OTTBE Mission 1, 10 November 1917, The end at Passchendaele (Carl_Brisgamer)

[Carl_Brisgamer]

PROLOGUE

Koolkerke, Flandern
10 November 1917



Leutnant zur See Werner Bastian had been up for less an hour but he was already tired. The weariness born from long patrols in an open cockpit exposed to bone numbing cold was hard to shake. He barely recognised himself when shaving this morning. Except where his goggles shielded his eyes the skin of his face was red raw from the wind and freezing temperatures that come with flying at 2000 metres above the Earth. Picking up his goggles and helmet he put on his silk scarf – without it he would not only suffer the cold but rip the skin from his neck as his head constantly moved checking the sky. It was the same ritual – front, above, behind, right, left, below, front – over and over countless times each patrol. The pilot who saw their enemy first was usually the one who lived to fly another day. He buckled on his belt, noting he had lost even more weight. A combination of three patrols a day and the nervousness that comes with the day to day life of a front line pilot was also taking its toll. Sometimes after a patrol all Bastian could keep down was ersatz coffee supplemented by a cigarette.

Walking out of his draughty timber hut Leutnant Bastian wished his Staffel could have stayed a while longer with Jasta 5 at their Schloss in Boistrancourt. The Tommies had put paid to that arrangement with their renewed offensive in Flanders. With the Army hard-pressed to hold the enemy, Bastian and the rest of the Marineflieger soon found themselves back at Koolkerke and up to their necks in English flyers. They were always outnumbered by the Tommies which made life difficult, but the weather had also been terrible. It was a lean time with no claims by the Staffel for more than two weeks.

“Guten Morgen Werner” called Leutnant zur See Paul Achilles, “nice of you to join us.” His words almost drowned out by the throaty roar of a 160hp Mercedes Benz engine.

“Where is Onkel Willi off to then?” shouted Werner over the din, gesturing towards the yellow Albatros D.Va piloted by Leutnant zur See Wilhelm Mattheus as it climbed away from the airfield.

“He‘s escorting a floatplane from the Seefrontstaffel to pick up one of our crews forced down in the water with engine trouble” explained Leutnant Achilles as the sound grew fainter. “He said when he’s done he will fly back along the front and see if he can join us.”

Although Willi Mattheus was only a few years older than either Werner or Paul he had been flying much longer and had already scored three victories. Although at first he protested about being called ‘Onkel’ he had come to accept the nickname with good humour.

Pulling out his map case Leutnant Achilles stabbed a finger at the marked route. “We fly southwest until we hit the main defensive line east of Ypres. We will then turn north and patrol our side of the line up to Langemarck. From there we will turn northeast for home. Alles klar?”

“Ganz gewiss” replied the young Berliner, “Let’s go bag a Tommy or two.”

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Half an hour after taking off from Koolkerke Leutnants Achilles and Bastian turned north on their barrier patrol, flying at 1200 metres. Bastian searched the sky and glanced down at the destruction wrought by the artillery on both sides - shattered villages and once rich farmland turned into a muddy morass of shell-holes and churned earth. Barely a tree was left standing.



Over what was once the village of Passchendaele Ltn. Achilles waggled the wings of his Albatros and pointed west. Bastian scanned that patch of sky and picked up four black dots evenly spaced - two about the same altitude as he and Ltn. Achilles and two about 300 metres lower. 'Looks like we have business today' thought Bastian, as he cocked and test fired his twin Maxims. He liked the new design on the Pfalz D.IIIa with the guns no longer hidden in the fuselage like the old D.III. At least if they jammed he had a chance to clear them!



Bastian followed Achilles' lead as he banked towards the enemy. He could see now the higher aircraft were scouts and the two below were two seaters, no doubt on a reconnaissance mission. Out of the corner of his eye he observed another aircraft approaching from the north and was very glad to see it was Willi Mattheus' Albatros! 'Great timing 'Onkel'' Bastian said aloud.



The two formations closed rapidly. Bastian recognised the English two seaters as RE.8s which were said to be 'easy meat'. The enemy SE.5 scouts were a different matter as they were faster, more manoeuvrable and better climbers than either the Albatros of the Pfalz. As they made a head on attack Bastian heard the chatter of Achille's Maxims and saw the muzzle flashes of the SE5's guns. Bastian also fired at long range missing the enemy scout. The Englishman had the range on Achilles' Albatros as his burst tore through his left wing damaging the aileron. Paul's burst also found its mark with dramatic results. The rounds perforate a fuel line, spilling flammable liquid over the hot Wolseley Viper engine which immediately catches fire!



