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Thread: OTT Bitter End Mission 3, 3 December 1917, Counterattack at Cambrai (Carl_Brisgamer)

  1. #1

    Default OTT Bitter End Mission 3, 3 December 1917, Counterattack at Cambrai (Carl_Brisgamer)

    PROLOGUE

    Boistrancourt, Northern France
    3 Dezember 1917

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    Flugmeister Benno Schlüter stretched his back, stiff from hours in the cockpit of his Halberstadt CL.II. The tempo of operations over the past weeks was taking its toll on the Westphalian non-commissioned officer. He and his observer Leutnant Heinrich Maas drank ersatz coffee to take the chill out of their bones. They had only just returned from a sortie and now watched as the ground crew quickly rearmed their aircraft with bombs and ammunition.

    “This coffee tastes like dishwater” complained Maas, “or at least what I imagine dishwater would taste like.”

    “At least it is hot Herr Leutnant,” responded Schlüter, stamping his feet. Despite his fur lined flying jacket, fur boots and gloves the freezing temperatures at 3000 metres took its toll on the human body. Schlüter had been flying since before the war but he had experienced nothing like the tempo of operations of the past weeks first over Passchendaele and now Cambrai. The Staffel had moved south just a week ago and they had been flying five to six sorties a day.

    “Did you save some for us?” called Leutnant Lothar Nagel. He and his observer Flugmeister Kurt Krüger walked over to the table and grabbed a mug each. “The Tommies are still being stubborn Heinrich” commented Nagel, “they are hanging on to Bourlon Wood by their finger-nails.”

    Krüger poured two measures of the brown liquid from the pot into his and Leutnant Nagel’s tin mugs. “We will throw the English back to their start lines” said the observer confidently.

    Gott mit Uns” murmured Flugmeister Schlüter. Even he was not sure if it was a statement or a question.

    Moments later two Marinefliegerkorps Albatros D.Va’s appeared and circled over the landing ground, their yellow fuselages clearly visible against the grey late afternoon winter sky.

    “Looks like our escort is here” observed Leutnant Maas, who grimaced as he studied the dregs of his coffee before tipping it out on the grassy field.

    “Time to get back to work.”
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 08-01-2016 at 17:04.

  2. #2

    Default AAR OTTBE MISSION 3 COUNTER ATTACK AT CAMBRAI 3/12/17

    As dusk settles on the battlefront at Cambrai the German Stosstruppen infiltrate forward in small groups, looking to bypass and isolate points of resistance. In response the British order tanks forward to bolster the line. The darkening skies over Bourlon Wood are thick with aircraft of both sides.

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    The See Adler Staffel approaches from the east. Ltn. Nagel & Fm Krüger crew the first Halberstadt CL.II (red & yellow) with Fm Schlüter & Ltn. Maas in the second (brown fuselage). The two Albatros D.Vas are piloted by Ltn. Willi Mattheus and Ltn. Paul Achilles.

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    At the same time coming in from the west are four British machines - RE.8, Bristol Fighter, Sopwith Camel and Airco DH.5.

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    Ltn. Mattheus approaches the enemy formation passing over the advancing German infantry.

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    The first pass! Schlüter's Halberstadt dives under the gun of the approaching Bristol Fighter while Nagel gets the better of the RE.8 which suffers a gun jam. Willi Mattheus puts a burst into the Camel shooting up his control surfaces and Paul Achilles scores a hit on the DH.5's Le Rhone Rotary engine. The Camel's guns jam as well, not a good start for the Entente.

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    Both flights pass each other....

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    ....with Nagel's gunner Kurt Krüger exchanging fire with the Brisfit.

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    Paul Achilles blasts the Brisfit while the F.2b rear gunner's Lewis jams. The RE.8 and Krüger trade bursts, with the RFC two seater starting to smoke.

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    Achilles fires a deflection burst past the nose of the RE.8 as the Halberstadts stalk the British tanks.

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    The Camel pilot having cleared his jammed Vickers fires a snap burst at Achilles' Albatros to no effect.

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    Passing low over the British Mark IVs Ltn. Maas fires a burst at one of the tanks to no effect.

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    The Halberstadts continue their wide pass across the British line knocking out an AA machine gun position.

