OTTBE Mission 6, 21 Jan 1918, She'll be Coming Round the Mountain (Carl Brisgamer)

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Prologue

Armee FlugPark 5
Montmédy, Occupied France
20 Januar 1918



Huddled in his flying jacket to keep out the January cold Oberleutnant Willi Mattheus looked on as the Halberstadt CL.II rolled to a stop. After a few moments the two occupants climbed down from the two-seater. The first was the pilot Leutnant Lothar Nagel of the See Adler Staffel. The second was the ‘observer’, who was actually See Adler Jadgflieger Vizefeldwebel Hans Goerth. The two pilots fell into step as they approached Mattheus, Leutnant Nagel offering the salute.

“Hello Willi, it is good to see you.”

Mattheus smiled, first returning the compliment then shaking hands as he replied “And you Lothar.” It had been over a month since Mattheus had been away from his command and he was glad to be back in the company of his men. “How was your flight?”

“Long and uneventful Willi,” replied Nagel. Giving Hans Goerth a stern look he commented, “My new observer did not appear very comfortable.”

Mattheus turned to the NCO pilot saying “Hello Hans, so how was it riding in the backseat?”

“It was fine Herr Oberleutnant,” Goerth replied unconvincingly, quickly adding “Herr Leutnant Nagel is an excellent pilot.”

“But you would rather have your own hands on the stick, nicht wahr?” questioned Mattheus.

“Well, yes, of course Herr Oberleutnant” Goerth agreed, glancing sheepishly at the Halberstadt pilot.

Mattheus and Nagel shared a laugh at Goerth’s discomfort. “Leutnant Nagel and I both started out as observers so we know what it is like to place our lives in someone else’s hands. But I have something for you that will make the trip worthwhile.”

Mattheus led his two pilots across the frosty grass of the Flugpark, past brand new aircraft ready for delivery to their Staffeln and damaged kites waiting to be repaired. As they walked Nagel enquired "How did the fighter trials go Willi?”

“Very productive Lothar,” replied Oberleutnant Mattheus. “It was a great opportunity to fly the latest machines in some very auspicious company. To be honest compared to some of the pilots there I felt like a bit of a ‘tyro’!”

“But there were some benefits” continued Mattheus, “and here are two of them” he said gesturing in the direction of two single seat fighters. “These are the latest additions to the See Adler Staffel’s order of battle.”

Nagel and Goerth regarded the two aircraft, which looked nothing like they had ever flown before. They were stubby little biplanes with rotary engines that looked too big for the barrel-like fuselage. Both were painted black with white cowls. One was adorned with a skull and crossbones on the fuselage and the other with the Harkenkreuz, an ancient Aryan symbol for luck.

“May I present the Siemens Schuckert Werke D.III” began Mattheus. “They are powered by the Siemens Halske Sh.III eleven cylinder rotary engine. The crankcase and cylinders rotate opposite directions at 900rpm, giving it the effective power of 1,800rpm. It is fast and can out climb and out turn anything in the sky.”

Hans Goerth examined the cowl and engine cylinders before running his hand down the four-bladed propeller - he was already smitten.

“A rotary engine Willi?” questioned Leutnant Nagel. “If it’s anything like those verdammte English Camels it can be as dangerous to its own pilot as the enemy.”

“I flew her during the trials Lothar and had no trouble. I will admit you have to keep on your toes – she can spin readily. But the counter-rotation of the crankshaft and cylinders seems to limit any gyroscopic reactions. She will turn just as tightly either way, and will climb at twice the rate of the Albatros D.Va.”

“How many will we get Herr Oberleutnant?” asked an enthusiastic Hans Goerth, who by this time was up on the lower wing examining the cockpit.

“Just the two Hans – for now,” replied Mattheus. “These are pre-production models, of which only twenty were completed. I managed to convince Siemens and the Navy Office that the See Adler Staffel would be able to give these birds a decent field test. I am glad you like them Hans” Mattheus continued, “because you will be flying one of them back to Koolkerke in the morning.”

“Vielen dank Herr Oberleutnant!” exclaimed the young NCO pilot, looking as if he was going to jump in and take off immediately!

“You can take her up this afternoon Hans,” promised Mattheus, “AFTER I give you some instruction on take-off, landing and general handling.”

“Excuse me Herr Oberleutnant” interrupted an Army Sergeant carrying a large camera, “the Flug Park Kommandant has ordered I photograph the new fighters.”

“Natürlich Sergeant,” acknowledged Mattheus. “In fact, Vizefeldwebel Goerth here will pose for you,” he added with a mischievous grin.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Armee FlugPark 5
Montmédy, Occupied France
0630hrs 21 Januar 1918



Vizefeldwebel Hans Goerth was the first to the flight line, eager to get behind the controls of the new Siemens Schuckert D.III for the 250 kilometer flight back to the See Adler Staffel base at Koolkerke. He had been very impressed by the type’s performance the previous day – such speed and maneuverability! His old Pfalz was a sturdy kite but it could not hold a candle to the Siemens Schuckert machine in any other respects.