Bastian banked left away from the burning SE.5 to avoid a collision. Looking back to find Achilles' aircraft he was horrified to see that it too was ablaze. One of the RE.8 gunners had put an accurate burst into the Albatros from below. What had been elation a few moments earlier was replaced by dread at the thought of his comrade burning in the cockpit.



Bastian swivelled around in his seat in time to see the SE.5 pilot over-dive his machine in a vain attempt to put out the flames consuming the aircraft, only levelling off at 600 metres.



The British two seaters split their formation moving to photograph their assigned targets.



Reversing course with an Immelmann turn, Bastian saw that Ltn. Mattheus had entered the fight, exchanging fire with the second SE. Achilles was making a wide right turn, trying to keep the flames away from the cockpit.



The drastic dive by the SE did little to halt the blaze....



and Achilles' aircraft also continued to burn.



Mattheus passes over the second SE as the RE.8 lines up to take a photograph of a vital bridge.



The other RE.8 does the same passing over a ruined village used as supply depot.



The southern RE.8 takes a photo of the bridge but almost overshoots (Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card).



The pilot of the northern RE.8 lines his machine up perfectly as the observer takes the photograph of the supply depot (Altitude 3, stall, covering red dot of target card).



Mattheus and the second SE.5a engage in dangerous head-on pass. Just as before when Paul Achilles tried the same tactic Mattheus Albatros takes considerable damage but he too sets the Tommy machine alight, but jamming his guns in the process.



Using the same manoeuvre demonstrated by the English flyer, Paul Achilles dives his machine and manages to supress some of the flames (drew a C card for possible structural wing damage, fortunately 0 points).



As Mattheus tries desperately to clear his jammed Maxims Bastian approaches the southern-most RE.8 as the observer is busy taking another photograph.



Meanwhile the northern RE.8 lines up to photograph a German reserve trench as Achilles still struggles to control the fire threatening to consume his aircraft....



as the fire engulfing the first SE.5 burns itself out.



The second SE.5a is well alight however as its pilot also begins an over-dive to try and save his aircraft.



And much to his relief the fire on Achilles' Albatros also flames out.



Despite being pursued by Ltn. Bastian the observer of the southern RE.8 takes his second photograph of a village used by the Germans as a Regimental command post (Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card).



Bastian dives down to attack the RE.8 as the first SE.5a turns sharply behind an below him, just too close to brings his guns to bear....



and in doing comes under desultory fire from the German trenches.



The northern RE.8 so far unmolested by any of the See Adler Staffel takes their second photograph of the German reserve trench (Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card - just missed the red dot!)



Ltn. Achilles with the fire out opens the throttle to try and catch the northern RE.8.



As the southern RE.8 banks left to photograph an important road junction Bastian gets off a long range burst damaging the British two seater.



As the second SE.5 makes his over-dive to reduce damage from the fire the first moves to attack Ltn. Achilles as he lines up the northern RE.8.



Achilles is lower than the RE.8 and tries to close the distance before the SE can intervene.



Another over-dive is completed with disappointing results (of three performed only one succeeded in removing one flame counter).



Bastian fires another burst at the RE.8 but his guns jam. At the same time Ltn. Mattheus having cleared his stoppage also fires on the RE.8 doing significant damage.



To the north Achilles continues to chase the RE.8 as it lines up another photograph of a second reserve trench.



The second SE continues to burn, the pilot forced to throw his machine left and right to avoid the flames.



Having missed their third recon target the southern RE.8 observer throws his camera down in disgust and takes up his Lewis gun, firing a burst into the Mercedes engine of Mattheus' Albatros causing a dramatic loss of power. Werner Bastian banks away cursing his luck as he clears the breeches of his Maxims.



The approach of the SE.5a forces Achilles to abandon his attack on the RE.8, instead exchanging long range bursts with the English scout.



Passing the SE.5a Achilles finally engages the RE.8 whilst the crew are busy photographing their target - but misses the sitting duck!



On the southern flank of the battle Ltn. Mattheus and Ltn. Bastian both reverse course to re-engage the RE.8.



Unperturbed by Ltn. Achilles the very professional crew of the northern RE.8 keep their eyes on the prize and take their third and final photograph (Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card).



Despite his damaged engine Ltn. Mattheus catches up with the RE.8, a long range deflection burst spattering the forward cockpit and wounding the pilot.



