Carrick - Henri wouldn't be seen dead in a hospital without nurses.
Lieutenant Kevin Carroll, MC, DFC. 41 Squadron Conteville
35 confirmed kills
3rd July 1918
Morning sortie
Major Bowman confirmed that the squadron would be heading towards the lines south of Bethune. Captain McCall would again be leading 'B' flight.
The weather had taken a turn for the worse. The clouds had closed in and rain and wind were present in large quantities. There was hope the high winds would clear the skies by the afternoon but for now they just hindered formation flying.
The squadron took off and headed east after forming up and climbing to 12000 feet.
The journey out was quiet but unpleasant in the wind and rain. As they reached the lines Kevin saw flak bursts over to the right. He signalled and headed over there to see what was going on.
'B' flight swung around and went with him which was a good thing as in the midst of the flak, Kevin saw what looked like bombers being escorted by a flight of Albatros scouts.
Just as Kevin was about to go after the bombers the escorts decided otherwise as they swung around to attack 41 Squadron.
Kevin settled himself and climbed up and picked a target. An Albatros was on his left so he dived down onto the tail of the Hun. He fired into him and the German rolled and dived down. Kevin followed and continued hitting the hun. Finally the Hun levelled and Kevin hit him again as bullets raked the cockpit. The Albatros nosed down and went straight into the ground.
Kevin now looked for another target and saw an Albatros seemingly getting the better of an SE ahead. He headed over there and reloaded the lewis gun. He fired into the Hun who gave up his attack.
Kevin now nosed up and lined up behind the German. He closed in and at point blank range he blasted the Hun. The enemy aircraft lurched over and went into the ground.
Kevin couldn't see any other enemy aircraft and formed up with the nearby SE. Together they headed home.
On landing Kevin found dive Albatros had been downed and although two SE's were damaged both landed safely.
Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)
Major Bowman took the afternoon briefing and explained that both flights would be heading over to Arras.
Thankfully the weather gods had been right when they said the clouds would blow the squalls away. Blue skies prevailed although some large clouds remained to cause consternation as the squadron neared them.
Both flights took off and headed south east after climbing upto 13000 feet.
All went quietly until they neared Arras. Kevin saw enemy aircraft ahead. 'B' flight had seen them too and headed towards the enemy formation.
Kevin now saw they were a large formation of Albatros scouts. He went straight for the leader and fired into him as he flew overhead. Kevin looped over and around and levelled out perfectly behind the German. He was about to deliver the coup de grace when he spotted two enemy aircraft closing in on his right.
He gave up his attack and rolled across his attackers. He was now in a turning match with the two Albatros. He pulled the tightest turn possible and was gaining on the rearmost German.
The Hun reared up and Kevin went with him and fired into him. The accurate burst took the pilot out who slumped in his cockpit. The Albatros nosed down and went into the ground.
Kevin now went after the second assailant. The Hun had ran for home and Kevin used the height he had to race down and around towards the Albatros. He caught him up and poured both weapons into him. The burst tore into the cockpit and found it's mark as the pilot fell back. The Albatros went straight down into the ground.
Kevin now looked around but couldn't see any more Huns. He did see a couple of SE's so formed up with them. They headed home and landed safely some 15 minutes later.
Six Albatros had been downed for three damaged SE's.
Later on Major Bowman called Kevin into his office.
"Kevin, firstly, excellent work today once more. We hammered those Huns, they must be feeling the effects of our efforts now" said the Major.
"I hope so sir, we're doing our level best certainly" said Kevin.
"We certainly are Lieutenant. I have good news regarding your claims today. All four have been confirmed, Captain Chappell confirmed both from this morning and Captain Hemming confirmed them this afternoon." explained Bowman.
Kevin was now on 39 confirmed kills.
"That's not all Kevin. I've observed you closely over these last few weeks and you have shown considerable leadership skills. This has continued recently and therefore HQ have agreed with me that you deserve to be promoted to Captain." said the Major.
Kevin smiled broadly...."Thank you sir, I do take leadership very seriously. It can save lives" said Kevin.
"It certainly can. It can affect wars too. Very well done my friend. I see you at the head of your own squadron at some point.........not too soon I hope though" said Bowman with a grin.
"Now let's go and tell the others" finished the Major.
The rest of the squadron were delighted for Kevin and celebrated with him in the bar.
