Fullofit - I agree, this new threesome attacking gasbags is a strange one. Especially as they fly it as any normal sortie, form up, climb up and off they go. It's just ripe for a disaster.
I'm glad Pyotr managed to coax the lame bird just enough to avoid becoming a POW.
Carrick - Well done to Henri bagging that two seater. Sounds like the Escadrille had a good day all round.
Raine - So MacAlister and Bronwyn had another catch up, she's a resourceful one certainly. The brother sounds a decent sort too, but he was probably in awe a wee bit. So George is set to return to active service. Will it be back to 74 or to a new RAF squadron. Perhaps as the new CO? We shall see.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Henri N. du Fay Spa 94,Sgt Plessis-Belleville Aerodrome
3 Victorys 2 Unconfirmed 1 pending
Jun 2, 1918.
2 flights today.
Morning Show the flag Reims to Verdun enemy side of the lines. What a Sitter long flight broke up by ground fire. No e/a sighted.
Late morning : The Esc 12 a/c went back up to Reims and ran into V struts. White and black elevators around eight of the Boche in 2 flights at lower Altitude Big fur ball a/c all over Zee place. I shot at 3 or 4 then one came slanting by and I latched on him after 200 rds I saw the Pilot slump in the cockpit then spin out going down. I heard later we claimed 3 e/a for 1 Spad lost. and my 2 seat was rejected.from the other day.
Yet another balloon busting outing for James today as part of a trio including Captain Curtis and Captain Buckley. The Germans were adamant they wanted a balloon near the lines north of Toul and the French and Americans were just as adamant that they couldn't have one there.
The weather was still good although more clouds than yesterday.
The threesome took off, formed up and climbed up to 13000 feet before heading north towards the lines.
James was extremely vigilant throughout the journey and thankfully found nothing.
They spotted the balloon as they started across the lines and dived down towards it. James lined up and blasted the balloon. The other two did the same and it erupted into a fireball.
They formed up again and headed back over the lines. The journey back was uneventful but James spent the return working out how he'd do things differently if this was his flight. They'd be hugging the ground there and back.
They landed safely and headed in to freshen up and get some refreshment.
Afternoon sortie
Major Peterson confirmed that the squadron would be heading north east to the lines to patrol around there.
The two flights took off in good weather and after forming and climbing they headed off across Toul.
The sortie passed without any incident. James was beginning to think all the German machines were heading for the Marne to attack Paris.
On landing he found the 94th had just returned before them. He climbed down and was walking towards the office when a voice shouted over to him, "Hey Jimmy! Hold up!". It was Eddie Rickenbacker who caught James up.
"How's it going there pal?" said Rickenbacker.
"I'm alright Eddie, how about you, you guys just come in as well?" said James.
"Yeah 5 minutes before you fellas" said Rickenbacker.
"It's been really quiet up there for a few days now don't you think?" asked James.
"Yeah agreed, #%&*$# Huns are busy busting someone else's balls" said Eddie.
James laughed "You always say it so clearly Eddie".
"I don't waste my words Jimmy" said Eddie with a smirk.
"Anyway pal, catch you in the bar later" said Eddie.
The two parted and James went in to complete his report.
NB - thanks to a windows 10 update my screenshots stopped working so I've found a few decent pictures to get me through until tomorrow.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Raine, good to hear George is fit for duty and will soon be back taking names and … you know, doing the thing he does best. Bronwyn will have to wait a wee bit longer.
Albert, it was a touch and go for a while there, but Pyotr is back, taking names and … you know, doing the thing he deals best. Hopefully there’ll be more of those patches and we’ll get a fix for those three-ship missions. Speaking of which, chalk up another one of those to James. Luck was with the Americans this time and they were able to take the gasbag down unmolested. Then another quiet sortie. Must be true about all the Huns concentrating around Paris. Consider Smirnov’s balls getting busted.
It took him an entire day to get back to base. He was tired, dirty and hungry. The next morning he was told his Hun with the white tail has been confirmed. No other claim of his came through. Pyotr was not at all surprised. He was supposed to stay on the ground today and rest but when the air raid klaxon went off he quickly forgot about the orders and jumped into the first available airplane and took off. As he was rolling down the field, he could see one of the pilots in flying gear running out of the hut, waving his arms. It must have been his plane. Pyotr was just hoping it wasn’t le Capitaine. They caught up to the bombers with the Front in sight. Pyotr was behind a pair of Rumplers and getting closer. He targeted the trailing one, dipped his nose to pick up speed and climbed to get the bomber in his sights. He opened fire and continued to fire until the two-seater wobbled and got out of the way. Smirnov didn’t follow. He quickly switched to the other bomber and resumed firing. He walked the bullets all over the fuselage. The rear gunner must have been green, for none of his rounds hit the SPAD. Pyotr stopped firing only after the top port side wing came off and the Rumpler went down. He looked around for more, but the clump of bombers ahead was too far away. There was nothing else to do. Smirnov turned around and brought the borrowed machine back to base.
"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 - Pyotr took full advantage of those two vickers against those two seaters. The gunners were probably cowering for some cover. He'll probably get a blasting for taking off without permission but he doesn't seem the type to get overly sensitive about such things.
Carrick - Henri is on ze move now. Four confirmed kills, La fée gong awaits.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Carrick - You'll need all of those and more when the gong fairy's in town.
2nd Lieutenant James Hardy 95th Aero Toul
9 confirmed kills
4th June 1918
5.55am
James was already awake, he needed the latrine. The dawn was already breaking and the sun was warm on his face as he came out of his billet and round to the latrine block.
He'd just started when he heard faint engine noises. 'Someone's on an early morning jaunt' he thought as he continued. The noises grew louder though.
Just then the airfield alarm sounded. "You're ffin kidding me!" said James aloud.
He had no choice but to finish early. He ran out of the latrine and round to his room. "Start the engines!!" shouted James towards the ground crew. He threw his flying coat on, stepped into his boots and grabbed his helmet and gloves.
Just then he saw a large enemy formation coming in very low over the trees. They opened fire hitting several tents and a couple of trucks. Luckily they attacked from over the back of the hangers and they protected the aircraft in front of them.
James reached his aircraft and jumped in. He was pointing the wrong way, across the airfield but he had no time to taxi around.
The Albatrosse were turning now for another run. He throttled up and raced across the airfield. The trees seemed to loom up large and quickly. He pulled back on the stick and the aircraft rose....was he high enough though?.........just!!! The Albatrosse were over to his left now turning for another run. He kept low, between the trees. He saw one of the enemy aircraft just behind the others and swept around and onto his tail. He blasted the Albatros with a long burst. The enemy formation scattered. James kept after his prey and blasted the Albatros again as it tried to roll. The enemy aircraft's engine stopped and he had no option but to crash land on the outskirts of the airfield.
Just then James saw other Nieuports getting airborne. He saw at least three Albatros scouts trying to get on his tail, he drew them away from the other Nieuports.
James nosed down and raced along between the trees, literally taking the tops off the flowers. Two of the three pursuers lost their nerve and turned away. The other one was good and stayed on James' tail.
James pulled a tight turn around a small copse of trees then reversed back. The Albatros turned with him but missed the reverse turn. James saw his chance and reared up over the trees and onto the Albatros's tail. He fired strongly into the hapless Hun. He continued firing and the Albatros nosed down and smashed into the ground.
By now several other melees were going on. James picked another target. Two of the Albatros scouts were still attacking the airfield. James raced towards them and fired into the nearest enemy aircraft. It reared up and the other banked hard right.
James kept with the climbing Albatros and poured both barrels into him. The Albatros fell to the left and spun down into the ground.
James looked for the other Albatros and saw him making a belated run for home. "No way Josè, you're not going home" said James to himself as he raced after him.
He closed on the enemy aircraft and hit him hard with both barrels. The Albatros tried to turn left between two trees but James hit him again and flipped him over and he smashed into one of the trees.
James took stock, he could see smoke and flames all around. The only aircraft he could see were Nieuports.
He landed and took a deep breath, it was at that point he realised he still needed the toilet!
