OTT BE Mission #9--We're Poor Little Lambs Who Have Lost Our Way

**Setarius** · 03-15-2017 15:42

6 March 1918
Recreation tent 2000 hours

Lt. Richard Forbes:
At ease Gentlemen. I just came to have a drink and join the celebration.

2Lt. Rodger Hamlett:
Sir, what celebration?

Lt. Forbes:
The one that will start shortly.
Gentlemen, due to our recent success against the Huns...we have 3 new planes being ferried in tomorrow. Two SPAD XIII and a Sopwith Camel.

Men cheering

Lt. Forbes:
2Lt. Callahan as our leading Ace, you will get the first pick of the new arrivals. 2Lt. Kilpatrick will be next and on down the line.
I will make the SPAD XIII I normally fly available for test flights tomorrow morning starting at 0800 hours. You will have 1 hour to fly around the area to see if you want one of the new planes.
Also, while up there you will be ecpected tobe on the lookout for the new planes and help guide them the last miles home.

2Lt. Kilpatrick step forward.

2Lt. Kilpatrick:
Sir?

Lt. Forbes:
No need to Sir me Lieutenant Kilpatrick. It seems someone in Command felt that since you are now considered an Ace, you should be promoted. Your new rank came in with the dispatch rider 30 minutes ago.
Your new bars Lieutenant, Congratulations.
Now Gentlemen we celebrate.

7 March 1918 0800 hours
Lt. Forbes tent

Lt. Forbes:
Gentlemen I don't expect the new kites to be in the area for another hour or so. We will fly in 1 hour shifts. We will cut cards to see who gets what shift, high card goes first.

Pilot--Card--Shift--D20 competition roll highest wins
2Lt. Callahan--9 Spades--1045-1145//1645-1745--5
Lt. Kilpatrick--5 Diamonds--1245-1345//1845-1945--13
2Lt. Hamlett--King of Clubs--0845-0945//1445-1545--4
2Lt. Winklebleck--Jack of Spades--0945-1045//1545-1645--3
Lt. Forbes--8 Hearts--1145-1245//1745-1845--10
2Lt. Smythe-Browning--2 Clubs--1345-1445--15

Lt. Forbes:
Gentlemen, while we are waiting I propose a little competition, each plane will be fitted with a sack od dirt, as a bomb. You will drop your "bomb" on a target at the edge of the field. The closest to center will receive...a three day pass. Good Luck.
2Lt. Hamlett you need to be in position by 0845.

1430 hours
Alternate Airfield

2Lt. Stanley Livingston:
This was supposed to be an easy flight. No worries, just deliver the plane safely to the Mutts and catch a ride back here and wait for your next assignment.
Well, that's what they said!
I should have known we would be FUBARRED. We were supposed to leave by 0630 but, we had to wait for the fog to lift before take off. Then a pop up storm in the channel along our route. Then, we couldn't find 2Lt. McGillicuddy. Seems he tripped in a sewage ditch and had to clean up.
Finally, we were airborne crossing the channel. I was in the SPAD XIII #1, 2Lt. Patrick O'Houlihan was in the red SPAD XIII, and 2Lt. Liam McGillicuddy was in the Sopwith Camel.
It was a beautiful day over the channel, you could see the ships headed for the coast. Suddenly Liam takes a hard right almost running into Patrick.
2Lt. O'Houlihan's quick think with a Stall then a hard left behind Liam's Camel saved him.
Attachment 219058

Attachment 219059

In the distance I could see a single dark speck. I assumed it was one of our guys getting ready to land. So, I headed for it, hoping the others would follow.
Attachment 219060

I'm not sure what Liam was trying to do as he againturned his plane and headed for Patrick.
Attachment 219061

This time Patrick cut across the front of Liam avoiding a collision.
Attachment 219062

And wouldn't you know, about that time 4 Hun Abatri dropped out of the clouds to my right. Me against 4 Hun while Liam tries to play tag with Patrick.
Attachment 219063

Two of the Kette headed toward me guns blazing (4SMK) (0,2NL). I could hear the fabric tearing as the bullets ripped through the new SPAD. So, I figured I would return fire on the Albatross with the black tail (0,EXP).
There was a blinding flash so I jerked the stick to the right and when I could see again there was smoke and debris falling to the Earth.
Kill 1 for 2Lt. Livingston
Attachment 219064

I had my first Kill but, my controls weren't responding properly and I was heading for a cloud bank.
That's all I know for now.

Lt. Reginald Jeffrey Smythe:
It seems that bugger you shot down survived. We found pjeces of his plane in a bog not too far from here. No body has turned up, so, we assume he is in hiding.
To fill in the gaps for you.
2Lt. O'Houlihan took a round across the back of his right calf (3P) from the second Albatross DVA piloted by Ltn. Sven Raffensberger. 2Lt McGillicuddy suddenly turned away from the fight.
Attachment 219065

Ltn. Raffensberger continued to pound on 2Lt. O'Houlihan (3P, 3ENG) wounding him a second time, in the shoulder, causing him to spiral out of control to the ground below.
Kill 1 for Ltn. Raffensberger
Note: forgot +1 for continuous fire, doesn't matter, 2 Pilot wounds plane goes down.
Attachment 219066

**Setarius** · 03-15-2017 15:43

2Lt. McGillicuddy was chased back toward the channel while, 2Lt. Smythe-Browning and Ltn. Beckmann exchanged fire to no effect.
It seems the 2Lt. Was up to escort you boys to the proper field.
Attachment 219084

Attachment 219085

As Ltn. Beckmann flies by Sgt. Vanderboegh ventilated the Albatross (2,2).
Ltn. Beckmann (0,0GJ) watches as tracers fly by as he does a reverse and Obltn. von Boddien pops the RE8 (2NL, 3). But, gets nothing in return (0,0).
Attachment 219086

Attachment 219087

Giving up the chase, Ltn. Raffensberger heads back to the fight as the DIIIs almost collide and Sgt. Vanderbeogh misses an excellent opportunity with a gun jam.
Attachment 219088

Attachment 219089

With his rudder controls messed up 2Lt. Smythe-Browning circles to get heading in the right direction.
As he comes around he exchanges fire with Obltn. von Boddien (3) effectively cutting all controls turning to each side on the RE8 (2NR).
Attachment 219090

About this time 2Lt. McGillicuddy comes back into the puctureshooting at Ltn. Beckman (2GJ) doing minimal damage and jamming his guns.
Sgt. Vanderbeogh having unjammed his guns hits Obltn. von Boddien at close range (0,2NL)
Attachment 219091

Attachment 219092

As 2Lt. Smythe-Browning flew towards the clouds, Sgt. Vanderbeogh exchanged greetings with Ltn. Raffensberger (EXP), getting the better of the exchange. RE8 (3).
2Lt. McGillicuddy gets hit from his right side (3).
Kill 1 Sgt. Vanderbeogh
Attachment 219093

**Setarius** · 03-15-2017 15:43

With the odds 2-1, 2Lt. McGillicuddy (0,1) tries to take on the two veterans getting the best of Ltn. Beckman (4,1)
Attachment 219094

As the World turns and the planes circle, Ltn. Beckman gets a shot at the rookie (1NR). And decides his plane has had enough so he heads for the clouds.
Obltn. von Boddien finishes off the rookie with some well placed shots (5,1NL) (5P, 0GJ) sending him to the land below before his guns jammed.
Attachment 219095

Attachment 219096

Attachment 219097

Attachment 219098

**Setarius** · 03-15-2017 15:44

Butcher's Bill

Central Powers Left to Right

Ltn. Lars Andersen--Albatross DVA Black Tail--SD EXP ET
C&W Rolled 8 -3EXP =5 Skip D3 rolled 4 SKIP 2
E&E Rolled 8 -1EXP -1WIC -1BEL =5 skip D2 rolled 2 In Hiding SKIP 2