Goerth was soon joined by his Staffelführer Oberleutnant Willi Mattheus and Halberstadt CL.II pilot Leutnant Lothar Nagel. Nagel would be flying without an observer today, the rear seat occupied by two 20 litre drums of the valuable castor oil required to lubricate the powerful Siemens-Halske engines of the new fighters.

“There has been a change to the flight plan we discussed last night,” Oberleutnant Mattheus advised as the ground crew assisted them dress in their bulky cold weather flying gear. “Intelligence has been received that the enemy are planning a deep penetration raid targeting supply trains moving through the Ardennes area." Spreading out the map he indicated the new route. "Instead of flying northwest to Valenciennes and then on to Koolkerke we have been tasked to patrol north-north east over the mountains towards Aachen. We will refuel there and then head home.” It suddenly occurred to Mattheus he considered a foreign airfield as 'home'. This war had gone on far too long.



“How credible is the intel?” asked Lothar Nagel, snapping Mattheus out of his momentary reverie. “It seem a long way to come to attack a train travelling through a mountainous forest. Could they even find their target?”

“I asked the same question,” replied Mattheus shaking his head, “and was assured the information came from a ‘reliable’ source.”

“If we get into trouble landing is going to be a big problem” added Goerth, “it’s not like we can just put our aircraft down anywhere.”

“We have our orders Hans,” Mattheus stated “just try not to break your new mount on the first day.”

“Perhaps the enemy might even make a show and we can really see what she can do!” Goerth added excitedly.

“Don’t get your hopes up Junge. At least it’s a good day for flying, and we have not had many of those recently” remarked Lothar Nagel looking up at the clear, cloudless sky.

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

At 0700hrs Mattheus glanced at his altimeter reading 1800 metres. The See Adler formation levelled off, below them the heavily wooded mountains of the Ardennes spreading out in all directions, dotted by villages and small towns.



As they approached Bastogne, Mattheus swung out to the left and Goerth to the right, all eyes scanning the ground and horizon.



Off to the east, still as yet undetected, the supply train carrying war material bound for the Hindenburg Line was nearing Bastogne.



But the See Adler Staffel was not alone in the skies over the Ardennes. At 1500 metres just north west of Bastogne a flight of four Belgian aircraft was searching for the supply train. The flight commander Lieutenant Louis Crombez was born in the mountain crossroads town and knew the area like the back of his own hand.



As the Belgian flight approaches Bastogne they too spread out to cover more ground.....



....and Sous Lieutenant Alfred Ivanow flying a Nieuport 17 armed with Le Prieur rockets is the first to spot their target.



Lt. Crombez also sees the train and signals his flight to attack.



Off to the south Oberleutnant Mattheus can barely believe his eyes as he observes the enemy aircraft. The intelligence report was accurate for once! He cocks and test fires his Maxims to alert his Kette.



The Belgian Hanriots also see the See Adlers and maintain their height to provide cover as the Nieuport 17 and RE.8 dive down to attack the train.



Mattheus sides slips to the left as both flights close for a head on pass.



Battle is joined! Mattheus makes a tight right hand turn and pushes forward on the stick. He squeezes the triggers to his Maxims firing a burst at the blue Hanriot passing below him. His aim is true as rounds perforate the Hanriot's upper wing and fuselage. Ltn. Nagel puts his Halberstadt into a dive down to 1200 metres firing a snap burst at the Nieuport 17 as it flashes across his nose. The 7,9cm rounds smash into the Nieuport cutting a fuel line and igniting petrol. Crombez in the blue Hanriot engages the Halberstadt as it dives past him, shooting up its rudder.



The blazing Nieuport executes a split S as Ivanow tracks the train. As Mattheus and Goerth pass overhead Nagel presses his attack in the thick of the enemy formation. The RE.8 gunner's burst spatters the fuselage of the Halberstadt, holing an oil line resulting in a trail of black smoke. As Nagel overshoots the Nieuport, S-Lt. Ivanow also fires at the German two-seater, rounds tearing through his wing fabric. S-Lt. Renard in the camouflaged Hanriot also squeezes off a burst but misses his target.



Despite the hail of bullets smashing into his machine disrupting his aim Nagel's burst hits the RE.8 damaging the Belgian two-seaters rudder controls.



The two formations separate. As the rocket armed Nieuport and RE.8 hunt the train, Nagel stays with them. Up above Mattheus and Goerth jockey for position with the Belgian Hanriots.



