Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rating: 5
Hop To
Page 25 of 366 1 2 23 24 25 26 27 365 366
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
7
Member
Offline
Member
7
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
Aleck A. MacKinlay
February 22, 1916

We were ordered back to Loos Junction to bomb the rail facility again. The Major says it is a critical target for disruption of the enemy's supply chain. There would be no escort as all Bristol's are still being repaired from their scrap with Eindekkers on the previous visit. A flight of four BE2c's is believed to be able to defend against one ore two attackers, and I am quite confident in this strategy. Two of our pilots on the flight were on their first flight back in BE's and there has been much complaining about the loss of the Fee's. Welcome to my world boys!

Nasty weather with steady snow, lots of cloud, and a nasty wind that tossed us around and made formation keeping a challenge. I did discover the one benefit of us all flying in BE2's; no longer getting left behind! We found the target and hit it hard. The Major is greatly pleased.

Warren found me in the mess in the afternoon to report that he has heard back on his telegram to George Challenger. Apparently he agrees that a pilot need only aim the aircraft but is of the feeling, as are his contacts in the War Department, that pilots will find the concept difficult to adopt and will want to be able to sight along the barrel. I scoffed and was quite miffed at this. Ridiculous! Warren mentioned that France's great ace Jean Navarre is known for standing up in his cockpit to sight and fire the machine gun mounted to the top wing of his Neuport Bebe, so there must be something to it. "Then Navarre is a bloody fool!" I retorted.

"Well what about the need to clear jams?" Warren inquired. He had me there, I had to admit.

So the new synchronizer system looks to be on it's way to the front soon with little modification. Warren says they will add a threaded adjustment to the push-rod to allow tuning for temperature changes, based on work he is doing here. I didn't say much but wondered internally about the fact that our test Bristol has not been up yet on an actual mission because both engineer and pilot deem the equipment to be too unreliable to be trusted in combat. Ah well, we need something to combat the Fokkers so anything is better than what we have now. Warren says they will get it to work, and perhaps they will. We need it!


Attached Images
Combat Flight Simulator 3 Screenshot 2019.02.23 - 19.19.21.53.png Combat Flight Simulator 3 Screenshot 2019.02.23 - 19.38.03.21.png
Last edited by 77_Scout; 02/24/19 06:10 PM.
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
.

Scout, Aleck is learning just how slowly the wheels turn at the War Department when it comes to innovation. I hope he and his squadron mates will have the new equipment soon. Fingers crossed.


MFair, it was far too close for Swany's liking. He is currently of the opinion that the entire Hun air service is out to get him, that opinion being further enforced this morning by yet another go-round with the dreaded Fokkers. He and Captain Craig and one other crew of B Flight were sent up to Armentières to assess the situation there, and this time they actually had escort, provided by a pair of Nieuport 10s from Escadrille 15. As it turned out it did little good keeping the Eindeckers away from them. About twenty minutes into the recce of the area Swany was shocked to see one of the Nieuports plummeting down in flames. It was a horrible thing to watch, but the young pilot had little time to dwell on it as he had to shake the Hun attacker swooping in on them. Swany did his best to give the Captain some clear shots, which the stout fellow quickly took full advantage. Within two minutes the EIndecker was looping out of control towards the mud below. Swany and his G/O scanned the skies but no other aeroplanes, hostile or friendly, could be seen anywhere, so they turned their attentions to finishing up the recce. Just as they were getting ready to return to camp their flight mates rejoined them and the two Moranes headed home without further trouble. Swany and the Captain now have two outstanding claims and there is much debate about whether either, both, or neither will be awarded them. Swany has taken very much a "wait and see" attitude about it. On a high note, the young airmen has received a cash reimbursement of £75 for his civilian flight training. His two mates, Collins and Jericho, who were also with him back in Canada for said training, have received the same. There will no doubt be some rounds bought in the mess tonight!


A horrible sight.
[Linked Image]

.

