21 July, 1916 11:05 noon mission Proville, Flanders Sector Kasta 17 Feldwebel Otto B von Kenobi
Otto was reading this morning’s paper while finishing his second cup of coffee. Right there on the front page in the bottom left corner there was a black bordered section. It read, “Lieutenant Henri Dagonet has died in the German hospital last night. He was the pilot who collided midair with Capitaine Voscadeaux. Dagonet survived the accident but succumbed to his injuries.” They should make him a national hero. He saved a lot of trouble for many German pilots. How long has it been since Voscadeaux’s funeral? A few days? Otto also read about that one in the papers. The man was a freak of nature. 54 confirmed aerial victories, who knows how many unconfirmed? “- Well, better them than me. I certainly wouldn’t want to end up dead by colliding with Thiede.“ Otto thought to himself. “- Speaking of Thiede, better get a move on. The briefing is about to start soon and the man despises tardiness.” He stood up, finished the last of his coffee, already cold, and headed for the briefing room. They’ve been sent to observe artillery fire near Arras again. Otto was starting to recognize nearby landmarks already. It was an uneventful affair except for the interesting part on the way back from the Front. They saw some Flak explosions on the port side. Gunther’s familiar tap on the shoulder commanded Otto’s attention. The observer was pointing with his Parabellum at a lonely mark in the sky. His eyes were full of greed and he hungrily rubbed his hands together like someone about to eat a large meal. It was a Blériot Experimental, easy meat for the well armed Roland. Obi took his machine up to meet the intruder. He figured Gunther’s earlier talk about avoiding trouble didn’t include two-seaters. They came closer, but the Britisher spotted them and immediately begun evasive maneuvers. It took some time to get the Walfisch into position and they approached the enemy as carefully as possible. The Quirk continued to turn and attempt to place his gunner in a firing position, but Otto was always one step ahead. His training and his experience from his time in Dardanelles came back fresh to him. He would attempt a few shots from behind but quickly overshot the Englander and let Gunther have a go while in front of the enemy. Otto’s observer was well versed in machine gun operation, although lacking in the reflex department, fired series after series at the toothless observation machine. Soon it began to emit smoke and the propeller came to a stop. He was now gliding towards the safety of the English lines, but Otto had him pinned and together with Gunther’s relentless fire the damaged machine was forced to land in No-Man’s Land. Obi turned for home. Once landed, he saw the Schwarmfürher near his machine, waiting for them. “- So, here’re our troublemakers!” Otto couldn’t tell if Leutnant Fritz Thiede was angry with them or just jealous. “- Lay off, Fritz!” Gunther wouldn’t have any of it. “Have you completed your mission? Well, we have too AND prevented the Englander from completing his. That’s a pretty good job, wouldn’t you say?” Gunther and von Kenobi went to see Artur Dietrich about their claim, leaving Thiede standing, looking dumb. “- What is wrong with Thiede?” Obi asked as they kept on walking. Gunter just waved him off with his hand. “- He’s a Scheißkerl!”
"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."
22 July, 1916 05:15 morning mission Proville, Flanders Sector Kasta 17 Feldwebel Otto B von Kenobi
“- Nein, nein, nein! Your claim can’t be confirmed.” Artur’s squeaky voice was filling the operations room. His voice would always get like this when he was annoyed, or excited, or scared. “- It was not a Luftsieg. I will put it down as “zur Landung gezwungen” - forced to land. That is not a kill and will not be credited as such. Rules are rules, Gentlemen and there will be no exceptions. This is Imperial Army, not Royal Flying Corps. We don’t award victories for planes out of control or trailing smoke. Now, get out! I have work to do.” Otto and Karl-Albert were literally pushed out the door. So that was that. The apple barge they shot down yesterday would not be credited. “- Gott Verdammt!” Gunther kicked the dirt with his freshly polished boot.
