A cold but exceptionally clear February morning, signs for flying today!
In the briefing room Obltn Hartwig Alder passed out assignments. The British had started to send escorts up with all their missions that crossed the lines, so Alder would now only send up his pilots in pairs at a minimum. Enemy air activity had been increasing and the unit was now on notice to intercept any British planes seen crossing the lines in the sector.
Ltn Büttner was confused as he was paired up with Ltn Rolf Schafer. Büttner had always flown with Hartwig, had he fallen out of favor? At first Ltn Büttner thought he was being punished for taking risks in the previous battle but then realized he was being given an opportunity to lead. A small sense of pride began to smile on Peter’s face but in an instant it faded when he thought of his responsibilities.
Rolf was to be his wingman. He was a well liked fellow, always ready with a joke. Now Rolf’s life was in Peter’s hands.
But Peter was still confused as Alder had assigned his plane to Rolf. The Obltn had been acting odd the last two days, was he anxious about the two new planes the unit had received? Something was not right but he could not put a finger on it.
The truth came out at 9am when Hartwig unveiled Peter’s next plane. Hartwig was so impressed with Peter’s skills in their previous battle that he personally painted tiger stripes on Peter’s plane.
But before any thanks could be said the alarm went off. Hartwig ran back into the briefing room and ran back out a minute later. Word had come of a British photography mission over an important bridge well behind the lines. Scouts had been sent up but they did not stop the mission. Hartwig ordered Peter and Rolf up to intercept before the British could recross their lines.
Ltn Büttner flying north with his first wingman found their prey quickly. Three British planes flew closely together heading west, slightly below them. Peter signaled Rolf to attack. Before take off they were told the 2 seater was the prize. Any escort was to be dealt with after the camera man was downed.
Peter remembered Reinhardt Richter’s account of how aggressive the British 2 seaters can be, and sure enough, as soon as the British spotted their attackers they turned to meet them, in came the escorts and the 2 seater!
Rolf was too focused on the 2 seater and almost didn’t notice the Gunbus closing in on him. A long shot hit the Be2c but Rolf’s guns jammed as his plane was dinged by the #2 Gunbus.
Cpl Robert Lawson, Gunbus #2 gunner, didn’t feel good about the two Huns closing in but was quickly relieved with the fact that he was not being shot at.
It all happened so quickly. All five planes were converging on the same point. They were all so close you couldn’t tell between the engine noise and the roar of the machine guns.
Robert was totally focussed on the Hun to his front and tore it to shreds. The pilot immediately slumped down into the cockpit.
In Gunbus #1 pilot Lt Agustus Owen positioned his plane also for a shot at the lead Hun, gunner 2Lt Alan Raymond-Barker found his mark.
As Rolf moved in too quickly he felt a searing pain in his shoulder and he was knocked down into the cockpit, barely managing to not collide with the BE2c. His plane also shuddered with the weight of the lead smacking into it.
Peter sliding in behind Rolf got off a close range shot but only managed to jam his guns!
Town folk below closed their eyes not wanting to witness the death in the sky above them. It seemed impossible that there was not a collision. Each plane had to avoid every other plane at the same moment. It looked as if they were all trying to ram into the plane next to them. Madness in the sky, it was just pure aggression.
BE gunner Sgt Wortley mechanically began to change the position of his machine gun to the rear as the Huns passed by.
#1 pilot Agustus and #2 pilot Cyril frantically craned their necks looking for the Huns and each had to make a split second decision on how to get at them. With the slow reaction of their Gunbus you had to think well ahead of the enemy.
Peter could see Rolf’s predicament and signaled for Rolf to head home. He would cover Rolf’s retreat until it was safe to break off. Three to one odds were not something Peter was up to tackle.
With Rolf heading home, Peter kept an eye over his shoulder watching the Brit trio, then the unthinkable happened. The two escorts in their haste to reposition themselves for an attack on the Huns collided! Peter saw one with a wing sheared off and fall spinning like a leaf from the sky. He quickly Immelmanned as the odds were now much better. He had a great position on the remaining stunned Gunbus and attacked.
Space between the BE and its escort was growing. If he acted quickly there was a chance to attack the BE before the Gunbus could get back into the fight.
Peter gave chase keeping one eye on the Gunbus off to the right.
Sgt Wortley didn’t like the idea of having his plane nipped away so even with scant rounds left felt compelled to reply. He fired sparingly hoping to draw the Hun in closer.
A good hit! Wortley saw a small puff of smoke telling him he hit the engine. With some luck the Hun will turn off now. He better as he was just about out of ammo and could not waste any more at long range.
Peter timed his attack closely so not to be between the BE and its escort. A well aimed shot peppered the engine this time and flames spurted about.
Some clever flying by the BE though made it tough to hit again.
Though his bullets weren’t hitting home the fire was still eating at the BE.
Peter knew he was getting into a dangerous position, the front closing fast and the Gunbus behind him. Caution took over and he broke off the attack on the BE and concentrated on the escort, hoping the fire would finish the job.
Lt Agustus Owen was very experienced and did not panic even though he knew his plane was like a snail compared to his enemy. He might be slow but he could maneuver so his gunner would get off enough shots to hold their own.
Ah, the German is fleeing, Agustus patted Alan on the shoulder. Time to head home and see how the BE is doing.
Peter figured he had one last chance before the Gunbus could cross the lines and turned quickly for one last attack.
Alan instinctively fired without looking and he heard the German machine guns from behind. The wings were well holed but nothing serious,
Peter saw that he hit his mark but it was not enough and the English got away...again.
Peter took one last glance at the English plane flying west, then turned for the Aerodrome. He would scour the ground watching for any signs of Rolf hoping he made it back safely.
Agustus crossed the lines and the German withdrew. Far up ahead he could see the BE. When he got closer he could see it was well blackened but the fire had gone out and the crew were fine.
Hopefully the photos were ok and that they would see 2Lt Cyril and Cpl. Robert again.
Butcher’s Bill
2Lt Cyril Farquahar SD COL EXP ET 8-3 = 5 wounded -2
7-2 = 5 in hiding -3 total -5 missions
Cpl Robert Lawson SD COL EXP ET 3-3 =0 KIA
2Lt Victor Wilton RTB / 0 kill
Sgt Ronald Wortley RTB/ 0 kill
Lt Augustus Owen RTB / 0 kill
2Lt Alan Raymond-Barker RTB / 0 kill
Ltn Rolf Schafer RTB / WIA / 0 kill. Rolled 9 -1WIA +3RTB = 11 all is well!
Ltn Peter Büttner RTB / 0 kill
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