"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, that Fokker could have been detached from the main formation due to system failure, trying to get back home. I must admit, I’ve never seen “just” three planes in a flight. Then again, Klaus doesn’t hang around balloons to witness it. Now what irks me is that the balloon defence missions are also limited to three-ship formations. What’s the reason for that? I’ll never know. Now, Kevin is having a pretty good day, despite not so pretty weather, by taking out two pretty Albatroses. It’s too bad the bombers had gotten away. Then, in the afternoon everything fell into place, the weather, the two Albatroses, the promotion. Just a perfect day. Congrats on all confirmed claims and the promotion. Looks like Kevin will have to get used to leading his flight all the time now.
3 July, 1918 Montingen, Verdun Sector Jasta 18 Leutnant Klaus Gustav Raben EK1 EK2 Fokker D.VII 31 confirmed kills
All three SPADs from yesterday’s morning mission have been confirmed, but none of the planes from the afternoon outing. The Nieuport on fire and the Strutter would remain unconfirmed. Some good new and some bad. Then even more bad news. Raben’s Fokker was too severely damaged to fly today and as usual there were no spare aircraft to use in its stead. Then some more good news to offset the bad. August called Klaus into his office in the afternoon and announced he was being awarded the Iron Cross First Class. Oh, the emotional rollercoaster!
"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."
Henri N. du Fay Spa 94,Adjutant, C.G. Roissy en France Aerodrome
8 Victory's 4 Unconfirmed July 4, 1918.
94 Esc is on the Move ! The surprize order had us packing at Dawn. We could only get airborne with 10 a/c and head East for 149 miles to Brabant-le-Roi the other side of Chateau Tierry. Our Esc had to sacrifice our cooks and comfortable sleeping arrangement for A nasty tent Handers and a shack full of fiys.. War is E'LL. 9 aeromachines landed the other just broke apart and took a header on the way over. Zee Hanger Queens and Res will come up later.
Raine - Great to hear that it went went well! Here's hoping the next one is going to go just as well!
Carrick - Good on that new pilot for getting a possible german ace. Guess no one is invincible in the end! Then a bit of a tought situation for Henri to find himself in, nearly getting caught by several of those Fokkers. Thankfully he managed to escape before they decided to get rowdy. Perhaps leaving formation alone like that really wasn't the best, but at least it turned out well enough for Henri. He's alive at least! And now the Escadrille is finally on the on the move! What a saddening exchange, having no comfy places to sleep or decent cooks for now. But such is life!
Tross - Well, it'll be time well spent contemplating, and hopefully avoiding same mistakes from happening in the future. The Captaine visiting was a relief for Baptiste, given he at least had something to be happy about. Kevin I see is getting some bling! Well congratulations to him, very well deserved! Really a good show of camaraderie there with Gilly! Probably saved him from getting into any problems with displaying his cowardice there, or goodness knows what else. And then a good show with putting down a Pfalz too. Gilly's confirmation it seems very much returned the favour for what Kevin did, and on top of that it was commended by the Major. Kevin's doing good for himself with all that. Looking forward towards receiving his awards, I bet. Here's hoping there won't be some curse getting in the way of that! Then another day of an Albatross hunting season, with all claims confirmed and goodness! A promotion to Captain! Dare I say, the past few days have been REALLY good for Kevin?
Fullofit - Suppose so, his reputation is preceding him a bit too much it seems! Still, what a shame. It really wasn't easy for Baptiste, no, but at least he got out of it in one piece, minus all the blood he left behind. It will definetely be a frustrating wait for him, but some of the comforts should be a relief at least! Not sure how much luck there'd be with the nurses, they all seem to be away eagerly waiting for Henri to wind up in their local hospital! The advantage of having such a long time off it seems is that Baptiste has plenty of time to think of what celebrative balloon or other things he could possibly paint on his SPAD once he's back! And some time and excuse enough for me to finally try skinning things, haha As for Klaus though... First of all, congratulations on the Iron Cross, and the two out of three confirmations that came along. Then the morning kills of some more SPADs that didn't present all that much of a challenge. Good on Klaus for sticking to the Dicta, it seems, and carrying on through with the attack even despite the assailant at his back. Could've turned out worse had he been more persistent though! But he of course too was dispatched. For the afternoon though, sure there was a Niueport but it seems like the Strutter was the real treat here. Klaus did a fine job torturing the thing, and in the end it was helpless, even if it did lash out right before it finally died. Maybe that could help as a relief for those nightmares? Shame the afternoon ones weren't confirmed, nor could Klaus fly, but the other three confirmations and award announcement would've surely made up for it.