Ivanow dives his Nieuport down to 600 metres even as the fire consumes his aircraft.



900 metres above Mattheus and Crombez exchange fire. As Mattheus damages the Hanriot the Belgian's burst brings forth a trail of black smoke from the D.III's Siemen-Halske engine.



The Belgian RE.8 bombs the train from 1500 metres but they fall short causing minimal damage to the first boxcar.



Single-minded in his determination to destroy his target, Ivanow fires a burst from his synchronised Vickers and over-wing Lewis, shooting up the train's rear AAMG position. The German gunners return fire blasting the Nieuport's aileron controls



Mattheus and Crombez continue their flat scissors manoeuvre, the Belgian confident his agile Hanriot can turn inside this stubby little German machine.



His bombs away, the RE.8 pilot turns for home as his observer discourages pursuit with a burst directed at Nagel's Halberstadt.



Crombez's confidence is revealed as ill-founded when Mattheus turns inside his Hanriot, his burst narrowly missing the Belgian machine.



As the Belgian Nieuport manoeuvres to make a rocket attack on the train the AAMG team fire again, with their gun jamming.



Realising he cannot out-turn the German Lt. Crombez begins an Immelmann. Mattheus side-slips his SSW D.III, this time putting a close range burst into the Hanriot.



The Belgian RE.8 beats a hasty retreat as Nagel struggles to come to grips with the elusive Nieuport.



Ivanow's determination pays off as he drops to tree-top height and fires both salvoes of rockets at the German supply train, even in the face of withering fire from the German gunners.



Mattheus curses as the wily Belgian in the blue Hanriot turns the tables, his single barking Vickers spitting lead into the D.IIIs fuselage.



Even as the German supply train was about to leave the area of operations Ivanow's Le Prieur rockets strike home. One salvo falls short exploding against the railway embankment, but the second strikes true blasting a boxcar and setting fire to the stores! We will examine the full extent of the damage caused by the flames in due course.



The front AAMG fires at the Nieuport, the gun jamming after a single burst. Despite the incoming fire and even with the flames burning out his aircraft Ivanov fires another burst at the train with his synchronised Vickers (Ed Note - forgot the Nieuport was A firing!).



The RE.8 escapes further attack......



......even as the brave S-Lt. Alfred Ivanov's Nieuport is finally consumed by the fire and crashes into the forest, granting Ltn. Nagel his first confirmed kill.



Vzfw. Hans Goerth marvels at the agility of his new SSW D.III as he catches S-Lt. Renard's Hanriot in the flank, a deflection burst striking the Belgian kite's Le Rhône rotary engine.



At 1500 metres the deadly dance continues....



...with Vzfw. Goerth putting a close range burst into the camouflaged Hanriot, a round passing through Renard's right arm shattering his elbow.



As Mattheus banks away to deal with the blue Hanriot, Hans Goerth tails his opponent putting another burst into Renard's stricken machine.



Obltn. Mattheus fires a wide long range burst at the blue Hanriot.....



....but his follow up attack strikes true.



Crombez' attempts to escape come to nothing as Mattheus' final attack smashes the blue Hanriot out of the sky for his seventh victory.



Goerth is dogged in his pursuit of the wounded Renard.....



...with the bold Belgian making one final attack on Mattheus. Vzfw. Goerth finishes the battle with a well aimed burst to the cockpit, a round striking Renard in the side of the head rendering him unconscious. Goerth watches as the out of control Hanriot spins down like a leaf crashing into the forested hills giving the NCO pilot his second confirmed victory.



THE BURNING TRAIN



With the battle in the skies over the See Adler Staffel continues on its way to Aachen, leaving the German engineers and troops manning the train to fight the fire raging in the rocket damaged boxcar. With the flames quickly spreading to cars either side and threatening to destroy the entire train the crew uncouple the forward cars allow the engine to take them away safely. Despite the troops' brave efforts to extinguish the flames they cannot prevent further damage as the rocketed carriage and goods is completely burned. Further disaster strikes as the ammunition held in the AAMG flatcar explodes, damaging the last boxcar. By the time the fires had burned out, all supplies on the last boxcar were also destroyed and the rolling stock badly damaged.



VICTORY POINTS

ENTENTE

1 boxcar destroyed = 5
1 boxcar damaged (over 5 points) = 2
1 boxcar left behind (under 5 points) =2

Total = 9 VPs

CENTRAL POWERS

1 boxcar off the map under 5 points of damage = 5
3 scouts shot down = 6

Total = 11 VPs

CENTRAL POWERS VICTORY

[Carl_Brisgamer]

CASUALTY REPORT (AKA THE BUTCHER'S BILL)

SEE ADLER STAFFEL



Oberleutnant Willi Mattheus (Jagdflieger – black SSW D.III with skull and crossbones)
RTB (3 damage) / 1 kill (Hanriot HD.1)



Vizefeldwebel Hans Goerth (Jagdflieger – black SSW D.III with Harkenkreuz)
RTB / 1 kill (Hanriot HD.1), second confirmed victory - qualified for award of Iron Cross 2nd Class.