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    Mattheus and Achilles continue to engage the DH.5 and RE.8, with Mattheus' Albatros coming off second best.

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    Schlüter fires at another Mark IV, again to no effect.

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    Nagel also strafes the tank jamming the synchronised Maxim as his observer Krüger drops his bombs.

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    Mattheus puts a telling close range burst in on the RE.8 and the two seater pilot fires at Paul Achilles' Albatros. The DH.5 goes low and strafes a detachment of stormtroopers as they make their way across the shell battered landscape.

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    The infantry shoot back at the DH.5 to no effect.

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    Krüger's bombs burst close to the Mark IV knocking out the British tank!

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    Mattheus finds himself bracketed by three British aircraft taking hits from all sides. Luck is still running against the RE.8 with both guns jamming.

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    The German infantry continue to shoot at the DH.5 scoring no hits.

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    The remaining British tanks advance slowly across the battlefield. Closing to firing range they shell the Stosstruppen with their six pounders.

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    It was about now that things started getting messy in the crowded airspace over Bourlon Wood. Ltn. Mattheus put a telling burst into the F.2b shredding fabric, splintering timber and wounding the pilot. In return the Brisfit managed only superficial damage to Mattheus' Albatros. The German ground troops continued their desultory fire on the DH.5 scoring a hit on the British scout's rudder controls.

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    The DH.5 came in for more punishment with both Halberstadt observers firing on the aircraft as they passed. The Camel pilot cursed as his Cooper bombs failed to inflict any damage on the German infantry throwing themselves into whatever cover they could find. Ltn. Mattheus follows up on his attack on the Bristol Fighter......

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    ..... but gets fired on by the persistent Sopwith. Below Mattheus Nagel's Halberstadt fires on both the Camel and the F.2b. Ltn. Achilles makes a head on pass at the hapless Brisfit, his twin Maxims wreaking further havoc on the machine as its wounded pilot heads for home.

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    The tanks continue to fire on the advancing Stosstruppen.....

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    ....wiping out one detachment of infantry.

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    The second British AAMG also engages the German infantry, inflicting further casualties.

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    Swirling above the battlefield the aerial combat continues. Ltn. Achilles puts another burst into the Brisfit but his guns jam. Schlüter shoots at the DH.5 but his synchronised Maxim also has a stoppage. The Camel is stalking Nagel's red and yellow Halberstadt but is too high to get a shot.

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    The Brisfit's observer fires a burst at Achille's Albatros, missing the German fighter as it streaks past at over 100 mph. Schlüter's Halberstadt passes across the bow of the Bristol however and Ltn. Maas rakes the incoming British two seater, his burst lightly wounding the observer.

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    With both crew wounded the Brisfit is going hell for leather back to the barn. Maas tracks his target with his next burst again striking home. Ltn. Mattheus in his Albatros also takes up the chase, his long range shot having no effect.

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    Meanwhile the inexorable advance of the British tanks brings them into contact with the German infantry.....

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    ....and their guns inflict further losses, wiping out another detachment of Stosstruppen.

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    Undeterred one group of German infantry continue their advance trying to flank the British machine gun position on the high ground.

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    Ltn. Mattheus continues his attack on the fleeing F.2b, his second burst finishing the stricken RFC machine and scoring his fifth victory. The Brisfit almost made it too, crashing to earth on the very edge of the battle area. The DH.5 is still in the fight, firing back at Nagel's Halberstadt as the German pilot (with three aircraft in front of him) desperately clears his jammed gun.

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    Both the Halberstadts are back in the thick of it with Ltn. Nagel's gunner Fm Krüger showering a Mark IV with an ineffective burst of machine gun fire. Firing at long range Fm Schlüter sends a stream of lead and tracer into the DH.5. The burst shreds the little scout, sending it down into No Man's Land for Schlüter's first victory.

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    Ltn. Achilles and his nemesis in the Camel make a head on pass with the Camel's guns jamming as Achilles burst tears through fabric without any critical damage. Banking around Ltn. Mattheus lines up the RE.8 as the British two-seater's observer fires back to no effect. Mattheus' burst shoots away vital control wires sending the RE.8 crashing down over No Man's land. It is the German ace's sixth victory and his second in less than a minute during this action.