Later on when all the reports were in a total of eight Albatros scouts had been downed for the loss of one Nieuport. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Walker Evans was killed trying to get airborne.
They also had a prisoner, James' first claim, who'd had to land on their airfield. The french guards had already grabbed him and a truck was ordered to take him off to headquarters for interrogation. James went to speak with him and introduced himself as the pilot who'd downed him.
The German saluted and introduced himself as Leutenant Klaus Reider, of Jasta 65. "In hesitant English the Leutenant said "You fly very gut!". The lorry had now arrived and the Leutenant was quickly whisked away.
Afternoon sortie
Major Peterson took the afternoon sortie involving 'B' flight. They flew over to the lines near St Mihiel and patrolled around for 30 minutes. The weather was still very good but despite the good visibility, neither James or the others saw any other aircraft.
They landed safely after about 90 minutes in the air.
Later in the evening Major Peterson called James to his office.
"At ease James".
"Firstly, fantastic performance this morning. That was some flying you did there. I can confirm two of your four claims James. The flak and machine gunners are also claiming some" said Peterson with a wry grin.
"Fair enough sir, I'll share the spoils with them" said James.
"That's good of you" said the Major smiling.
"I have other news, which is definitely all yours James. Headquarters have agreed with me when I recommended you for promotion to 1st Lieutenant" said Peterson.
"Congratulations, Lieutenant" said the Major, offering James his hand.
"Thank you sir" said James, accepting the handshake.
"Right let's go and tell the others" said Peterson.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Albert, it was a good day for Smirnov. He survived attacking two-seaters from behind without getting the engine shot from under him. Whoever that other pilot was, he’ll probably get an earful from le Capitaine for being slow to respond to the alarm. Now look at what James had done. A proper airfield attack, not some high-flying bombers that drop their load from high above and run for home. This is more like it and James taught them all a lesson. It appears he fights best on a half-empty bladder. Congrats on besting the best the Kaiser could throw at them. And the reward for it? A promotion and two confirmed victories. Not bad, could have been worse.
4 June, 1918 08:00 Hétomesnil, Marne Sector Esc SPA 67, GC 12 Sous Lieutenant Pyotr Fyodor Smirnov MM SPAD XIII 17 confirmed kills
His Rumpler has been confirmed. Pyotr’s achievements so far have also been recognized by the HQ and he was promoted to Sous Lieutenant. There was no time to celebrate, however. The escadrille was being moved to Sacy-le-Grand aerodrome, 55 km south-east of their current location and closer to Paris. In fact, they were located right in front of the advancing Germans. Pyotr didn’t like to be used as a human shield. On arrival he noticed the trees were growing very close to the edge of the aerodrome. He thought to himself this to be rather dangerous. He was right; two men crashed into them while landing.
"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."
Carrick - A couple of quiet jaunts for Henri. I don't think there'll be too many of those over these next few months.
Fullofit - What a disastrous transfer flight, you'd have thought they'd have reccied the airfield before sending Pyotr and the others there. Clearly not. As for the move itself, Esc 67 is clearly being tasked with repelling anything heading towards Paris. Speaking of Paris, maybe Pyotr can have a day off there at some point. Congratulations on the promotion, well deserved.
As for James, he can't fathom these Huns, he doesn't see any for days and then they all come at once and disturb his toilet time.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Major Peterson confirmed that the squadron would be heading out to the lines north east of Toul this morning. The weather had closed in again and thick clouds abound, although the local meteorologists reckoned it might clear up after lunch.
James took off with the rain splattering his goggles.
They formed up and had started to climb, they'd only gotten to about 3000 feet when bullets ripped into James' wing. He instinctively rolled and pulled away and saw an Albatros zoom past him. He looked and saw a whole Jasta worth of them diving into the attack.
He climbed and checked his six which was clear so he looked for a target. His attacker was now below him and coming around to the right. James dove down at him and fired. The Albatros nosed down and dived down. James throttled back and bided his time. The Albatros levelled and made for home but James nosed down and caught the enemy aircraft up quickly.
James blasted him with an accurate long burst. It must have hit the Hun's wires as he lurched over to the left and spun down into the ground.
