A dark cloud filled the briefing room with the news of the downing of Richter and Klein. Richter will be back, but Klein is gone. Flight leader Obltn Hartwig Alder did not take the news well. He carefully thought out how to even the score. So far everyone had been flying around like there was no real war. Spotting and recon photography, almost a game. Now it is serious as the English have brought the reality of the war home. New training will begin to make sure this flight will not again be taken by surprise.
Hartwig, in his recent flying, took notice that opposite them the British flew regular scouting missions over the lines. He noticed that they regularly fly just over the lines, up and down gathering information, then scooting back to safety when they see a German plane approaching from the east. He conceived a plan to take advantage of their clock work routine.
He carefully went over his Eindeckker, everything looked in good order. Today he will test his plan. He will surprise the next British pilot by approaching from the west! He set off an hour before the regular enemy recon should appear. He flew a bit west of the lines where he knew he would not cause any alarm and waited.....
Sure enough, right on time came the Englisher, 2lt William Tuffield, in a French built Morane-Saulnier.
Time to avenge Dear Felix.
The Brit was heading south, Hartwig at his 3 O’Clock. As soon as the Tuffield realized he was in a bad position he turned back to cross the lines to safety. Hartwig could see his eyes wide open in fear through his goggles as they passed.
Hartwig banked sharply anticipating the Brit’s evasive action.
He squeezed off a few rounds from 30 yards peppering the engine, setting it on fire.
The stunned Englishman hesitated, not a wise thing to do with Hartwig lining up another shot. Another pulse of bullets into the engine and that was all that Hartwig needed to do. The Morane-Saulnier could take no more. The engine seized up almost ripping itself out
of the fuselage. How it stayed attached to the plane was beyond William as flames ate away at its connections.
Hartwig followed the tumbling MS towards the ground. Tuffield somehow righted his craft just before impact. Not pretty thought William but at least he was alive. Hartwig watched at the English pilot slowly made his way into a wood as the Morane was totally engulfed by fire.
Hartwig felt a sense of satisfaction in downing the Englishman without a bullet touching his own kite. Felix, this one’s for you.
William Tuffield EXP ET / WIA / - 3 scenarios
Hartwig Alder RTB / 1 Kill
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