The pilot of he first SE.5a proves he is still in the fight reversing course and opening fire on Achilles' Albatros.



On the other side of the battlefield the fire plaguing the second SE.5a finally goes out....



so the pilot turns about and heads back across the German lines to help his hard-pressed comrades.



With the wounded pilot struggling to hold his aircraft steady the southern RE.8 photographs second line German fortifications as another burst from Ltn. Mattheus mortally damages the British two seater.



The RE.8 crashes into the trenches from an altitude of 900 metres.



The first SE.5a continues to engage Ltn. Achilles damaged Albatros. On the verge of victory however the luckless British pilot finds his guns are jammed!



Bringing his machine around Ltn. Achilles turns the tables on the RFC pilot damaging his control surfaces.



The dogfight goes on, spread across the skies over the mud of Passchendaele.



The last RE.8 with reconnaissance photographic plates safely stowed heads for home at top speed as the second SE.5a comes in low and fast to cover their withdrawal.



The first SE.5a climbs to avoid ground fire. Ltn. Mattheus cannot coax enough speed out of his damaged Mercedes engine to catch the British scout.



The second SE.5a passes the RE.8, which is now home free - none of the Marinefliegerei can catch it now.



Even as the first SE.5a climbs away and opens the throttle to head for home the second SE.5a is attacked by an anti-aircraft machine gun in the trenches. This burst tears open the SE's reserve fuel tank again wreathing the aircraft in flames.



The SE.5a pilot is already down to 600 metres, he cannot dive to try and put out the fire.



Taking more ground fire the SE.5a heads for a home he will not reach. Ltn. Achilles fires one last sustained burst sending the Tommy down in flames.



The remaining RFC machines withdraw from the field, the RE.8 carrying vital reconnaissance photographs obtained at a very high cost.



Back at Koolkerke Leutnant zur See Werner Bastian climbed down from his Pfalz and checked the aircraft over. Not a bullet hole in sight. 'Lucky for me and the mechanics will be very pleased!' he thought. As Paul Achilles switched off his Albatros Bastian could see the extensive damage - scorched and torn fabric and splintered struts told the story of this morning's action. Normally Paul would leap down from his aircraft but today he just sat in the cockpit.

Werner Bastian trotted over to the Albatros and called out to his comrade "Well done on your victory Herr Leutnant" snapping a salute, "I saw him go in, no doubt about that one."

Paul Achilles turned to Werner pulling off his helmet and goggles. His face was black, not just the usual oil but also soot from the fire that very nearly destroyed his aircraft and took his life. "I had to work for that one" Paul replied as he raised himself up from the cockpit. Werner saw that the right arm of his flying jacket was burned, likely where he had used the sleeve to shield his face. "You will have to buy yourself a new flying coat to celebrate, an officer can't be seen walking around in something so shabby" joked Bastian, trying to lighten the moment.

As Ltn. Achilles climbed down from his machine a rough sounding Albatros approached the field. It was Willi Mattheus, his spluttering engine seemingly about to give out at any moment. He brought her down and switched off, swinging out of the cockpit apparently very pleased to be on the ground.

"Damned RE.8 gunner ruined my aeroplane" complained Willi, patting the cowl of the Albatros. "I have a feeling she'll be needing a new one, and that means I have to run her in, what a bother!"

"At least you brought her down Willi. I had a go but she got away from me" said Bastian, his disappointment obvious.

"No matter young Werner, there are plenty more RE.8s out there. I am sure you will get the next one" consoled Mattheus. "And congratulations on your SE Paul, they are difficult customers" he said to Achilles.

The tall Braunschweiger replied "Danke Willi." Paul smiled, his sense of humour apparently returning. "I'm not complaining but I hope the next one won't require quite so much effort."

"Indeed" agreed Ltn. Mattheus. "I think you better get yourself checked over by the Staffel Arzt and then we will debrief. The Tommies were very keen to get these photographs, I don't think this business is quite finished."

[Carl_Brisgamer]

CASUALTY REPORT (AKA THE BUTCHER'S BILL)

SEE ADLER STAFFEL



Leutnant der Reserve Willi Mattheus (Jagdflieger - Albatros D.Va)
Shot down RE.8 of 4 Sqn RFC over German lines.
RTB / 1 kill

Leutnant zur See Paul Achilles (Jagdflieger - Albatros D.Va)
Shot down SE.5a of 56 Sqn RFC over German lines.
RTB / 1 kill (first kill - qualified for the award of the Pilot's Badge).

