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View Full Version : Nigel sees RED. (A Christmas special.)



Flying Officer Kyte
12-24-2011, 02:53
Nigel sees Red.

For Nigel Bouncer-Smythe It had been one of those days that started off badly, and went downhill from there. First thing that morning he had arrived back from Night escort duty to find that there was no breakfast remaining. Then whilst trying to get a nap his hut had sprung a leak right over his bed as the rain started teeming down. Even worse was the fact that just as it looked as if the night patrol would be napoo because of the weather, it stopped and the late evening Sun appeared from between the clouds. As Nigel and his Observer Sgt. Bennington climbed into “Betsey” Bennington slipped on the still wet foot hold and fell to the ground. The crack as he broke his ankle could be heard all over the field.
By the time Nigel had found a replacement Observer, and he and Lt. Ken “Rocky” Shaw. had got airborne, the rest of the flight had vanished into the night sky. Not only could Nigel not find the rest of his Flight, but he never even found the bombers that they were supposed to escort.
Dawn found him heading for home with a full bladder, freezing cold, an empty stomach and precious little fuel left.
It was just at this moment that he spotted a solitary DH 4 winging its way out towards the lines for an early morning recon.
As he neared it he spotted a rapidly closing Fokker Triplane dropping down behind the DH. Coming out of the rising Sun He gave it a short burst and his cold guns immediately jammed. By the time he had cleared them he was nearly up with the DH.
Then he saw Red. The DH was literally red decorated with Hunnish crosses on the wings and tail.
Taking in the situation in an instant he gave the DH a long raking burst from front to tail. This time his guns did not fail him, but to his astonishment, the enemy aircraft simply disintegrated in the air and he flew on through a pile of burning debris.

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By this time, the pilot of the Triplane had recovered from his suprise, and a turning game ensued with each aircraft trying to get a bead on the other.

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The superior turning circle of the Triplane was starting to gain it’s pilot an advantage,

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so Nigel broke away and performed an Immelmann, which brought the Hun into his sights as it continued its turn.

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Rocky also got in a good burst as the aircraft passed

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although a lucky shot from the Triplane started to cause smoke to issue from the front of the “Biff”

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As oil and smoke started to obscure his view Nigel pulled another Immelmann and caught the Triplane once more.

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This time the fire power of the Bristol was too much for the Tripe, which also had engine damage, and a slightly wounded pilot. Going into a tight spiral it went down just inside No mans land, pulled out and then flopped over into a crater on its nose.

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As he overflew the crashed machine Nigel was just in time to see it

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burst into flames as its pilot discharged his Signal pistol into it, before making off towards his side of the lines.

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Running on the fumes in their tank, Nigel and Rocky were just happy to make it back to the Drome in time for a hearty Christmas Day breakfast.


Afterword. Jason in the DH was very unlucky to draw the Explosion card at the very start of the game, but although now vastly out gunned because of this Chris “von Rogerstein” gave a very good account of himself against Nigel’s Biff.

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All enjoyed the game, and both he and Jason will return for revenge in the near future.
Nigel and Rocky will fly again.

Nightbomber
12-24-2011, 03:16
Great report and amazing pictures, Rob. And beautiful planes!
Good for Nigel:salute:

Oberst Hajj
12-24-2011, 04:02
Very nice indeed Rob. I had forgotten about that super looking DR.I of yours!

Nightbomber
12-24-2011, 04:23
I noticed the great tripe as well. It's really cute and painted nicely. Is it a historical scheme, Rob?

Flying Officer Kyte
12-24-2011, 07:46
I noticed the great tripe as well. It's really cute and painted nicely. Is it a historical scheme, Rob?

Yes the Tripe is an unknown pilot from Jasta 11. Chris, alias Christoph von Rogerstein, used it as his personal aircraft for this reason until it was destroyed in his house fire, which I think he now believes was a bombing raid carried out by 69 Squadron. I took the remains, after a fireman had troden on it and restored it for him by stripping it back to bare metal parts and re-assembling it. I also made a replica for myself to use with my Jasta 11 planes. The one you see here is Chris's model. Quite poignant that he should have to burn it after crashing near the British lines. I have now put a special house rule in that his plane is resistant to fire, as it has survived a real fire.
Rob.

Tommy Z
12-24-2011, 10:19
Great AAR! Love the Story! :thumbsup:

usmc1855
12-24-2011, 11:06
Great turn by turn narrative, and the pics really add to the AAR. Thanks!

itchy
12-24-2011, 12:26
Great stuff really enjoyed that ,thanks for posting .

Bruce
12-24-2011, 19:24
A very nice Christmas present Rob. Thanks.

The Cowman
12-24-2011, 20:23
Great AAR as always Rob. Love the photos and the restoration on the Tripe! :clap: