homepage Forums Air Combat & Civil Aviation Wings: Over Flanders Fields Deep Immersion DiD campaign -- Player Instructions (UPDATED 28 Nov 2018)

Tross - They really are quite tough. Unfortunate, that one. The gunners really do know how to aim, perhaps too well sometimes.
And so the Entente advance keeps on going, and everyone surely is happy about that. Andrew I'm sure is also quite happy with the ability to shoot down the Huns. Those kind of losses though surely are grim news. Always bad news to lose pilots. At least it brought one confirmation!
Seems like Andrew's determination worked out and the avenging went well given all the downed Huns again! 10 kills now, congratulations for sure.

Epower - Truly, it's a double misfortune for him, alas. A hospital adventure, I reckon, would be likely as Engel begins to recover. Though the mounting losses and pressure probably won't leave much time for romance.
So a very eventful day for Winningstad as per usual. A meeting with some very important people and then a fateful meeting with Eliza. One can only hope this will /not/ be the last

Raine - Another victim of war, what can one say! That much is certain though, this will do him well in surviving the war. Can't say I know, though I reckon verdammt will do well!
Good that Drummond is recovering at least somewhat! One can only hope this trend keeps up for the better! Chess you say, well. Surely learning from mistakes will do Drummond well when it comes to winning against that major!

Fullofit - From the limited experience, i definetely do love the fokker. I reckon it might not get to the friendly fire part at this rate. More like kill-stealing really.
Now that he himself isn't stuck in a balloon, pranking people in balloons seems like the thing to do. Do agree on the paint scheme, one of the better I seen. Hot take but I'd say its better than something like what Jasta 11 has. A reroll might be a waste of poor Engel, so he may just have to sit it out for a while!
Sounds like these two days were pretty similar for Klaus. Getting unpleasantly surprised by things, managing to overcome the foe and of course useless wingmen as per usual. Congratulations on the kills!

Carrick - Good on managing to turn that battle around! Well well, sounds like they're quite the gamblers then. I'd hope Cecil wasn't robbed of all his belongings like this.



Gefreiter Alois Dietrich Engel
Jasta 40
Halluin-Rekkem
2nd September, 1918

I'm now getting accustomed to my stay at the hospital. Or at least as much as I can. I didn't have good expectations of some kind of heavenly place but quite frankly this is dreadful. There seems to be some kind of thick tension in the air, and a growing atmosphere of menace. Far more than usual, honestly, doesn't seem like a very good sign at all... And oh the patients, there seems to be a growing number of people checking in. There are rumours of collapsing positions and failures. I can only hope for the best... In the meantime, I should try to occupy myself. Maybe find myself some temporary companion to at least speak to. Someone who won't disappear just as quickly as they check in, anyway.

Fullofit - That first SPAD seemed well flown but no-one was there to help him. Raben's persistence and peppering shots paid off in the end. A few times I thought Klaus was going to get walloped by his own flak at one point. A quiet second sortie but the damage was done in the morning. As for Andrew, he's on 55% confirmation rate, it's normally around 55 to 65% for most of us so that's about right.

NR - So Alois is finding out the hard truth about the war in the hospital, the drop in morale, the growing menace of insurrection. That was the reality, none of this 'stabbed in the back' bull. The people had simply had enough. After all the sacrifices over four years, they were still going to lose. As for Andrew, he's pretty realistic about the losses, they're inevitable, but they still hit hard, especially when it's your CO.

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NR - A rather inglorious start to Gefreiter Engel's adventure. I hope he can get out of hospital sooner rather than later, the Kaiser needs every available flieger.

Fullofit - Congratulations on Klaus cracking the hundred mark, the man is a legend! And those Spads, unless they really work together as a team none of them stands a chance against the guns of Raben. As for Freddy getting a few holes in his new mount? Yeah, that happened.

Albert - Wowzers, Andrew has ten confirmed already?! A double ace and another legend in the making. Beware the visit from you-know-who.

Carrick - Cecil will find that the new CO at 43 is a most likeable and sharing sort of fellow. If your man needs a splash of paint for his kite he need only ask, and in all likelihood with get a splash of some fair scotch in the process.

Epower - Speaking of legends as we are, Ripper continues to triumph I see, although his go-round with all those very brassy Brass Hats makes one nervous. They may have designs on making him one of their own. And how dare they keep him from Eliza, the bastidges! And yes, Freddy is very lucky to have Sgt. Bellows about, in particular since Abbott's never been very good when it comes to paperwork of any kind. As for Lizzie, she's far away in Rouen so no reunion for the two young lovers, at least not in the immediate future.

Raine - Glad to learn that Fergie's wound is healing well, and quickly. He doesn't want to be missing out on what appears to be shaping up to quite the coming show. And don't be too jealous of Freddy's new mount, the Snipe's not all that if truth be told.


Spiffing reports, screenies, photos, and videos, thanks for sharing all. Now then, to my man...

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3 September 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

It's been a rough changeover for the lads of Number 43. The transition to the Snipes has been painfully slow. And HQ, in its infinite wisdom, had ordered all of the squadron's Camels returned immediately to the aircraft park BEFORE the full complement of Snipes had arrived! This, tied with the intermittent delivery of the new machines, and the amount of work involved in getting each one of them properly set up, meant that 43 Squadron was deemed non-operational and as such was receiving no daily assignments. Of further note, the Ack Emmas had quickly discovered that Sopwith's latest design, while sturdier than the old Camels, was considerably harder to trim to the pilots' likings, due in no small part to the plane's rather sluggish handling. Add to that the Bentley B.R.2 rotaries in a few of the new mounts appeared to have slipped past the inspectors at the factory. Two of them conked after brief run-ups on the ground while a third broke when the pilot was airborne checking trim on his kite. A week into the transition and they have only six Snipes deemed "combat ready". It didn't help either when, shortly after sunrise on the first of the month, the Hun took it upon themselves to bomb Fienvillers and disrupt the whole affair. On that particular morning Major Frederick Abbott was preparing to test the convergence sighting of the guns on his new mount, and was the only plane airworthy and ready to go when the Boche arrived. Here is what happened on that day - and take notice of Freddy's livery, his new personal emblem being inspired by an off-hand comment he'd overheard made by one of the AMs working on the Major's Snipe who said, "Must get this one perfect, bein' that it belongs to the cock o' the roost 'n all."