Fullofit / Tross - A bit late to the discussion on the balloon three man flights, but for what it's worth on the topic of accuracy and the flights being kept small. I do recall reading 'Fighting the Flying Circus' by Rickenbacker, and if memory serves correctly there were plenty of occasions where such balloon busting endeavours were carried out by lone planes altogether without anyone else. There also were mentions of THREE planes going against balloons. Sometimes, as with case of Frank Luke, there were times when it was only two people flying against them, which led to the death of his friend and wingman in that situation, Joseph Werhner, though there was also a time before Werhner when Luke took down several balloons entirely alone. Again, if my memory doesn't fail me, when Lieutenant Lansing Holden got his distinguished flying cross for the balloon attacks he carried out, it was also his entirely on his own. The aforementioned Luke, too, on his final flight was busting balloons alone.
Granted of course, this is the case speaking for only the Americans, and I'm sure it may have very well been different for the Germans/French/Brits, but the number of three planes going up against a balloon isn't without historical basis. That being said it clearly wasn't the only way it was done, and there were cases with less/more planes involved. Personally, I'd say maybe it would've been ideal for the game to pick a random number of airmen to go balloon busting instead of either three or just about the whole flight... Now as for why balloon-defence is limited to those same rules is a very valid question that I do not have an answer to but find highly strange.
"Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they're invincible. I bet you do, too, Buddy."
Fullofit - Kevin's had a really good couple of days to be sure but he's guarded against complacency, gong fairies and Huns, not necessarily in that order.
Unfortunate for Klaus not to have a machine to fly in. As the Jasta's top ace you'd think he can just walk over to someone else and say "oi you, get your bum out of that cockpit, it's mine" but no, he'll just have to be patient. At least the news of his award took some of the frustration away.
Carrick - Henri is on the move. A long trek as well, the Escadrille were lucky only one SPAD conked out en route. By the sounds of it Henri would have preferred to stay put judging by the state of the new place.
NR - Yes Kevin's had a very good couple of days but we know how quickly things change so he's taking literally nothing for granted.
Yes you're right about the intrepid US balloon busting later in the war. They treated them almost like sneak attacks, but don't forget by that late stage the Germans were flying in massive Jagdgeschwader sized formations so trying to sneak through underneath made sense. Although if you believe the stories half the time Frank Luke was flying without orders.
I think each of the nations had their own tactics but the fact that your three planes still climb up to over 10000 feet and then fly over, something's not quite right. If you want small flights attacking balloons they need to stay low. If they're to fly at normal altitude it's not realistic to have three, they'd have been asking for big trouble.
"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."
Tross - Things do have the tendency of changing quickly, let's hope that doesn't happen for Kevin though. Yeah, Frank did it seems have the tendency to just fly off on his own and do his thing, to the point of telling people "at this and that time, this and that balloon is going to explode" and then just going for it. I do agree that it isn't very right for them to behave in such a way for those attacks though. It gets even stranger for me when the flight reaches the target balloon but because they're that high, I presume, they do the strange "fly way deeper into enemy territory, THEN turn around and slowly circle back" thing. To be fair, I kind of wish balloon defences were deadlier too.
Last edited by NotRelevant; 07/04/2101:27 PM.
"Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they're invincible. I bet you do, too, Buddy."
Captain Kevin Carroll, MC, DFC, 41 Squadron Conteville
39 confirmed kills
4th July 1918
Morning sortie
The Major confirmed in the briefing that the morning sortie would be a relatively low level affair over to Arras. Both flights were to hang around at about 5500 feet.
When challenged on why the low altitude was required Major Bowman simply said "Orders!". He did then say that we were probably the bottom rung in a squadron ladder with other flights higher up.
The weather was good thankfully and the few clouds around were high up and whispy.
The squadron took off and headed south east after quickly climbing up to the required altitude.
The journey out was quiet as was the first couple of jaunts along the lines. Kevin was mighty nervous although he did suppose that flying so low meant the focus was purely up above, surely nothing was going to be lower than him.
Kevin suddenly saw dark specks up above. A couple at first then this became 5 then 6.
He signalled and started to climb up to investigate further. The sun glare made seeing difficult nevermind identifying. Whoever it was didn't seem interested in 41 Squadron or hadn't seen them and they were now heading over German lines.
Kevin turned back and was heading back towards 'B' flight who had not gone with him when he started climbing.
After a couple of minutes, he had an eerie feeling, a sixth sense that all was not well. He covered his eyes and looked back over his shoulder virtually directly into burning sun.
He now saw a growing dark shape coming down towards him. He instinctively rolled away as bullets whizzed past him.
It was a Dreidecker. Kevin checked high but could only see the one. The German had overshot Kevin and zoom climbed up and fired into Kevin's wing.
