Hasse, sorry to hear of Julius’ misfortune when it comes to unconfirmed claims, but it makes a good explanation for his recent loss of record. Hopefully his brother’s Blue Max will drive Julius to get one of his own.
Crikey MFair, that’s some adventure Jericho’s been on! Chased by Rolands and Fokkers, all in one go! And to boot a confirmed #5, that is something to celebrate. We have another Ace! Congrats Pard!
Maeran, a great intro to the men of No. 32 and I’m glad that bottle of HP sauce missed Stanley’s head. Carrick could provide a healthy selection of nurses if the bottle hadn’t missed. I hope 32 has better aim.
Wulfe, hope you get well soon. The Boche are getting brazen without Le Américain keeping them in check.
Harry, better tell Konrad that he will go blind from “reading” those magazines. Good luck keeping up with Boelcke. It will be a tall order if he’s flying the E.IV.
"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."
Gaston left Vouillermoz behind in his slow Bebe and climbed to altitude above Souilly aerodrome, their assigned patrol area. The weather was still volatile, but with some improvements over the past few days. The blue skies could be seen from time to time, but mostly everything was wrapped in a grey wool cloud sweater. It was while flying through these thick clouds that Gaston noticed the German machine on its way to bomb who knows what. The very same clouds also concealed Gaston from the Hun's beady eyes and allowed Voscadeaux to sneak up behind and attack in complete surprise. It was the Whale with its dangerous gunner perched atop the machine like some kind of a dung beetle protecting his manure ball. After Gaston’s surprise attack the Hun pilot threw his machine into a downward spiral to throw the French scout off, but despite these violent maneuvers Gaston was able to keep up in his Pig. The desperation grew in the cockpit of the Teutonic two-seater and his driver made an attempt to bolt for the lines but the Pig was able to keep up. They were now over the Argonne Forest with No Man’s Land laceration visible ahead. Gaston wasn’t gaining and the status quo would not do for the French Ace. He shot a few desperate rounds ahead without expecting them to hit anything but it worked. The Boche was spooked by the tracers whizzing by and banked to avoid being a “sitting duck”. But that was Gaston's plan all along, he closed the distance and carefully crept behind and under the Hun. The Lewis gun above Gaston barked and the slugs it just launched bit into the Roland’s skin and its hart, the engine. A trail of vapour began to emanate from the wounded machine. Voscadeaux made another attempt on the crippled bus. Another long burst from the top plane-mounted machine gun. The Walfisch was on fire and losing altitude fast but the gunner still tried to hit the French plane. Still defending his ball of manure. Voscadeaux looked on as the Hun drove his flaming plane into the trees below. Oddly enough there was no explosion. The forest swallowed the German contraption without a sign other than a dark column of smoke. It was time to get back home and Gaston took a look around to get his bearings. He noticed an airplane in the distance. “- Good, Vouillermoz had witnessed the kill.” Gaston flew toward his wingman, except ... Vouillermoz had only one set of wings! Another Hun! Gaston easily maneuvered on his tail and fired. The Eindecker was a tough nut and his squirrelly flying wasted a lot of Voscadeaux’s ammo. As Gaston fired his last bullet another Fokker joined the fight. Gaston was in trouble. He was jockeying for position with this new Hun and at the same time watching the other one slink away. "- Lucky son of a Boche!", Gaston thought as he watched him disappear in the distance. This new Hun was not very skilled and Gaston easily kept out of his guns’ range. In fact, he climbed onto his back and kept him in his gun sight. The Boche knew he was beaten and stopped any further maneuvering. Gaston had to let him go. The Hun could not believe his luck and eagerly disengaged. Voscadeaux watched in anger as the Boche ran for the lines. Gaston flew alone toward Senard. S.Lt. Vouillermoz probably had another excuse.
The sector west of Bechamps was in need of arty spotting and it was up to Voscadeaux and Garrigou to escort the Nieuport 12 there. While the observation machine continued to range the Escadrille 37 pilots came in contact with a pair of Fokkers. The mad circling to get on the opponent’s tail commenced. Garrigou latched onto one of them while Gaston struggled with the other one. As Voscadeaux followed his target he could see the smoke rising from a crater over which Garrigou was triumphantly hovering. He then came over to help Gaston and damaged the monoplane at which point Gaston put the finishing touches to force the Hun to land in NML, SW of Spincourt. The battle was over and each man claimed one Fokker after returning to Senard.