Major Abbott preparing to lift off into a beautiful blue September morning to test the sighting on his guns.



No sooner is he off the ground when he spots trouble approaching the aerodrome - a flight of Rumplers! Freddy gives chase.



As he climbs to meet the threat bombs begin raining down on Fienvillers. Filthy Hun buggers!



Despite the Snipe's improved ability to find altitude, by the time Abbott had matched the enemy's height they were in full retreat.



The Major closes from below the tail of a straggler who begins a turn in an effort to open up a field of fire for his G/O.



Freddy lets loose with the twin Vickers and stitches the side of the Boche plane then quickly carves away as the enemy gunner returns his own hate.



Abbott comes round for a second pass, the Rumpler now trailing smoke while the G/O hammers madly at a jammed gun.



The King's ace wastes no time taking full advantage of the situation and unleashes a final deadly volley. Brief seconds later the target breaks apart in front of him.



The remains of the Hun plane tumble towards the ground some seven miles east of Fienvillers. Its pilot and gunner, if not dead already, soon will be.



Major Abbott continues on, but finding no other threats within striking distance he turns for home.



Approaching camp he can already see the devastation wrought by the enemy bombers. Three hangars flattened and a brace of the new Snipes burning. Upon landing he further learns that an AM was killed in the attack and five others wounded by flying debris. Filthy, filthy Hun rotters! There will be payback!


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Lou - So the changeover between Camels and Snipes has not gone smoothly, not good at all and very frustrating for the CO no doubt. On top of that someone somewhere was lax about security. No sooner have the Snipes arrived than the Hun is attacking the airfield, that's a hell of a coincidence. Freddy led by example and took one of them down but not before damage was done. Hopefully 43 will be fully operational soon. As for Andrew, he's giving as good as he's getting certainly. If a certain toutou'd Gent shall present himself, he'll be ready.

2nd Lieutenant Andrew Murphy
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

10 confirmed kills

3rd September 1918

Morning sortie

Captain Bridgeman took the briefing and explained that the squadron would be escorting half a dozen Breguets over to an enemy army camp, just across the lines east of St Mihiel.

The weather had improved a fair bit from yesterday but large clouds were still the order of the day as the squadron took off and headed towards the rendezvous point north of Toul.

The Breguets were there on schedule and Andrew and the rest of 'B' flight took position above and behind the bombers.

They reached the enemy army camp without any incidents and the Breguets dropped their eggs.

They were just about to head back when a glint of sun against something caught his eye above and right. He looked again and saw a formation of enemy scouts diving down to attack.

'B' flight swung right and got between the incoming enemy and the Breguets. Andrew saw it was a formation of DVII's and as they raced through, he jumped onto the tail of one of them before it had time to get into the Breguets.

He fired into the Fokker who rolled and dived. Andrew went with him. He fired again and hit the Hun hard. The DVII dived again but Andrew stayed with him, not giving him an inch.

Andrew fired again and this time the German slowed then tried to run.

Andrew came up right behind and blasted the enemy aircraft. The wing disintegrated and the pilot fell forward. The enemy aircraft nosed down and smashed into the ground.

Andrew checked around and couldn't see any enemy aircraft nearby and decided to head back across the lines rather than try and gain height over the enemy side.

He could see the Breguets forming back up and coming back over the lines as he crossed.

On landing, three Fokkers had been downed for three damaged SPADs.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting one confirmation)

The afternoon sortie was a patrol of the lines north of Toul. Only 'B' flight was to be involved as Captain Bridgeman was taking 'A' flight over to St Mihiel. Captain Brooks was at the head of 'B' flight as they took off.

The weather had closed in again, steady rain fell and the wind had picked up once more.

'B' flight headed north east and had climbed above the rain as they approached the lines. At that moment Andrew saw at least three aircraft over to the left. He signalled and went to investigate. He quickly saw they were a flight of Rumplers and swing around to attack.

'B' flight followed him and as Andrew took the lead Hun they dealt with the other two.

The Rumpler evaded and bullets pinged into the wing and one cracked the windshield. Andrew closed in and blasted the Hun with a long accurate burst. A final burst tore the left side wings away and the rump Rumpler went spinning uncontrollably down.

Andrew took stock and saw the other two enemy aircraft suffering similar fates.

'B' flight formed up and headed home as a couple had sustained damage.

On landing Captain Brooks came over to Andrew. "Great job again pal, I saw that Hun tumbling down." said Brooks as they headed in.

Later on Captain Bridgeman called Andrew into the office. Firstly, he stated that although no-one could confirm the Fokker in the morning as it had all happened at ground level over enemy lines, the Rumpler in the afternoon had been confirmed. That took Andrew to 11 kills.

"Fine job again today Andrew, Captain Brooks gave me a full report on the afternoon's happenings" said Bridgeman.

"Thank you sir, I'm not sure why there were only three of those Rumplers, but we stopped them, that was the main thing" said Andrew.

"You certainly did that. Captain Brooks also gave a glowing account of how you led the flight into the fight. That ties in with what I've been seeing myself on our flights. Your a natural leader my friend." said the Captain.

"That's kind of you sir. I try my best and I do feel responsible for my comrades here." said Andrew.

"I've had it agreed by HQ, you are hereby promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Congratulations my friend" confirmed Captain Bridgeman.

"Thank you sir, I'll do my best" said Andrew.

"Well let's go and tell the news to the others, I'm sure they'll want to celebrate with you." finished Bridgeman.

NR, friendly fire and kill poaching is all part of the fun. Alois isn’t having any of it in the hospital though. Perhaps it’s time for some pranks? A dead rat in a bed pan perhaps?
BTW, by now Klaus is used to the usually useless wingmen. It’s Engel that’ll have to learn to live with these louts.