Kevin turned left and held the turn. The Dreidecker tried to join him but slowed and climbed turning left so Kevin caught him up.
The Hun realised his predicament but not before Kevin pranged him with a good burst.
The Dreidecker dived and tried to run but Kevin was having none of it. He closed in on the Hun quickly and blasted him hard.
The German rolled to the right but Kevin anticipated this and went with him and fired again. Smoke spluttered from the German's machine and then it burst into flames.
Kevin watched as the Hun went straight down and smashed into the ground.
Kevin took stock but couldn't see any more enemy aircraft. He therefore headed home.
As he arrived home the other SE's were nearby. On landing only he had downed anything or even seen anything. He didn't hold out much hope for his claim.
Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation).
Major Bowman confirmed that the squadron would be escorting some RE8's over to the lines between Bethune and Lens.. They were to rendezvous near the two seater's airfield at Izel les Hameaux.
The weather was perfect with no clouds whatsoever and very little wind. The temperature was high and Bowman warned the pilots about running the engines too high for too long.
They took off and met up with the 'Harry Tates' on schedule. The formations then moved off towards the lines.
The whole sortie went without incident or hindrance. The RE8's completed their reconnaissance and started for home with 41 Squadron above them.
They all arrived home safely and Kevin went to clean up.
Later on Major Bowman informed Kevin that the claim was rejected. 'Surprise surprise' thought Kevin.
"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."
NR, Henri should share. It’s not nice hoarding all the nurses. Baptiste will have to entertain himself in other way then. Probably start a chess club. Each hospital should have one. Ah yes, skinning is a lovely pastime while your pilot is indisposed. Good luck with that and don’t be afraid to ask if something doesn’t go right. As for Klaus, sometimes I think he’s too greedy with the kills and will put himself in danger just to get that one more claim. Even when there is another enemy right on his tail. They’re not such great shots, except the Strutters, which seem to be piloted by the marksmen extraordinaire. Klaus did enjoy pumping that Strutter full of lead. Serves him right for not checking his six. Unfortunately, even in death those Strutters haunt, defy and taunt Klaus.
NR and Albert, all good points about those balloons missions. Granted, the flights were small and as I understand always voluntary. So if you wanted glory, you were prepared for the pain, be it from Flak below or from a large Jasta above. I agree it would be nice to vary the number of flight members from mission to mission. It would be nice to get top cover from time to time. And, as Albert has mentioned, get a bit more realistic flight altitudes matching mission profile. (Easy to do with Mission Editor.) The problem with balloon missions being too easy, I think is because the Flak bursts aren’t effective enough. The MG’s are deadly enough, but the flak does nothing unless it’s a direct hit. Shouldn’t they toss you around and throw you off course even with close call misses? Probably not possible with the CFS engine. Don’t know. Mind you, I wouldn’t want Flak to be deadly everywhere, but near the balloons it should be - they have the advantage of knowing at what altitude the balloon is hanging so should be able to zero in the attackers better. As to balloon defence missions and also assigning only three ships to the entire flight, it’s a mystery. Perhaps OBD thought it would be fair, knowing only three enemy planes would come to attack. One of those days I’ll have to fly the defensive mission and see if the enemy plays by those rules. Of course, no one is stopping the enemy flight that is carrying a different mission. to come by, say hello, and devastate the defenders with their superior numbers. C’est la guerre!
Albert, really! You would think the highest scoring pilot would get the preferential treatment, especially when he’s related to the C.O. but no such luck. You get one plane and you have to look after it. So, Captain Carroll has developed spidey sense and just in time to avoid that Dreidecker. Kevin was lucky to be pitted against a novice pilot that did not know how to use his plane’s full potential. How often does it happen when an SE with a much larger turn radius outmaneuvers a Dreidecker? It just tells you how well Kevin is trained. A real master of the skies. Unfortunately, it is as if it never happened. Tough luck. So, now we have Dreideckers that think they’re SPADs by trying to dive away from a much faster enemy. And we also have SPADs that try to turn with much more nimble opponents. Perhaps the AI should switch planes to be more effective? Kevin finished his day off with a milk run. Hopefully he’ll be put to better use tomorrow.
4 July, 1918 Montingen, Verdun Sector Jasta 18 Leutnant Klaus Gustav Raben EK1 EK2 Fokker D.VII 31 confirmed kills
The spare parts did not arrive in time to let Klaus fly today. Another frustrating day spent at the base with nothing to do. Finally the repairs were done that evening. Too late to be of any use to Klaus unfortunately. At least the mechanics will get a good night’s sleep tonight.
