Ares Games

Lt. S.Kafloc

Chapter 6: The penny drops

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“Aufmerksamkeit. Offiziere darf ich vorstellen Hauptman Leffens, ihrem neuen Kommandandt.” The officer standing in the door was slightly built, a monocle in his left eye, his dress overcoat draped over his shoulders. He looked with indifference around the room. Hauptman Leffens looked each and every officer in the eye. Each and every officer knew this was not a man to be trifled with. His reputation had preceded him. OberLeutnant Willhelm von Klugermann, adjutant of Jasta 23c, looked towards his commanding officer who barely gave a nod. “At ease gentlemen.” The relief in the gathered officers was immediate. The adjutant took hold of Hauptman Leffens coat and took it from his shoulders as Leffens strode forward a pace. He took the glass off the tray, held by a mess waiter in anticipation of this ceremony; Lefens raised the glass and watched as the officers snapped to attention, “Gentlemen, the Kaiser and victory”. “The Kaiser and Victory”, roared back the mess as one.
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It was a moonless night as the dark shape approached the parked aircraft. Quickly checking that there were no sentries near, the shape climbed into the cockpit. Shielding the torch satisfied that the aircraft was fueled and ready the shape climbed out of the cockpit and turned the prop until it bit, with a last swing the shape hurried to the cockpit and climbed in. Before any one was aware the aircraft was hurtling across the grass airfield that belonged to Escadrille 7eme. The little Nieuport gave a last hop and climbed into the dark of early morning.
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Lieutenant Fortymore knocked on Major Mullen’s door and waited. “Come in” the voice from inside shouted. Lieutenant Fortymore opened the door and marched in, halting and throwing up a smart salute. “Very formal Nigel what is it?” Major Mulled indicated a chair for Nigel to sit in but he remained standing. “Ok. This is getting more serious. I’ve never seen you stand on ceremony when we are alone in my office, always in front of the men but never here. What’s up?”. Nigel Fortymore began to explain and handed Major Mullen an opened envelope. He took out the single sheet of paper, read it once and again shaking his head. “Good God, he can’t be serious he’ll be shot for desertion if not as a spy”. “I know sir, what do we do, he’s my brother?”
“Get me Biggles, now and not a word of this to anyone.”
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Hauptman Leffens signalled for his two wingmen to close up and after surveying the scene of the failed allied photographic mission, banked right and headed for home. The lone SE5 that had dived to escape the carnage was already well over the allied lines. “One had to get away sometime”, he muttered to himself. Perhaps we can work the magic once more.

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The phone rang in the office and Major Mullen stretched to pick it up as he finished off the last scone he had saved from yesterday's impromptu tea party. "Yes, Mullen. Oh, sorry, right away sir. I'll be there in half an hour". Major Mullen wolfed down the scone gathered his hat, coat and stick as he left the office. "Run down to the officers billet Smith and inform Lieutenant Bigglesworth to join me at the vehicle pool. He is to dress smartly he's off to Corps HQ with me, be sharp haven't got all day." "Yes Sir, right away sir". With a quick salute private Smith ran to the officers billet.

Smith knocked on Biggles door. "Yes". "My apologies sir but the Co would like you to join him at the vehicle pool, you're to dress smart as you're both off to Corps HQ". "Oh damn and bother, alright, inform Major Mullen I'll be there shortly". It would take Biggles minutes to dress smartly. He had one decent pair of trousers which he was wearing, the right he reserved for his day off, his dress jacket was in his wardrobe. Soon with sam browne, coat and muffler he was heading for the car pool. "Ok sir, what's the flap?" asked Biggles. "Hopefully some answers to whats been going on. Wilkinsons squadron lost two yesterday and 3 crew. But a single SE5 pilot managed to get back, although badly wounded." Major Mullen replied. "That makes 14 aircraft since the new CO at Jasta 23 took over. Always over their lines and always when we try to take photographs of that area Corps is worried about." "Yes but now we may get those questions answered we have been asking for so long". They both climbed into the rear seat of the squadron staff car. It wasn't long before they were bumping along the rutted, uneven road on the way to Corps.