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Gentlemen, another round of great storytelling.
Lou, that was a hair raising experience. Getting your wings clipped like that will take at least two years of his projected life span. Good job of getting it all in one piece (minus the tip). Wonder why the Hun couldn’t do the same? Good luck with both claims. Now you have at least a 50:50 chance of confirmation. I know, I know - never tell you the odds. That Hun in the sun screenshot is a beauty.
MFair, tough luck with your former observer. He should have stuck with Jericho instead of gallivanting with other officers. Chin up, the weather can only get better. As to the voice of targets in the area, those are limited and I’m afraid you will have to come back to that rail junction time and time again, until Germans decide it’s not worth repairing it anymore. What’s the point? Jericho will just come and bomb it again. Scheiße!
Scout, too bad about the Fees. Will have to make do with the Quirks for now. I think Aleck should propose installing a front firing MG on his crate. Maybe mount it on the top plane?

22 February , 1916 8:12
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Sergent Gaston A. Voscadeaux

Today’s recon mission will take Gaston to front lines where the Meuse River crosses it. He expected this to help greatly with navigation and finding the target. Just after take off, Gaston busied himself with his usual routine in preparation for the hop to the frontlines. Blanket of clouds made everything drab and without depth. Even his wingman had disappeared into the background. Where was he? Gaston started to scan around when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a machine barreling towards him. It was Cpl. Mondeme trying to get to his position in the formation, nearly flying through Gaston’s Nieuport just to get there. His heart skipped a beat as Mondeme flew just under his wings. Gaston thought his wingman went mad for pulling a stunt like this. As he flew alongside him, he shook his fist at the younger pilot.



Sun and partly blue sky peeked from behind the monotone clouds above 2000 m. Gaston was right, it was easy to locate the assigned patrol area. As expected, French artillery was off mark due to the lack of airborne ranging. There was talk of French planes being swept from the skies by the Fokker monoplanes. This was evident by the scene below. The guns were simply firing blind. Meanwhile German shells seemed to find their mark each time, thanks to the frequent corrections from the Boche observation machines. This was about to change at least in one sector. Roze was busy noting the fall of the shells. Once the information was passed on to the army boys, some Huns will be very unhappy near the Meuse River area. They didn’t linger too long over the target and both flights returned home safely. Gaston will have to talk to Cpl. Mondeme regarding the near collision earlier this morning. The Boche is one thing, but being rammed by your own flight-mate is another.


"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."
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
.

Woah! Fullofit, Gaston's lucky there wasn't any more air pressure in his tires. He should ask his flight-mate if he cuts his bread that thin too.

As for a 50/50 chance on Swany's claims being confirmed - we'll see.

.

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
Dangerous business, this air war. Be careful out there!

I'm hoping to get a chance to fly an Einie before they go out of fashion later in the year. And if I don't count the engine failure Julius just had, it's been rather quiet in his sector.

Regarding the claims confirmation process, this old pic by Lou is always topical:

[Linked Image]


"Upon my word I've had as much excitement on a car as in the air, especially since the R.F.C. have had women drivers."

James McCudden, Five Years in the Royal Flying Corps
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Lou, something must be in the air. Have a look at Gaston's next report and you'll be the judge.

23 February , 1916 8:12
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Sergent Gaston A. Voscadeaux

This morning Gaston was reading in Le Figaro that some crazy pilot was flying over the front performing aerobatic stunts in the new plane that he had painted in French colours. This show, albeit dangerous, was a great morale boost for Les Poilus below. Voscadeaux thought that if he'd ever get permission, he would also paint his plane.
It appears today’s mission will be conducted again near Meuse River. Army brass was so impressed with yesterday's fire directing that they’ve requested another outing today again, specifically asking for the same flight team as before. Unfortunately Cpl. Mondeme was not available to accompany Gaston this morning, but the C.O. wanted to make a lasting impression and in his stead sent Cpl. Papinet and Clp. Dreux. More snow was expected later in the day, so an early mission was recommended.
It seemed like a bad dream to Gaston when he witnessed the two buffoons nearly collided with one another when trying to form up behind him. There are two of them and they're just as bad as Cpl. Mondeme.

[Linked Image]

They were lucky again today. Somehow they were able to sneak by without attracting attention of the Fokkers, which certainly were patrolling the nearby area. The heavy, snow-laden clouds had something to do with that.
Gaston gave enough time Roze to make his observations and note everything before returning home, where the expectant C.O. was pacing the snow covered grass of the airfield. It is not often that the Army notices the work of a reconnaissance escadrille. And with the Boche monoplanes harassing all observation aeroplanes in the vicinity it is a miracle to provide useful intelligence for the headquarters. Perhaps there will be a citation for the squadron?

