HQ called down to complain about a British balloon that was causing lots of trouble at the front. It was just behind the British lines but had to be dealt with. The order of not crossing the lines was temporarily suspended for this mission. It must be brought down.
“We have not yet discussed how to attack an observation balloon”, Obltn Alder addressed the flight in the briefing room. “When attacking a balloon this is what you should do....”
Hartwig didn’t have to think long on assigning a pilot to the mission. Ltn Shafer was still a bit shaken after his last close call. All the others were not interested in flying on a cold damp morning, save one.
“Herr Büttner, I am thinking you want some fun this morning, come”.
Peter jumped to attention, thrilled and comforted knowing he was about to fly again with Hartwig. Being Hartwig’s wingman was much easier on Peter than being the flight leader. Peter had relived his last mission countless times trying to change the outcome, having Rolf return unharmed. He vowed to study Hartwig in flight to learn how to better next time to keep his charge safe.
Hartwig carefully explained the plan to Peter. He would attack the balloon while Peter was to fend off any escort. If none were present he would follow Hartwig at the balloon.
Peter was to keep a sharp eye on Hartwig for any hand signals that could change the plan.
The target.
With the prevailing wind blowing from west to east, Hartwig took the western position.
Off in the distance the balloon came into sight.
At first it appeared to be unguarded but a small plane was seen off to the left. Hartwig pointed and Peter knew what to do.
Swinging wide left, the tiny plane did not notice the Tiger’s stealthy approach.
Peter had not seen this small plane before, it must be new to the front. Not a Bristol Scout as there was a gun above the wing. French markings too, whatever it is it is in for an unpleasant surprise!...
2Lt Alan Raymond-Barker drew the short straw and got balloon duty. The rest of the flight got to go off on active escorts where the action is. Alan felt he was missing out. Lt Owen said he was given this easy mission as reward for his good showing on the last mission. Huh, some reward.
Flying around a balloon for an hour can put you to sleep. Not only was he just flying circles around a balloon, he also was told to fly this new French plane. Its sooooo small. If he were any larger he would not fit in it. Nieuport 11, is that what it weighs, 11 stone?
“Well well, whats this”? Alan said to himself as he spotted a lone dark monoplane approaching from the north. Turning the little Nieuport on an intercept heading Alan was liking the day much better.
First Peter was worried that Hartwig didn’t see the tiny plane heading for him. Hartwig would normally turn and engage but he was just flying straight for the balloon. Then Peter realized Hartwig was luring the tiny plane to him so Peter could pounce.
And ponce he did!
Alan momentarily froze as his plane was ripped up badly. Out of nowhere came a 2nd monoplane. It had come in from above his right wing in a blind spot. He was concentrating so hard on the first one that he let his guard down. Now he was under attack and he could not help the balloon. Hope those guys on the ground are awake!
As he banked hard to shake his tormenter behind him went silent.
Peter cursed his gun as it jammed. Why is it every time he had a kill in his sights his weapons failed him?
As he tried to pull the lodged faulty cartridge out for an instant he took his eye off of the French plane. At that very moment it turned sharply right into Peter’s path. Peter pulled away avoiding a collision by a few feet.
Hartwig, ever vigilant, noticed what was happening and broke off from the balloon. Just soon enough as the tiny plane turned in on him, gun blazing but not hitting him. But the tiny plane was in a position that Hartwig could not shake.
Alan cursed at the Hun in his sights, hoping it would make the bullets hit home.
Panic was a word Hartwig didn't know the meaning of. He used the Immelmann and the unsuspecting French plane was wrecked. Peter sighed with relief, then got to the target.
With he and Hartwig now alone the balloon would be target practice.
“Aarrrrgh! another gun jam”! Peter was feeling cursed with all the bad ammo. There will be a report sent back to the factory after this.
“At least Hartwig was there to pepper the bag until Peter unjammed his gun,” Peter thought.
But Hartwig was on a too direct heading. The maneuvering against the tiny plane took him out of his position for attacking the balloon. One quick attack and then he had to fly under the bag to avoid it.
What will it take to destroy this balloon? With all the shooting into it, it barely looked like it was damaged. Slightly deflated but no smoke or fire. Looked like the observers had had enough though and were floating back to earth with parachutes.
Peter finally was ready to attack again, coming down from above.
As he closed in Peter saw a gaping hole appear as a huge flap of material gave way and the gas came flowing out. The bag deflated almost instantly and fell to the ground, igniting on impact. The ground crew just had enough time to drive out from underneath.
Just as the balloon went down a second AA machine gun truck pulled up and hurridly set up. Too little too late though as Hartwig and Peter set off for home.
Hartwig gave Peter the thumbs up and then waved a bratwurst over his head, laughing and tossed it out at the crew below.
Butcher’s Bill
Target destroyed
Alan Raymond-Barker SD (roll 10-1=9) All is well (other than a destroyed plane!)
Hartwig Alder RTB 1 kill Nieuport 11
Peter Büttner RTB 1 kill balloon
I messed up the balloon altitude by 1/2 level, but it didn't matter as it was destroyed before ground fire could come into play. Only had 2 AA machine guns set up, one off to the side and never near the action.
As the balloon went down without the explosion card or being on fire, I did not have it explode, just fall to earth with the winch truck just escaping the debris.
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