"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."
Sorry Harry, this is what happens when I'm left alone with a dram of scotch.
"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."
The Roland claim has been rejected since there was no one near to witness it, but the Eindecker is now Gaston's 42nd kill.
Finally, clear skies! The orders come to escort the ‘A’ flight on a bombing run of enemy camp north of Verdun. There was no enemy presence to protect the target. The ‘A’ flight attacked the troop camp unopposed. All machines returned safely home.
Good weather continues and ‘B’ flight was ordered to patrol the lines near Bechamps. Gaston was so engrossed in his navigation over the lines that he failed to notice both of his wingmen weren’t following him. He looked around and saw wings flashing in the sun. He should have known; Boillot always saw the enemy first. He was now chasing two Fokkers together with his newest wingman to keep him company. Gaston observed from above and dove when he saw a window of opportunity. His Pig stalled with every movement of the control column and Voscadeaux was getting fed up with it. He needed a reliable aeroplane. An aeroplane that would obey his commands. An aeroplane like his old Violette. He finally latched on to the tail of one of the Eindeckers and opened fire. He could see the Boche machine being hit, but it had no effect. It was like he was having a bad dream. Whatever he did, it was wrong. Gaston's frustration peaked when he emptied his Lewis and the Fokker kept on flying, albeit sans power. He was trailing vapour and losing height. Gaston watched him set his kite down in a field and could just imagine the Hun look up and thumb his nose at him. Gaston's disgust towards his plane reached a new high. When will this nightmare be over?
"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."
Good day folks, I have been sidelined again with computer problems but I think I have it sorted out now. Just in time too, my wife said she can’t live with me when WOFF is not working!
Great stories all. Looks like everyone is doing ok but I am sure that will change quick as this is heating up fast!
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!
MFair, great news! I hope Jericho survived this "procedure". Carrick, look at all those ruffles … and those splits! I wish some pretty ladies would kick my hat like that!
Friendly front line patrol south of Spincourt. It was Adjutant Boillot again and his eagle eyes. Gaston would have missed the Fokker flight were it not for his flight-mate. He could see Frougier and Dagonet already chasing one Eindecker and Boillot tangling with the other. Gaston decided to help the keen-eyed pilot. They chased the Boche low above the No Man's Land, taking turns at attacking the Hun. Gaston saw someone on fire crashing into the ground. He prayed it was the other German. Finally with a well placed burst Voscadeaux crippled the monoplane and watched him make a slow curve into the dirt. Boillot flew above the wreck to examine it. Gaston ordered everyone to return to base. They needed to save their strength for the next mission.
Gaston’s task this afternoon was to patrol over the enemy lines NE of Verdun. It was a lone wolf affair. He found a pair of juicy Aviatiks on his final lap of the circuit. Voscadeaux came from behind on the tail of the trailing machine. He aimed carefully and fired. Solid hits registered on the fuselage and debris started to clutter his flightpath, but as he was flying by for another pass, a bullet grazed his head, bouncing off his thick skull. Gaston was paralyzed, watching his target fly away unable to generate even a twitch. He finally regained his senses and quickly turned to land at the closest airfield. He was looked at and his wound was stitched and disinfected with a good dose of alcohol. His kepi would not fit on his bandaged head for a week.
"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."
CHAPTER FIVE - KEEPING UP WITH THE BOELCKE, THOSE DAMNED STUTTERS.
Konrad Berthold von Blumenthal June 17th, 1916. Sivry-sur-Meuse, Verdun. KEK Sivry
Rain and high winds had grounded KEK Sivry for two days, but then the storm passed and the sunshine returned. Konrad was keen to get back in the air. Besides, his mechanic was driving him absolutely crazy. He'd happened to mention that his engine had been prone to the occasional stutter and now the man wouldn't stop harassing him about it! They were standing by the hangar while his machine was being readied for the morning flight.
"I've told you plenty of times!", the mechanic grumbled. "These model 3 versions have serious stuttering issues that can never be fixed. I've been working on engines for over half my life and I know everything there is to know, so don't try telling me what you think you could do in my place to make it better!". The mechanic spat out the last sentence vehemently. Konrad looked him up and down, despising him and his attitude. God, he thought to himself, he's a bigger villain than me! The man shook his unruly shock of white hair back and started packing away his tools.
