's still raining, and we're still sitting."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "One day in the air and the rain is back.."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/02/19 10:04 AM

22 April 1915

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0553: We have been transferred. Flew from Saint-Omer to Bailleul Town. 1 hour 1 minute."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1513: Another patrol deep into enemy territory, this time over Montmedy. 2 hours 51 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1551: Scouting over Neuve-Chapelle. Still gloomy, overcast. Almost too wet to fly. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "The rain has returned again."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "After nine days of good flying the rain has returned."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "The rain is still our companion."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/04/19 11:34 AM

23 April 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0533: Assigned Artillery Spot west of Lille, Lt Stewart leading with Lt Harvey-Kelly and myself supporting. Extremely high winds aloft. Could not climb higher than 3,000 feet. After an hour of trying we returned to base. Winds still too high for afternoon mission. 1 hour 15 minutes.

Across Flanders the story is the same: Overcast skies, extremely high winds, dust blowing everywhere. Takeoffs are treacherous and landings even more so.

The Verdun sector is plagued with pouring rain. No one is flying today.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/05/19 12:22 PM

24 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0507: Photo Mission over an encampment near the French airfield at Senard. Ltn Soltau leading, Ltn Boelcke and myself in support. 2 hours 40 minutes.
1454: Photo Mission over a factory southwest of Soissins. Ltn Müller leading. 2 hours 48 minutes.
More bad news, for us anyway. Ltn Boelcke has finally received his long-awaited transfer. He has been requesting this repeatedly since his brother was moved. He leaves in two days for Berlin for special duty and then he’ll be moving to FFA 62.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0558: Patrolled the lines near Varennes-en-Argonne. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0602: Weather is good enough to fly, but just barely. We were assigned an Artillery Spotting mission, but not long after takeoff the motor started running rough. We barely made it back to the field, and clipped a tree on landing. We are both unhurt, but the machine is pretty much ruined." 33 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0906: Offensive Patrol with Adj Barault, over Ghistelles. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "After two days in the air the rain is back with us."

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "The wind has died, but left rain in its wake."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/08/19 11:13 PM

25 April 1915

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0501: Artillery Spot with Lt Griffiths in the lead. Trenches east of Paaschendale. Gloomy overcast weather. 1 hour 26 minutes.
1157: Leading my own Artillery Spot over the trenches east of Niewpoort, with Fred Aldaine supporting. Weather somewhat better, but still a lot of clouds. Aldaine suffered an engine failure on the way home and came down in a field outside Ypres. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0502: Foggy weather. Scouting mission over Combles, south of Bapaume. Lt Stewart leading, Lt Harvey-Kelly and myself supporting. Was almost home when my engine failed. Managed to land at Hesdignule. 1 hour 38 minutes.
1341: Much nicer. Clear skies. Artillery Spot over trenches west of Lille. Lt Murray leading, myself in support. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0503: Photo mission over the trenches near Miraumont, with Vfw Leffers supporting. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "More rain today."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "Raining again. We had a party for Ltn Boelcke, and tomorrow he leaves us. It was a fine party, but tinged with sadness. He will be greatly missed here at No 13".

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "We have rain again. It seems like we only fly every other day."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/11/19 12:45 PM

26 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0505: Photo mission south of Epernay with Ltn Soltau. Motor quit just as we were crossing the lines. From 2,000 metres we made it about halfway back to Warmeriville. 59 minutes.
We were back in time to say a final goodbye to Ltn Boelcke, as he left at 0900."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0604: Photo mission, Vfw Leffers supporting. Motor quit while climbing for altitude. Landed just shy of making it back to Bertincourt. 35 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0609: Offensive Patrol with Lt Harvey-Kelly. Nothing worth seeing. 1 hour 44 minutes..
1453: Trench Mapping near Neuve-Chapelle. Lt Murray leading. 1 hour 26 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0753: Short test hop around the area. No assignments today, so we get what we can. 33 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Raining again."

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "It is still raining."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/17/19 01:24 PM

27 April 1915

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0608: Artillery Spot over the trenches between Bethune and Lens. Lt Griffiths leading. 1 hour 43 minutes.
1321: Scouting Mission over a balloon north of Lille. Lt Griffiths leading. While we were climbing for altitude Lt Griffiths disappeared. I continued on the mission alone. They keep hinting that we should attack this balloon. I consulted Capt Shaw, and he was willing. We dropped through the clouds and circled the balloon. The carbine was totally ineffective, as was their Archie. Their machine guns, however, put several bullets into our aeroplane. Fortunately none of them hit the engine or petrol tank. When we returned home it was raining. All we got for our efforts was a lecture on not getting our machine shot up. 1 hour 50 minutes

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0640: Long-distance Scouting Mission over a factory about two-thirds of the way to Paris. Ltn Müller leading, Ltn Soltau and myself in support. 3 hours 37 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0841: Photo Mission over Charleville. No DCA, no trouble at all. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "It's raining again."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "It's still raining."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Raining again."
Posted By: Polovski

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/18/19 12:36 PM

Sailor_Steve, I'm just curious, during the rain do you not fly?
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/24/19 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Polovski
Sailor_Steve, I'm just curious, during the rain do you not fly?