This morning was Otto’s first strike mission. It was the enemy airfield at Bellevue. Leutnant Thiede was coaching von Kenobi on the fine art of dropping bombs: “- It’s easy. Follow my lead, stay close and drop them when I give the signal. And most important: stay on target!” Seemed simple enough. The bombs have been loaded on the planes, 4 per aircraft. They would be escorted by an Eindecker from KEK 1 but after circling the rendezvous point for 20 minutes and not being able to spot their chaperone, Thiede decided to press on alone. The Fokker jokey must have gotten lost, or had some engine trouble. They’ve arrived over the airfield which already was on fire with great columns of black smoke rising into the sky. It was the handiwork of Kette Eins, which arrived on the scene ahead of them. Kette Zwei was lined up and ready to attack. There, that was the signal! Otto dropped his first pair of bombs. He could only imagine the two projectiles finding their target. He couldn’t see a thing through the clouds and smoke. They’ve turned around for another pass. The signal again! And the last of the bombs were released. They were already on their way back. Fire and smoke attracted attention for miles. They didn’t want to be caught with their lederhosen down when an angry mob of enemy scouts arrives looking for blood. Their trip back to base was quiet.
"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."
Commiserations on the rejected claim, but congrats on the victory! No doubt von Kenobi's score will rise with all those Quirks to prey on...
The future looks bleak for Fullard...Looks like I've backed up the pilot profile, and I've transferred the game files across, but can't seem to figure out the reinstall process and I can't seem to access the WOFF website to check the PDFs.
Wulfe, after the backup program asks you for the drive letter, you press “r” for restore instead of “b” for backup. Yes, Obi senses there will be other claims. This one wasn’t the one he was looking for.
"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."
As sqn Maintenance Officer , I was dispatched to look at a new captured enemy fighter. It was a bitt odd looking as it looked like a monoplane except with 2 wings,
"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."
Oops, should have clarified - the problem is with reinstalling WoFF itself, rather than the profile!! Website seems to be back up anyway, so I'll get there in the end
Ah, I see. I always create a txt file with the order number and place it in the same location as the program install files. I know I’ll lose it on paper or in an email. If I lose the txt file then that means I’ve lost the install files as well and deserve to repurchase the program.
"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'm back Gents. It wil take me a while to catch up. Terrible news Fullofit. Loosing such a pilot is blow. Carrick, good see you have your puter problem sorted out. Wulfe, I hope you get yours sorted.
Sub Flight Lt. Ian B Gilland 1RNAS Furnes Aerodrome
Ian was just shy of his 20th birthday when he found himself in the Great War. He was always fascinated with the thought of flying with the birds and with the help of his Uncle got his ticket at the age of 16. His father was a manager at Wolsely Motors in Birmingham. They had expanded in 1914 to manufacturing for the war effort. With the help of the same Uncle who was in the Admiralty, he received his probationary comission in the RNAS. He was assigned to 1RNAS just in time for the big push.
His first few missions were in Friendly territory to learn the lay of the land. He was assigned to A flight with Flight Commander Dallas. Dallas was from Australia. At 6'-2" he was a commanding figure. How he fit into the little Nieuport was anyone's guess. Ian was instructed to stay out of any combats on the first few flights. Ian liked his new flight commander. Like himself, he did not drink nor smoke and did not use any profanity. He was a quiet man but when he spoke you listened.
On his third flight with Ian flying #3, Dallas spotted 2 bombers near St, Omar. He signaled for Ian to take the one to starboard. Ian was tense and approached from behind and a little below as Dallas had instructed him. When he felt he was in range he fired in short bursts. He was aware of the machine Dallas was shooting at burst into flame but concentrated on his adversary. When he seemed almost to collide he shoved forward on the stick and saw the oil streaked canvas and black crosses pass close overhead. Turning quickly to come around for another pass he saw another member of his flight send the 2 seater down in flame also. Back at base Dallas told him it would take him a while to "find his eye" as he called it. Ian was not happy with his first performance.
His next flight was a balloon busting mission.The flight of 3 fired their rockets and all missed. Ian banked sharply and made another pass raking the balloon from stern to stem. As he passed above it he felt the explosion which sent the nimble Nieuport up higher in the air. Turning around he saw the the thing falling in flames. He was elated! His victory was confirmed.