Leutnant der Reserve Werner Bastian (Jagdflieger - Pfalz D.IIIa)
RTB / 0 kills


THE BULLDOGS



Second Lieutenant Harry Swayze 56 Sqn RFC (Scout pilot - SE.5a)
SD / ET / 0 kills
C&W roll 8 – 2 flamer = 6 = Injured skip 1d3 (2) scenarios
E&E roll 6 – 1 flamer – 1 wounded – 1 behind enemy lines = 3 = Captured and escaped skip 1d3 (3) scenarios.

2Lt. Swayze was wounded in the fiery crash of his SE.5a near Passchendale. He was immediately captured by German troops and send to an aid station. Drawing on his extensive pantomime experience gained at public school Harry convinced the over-tired German medics that his injuries were far worse than they appeared. He was bundled off to a field hospital in a truck. Also being evacuated were 2Lt. Symons and Cpl. Tilton who had been shot down in their RE.8. Bill Symons was in a bad way having taken a couple of bullets in the thigh, but Cpl. Tilton was not so bad. Harry decided to make a break for it and when the Germans made a comfort stop he and Tilton did a bunk. Moving by night they headed south away from the Passchendaele battlefield where Harry was fortunate enough to come across a friendly local - a Belgian farmer's daughter! A strict believer in military discipline even in these extraordinary circumstances 2Lt. Swayze declared the farmhouse would be the officer's quarters and the barn reserved for 'other ranks'. Worried lest he be discovered by a German patrol the farmer's daughter insisted Harry remain in her bedroom until he recovered fully from his wounds. Always an officer and a gentlemen in the best traditions of the RFC Harry could not object to the lady's request.

Two weeks later with his wounds mended and very much reinvigorated by his period of enforced rest and recreation Harry remembered to check on Cpl. Tilton. He found the junior NCO hiding in the hay loft. Tilton seemed surprised to see Harry, believing perhaps he had died of his wounds? Harry assured him he was fine now and everything would be alright. It was then that Cpl. Tilton produced two unexposed photographic plates with an "excuse me sir but perhaps we should be gettin' these back now?" The officer was shocked at this turn of events. When he enquired how the corporal managed to hide such large objects from the Boche the NCO replied "best not worry about that sir, you bein' a gentleman and all."

Harry said goodbye to his Belgian nurse and two days later he and the good Cpl. Tilton slipped across the lines in a quiet sector of the front. Back at HQ 2Lt. Swayze made his report complete with all the gory details of how he had spent the past two weeks hiding in No Man's Land, drinking shell-hole water and eating rats to deliver these photographic plates of vital importance. Oh and he rescued a corporal, what's his name?



Second Lieutenant William Symons 4 Sqn RFC (Pilot, RE.8)
SD / ET / WIA / 0 kills
C&W roll 6 -1 shot down -1 wounded = 4 = Injured, skip 1d6 (2) scenarios
E&E roll 4 – 2 wounds – 1 behind enemy lines = 1 = Captured! The war ended for this pilot…

Corporal Elmer Tilton 4 Sqn RFC (Observer, RE.8)
SD / ET / 0 kills / 2 photographs (smuggled back by Cpl Tilton after evading capture, see above)
Photo 1 - Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card.
Photo 2 - Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card.
C&W roll 7 -1 shot down = 6 = Injured, skip 1d3 (3) scenarios
E&E roll 7 – 1 wounded – 1 behind enemy lines = 5 = In hiding skip 1d2 (2) scenarios.



Lieutenant Robert James 4 Sqn RFC (Pilot, RE.8)
RTB / 0 kills
Sgt Ernest Meek 4 Sqn RFC (Observer, RE.8)
RTB / 0 kills / 3 photographs
Photo 1 - Altitude 3, stall, covering red dot of target card.
Photo 2 - Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card.
Photo 3 - Altitude 3, stall, partially covering target card.

Second Lieutenant William Walter 56 Sqn RFC (Pilot, SE.5a)
RTB / 0 kills

[gully_raker]

That was a real cooker Carl!
Loved the after story of Lt. Swayze & Corporal Tilton
Look forward to their further exploits.
Your Marine Staffel acquitted themselves with honour.

Would have given Rep but have to spread it around first.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

That was a real corker Carl!
Loved the after story of Lt. Swayze & Corporal Tilton
Look forward to their further exploits.
Your Marine Staffel acquitted themselves with honour.