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    Meanwhile back on the deck the Mark IV tanks effectively halt the advance of the German infantry on the British left, blasting another detachment of Stosstruppen.

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    On the British right flank however the Germans continue to infiltrate towards the machine gun post, avoiding a deadly hail of fire.

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    With the skies almost cleared of Entente aircraft Ltn. Maas drops his bombs on one of the British tanks scoring a direct hit. Fire engulfs the metal monster as the crew bail out to escape the flames. In the air Ltn. Achilles makes a close range deflection shot at the Camel, and is rewarded by a stream of black smoke emitting from the British scouts rotary engine.

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    The Camel pilot pulls away from the German machines still trying to clear his guns but too high for the following Halberstadt to effectively engage.

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    As the aircraft jockey for position above the German Stosstruppen open up on the British machine gun post from a defilade position, causing casualties.

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    At that moment Fm Schlüter's Halberstadt strafes the British machine gun inflicting further losses as Ltn. Maas sends another futile burst at the last British tank. The AA MG crew is hurt but not out as they return fire on Schlüter's Halberstadt inflicting significant damage.

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    As the Halberstadts continue to harry the Mark IV tank Ltn. Mattheus and Ltn. Achilles hunt the Sopwith Camel.

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    On the ground the Stosstruppen finish off the British machine gun post, securing the German left flank.

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    The surviving Mark IV tank pushes forward in the centre past the battered German infantry units.

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    Ltn. Achilles finally catches up with the Camel and fires a short burst - short because his gun jams almost immediately!

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    Not done yet the Camel completes a split S and rakes Achilles' Albatros, damaging his aileron cables.

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    No other German aircraft has the altitude to catch the high flying Camel....

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    ...and despite his best efforts after clearing his guns Achilles cannot catch the fleeing British scout before darkness falls ending any chance of aerial combat.

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    As the See Adler Staffel heads for Boistrancourt it is clear they had the best of it in the skies shooting down two British two-seaters and a scout for no loss. The lone Camel pilot returns to his airfield with the grim news about his comrades.

    An examination of victory points awarded identified the following:

    The Bulldogs damaged all four German aircraft (6 VPs), eliminated three Stosstruppen detachments (9 VPs) and roughly handled two more (3 VPs) for a total of 18 victory points.

    The See Adlers shot down two British two-seaters (8 VPs) and one scout (3 VPs), damaged the Camel (1 VP), knocked out two tanks (8 VPs) and two AAMG posts (6 VPs) for a total of 26 points.

    So my version of this battle ends in a convincing win for the Kaisers Eagles.
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 08-15-2016 at 23:49.

  3. #3

    Default CASREP - OTTBE Mission 3, 3 December 1917, Counterattack at Cambrai (Carl Brisgamer)

    CASUALTY REPORT (AKA THE BUTCHER'S BILL)

    SEE ADLER STAFFEL


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    Leutnant der Reserve Willi Mattheus (Jagdflieger - Albatros D.Va)
    RTB / 2 kills (Bristol F.2b & RAF RE.8) (total of six kills - qualified for award of EKI and first ace skill).

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    Leutnant zur See Paul Achilles (Jagdflieger - Albatros D.Va)
    RTB / 0 kills

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    Leutnant der Reserve Lothar Nagel (Flugzeugführer - Halberstadt CL.II)
    RTB / 0 kills

    Flugmeister Kurt Krüger (Beobachter - Halberstadt CL.II)
    RTB / 0 kills (destroyed one Mark IV tank)

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    Flugmeister Benno Schlüter (Flugzeugführer - Halberstadt CL.II)
    RTB / 1 kill (Airco DH.5) (first kill - qualified for the award of the Pilot's Badge).

    Leutnant zur See Heinrich Maas (Beobachter - Halberstadt CL.II)
    RTB / 0 kills (knocked out one Mark IV tank)

    STOSSTRUPPEN DETACHMENTS

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    BULLDOGS


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    Second Lieutenant William Albert Walkerdine 3 Sqn RFC (Scout Pilot - Sopwith Camel)
    RTB / 0 kills

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    Second Lieutenant Percy Bowman 2 Sqn AFC (Scout Pilot - Airco DH.5)
    SD / EXP / NML / 0 kills
    C&W roll 5 -3 EXP -1 NML = 1 Dead!

    2Lt. Bowman was killed in the crash of his DH.5. He was buried by German troops beside the wreck of his aircraft.

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    Second Lieutenant Henry Corey 57 Sqn RFC (Pilot - Bristol F.2b)
    SD / EXP / NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 7 -3 EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 2 Dead!

    Corporal Peter Wilson 57 Sqn RFC (Observer - Bristol F.2b)
    SD / EXP / NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 9 -3 EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 4 Injured skip 1d6 (5) scenarios
    E&E roll 6 -1 EXP -1 WIA -1 WIC +1 NML = 4 Captured and escaped! skip 1D3 (2) scenarios.

    2Lt. Corey and Cpl. Wilson's Brisfit came down on the British edge of No Man's Land. Henry Corey was severely wounded but was pulled free of the crashed aircraft by his observer Cpl. Wilson. The confused nature of the day's action meant that small parties of British and German troops were still scattered all over the battlefield, forcing 2Lt. Corey and Cpl. Wilson to lie low throughout the night even as 2Lt Corey's condition deteriorated. Towards dawn the following morning despite his own injuries Cpl. Wilson was dragging his pilot towards the British lines when they were intercepted by a German patrol. As the Huns were about to take Wilson and Corey back to the German lines the area was hit by an artillery barrage. With shells bursting around Wilson picked up his officer and dashed towards the west. Despite the air being thick with white hot shrapnel and flying bullets Wilson made it to his own lines. it was too late for 2Lt. Henry Corey however, who died of his wounds the same day.

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    Lieutenant Robert James 4 Sqn RFC (Pilot - RAF RE.8)
    SD / NML / 0 kills
    C&W roll 6 -1 shot down -1 NML = 4 Injured skip 1d6 (2) scenarios
    E&E roll 9 -1 Injured +1 NML = 9 They didn't even see me!

    Sergeant Ernest Meek 4 Sqn RFC (Observer - RAF RE.8)
    SD / NML / 0 kills
    C&W roll 4 -1 shot down -1 NML = 2 Dead!

    The RE.8 crashed heavily, with observer Sgt. Ernest Meek suffering mortal wounds. In one of those bizarre twists of fate the pilot Lt. Robert James emerged with relatively light injuries. Under the cover of darkness Lt. James worked his way back to the British lines without incident. Meek's body was never recovered from No Man's land. Sgt. Meek had been the hero of the Passchendaele reconnaissance mission (The Bitter End mission 1) taking all three photographs used in the planning of the subsequent bombing mission. His loss will be keenly felt by his squadron.

    BRITISH ARMY

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    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 08-28-2016 at 02:37.

  4. #4

    Setarius's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies
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    Name
    Dale
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    Kentucky
    Sorties Flown
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    Join Date
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    Default

    Not bad so far. Not an easy job for either side. You will be lucky if you have any planes capable of flight left by the time you are done.
    8 of your early pictures did not show up.

  5. #5

    Default

    Photos 4 through 11 are not visible, for me anyway. They come up as invalid attachments.

  6. #6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    Photos 4 through 11 are not visible, for me anyway. They come up as invalid attachments.
    Grrrr, thanks Pete, fixed now. I had a disrupted evening and if it you don't save in time images are lost. My wife had shoulder surgery last week so at the moment I am mum and dad, cook, bottle washer, housekeeper, and laundry boy all rolled into one!

    I will get the rest of the AAR uploaded later today.

  7. #7

    Default

    Looking really good so far, Carl.

    Just got confirmation from the Aerodrome Store that my mats are en route, so I will have them to play this mission.

  8. #8

    Default

    Good news Pete. I just finished the AAR, Butcher's Bill to go.

  9. #9

    Default

    Just finished re-reading now that the full story is in place.
    Terrific action, Carl, and a great result for our Eagles!


    I hope my Eagles can do half as well ...

    Rep incoming for a great AAR and really well-detailed mission.

  10. #10

    Thumbs up

    Well that was a hectic encounter for sure.
    Well done to your See Adler's Carl, they certainly gave our lads a hosing.

  11. #11

    Default

    The boys had another game with lucky card draws - and nobody on either side went down in flames!

    Mattheus continued his fortunate streak - now I have to decide on an ace skill.

  12. #12

    Default

    Quite the knife fight as you predicted Carl, the Eagles rule the skies on this one, the Bulldogs did not achieve much but ammo expenditure and scattering their machines over no mans land. Three missions without a kill now, I think they need some gunnery practice.
    How long did it take to play ?

    Onkel says:


    Your results would be more devastating if you counted the explosion cards into your calculations...

    2Lt Percy Bowman: SD-EXP-NML / 0 kills
    C&W roll 5 -3EXP -1 NML = 1 KIA

    2Lt Henry Corey: SD-EXP-NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 7 -3EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 2 KIA

    Cpl Peter Wilson: SD-EXP-NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 9 -3EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 4 Injured skip 1d6 (5?) scenarios
    E&E roll 6 -1EXP -1 WIA -1WIC +1 NML = 4 - Captured and escaped! - Skip 1D3 Scenarios. (2?) scenarios. Tot skip 5 (have to guess as you put the result not the throw?)

    Let me know the skill selected for OberLeutnant Mattheus....
    Last edited by flash; 08-02-2016 at 01:42.

    "He is wise who watches"

  13. #13

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Quite the knife fight as you predicted Carl, the Eagles rule the skies on this one, the Bulldogs did not achieve much but ammo expenditure and scattering their machines over no mans land. Three missions without a kill now, I think they need some gunnery practice.
    I am getting concerned about the See Adlers' run of luck. I have a feeling when it turns it will be a bloodbath.

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    How long did it take to play ?
    I checked my photo times, I played this one over a couple of evenings. All up it took about 5 hours with interruptions. I did not have the WOG Solo app at the time, it would have saved time compared with charts.

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Onkel says:


    Your results would be more devastating if you counted the explosion cards into your calculations...

    2Lt Percy Bowman: SD-EXP-NML / 0 kills
    C&W roll 5 -3EXP -1 NML = 1 KIA

    2Lt Henry Corey: SD-EXP-NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 7 -3EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 2 KIA

    Cpl Peter Wilson: SD-EXP-NML / WIA / 0 kills
    C&W roll 9 -3EXP -1 WIA -1 NML = 4 Injured skip 1d6 (5?) scenarios
    E&E roll 6 -1EXP -1 WIA -1WIC +1 NML = 4 - Captured and escaped! - Skip 1D3 Scenarios. (2?) scenarios. Tot skip 5 (have to guess as you put the result not the throw?)
    Completely forgot about the explosion modifiers, sorry. I have updated the Butcher's Bill. Three brave Entente flyers paid the supreme sacrifice.

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Let me know the skill selected for OberLeutnant Mattheus....
    The Iron Cross AND a promotion, danke schön Onkel! Given Mattheus' experiences to date I think Lucky Git I would be appropriate as his first ace skill.

  14. #14

    Setarius's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies
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    What a beating the Bulldogs took. It will be interesting to see what happens when the other reports start rolling in. I think some armorer's are going to need to be checking some ammo before the next flight.

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Setarius View Post
    What a beating the Bulldogs took. It will be interesting to see what happens when the other reports start rolling in. I think some armorer's are going to need to be checking some ammo before the next flight.
    If my See Adler Paul Achilles ever gets to 5 victories he will be taking Dedicated Ground Crew as an ace skill. By my reckoning gun jams have cost him three victories in the past 5 missions.

  16. #16

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    That was certainly a wild melee!

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    ...The Iron Cross AND a promotion, danke schön Onkel! Given Mattheus' experiences to date I think Lucky Git I would be appropriate as his first ace skill.
    Promotion and Iron Cross 1st class almost go hand in hand so he has earned it and if their luck changes, and all those zeros become scorers, he might need as much luck as he can get !

    "He is wise who watches"

  18. #18

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    Quite the bar room brawl Carl. The Eagles cleaned up the sky!

  19. #19

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    One heck of a fight there Carl. Great stuff. Well done the Eagles on this mission - gave our guys a good hiding.
    Have almost completed my own mission, with a few surprises Will take a bit more, tomorrow, to complete, then the AAR will take a while, but have really enjoyed this one. Have to say, one of your Halberstadts is giving my guys an awful run around at present, but I don't believe his luck can hold

  20. #20

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    PS Sorry - tried to give REP but have to spread it first. Thought is there though - thanks for a good entertaining read.