"Herr Behr, I find your continued outbursts to be extremely irritating. If you don't immediately desist, I will be forced to report you!" One of the other mechanics nearby could sense the tenseness between the two men and offered his colleague an exit from the confrontation.
"Err, Snowy, could you spare me a minute? I really need your help with this piston unit. I just can't seem to get it unstuck!" The man turned and answered.
"Hold on a moment, I'll give you a hand". Turning back to Konrad, he said "Look, it's ridiculous to spend any amount of money on trying to fix a problem that can't be fixed. It stutters. Plain and simple. If I were you I'd get the Hauptmann to upgrade you to the mark IV version. That stutters as well, but not as badly as this old thing". Konrad walked over to his plane as the other mechanics wheeled it out into the field. The annoying little man was probably correct about requesting a new plane. How the hell could he be expected to keep up with Boelcke and "stick to him like glue" with an underpowered machine.
They took off for a routine patrol, heading north, away from the lines. Konrad did actually manage to keep in touch with the formation and spent most of it neatly tucked in behind Boelcke's machine. The patrol was uneventful. Once they were back at their field, Boelcke approached Konrad.
"That was better, young man. Now, just keep things that way!".
"Yes sir, but... well, I've spoken with mechanic Behr and he's adamant that the EIII's stutter problem cannot be fixed, and, well, it is underpowered sir, so I do have a difficult time keeping with the formation. Sir!"
"Look, your new here von Blumenthal. Strunze has the same damned plane and he's got nine victories! I can't be giving you preference, now can I? In any case, old Snowy's a bit of a lunatic. Your best course of action is to steer clear of him. Keep improving, show me you have what it take and we'll get you upgraded at some point." He marched off to his office.
Konrad should continuously shake his head in tune with the stutters. Just don’t roll. He could then say: “- Stutters don’t exist. They’re in your head.” Now if someone could do something about my windscreen. The clouds seem to pop in and out every time I look through it.
"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."
"I've told you plenty of times!", the mechanic grumbled. "These model 3 versions have serious stuttering issues that can never be fixed. I've been working on engines for over half my life and I know everything there is to know, so don't try telling me what you think you could do in my place to make it better!". The mechanic spat out the last sentence vehemently. Konrad looked him up and down, despising him and his attitude. God, he thought to himself, he's a bigger villain than me! The man shook his unruly shock of white hair back and started packing away his tools.
"Herr Behr, I find your continued outbursts to be extremely irritating. If you don't immediately desist, I will be forced to report you!" One of the other mechanics nearby could sense the tenseness between the two men and offered his colleague an exit from the confrontation.
"Err, Snowy, could you spare me a minute? I really need your help with this piston unit. I just can't seem to get it unstuck!" The man turned and answered.
"Hold on a moment, I'll give you a hand". Turning back to Konrad, he said "Look, it's ridiculous to spend any amount of money on trying to fix a problem that can't be fixed. It stutters. Plain and simple. If I were you I'd get the Hauptmann to upgrade you to the mark IV version. That stutters as well, but not as badly as this old thing". Konrad walked over to his plane as the other mechanics wheeled it out into the field. The annoying little man was probably correct about requesting a new plane. How the hell could he be expected to keep up with Boelcke and "stick to him like glue" with an underpowered machine.
Okay, I'm LMAO right now. Perhaps Konrad could review his stuff in HQ and tick the box that lets him ignore mechanic Behr's comments?
The morning mission had been a rough one. Jericho's shoulder ached like the dickens but he was glad to be out of that hell hole of a hospital. If his soul was not hardened yet it was now. He wanted to see Camille, being so close, but there was no way he was going to have her come and see and hear the sights where he was. He was eating breakfast with Richards after the flight. "What's got you so long in the face old boy, I hear you knocked down another Hun?" Richards remarked. Jericho continued spreading jam on his toast and replied. "It cost Wurdon, my old gunner his life" Jericho replied. In his calm English manner Richards said, "Its war my friend. It happens" as he sipped his tea. Jericho looked at him and added "Yea, well, this was my fault. Pure and simple." Richards lowered his cup and looked back at Jericho, "And how is it your fault eh?" Jericho took a bite of toast before speaking. "Crossing over the mud, still on our side though, I spotted 3 Fokkers in the distance. I started to turn for home and when I did it seemed they did the same so I made a circle and they started back toward us." He took a long sip of coffee and continued, "We did that little dance 3 times and I decided to call their bluff and on they came. By the time they hit us we were on our side of the lines. The one that was on me and Jordan, well, our gunners gave him pause and he high tailed it back over the lines. I looked around to find Griffen and didn't see him. then I spotted him a mile or two south. Actually, all I saw was 3 specks doing a dance and knew at once the other two had cut him out as clean as you cut a calf from the herd. Me and Jordan headed to help. Just before I got there I saw Griffens machine going down smoking and the two turned their attention to us. One was on Jordan's tail and I saw my chance. I cut between him and the Hun and a little above. Bet he wasn't 10 yards away when Wickham hit him with a full burst. Saw the b@#stard fold up like an old coat in his cockpit and he went down pole axed." He paused and took another sip of coffee. "If I would have scrubbed the mission and come on home he would be alive today." Richards pushed back his chair and put his hand on Jericho's shoulder. "Good God man! If everyone turned back at the sight of a Hun we will never win this war! You did your Job." "Yea I guess. I'm going to get some rest before we go up again today. Thanks Pard." Jericho said.