Attached Images
1916-02-23 Near Collision.jpg

"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."
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Hasse, haven't you heard? That bunch of yahoos has been replaced by this bunch. Something about too many denied claims, or some such.

[Linked Image]

Attached Images
French Claim Committee.jpg

"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."
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
I'm all caught up now!

24 February , 1916 8:16
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Sergent Gaston A. Voscadeaux

It is the 4th day of the German offensive and it doesn't look good for the French side. The Poilus are being pushed back to the third line and the German troops advancing on the city are only 8 km away. A new general had been appointed for the Verdun sector to stem German advance, Henri Philippe Petain. His order of the battle was that there will be no more withdrawals and arranged for every spare French soldier to be deployed to the sector. Forts Vaux and Douaumont are still holding out.
Today was a very quick hop to the front lines NW of Senard for a bit of arty spotting. Someone heard of an outfit getting across the lines and bringing back useful information. Yet another army commander requested N37 to do the ranging for them.
As they were approaching their first waypoint, Gaston saw a flash and a column of smoke rise in the distance near the Brocourt-en-Argonne aerodrome. The smoke was visible in the mist. He didn't want to think about it right now and set his mind to the task at hand. There will be plenty of time to mourn fallen comrades if he survives himself.

[Linked Image]

S.Ltn. Medeville was the single escort in the ‘A’ Flight. Gaston watched as the much faster N10 raced ahead toward the front lines. It was then that he noticed 2 small dots floating over the NML, just below the dark clouds. Voscadeaux watched as S.Ltn. Medeville drop down like a hawk on two spots below and all disappeared into the clouds. And that was it. That was the last they saw them. Gaston kept on sweeping the skies, expecting the Boche come out of the clouds and pounce on them. The attack never came and they were able to complete their mission and return home without any incidents. Medeville had already landed when they approached the aerodrome.
In the mess everyone was listening to S.Ltn. Medeville telling of his kill. The Fokkers were in disarray when he pounced on them and he immediately shot down one of them. The other one went to hide in the dense cloud cover. He will probably get a medal for this. Gaston was listening intently with everyone else and thought that one day he will be the one to report of his victories over the dreaded Fokker.

Attached Images
1916-02-24.jpg

"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."
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
C
Hotshot
Offline
Hotshot
C
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Nigel Archibald Notting
Sgt, RFC
4 Sqn Rfc.
Allonville, Flanders
19.53 Hrs. Flight Time.

Feb 23 , and 24th 1916.

)n the 23th sent to attack a Rail yard across the kines from us. Met with cannon fire but was able to bomb from 3500 ft. No Hits some were short and some overs,

On the 24th sent back to same target on the same route, same time, same altitude. Found 3 monoplanes low and climbing towards our two a/c. I bombed on the flight leaders release. 1 or maybe 2 hits somewhere in the Yard then the fighters were on us. I nosed over heading for the lines and pegged 145 mph. Woodlark, my flight Lead, made a turn losing speed and height with 2 machines on his tail that was the last we ever saw of him and his Ob. I had one E/A trying to close on me. My OB gun went bang bang then nothing a Jam. I nosed over more keeping ahead of him then Archie opened up and the E/a turned for home. Thank goodness, I was down to 1200 ft. Score 1 Be 2 loss.

Attached Images
CFS3 2019-02-24 14-20-45-19.jpg CFS3 2019-02-24 14-31-04-67.jpg
Last edited by carrick58; 02/24/19 11:37 PM.
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
C
Hotshot
Offline
Hotshot
C
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Nigel Archibald Notting
Sgt, RFC
4 Sqn Rfc.
Allonville, Flanders


Late in the day had a little gun pratice. I say smashing fun, got off 47 rds and never hit a sausage.

Attached Images
tumblr_njfgluLzsW1u7vgzzo2_1280   gun.jpg
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Scout, I hope the progress on the interrupter gear arrives before we all go south!
Lou and Fullofit, best be careful, I have had my share of pilots killed by midair collisions.
Carrick, there is no shame in running from an Eindecker, you will live longer
Hasse, if Julius gets his Fokker I hope we do not meet. I have grown fond of the fellow. Besides, my observer is a crack shot!

Last edited by MFair; 02/25/19 01:23 AM.

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
.

This is becoming an every outing routine, and not one Swany is fond of.

2nd Lt. Swanson and his G/O Captain Craig, along with two other teams from B Flight, were given a recce this morning of the lines down at Athies. Weather was dreadful with snow hindering them throughout the entire sortie. After reaching their assigned area they began the recce and things were going well for the first 15 minutes or so at which point a trio of Eindeckers came diving down on them. It turned into a free-for-all with the Moranes doing their best to stay out of the Hun's collective lines of fire. Swany and Daniel paired off with a particularly aggressive enemy pilot who was likely a veteran, given the way he handled his mount. Both planes gave up altitude as they turned and twisted in efforts to gain an advantage over the other. Swany used every trick he knew to avoid the hail of bullets that came repeatedly, hoping he was offering his gunner some opportunities to return fire. Luck was favoring the British team, and after what seemed an eternity the Captain got a solid shot into the front of the Hun machine. Swany watched as their attacker tumbled down out of control, crashing into the mud several miles south of Athies. A quick assessment of the situation showed they were now alone, with their Morane handling oddly. The controls felt loose and sloppy and it was hard to hold a true course. 2nd Lt. Swanson turned their bus to the northwest and cautiously flew back to camp, slowly buying back altitude as he did so, just in case they needed it should the engine decide to conk. 25 minutes later they were gliding in to land at Auchel. After pulling up to the hangar and shutting down the Le Rhône Swany breathed a long sigh of relief. This made the third sortie in a row that they had been attacked. If this kept up he wondered when luck would switch sides and it would be him and the Captain laying dead in the mud. Not a comforting thought. Swany and Craig climbed out of their bus and made their way to the Adjutant's Office to fill out their AARs and claim forms. Along the way the Captain commented on what a fine job of flying the Lieutenant had done and that he was going to make a point of mentioning it, both in his report and to the CO. Later in the day the news came that one of the two previous day's claims had been approved for the pair, while the other had been rejected due to lack of visual confirmation. This left today's claim to be decided upon. Swany had no idea what the Brass Hat's were using as evidence or guidelines to decide which claims should be awarded, but he had a hunch it was a dart board.


Unwelcome company yet again.
[Linked Image]


Round and round we go.
[Linked Image]


Trading shots.
[Linked Image]


Another crater in No Man's Land.
[Linked Image]


Glad to be home.
[Linked Image]


.

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Lou, another close call! The Eindeckers are showing up with regularity.

i am a day ahead, apologies for any problems.

Lt. Mark Jericho
Auchell Aerodrome
Feb. 26, 1916

Jericho was more than pleased with his money from training. It had been a long time since he had had a little spending money in his pocket. He went straight to James's "ready shack". "I got you something Pard" he said to James as he handed him 25 British pounds.
"Whats that for?" James asked.
"Its for what that binge cost you a few weeks back when I caused the little disturbance" Jericho answered.
"You don't owe me anything for that my friend, the show was worth every penny!" James replied.
Jericho looked at James in the eye for a few seconds and then said "I owe you Pard. Now please take this."
James met Jericho's stare. "Alright then....Pard" he said with a smile as they shook hands.

The bombing mission to Vimy Junction was getting old. Snow and rain, drop your eggs, fight off a few Eindeckers and return home. Upon landing Jericho slapped Christian on the back and said, "You can sure send those Hun's packing Hoss! Awful good shooting."

Yesterdays mission to bomb the front sector southwest of Monchy was anything but normal. Shortly after takeoff, the lead machine turned back with engine trouble. Somehow Jericho, now flight lead, found the escorts in the snow and cloud. Then #3 signaled engine trouble and he too turned back to Auchell. Jericho did not know what to do really. "Well we do have escorts and we are not crossing the lines so what the hell" he thought as he signaled to Christian, his gunner, that they were going ahead. Over the mud it was hard to see the lines through the cloud and snow so Jericho made a guess and let his eggs go. He was to find out he had totally missed his target but he and Christian were back at Auchell safe and sound. That was all that mattered to Jericho.

When Jericho walked out of his hut dressed for today's mission he stopped in his tracks. "That's the most beautiful sunrise this child has seen in a while" he thought. He stood for a moment with eyes closed letting the rays bath his face. He met Christian at their Morane. "Beautiful day isn't it Lt.!" Jericho said.
"Yes indeed!" replied Christian. "Lets hope some Hun does not mess it up!" They both laughed as they climbed to their positions. They were headed to bomb Menen Aerodrome, 10 miles behind the lines. There cheer masked both of the men's apprehension.

They had a new flight leader for the day. A Captain Cudney. He seemed good enough to Jericho. Not too stuffy. Dickens made up the trio. They took off into the clear blue sky and met up with the escorts, 2 Nieuports from Savy. "Got to love those Frenchies. They never back down from a fight" He thought as looked at the sleek scouts with envy. Approaching the target Jericho saw 3 machines a few thousand feet below. The Hun was up on this day too and these 3 were hunters. At that moment the 2 Nieuports dove past Jericho to engage the threat. "Go get'em boys!" Jericho said aloud then went back to concentrating on dropping his eggs.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Jericho saw his bombs hit a tent hanger dead center. Cudney, Jericho and Dickens turned as one toward the lines. Christian signaled to Jericho that they were under attack and just as Jericho turned he saw Christian open up on a approaching Hun to their left. The Eindecker immediately turned over and tumbled out of sight. The other was on Dickens. Jericho and Christian joined in and together they sent him packing under the combined fire of their gunners.

Back at Auchell Jericho and Christian were elated. "You shot him clean center!" Jericho said to Christian.
"Tumbled like a stone he did!" added Christian.

They turned in a claim for the Hun but were told not to expect much as neither of them saw him crash. "Well we were a bit busy at the time Major" was Jericho's answer


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,743
Originally Posted by Fullofit
Hasse, haven't you heard? That bunch of yahoos has been replaced by this bunch. Something about too many denied claims, or some such.


Having more officials to handle the claims should mean they are now being rejected even faster and more efficiently than ever before.

More reports to enjoy with my evening tea. Keep it up, gentlemen! reading


"Upon my word I've had as much excitement on a car as in the air, especially since the R.F.C. have had women drivers."

James McCudden, Five Years in the Royal Flying Corps
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
C
Hotshot
Offline
Hotshot
C
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 6,659
Headquarters.
3rd Army group
Claims, and assignments.
4th Rfc.

25 Feb 1916.

Processing claims and planning missions.

Attached Images
Marx-Brothers.jpg
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
What's with Swany and the Eindeckers? Lou, better check his compass if it doesn't have a Fokker magnet. Seriously, Gaston is in the middle of a major offensive and there aren't that many Fokkers on the entire front as there are on Swany's tail. Congrats on another downed Hun and the confirmed one too! I smell a promotion coming.
MFair, finally some sun! That's more like it. I bet Jericho wouldn't even mind bombing that rail junction again with the sun on his face. You guys are racking them in! Gaston is still a virgin. Oh, that didn't come out right.

25 February , 1916 8:05
Senard, Verdun Sector
Escadrille N37
Sergent Gaston A. Voscadeaux

Fort Douaumont is lost! Gaston, like most on the base is in shock. This was not supposed to have happened. It doesn’t look good for the French nation. It doesn’t look good for Entente. They are in real trouble.
There is also some good news, S.Ltn. Medeville's claim from yesterday had been confirmed. It is his first!
The orders were to conduct reconnaissance of front lines south of St. Mihiel salient. They haven’t had any reliable information of the battle in this area for some time and it was up to Gaston’s flight to change that. Hence the heavy escort flying above his Nieuport.

[Linked Image]

The snow on the ground made everything easy to spot from the air. Gaston thought if they were to paint all their planes white they would blend better with the surroundings and make it much more difficult for the Boche to notice.
They’ve encountered two Aviatiks over the recon area but the ‘A’ Flight ignored them. Well, this is why Fort Douaumont is now in German hands. He was fed up with this apathy and decided to act. He signaled his wingman, Cpl. Mondeme and gave chase. They’ve caught up with the Huns quickly and attacked from behind. Caporal Mondeme's machine was damaged on the first pass and he had to disengage. Gaston made another two passes with Roze firing like a madman. On the next pass the unthinkable happened, the gun jammed. Roze was beating it with his gloved hands like one beats a mangy dog. No go, the spent shell casing was jammed in the breach for good. Voscadeaux was forced to let the Huns go and returned to the recon area and the safety of the escort, which was still circling the same spot unaware of the recent going-ons. Voscadeaux gave order to return after Roze made all the notes he could take. It was stupid to endanger Mondeme. He'll have to stick to the mission and keep his wingmen safe. If only he could get his hands on one of those machines with the forward firing guns.