James searched for another target. It was at that point he saw several more Nieuports coming in. Suddenly the Germans were seriously outnumbered. He saw one trying for the tail of a comrade and rolled left onto his tail. He fired and the Albatros pulled up and hard right but James was ready for this and carried on firing as he rolled right. Another burst and the enemy pilot slumped forward in the cockpit and the Albatros nosed into the ground.
The Albatros scouts were being decimated. He saw one who had ran for home. James nosed down and raced after him at full pelt.
He fired from some distance in the hope of throwing the enemy aircraft off. It worked a treat the enemy pilot panicked and rolled right. James went with him and pummeled him with bullets. The Hun's wing tore off and he spun into the trees and exploded.
James saw no more enemy aircraft. He looked at the holes in his wing and thought he'd better land.
As he landed he saw some of the other Nieuports who had joined in the fight also landing. These had an Eagle on the side of their fuselage.
James climbed down and went over to one of the pilots. "Hey, who are you guys?" asked James.
"Were the 27th Aero, I'm Don, Don Hudson" said the pilot.
"Pleased to meet yer" said James in his best philli drawl. "I'm James Hardy" he said.
"Wow, pleased to meet you Lieutenant, we've heard a lot about you!" said Hudson.
"Really?" said James with surprise.
"Hell yes" said Hudson in his Kansas tones.
Afternoon sortie
Captain Curtis took 'B' flight on a patrol around the lines near St Mihiel. The weather had cleared up and the sun was shining although some thick clouds still remained.
The sortie went without incident and all landed safely some 80 minutes later.
Later that evening Major Peterson confirmed two of James kills from the morning, the other was also being claimed by two pilots from the 27th. James could accept a share, but decided to allow the kill to go to the new boys.
James spent the evening in conversation with Eddie Rickenbacker and invited Don Hudson over to meet him.
"Pleased to meet you Don" said Eddie. "This place is sure getting busy now, they'd best not run out of smokes" he continued.
James laughed "priorities eh Eddie?" he said dryly.
"Priorities Jimmy boy" said Eddie.
Don Hudson was clearly in a bit of awe with James and Eddie and said "How do you do it? How do you rack up so many".
"We don't really talk about scores Don, we just fly and shoot when the opportunity comes along. If we fly better and shoot straighter than the enemy, we'll come out on top hopefully" said James, trying to reassure Hudson.
James grabbed the young pilot another highball and passed it to him.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Henri N. du Fay Spa 94,Sgt Plessis-Belleville Aerodrome
4 Victory's 2 Unconfirmed
June 5, 1918.
Big furball on Dawn Patrol. It was Zee High Flight up the West side of the Sector. Mon Dieu ! 2 flights of Boche pursuits types Too quickly they were all around II Sections 6 Spads. I got hits on a Tri plane then went after two Green Tails only to have a tri plane turn on me and shot up my ride I took two hits one in lower left leg and one ripping along my right arm. Managed a hard landing in the field near a town on our side .of the lines.
I’m so busy I don’t know if I found my rope or lost my horse! I have found myself way behind again gents. Will try and remedy that.
Feldwebel Ludwig Kemp Jasta 56 Rumbeke June 5, 1918
Kemp had returned to his squadron on June 2nd. He was just in time to greet the new Fokker’s they had been promised. The Jasta had only received 5 and he was elated when Collin told him one was his. He gave it a test flight and could not not believe it. It is a wonderful machine. More maneuverable than the Albatros and can dive without fear of coming apart.
He had downed an RE on the 4th for his 10th victory. After a mission with no contact this afternoon, he and Beckman were relaxing after dinner. “So what of this sweetheart of yours eh?” He asked. Kemp swirled his brandy around in the glass before answering. “I’ll never understand women!” Beckman laughed, “That is an impossibly my boy! No one can understand the fairer sex. So, what is the quandary?” Kemp leaned forward. “She told me she had no intentions of loosing another to this dammed war and it was best that we not see each other.” There was a moment of silence before Beckman spoke. “Well then my boy, you must make sure you survive this war! Then, she can’t lose you too it! Simple as that!” Kemp leaned back in his chair and raised his glass to Beckman, “to survival then!”