Leutnant Lothar Nagel (Flugzeugführer - Halberstadt CL.II)
RTB (6 damage) / 1 kill (Nieuport 17), first confirmed victory – qualified for award of pilot’s badge (Marine-Flugzeugführerabzeichen für Landflugzeuge).


THE BELGIAN BULLDOGS



Lieutenant Louis Crombez 1ere Escadrille de Chasse (Scout Pilot - blue Hanriot HD.1)
SD ET / 0 kills (shot down by Obltn. Willi Mattheus)
C&W Roll 6 – 1 SD = 5 injured – Skip 1d3 (3) Scenarios
E&E Roll 7 – 1 WIC +1 NML (Narly Mountain Location) – 1 BEL = 6 In hiding! - Skip 1d2 (1) Scenarios

Lieutenant Louis Crombez was injured in the crash of his Hanriot but escaped the wreck on his own. He used his local knowledge to avoid German patrols, taking refuge with family. They brought him word that one of his flight Sous Lieutenant Alfred Ivanow had also evaded capture. Both pilots were treated for their injuries and within weeks had been smuggled back across the front line to fly again for Belgium.



Sous Lieutenant Maurice Renard 1ere Escadrille de Chasse (Scout Pilot - camouflage Hanriot HD.1)
SD ET / 2 WIA / 0 kills (shot down by Vzfw. Hans Goerth)
C&W Roll 7 – 1 SD – 2 WIA – 1 NML (Narly Mountain Location) = 3 Injured – Skip 1D6 (2) Scenarios
E&E Roll 5 – 2 WIA – 1 WIC – 1 BEL = 1 Captured! The war ended for this pilot...

Sous Lieutenant Maurcie Renard suffered two bullet wounds in the air and sustained further injuries in the crash of his Hanriot. He was pulled unconscious from the wreckage by a German patrol and taken prisoner. After being treated at a German military hospital S-Lt. Renard was sent to a prison camp.



Sous Lieutenant Alfred Ivanow 1ere Escadrille de Chasse (Scout Pilot - Nieuport 17)
SD ET / FLM / 0 kills (shot down by Ltn. Lothar Nagel)
C&W Roll 6 – 2 FLM = 4 Injured – Skip 1d3 (3) Scenarios
E&E Roll 10 – 1 FLM – 1 WIC +1 NML (Narly Mountain Location) – 1 BEL = 8 Landed almost home! - Skip 1 Scenario

Shot down in flames Sous Lieutenant Alfred Ivanow managed to extricate himself from his burning Nieuport. Despite his wounds Ivanow evaded capture making his way to Bastogne where he made contact with friendly civilians. Reunited with his flight commander Lt. Louis Crombez, his wounds were treated and after several weeks both he and Crombez were smuggled back across the lines.



Sous Lieutenant Andre de Petrowski (Two Seater Pilot – RAF RE.8)
RTB (1 damage) / 0 kills
Sergeant Adolphe Benselin (Observer – RAF RE.8)
RTB / 0 kills

[Stumptonian]

Great job, Carl, on all fronts: presentation, photos and results.
Nice win for der See Adlers

I am looking forward to trying out the SS.DIII, and was also thinking of giving les Belges a run at this, since it's in the Ardennes, and I have yet to try out my Hanriots and Nieuports.
(Is that okay, Onkel? Or must we stick with our assigned RFC Bulldogs?)

I hope I can find a map in my collection that works as well as the one you used for this scenario.
One question about your train cards, Carl. Are the ones used in combat the same as the Butcher's Bill ? They look darker.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Great job, Carl, on all fronts: presentation, photos and results.
Nice win for der See Adlers

I am looking forward to trying out the SS.DIII, and was also thinking of giving les Belges a run at this, since it's in the Ardennes, and I have yet to try out my Hanriots and Nieuports.
(Is that okay, Onkel? Or must we stick with our assigned RFC Bulldogs?)

I hope I can find a map in my collection that works as well as the one you used for this scenario.
One question about your train cards, Carl. Are the ones used in combat the same as the Butcher's Bill ? They look darker.

Thanks Pete. The SSW D.III is a very effective dog fighter. As with the Fokker Dr.I however I did note it performs best when run by the player rather than AI. I am going to limit my SSW D.III use in coming scenarios - if one is shot down there are no replacements and they have a limited life anyway with their temperamental engines only good for 7-10 hours running time.

I was going to use the RFC for this one but went with the Aviation Militaire Belge when Dale specified the use of a Nieuport 17. I have a Belgian repaint but no British versions. At the end of the day that brave Nieuport pilot Ivanow almost won the battle with his rocket attack.

I only had one European mountain town map on hand to use for this scenario. It is actually from my WW2 collection - a little place in Spain's Basque country called Guernica. In the butcher's bill I photographed the crashed aircraft on the same map, but used the airfield sections of the original Wings of War maps for the RTB shots.

[gully_raker]

Super AAR Carl played on a wonderful mat that was great for the Scenario.
Those Rockets did some serious damage to the Train but just not enough.
Some good results for your See Adler Pilots.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

I hope I got the E&E calculations right. If any of the Entente flyers were not wounded before they crashed I gave them the +1 NML (Narly Mountain Location) bonus specified in the scenario. For the pilot who was wounded I applied the -1 BEL (behind enemy lines) modifier.

Or should I have applied the -1 BEL to the others as well, with the intention it would be cancelled out by the +1 NML?

[THECCRICH]

Thank you Carl...

That was great...
I had a feeling as I was reading that those new German Kites were going to clean up on anything in front of them...

Great story and AAR sir...

Thank you,
Chris

[flash]

Or should I have applied the -1 BEL to the others as well, with the intention it would be cancelled out by the +1 NML?

Yes you should - they are still behind enemy lines ! I shall let you recalculate & roll dice where necessary before I record the results.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Yes you should - they are still behind enemy lines ! I shall let you recalculate & roll dice where necessary before I record the results.

Recalculations complete. As it turned out it made not a jot of difference to the results - two of the Belgian pilots still escaped capture but will be out of action for three missions each.

[Ken at Sunrise]

What a good read. Thank you.

I don't recall, and as I am at work, are there rules for using rockets on ground targets in the R&A book? Where could I find cards and rules for trains, or is this a scenario that I can download.

Sorry for all of the questions,

Thanks,

[flash]

are there rules for using rockets on ground targets in the R&A book?

Nope, they were used to attack balloons & Airships, not ground targets. Use the same rules.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Prieur_rocket

Where could I find cards and rules for trains,

The train cards are here in the files Ken. I don't know of any rules for them but there might be some in one of the scenarios in the files ? Dale made these up to suit the scenario he created.

or is this a scenario that I can download.

This is not a scenario to download as such but have a look at the BRF for mission 6 that led to this AAR, should find all you need to know in there.

[Ken at Sunrise]

Thanks

[Ken at Sunrise]

Nope, they were used to attack balloons & Airships, not ground targets. Use the same rules.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Prieur_rocket

But it looks like that was part of the scenario/mission.

[flash]

Good opener for this month's missions Carl and honours even amongst the See Adler, they'll party hard in the Mess tonight !
Nice to see the Belges in action and more SSD.III in the air even if your AI don't seem to do it for you. Mat's a beauty too.

Onkel Says:


Three downed, one captured but two slipped the net, how could those army boys let that happen ?!
Congrats to Willi on his seventh and Hans on his second victory and the award of the Iron Cross 2nd class
Put Kurt Krüger with Nagel, due to the mission/kill count for two seater crews the latter now has Iron Cross 2nd class & his Pilots badge and his Observer has the AGB. Your boys are doing well

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Thanks Dave I did not consider the mission count for Ltn. Nagel, his EK.II will certainly come as a surprise!

Kurt may have to wait a bit longer for his AGB though as he sat this one out. Nagel took Hans Goerth with him to Montmedy in order to ferry one of the SSW D.IIIs back to Koolkerke. On the return trip his observer's seat was occupied by two drums of castor oil for the thirsty Siemens-Halske engines.

In meta-game terms the scenario called for scouts not two seaters so I removed his rear gunner for this mission. It just so happened to suit the story - how else was Hans going to get there?

[flash]

Ach so ! Alles klar. Kurt still has two missions under his belt so his awards stand.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Ach so ! Alles klar. Kurt still has two missions under his belt so his awards stand.

Danke Onkel.

With medals all round the Epilogue for this one will be a cracker!

[flash]

But it looks like that was part of the scenario/mission.

It is - no one said it was historically accurate !!
I was trying to explain why there are no ground attack rules and you should just use those given for balloon attacks.

[Setarius]

Excellent Carl, you nailed the intent of the mission when I wrote it.
Did you use 3 or 4 Boxcars? If 4 then you are missing victory points for one side or the other.
Once again excellent job.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Thanks Dale it was a lot of fun to play. I used four box cars, one got off the board and three were left behind because they were ablaze. Of those one was destroyed, one suffered 5 or more damage, and one caught fire but suffered no damage (0,0 cards).

[gully_raker]

Thanks Dale it was a lot of fun to play. I used four box cars, one got off the board and three were left behind because they were ablaze. Of those one was destroyed, one suffered 5 or more damage, and one caught fire but suffered no damage (0,0 cards).

G'day Carl! Mate according to the BRF any Box Car left on the mat gives VP's to the attacker. They did not have to be over 5 DP's just left on the table. So I believe the Belgians should get another 5 VP's.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

G'day Carl! Mate according to the BRF any Box Car left on the mat gives VP's to the attacker. They did not have to be over 5 DP's just left on the table. So I believe the Belgians should get another 5 VP's.

Cripes Baz I didn't read the fine print! If that is the case the tables may be turned and the Entente take away the win.

So Dale, would it be right that since I left three boxcars on the map (1 destroyed, 1 damaged and 1 undamaged) the Entente scores 15 points as the 5 points for overrides the 2 points for a damaged car?

[flash]

I have asked Dale to confirm the VP for boxcars that remain on the table in his BRF thread. I guess it is at least +1pt each ? Once confirmed we can clarify the VP section.

[gully_raker]

Cripes Baz I didn't read the fine print! If that is the case the tables may be turned and the Entente take away the win.

So Dale, would it be right that since I left three boxcars on the map (1 destroyed, 1 damaged and 1 undamaged) the Entente scores 15 points as the 5 points for overrides the 2 points for a damaged car?

Maybe only 2 points for the undamaged Car left on the map Carl.
Will wait for Dales adjudication so the Adlers might still reign supreme!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Great AAR as usual Carl.
Your write up was very clear and concise.
Great to see those Belgian boys in action.
I often wonder why I bought mine.
Rob.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Great AAR as usual Carl.
Your write up was very clear and concise.
Great to see those Belgian boys in action.
I often wonder why I bought mine.
Rob.

I know what you mean Rob. I think I will retire the Nieuport 17 from the Belgian Escadrille and replace it with the Belgian Sopwith that I have had for 8 years and never once flown on a table.

[Setarius]

Carl,
Ive updated the VP in the BRF.

2 points per Boxcar dmg under 5 points left on board.

Note: all 4 Boxcars need to be accounted for in the VP total.

This doesnot change your total significantly and still gives the Eagles a Victory.
It also gives the horse and mule teams a chance to recover supplies and get them to trucks on a road.

Once again great job.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Thanks Dale I will amend the results.

[Stumptonian]

Great to see those Belgian boys in action.
I often wonder why I bought mine.
Rob.

I just ordered another Belgian RE.8 (from Eli's ad in the classifieds) to build up my Belgian force a bit more. I find stragglers don't get used.

[tikkifriend]

Carl thanks for showing us the way on this one. The mat looked good and the result was even better for the Eagles

Tell me how many of the planes did you run as AI ? I was wondering whether to run the rocket gun ship as non AI to give it a chance of hitting the train.
Paul

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Carl thanks for showing us the way on this one. The mat looked good and the result was even better for the Eagles

Tell me how many of the planes did you run as AI ? I was wondering whether to run the rocket gun ship as non AI to give it a chance of hitting the train.
Paul

For the Eagles I ran the Halberstadt and one SSW D.III (Goerth) as AI. I ran all the Entente aircraft using AI until I decided it was time for the RE.8 and Nieuport to commence their ground attacks, after that I selected their cards. It is particularly important for the rocket armed aircraft as there are specific cards you must play when using the Le Prieur rockets, both before and immediately after firing.

[tikkifriend]

My thoughts exactly re the Le Prieur rocket carrier.

[Ken at Sunrise]

Would the game work if all the planes if controlled by humans instead of AI?

[Setarius]

Yes it can Ken. That would make the decisions the pilots rather than a D8 table or any one of the other ways to play solo.
The thing about all the missions in the Early Doors Campaign and the Bitter End Campaign is they were written for the solo adventure, but can be easily played as a group event.
Try it with a group and then post your AAR in the AAR section and let us know what happened.
Safe flying.

[Ken at Sunrise]

Yes it can Ken. That would make the decisions the pilots rather than a D8 table or any one of the other ways to play solo.
The thing about all the missions in the Early Doors Campaign and the Bitter End Campaign is they were written for the solo adventure, but can be easily played as a group event.
Try it with a group and then post your AAR in the AAR section and let us know what happened.
Safe flying.

Maybe it's me but I'm having a hard time locating these campaigns. I find lots of AARs but not much on the mission itself. I found the one for this one 'She'll be Coming Round the Mountain' but now can't locate that either? I have looked in the files sections and campaign discussions. Maybe I'm missing it.

[flash]

It's definetely you Ken ! You won't find them in the files, trawl the sub-forum for BRF (briefings) or check the sticky threads at the top of the OTT sub-forum for the current campaign and a for all the previous campaigns BRF .... or follow these links !