At mess after dinner that night, The major tapped his glass with his spoon and silenced the room. "Gentlemen. I have a few announcements to make. First, I would like to address.......Captain Jericho!" The room went up in a roar. His old friend James slapped him on the back. "Well done Pard!" he said. The Major tapped his glass again and silenced the room once more. He looked at Jericho. "Congratulations Captain, it is well deserved. I wish more of your countrymen had your courage and skill. Also, Congratulations on your 6th victory!" The celebration that took place took some of the sting out of his old gunners death. He was getting used to it.
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!
HarryH, a Boelke rocket! Konrad is going to have quite a reputation. Good story!
Hasse, poor Julius. At least the claims bureau won't make him spend all his Taschengeld on little silver cups!
Lederhosen, please leave those nice Moranes alone.
Fullofit, bagging a Roland with a Np16 is no mean feat. Well done! Too bad it wasn't made official. The wounding scared the heck out of me. I think Gaston may need some leave before he gets too daring.
MFair, I'm so glad you seem to have defeated the PC gremlins and we have Jericho back. Sorry, Captain Jericho. Congratulations!
An Airman’s Odyssey – by Lt James Arthur Collins, MC
Part Forty-Five: In which ennui makes an appearance
I laid on my bed on a warm Sunday afternoon and thumb through my log book. The days are jumbled and confused, with no coherent order, just splintered images. Perhaps the log will let me reconstruct the sequence of events.
We had rain and wind for four days, but I had orderly duty and was unable to get away. The place seemed deserted. Placed two privates on charge for drunkenness. The Major was away for a couple of days at some high-level briefing, and Captain Mealing was in charge. He is overdue for leave and so is Jericho, who has just returned from hospital. Fortunately the wound is not serious, but the man is an odd duck sometimes and he seems to be carrying a grudge about being hit. It has kept him from the girl he’s keen on over in Amiens.
I should be up for leave soon, but I haven’t got my hopes up. The short stint in HE will probably make the brass hats add a month or so to my needed time. And then there is the expected push. It hasn’t been said officially yet, but we all expect all leaves to be cancelled any day now.
Still, there’s no rush. Sad letter from Dorothy on the 12th. Things are no better at home.
Wing suffers from a distinct lack of imagination. They sent us to the same sector up near Amiens to shoot up and drop hate on Hun rail lines and yards – six times we went. Now the Fokker jockeys sleep late, knowing exactly when and where we’ll appear. We have had to fight our way home every day this week. When we submit our reports, the RO continually chides Sergeant Wilson not to curse or criticise Wing. The RO is like old King Cnut trying to stop the tide. Wilson’s profanity is a force of nature. I shall have to speak with the man before he tries to form an observers’ trade union.
18 June 1916, a hundred and one years since Waterloo. None of the French seem to be marking the occasion. It’s strange to think the Huns were on our side back then. Back up to the Arras sector in the morning, a late breakfast, and then some training flights for a new stunt called contact patrols. We are learning to send signals to men on the ground, who then use flares to show us their positions. It’s all part of the preparation for the push that is coming. If we pull it off, higher command will get a much better picture of the battle than has heretofore been possible.
In the afternoon we headed north yet again, escorted by several Bristols from Number 11. Inevitably the Huns were waiting for us, two formations of Fokkers. The Bristols were outnumbered so I led our three Moranes into the scrap – my machine, the Major’s, and Lewis’s. Gradually the Huns tired of the game and broke away. Wilson got off a drum at one HA and we followed it a couple of miles into Hunland until it landed in a field. We circled and Wilson fired off two more drums without apparent effect. It is likely salvageable and we will be lucky to get credit for a kill.
"...we followed it a couple of miles into Hunland until it landed in a field."
Big news tonight in C Flight mess. Jericho has been promoted Captain. I must lay on a proper Amiens binge.
Fullofit:Come on man, get your head out of the clouds! Seriously, I just hope that Konrad can eventually acquire even half the skills that Voscadeaux has!
MFair: 6 victories, and CAPTAIN!!! No one deserves it more than you, sir. Your facilitation of these guys to help them build the best flight sims that ever existed is truly appreciated by this community!
Raine:Glad you had a chuckle about the stutters. Your reports on Collins are more informative than reading any history book of the air conflict in WW1. Thank you, sir!
Bang a gong, get it on! Brilliant stuff. Congrats to Jericho and Voscadeaux!
CHAPTER SIX - BEHR BAITING AND ENGINE TWEAKING
Konrad Berthold von Blumenthal June 18th, 1916. Sivry-sur-Meuse, Verdun. KEK Sivry
Konrad was exhausted, but happy. He'd worked through the night on his EIII's engine. Now he had it running like a dream! Of course, it was still as slow as ever, but the stuttering issues were all but gone. She positively purred along. The sun was just starting to rise, and the forest around Sivry began to shimmer, ruby, pink and gold. Then mechanic Behr appeared at the entry to the hangar, rather spoiling the view.
"What have you been up to, then?", he smirked.
"You will address me as "sir" if you don't mind, or I shall be forced to put you on your arse!".
"Oh, I'm so sorry, "sir", I do apologize", the mechanic replied, putting an emphasis on the word "sir" to make sure Konrad understood that it carried absolutely no respect at all. But Konrad wasn't worried. He had a plan for the nasty little man. Just at that moment Hauptmann Boelcke walked up to the two men. They both snapped to attention.
"What's going on, gentlemen?". Konrad was the first to speak.
"Sir, I believe I've found the source of the problem regarding the engine stutters. It's taken me all night, sir, but well, it seems that the people who should be doing that kind of thing are either too lazy or too interested in their own opinions to bother." He shot a wicked sideways glance at Herr Behr who was beginning to look quite uncomfortable.
"OK, move aside, both of you!" The Hauptmann strode up to the plane and climbed into the pilot's seat, securing his harness. "Don't just stand there, push me out!". Konrad and Behr rushed forward and set to the task. Once out on the field, Boelcke soon had the Eindecker pointed into the wind and was up in the air a few seconds later. Behr and Kondrad shaded their eyes against the morning sun, tracking the craft's progress. After a couple of circuits of the field, Boelcke brought the craft smoothly down and taxi'd back to the hanger.
"Very good!", he shouted out to Konrad as he clambered from the cockpit. He came over, slapped Konrad on the back and grinned. "Well, you won't need the EIV now, will you? This runs perfectly well!". Konrad's stomach knotted and he couldn't help but notice that Herr Behr seemed to be silently giggling. But the very next minute the little mechanic became distinctly uncomfortable again. "Herr Behr, it seems our airmen know more about engines than our mechanics!" The Hauptmann then ordered him to go to the office and wait for him to get there. Behr set off, leaving the Hauptmann and Konrad alone. "Never did like that fellow", said Boelcke. "As for you, young man, good work. I won't keep you in that old thing too much longer though, so don't worry. Do your best to keep up in the meantime. There's a good fellow". He smiled and turned and headed to the office to deal with Behr.
I’ve been gonged! Thank you very much Lou. This adds so much to the DID. Fullofit, I hope you don’t wear your medals while flying, you will weigh the poor machine down by now. Harry, loving Konrad’s character and your story line. I think the last one comes under “careful what you wish for!l By the by, spent many a night listening to TRex while cruising in the day.
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!
I’ve been gonged! Thank you very much Lou. This adds so much to the DID. Fullofit, I hope you don’t wear your medals while flying, you will weigh the poor machine down by now. Harry, loving Konrad’s character and your story line. I think the last one comes under “careful what you wish for!l By the by, spent many a night listening to TRex while cruising in the day.
Thank you sir! So many good story lines here, yours included. Have to keep on our creative toes