Would have given Rep but have to spread it around first.

Thanks Barry. The SE5s were tough even controlled by AI.

Glad you liked Harry Swayze's escapade. Feel free to include him in your missions anytime you like

[flash]

Another great opener to the campaign - thanks Carl ! Can you work on your photo orientation before you import the pics though - made me and Uncle feel fair dizzy in places !

Onkel says:

"Only point of order is a reminder that engine damage and high value wounds will cause a pilot to break off and head for the barn - checkout morale in the rules sticky."

...Glad you liked Harry Swayze's escapade. Feel free to include him in your missions anytime you like

He also says: "Please don't - it's hard enough to keep tabs on you bugger's as it is !"

[Setarius]

Nice one there. Very good AAR and R&R report. Reminded me of the late Lt. Fish at the end.

[Teaticket]

Wonderful effort by the Marineflieger. Glad to have your Sea Eagles on the Western Front.
The mechanics you have work wonders! We'll have to have them show the rest of our Jastas their methods

3 plates get back in time to be useful. Those brought back by Tilton unfortunately for the Bulldogs won't make it back in time as the follow up mission which is only in a few hours.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Another great opener to the campaign - thanks Carl ! Can you work on your photo orientation before you import the pics though - made me and Uncle feel fair dizzy in places !

Uncle says:
Attachment 198433
"Only point of order is a reminder that engine damage and high value wounds will cause a pilot to break off and head for the barn - checkout morale in the rules sticky."



He also says: "Please don't - it's hard enough to keep tabs on you bugger's as it is !"

Apologies for the photos, I rotated them prior to upload but then I saw some had reverted to their original orientation after I posted. I will go through and fix them up when time allows.

Regarding morale I understood it was only for AI? I was running Mattheus so made the decision to keep fighting. The RE8 pilot with a wound was already pointed in the right direction and over the target so I allowed him to try for one last photo but the very next turn he was shot down. Should I have abandoned the photo run and started playing straights?

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Wonderful effort by the Marineflieger. Glad to have your Sea Eagles on the Western Front.
The mechanics you have work wonders! We'll have to have them show the rest of our Jastas their methods

3 plates get back in time to be useful. Those brought back by Tilton unfortunately for the Bulldogs won't make it back in time as the follow up mission which is only in a few hours.

Ha ha yes I did not think Harry and Elmer would get the other plates back in time, just for a bit of flavour.

[flash]

.....Regarding morale I understood it was only for AI? I was running Mattheus so made the decision to keep fighting. The RE8 pilot with a wound was already pointed in the right direction and over the target so I allowed him to try for one last photo but the very next turn he was shot down. Should I have abandoned the photo run and started playing straights?

Nope, the rules apply to all, there is no reference to being only for AI. Mattheus should have bugged out, as should the RE8 at the beginning of the next turn, though arguably he wouldn't have been shot if Matty had pushed off ! The idea being it takes away godlike control and inserts character self preservation, or, **** happens, to the games.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Nope, the rules apply to all, there is no reference to being only for AI. Mattheus should have bugged out, as should the RE8 at the beginning of the next turn, though arguably he wouldn't have been shot if Matty had pushed off ! The idea being it takes away godlike control and inserts character self preservation, or, **** happens, to the games.

Thanks Dave, I misread that section.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

3 plates get back in time to be useful. Those brought back by Tilton unfortunately for the Bulldogs won't make it back in time as the follow up mission which is only in a few hours.

Warming up a couple of 57 Sqn RFC DH.4s for the next one

[Stumptonian]

Well done, Carl.
I read the AAR yesterday but waited to post until you had entered the Butcher's.
You add so much flavour to your AARs that it will be difficult to keep up.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Well done, Carl.
I read the AAR yesterday but waited to post until you had entered the Butcher's.
You add so much flavour to your AARs that it will be difficult to keep up.

Thanks Pete. Being a role-player from way back I know that sometimes the fluff is more memorable than the crunch.

I am looking forward to seeing more AARs for this classic Western Front encounter.

[LOOP]

Great AAR Carl.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

A most enjoyable read Carl.
You certainly know how to keep a chaps interest.
Looks like honours all round this time.
Well done to both sides.
Rob.

[mikeemagnus]

Excellent AAR, beautifully written Love the humour at the end. Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Thanks, Mike

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Thank you Gentlemen, I am glad you enjoyed the report. I am looking forward to the next engagement.