Ltn. Sven Raffensberger--Albatross DVA yellow dot--SD EXP ET Kill 1
C&W Rolled 7 -3EXP =4 Skip D6 - rolled 6 SKIP 6
E&E Rolled 5 -1EXP -1WIC -1BEL =2 CAPTURED
Shot Down 2Lt. Patrick O'Houlihan (Rookie ferry pilot)
Attachment 219172

Return to Base

Obltn. Gustav von Boddien--Albatross DIII Red--RTB 5 DMG Kill 1
Shot Down 2Lt. Liam McGillicuddy (Rookie ferry pilot)

Ltn. Paul Beckmann--Albatross DIII blue dot--RTB 11 DMG
Attachment 219173

Entente Left to Right

2Lt. Stanley Livingston--SPAD XIII yellow dot--Kill 1 Alt Field Landing(landed safely)
Shot Down Ltn. Lars Andersen
Attachment 219174

Return to Base
2Lt. Riachard Smythe-Browning (P)--RAF RE8--RTB 10 DMG
Sgt. Rene Vanderboegh (O)--Kill 1
Shot Down Ltn. Sven Raffensberger
Attachment 219175

2Lt. Patrick O'Houlihan--SPAD XIII red plane ferry pilot--SD FT 2WIA
C&W Rolled 8 -2WIA =6 Skip D3 rolled 4 SKIP 2

2Lt. Liam McGillicuddy--Sopwith Camel ferry pilot--SD WIA FT
C&W Rolled 5 -1WIA -1SD =3 Skip D6 rolled 1 SKIP 1
Attachment 219176

Victory Points
20 points for landing plane safely minus 6 points for damage
EQUALS 14 VP
Win for the Eagles

**Setarius** · 03-15-2017 15:45

Alternate Field Landing

It looks like an Entente field ahead.
Attachment 219182

Drop down to tree top level.
Attachment 219183

Straight a little longer
Attachment 219184

Hook a right.
Drop down to the ground as I clear the tree line.
Attachment 219185

Cut power and roll to a stop. Hurry up and stop before the tree! Whew, just made it, stopped with the nose under a tree.
Attachment 219186

ALL'S WELL WHEN YOU LAND WELL.

Alternate Field provided by Dawn Patrol

**flash** · 03-16-2017 00:42

Looks like a bloody affair in the offing Dale !

**Setarius** · 03-16-2017 23:06

Finally got it done, Woohoo!
Don't criticize the picture angles guys, I uploaded them from every conceivable angle and they all turned the way you see them. So unless you have a workable solution that I can use to upload from my tablet don't mention the problem.

**flash** · 03-16-2017 23:58

Well done Dale, liked the two-seater reception committee, that was different, and your chap got a victory too ! At least you got one down safely somewhere amongst all that carnage. Uncle will be along later.

Uncle says:

Well, we can't win them all & this can be a tough mission on the rookies, at least one found his way to a safe landing and you bagged a couple of theirs to even things up a bit.
Small error in the Tally - Herr Raffensberger is injured for six but as he is now a POW that doesn't affect the result - I expect he'll get a gong for downing one of the rookies... they can post it to him !

Ltn Sven Raffensberger: SD EXP ET / Kill 1
C&W Rolled 7 -3EXP = 4 - Injured - Skip 1D6 Scenarios. Rolled 6 = SKIP 6
E&E: Rolled 5 -1EXP -1WIC -1BEL =2 Captured! The war ended for this pilot...
Shot Down 2Lt. Patrick O'Houlihan (Rookie ferry pilot)

Obltn von Boddien: bagged his second so he's up for an Iron Cross 2nd class

and a replacement Ltn Konrad Dietlen is making his way to the Jasta.