Boelcke says in his letters home that they never flew when it was raining. There was nothing to scout for, no way to see for the artillery and no way and no way to bomb anything, so they just sat. Of course this was prior to the coming of the fighters. After that, I don't know.
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/24/19 01:15 PM

28 April 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Forst writes: "0424: Nothing happening today, but it is absolutely beautiful out, so Ltn Soltau led Ltn Müller and me on a check-flight over to Martincourt and Stenay and back. 2 hours 53 minutes."

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "05:03: Scouting Mission over Paaschendale, S/Lt Derobert leading. Nothing to see. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0503: Special Mission today. Led Vfws Leffers and Fricke on a Scouting Mission south of Arras. We scouted enemy positions, wrote them down and flew down to 100 metres and dropped them over local headquarters. On the way home we took note of our own troops’ positions for report to the General Headquarters. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1040: Patrol up and down the lines from Sillery to Varennes-en-Argonne. 1 hour 42 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1040: Patrol up and down the lines from Sillery to Varennes-en-Argonne. 1 hour 42 minutes."

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes "It's raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/27/19 12:10 PM

29 April 1915

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0500: Led Lt Aldaine on a Scouting Mission over the lines west of Lens. Very cloudy. Heavy German artillery barrage on our boys. The are using that and the weather to build up behind that area. We could see a lot of vehicles and tents, and some extra guns. 1 hour 45 minutes.
1220: Fred Aldaine and me together again to Bomb an enemy airfield. Weather still miserable. 1 hour 28 minutes.

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0607: Defensive Patrol over Abeele. Lt de Flassieux leading. Horrible weather. 1 hour 13 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0619: Led Sgt Burr on a Scouting Mission over the front lines near Paaschendale. Overcast weather, dodged a couple of rain showers. Nothing of importance going on. 1 hour 49 minutes.
1034: Led Sgt Alford on a Scouting Mission over a balloon position north of Lens. They’ve been after us to attack the balloons for a while now. I couldn’t resist. We dove down to attack. I was too far away and Capt Williamson didn’t bother to fire. Alford managed to pull up very close, and Lt Harrity got off a good burst. I was amazed when the thing actually collapsed into a ball of flame! I circled once to make sure, and headed home. We had taken off into gloomy, cloud-filled skies, and by the time we were done it was pouring rain. I made it home alright, but without any sign of Alford and Harrity. I filed my report, saying that they should get all the credit as we hadn’t even fired a shot. It turns out that they came down somewhere near Givenchy. Whether they took a burst of Archie, suffered engine problems or just got lost in the rain and mist we’ll never know. What we do know is that we lost two good men today. At least they’ll have garnered a victory between them before they left us. Tonight we drink to Sgt Nicholas Alford and Lt Andrew Harrity.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "Raining today."

Warmeriville
Odis Forst writes: "Heavy rains sweeping through."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "Another storm is upon us."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/28/19 01:33 PM

30 April 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: :0504: Photo Mission over the trenches south of Arras. Vfw Leffers in support. 2 hours 6 minutes.

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0619: Scouting Mission over the trenches east of Ypres. Lt Weller leading. 1 hour 30 minutes.
1320: Artillery Spotting over the lines west of Lens, Lt Lehman leading. We had just reached altitude and were turning south toward the target area when Lt Lehman’s engine caught fire. We followed him west toward home but then his BE flipped over and plunged 6,000 feet all the way to the ground with no attempt to pull out. We marked the place where they came down and headed back to Bailleul Town, which was only four miles away. We fired a red flare as we crossed the field and landed. After making our report. Captain Shaw asked Major Lewis if he wanted us to resume the mission. The major said we both seemed pretty shaken up, which was to be expected, and he had three crews sitting around waiting for an assignment. We’ll be taking tomorrow off as well. In Memoriam Captain James McTavish and Lieutenant Edgar Lehman. 51 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "We are still drowning."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This infernal rain has us under its thumb again."


Warmeriville
Odis Forst writes: "The storm isn't over yet."

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "It's raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 05/30/19 01:16 AM

1 May 1915

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0426: Offensive Patrol over Ghistelles. Adj Barault leading. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Gonneham:
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0501: Photo-Recce over the lines west of Lens. Lt Murray leading. 1 hour 17 minutes.
1318: Directing Artillery at the same place we photographed this morning. Sgt Adlam supporting. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Bailleul Town
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Our day off today has suddenly turned into a 5-day pass. We packed our bags and Capt Shaw found us a ride into Bailleul. He also found us a room for the night, and then we proceeded to see the sights. There’s not much to see, but we took our time and took it all in. It was nice just to walk around doing nothing but enjoying the crisp spring weather. After a nice dinner at a small cafe we found our way back to the tiny hotel and made our plans for tomorrow."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "There seems to be no end in sight for this storm hanging over our region."