Attached Images
1916-02-25.jpg

"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."
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,087
Fullofit, do not be in such an all fired hurry to die! Gaston will get a stomach full before it’s over. With all the
Eindeckers I have come across, I would be dead if not for your countrymen in those sleek Nieuports.


Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from either end.
BOC Member since....I can't remember!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
F
Senior Member
Offline
Senior Member
F
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
MFair, wise words, but Gaston is a man of action and can’t sit idly while Boche are infesting his land of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. He will protect his country, or die trying. Vive La France!


"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."
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Offline
BOC President; Pilot Extraordinaire; Humble Man
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,881
.

Carrick, it wouldn't surprise me a bit to learn those three are in charge of claims processing.

Fullofit, Gaston is seeing some of the worst of the war there at "The Devil's Anvil". Verdun right now is Hell on Earth, no doubt of that. Love that screenshot looking over the gunner's shoulder.

MFair, Jericho and his G/O did a nice job on both that aerodrome hit and on sending their Hun attacker down. Here's hoping they get their claim approved.


Swany was very pleased this morning to have not only a beautiful winter's morning to fly in, but also a quiet one sans Eindeckers. He and Captain Craig and the rest of B Flight were sent over to bomb the Boche aerodrome at Phalempin. Winds aloft were fairly stiff and it threw off everyone's aim so that all they managed was to make a few craters in the snow. This was the only disappointment of the outing though and if it would be like this tomorrow Swany would be quite fine repeating the whole sortie, hopefully with better luck on getting their eggs on the target. At breakfast the 2nd Lieutenant learned that he and the Captain's claim from yesterday had been denied due to lack of visual confirmation. No surprise there. This makes 3 confirmed victories and 4 denied claims for our Norwegian-American from Minnesota which, given the fact he's only been at the front for little more than seven weeks, is more than amazing. He wonders often why he in particular is such a favored target with the Hun fliers.


A beautiful day for flying.
[Linked Image]

.

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
7
Member
Offline
Member
7
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
Aleck A MacKinlay
Feb 23 and 24, 1916

With Loos Junction heavily damaged, we have turned our attention to the German airfield at Ghistelles, to "exercise our offensive spirit" as the Major is found of saying these days. Ghistelles is well behind enemy lines and the home of several crack Fokker squadrons so these missions are not taken lightly.

Yesterday's mission was more of a battle against devilish winds, but my flight leader and I were still able to hit the target, shredding one of the Hun hangers and more. I was quite satisfied with this until i thought of our own mechanics, all good men working away in the hangers back at Abeele, and suddenly had a deep feeling of regret and that this was not right. The feeling passed quickly as the needs of navigating our way home with the winds tossing us about took over.

Today we repeated the same flight plan with a full complement of three Bristols sweeping ahead to clear our way. Our only opposition was the driving snow and obscuring clouds; the German fliers were staying on the ground today. Sgt. Xavier got lost and never dropped his bombs but I had better luck. I have had absolutely no engine problems for weeks now and I pray that this continues. If not these "offensive spirit" missions will soon lead to a "prisoner spirit". Not a prospect I care to think about.


Attached Images
Combat Flight Simulator 3 Screenshot 2019.02.26 - 10.26.35.69.png
Last edited by 77_Scout; 02/26/19 07:12 PM.
Page 25 of 366 1 2 23 24 25 26 27 365 366

Moderated by  Polovski, Winding Man 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Quick Search
Support SimHQ

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


Recent Topics
Any chess players here?
by PanzerMeyer - 12/12/24 04:16 PM
Which One Of You Is Doing This?
by Spidey - 12/11/24 12:48 PM
Small aircraft crash today nearby
by oldgrognard - 12/07/24 08:11 PM
Air Raid Pearl Harbor This Is No Drill
by F4UDash4 - 12/07/24 01:50 PM
Uaps sightings recently
by Blade_RJ - 12/02/24 02:01 AM
DCS Terrian V. Reality
by Arthonon - 12/01/24 06:41 PM
Rod Stewart's Trainset
by F4UDash4 - 11/30/24 02:42 AM
Nathan Fillion and Mike Rowe
by F4UDash4 - 11/27/24 12:41 PM
Popular Topics(Views)
6,764,911 SAM Simulator
Copyright 1997-2016, SimHQ Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5