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...aign-Scenarios
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...p-Rule-Threads

[Ken at Sunrise]

That is great.

Thank you,


P.S. I knew it was me.

[mikeemagnus]

Hey Carl, that was beautifully written! Thanks for the reminder about the Siemens Schukert DIII I'd forgotten about them. It's just as well though, since the Bulldogs had a hard enough time during my own mission, without adding to their misery. Great aircraft the SSW DIII! Thanks for a great read. REP on the way if I'm allowed Mike

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Koolkerke, Flandern
1630hrs 21 Januar 1918



As Oberleutnant Willi Mattheus climbed down from the cockpit of his Siemens Schuckert Werke D.III the last glow of the winter sun was fast receding in the western sky. Stiff from almost two hours flying in the thin freezing air Mattheus stamped his feet and rubbed his hands together to try and get at least some feeling back into his limbs, before wiping the oil from his goggles and face.

It had been a long day.

That morning Mattheus had set off with two of his See Adler Staffel pilots to fly from the 5. Armee Flugpark back to Koolkerke. On the way they had intercepted a Belgian raid over the mountainous Ardennes. Mattheus’ Kette had downed three out of four enemy aircraft but had not entirely escaped unscathed. The powerful Siemens-Halske rotary engine on Mattheus’ aircraft had taken a few hits and he was forced to make an extended stop at an airfield outside Aachen for repairs. Being a new type the engine was a source of great interest and no little consternation to the mechanics assigned to fixing the damaged cylinder. Mattheus and his pilots Leutnant Lothar Nagel and Vizefeldwebel Hans Goerth meanwhile submitted their victory claims for substantiation by Army. By the time the SSW D.III was flight-ready it was well into the afternoon.

But finally they were on the ground at Koolkerke. As the See Adler Staffelführer Oberleutnant Mattheus in particular was keen to get back to work having spent the last month away from his command testing new fighters, like the one in which he had just claimed his seventh victory.

“It seems the Schwarze Männer fixed her up well enough Herr Oberleutnant,” called Vizefeldwebel Goerth as he bounded across the frosty field. Goerth had flown the second of the new SSW D.IIIs that Mattheus had secured for field testing. The young Marineflieger NCO was clearly in love with his new mount. He was ebullient in his praise for the rotary engine machine and had not stopped smiling all day since bagging a Belgian Hanriot HD.1 without so much as a tear in the fabric of his own aircraft to show for it.

“She seems to be running well,” confirmed Mattheus “despite that Belgian pilot’s best efforts.”

Leutnant Nagel approached the pair as the ground crew pushed his Halberstadt into one of the large hangars. “It appears you have a welcoming committee Willi,” Nagel stated, gesturing at the formation of Marineflieger officers marching in perfect step.

“Staffel, halt!” ordered the tall Leutnant at the front of the parade. He marched up to Mattheus offering a crisp salute. “Staffel all present and correct Herr Oberleutnant,” reported a grim faced Leutnant Paul Achilles, before breaking into a broad smile and shaking his commander’s hand “It is good to have you back Willi!”

“It is good to be back Paul,” replied Mattheus with genuine warmth. The rest of the pilots broke ranks to greet their Staffelführer and look over the Siemens Schuckert. Hans Goerth was more than happy to relate the characteristics of ‘his’ new fighter, complete with hand gestures re-fighting the morning’s engagement.

“It seems you had a busy day Willi,” remarked Achilles as he and Mattheus walked towards the Officers Mess. “The Station Kommandant received confirmation from 5.Armee about your claims an hour ago. He has already added them to the board and recommended some ‘tin’ for Lothar and Hans.”



“Right now Paul I would almost trade my Iron Cross for a good stiff drink,” replied Mattheus as he stepped into the timber hut that served as the recreational area for the Marineflieger....to find it was almost empty! No bar, no billiard table, no souvenirs decorating the walls – just a few tables and chairs were all that remained.

Mattheus looked around for a moment in stunned silence before turning to Leutnant Achilles, “Well Paul I can’t say I approve of what you have done to the place in my absence! I can only assume the See Adler Staffel has taken a page out of the Richthofen Geschwader’s Standing Orders and gone on the dry?”

Achilles replied with a laugh “Not quite Willi, I have a surprise for you.”

Mattheus followed Achillies out the back door of the hut to the Staffel’s 1913 Minerva Knight car, Unterbootsmann Bohmer in the driver’s seat with the engine running. The two officers had no sooner climbed into the back seat before Bohmer accelerated away. Mattheus glanced over his shoulder to see a truck with the rest of the pilots aboard following behind. He looked quizzically at Achilles. “Staffel picnic is it?” Mattheus asked pointedly, his humour fading. He was tired, hungry and thirsty and did not feel at like playing this game.

“Much better, Willi, you will see,” replied Achilles, still smiling despite his Staffelführer's displeasure.

The drive lasted only a few minutes, with the car heading south towards Bruges before turning off into the grounds of the Chateau Ten Berge. Even in the failing light the castle was magnificent, situated on a man-made lake filled with waters from the nearby Bruges-Zeebrugge Canal.



“It is a wonderful Schloss Paul,” observed Mattheus, “but I have had enough sight-seeing. I need a wash, food and drink, and not necessarily in that order!”

As the Minvera Knight pulled up in the Chateau courtyard Achilles replied “I am pleased to hear that Willi, because you will get all three here.”

Mattheus climbed down from the car and looked to the steps leading to the great hall. Beside the grand entry was a wooden sign “See Adler Staffel”, and there on the steps was the Koolkerke Station Kommandant. “Guten Abend Herr Kapitänleutnant,” said Mattheus, offering a salute before continuing “This is, ahh… unexpected.”

The Kapitänleutnant returned the compliment and shook Mattheus’ hand. “Welcome back Herr Oberleutnant, to a billet more appropriate for Germany’s heroic naval aviators.”

“Your quarters are ready and dinner will be served in thirty minutes,” said Paul Achilles clasping Mattheus on the shoulder and guiding him up the stairs, “followed by some serious drinking to celebrate your return to the Staffel.”

As the Staffelführer disappeared into the Chateau followed by his officers the Station Kommandant moved to Achilles’ side.

“Well done Herr Leutnant” the Kapitänleutnant complimented Achilles “I had been negotiating with the landholder for months but the old aristocratic fool was stubborn and had friends in high places.”

“That is where you went wrong Herr Kapitanleutnant,” declared Achilles as he turned to his superior and fixed him with a cold stare. “Even with a Luger in his face the proud old man refused to bow to my demands.”
A hand straying to his ever-present P.08 sidearm Achilles continued, “It was only when I threatened to shoot his wife and grandchildren that he became more……amenable.”

“Means to an end, eh, Herr Leutnant? Still, best if the circumstances are kept between us” the Station Commandant commented, gesturing towards the open Chateau doors.

“Of course Herr Kapitänleutnant,” replied the nonchalant Achilles, “I am the last person who would want to spoil the party with such petty details.”

The officers laughed as they entered the Chateau, greeted by the sounds of merriment, clinking glasses, and voices raised with the soldier’s favourite ‘Wacht am Rhein’.


Dining hall of the Chateau Ten Berge

[Flying Officer Kyte]

What a magnificent Epilogue Carl. You give us two for the price of one with your extended story line.
However, I should get the wine cellar emptied pretty smartly If I were you, because I have a feeling that you will not be staying in the Chateau for more than a few months.
Rob.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Thanks Rob, much appreciated. With a few missions down now in the campaign the characters are starting to develop well. I look forward to the events of the new year to see where the missions and the course of the war take the men of the See Adler Staffel.

For those who are interested the Chateau Ten Berghe was actually used as headquarters for the Marine Feld Jastas I & II in 1917-18 - http://www.forgottenairfields.com/be...kerke-s74.html

Ten Berghe has survived two world wars and today serves as a bed and breakfast (from 140 Euros a night).



http://bedbreakfast.be/en/chateau-ten-berghe-365

[mikeemagnus]

Excellent Carl - Epilogue huh! That's setting a bit of a precedent

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Excellent Carl - Epilogue huh! That's setting a bit of a precedent

Thanks Mike. I have included epilogues with the majority of my AARs. While the prologues are the place to set up the action the epilogues allow me to wrap up the mission, as well as giving me the opportunity to move the 'out of the cockpit' story forward.

[Setarius]

Excellent work Carl. Enjoyed the continuation of your story and the development of your characters.

[Stumptonian]

Nice finish, Carl.
But now everyone will want a Chateau of their own!

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Excellent work Carl. Enjoyed the continuation of your story and the development of your characters.

Thanks Dale. That marks the end of my OTT Campaign contributions for this year. Looking forward to January when I can continue the adventures of the See Adler Staffel.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Nice finish, Carl.
But now everyone will want a Chateau of their own!

Strange coincidence that many airfields of the time were just a short distance from estates such as Ten Berghe, particularly good for units like the Marine Feld Jastas that were not subject to frequent re-deployment.

[gully_raker]

Excellent wind up to the Mission Carl!

I hope your Adlers do not get too fat & spoilt in they new luxury accommodation.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Excellent wind up to the Mission Carl!

I hope your Adlers do not get too fat & spoilt in they new luxury accommodation.

Thanks Barry. I am sure the tempo of operations in the coming months will keep them very busy.