Warmeriville
Odis Forst writes: "We are still suffering under this never-ending rain."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "The pattern continues - one day of flying, one day of rain. This is our day of rain."

Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/03/19 01:40 AM

2 May 1915

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0507: Solo Check Flight, up to Vaux-les-Rubigny, over to Thin-le Moutier, down to Thugny and back to Warmeriville. Lovely day after all this rain. 1 hour 18 minutes.
1331: Long-distance Reconnaissance over a factory at Château-Thierry. Ltn Lehnert leading. 2 hours 52 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0549: Scouting Mission north to Bapaume. Lt Murray leading. 1 hour 13 minutes.
1442: Bombed the German airfield at Phalempin. Lt Harvey-Kelly leading. 1 hour 19 minutes.

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1601: After three days of rain we’re flying again. Line patrol over Varennes-en-Argonne. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Bailleul
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Pouring rain today. Not much to do in Bailleul. We sat around our little hotel for most of the morning. Supplied ourselves with umbrellas and found a nice little cafe recommended by our hotelier. We then explored some shops and found a great restaurant up an alley that seemed to go nowhere. They also featured a small review with dancing girls and all. Considering that it’s such a quiet, small town Bailleul had more to offer than we had first thought.

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Once again it's raining.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "The rain is still with us."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/05/19 11:44 PM

3 May 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0502: Assigned Counter-Battery direction with Hptm Simon leading. Once again climbing for altitude my engine failed. I made it safely back to Bertincourt, but the plane nosed over on the field when we ran into a thick patch of mud. It took a truck to pull it out. 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0506: Line patrol over trenches near Paaschendale. Adj Barault leading. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "0753: Scouting Mission over Charleville and Sedan. 2 hours 28 minutes."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "0808: Counter-Battery Direction over the trenches south of Bruyères-et-Montbérault. Vfw Lehnert leading, Gefr Brauneck and me supporting. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Lumbres
Dugan Vystavel writes: "Lovely day today. Capt Shaw managed to hire a car, and we had a lovely country drive from Bailleul through Saint-Omer to Lumbres. The drive took us just over two hours and we had a nice lunch in Lumbres. We then drove up to our old stomping grounds at the large Saint-Omer facility. We found our instructors at the Photography School and met a few others. They invited us to stay there but we already had a hotel in Lumbres, so after a few hours’ visit we were back in town in time for dinner and a cinema. First was Charlie Chaplin’s latest, ‘A Jitney Elopement’, and then the feature, ‘The Italian’, with George Bebar. All-in-all a great day."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Raining again."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/07/19 01:04 AM

4 May 1915

Saint-Pol-sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0607: Offensive Patrol over Ghistelles. Lt de Flassieux leading. Very cloudy. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Boulogne-sur-Mer
Dugan Vystavel writes:
Some clouds, but nice. We drove from Lumbres over to Boulogne-sur-Mer. Again the drive was only about two hours. Boulogne is large enough to qualify as a small city, and there is a lot to do here. They have a nice shopping district with a lot of restaurants. Lunch and dinner were less a matter of finding a place but rather a matter of choosing from the dozens available. In the afternoon we explored the shopping and took in the sights. This evening we found a fine restaurant with a great revue. The dancing girls were spectacular and then there was a play. I don’t remember too much about it as the variety of liquors was also very fine. Tomorrow’s plans will have to wait for tomorrow."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "The rain is again our companion."

Gonneham: "It's still raining."

Warmeriville
Odis Först writes: "The rain has returned."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "One day of flying and the rain is back again. A miserable snowy winter is turning into a miserable rainy spring."
Posted By: Sailor_Steve

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/17/19 06:03 PM

Sorry my posting has been so sporadic the last couple of weeks, but I've been very sick. Around the first of the year I started suffering some severe swelling in both my lower legs. Special compression socks have helped, but two weeks or so ago they started sweating, i.e. the water was leaking out of my legs, and I couldn't wear the socks because the water would make them stick to my legs and I had to cut them off. I can't do that every day, so now I'm getting my legs wrapped in bandages three time s per week. I'm taking water-reduction pills and Potassium to replace what the water pills remove. The swelling (and some other problems) seems to be caused by either my liver or my heart. They're doing tests to try to find out which. All this means I'm now spending several hours per week driving through city traffic to spend several more hours at the Medical Center. On top of that I find myself sleeping a lot more than usual.

My first priority is still my work on the '100 Years' thread, so gaming is falling further and further behind. If I ever get better I'll try to play more and post more, but at this stage I can't make any promises. I'll try to keep people informed as to how it's going.
Posted By: Raine

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/18/19 04:54 PM

Hope you get on the mend soon. We miss you.
Posted By: MFair

Re: My Own Brand Of Crazy - 06/19/19 12:20 AM

Take care Steve, I hope you recover soon!
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