  21. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    One heck of a fight there Carl. Great stuff. Well done the Eagles on this mission - gave our guys a good hiding.
    Have almost completed my own mission, with a few surprises Will take a bit more, tomorrow, to complete, then the AAR will take a while, but have really enjoyed this one. Have to say, one of your Halberstadts is giving my guys an awful run around at present, but I don't believe his luck can hold
    Look forward to the result Mike

  22. #22

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    What a knock down smash mouth sortie that was Carl Did you play with 2 C decks ?

    Great result for the Eagles. Hope I can keep the results going our way.


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

  23. #23

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    What a knock down smash mouth sortie that was Carl Did you play with 2 C decks ?

    Great result for the Eagles. Hope I can keep the results going our way.
    Thanks Paul. I play with double decks for all card types.

  24. #24

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    Nice Mission, Carl.

    Interesting to see a DH.5 in combat.
    Voilà le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  25. #25

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    Enjoyed this one a lot. Where did you get your tanks?

  26. #26

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    Quote Originally Posted by grumpybear View Post
    Enjoyed this one a lot. Where did you get your tanks?
    Sorry Darrell I should have posted the link with the briefing - Mark IV tank cards and stats sheet here at http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=2286 and http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=2287.

  27. #27

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    Links added to BRF.

    "He is wise who watches"

  28. #28

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    Quote Originally Posted by Marechallannes View Post
    Nice Mission, Carl.

    Interesting to see a DH.5 in combat.
    I really wanted to field a DH.5 for this Cambrai mission. It was used in the ground attack role throughout the battle, which was the DH.5's last hurrah as the type was withdrawn from front line service the following month.

    As a point of interest Manfred von Richthofen shot down a DH.5 over Bourlon Wood during the battle for his 62nd victory.

  29. #29

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    Good going Carl.
    I half expected the Tanks to walk all over the infantry.
    I am now looking forwards to doing my version of this action.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  30. #30

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Good going Carl.
    I half expected the Tanks to walk all over the infantry.
    I am now looking forwards to doing my version of this action.
    Rob.
    Thanks Rob. If the Hun aircraft don't take out the tanks fast it could indeed be a walkover.

  31. #31

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    Well done! Well fought, well documented.

    A few questions as I have yet to fly this one - In your brief you recommended altitude rules, and I noted it mentioned at points. I am assuming you did so? How do you manage that with the AI?
    Did you figure in the altitude for bombing or stick with the simplified rules? Any other house rules in play, and how long did it take to complete (just the fight, not the AAR!) I lack any dedicated gaming space, and need to restore the dining room table in a reasonable amount if time ......

    I also hope my card draws improve over the last two missions. All of this close-in action could wipe me out if it does not!!

  32. #32

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    Quote Originally Posted by BB401 View Post
    A few questions as I have yet to fly this one - In your brief you recommended altitude rules, and I noted it mentioned at points. I am assuming you did so? How do you manage that with the AI? Did you figure in the altitude for bombing or stick with the simplified rules? Any other house rules in play, and how long did it take to complete (just the fight, not the AAR!) I lack any dedicated gaming space, and need to restore the dining room table in a reasonable amount if time ......
    Thanks Bob. In answer to your questions....

    1. I used altitude rules as I always do. The AI needs a little guidance so when I think the time is right I will substitute an AI move (usually a straight or stall) with a dive or climb.

    2. Altitude was factored in with the bombing. A couple of aircraft dropped down to level two meaning their bombs struck after just travelling for one card but most delivered their payloads from level 3 meaning the bombs travelled two cards before exploding. I try to play a stall before dropping bombs from height, makes it easier to judge the range.

    3. I tend to play RAW (rules as written) because it is what I am used to, so no 'simplified altitude' etc. I do use the OTT rules regarding pilot wounds and engine damage (although I forgot to apply the latter to the DH.5 this time out, oops my bad).

    4. It took about 5 hours to play, but that was broken up over a couple of sessions. With the 12 turn limit it can't go on and on, and if time is an issue you can ignore the ground combat special rules.

  33. #33

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    Hi Dave, I just checked the spreadsheet for my Bulldogs opponents and Sgt. Ernest Meek has not yet been listed as KIA.