The next few flights were escort and Aerodrome attacks. They met the enemy on both occasions. Evern though Ian learned he could outfly the Fokker he could not "find his eye" as Dallas had said. He knew he had hit them several times, he even sent one home smoking but was not able to bring them down.
On July 23rd Ian learned some hard lessons. After attacking a ballon west of Roulers which Ian brought down the same as the first, they formed up and headed home. Ian was feeling full of himself knowing he had just notched his second victory. Approaching Furnes behind Reinard, Ian was smiling to himself basking in his own glory when Reinard suddenly pulled up steeply. Turning his head, Ian saw a Fokker coming down at him! Just as he pulled up he felt bullets smack into his aircraft. He and the Fokker circled with Ian firing when he could. The Fokker soon disengaged and turned east. Ian was on him in a second and with the Hun machine directly ahead at close range Ian pressed the trigger. Nothing! He pressed again and again. Still nothing! He had exausted his ammo. He turned away and headed to Furnes. He spotted Reinard's machine in a field east of the aerodrome and made a low pass to see him slumped over in the cockpit. Landing at Furnes he directed a party to the site. Reinard was alive but gravely wounded. The man had saved his life and paid a price. Dallas told him "that is the way of things, you can't let it bother you." Regardless of Dallas's words, the incident weighed heavy on Ian.
Today on the 24th, Dallas and Ian were to patrol enemy lines west of Lille. Approaching the patrol area, Dallas spotted a lone Fokker 1000' below and signaled Ian to attack. Ian rolled over and came out about a 100' above the Fokker and and fired. The Hun immediatly went into a nose down spin and and crashed. Ian could not believe his luck! On the afternoon patrol he and Dallas were attacked by another Fokker while on patrol of friendly territory near Droglandt. He and Dallas tag teamed the Fokker from 9000' to 3000' when Ian fired and it went down in a spin. He now had 3 more claims in.
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, welcome back! A great start for Ian. The Gong Fairy should get ready with a few accolades for the young flier.
24 July, 1916 06:20 morning mission Proville, Flanders Sector Kasta 17 Feldwebel Otto B von Kenobi
They’ve been sent to Arras to spot for the artillery. As soon as they’ve arrived in the area, a flock of Nieuports appeared. They were expecting Das Rotkäppchen to come from the west, but this bunch showed up east of them, as if they saw them first and cut off their escape route. Otto tangled with one while Thiede took on the other one. The Nieuport was more maneuverable, but Otto put a few holes in him and forced him to retreat. The enemy was faster and could climb much better. He left von Kenobi behind. Obi followed, hoping for a damaged engine but it was a lost cause. He gave up the chase and turned back, hoping to catch others returning home, but instead he was faced with a Nieuport following him. After a few turns Otto caught the Frenchman in a climb and stuffed the scout full of bullets. Even Gunther got in on the action. He was sure the French scout was in no condition to dive nowhere else but into the ground and he looked for him down below, but the French plane wasn’t there. Apparently the damage wasn’t as bad as he thought. The Gaul was above him now and ready to escape like the first one, but then the engine gave up and Otto had an easy time taking his opponent out. He was first back at the base. Kette Eins showed up a few minutes later. Only Thiede was missing. Later in the day the phone call came that he had to put down at a closer airfield to patch up his petrol tank, but he would be back for the afternoon sortie. Otto, with his fingers crossed, made another claim with Artur Dietrich. The short man looked at the document suspiciously, made a squeaking sound but accepted it. He said he would make some calls to confirm but warned Otto not to hold his breath.
"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."
Popped a balloon for my 4th Kill then got roughed up by a Hun I was at full power and he stayed with me. Finally, he broke off as I crossed to my side of the lines.
Well done Carrick. Less gas for the Huns means more gas for the Brits.
"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."
