Ares Games
Results 1 to 21 of 21

Thread: OTT Early Doors Mission15: The Bulldogs. 31st March 1917: Beware the Hun in the sun!

  1. #1

    Default OTT Early Doors Mission15: The Bulldogs. 31st March 1917: Beware the Hun in the sun!

    The Austro-Hungarian High Command were in a slight dilemma. It was unheard of for such haste to be made in the corridors of Power.
    The bureaucracy of the Hapsburg Empire was a byword throughout Europe.
    The memo that had come into the department that morning was a bare two days old, and yet it should have taken months to find its way through the various departments, and offices within those departments, before it arrived on the desk of Franz von Hoetzendorf the Emperor's Chief of Staff.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	170px-Hoetzendorf_Franz_chief of staff..jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	11.3 KB 
ID:	173865


    Yet here it was along with a memo from The Emperor's Private secretary asking what was to be done about the seemingly mass German withdrawal from Belgium and France now underway.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	177793.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	38.6 KB 
ID:	173866


    After a vast amount of soul searching and discussion amongst his Generals, it was decided to send Leopold Count Bertchold von und zu Ungarsh1tz to negotiate a separate Peace Treaty with the Entente, on behalf of the Emperor.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Leopold count Bertchold von und zu Ungar****z, Austria-Hungarian Foreign Minister.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	62.3 KB 
ID:	173867

    To avoid any information leaking back to Germany, he was to travel incognito to Italy, and then onward, carried by an Italian Caproni Bomber. This would be escorted to the French Border by a Spad and thence onward to Paris with a British escort.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	610x250_Wings-of-Glory_Caproni-CA3.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	36.4 KB 
ID:	173868


    That is where the "Bulldogs came in as outlined to their CO. by Major Raymond of British Intelligence.


    All went well with the mission until bad weather forced the Aircraft and its Italian Spad escorts North of the Alps, where they were pounced upon by German scouts.
    Only one escort and the Bomber survived the attack, and together sought out the British escorts. No sooner were they united than another Flock of Albatrii pounced upon the hapless Minister and his new escort.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0859.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	162.7 KB 
ID:	173869


    As soon as the enemy were spotted Lt Kyte shepherded his guest off away from the direction of attack whilst 2nd Lt. Jock McKendrick and Tenente Alfredo Gambaccini turned their Spads upon the rapidly closing Hun aircraft.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0860.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	193.6 KB 
ID:	173870


    As the Caproni fled with its precious cargo, Kyte banked his own Spad to cover its tail.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0861.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	172.2 KB 
ID:	173871


    Meanwhile McKendrick and Gambaccini tore into the advancing Germans scattering their formation. Mckendrick managing to damage the leaders controls and start his engine smoking in the first pass.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0863.jpg 
Views:	44 
Size:	205.9 KB 
ID:	173872


    Meanwhile the Caproni took full advantage of the melee behind it to make off towards the French Lines.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0864.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	114.5 KB 
ID:	173873


    Kyte now took a hand in the proceedings Immelmanning, and catching the German Leader flat footed, set him on fire.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0865.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	195.4 KB 
ID:	173874


    Still on the German's tail he delivered another telling burst from his Browning damaging the engine still further.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0866.jpg 
Views:	44 
Size:	183.3 KB 
ID:	173875


    The aircraft still burning raced towards the Caproni with Kyte still on its tail.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0867.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	184.7 KB 
ID:	173876


    It dived away to try and extinguish the fire, and Kyte's next burst although now at long range hit the Pilot, whilst Gambaccini pecked away at his wingman.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0868.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	191.6 KB 
ID:	173877


    Sensing that his first victim was now past his range and still diving away, Kyte now took on the wingman at point blank range.