  34. #34

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    That was some fight Carl
    Heavy action from the start.
    And a german victory for a change. Well done

  35. #35

    Default OTT Bitter End Mission 3, 3 December 1917, Counterattack at Cambrai (Carl_Brisgamer)

    EPILOGUE

    Boistrancourt, Northern France

    4 Dezember 1917

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    Staffel…….Stillgestandanden!” the booming voice of the Oberbootsmann rang out in the cold morning air. The enlisted personnel of the Marineflieger Staffel snapped to attention as the officers marched onto the impromptu parade ground. The Staffelführer marched up to the senior NCO returning his subordinate’s salute. After the regulation pause the Chief Petty Officer executed a crisp about turn and marched off the right flank of the parade.

    The rest of the officers came to a halt in front of the formed ranks of the Staffel’s enlisted air crew and ground staff. Leutnant Willi Mattheus stood to the right of the parade, a few paces to his left his regular wingman Leutnant Paul Achilles. Next in line was a new arrival to the Staffel, Leutnant zur See Hermann Meyer. Leutnant Meyer had seen action at the front leading a company of the 4. Matrosen-Regiment before transferring to the Marinefliegerkorps. To his left stood the remaining three officers, Leutnants Werner Bastian, Lothar Nagel and Heinrich Maas.

    Staffel…. Rührt Euch” commanded the Staffelführer, taking over the parade. The Staffel stood at ease, their bodies relaxing slightly but their eyes still fixed straight ahead.

    “Yesterday the Staffel was called upon to perform a vital mission in support of the Army’s counter-attack at Bourlon Wood. This morning I received the following message from the HQ of General von der Marwitz, commander of the 2.Armee."

    “The officers and men of the Marinefliegerkorps tasked with supporting our troops in the attack west of Cambrai on 3 December 1917 were responsible for shooting down three enemy aircraft and the destruction of two enemy tanks on the ground. Their efforts contributed greatly to the success of our operations and they are to be commended.”

    “In particular,” the Staffelführer continued “Leutnant Willi Mattheus was credited with victories over two enemy two-seaters attacking our troops. For these actions and in recognition of his six confirmed victories Leutnant Mattheus is immediately awarded the Iron Cross First Class.”

    Mattheus snapped to attention and marched out to the Staffelführer, who took the medal from its case and pinned it to the officer’s tunic.

    “Congratulations Willi, the recognition is well deserved. Keep this up and you will have your own command before long” added the Staffelführer

    “Danke Herr Oberleutnant” replied Mattheus, “but with respect the thought of flying a desk with all that paperwork scares me more than a gaggle of Sopwiths!”


    ***********************************************************************

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    That evening at ‘Schloss Boistrancourt’ the sounds of music and laughter rolled in waves from the officers’ mess as the pilots and observers of the See Adler Staffel with their Jasta 5 hosts toasted their victories. The fact that the day’s action had not resulted in any ‘empty chairs’ was an even greater cause for celebration.

    The Berliner Leutnant Werner Bastian was playing skat with two of the Jasta 5 pilots. Leutnant Paul Achilles had started some serious drinking with Leutnants Lothar Nagel and Heinrich Maas. A melancholy drunk, Achilles was leading the trio in a rendition of ‘Der treue Hussar’ about a girl mourning the loss of her soldier.

    Recently decorated Leutnant Willi Mattheus was engaged in an earnest discussion with the Staffel’s newest and youngest officer Leutnant Hermann Meyer. Just 20 years old Meyer had already proven his courage fighting in the mud and blood of Flanders, leading a company of troops when barely out of his teens. Just weeks out of flight training Hermann Meyer gave the impression of a young man in a hurry.

    “You have a score of six, nicht wahr?” he asked Mattheus, then without waiting for an answer adding “Are the Tommies hard to knock down?”

    Mattheus took a drink of the excellent champagne the Jasta 5 mess always seemed to produce on special occasions before providing a measured response.

    “None of them are easy Meyer, no matter how many you ‘knock down’. You will only survive by using your brains, remembering your training and working as a team. Lose your head or rush off on your own and you are kaputt, and it will be some English Gentleman getting a medal.”

    “I am not afraid of the enemy” said Meyer with a confident air, “I killed enough of them in the trenches.”