Keep an eye on Livingstone, he has a victory already he & could become a good replacement for you if required.

**gully_raker** · 03-17-2017 01:55

Well played Dale!
Do not know your problem with the pics. Must be a "Tablet" thing.
This looks like a difficult one to conquer!
Hoping to play it over the weekend,

**Stumptonian** · 03-17-2017 15:50

Well done, Dale.
An interesting take using the RE.8 as your "Shepherd", and , as Dave said, that rookie may well be a "keeper" as a future replacement.

I might try taking some pics with my tablet and see if I can replicate and fix the issue you are having.
Once the crook in my neck heals ....

Just to be sure - are you uploading straight from the tablet - no other device available ?

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 03-18-2017 01:32

Nice action there Dale.
I can't help with the tablet problem either.
Rob.

**flash** · 03-18-2017 03:17

Originally Posted by Stumptonian

...I might try taking some pics with my tablet and see if I can replicate and fix the issue you are having.
...just to be sure - are you uploading straight from the tablet - no other device available ?

I notice all the images are taken in portrait but all are presented in landscape - could it be the tablet was turned to take the image and the tablet is presenting it as taken ie on its side - or is that just me being daft ? There may be a setting to sort that if it is ?

**Carl_Brisgamer** · 03-18-2017 03:24

Booms galore there Dale.

Can you download a photo app to your tablet to reformat the images?

**Setarius** · 03-18-2017 11:06

On the Tablet/Picture problem, I did some experimenting yesterday and I think I might have the solution.
And Yes I am uploading straight from my tablet. It is the only device I currently have, other than my cell phone.
If I go into my Gallery and look at a picture, it is upright. If you look at the more part, and click on details it says the picture orientation is 90degrees. When I upload the picture it rotates 90degrees to the left.
I think if I rotate my Tablet 90degrees when taking the picture I am hoping it will upload in the correct 0 degree orientation.

**Setarius** · 03-18-2017 11:20

The idea of using the RE8 for the Shepherd was based ona trying not to "burn out" a pilot with a "boring" , possibly "uneventful" job. Do you give the job to your Ace or skip over him for the next guy in line, or do you give it to the guy who just came back from sick leave or the lowest guy on the totem pole.?
I couldn't decide who to give the job to, so I created the competition and rolled a die to see about what time they would show up.
I carry the Dawn Patrol map in my WGF case to use as an industrial complex or whatever, so it came in handy.
Thanks for the comments guys.

**Carl_Brisgamer** · 03-18-2017 15:48

Originally Posted by Setarius

The idea of using the RE8 for the Shepherd was based ona trying not to "burn out" a pilot with a "boring" , possibly "uneventful" job. Do you give the job to your Ace or skip over him for the next guy in line, or do you give it to the guy who just came back from sick leave or the lowest guy on the totem pole?

That's the military for you Dale, I did the same thing sending up the Staffel's only NCO pilot.

**mikeemagnus** · 03-20-2017 15:42

Well played Dale. Nice result for the Eagles and like everyone else I enjoyed the RE8 making an appearance. Now about those pics - naaaaaa only kidding

I have no solution to suggest. Lets hope your idea works. Cheers, Mike

**Teaticket** · 05-01-2017 17:41

A tough outing but not a total loss. At least one new plane made it through and a couple of downed Huns to make them think of staying on their side of the lines in the future.

**tikkifriend** · 05-21-2017 03:41

Well played dale What software are you using to re size your photos before uploading them?

**Setarius** · 05-21-2017 20:21

Paul, I don't use any software to resize my pictures before uploading. The only software I have available is built into the tablet I use to take the pics and upload them and my stories. I do not at this point in time have a reliable computer or internet service.
I do think though I may have the rotation problem solved and as soon as I am able, hopefully this week, I will be flying the Kaiserlatch mission and post it. Unfortunately I have been ill and am finally healthy enough to start flying again.