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!
Albert, you’d have thought that by 1918 all the trees around any active aerodrome would have been cut down within a half a kilometre radius. Inexcusable. That is the general idea - with Paris so close, all time off would be spent there. Smirnov’s already heard le Capitaine talk of a certain Madame.
I have a feeling there’s a bounty on James’ head after his latest exploits, hence the Albatroses hunting him down. It looks like they will have to send more hunters next time judging by Hardy’s morning performance. It was lucky the 27th showed up when they did and occupied the rest of the Huns, otherwise it could have been a different story. That’s an elite pursuit group in the making there. All they need now is the 147th to call it a full house. Congrats on the two new confirmed kills. Jimmy must be at the top of the scoreboard by now.
MFair, take you time and good luck with the other challenge. I hear you’re doing well. I see Kemp is enjoying his new toy and has already put it to good use. Congrats on another claim. As to Mia, she’s not that smart that one, is she? She’s already lost Ludwig before even fully “catching” him. Go figure.
5 June, 1918 08:45 Sacy-le-Grand, Marne Sector Esc SPA 67, GC 12 Sous Lieutenant Pyotr Fyodor Smirnov MM SPAD XIII 17 confirmed kills
The escadrille’s first mission in the new digs was to escort five Strutters from Esc 251 to bomb enemy troop camp south of Soissons. The Sopwiths were terrifyingly slow and all the SPADs danced all over the sky to stay in formation and prevent a stall. Pyotr decided it was safer to move away from the tightly packed formation and to roam around them. Scout ahead. Bring up the rear.
At some point he noticed one of the Strutters detach itself from the rest and struggle to catch up. Obviously he suffered from some sort of a problem. The main formation was moving further away and Smirnov decided to remain with the trundling Sopwith and give him some protection if the enemy would ever show up. The two planes continued on, one very slow, the other turning circles around it. After making another countless circuit around the One-and-a-half Molasses, Pyotr asked himself what would he do if the Boches showed up. To him the answer came quicker than a bullet. He’d leave the poor bugger and run for the main formation. This one was a dead duck anyways. He only kept him company for moral support, but Smirnov had no qualms saving his own hide. So it was decided. Fortunately for the Strutter of the glacial speed, the enemy never bothered to entertain them. The bombs fell on the PBI’s heads below in the camp and the two flights turned back and returned safely home without any further incidents.
"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."
Carrick - That looked like a fierce melee Henri was in. He's picked up some nasty sounding wounds, is he out for a while?
Fullofit - You might be right about the bounty on James' head, might be one on Pyotr's now as well. It definitely sounded like a speed mismatch between the Strutters and SPADs. Pyotr had the right idea to go roam around rather than risk collision with SPADs flying all over the place. Very gallant of him to look after the sickly Strutter even if his escape route was already planned.
MFair - Welcome back. Young Kemp is having a ball, a new Fokker and his 10th kill. Whilst understanding Mia's reasoning, if everyone worked that way the streets would be full of lonely people, spending their lives wondering what could have been.
"A great deal of an aeroplane could be holed without affecting its ability to fly. Wings and fuselage could be—and often were—pierced in 50 places, missing the occupants by inches (blissfully unaware of how close it had come until they returned to base). Then the sailmaker would carefully cover each hole with a square inch of Irish linen frayed at the edges and with a brushful of dope make our aircraft 'serviceable' again within an hour."
Fullofit, Pyotr made a wise choice. There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots. Albert Tross, with his new machine, Ludwig feels he has a chance to survive the war. Who knows about Mia, she might show up in Ludwigs tent one 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 was patched up by the village mid-wife . Word was sent to the local Military by a Res. Commo unit. so I will expect transportation to a Clearing station. Most likely by a Red Cross Puddle Jumper of some kind.
so I've found a few decent pictures to get me through until tomorrow.![[Linked Image]](https://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/32231/filename/1918-06-04.JPG)
![[Linked Image]](https://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/32232/filename/1918-06-04%20Land.JPG)
