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

Fullofit - Our posts crossed. It certainly looks like it's a free-for-all out there. That was a clever ploy by those SPADs there. Have Klaus fixated on the target ahead and miss the one creeping up on him. That was some blow but his crate held together just. The Gods are certainly 'mit uns' at the moment, or more accurately, 'mit du'. As for Andy, it was a good send off and he's finally over at the 49th.

Finally had a bit of free time to pop into this thread again and there are some impressive tales rolling here gents - lots of action indeed in late '18. Hoping that your FPS are staying healthy. Rejoice, the war will soon be over in a month or so and then you can start all over again.

@ePower, some close calls for Oliver recently. Glad to read that he's only been dipping his toes in the River Styx - might I recommend instead the baths at Baden-Baden, with Eliza, but after the war. If he survives the war, there might be a nice side-story for him in the "Roaring 20s."

Cheers all and happy DiDing,
Von S

Albert, Klaus was definitely lucky today. Those Vickers on the SPADs pack a punch. I would never be able to do that much damage with Spandaus with a single volley.
So, Andy starts his new job with a hangover. That is not the best image for a new Commanding Officer. Thankfully the pep talk to his pilots went well and he opened up his account with two new kills. Then the news of the medal presentation involving a moustachioed kiss and three confirmed claims. Life is good!

VonS, good to see you around enjoying the tales. That is a very nice idea to continue Oliver’s story after the war. That is if he survives it. Each day gets more and more dangerous.
Thinking of joining DiD next time around?

End September stats

2 Lt Robert Fergus Drummond, DFC
32 Sqn Royal Air Force
La Bellevue, France
SE5a (Viper)

70 Missions
59.07 Hours
30 Claims
17 Confirmed

VonS - Gott Im Himmel! 19 months. 8-10 hours per day. Now you want the post war story?! Oy! Even if Oliver lives, I'll need a cocktail...maybe a hot bath...then Eliza

@Fullofit, I might indeed be seasoned enough to join DiD on the next round. By then I will have finished upgrading the UE/PE FM packs, for BH&H2, so all of you will have the option to be stuck flying the "early" Morane Parasol 80 HP until at least late 1915, the one with a top speed no higher than about 115 kph or so, and a dismal climb rate.

@ePower, a post-war story would be exciting, after some rest and recuperation first for Oliver (if he survives until the armistice), and then to give Tolstoy's War and Peace a run for the money.

Cheers all,
Von S

VonS - Good to see you around, yes hopefully you can join on the next go around.



Major Andrew Murphy, DSC x2, CdG
49th Aero
Toul airfield

60 confirmed kills

6th October 1918

Morning sortie

The morning sortie was to be a trip north to burst a balloon which had been causing problems for the attacking troops on the front lines.

The weather had closed in again and was truly awful. High winds, thick clouds and driving rain greeted Andy as he led Captains Buford and Woolley up and away from the airfield.

They headed north and reached 12000 feet as they crossed the lines. The massive clouds and high winds made just flying difficult nevermind spotting anything.

They reached the area where the balloon should be but Andy couldn't see anything. He signalled to the other two to remain here and descended down to have a look.

As he bottomed out of the clouds he was welcomed by several bursts of flak. He still couldn't see any balloon but just at that moment a flak burst smacked into him and the aircraft. Something hard hit his head and arm and he lost consciousness momentarily. As he came to he was barely feet above the ground and could do nothing.

The SPAD smashed into the ground and exploded.

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NOOOOOOOOOOO!

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Albert - Very sorry to see that Andy has fallen. So sad. One more brave fellow off to sing with the Choir Invisible.

Fullofit - Klaus really just needs a whole new crew. But of course with all the shortages including pilots, he must suffer along with his bunch of good-for-nothing, claim-stealing knuckleheads. Glad to see he survived both the enemy and his own men, yet again. "Here Fate, heeeeere Fate Fate Fate. Come and get me."

VonS - Nice to see you stopping by. Stay a while, have something single-malty with us as we console Albert on the sudden loss of his latest DID hero.

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6 October 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Senlis-le-Sec, France

It took until this afternoon to get things properly in place after moving, at least to the point where Major Frederick Abbott was able to put up a sortie. Orders had come in to bomb the Hun aerodrome directly across the mud at Lieramont, and PDQ. So at 3:00pm Freddy and the lads headed out to do their bit, despite the driving rain and wind that had returned to the area. If Senlis-le-Sec looked a bit bleak in the sunshine, it looked positively wretched in this weather. Ah well, c'est la guerre, King and Country and all that, off we go.


Up and away into the gawd-awful skies.



Abbott and his crew climb to 5,200', staying just under the thick, heavy, rain-filled clouds. They'll make good cover should the King's own need to hide from Archie when crossing the mud. It turned out there was no need, nary a single puff of hate did they see during the entire outing, nor any air Hun for that matter.



Diving on the Boche drome, strafing parked planes along the way, Freddy takes aim on the large brick farmhouse behind the end hangars. His assumption is that this is most likely where the pilots and other officers are billeted. Take out that and hopefully there will be so many less of the Kaiser's lot to fly what few planes they apparently have left.



A direct hit. The old building erupts in flames.



The Major swings back round and makes another strafing run on the parked V-strutters.



Looking back he sees one of the Albs catch fire, just as he himself is catching it from the ground gunners below. Time to make a hasty retreat.



Returning to the friendly side Abbott watches a barrage in progress some ways south of the Somme. Poor Fritz is getting it there as well, from the look of things.



First sortie from the new digs completed, it will be good to land and get out of the horrid weather.



Waiting for the rest of the lads to return, then it's off for a nice hot cuppa' before filling out the AARs.


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Albert: My condolences about ur Pilot

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sq
B Flight Commander
Phalempin AF


Oct 5 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed


Attacked an AF this morning. 4 e/a got off before the bombs went down some hits then the fur ball started. good pilots , we lost 1 then they lost 1. I took a beating with ripped lower wing frabic and 15 to 20 holes in my machine but got back home.

Dammit. Another one gone west. Very sorry Albert.

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sq
B Flight Commander
Phalempin AF


Oct 6 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed

Got off on a flight before Wx coming in. Found a Rumpler alone over the lines. My wing man and I quickley dispatched him. Wing man got the kill.

Thank you Gentlemen. It wasn't a nice experience that's for sure. I think that's only the second time in all my WOFFery that a flak hit has actually done me in.

Lou - So Freddy has the squadron ready for action after their move and it's back to whacking those enemy airfields. He led from the front again and did some good damage, even if it was to Albatrosse, maybe they're using them as decoys. Thankfully he stayed safe and made it back.

Carrick - A tough outing for Cecil again, especially when those enemy crates got airborne and started a fight. Thankfully he got himself out of it and back home.




Once more unto the breach dear friends........and a change of pace.......


Introducing Vizefeldwebel Werner Herman Rendel. He was born on 3rd October 1900 in Dortmund. He had barely finished his schooling when he was drafted up and spent two months in a reserve infantry regiment stationed in Maubeuge.

His interest and knowledge of aviation and his constant haranguing of superiors, eventually have him transferred to the Luftstreitkräfte and rather rushed pilot training in mid 1918. His desire to fly fighters is scuppered however when he is sent for ground attack and bombing training.

He is finally assigned to Schlasta 7, based at Toulis airfield, 20km north of Laon on 6th October 1918.

This is his story.........

Epower, I’m thinking after the war Oliver can do the roaring twenties and the depression thirties. Then jump right into WoTR and see how a disgraced general does in a Spitfire. Eliza would be a morphine addict by then … oh wait, that’s the Fat One I’m thinking of. Eliza would have her own abortion clinic by then and would hardly be seen at home. Clarissa would take advantage of that fact, of course.

VonS, a whopping 80 HP? Might as well start the war on a bicycle.

Albert, aaaah crap! Not Andy! Those Flak boys really lucked out this time. For once they will not have to steal kills. This one is all theirs. Poor Bella though. She’ll be heartbroken (not to mention General Joffre). What rotten luck!
Are you going to get another man going before it’s all over?

Lou, the problem is they’re not always knuckleheads, only on certain days. The days Klaus needs them the most. He survived this time, but what about next time? And the next?
Speaking of tempting Fate, I see Freddy is getting chummy with the Flak batteries on his ground pounding missions. This may end badly. Take heed. Just look what befell that American Ace.