    One burst was all it took. The Albatros reared up, stalled and fell off to plough straight into the ground 18000 feet below.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0869.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	214.1 KB 
ID:	173878


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0870.jpg 
Views:	43 
Size:	204.4 KB 
ID:	173879


    In seconds Kyte had effectively put the two closest dangers to the Caproni out of the fight.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0871.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	177.6 KB 
ID:	173880


    McKendrick, was meanwhile, giving the third Albatros, a welcome with an opening volley.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0873.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	199.0 KB 
ID:	173882


    Frederick now took his first damage when a telling burst from a hitherto unengaged machine dropped down onto him.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0874.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	194.9 KB 
ID:	173883


    . It was a significant hit and also damaged his rudder and ailerons.
    Up stepped Alfredo and calmly shot it off Kyte's wing.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0872.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	197.4 KB 
ID:	173881


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0875.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	201.7 KB 
ID:	173884


    McKendrick was having more trouble dispatching the third Albatros, however, The German was obviously no novice and kept jinking out of the line of fire.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0879.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	203.4 KB 
ID:	173888


    Meantime the aircraft which Kyte thought he had finished had over dived in an attempt to put out its fire.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0876.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	189.3 KB 
ID:	173885


    It now tried to turn about and limp back to its own lines but all was in vain as the fire started by Kyte now finally consumed it.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0877.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	183.9 KB 
ID:	173886


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0878.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	212.0 KB 
ID:	173887


    The final Albatros with McKendrick behind it, still managed to avoid his stream of bullets.
    In his desire to bring it down McKendrick overflew his quarry.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0880.jpg 
Views:	42 
Size:	191.2 KB 
ID:	173889


    This was the opportunity that the Experienced German pilot had been waiting for. Seeing no chance of bringing down the Caproni with three Spads on his case, he very cleverly Immelmanned between McKendrick and Gambaccini.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0881.jpg 
Views:	41 
Size:	161.9 KB 
ID:	173890


    Catching them both wrong footed, he made a run for the German lines.
    With fuel running low and their primary concern being the Caproni and it's cargo, Kyte and his wingmen allowed the brave and resourceful German to make his escape.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0882.jpg 
Views:	41 
Size:	185.0 KB 
ID:	173891





    As Kyte watched the Caproni landing at an airfield near Paris he just hoped that Raymond would pick some other Squadron to oversee the return flight.

    The Butchers' Bill.


    52 Sq The Bulldogs.
    One Caproni bomber and Foreign Minister delivered to Paris. No damage.

    Lt. F.O. Kyte. RTB. slight damage. 2 kills.
    2nd Lt. Jock McKendrick, RTB. No damage.
    Visiting Italian Tenente F Gambaccini. RTB. No damage. 1 kill.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0884.jpg 
Views:	40 
Size:	202.7 KB 
ID:	173893



    The Kaiser's Eagles.

    Three Albatrii SD.
    One Albatros RTB. Slight damage.


    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_0883.jpg 
Views:	40 
Size:	198.8 KB 
ID:	173892


    Kyte.
    Last edited by flash; 08-25-2015 at 00:19. Reason: Correction to Tally Mac for Ginger !
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #2

    Default

    What is the German High Command using to dope their kites?! Petrol?!

    The lads certainly had a day to remember...

  3. #3

    Default

    Just shows how luck can change from my last mission to this one Chris.
    Hardly a mark on us, and I just could believe it when two "Bang" cards came out on almost consecutive draws. It was that lucky Italian chappie wot turned the game on its head mate.
    Kyte.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  4. #4

    Default

    Can't tell if this is a good or bad time to return to the campaign...

    Will luck hold for the Bulldogs, or will that fickle lady turn aside to favor another...? Guess that's why we fly the missions!

  5. #5

    Thumbs up

    What a pasting your lads & the Tenente gave the jolly old Hun!

    Wonderful work from all the Allied pilots.
    Those Eagles will be filing many requests for more Albatross when the survivor returns home.

  6. #6

    Default

    What a scrap - the cards certainly fell for you that time Rob and your chaps pretty much cleared the sky in short order ! Though I found it a little confusing when you switched from 2nd Lt. Jock McKendrick to 2nd Lt Ginger Hawkwood halfway through... You really must lay off the Gin when writing up your reports old chap - what will GHQ think ?!
    And here's the good news :
    Lt. F.O. Kyte: scores 10th & 11th victories Bar to MC Promoted to Captain
    Another ace skill for him please Rob

    "He is wise who watches"