    “Things are different up there” warned Mattheus, gesturing towards the heavens. “Their kites are every bit as good and in many cases better than our machines. And there are usually many more of them.”

    Not wishing to completely eliminate the new pilot’s enthusiasm, Mattheus leaned close and continued in a conspiratorial tone “But our pilots are the best in the business, our tactics are proven and we mostly fight on our side of the lines. If you fight smart you will come out alright. When it comes your time to go up stick close to me, or Paul. Watch what we do and if you get in a tight spot you run for home!”

    “Run?” protested Meyer, “I am no damned coward!”

    Mattheus looked earnestly at the young pilot “I did not say you were a coward, none of the men here today lack courage. If they did they would never have volunteered for flying duties and certainly would not be serving as Jagdflieger. But up there you have to resist the temptation to act rashly. Keep your eyes open and your head on a swivel. You need to know how the fight is going and if you are at a disadvantage you get yourself out and have another crack the next time.”

    Leaning back he swallowed the rest of his champagne before adding with a grin “Besides, the Fatherland has invested a lot of time and money in training you Meyer, it is expected you will produce results and not sell yourself too cheaply!”

    Leutnant Meyer returned the smile and raised his own glass “The Fatherland!” The toast was taken up by others in the mess, who similarly drained their drinks sending the stewards rushing to refill empty glasses.

    The Staffelführer was standing near the bar when an orderly approached and snapped a salute, thrusting a piece of paper towards the officer. The Staffelführer took the document and read it carefully.

    “Gentlemen” he shouted above the din of the celebrations, “your attention!”

    The piano stopped and gradually the raucous singing and laughter gave way to quiet.

    In a grim tone he started “It has come to my attention that one of my officers is in breach of the Navy code of dress!”

    The Marineflieger looked each other up and down, brows furrowing in puzzlement.

    “Mattheus, front and centre!” commanded the Staffelführer. As his brother officers looked on Willi Mattheus put down his glass and marched over to his commanding officer. ‘Medals in the morning and extra duties the same night’ he thought as he crashed to attention.

    “I consider it a grave matter when one of my officers is wearing the incorrect rank insignia” reinforced the Staffelführer, before continuing with the words “Oberleutnant Mattheus!”

    A moment of silence was shattered with the roars of approval by the combined officers of Jasta 5 and the See Adler Staffel.

    “By order of the Imperial Naval Office Willi Mattheus is immediately promoted to the rank of Oberleutnant in der Reserve” the Staffelführer read out aloud to the incredulous Mattheus. He was soon surrounded by his comrades all patting him on the back and adding their congratulations.

    “There is more” said the Staffelführer, “I have also been promoted and received orders to report to Berlin immediately to take up a post with the Admiralty Staff....” briefly pausing as another round of cheers went up, “and Oberleutnant Mattheus is appointed acting Staffelführer of the See Adler Staffel.”

    The Marinefliegerkorps’ newest Kapitänleutnant turned to her newest Oberleutnant and shook hands. “I did warn you Willi, now you will have to fight the paper war AND the Tommies!”

    The champagne flowed freely as celebrations continued into the wee small hours.

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    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 08-28-2016 at 02:31.

  36. #36

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    And so the cream rises to the top...

    "He is wise who watches"

  37. #37

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    Reading these is one of the pleasures of the campaign. And so, to Oberleutnant Mattheus I say Prost!
    And to his literary agent, well done!
    (Pounding on keyboard) scheisse! Rep gun jammed.

  38. #38

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    Quote Originally Posted by BB401 View Post
    Reading these is one of the pleasures of the campaign. And so, to Oberleutnant Mattheus I say Prost!
    And to his literary agent, well done!
    (Pounding on keyboard) scheisse! Rep gun jammed.
    But mine is not

    Excellent denouement, Carl

  39. #39

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    Excellent follow-up report, Carl.

  40. #40

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    Nicely done Oblt Mattheus

  41. #41

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    A very enjoyable corollary to the AAR Carl.
    A reminder that life goes on outside the short sharp encounters over the lines.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  42. #42

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    Thank you gentlemen, I look forward to continuing the story.

  43. #43

    Thumbs up


    Really nice conclusion to your original AAR Carl!
    Congratulations to Willi on his Iron Cross & Promotion.



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