"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 and NR - Yes the balloon missions should be harder, definitely. There are seldom any defensive flights above the balloon.....even Red Baron used to have them in.
Another day waiting for the mechanics, it's a shame Klaus couldn't take himself off into town.
Carrick - Yes it's a nice one that, first flamer Kevin has had in a while.
"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."
Regarding balloon attacks/defense: assuming the AI near a balloon have roughly the same odds of being assigned a balloon defense mission as we are assigned balloon attack missions (for the sake of argument, let's assume odds of 20% for both), that means only a 4% chance of encountering each other on a balloon attack mission, right?
Perhaps increase the odds of being assigned balloon attack or defense during ground offensives when the need for balloon intelligence is higher?
Just spitballin' here.
“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
Re: balloon attacks/defense, stimulating points gents. Such missions are indeed (slightly) easy in stock form, particularly in the early part of the war. I don't know if the old archie mods. by Oldhat are compatible with BH&H2 (and WOFF PE). They definitely help to keep balloon attacks more challenging in my PE/UE backported (Franken)WOFF 4.18. Might be worth trying out the balloon archie mods. in BH&H2 - if they do something odd, it's easy enough to remove them since they are JSGME-friendly. The only other thing I can think of immediately is to increase the "ground fire MG range" (in meters) value in JJJ's MultiMod. Default is 1000 m, historical is about 600 to 800-850 m or so (I keep mine at 850 m, for now). To increase the challenge of a balloon run, perhaps something like a value of 1100-1300 m should do the trick (yes it's pushing it, but should balance out well for more challenge in such scenarios).
Happy flying all, Von S
~ For my various FM/DM/AI/Tuner Mods for First Eagles 2, WoFF, RoF & WoTR, recommended is to check over this post. For my First Eagles 2 clips, go here. ~
Thanks for the input guys. At least we know there are options.
Captain Kevin Carroll, MC, DFC 41 Squadron Conteville
39 confirmed kills
5th July 1918
Morning sortie
Kevin had been given the task of leading 'B' flight on the morning sortie. He was just beginning to explain the patrol when the airfield alarm sounded.
The pilots were just about to jump up and run out but Kevin shouted for them to hang on a minute.
"Guys, when we get airborne I want you to climb WITH me, not spend ages spiralling up so that by the time you get height the enemy has already gone......clear?" said Kevin with intent.
"Yes sir" said the others.
They ran out, the engines had already been started as Kevin jumped in and took off. He could see the flak bursts clearly in the clear blue skies and headed up towards them.
He climbed as quickly as possible and on looking back he saw the rest of 'B' flight trying to do the same.
He could now see the enemy aircraft above.....Rumplers. Some of them were directly above and a couple of others were on their own ahead of Kevin. He looked back to the others and pointed directly up, telling them to target those above. Kevin himself went after the other two.
He was closing in on one of them now. The Rumpler started to circle presumably to make another bombing run. Kevin swung around with him using his rudder to stay behind.
He nosed up and poured bullets into the Hun. The German aircraft visibly shuddered. The gunner tried to target Kevin but he dropped down beneath the Rumpler's tail. He rose up again and poured both barrels into the Hun. The starboard side wings tore away and the Rumpler went somersaulting down and went straight into the ground.
Kevin now reloaded his lewis gun and came around to look for the other Rumpler. He saw the rest of 'B' flight engaging with the rest of the Huns. Kevin saw the other Rumpler over to his right and trying to run.
He nosed down and went after him. He quickly closed the gap. The Rumpler tried to evade and the gunner kept up a barrage of fire but Kevin stayed under the Hun's tail.
He now fired into the German. Another burst and the two seater started spiralling down.
Kevin stayed with him in case he was faking the fall. After a few thousand feet the Rumpler did try to level out but Kevin was there and blasted the German aircraft. The Hun side slipped down and went into the ground.
Kevin looked around and saw the rest of 'B' flight tearing chunks out of the remaining Rumplers.
Kevin landed and was joined soon after by the rest of the pilots.
Seven Rumplers had been downed when all claims were in and only minor damage was done to two SE's.
As the pilots went to clean up Captain Chappell caught Kevin up "Very well done out there Kevin, you led the flight superbly".
"Thanks Chappers" said Kevin.
Afternoon sortie (awaiting two confirmations)
Major Bowman took the afternoon briefing and explained that both flights would be escorting some RE8's over to Vimy.
The weather was excellent again, warm bright sun and predominantly blue skies.
The squadron took off and met up with the 'Harry Tates' on schedule. They climbed up to 12000 feet and headed out east.