Albert, that Flak was rather accurate, wasn’t it - that is if they were aiming at Raben and not the SPAD, otherwise woe is them. As for those claim rates it felt like Kevin used to get much better odds than 55%.
That percentage is definitely going down for Andy today with that denied Fokker. It’s a good thing those Bréguets came along as escorts, otherwise the story could have been different for our hero. How are those Bréguets anyway. Are they as aggressive as Klaus gets to experience then, or do they start running away at first sight of enemy? Then the Rumplers in the afternoon get their just deserts and Murphy takes a spoonful out of them with a confirmed kill. The percentage goes back up. No net change then, except on Andrew’s shoulder tabs. Congrats on the promotion. That was fast!

Lou, that is true. Unless the entire flight of SPADs goes after Raben, they are rather easy marks individually. They really need their dogfighting routines tweaked. There are rarely any that take advantage of their speed, except when they’re running away. This and a tweak to the pilot’s view and a SPAD could be considered a fighting machine. Until then it’s a blind-man’s flying brick.
As for Freddy, I’d be more concerned about those holes in the airfield than his mount. So, the Snipe ain’t what it’s cracked up to be? That is most unfortunate. I’m sure Major Abbott will find a way to take advantage of the new plane in some way. He’s already making good use of it as the two-seaters are concerned. Congrats on getting the Snipe bloodied. Too bad the price was the life of an AM. It’s payback time for the cock o’ the roost, I expect?

3 September, 1918 05:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
104 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

No word yet on yesterday’s claims. They must still be tabulating. No matter. There was another ground forces support mission to be flown this morning. This time between Malzeville and Marbache.
The rain has stopped coming down for now, but the large clouds could conceal a fleet of Zeppelins within them. The mission was a repeat of yesterday. No contact.

3 September, 1918 13:30 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
104 confirmed kills
Awaiting two claim confirmations

Wouldn’t you know it? The afternoon show was another ground forces support mission between south of Pont-à-Mousson and Malzeville.
Klaus didn’t expect this mission to be any different than the morning show. He was irritated with the HQ assigning them these pointless jobs. After returning, he visited the Kasino to see if they had anything stronger than the usual piss to drink.

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Attention!



President Woodrow Wilson is proud to present the following citation:



Citation to the award reads as follows:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Andrew Murphy, Second Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary acts of heroism in action, Verdun, France. In little more than a week since his arrival at the front this exceptional pilot has demonstrated much bravery and aggressiveness in aerial combat. He does not hesitate to take the fight directly and decisively to the enemy, and it is this grit and determination that has resulted in the destruction of ten enemy aircraft by him thus far. He carries the American fighting spirit into battle and holds it up high for all to see.

The people of the United States are sincerely grateful for your brave service. God Bless America.

.

Congrats on the Gong

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Fienvillers, AF.

Sept 2 , 1918.

6 Victory Confirmed
3 Unconfirmed

My visit with 43 Sqn did not end well. I do remember after going into their Mess a toast was given for the King then something about a line of credit for buying a round and another toast and another to each member of Royals going back to Henry the 5 th, I awoke under the wing of one of our Camels with a bucket of Pink Paint. Cant use that color on a Rfc Fighting Machine. A wing-mate yelled out , Theirs a War on and get ur Kit. 54 Sqn is on the move to Avensnes-le-Comte and leave the Paint.

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Avensnes- Le-Comte,
Flanders.

Sept 3, 1918.

6 Victory Confirmed
3 Unconfirmed


Hq wanted us operational so it was Dawn Patrol with a map as to where to patrol. Needless to say it was a cockup. Our cover had a hard time keeping us in sight in a low light sky. We chased three 2 seat types high up only to stall trying to get to them. Its then we got hit by 5 Fokkers the fast powerful type
we lost 3 camels for 1 of the e/a. Welcome to Flanders.

Carrick - Always dicey going that low without top cover and wouldn't you know it, those dratted Huns came galloping down. Tough break losing one of your own when you had numbers but a sound recovery to send them packing. I like the pick of Cecil pulling into the two Albatri. Did he have enough energy to get guns on them?
Looking forward to the new paint job but I'm now concerned about what mischief awaits in dealing with these 43 Sqn types. Cecil must be on his guard.
Oh dear, it looks like Freddy's boys got the better of young Cecil, the rotters. May the gods help them if their CO ever finds out. Splendid pic of the early show. Well done. Now go find some proper paint for your machine. This. Is. Flanders!

Lou - The visit to Bertangles was most unsettling on a number levels. After this last fiasco, Oliver may start wondering if he'll be traded to the AEF for a SPAD and some chewing tobacco, or is this a ploy to prevent his leaving the RAF. Enquiring minds...
As for 43 Sqn, tell me this is not a military operation. So much for the fabled RAF logistics. At least Freddy got airborne and let the Huns know that 43 are not easy meat. Most unfortunate about your Ack Em. It just doesn't seem right that they should be killed so far behind the lines.
Too bad about Lizzie being so far away. I wonder if she and Eliza have run into one another. Who knows, lots of hospitals in Rouen.

Fullofit - Paranoia runs deep in Oliver right now as far as those pesky Red Tabs go. Who knows what goes on in their fiendish brassy minds?
Klaus continues in the claims office favor I see. Congrats.
Poor energy management is bad enough but unnecessary pussyfooting, as opposed to the other kind (see: catwoman), is completely unacceptable. Though they be Oliver's allies, standards must be maintained. Do as you must.
And now for the boring part of the air war. I hope Klaus is making food use of this lull in the action.

Albert - 'The Olde Towne' it is. Huzzah! So Bridgeman is a Chicagoan? So is a certain nurse of Oliver's fancy, not to mention that lady reporter Smokey mentioned. Small world and woe to the letter 'a' the way they pronounce it. No doubt Thomas Prewettt would have something to day about that. I wonder if he's still among the living.
Major Hayes and Captain Bird will not go to the House of the Death God unavenged. Andrew and his 22 Aero companions have provided them with an escort. Bravo!
Excellent work and excellent pics. The smoking green Hannover was particularly compelling.
Andrew has the respect of both his commanding officer and his comrades. Congrats on 11 Huns, the promotion, and the DSC. Well earned.
Cigar Ash and Tulle. Beware my son, and be on your guard.