  7. #7

    Default

    Well the annoying thing is that I knew when I came back on day two to do the second half I had got Hawkwood and McKendrick mixed and that Hawkwood was still out wounded.
    I went through and thought I'd caught all the mistakes. That's the real downer.
    Gin soaked and also going senile to boot.
    Captain Kyte works in quite well with the place he was at the start of the original OTT all that time ago.
    I will decide on a skill for him asap.
    Thanks Dave.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  8. #8

    Default

    Just went back and checked it Dave. Well spotted.
    A beer in the Mess for anyone else who can find Hawkwood mentioned.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #9

    Default

    Well that was certainly a comprehensive victory for the Bulldogs Rob, and Lt. - pardon me, Captain - Kyte's performance was explosively good to say the least

  10. #10

    Default

    Thank you Brian.
    I think the good Captain will be entertaining the chaps in the Mess this evening.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  11. #11

    Default

    Not even one shot at the Caproni, impeccable escort by the Bulldogs! With such a showing the air won't be contested for long, especially if Austria signs out. That should teach the Huns some.... but not mine as I'll send them into it very soon.

  12. #12

    LOOP
    Guest


    Default

    Nice flying there, Kyte!!

  13. #13

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Just went back and checked it Dave. Well spotted.
    A beer in the Mess for anyone else who can find Hawkwood mentioned.
    Rob.
    So Rob may I claim that Beer?
    Just after the Hun leader's Albatross was brought down & McKendrick was chasing the remaining Albatross you mention that "Ginger's" plane overflew the Hun he was chasing!

    Dont worry too much old chap as in one of my recent ones I inserted "Tiny" Large in the Butchers Bill section when all through the AAR I had Anthony "Quick" March flying that plane! ( Doh! Hit me flash!---which he did not!)

  14. #14

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    So Rob may I claim that Beer?
    Just after the Hun leader's Albatross was brought down & McKendrick was chasing the remaining Albatross you mention that "Ginger's" plane overflew the Hun he was chasing!
    Thanks Baz - I missed that one when I was straightening it up - hopefully between us we got them all !

    "He is wise who watches"

  15. #15

    Default

    Baz,
    I think I was so pleased to get Ginger's arrival on the scene into the last scenario at last, that he was on my mind.
    Also the fact that I had looked him up to see how long he was out wounded after the last outing.
    Old age, Gin swilling, and so forth did the rest.
    What was annoying was that I missed it even when proof reading the text.
    Still it was not totally detrimental to the story. I may even go back and rectify the error, thus rendering the whole of this exchange meaningless to any later reader.
    A well deserved pint sir.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  16. #16

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Baz,

    What was annoying was that I missed it even when proof reading the text.
    I find my mind sees what it wants to see when I am proof-reading. Especially if there is any proof (or over-proof) involved ...

    Excellent read, sir

  17. #17

    Default

    Thanks Pete.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  18. #18

    Default

    Another cracking yarn Rob, and a substantial victory for the Bulldogs. Congrats to Capt Kyte, Better keep him back on old terra firma for a while, the eagles might want him for a trophy.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  19. #19

    Default

    Yes Paul.
    I was thinking that we had pushed his luck a bit thus far. If I am to keep him alive to fit in with the Later war stories we have already run he may need to duck out a bit. As you know in the last but one show I nearly lost Hawkwood before he started his career, and at least he is grounded wounded for four missions.
    I think I will hazard some of the other lads a bit more during Bloody April, and May at least.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #20

    Halvo
    Guest


    Default

    Baz, was telling me about this the other night. I had no Idea that an event like this took place. Great AAR too.

  21. #21



Similar Missions

  1. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 08-20-2015, 09:10
  2. BRF OTT Early Doors scenario 15: 31st March 1917: Beware the Hun in the sun!
    By Lt. S.Kafloc in forum Over the Trenches
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 08-16-2015, 11:55
  3. AAR OTTED Mission 15 - Flashes Hun in the Sun - March 31st 1917
    By flash in forum Over the Trenches
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 08-04-2015, 12:35
  4. AAR Early Doors Mission 3----Pricking the Sausage---March '16---gully_raker.
    By gully_raker in forum Over the Trenches
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 08-05-2014, 17:44
  5. Replies: 22
    Last Post: 05-13-2014, 15:09

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •