Raine, welcome to 2Lt Drummond. Looks like this pilot will not have problems communicating with the locals in France. I’m surprised there wasn’t anything mentioned about his father and how the education money was reallocated. So, he’s on his way to greatness. The Brisfit should see him to the end of the war.
Albert, it’s pot luck with those SPADs. One day you get aces, the next jokers. I see Kevin is getting interested in the inner workings of a squadron. Seems like a lot of paper pushing if you ask me, but to each its own. Congrats to your man as well on a well deserved decoration. A DSO will definitely make the heart of a certain nurse skip a beat, when she sees our hero. Kevin is making it up for the lost time during the rainy weather. Two in the morning then a balloon and another Fokker in the afternoon. There’s no stopping him. Not even the Gong Fairy has any power over him.
Lou, did someone mention the Gong Fairy? Yes, apparently someone did and we’re all the worse for it. A double whammy for Klaus. What has he done to deserve this? … Ohhh, shiny! Look at how shiny they are. And a blue one too! Thank you, Gentlemen. Klaus will definitely go to sleep all gonged up.
Epower, worry not! Just watch today’s vids. In your face Gong Fairy!
Carrick, thanks … I think. Bongs?
14 July, 1918 04:45 dawn mission Montingen, Verdun Sector Jasta 18 Leutnant Klaus Gustav Raben EK1 EK2 Fokker D.VII 39 confirmed kills
The troublesome SPAD has been confirmed as Raben’s 39th kill. One more and he’ll be able to celebrate a round number. The HQ sent them early this morning to defend Mars-la-Tour aerodrome. What is so vital about this airfield? The mission was about to begin. All the machines were sitting on the line, warming their engines when the raid alarm went off. Klaus could see tracers flying in the direction of low flying enemy planes that were now overflying the airfield. Raben was first in line to take off and didn’t waste any time. The SPADs were already coming around for another strafing run. Raben pulled up to meet one of the Frenchmen head on and sent a burst into the engine compartment. He had no time to see if that had any effect on the enemy plane. He was already turning to get on the tail of another Franzose. Bullets were flying all around, but Klaus was determined and pursued his target until it lost control, went on its back and smashed into the ground. Klaus was already chasing after another SPAD. This one was further away and Klaus had to take long range shots and chip away at him. Finally in the end he must have hit something vital and the Franzose lost control smashing his machine into the ground below. He then searched for another target. Raben found him near the airfield chasing a Fokker. The German was in trouble already trailing dark drey smoke. Raben came close and quickly lost the SPAD from his view. He went around and found the enemy attempting to finish off the smoking Fokker. This time Klaus won’t let him out of his sight. His cousin also had his eye on this foe and made an attempt to bring him down, but it was Klaus who was able to get behind the enemy plane first and send a deadly volley. He watched as the SPAD nosed down and went into the ground. But Klaus wasn’t finished yet. He instantly spotted one more SPAD engaged in combat with one Fokker and soon one more. Klaus would be the third one to make an attempt at his life. He soon realized that one of the Fokkers was the same one trailing a tail of smoke and wasn’t a factor. The other was his cousin and he was now being targeted by the SPAD. Klaus couldn’t get there fast enough. He opened fire to get the enemy off his C.O.’s back. August was lucky this time and got away cleanly. In the meantime, Klaus was finishing off the SPAD, which obligingly ploughed into the field below after losing control. That was the last one of the invaders. Raben knew he wouldn’t be able to continue with the mission. He must have no more than 50 rounds left per gun. He gathered the remaining Fokkers and promptly landed back at base.
14 July, 1918 10:45 morning mission Montingen, Verdun Sector Jasta 18 Leutnant Klaus Gustav Raben EK1 EK2 Fokker D.VII 39 confirmed kills Awaiting four claim confirmations
Later in the morning, after having rearmed and refuelled Schwarm Zwei was sent to support ground forces south of Pont-à-Mousson. The second patrol of the day went splendidly as well. Klaus spotted a bunch of SPADs patrolling at a lower altitude on German side of the mud. He dove at the formation, which dispersed before he had the chance to arrive. He shot at one of them and turned to face the angry mob. The rest of the Fokkers were still deciding if they should pull their thumbs out of their butts. Klaus had now three SPADs to play with. He found one in a dive and went after him. He followed him closely firing and just as he was about to disengage to avoid a collision, the wing came off and the Franzose tumbled all the way down. Then he had only two to worry about. The two worked in tandem, but Raben’s Fokker had no problems splitting them and go after one. He damaged it severely and watched it spiral down. He was twisting with the falling plane to avoid being an easy target for the last enemy scout, who was now annoying Klaus, by firing at him. Raben couldn’t finish making sure the second SPAD had crashed and occupied himself with the final foe. While pursuing him, he stole a glance down to see a satisfying crash site of that second SPAD. The last Franzose was no match. He made an evasive dive and went straight for the lines. Klaus had no difficulties getting on the rear of this fleeing scout and bringing him down for his third victory. The rest of the Fokkers who were still flying in formation quickly rejoined Raben and they all returned to base. Was Klaus destined to fight all the air battles by himself?
That evening August called Klaus into his office. “- Well cousin, you’ve done it again. The HQ is quite cross with you after your latest stunt. No one claims seven planes in one day. I had to listen to a phone conversation with an incredulous official for half an hour. They’ve finally given in and allowed five of them to be confirmed. Congratulations m’boy! Let’s make a habit out of this.” August shook Klaus’ hand who smiled wryly. “- This is incredible news. Thank you cousin.” Klaus was about to leave the office and celebrate in the Kasino. “- Did I say I was done? Sit down Klaus. I have more news.” August showed the young pilot the chair from his desk. “- After the claims phone call I received another one. This time it was General Ludendorff himself. Would you believe it? He wanted to speak with you, but you were nowhere to be found. Where did you get to anyway?” “- Never mind that, what did he want?” Klaus was flabbergasted. “- Well, my dear cousin, he wanted to congratulate you on your latest victories and to let you know you’ll be getting the House of Hohenzollern Order with Swords!” “- What? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You lout! You kept it to yourself all this time?” Klaus was ecstatic. “- As I said, you were hard to find. But enough about that. Some time later, I received another phone call. This time from a stuffy dignitary informing me that the Kaiser himself heard of your claims this morning and is excited to present you with the Blue Max! It is Christmas, Klaus! The Kaiser! Pour le Mérite. Well done my cousin. We’ll be going to Berlin once all the details are nailed down. Now, what are you waiting for? Let’s go to the Kasino and celebrate!” The C.O. grabbed Klaus by the shoulder and the two men walked out of the office and straight into the Kasino.
Now, if only Klaus didn’t have to do everything all by himself:
"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys, The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain, From out of my arse take the camshaft, And assemble the engine again."
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