6 October, 1918 08:00
Montingen, Verdun Sector
Jasta 18
Rittmeister Klaus Gustav Raben RAO AO PLM HHO EK1 EK2
Fokker D.VII
140 confirmed kills

Today Jasta 18 was tasked with patrolling friendly front lines between Marbache and Malzeville. The two Schwärme were well on their way above the Front when Klaus noticed enemy plane approaching. The rest of his flight followed some distance behind. Raben prepared for a tough fight. They numbered perhaps two more than his wingmen. The scout ahead sniffed around and continued on, probably looking for a better position to attack from. The rest of his flight flew by as well. Schwarm Eins ignored them. Klaus observed as the hostile formation continued on and soon was out of range.

YouTube Link



He couldn’t stand it anymore. He separated his Schwarm and left Eins to their own devices. Raben was curious what was so important that the enemy would ignore such a juicy target. He never found out. He could see one of the enemy planes returning back, but he ignored it, knowing well he’d soon lose him in the clouds and never find the main force. Later he spotted another solitary SPAD returning. This time he had to go after it. To hell with the rest. The enemy turned around and was now coming his way. Klaus checked his six. No other SPADs sneaking up on him this time. His foe flew by and decided to engage one of the approaching Fokkers. Klaus was on him. He sent a few bursts and watched the enemy perform his signature upside-down spin. He knew this was a ruse and continued to fire into the flip-flopping SPAD. He must have hit something, most likely meat and the hostile aeroplane never recovered from its spin.

YouTube Link



Klaus was now climbing back up and just in time to spot an approaching enemy. The SPAD made a turn and Raben went after, but it was a trick to slow the Fokker down and the SPAD continued on, gaining speed and altitude. Klaus was never going to catch up. He then looked to his rear and found another SPAD also attempting to get back. Raben was lower, but ahead and going in the same direction. He began to rise and slowly creep towards the Amerikaner. The enemy read his intentions and began evasive maneuvers. Klaus only prayed this one didn’t know the trick the other SPAD driver used just minutes ago. He was able to send a few volleys into the enemy and hopefully slow him down a little. The SPAD was pulling away and Klaus was getting more and more frustrated, firing bursts at further and further distances. That last volley hit something and the enemy started to dive. Klaus went after him. His engine screaming, airframe creaking. He wasn’t going to let this one get away. He followed the SPAD all the way to the ground where it crashed spectacularly. Raben turned his mount around and headed for his base. Hopefully someone had seen his kill.

YouTube Link

Albert, just missed your post. Oh, I don't know if you want to fly a German right now. Remember those Bréguets?
Welcome to Werner. Hope he lasts to the end.

Fullofit - That was a strange fight, at first it was almost like the SPADs had passed him by. Then that lone SPAD DID pass him by, almost like he wasn't there, and went after his colleague. Klaus said danke very much and hit him hard. If he wasn't dead already he had a long time to realise his mistake as he spun down. Then the second SPAD, more straightforward and Klaus made sure by following him down.

As for Werner, he'll be flying Hannovers so hopefully the Breguets will take pity and fly on by.......yeah right.




Vzfw Werner Rendel
Schlasta 7
Toulis airfield

6th October 1918

It was 9pm and the truck carrying Werner bobbled past the sentry guarding the entrance to Toulis airfield. It bobbled to a halt outside the main building and Werner grabbed his case and stepped down. The truck bobbled away again and splashed through the many puddles on its way back to the gate.

The weather was awful and had been since Werner began his journey at 9am that morning. The journey had been horrendous, the lorries movement was continually being checked by overzealous officers at various checkpoints, presumably on the lookout for deserters. Thankfully Werner's papers were in order.

He'd also been held up by the constant traffic, ambulances, horse and carts, men on foot, and the weather made it all much worse.

He headed into the office and shook himself down as he closed the door. The adjutant was there and Werner saluted.

"Ihre papiere bitte Vizefeldwebel" said the Leutnant rather perfunctorily.

The adjutant studied them a moment and then said "Ahh Rendel, we were expecting you this afternoon. Wait there please, the commanding officer is in the kasino. I'll get him".

A few minutes later the adjutant returned with another officer. "Vizefeldwebel, may I introduce you to our commanding officer, Hauptmann Sieger.

Werner saluted and the Hauptmann gave a quick response. "Glad you could finally join us Rendell, what happened? The traffic?". asked Sieger.

"Yes herr Hauptmann, we've been on the move since this morning." replied Werner.

The Hauptmann smirked, "I can imagine. We have the same problem every day with our supplies."

The Adjutant passed Werner's papers to the Hauptmann.

"How many hours do you have on Hannovers?" asked the Hauptmann.

5 hours on Hannovers specifically, 20 in total on two seaters Herr Hauptmann." replied Werner.

"Mein gott, slaughter, simply slaughter." said Sieger, the last part tailing off as if for his own ears only.

The Hauptmann seemed deep in thought for a few moments and busily tapped the papers.

"You must be tired and hungry. The Adjutant here will allocate you your quarters, I'm afraid it is only tents here. We may need to move at very short notice." said the Hauptmann.

"Go and get yourself sorted and then join us in the kasino. We'll see if they can find you something to eat. The flying will begin in earnest tomorrow, unless this d@mn weather doesn't put an end to it. For tonight at least you can relax and meet your fellow pilots and gunners." said Sieger.

Werner nodded and then saluted as the Hauptmann left and headed back to the kasino. Werner took his gear to his tent, it was just about keeping the rain out, that was about as much as it had going for it.

He then made his way to the kasino where he was introduced to the others. Werner saw that most of the pilots were not much older than he, only Sieger seemed in his mid twenties.

The cook had managed to rustle up some leftover ham hock and bread which Werner gladly downed with a bottle of beer.

Later on he returned to his quarters. Tomorrow would be a big day.

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Albert - Welcome and best of luck to Vizefeldwebel Rendel. As a schlachtflieger for the Kaiser's forces this late in the game, he's going to need all the luck he can get.

Fullofit - Those SPAD jockeys need to learn some new tricks, Klaus is on to all of their old ones. And quite the magic bullet shot on that last fleeing fellow. Hopefully Raben has some more magic he can work on the buggers at the claims office.

Carrick - Wait ... what's that ... snow? Must have been a nasty weather inversion pattern over there at Phalempin.

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7 October 1918
43 Squadron R.A.F.
Senlis-le-Sec, France

Yet another ground attack mission for Major Frederick Abbott and his crew today. Here's the story.


The horrid weather continues as a combined flight of ten Snipes prepare to leave for a bombing run on the factory northwest of Lens, some 35 miles away. Major Abbott questions the choice of target, given that entire area has been devastated for quite some time. Someone at HQ must have pulled an old map when they planned this sortie.



Crossing over No Man's Land at Vimy, Archie makes every effort to welcome the lads of 43 Squadron. Clearly Fritz has received a new shipment of shells and is anxious to try them out. Lots of 'whoomp whoomp whoomp' along with the angry black puffs, but very little else. A few vents in the linen from shrapnel bits was the most their show could muster.



As Freddy suspected, the factory in question was indeed nothing but a long-standing pile of rubble. However, the Major was not about to waste a trip or a load of Coopers, so he led his men on to the railyard some miles north of Lens as he was fairly certain that was still up and running.



Ah yes, there's a nice juicy ground target. As Abbott dives to attack the enemy gunners open fire, but their aim is atrocious.



Freddy's aim on the other hand is spot on, and as he climbs up and away he sees the depot office and one large warehouse have been hit, and flaming debris has been scattered all about.



Abbott comes back around and makes a strafing pass on a train parked on a siding just as the rest of his flight prepare to drop their bombs on what remains of the railyard.



The Major leaves his men to it and makes a quick diversion over to a nearby obs balloon the Boche have foolishly left up.



Freddy blasts away at the sausage with repeated volleys from the Vickers while a surprisingly intense barrage of gunfire is coming up at him from the enemy crew below.



The balloon explodes violently and Abbott is forced to pull away hard to port to avoid the bulk of the shock as bullets continue whizzing past him.



After rejoining the rest of his mates, who have finished turning the railyard into so much rubbish, the Major leads them up above the clouds. At 14,000' they level off and make a sweep of the front lines all the way down to Delville Wood, hoping to run across some air Hun. There are none to be seen anywhere.



Job done and getting low on petrol, the Snipes return to Senlis-le-Sec, dropping back down into the rain and wind.



It will feel good to get out of the soaking wet flying gear and warm up with some hot tea by the stove.


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Albert: A toast to Werner may he last.

https://youtu.be/4cqesj6HwTU

Cecil P Fawnsworth, DFC.
Lt , Rfc, 54 Sq
B Flight Commander
Phalempin AF


Oct 7 , 1918.

9 Victory Confirmed
5 Unconfirmed

Stayed down today due to rain admiring my New Tunic, Coat, and Short Flight Jacket. Just arrived from my Tailor Hobb's and Blinkmen's Ltd, London.