The two seaters began their reconnaissance as 'A' and 'B' flights stayed above them.
After about 15 minutes Kevin saw what looked like an enemy formation coming across the lines. He signalled and moved towards them to get between them and the 'Harry Tates'.
As they closed in Kevin saw it was a large formation of Fokkers. 41 Squadron had height on them and Kevin decided to make good use of it.
He zoomed down straight at the enemy formation and singled out an aircraft to attack. He blasted the Fokker as it raced by. The Fokker rolled right but Kevin went with him as the two formations clashed.
Another burst made the Fokker level out momentarily and an accurate burst from Kevin took the pilot out. The Hun nosed down and went straight into the ground.
He looked for another target and found one as a German tried to find Kevin's tail. Kevin was turning inside the enemy who realised what was happening and tried to dive away. Kevin went with him and poured bullets into him. His lewis ran dry but he kept hitting the Fokker with the vickers. Smoke spluttered from the Hun and as Kevin put more rounds into him the Fokker burst into flames. The German went down into the ground.
Kevin took the opportunity to reload the Lewis gun and as he did he saw another Fokker trying to run for home underneath him. He rolled over and dived down onto the hapless Hun. He fired into him and the Fokker tried to climb up but just hung there. Kevin poured bullets into the wings and one tore off. The Fokker spun all the way down into the ground.
Kevin couldn't see any more Huns and formed up with a couple of nearby SE's. They headed home and landed safely.
The rest of the squadron arrived shortly afterwards.
Nine Huns had been downed for the loss of a single SE, but thankfully Captain Payne was ok.
Later on Major Bowman brought Kevin to his office. "Fine job there today Captain. Leadership comes naturally to you" said Bowman.
"Thank you sir, i'm not sure about it being natural but I'll always do my best" said Kevin.
"Well it was a good call to go after those two seaters" said the Major.
"I have news on your claims today. One of your two seaters and two of the Fokkers from this afternoon have been confirmed. That's 42 confirmed now isn't it? Fine job, #%&*$# fine job." explained the Major.
"Thank you sir" said Kevin
"Are you looking forward to our journey tomorrow Kevin?" asked Bowman.
"Definitely sir" replied Kevin.
"Well we'll set off handy so make sure you get some sleep" said the Major.
"I will do sir" said Kevin who saluted and left.
"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,Adjutant, C.G. Brabant-le-Roi , Aerodrome, Verdun 8 Victory's 4 Unconfirmed
Only parts of the Esc has arrived, went off on Offensive Patrol at max height with 6 a/c. No contact just a little sight seeing. Took a bicycle from the Riggers to look for food as Supplies have not come up yet. After pedaling down a few trails , I ran into a lady selling Red Apples. I brought the basket full. and returned to the AF.
Bob, never tell me the odds! No, wait. Wrong movie. Perhaps OBD could doctor some of those balloon busting missions to include a defensive patrol. Now, what are the odds of that?
VonS, nice of you to stop by. Yeah, I used to run the increased Flak mod, but the problem is that it is indiscriminate. It’ll be heavy everywhere, not just around balloons. I think people might complain about that bit. Same for the MG’s if you change the range here, you’ll be changing it everywhere. Plus I think the MG’s are sufficiently deadly. It’s just Flak. You could fly around a balloon for ten minutes and not feel the heat. We complain, but we probably would complain even more if either Flak or MG’s were ramped up everywhere. It would have to be local, just around the balloons. Again, how to do it? No idea.
Albert, ah yes Red Baron. I do miss those balloon busting missions where you could rely on enemy planes defending the balloon. I miss the invitations to transfer to elite squadrons. (Yeah, I know I can transfer, but that’s not the same thing) I miss the fact you could actually end your flying career by getting maimed. In WoFF you always get out of the hospital. Better nurses I guess (or uglier). I miss those challenges by famous aces. I miss hunting the Hadley-Pages. Back to 2021. So, Kevin is the sensible one and orders everyone to shoot down the planes instead of doing circles around the airfield. It’s amazing no one thought of that. Finally there’ll be some order around these parts and hopefully the Huns will get the idea it’s not safe anymore going for a lovely trip to Conteville with a basket full of explosives. I expect there will be a lot of claim forms to be filled out. Then, in the afternoon, it looked like another quiet outing with the RE.8s until those Fokkers showed up. Those Huns didn’t know what they’re getting into. Instead of some slow, fat and juicy two-seaters, they got a mouthful of bitter SE.5s. Not a pleasant prospect. Congrats on confirmed claims. 40 already. Kevin is killing it.