26 July, 1916 132:15 afternoon mission Proville, Flanders Sector Kasta 17 Feldwebel Otto B von Kenobi 1 confirmed victory
Yesterday, Otto landed back at the aerodrome after completing the second bombing mission of the day. Artur Dietrich ran out onto the field on his stubby legs with a piece of paper in his hand. “- It’s confirmed! You have got him. Mein Gott, you have got him!” Von Kenobi didn’t understand. “- Have got what?” “- That ... Nieuport ... from ... yesterday!” Dietrich was out of breath. “- Un...believable!” “- Was? Das ist wunderbar!” Obi was elated. That evening the Kasino was much rowdier than usual. Kasta’s revelry continued late into the night.
This morning Otto was dragged out of his bed by the tall orderly. He never knew one’s head could ache like this until now. On the take off line he couldn’t tell if it was the propeller that was spinning or his head. His stomach churned as the Walfisch bounced along the grassy field during the take off and he nearly lost his breakfast when his stomach came up to his throat in a mild dive to form up. That is if he had eaten any breakfast this morning. Instead, his throat continued to burn from the regurgitated bile afforded by last night’s stomach contents. His only consolation was the thought that his observer, Gunther must be in similar condition. He continued to attempt to lean his head against the side of the fuselage. Needless to say it was a futile attempt. The fuselage was located uncomfortably low. His head simply lolled to one side. They’ve been tasked with recon of enemy front lines near Arras. Escort was supposed to be provided by three E.IV’s from KEK Douai but the Fokkers never showed up and Kette Zwei, after circling the rendezvous point for 10 minutes, gave up and continued unescorted. The skies were of the grey kind and the rain clouds were rolling in. Thankfully the patrol area was relatively clear and observations could proceed without any hindrance. The weather cooperated, unfortunately the French had not and had sent three scouts to intercept. They attacked from the east again. It seemed like déjà vu for Otto. One of the Nieuports raked von Kenobi’s plane along the starboard wings. There were bullet holes all across. Two more scouts were on top of Leutnant Thiede. Obi tried to help but he had problems of his own. He fired at the pair pursuing his leader and turned back to his attacker. After a few turns the Nieuport had enough, perhaps he was out of ammo. He had height advantage and extended quickly away from Otto. Obi attempted to pursue but gave up soon after. Instead, he turned back to lend assistance to Thiede, but there was no sign of his leader. Von Kenobi found a smoking crater and another Nieuport circling it. Where was Thiede and where was the third French scout? Whose remains were smoldering down below? Fortunately for Otto he had height advantage and could engage the Nieuport on his terms. After a few dives, turns and climbs, Obi found himself at the top of a climb, rotating and finding the French scout in front of him. He squeezed the trigger and his Spandau tore holes into the unlucky Nieuport. The damned thing continued to evade him, but eventually the engine failed and another volley sent the Frenchman to the ground. Otto turned for home. It was a disaster. Thiede survived the fight, but Kette Eins was obliterated. Leutnant Klaus Knapp was shot down while his wingman returned to base but died of his wounds in the hospital shortly after. Those damned lazy Fokker pilots. The score would have been different if their escort had arrived on time.
"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."
Fullofit: Good to see Otto and The Wahlfish doing well. Good name for a band!
MFair: Nice start for your new chap. Well done!
Wulfe: I hope you figure out the solution. Maybe order the DVD? I had to repurchase as well, but it was well worth it.
Von Blumenthal has been busy doing " villainous stuff". Strunze is back in action with him. They're both buzzing around in EIVs. I'll try to write something up soon, promise!
Harry, the original Hootie & the Blowfish, I presume? Get that villain in the air soon!
"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 THIRTEEN - Konrad Gets A Promotion...And A Victory!
Konrad Berthold von Blumenthal July 24th, 1916. Sivry-sur-Meuse, Verdun. Fokkerstaffel Sivry
It actually came as quite a shock when Konrad saw Strunze for the first time, since his accident. The man looked suddenly fatigued, with a grey pallor to his skin. He no longer oozed confidence. That first night, in their hut, Konrad was startled from his sleep by a sudden, whimpering cry from his room mate. He even felt a little sorry for him, but he wasn't going to say as much!
