Archidamus
02-19-2012, 12:03
Sirs,
I have the honour to report on the sorties flown this day by Lieutenant Wood and 2nd Lieutenant Palmer.
The pair fly from adjacent aerodromes, and had previously agreed to fly the dawn patrol over the front lines together. Wood flew his trusty Camel, and Palmer his Spad XIII.
They soon encountered Leutnant Lichstein in his Albatros DVa escorting a Roland on a mission to observe our trenches. Palmer attacked the enemy Roland, disabling the observer - but unfortunately this left him open to Lichstein's DVa just as his own guns jammed. Trailling smoke he disengaged whilst he set about clearing the jam.
Fortunately, Wood then flew with the inspiration and skill one expects of an "ace" (his tally is already 6 enemy planes) and engaged both the DVa and the Roland, damaging both. At this point Palmer re-entered the fray diving head-on at the Roland. Shots were exchanged, resulting in the Roland catching fire - but the return fire destroyed the Spad's engine and Palmer was forced to crash-land just behind our lines.
Nevertheless, with the Roland on fire and the DVa damaged Wood pressed the attack - and despite taking some damage himself drove both enemy machines from the field.
Fortunately Palmer survived the crash-landing with only scratches and bruises, although his beloved Spad was severely damaged!
Showing the esprit de corps expected of the RFC, Palmer commandeered an SE5a and joined Wood in a second sortie later that day. They soon encountered a Hun Fokker DVII escorting a Rumpler.
This time Wood was unfortunate enough to take fire from both enemy machines almost as soon as they came in to range, and he soon fell away from the fight to crash-land. Palmer engaged in a spirited duel with the Rumpler, finding the observer a worthy opponant - indeed, he was wounded during one pass. Deciding to risk one more pass before seeking treatment for his wound, Palmer attacked head-on - and the Rumpler exploded in a ball of flame - a sad end for a gallant pair of aviators!
Palmer dived away from the DVII - and as he crossed the line at low altitude he was relieved to see Wood standing beside the wreck of his Camel.
This was Palmer's 5th victory - the celebration of his new status of ace later that day was only marred by the dreadful news that Wood's silver heirloom hip-flask had been damaged in the crash-landing - it is to be hoped that the French jeweller in Paris can make good his promise that it can be repaired.
I remain, Sirs, your humble servant
I have the honour to report on the sorties flown this day by Lieutenant Wood and 2nd Lieutenant Palmer.
The pair fly from adjacent aerodromes, and had previously agreed to fly the dawn patrol over the front lines together. Wood flew his trusty Camel, and Palmer his Spad XIII.
They soon encountered Leutnant Lichstein in his Albatros DVa escorting a Roland on a mission to observe our trenches. Palmer attacked the enemy Roland, disabling the observer - but unfortunately this left him open to Lichstein's DVa just as his own guns jammed. Trailling smoke he disengaged whilst he set about clearing the jam.
Fortunately, Wood then flew with the inspiration and skill one expects of an "ace" (his tally is already 6 enemy planes) and engaged both the DVa and the Roland, damaging both. At this point Palmer re-entered the fray diving head-on at the Roland. Shots were exchanged, resulting in the Roland catching fire - but the return fire destroyed the Spad's engine and Palmer was forced to crash-land just behind our lines.
Nevertheless, with the Roland on fire and the DVa damaged Wood pressed the attack - and despite taking some damage himself drove both enemy machines from the field.
Fortunately Palmer survived the crash-landing with only scratches and bruises, although his beloved Spad was severely damaged!
Showing the esprit de corps expected of the RFC, Palmer commandeered an SE5a and joined Wood in a second sortie later that day. They soon encountered a Hun Fokker DVII escorting a Rumpler.
This time Wood was unfortunate enough to take fire from both enemy machines almost as soon as they came in to range, and he soon fell away from the fight to crash-land. Palmer engaged in a spirited duel with the Rumpler, finding the observer a worthy opponant - indeed, he was wounded during one pass. Deciding to risk one more pass before seeking treatment for his wound, Palmer attacked head-on - and the Rumpler exploded in a ball of flame - a sad end for a gallant pair of aviators!
Palmer dived away from the DVII - and as he crossed the line at low altitude he was relieved to see Wood standing beside the wreck of his Camel.
This was Palmer's 5th victory - the celebration of his new status of ace later that day was only marred by the dreadful news that Wood's silver heirloom hip-flask had been damaged in the crash-landing - it is to be hoped that the French jeweller in Paris can make good his promise that it can be repaired.
I remain, Sirs, your humble servant