Finally a mission Klaus could participate in. It was a patrol of enemy front lines near Nancy. The Schwarm went all the way to Nancy and back and have not seen a single enemy machine. With the mist so thick, the foe would have to fly right under their noses to see them. It was probably for the best. With Klaus’ luck they’d probably meet Strutters.
In the afternoon the orders came in for ground forces support of the front sector near Nancy. Now they’ve understood the purpose of their earlier mission. They were sent to see if they would meet any opposition. What did it all mean? The Schwarm was approaching its first waypoint to turn towards the Front. Klaus looked back to check on the rest of the formation just in time to see it disappear to chase after something. He turned his plane around to see what was going on. At first Raben couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but then a Strutter just dropped behind him at break neck speeds. Klaus reacted instantly more out of fear than from experience and latched on to his tail and began firing wildly. The rear gunner didn’t seem to be concerned with him and Klaus managed to avoid a few instances where the gunner would have had Klaus dead to rights. The young pilot regrouped and was coming about for another attack when from above another machine swooped down firing at the Strutter. Klaus instantly recognized his cousin’s machine. He continued to fire and close the distance to the Sopwith. Too close! Break! Break! The aeroplanes connected. Nooo! The Strutter was falling down in pieces, but the Fokker miraculously continued on. He was missing one wheel. It’ll be a difficult landing. If he survives it, Klaus will buy August two drinks. One for saving his hide and the other for saving his own hide after successful crash landing. Fingers crossed.
Klaus was now approaching a large melee and was looking to pick a fight with one of the enemy machines. He found a SPAD chased by one other Fokker. He joined in and after jockeying for position brought the enemy down.
He then continued on and found another SPAD busy chasing after a Fokker. Raben engaged and continued to fire at the maneuvering foe. The Franzose nearly had gotten away by trying to outclimb Klaus, but Raben was able to stop that by sending a few well aimed long shots. The last burst either severed the control cables or killed the pilot outright and the French biplane began a series of corkscrews ending with a crash. He couldn’t see anymore enemy planes and with the battle over they’ve all set for home to repair, refuel and rearm.
"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 - Henri managed to get some time in getting used to the landmarks around his new airfield......and he managed to get a sortie in as well. What a landmark she was..... peddling apples eh? Cooooorrrrreeee
Fullofit - Yes it's so much easier when you're the flight leader on those scramble missions as the others try to follow you so you just get them near the enemy and then heypresto slaughter of the two seaters. Ahhh Red Baron....such memories, firing le prieur rockets at enemy aircraft, the mass charges of little green men.
Well done to young Klaus there. That Strutter was going some in that dive wasn't he? Thankfully the gunner was asleep and then August made it a permanent sleep by smashing the wings off it. Hopefully he got down ok. Then Klaus showed off his long range shooting skills downing those two SPADs good show. Hopefully two more confirmations as well.
"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."
This has been mentioned before, but does anyone else agree that two seaters are behaving and are as agile and aggressive as fighters? We have just seen a Strutter dive down at incredible speed and take on one of the most advanced and feared German fighters of the war at that time on equal terms or better... (scratches head)
Trooper, those Strutters are crazy and when teamed up with Breguets they are both seriously hard to get the better of.
"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."
Captain Kevin Carroll, MC, DFC 41 Squadron Conteville
42 confirmed kills
6th July 1918
Kevin sat next to Major Bowman in the Crossley as it bobbled along the road on the way to Abbeville. They'd left Conteville at 9am and Corporal Turner was a careful driver, although the trip wasn't helped by constantly having to stop and slow down for military traffic.
The Major had confirmed the room bookings at the Grand Hotel de la Gare for that night and confirmed with Corporal Turner to pick them up at 9am tomorrow.
The meeting was taking place at the Château de Bagatelle and Kevin looked on in awe as the car pulled up outside. The Major and Kevin were shown into an ante room and offered refreshment, Kevin plumped for a glass of champagne.
After five minutes a Lieutenant came into the room. "Thank you for waiting Gentlemen, the General will see you now" he said.
Kevin and Bowman were shown into an extremely plush room. It was someone's study at some point, with a large library of books. In the corner was a grand piano and in the opposite corner was a large table full of all kinds of tasty food and drink.....a veritable party.
In fact the only things which allowed anyone to see what the room was being used for now were the three telephones on a desk near the window and a large map of France and Belgium on the far wall.
Double doors opened and several staff officers entered as well as Major General John Salmond. Salmond was the commander in the field of the RAF, having been appointed to the role when it was still officially the RFC in January 1918.
Kevin came to attention and saluted as did Major Bowman.
"At ease Gentlemen please, there's a time and a place for such things but not at a moment like this" said Salmond.
"Bowman, good to see you again. How's things at 41? Very good so I hear" asked the General.
"Very good indeed sir, the chaps are doing very well" said Bowman.
"Indeed they are, which is why we are here of course" said the General looking at Kevin.
"Well Captain, firstly thank you for taking time to come see us here. Having read all of the reports which Major Bowman has sent through, i'm delighted to be able to meet you in person Captain Carroll" said the General.
"How are things up there Captain, is it as busy as it appears?" asked Salmond.
"It is very busy sir, hardly a sortie goes by without running into the Huns" said Kevin.
"Yes I can imagine. You chaps have my undying respect, so I'm delighted to be able to complete this presentation today" said Salmond.
"Thank you sir, and for inviting me here" said Kevin.
"Well, let's get on with this then, then we can let you loose on the food and drink dear boy" said the General with a smile.
The General's Adjutant came up by the side and passed the General the DFC. Kevin pushed his chest out like a pigeon, and the General pinned the medal on. Then the Adjutant passed Salmond the MC. He pinned the medal firmly to Kevin's chest and shook his hand.
"Congratulations Captain, two very well deserved awards" said the General.
"Thank you sir" said Kevin.
Several of the staff officers congratulated Kevin as did Major Bowman.
Once the furore had died down the General spoke again to Kevin and Bowman. "Right Captain, I need to spend some time with your Major here, the Lieutenant here will show you back to the refreshment. Lieutenant Harper, keep this hero well watered please".
Kevin went with the Lieutenant back into the study and the double doors to the conference room were closed.
"They shouldn't be too long sir, help yourself to whatever you fancy in the meantime" said the Lieutenant.
"Thanks" said Kevin.
The meeting seemed to go on forever but was in fact barely forty five minutes. Major Bowman appeared with some sealed papers and helped himself to a drink.
"Are you ready to go Kevin?" said Bowman
"Yes sir" replied Kevin.
They left some fifteen minutes later and were taken to the hotel where they checked in.
Later on they went over to a tidy little eaterie and bar called La Cloche. Bowman said it was highly recommended.
Once they'd eaten they retired to the bar, where Kevin and Bowman talked in depth about the north west of England and Kevin's home.
Kevin's attention was then drawn to two nurses who had been sat opposite them enjoying a glass of wine, presumably after their shift.
One of them had definitely caught Kevin's eye and there was a moment when she caught Kevin looking at her. Kevin snapped his gaze back to the Major. But caught the nurse smiling as he did so.
Major Bowman then leaned over. "I'm just off to the lavatory". Kevin nodded and glanced again at the nurse. The nurse caught the gaze and smiled at Kevin.
Major Bowman returned "Right dear chap, I'm going to head back to the hotel, you enjoy yourself, just remember we're getting picked up at 9am tomorrow morning" said the Major with a wry grin.
Kevin waited for the Major to leave and then as he glanced towards the nurse, her friend, clearly understanding what was going on made her apologies and left.
Kevin grabbed his drink and walked over to the nurse "Do you mind if I join you?" asked Kevin.
"Not at all" said the nurse.
Kevin sat down and introduced himself.
"I'm Olivia, Olivia McCullough" said the nurse. Kevin recognised a North American tone to her voice.
The two of them chatted intently for some time. Olivia was from Sydney, Nova Scotia and was a nurse in the Number 5 British Red Cross hospital in Abbeville.
She was 23, her father was chief engineer in a steel mill and she had been in France since 1915. Her mother had died when she was six.
Kevin mentioned his mother was also a nurse, in the psychiatric hospital in Rainhill and his father was a Line Manager in the Pilkingtons glass factory in St Helens.
At the end of the evening they agreed to keep in touch and exchanged addresses.
Kevin made his way back to the hotel.
"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,Adjutant, C.G. Brabant-le-Roi , Aerodrome, Verdun 8 Victory's 4 Unconfirmed
July 6, 1918.
Offensive Patrol: Zee Esc went Boche Hunting over at Marville AF inside the enemy lines. II Section's 5 a/c were circling the target Trolling for Huns Our High cover got lost in the clouds on the way over so we were a bit out gunned . Some of us had 2 e/a to play with so I helped out by keeping their tails clear. The Esc claimed 3 e/a for the lost of 2 Spads. Zee Melee looked like 7-8 e/a against our 5. Not good. I landed with numerous holes due to ground fire.