Over in the canteen at breakfast, Oberleutnant Kirmaier came across and tapped Konrad on the shoulder.
"Come to my office please"
"Yes sir", Konrad rose from his seat and followed the officer.
"Take a seat, young man. This won't take a moment". He reached down under his desk and pulled out a small box. Handing it to Konrad, he smiled. "Congratulations on your first confirmed victory! I'm particularly delighted that I was able to provide the corroborating witness account. Good work Von Blumenthal. May it be the first of many". Konrad beamed in delight as he examined the silver goblet contained in the box. "Oh, and before I completely forget, congratulations on your promotion to Feldwebel!". Konrad sat, stunned, unable to even mutter a word of thanks.
Later that day, as they suited up for the afternoon mission, Strunze offered his congratulations, also.
"It seems you've managed to figure out how to bring those Caudron beasts down to earth, old fellow. Well done." The previous day they had surprised a G4 that was making its way lazily toward its home field. Konrad had joined his flight lead in the pursuit and had been the last to put some rounds into it, as it plunged toward the ground. Konrad wasn't really sure he deserved the victory, but when he saw that Kirmaier didn't intend to, he put in a claim for himself. It could have been his bullets that finished it, after all.
This afternoon they were escorting another Wahlfish, deep into enemy territory. The mission was to bomb the enemy troop encampment outside of Verdun. No fewer that six Halbs and two EIVs set off to meet the bomber. It was yet another case of empty skies. No Nieuports in sight. They hadn't seen any French scouts since the demise of their famous purple warrior. Only the lumbering Caudrons were naround, which suited Konrad down to the ground. Sure enough, as soon as the Wahlfish had deposited its bombs, Konrad noticed it turn sharply, heading off after another of the giant beast that had happened to arrive on the scene. Konrad was slightly amused to see the 2-seater behaving exactly like a scout, turning and chasing after the even larger foe. Then Konrad noticed that Kirmaier had joined the battle. Konrad decided to make it a party, descending rapidly on the G4. This time, there was no doubt. Konrad lined up a perfect shot and poured a burst of fire into the right engine as the Caudron turned his way, causing it to explode in flash of yellow and red flame. Smoke billowing, the Caudron immediately fell earthwards, losing its top left plane in the process, and finally crashing into the ground below.
Konrad once again put in a claim, this time knowing full well it was his bullets that dealt the death blow. Again he cited Kirmaier as the witness, as well as the pilot of the Roland. However, they had been very deep inside enemy territory and Konrad knew there was some chance that his claim would be denied. Nevertheless, his confidence was growing. Time to celebrate with some schnapps, he thought to himself.
What?! Konrad felt a little sorry for Strunze? Where is the villain I know? The real von B would have told him to shut up and be careful not to wet his bed! Congrats on the victory and promotion to boot. Soon Strunze will be flying the inferior planes.
"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."
Nice stories this morning. Good to see everyone is still kicking.
Mr. Gilland did not last long. On a mission to attack a Hun Aerodrome with Dallas, he did everything wrong. Dallas caught some Archie damage just as they crossed into enemy territory and turned back. Instead of returning himself the brash young gent soldiered on. That was mistake #1. Then he realized he had been letting Dallas lead the way and not paying attention so he was a bit turned around. Mistake #2. Jumped by 2 Fokker’s he sent one to the ground then continued to figure out where he was. Spotting a Hun airfield he decided to let his rockets go and head home. Jumped by 2 more Fokker’s he fought them off and headed home. In the wrong direction! That was mistake #3. Finally getting his directions he headed west when he noticed someone was following. Crossing his lines, one of his pursuers broke off but one doggedly kept coming. Mr. Gilland now had the wind up and turned to engage tasting another victory. Mistake #4. In the dogfight that ensued he over controlled and snapped a wing off the Nieuport and smashed into a thousand pieces into the mud of No Man’s Land.
Sign me up for another round Raine!
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!