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Biggles slowly circled the Breguet. “What was Algy playing at? They should have picked up the spy by now. Come on Algy get airbourne we can't stay here all day”, Biggles muttered under his breath.
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The two DIII’s had spotted the circling allied plane and were closing in.
Biggles had spotted the danger and moved to draw the two Hun scouts away from the downed Breguet. At least that might buy Algy some time, Biggles thought.
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The two Hun scouts split left and right, they had spotted both aircraft and were closing in for the kill.
Biggles banked tight right, the Hun had out guessed him and as he watched his own bullets whizzing past the closing Albatross the Hun’s bullets thudded into his fuselage.
Biggles flipped round and was soon on the Hun’s tail, “Have that Hun, some of your own medicine!” Biggles could see his tracers rounds punching holes in the wooden panels behind the pilot of the Hun scout.
Biggles could see the Breguet taxiing slowly, at last Biggles thought, now we can get out of here and back home.
Algy was keeping a warey eye on the closing enemy scout. Biggles was entertaining one now he had the other to deal with. Climb you bugger, climb; Algy willed the heavy French aircraft to climb as he pulled the stick back.
Biggles had seen the danger and was closing in on the second Albatross, Algy gave a wave as he climbed upwards.
Turning quickly Biggles fired at the first Albatross who had been closing in behind him. His bullets hit home and he knew he had hit the pilot.
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Biggles now had the bit between his teeth. He turned sharply getting onto the Hun’s tail and blasted him again. Biggles’ bullets were ripping huge chunks out of the Hun’s fuselage as the wounded Hun pilot tried to dodge the deadly fire coming from Biggles’ twin vickers.
Algy watch Biggles tussle with the Hun scout but watched as the second again angled his approach towards him. A long range shot went wide and Algy was surprised as the Hun had him dead he shouldn’t have missed even at that range. Algy decided enough was enough and as the range closed he didn’t wait for the Hun to open fire he fired first but missed.
Biggles was throwing his camel to the right and left always on the Hun’s tail and watching his vickers work their magic.
Biggles was shepherding the Hun for the kill. Again his twin vickers spoke and punctured more holes in the stricken Hun’s fuselage and wings.
Hauptman Karl Leffens could not believe his luck. Two of his men were engaging a two seater Breguet and a camel. The camel pilot being the closest did not look as though he had seen their arrival. He waved for his wingmen to close up and engage. The tactics he had drummed into them was to stick in formation and widen their fire arc so any unlucky enemy plane caught before them would be blown out of the sky.
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Biggles was concentrating looking for Algy and…..what was he doing? Was he actually forcing the Hun to fly in front of him? For the Hun pilot didn’t seem to be taking any evasive maneuvers.
Leffens opening long range shot missed but it had alerted Biggles to the new danger behind him. Damn, more Huns!
Algy was indeed shepherding the Hun towards the Allied lines. As he had closed the Hun had thrown both hands up in surrender, Algy signalled for him to fly in front which the Hun obediently did. Now to get him home and find out what was going on.
Biggles banked right and fell into Leffens trap. His plane shuddered as the weight of fire from two enemy scouts hit the fuselage.
Banking again caused the nearest enemy pilot to miss his next shot.
He could not fool this pilot a second time. Banking again he turned the wrong way and allowed the German to close the range. Bullets ripped through his fuselage and he could feel his controls go slack. The out of control camel plunged downwards. Biggles knew it was hopeless he couldn’t maintain level flight and attempt to glide over no Mans Land. He was going to crash in No Mans Land.
Leffens saw the Breguet and lone DIII were out of sight and the camel was down in no Mans Land. He circled his arm and all three aircraft turned together and headed for home, job done and another allied pilot down if not dead.