NR - Good on ya for sticking with poor Engel. What a ghastly situation in hospital. The wheels are coming off everywhere for the German war effort. Can't be much fun right now. What turn of plot beckons, I wonder?
_____________________________________

À la Recherche du Temps Perdu - Part 99



23 July 1918
No. 24 Squadron
Conteville, France

Pummeled the bag after dinner last night to blow off some steam. My heart wasn’t in it. Try as I might all thoughts returned to Eliza. I’ve no idea when or if I can see her again. Once the balloon goes up it will be near impossible for either of us to steal away.

4.00 With A Flight on a dawn intercept over Beaumont Hamel. Hazell leading.
Cloud tops at 11,000 feet. Reached the lines at 16,000, then patrolled for the next 50 minutes.

I saw them at the same time as Hazell. Silver Pfalz 2000 feet below. Hazell flew around to the north then waggled his wings and led us down to attack.


I held fire until I was almost upon him.

A 3 second burst sent him down in a tumbling spin.

When we landed, Hazell proposed another crack at the Hun Kite Balloons.

Hazell continues to savage the Kaiser’s gasbags. One Deflated and confirmed destroyed. Bunny Foster also sent one down in flames.

Hazell and Foster have done splendid work this past month. Sent a DFC recommendation up to Wing for each of them.



24 July 1918
No. 24 Squadron
Conteville, France

5.40 Operating to the north supporting 11th Wing. This morning with C Flight, flying Selwyn’s wing on offensive patrol over the aerodrome at Ste-Marguerite. Crossing through 15,000 ft Selwyn circled the Hun aerodrome. Far to the east we sported 5 DFW flying at our altitude.


We chased the DFWs another 8 miles east before we caught them north of Lille.

One for each of us. C Flight gave the DFWs hell as the Huns broke formation and scattered every which way. I scanned the airspace above. Nothing. The situation looked to be well in hand. Every man had his Hun so I veered off after the leader. The observer landed a good burst from long range but didn’t hit anything vital. With her wing canvas perforated D330 pulled to the right but not badly. I was nearly in firing position when I saw them.

I fired the red flare and turned toward the approaching Huns. A full dozen. It took me a few seconds to realize that they had no interest in saving their DFWs…


Gods below! Why are they all pointing at me?

As the Huns bore down upon me, I turned away from C Flight and fled for the lines, trading altitude for more speed.


Crossed the lines at 3000 feet. The Huns followed. All 12 of them.


They do have their tails up…

15 miles over and on they came. D330 could maintain her lead but with the flapping canvas, that was all she could manage.

Time to land and hope the machine gunners were on their game. I made for Ste-Marie-Cappel.

By now the AA crews at the aerodrome had warning of the approaching enemy and put up a terrific curtain of fire. Even so, the Huns might have had me. Before D330 rolled to a stop I pulled the D-handle of Sutton’s harness, looking to jump free and bolt for cover. There was no need. One by one, the Fokkers peeled away from the field and flew north, Allied Archie bursting around them.



Ste-Marie-Capell was home to No. 79 and No. 201 Squadrons. Both officers commanding came striding down as I taxied D330 up to the Hangars. Majors Anthony Rex Arnold and Charles Dawson Booker. I’d met each but once in passing however I knew their reputations well..

“I say Winningstad, this is a surprise. Come for breakfast have you?” said Arnold, smiling and extending a hand. “You are most welcome. I can’t say I care for the guests you brought along…”

“My apologies for all the fuss, and my compliments to your AA teams. An entire bloody Jasta… they chased me from just north of Lille. What’s that, 25 miles?”

“Nearer to thirty,” said Booker. “Never seen the Boche do that that before.”

“They know who I am, the bloodthirsty sons of b!tches,” I replied.

“Yes, I suppose they do,” said Arnold, looking over the many holes in D330. Come on up to the Office and telephone your people, then we’ll have breakfast. Flight Sergeant Millen and his Ack Ems will see to your machine.”

When I reached Lawson none of the flight were back. I paced the 79 Sqn office like a caged jungle cat. Thirty minutes later Lawson rang. C Flight returned safely. Four DFWs destroyed.
___________________________

Back to Conteville at 11.00, arriving just as the mid-morning patrol returned with an empty bag. No Huns sighted…(they were all hunting me)

Spent the late morning working with Nichols and Webb on D330. I'm sure I was of little use in my agitated state. They eventually shooed me away, so I gave the bag some attention. I saw 41 Sqn returning from patrol. After a refresh and a change, I dropped in on Beery. As ever he was beavering away at his desk.

“Ripper! Grab a pew,” he said indicating a nearby chair.

I sat down with an audible thump, suddenly exhausted.

Beery must have noticed. “I say, are you all right, Ripper?”

“I am now. But I will accept a drink if one’s being offered. Windy morning.” I said.

“I should think so,” replied Beery archly. He retrieved a bottle and two glasses from his desk drawer.
“A little bird told me you were up north this morning visiting 79 Squadron. What on earth were you doing up there?” he asked, pouring out two healthy portions and handing one to me.

“Running from Huns. You know those Bloody Fokkers chased me for almost 30 miles! A dozen of them came 20 miles over. I can’t remember that ever happening. They left their DFWs to C Flight and they all came after me. I couldn’t believe it at first. It was surreal. When they followed me over the lines, I still thought we were playing some daft game, but they kept on and things got a bit sticky.
You might be singing ‘Hurrah for the next man’ if the forward observers hadn’t sent word of a raid. I had some AA cover when I set down at Ste-Marie-Cappel.

“Here’s the stranger part – despite all the AA fire, when I landed, they had a clean line to strafe me on the field, and yet they peeled away and went home. Why would they chase me 20 miles over then just fly away? I was down behind my own lines. Fair game even by the most civilized rules of war. I don’t understand these Huns.

“They attacked like they knew me, Beery. I almost think they’re hunting me.”

“I imagine they are. You’ve done them considerable injury, old man,” said Beery sagely. “You could always change that great bloody X to a different letter…”

“Strike my colors?! Hah! That’ll be the day!”
______________________

Still no word about the Pfalz from yesterday, but Lawson’s promotion to Captain came thru. Cause for celebration tonight. 



25 July 1918
No. 24 Squadron
Conteville, France

Lowe went on leave this morning. Deputy Flight Commander ‘Con’ Farrell led B Flight on the morning patrol.

4.00 Full squadron show this afternoon. Two flights as before would attack the Athies rail junction. Hazell led C Flight above. I went with Farrell and B Flight down low. No opposition into the target. We left the railyard in flames.

Reformed and climbed west. Spotting a flight of DVIIs chasing a single SE5a we turned south to engage.


Intent on his quarry, the Hun didn’t see me until it was too late.

He floated to earth in a slightly tail down attitude. I thought he might land intact but at 50 feet the Fokker snapped over and he crashed, utterly destroyed.

Back into the fight I teamed with Foster and Watkins.


As the Hun climbed in a turn, the bullet stream washed into his cockpit.

Chased a third Fokker off Farrell. This one was an old hare. He fought with great skill and no small cunning, but his gods deserted him.


He fell, thunderously, and darkness closed over both eyes.

Foster was with me. I saw no sign of Farrell. Circled for two minutes searching. Saw a 4th Fokker slinking away to the east. He was too far away so we climbed west. Archie gave us quite a send off as we made for the lines.

Pfalz confirmed. Today’s first Fokker went unconfirmed, but Foster saw the other two crash. 3 of 4. One Hundred Fifty-six.



26 July 1918
No. 24 Squadron
Conteville, France

Another morning on the bag. My streak stands at 16 now.

Hazell’s reign of terror against Teutonic Balloonkind continues. Flying the morning show over Harbonnieres, he sent another Kite Balloon down in flames, his fourth in nine days.

11.00 Another main show on the midday Offensive patrol over Roseries. With B flight again filling in for Lowe. Farrell leading. This time we were the high flight.

Overflew a Schwarm of 7 Albatri at the lines. Farrell waited until they were fully engaged with C flight then dropped down.



I caught two with a solid burst but saw a flight of Fokkers coming to join the party. Broke off, fired a red flare then turned to meet the new threat.

The fight worked lower before I got a killing burst into my man.


“He dropped then from the chariot and his armor clattered upon him.”

Combat spread out and devolved into individual contests.

Another fled from my spear far-shadowing.


"His life came out through the wound of the spear-stab
in beating haste, and a mist of darkness closed over both eyes."

Alone, I made for home…with a small detour over the Amiens-Cambrai road.


3 passes. 2 full drums of Lewis and a belt of Vickers.

Waiting for the evening patrol to return when Grid Caldwell telephoned. Mick Mannock was dead, brought down in flames by ground fire. Grid was heading over to 85 Sqn to try and cheer the boys up.

Barton, Farrell, Passmore, Palmer and Miller managed to force down a DFW in our lines. The hapless fellow was on his first war patrol and got lost. He thought he was heading for Peronne! Some discussion of inviting him for dinner. I left them to it.

With the patrol back safely, I hopped in the Crossley and headed for St. Omer. It was 50 miles and the roads jammed in places. Didn’t arrive until after dinner. Half of 74 were there, Mick having flown with them before taking over 85 Sqn. Many squadrons sent a representative. ‘Mary’ Cunningham and Ray Collinshaw did a bang-up job keeping the evening as cheerful as it could be under the circumstances. Grid made a fine speech reminding all that Mick wouldn’t wish us to mope. Cal and Mac were giving it a go along with the rest but it was obvious the effort was forced.

Mannock dead. Another giant gone west. Hurrah for the next man who dies!

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Epower - Yikes! Ripper did well to escape that murderous lot. Talk about coming for blood. He best be watching his six, now more than ever as it's clear the Hun are not only getting bolder but desperate as well. Also, nice work strafing that convoy. Too bad about Mannock; rumor has it he went the way of his worst fear, in a flamer - sizzle sizzle wonk, as he was so fond of saying.
Now as to Eliza and Lizzie crossing paths at Rouen, perhaps, but as you say there are a lot of hospitals there.

Carrick - I can assure you that Freddy and the boys of 43 had nothing to do with Cecil and his lot getting shipped off to Avensnes-Le-Comte. The pink paint and your man's hangover however, that you can credit to them.

Fullofit - Hmmm, sounds as if HQ is attempting to take Klaus out of the worst of it in order keep him around as their poster boy. Good for morale and recruitment you know. As to payback time - that bell tolled this morning.

Albert - Congratulations on Andrew's well-earned gong. He should wear it proudly, and carefully.

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4 September 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

Order has been restored to camp. A funeral was held on the 2nd for AM William Reddshirt; hangars have been reconstructed; craters have been filled; debris has been cleaned up; and new Snipes have arrived to replace the two that were lost. The squadron is still far from being up to full strength in terms of available mounts, but Major Frederick Abbot managed to make due quite well this morning with what he had to work with. The following will tell the tale.


The Major leads A Flight on a morning patrol across to Bapaume and back. HQ has given him explicit instructions that, until further notice, none of the new Snipes are to cross the lines for fear one may end up in the hands of the enemy. As it is, the squadron only has seven that are currently operational, due to the tediously slow influx of the new planes and the loss of two said planes in the air raid of September 1st. A reckoning was about to come for that raid and for the loss of AM Reddshirt.



As they near Miraumont Freddy spots seven D.VIIs some thousand feet below. He is surprised they have ventured this far over the lines, a most unusual thing for Hun scouts to do. Abbott gives the signal and the six Snipes dive on their prey.



Abbott picks out his target, and with the height advantage he is quickly in prime position for the kill.



The Major rolls the Snipe over and drops onto the Hun's six. It is done in an instant and Freddy watches as the Fokker spins down out of control.



No time to admire his handiwork as there is now another Fokker on his own six. Freddy pulls hard right as he dives, turning inside the Boche plane.



Seconds later and the pair are now merging nose-to-nose, neither managing to get a shot on the other in the pass.



But Abbott has kept the better position and his energy, enough so that he is able to swing onto the Hun's tail. The Vickers find their mark.



The enemy pilot manages to set his plane down intact by a copse of trees about a mile north of Miraumont. As much as Abbott wanted to land on the nearby road and claim his prize he had to rejoin what was left of the fight. As he did so he was relieved to see a troop of nearby Tommies rushing to the Fokker and removing the pilot from it.



As it turned out the Major's help was not needed in clearing out the remaining air Hun, the rest of his lads had already taken care of it by the time he rejoined them. Two other Fokkers had been sent down and the rest had scarpered. Low on ammo, and with various vents in the Snipes, it was time to return to camp. Abbott waited until everyone was down safely, after which he began his own descent.



But then, off his starboard wing, the Major's keen eyes spotted specks of flak and aeroplanes far above. More Huns! Despite the fact that the rest of his flight was already down he did not hesitate - he immediately turned and began climbing towards the far off motes.



Freddy was at 9,500' and well northeast of Doullens when he finally caught up with the trailing DFW of the Boche formation.



The Hun must not have been expecting any of the King's airmen to be about and Abbott was able to get within striking distance unnoticed. The twin Vickers barked with a vengeance.



Freddy was more than a bit surprised when his target suddenly fell away and tumbled towards the fields below. It did not recover.



Abbott crept up underneath the next trailing Hun bus and repeated the same trick just as both guns clicked empty.



Miraculously the Major was blessed with the same results - the DFW fell from the formation and never regained control. Clearly the gods were demanding payback for the bombing of Fienvillers as much as Abbott was.



The Major returned home, completely chuffed with the results of the outing. Once on the ground he congratulated the rest of the lads then grabbed a fresh hot cup of tea, went to his office, and filled out his AAR and claims for four Huns. An excellent morning's work!


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Lou - Thank you for Andrew's gong and his write up. Guard duly raised for the foreseeable.

Fullofit - Two rather dud missions for Klaus and Jasta 18 there. That seems a waste of resources when there are enemy aircraft all over the place. A chance for a breather I suppose. As for confirmation rates, Kevin's was nearly 64% and Klaus's using his EOM stats was 57%. I think being CO for a couple of weeks might have helped Kevin. The Breguets did attack but didn't get far as we were already all over the Fokkers and forcing them lower. The promotion was probably Captain Bridgeman thinking it was a bit daft having one 2nd Lieutenant and 14 Captains.

Carrick - Sounds like Freddy's unit if they plastered Cecil with booze. Not sure what he's going to do with the pink paint. Then a squadron move, maybe due to the progress at the front. Then a pummelling by some of the new F type DVII's, tough going but at least he survived. Great picture of the rising sun.

Epower - Yes, I've changed the blue on the last word to a shade lighter. It's a little reminder of home. Speaking of home, yes I'd forgotten Eliza was from Chicago, I'd say small place but then it's enormous. Andrew's doing well and the others can see his honest endeavor, it's an appealing trait at a time of trouble. Now to Oliver, his flying and his penchant for finding and taking care of the Huns has not abated at all despite his time away from the front. 156 kills and still climbing. Those Fokkers were a crazed bunch, if he wasn't already laid up for the rest of the war I'd have said Berthold might have been leading them. Whoever it was was clearly a spanner short of a toolbox. Thankfully he made it back and a chance to catch up with Beery. Then home to the most dreadful news, Mick's death. That picture of the incoming Fokkers over Oliver's damaged wing is a cracker.

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Oops Albert, I also meant to say, congratulations on Andrew's bump to 1st Lieutenant as well! But guard duty? Seems like a waste of flying talent to me.

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Lou - Our posts crossed. What a marvelous display of controlled aggressive flying. Freddy is clearly hungry to up his total of kills, nevermind taking revenge for poor Reddshirt. Some excellent pictures. The Snipe may not be the 'war winner' it's been made out to be, but in experienced hands it's clearly got the bead on those Fokkers, especially at lower altitudes. Haha it's not guard duty, Andrew is duly 'on guard' against the curse of the gong fairy.

Epower, dear me! Winningstad has a price on his head. Welcome to the club. This is what it feels like when all the enemy planes ignore your wingmen and come after you. Not a pleasant experience. Luckily it all ended well for Oliver. For once the Archie boys earned their keep.
It was then Oliver’s turn over the next few days to pay the Hun back for chasing him all over Flanders. Then, as if to keep the balance the enemy Flak boys earned their keep by bringing down Mannock. Rather interesting symmetry, wouldn’t you say? Congrats on getting the latest Boches confirmed.

Lou, if the HQ wanted to keep Klaus safe, they wouldn’t be sending the Gong Fairy after him. They need him in the thick of it, not attending air shows.
As for Freddy, ahh sweet revenge! Those two-seaters didn’t even know what hit them. It was like dropping bombs on their heads. With Abbott’s precise gunnery it was an execution in its purest sense. It’s just too bad the Major has run out of bullets to make the rest of the bombers pay. Now, let’s hope his efforts will be rewarded with confirmations. Fingers crossed!

Albert, congrats on the DSC. Hopefully first of many.
Two dud missions will probably make Klaus yearn for some action. He could make some rush decisions to beat the boredom. Hopefully he’s smarter than that. We’ll have to wait and see. As to Andrew’s promotion just to catch up to the 14 Captains, it actually feels more daft to me to have 14 of them there in the first place.

4 September, 1918 06:45 morning mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
105 confirmed kills

Only one of the SPADs has been confirmed from the two days ago.
The orders this morning were to defend Mars-la-Tour airfield. It was another pointless outing of Jasta circling the airfield without the enemy making an appearance. Perhaps the French have surrendered and they didn’t get the memo?

4 September, 1918 13:30 afternoon mission
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
105 confirmed kills

In the afternoon tit was another ground forces support mission near Malzeville.
The Schwarm encountered a flight of American SPADs near Verny. They were reluctant to come down and play at first, but when they did, they attacked en masse. Showers of bullets flew by Raben’s plane, some found their target. Klaus would not back down. He latched onto the tail of one of them and continued his own onslaught until his Spandaus jammed. He cleared one and continued to chase after his target which by now was in a shallow dive and trailing smoke. Klaus didn’t think he needed to follow the enemy anymore. He was done for. The cloud of dust and smoke rising from a crater confirmed his suspicions. It looked like the rest of the Schwarm took care of the remaining Yanks. There was nothing else to do but to reform and head for home.

YouTube Link

Fullofit - It certainly makes it hard to attract someone's attention, say the word 'Captain' in the 22nd's mess and the whole room turns and looks.

So a quiet first mission followed by far more action in the afternoon for Klaus. That SPAD attack was almost perfect, with the exception that he missed, but Klaus and Ko made them pay for their missed opportunity. Klaus's SPAD took an inordinate amount of damage before finally falling.





1st Lieutenant Andrew Murphy
22nd Aero
Toul airfield

11 confirmed kills

4th September 1918

Morning sortie

Andrew was sitting with Ray Brooks and Remington Vernam enjoying another cup of coffee after breakfast. The previous evening had been fun. The 'highlight' had been an impromptu baseball game involving a shovel handle and a ball of string. When it was Andrew's turn to bat it was James Beane who was pitching and he took it far too seriously. Andrew intentionally missed the first two pitches and was in hysterics as Beane danced around each time Andrew had swung at the 'ball' and the Chief Mechanic Chuck Conway shouted 'strike' in his deep Alabama accent. The third pitch was at full speed and Andrew swung perfectly, smacking the 'ball' which proceeded to bounce off three walls, knock two pictures down and smash the light at the far end of the room.

It had been a home run, not because the ball was out of the 'park', but because the ball couldn't be found in the darkness now encompassing the end of the room.

"Did Bridgeman tell you off for smashing the light Andy?" asked Brooks.

"Nah, he just said 'keep that shot for Fenway Park' Lieutenant!" said Andrew.

Brooks and Vernam laughed aloud.

Just then the airfield alarm sounded.

Andrew ran out and towards the line of aircraft being started. Strangely there was no flak and he couldn't see anything high above. As he jumped into his aircraft one of the ground crew shouted "look out! Incoming!" and pointed to the right.

Andrew looked and saw a formation of Fokker DVII's coming in low across the airfield. They strafed the hangers and passed overhead.

Andrew cranked up and raced down the airfield. He got airborne and stayed low between the trees and came around to the left.

He saw the Fokkers turning for another pass as more SPADs got airborne. Andrew nosed up and went straight into the flank of the attacking Fokkers and blasted them.

The enemy formation scattered and Andrew stayed low and came around again. He was below the treeline and barely above the ground but he was able to come up onto the tail of one of the Huns. He poured a long accurate burst into the DVII and watched as it wobbled. Another burst and the enemy aircraft careened into the trees and Andrew had to bank right to avoid the explosion.

He looked for another target and found one as a Fokker tried to latch onto James Beane's tail. Andrew closed in and fired into the Hun. The DVII turned to the left but Andrew went with him and another accurate flurry had the enemy aircraft nose down and smashed into the ground.

Andrew now took stock, he could see a few enemy aircraft already running and went after the rearmost one.

As he closed in, the German tried to evade by climbing up but with the SPADs speed he went with him and blasted the Fokker from close range. The DVII was barely able to stay airborne and Andrew throttled back and just before he was going to stall he fired an accurate burst into the cockpit of the enemy aircraft. The pilot fell forward and the aircraft nosed down and went into a hedge and exploded.

Andrew couldn't see any other enemy aircraft nearby and decide to land.

On landing and reporting in with the others, six Fokkers had been downed and only one SPAD damaged.

Bridgeman, Vernam and Swaab had bagged the others.

James Beane came over to Andrew, "Thanks Andrew, you saved my bacon there. He had me cold." said Beane.

"Don't mention it, Jim, just repay the gesture if you ever have to." said Andrew.

"You can count on it" said Beane.


Afternoon sortie (awaiting three confirmations)

Ray Brooks took the afternoon briefing and confirmed that an enlarged 'B' flight would be heading south east to patrol above Tantonville airfield. 'A' flight consisted of Bridgeman, Vernam and Beane and were going to down an enemy balloon north of Toul.

The weather had closed in once more, steady rain and winds abounded as 'B' flight took off and headed south east.

They'd climbed to 14000 feet and were above the rain and majority of clouds. Through the clouds Andrew could see the Tantonville ahead.

He then made out several other aircraft ahead, spaced out and flying back and forth. The airfield was under attack already! Andrew nosed down and raced towards the enemy aircraft.

As he neared he saw they were Rumplers. He chose one who was crossing the airfield again. As the Hun spotted Andrew approaching he turned and ran for home. Andrew was having none of it though.

The Rumpler swung right and the gunner opened fire. Rounds smacked into Andrew's right wing. He opened fire and the enemy aircraft started descending down.

Andrew stayed after him and came in from side to side putting good bursts into the Hun.

The gunner tried to keep Andrew at bay but couldn't. Another burst and the Rumpler's descent turned into a dive and it went straight into the ground.

Andrew saw several other enemy aircraft in trouble high above and decided to make his way home.

He landed safely and a few moments later his flight mates came in as well.

Four Rumplers had been downed and although four SPADs had mentionable damage, they all landed safely.

Afterwards, Captain Bridgeman confirmed three of Andrew's claims. Only the first Fokker in the morning couldn't be confirmed as the ground forces were claiming that one.

That brought Andrew to 14 confirmed kills.

"Another fine performance today Lieutenant" started Bridgeman, having asked Andrew to join him.

"Thank you sir, that attack this morning took us by surprise but we hit them hard." replied Andrew.