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“Look Lacey the report is quite clear. The forward artillery observer post saw a plane, which admittedly he has stated was a British Sopwith Camel, come down in no man’s land. The pilot did not get out of the aircraft and it was impossible to mount a rescue attempt as the Germans started an attack shortly after the plane crashed. The attack was beaten back and a patrol managed to get to the wreck but it was badly burned and unrecognisable.” Major Mullen was looking Algy in the eye as he spoke slowly. “So it might not be a camel. They always say every plane is a camel or a Fokker and it might not be Biggles?” Algy said with little hope or conviction in his voice. “OK. Alright. Enough. I’ll post Biggles as Missing In Action, not Killed in Action. But I can only post this for 30 days. After that He will be posted as Killed in Action. Regulations and all that.” “Tosh to regulations; he’ll be back, he’s got to come back”. Algy left the CO’s office with his fist in his mouth and his heart on his sleeve. Private Smith couldn’t look at the young Officer for he was obviously distraught. “He’ll be back”. Algy said to no one in particular, he hadn’t even seen Private Smith, “Yes Sir, I’m sure he will”. Smith replied back to no-one in particular.
“Smith, ask the Adjutant to come in please”. “Sir”. A few minutes passed and Major Mullen lit a cigarette, his second in as many minutes. Captain Buckley entered without knocking. “Sit down Reginald, sit down. Now what do we do with him?” Captain Buckley took the offered seat, and sat awhile in thought. “I take it we are not talking of young Lacey but our other problem?” “Yes damn it. For me I would haul him up to that wall over there and shoot the blaggard. No questions just end it, here, now”. Major Mullen’s voice had risen higher as he spoke and he spat out the last two words. “Can’t do it. Against regulations. He must be sent up the line to Division from there to Corps. He might have vital information or there again they might just shoot him too. Anyways, what would it do to his brother? Eh? It would destroy Fortymore. To desert is one thing but to be captured flying an enemy aircraft and wearing an enemy uniform….Just not on, not cricket. And he fired at Lacey, fired at him. No excuse. You must ring Division and pass him on”. Buckley had not even stopped for breath it came out like a whoosh. Major Mullen sat upright. “You’re quite right Captain Buckley, quite right”. Captain Buckley was happy that Major Mullen had reverted to the correct procedures. God forbid the CO in the Guards calling him Reginald! Never happen in a million years. Yet somehow he had warmed to this man from Dublin. You can’t beat the Irish he said to himself as he left the CO’s office and he did not envy him the phone call he was about to make either. He would have to organise some leave for Fortymore so he could inform his parents before it hit the papers back home. Then he reflected. No, no need there were no parents to worry about. Only Fortymore.
Major Mullen was startled by a screech of brakes outside his office window. Before he could get up he heard Private Smith shout, “Hey you can’t just go in there”, as the door burst open and a mud splattered Major stood in front of his desk. Major Mullen could see the red tab boards, either side on his collar. Damn a staff officer he thought to himself. “It’s OK Mullen don’t get up, I’ll be brief. First I want to see that DIII on the airfield and have someone start the engine. We fear that it is a newer type and I want to see how it handles, myself. Before you ask, yes I can fly. Sorry, forgot to introduce myself. Major Raymond, Corps Intelligence.” I can arrange that”. Replied Mullen his inquisitive nature peaked at the sudden arrival of Major Raymond. “Ok lets go, no time like the present”. With that they set off for the hangar area. Major Mullen got the ground crew to puch the Albatross DIII out onto the area in front of the hanger. “Seems to be ok, now would you be so kind and have the prisoner escorted here.” “What?” Was Major Mullen’s annoyed response. ”Your prisoner I want him, now.” Said Major Raymond equally firmly. Major Mullen stormed off whilst Major Raymond sat behind the controls. He was too far away for him to Hear Major Raymond tell the ground crew to bring over a Vickers that they were working on and a belt of ammunition.
At the sound of gunfire Major Mullen hurried back with the 4 man guard and the prisoner. “What was all that?” asked Major Mullen of his ground crew sergeant who was sat behind the Vickers machine gun. “Well sir, it’s like…” He got no further before Major Raymond interrupted him.”Don’t worry Mullen it’s all in order. Now you come here”. Pointing to the prisoner he walked across to Major Raymond. Who to Major Mullen’s astonishment whispered in his ear and was equally astonished when the prisoner nodded his head and calmly walked over to the now bullet ridden Albatross and started to climb into the cockpit. The sound of four Lee Enfield rifles cocking as one brought his actions to a stop. “Carry on, guard stand fast”, ordered Major Raymond. Before Mullen could protest Raymond pulled a piece of paper our of his top pocket and thrust it in front of his face. “Read it”. Mullen slowly digested the writing and turned to the guard “Stand down, it’s all right it’s an order”. Raymond turned back to the prisoner and said “Off you go”. The prisoner continued to climb into the cockpit and without a backward glance took off.
45 minutes later the German patrol found the pilot of the crashed Albatross lying in a field with a gash across his forehead. “Feldwebel finden Sie, dass diese deutschen Piloten wird genommen auf den nächsten Unfall”. “Ja Leutenant Keller.” With that the wounded German pilot was placed in a blanket stretcher and taken to the casualty clearing station.
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“Good morning Leutnant, I hope you don’t have too much of a bad head”. “No it feels fine”. “That is good you may leave within the hour”. “Can you tell me if there are any other pilots here?” “ Well we only have one. Came in two days ago, clothing all burned, no footwear, no ID. We just don’t know who he is”. “May I see him”. “Yes of course he is in a separate ward”.
The building for the casualty clearing station was an old school house and also doubled as the field hospital. The doctor brought him to the bed and indicated the person lying there. “Here he is, he hasn’t spoken a word since he they brought him in. Traumatised I suppose”. “Freidrich, my old friend it is you. They told me you had been shot down over no man’s land and were killed. Your aircraft was a burned out wreck”. The man in the bed just nodded. “Is he hurt doctor? “ “No he is quite well. If you know him perhaps if he was back amongst his friends he would get better for I fear he is suffering from short term memory loss. I’ll get the nurses to sort out some uniform, we have some pilot jackets but no shoes or boots. But I’m sure we can sort him out”. “Good could you arrange for a car to take me back to my base”. “Yes I’ll arrange that too.”
2 hours later and both pilots were on their way down quiet French country roads. One pilot chatting away quite merrily to the driver and his companion, whilst his companion just sat and stared into space.
“Fahrer haben wir kein Gepäck, wenn sie herunterfallen könnte uns hier den Flugplatz befindet sich einen kurzen Spaziergang über die Felder aber eine längere Fahrt. Ich bin mir sicher, dass meine Freundin wäre es von Vorteil, wenn die zu Fuß zu erreichen.” “Ja Leutenant.” The driver dutifully stopped and waited until both passengers had got out. He gave a salute which was returned and he turned the car around and headed back down the road. If he had waited he would have seen the dumb passenger turn to the other and shout “What the blazes is going on ‘Thirty’? and where did you learn to speak German?”
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“Now listen Sir, I don’t have all day to explain but you must trust me”. “OK. Where are we and what are we doing?” ”Well just over there is a German airfield. The one I flew the Albatross off”. “Albatross?” “I told you it’s too long to explain everything just trust me. Now I have to pick something up but we can’t have you being seen. From here it is only ½ mile to the rear of the airfield. I want you to pick out a nice 2-seater, there are usually three in the right hand hanger. If we wait for lunch there shouldn’t be anyone around. Can you fly?” “Yes I feel fine.” “OK. You pick the kite, climb in the pilot seat and wait for me.” With a quick nod they both headed off towards the airfield. ‘Thirty’ pointed out the hangar in question and got a thumbs up from Biggles. Biggles found a nice bush to crawl under from which he could observe the front of the hangar. ‘Thirty’ had disappeared from sight. What seemed like hours but must have been only 10-15 minutes Biggles heard a clanging noise. At first he thought they had been rumbled but he observed men leaving the hangar in a leisurely manned towards the main complex of buildings. ‘Ah, dinner gong. Now where is ‘Thirty’?’ He didn’t have to wait long. Biggles jumped up and sprinted into the hanger found a 2-seater pointing out and jumped into the pilot seat. Thirty arrived a minute later and placed a bundle in the rear seat then ran to the front. He swung the propeller and Biggles ‘caught’ the engine and it burst into life. ‘Thirty’ ran round and jumped into the rear cockpit as Biggles gunned the 2-seater out of the hangar and across the runway. No-one seemed to mind the aircraft taking off and why should they. A German aircraft taking off from a German airfield. The AA mg gun pits remained silent and Biggles could see the crews looking up, shielding their eyes as they ate dinner out of their mess tins. Biggles quickly gained height and headed west. The sky was empty and ’Thirty’ reached over and gave a thumbs up in front of Biggles’ face. Biggles turned round and gave ‘Thirty’ a big smile and his own thumbs up.
2nd Lieutenant Edward Haig had had a most horrid journey to 266 SQN. After landing at Calais to refuel he had got a little lost, well a lot lost really. However after flying round in what seemed like circles he finally got his bearings and headed slightly west of south. Maranique was only 20 miles away He hoped he would just be in time for lunch, he was starving.
“Come on Biggles, I’m starving”. Young ‘Thirty’ shouted in his ear. Without turning round he just gave the thumbs up and pointed down. ‘Thirty’ could see the airfield. Home at last and to clear up a few things, well a lot of things really. ‘Thirty’ fired off a red and a green flare to indicate they were friendly and landing as arranged by Major Raymond.
Edward Haig could not believe his luck. He had turned to begin his descent into Maranique when he spotted a nice, fat, juicy Hun 2-seater just in front and below him.

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Biggles dropped the nose and began to descend when the bullets thudded into the German plane. He instantly knew they were from a vickers by the distinct noise the vickers made when firing. ‘Thirty’ swung the rear machine gun round to fire a warning burst but when he pressed the firing lever nothing happened, the drum was empty. Biggles hadn’t thought to check to see if the rear machine gun was loaded! Damn we’re a sitting duck he angrily thought to himself. So he began to wave at the closing camel. Hoping the British pilot would see that ‘Thirty’ had no intention of firing at him.
Edward Haig was not put off by the Hun’s bluff. Try to get me in closer then let me have it eh? I think not as he pressed the lever and the twin vickers ate up the rear of the 2-seater in a hail of tracer. Haig was equally impressed as some of the bullets thudded into the rear gunner and he slumped over his rear gun. Now you’re mine, all mine he muttered to himself.
Biggles knew they were in trouble as more and more bullets crashed into the 2-seater. He struggled to control the now mortally wounded plane. He managed to bank right and line up his landing descent as more bullets exploded around him luckily each one missed him and anything vital. He hoped ‘Thirty’ was keeping his head down as he struggled to keep the German plane level for landing.
Biggles cleared the boundary hedge and could see ground crew and soldiers trying to wave off the attacking camel. Just another minute and I’m down, just another minute. Biggles wasn’t given another minute or another second. More bullets blasted their way pat his head and smacked through the upper wing surface, just in front of his face and into the engine. A flicker of flame burst out around the engine and along the upper wing surface. In that final second he knew he was going to crash but thankfully the firing had stopped. The 2-seater bounced once then its undercarriage collapsed and the propeller bit into the ground.
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Biggles covered his face as best he could as he was thrown out of the aircraft before it flipped over and came to rest on its back. Biggles lay there, staring up at the sky. He could hear people running towards him and he could hear the distinctive sound of a camel landing. Then everything went black.
2nd Lieutenant Haig could not believe his luck, his first kill. Now as he landed and taxied to a halt all he could think about was a souvenir. The CO would be impressed with him. Newly arrived and a kill to boot. No-one could disclaim this kill either for it was on the very airfield he was posted to. As he approached the crash he was astonished that everyone was more interested in the bodies of the German crew lying on the ground a little way from the part burned 2-seater. He shouted to one of the soldiers near the wreck, “Get me a souvenir will you, a cross off the tail section would be marvelous to mark my first kill”. The last words were said a little too loud, intentionally so, as he wanted everyone there to know that he was the pilot who had downed the German aircraft. The talking had stopped and as he approached he saw an officer being restrained by two others. To make matters worse he was looking directly at him. “Friends of yours chummy?” He threw the comment at the officer being restrained. “What’s one more dead German eh, isn’t that what we are here for? What are you angry about?” Algy managed to burst free and grab Haig by the collar. “If he’s dead, if either of them are dead you’ll pay. Chummy!” Major Mullen approached the two officers, thankfully the newly arrived officer had not retaliated otherwise he knew he would not have been able to stop Algy. He laid a restraining hand on Algy’s shoulder and said, “Algy he didn’t know, how could he. Let him go, now.” Algy, visibly shaken by the events prior he had just witnessed let go of the collar and walked away.
“Bit upset isn’t he Major?” “Mullen, Major Mullen you’re commanding officer. And wouldn’t you be if some idiot had just shot down two British pilots and perhaps killed your best friend? Now be a good chap and disappear. I don’t want to see you today. Don’t even come into the mess tonight. 9 am sharp tomorrow in my office”. Mullen didn’t wait for a reply and he too walked away. By the time Lieutenant Haig had pulled himself together he realised he was standing alone on the airfield. Well no one was going to stop him taking his trophy. He walked over to the tail section of the downed German 2-seater, took out his pocket knife and cut away the cross for a souvenir of his first kill.
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“Ok, Biggles. Both you and ‘Thirty’ are on your way home to Blighty. Hospital ship sails tomorrow.” Major Mullen was standing at the window looking out across the hospital lawn. “You’ll be transported by the Hospital staff here. With luck you should be back in a few months. Keep an eye on ‘Thirty’ he’s going to take a long while to be fit for active service again.” “I will Major, I will. Who’ll lead the flight in my absence?” “Lacey, if that meets your approval?” “Yes he’ll do just fine.” Biggles could not look his CO in the eye. He wanted to fly, he needed to fly. Now he was being sent home to rest and recuperate. “Well everything’s packed and will travel with you. Take it easy and enjoy this break you deserve it and don’t try and get into any scrapes, please?” Major Mullen was nearly pleading with Biggles for he knew his way for finding trouble or trouble finding him. “Well goodbye and good luck”. He shook Biggles hand. Biggles didn’t speak, he didn’t need too. Major Mullen left him there wondering just how long it would be before he was back in combat with 266 again and just how lucky he had been to survive being shot down twice. Algy had pieced together some of the story from Major Raymond, Captain Buckley and a captured German sergeant. Biggles’ camel had smashed into a water filled crater but was already burned beyond recognition. He was sad at the loss of Penny, the name painted underneath his cockpit in memory of his mother. Biggles, wounded, must have crawled into another shell hole where a wrecked Albatross was and it was here that the Germans found him unconscious with most of his uniform burned off him. They had taken him to a casualty clearing station. Algy had learned of this after a wounded German sergeant had recognised Biggles and asked how the German pilot was. It was this sergeant who had carried Biggles back to the clearing station. Major Raymond was using ‘Thirty’ to find out what was special behind the German lines that had caused the destruction of so many allied aircraft. He was born in Austria and he and his older brother had grown up there when their father was ambassador. They had both learned German and spoke it fluently. It was this fact the Major Raymond decided to exploit. He had it put around that an Austrian born British pilot had deserted and was a known German sympathiser. ‘Thirty’ had been accepted reluctantly into a front line squadron as a propaganda coup. Using a nom d'plume ‘Thirty’ had fit in well. He had found out the information needed and had managed to gain some evidence but before he could return he was sent on the fateful flight during which he ‘surrendered’. He had to return to retrieve the information but had found out that Biggles was also alive and in the hospital he was in. He had recognised him when he asked to go to the toilet and came up with the ploy of knowing him to gain his freedom. The rest Biggles knew. Algy had told him that ‘Thirty’ was very lucky for the information he had brought back was in the form of a new phosphorus shell the Germans were using in their anti-aircraft guns. It was this that was causing the destruction of so many aircraft. ‘Thirty’ had also identified the shell dump and the location of the hidden battery using the new ammunition. A huge bombing raid of both locations had been successful and it was thought that was the only stockpile on the frontline.

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Updated 07-16-2014 at 10:29 by Lt. S.Kafloc

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Biggles

Comments

  1. Flying Officer Kyte's Avatar
    Superb story.
    An excellent rehash of the original to fit your game Neil. Let's have more of them please.
    Rob.