"We certainly did. I have some more news" said the Captain.

"Your performances these last couple of weeks have been first rate. So much so that HQ have agreed with me and decided to award you the Distinguished Service Cross." confirmed Bridgeman.

Andrew was amazed "thank you sir, that's a huge honour." he said.

"It is, and you sure as hell deserve it my friend." said Bridgeman.

"It'll be presented tomorrow. Colonel Billy Mitchell is coming to meet with me and has asked if he can make the award and meet the men" said Bridgeman.

"Let's go and tell the news to the rest of the squadron. But promise me one thing Lieutenant......." asked Bridgeman.

"Yes sir?" said Andrew.

"No more 'home runs' friend" said Bridgeman with a smile.

Andrew laughed "That's a deal sir" he finished.

The pair went to the mess and confirmed the news to the others.

Great stories and pics. Some of them are real Whoppers.

Cecil P Fawnsworth
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sqn
Avensnes- Le-Comte,
Flanders.

Sept 4, 1918.

6 Victory Confirmed
3 Unconfirmed

A 9 a/c Patrol over the lines Medium altitude caught 2 Recon Types I saw both go down. I got off some rds and a few hits ,but my wing man Cpt Albert got the kill then A Flight's Sgt Gerry got the other.

2nd Flight: Attacking ground positions I say, Messy work and I took some rather large rips in my wing fabric so went slowly home..

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Fullofit - That was a lot of Yankee Spad jockeys, and it's odd only one of them seemed to focus any real attention on Klaus. Their collective mistake. Chalk up another one for the Kaiser's leading ace.

Albert - Lieutenant Murphy just keeps on knocking 'em out of the park. That one shot of him directly on the tail of the D.VII is outstanding.

Carrick - I agree with Cecil, those ground-pounding missions are messy work, and dangerous.

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5 September 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Fienvillers, France

All four of Major Abbott's claims from yesterday's flip were confirmed which had the young CO in very high spirits when he headed out after lunch to determine the Snipe's top ceiling. Not much else to do today in terms of flying since HQ still had the squadron listed as "non-operational" and therefore were assigning them no sorties. The actual fact was that Freddy's outfit now had eight combat-ready planes, and rather than let them sit about idle he had been drafting his own outings for himself and the lads. Now, while the brass hats were pleased that Abbott had taken such initiative to send out, on his own, at least one flight a day on OPs of his own design, (and in the process had knocked down no small amount of Hun planes), they were equally unpleased that he was not consulting them first as to just when and where these OPs would take place.

"Must pass these ideas by us first Major, wouldn't do to have every squadron CO out there sending his men on patrols willy-nilly you know", the Red Tab on the other end of the line had stated bluntly to Abbott during a phone call earlier in the day.

"I say", Freddy responded unapologetically, "bad form Sir, calling it willy-nilly, nothing willy-nilly about it. Been taking the lads out on OPs to the east soon as the sun comes up. We fly as far as the lines, staying well this side of them as per your orders, then proceed back and forth above our rearmost positions, watching for any air Huns that might try to sneak across. Caught a few of the filthy rotters too and sent them packing. Willy-nilly - Haw!"

"Yes, well, still, run your plans by us first, that's all I'm saying, Abbott. And another thing, we're not all that keen on you leading so many outings. While you do have a roving commission, you are still Officer Commanding, and as such you should be minding the store far more than being out chasing enemy planes. Leave the bulk of that work to your flight commanders, that's what you have them for you know."

"Agreed Sir, but let's be fair. As it stands right now the best we can muster is one, perhaps two, sorties a day, due to the shortage of Snipes and the amount of time it takes to get each one of them set up properly. While the lads in the hangars are miracle workers even they need time to sort out the idiosyncrasies of a new mount. Add to that, this first batch of Bentley rotaries have been less than stellar, presenting the men with yet another new set of challenges. So my point here, and I do have one, is that me leading one flight a day, at best, is hardly going to cut into my time spent running the camp. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I believe I'm keen enough to handle both tasks to everyone's satisfaction."

The conversation ended shortly after Abbott's last statement when he was instructed, politely but officially, to keep his own combat sorties to no more than four a week; rigging and trim checks, gun sighting runs and the like excluded. And thus the reason for today's post-lunch "altitude check". Freddy would go out with guns and tanks fully loaded to see just how high the Snipe could climb, and if he should run across any errant Hun in the process - well then it would simply be a non-combat test flight during which he just happened to get into a scrape. How clever was that.

As it turned out, somewhat less clever than he'd first given himself credit for, seeing as how it ended in his mount getting shot up a fair bit. And, upon returning to camp discovering that the place had once again been bombed. He did bag another DFW though, so there was that silver lining.


While alting up eastward over Doullens on his self-assigned altitude check, Major Abbott spots a lone DFW well off to the north heading in the same direction.



Freddy abandons the flimsy premise of a test flight and chooses instead to make a slashing attack along the Hun's right flank, which turns out to be very effective, causing the enemy bus to fall away tail-first.



However, somehow, despite the less-than-optimal attitude for a firing solution, the Hun G/O blasts away at Abbott and manages to hit not only the windscreen and instrument board of the Snipe but the engine as well. Amazingly, Freddy himself is untouched



With the Bentley now sputtering and shaking like mad, and the wind whistling through the holes in the windscreen, the young Major turns immediately for home. He at least is given the satisfaction of seeing the DFW fall, smashing into the earth far below.



Further frustration upon returning to camp to find that, once again, they have been visited by Boche bombers. This time the damage was fairly minimal and no one was killed or injured, thankfully. As Abbott was about to touch down the Bentley conked completely and while he rolled, dead stick, his wheels caught some debris that had been thrown out by a nearby bomb hit. This caused his mount to swing round hard to starboard and in so doing damaged the portside lower wing as the Snipe bounced and banged to a halt in the middle of the pocked field. A rather inglorious ending to the outing. As he climbed down from his broken kite, Abbott wondered how the next call from HQ was going to go. Ah well, c'est la guerre.


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