Over the Trenches - The Final Months . Mission 2: Never volunteer..! 23rd April 1918
I knew Ernst would get over my leaving him grounded for this mission but as the Co had asked for volunteers and I was the one chosen and the CO had said to me “Ok Jacob, no heroics, just get over there, pick the agent up and get back in one piece…” I was day dreaming when I should have been concentrating…now where was I? Oh yes…..
…feathering the Mercedes engine of the Walfisch, I glided down towards the small field where the agent provocateur I was to pick up had laid out the pick up sign. I kept the engine turning over as I taxied towards him and threw the plane quickly round. I had timed it to perfection the pick-up was at the side of the aircraft and climbing in as the aircraft slewed to a halt. No sooner was my passenger in the plane than I was gunning the throttle to take off. My aim was to keep low until we neared the front line then rapidly climb, cross the front and land at the airfield. I also hoped my arrival had been un-noticed but a furious tapping on my shoulder and an arm pointing half right was to prove me wrong. High above in the cloudless sky a lone plane was heading towards us. From its shape it could only be a Sopwith Camel.
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I turned into the Camel and my ploy worked as the Camel passed us by to the rear. My actions did not put off my passenger as I could hear the parabellum machine gun chattering away behind me. Hopefully the Camel pilot would be more wary now.
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I had only delayed the Belgian (I had noticed the markings as we passed) but as I glanced left I could see another Camel heading towards us. My passenger fired a quick burst then stopped…I could hear the cursing as my passenger tried to un-jam the gun. Bullets from the Camel whizzed past the plane as the Belgy missed.
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With no rear gun I had to try some drastic manoeuvres. The Belgy was hot on my tail pouring more bullets into our craft. Luckily the Roland was built to take a bit of damage..but there were now some large holes in my left wing surface.
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I dodged left and threw Belgy 1 off my tail only to leave Belgy 2 an opening and more bullet holes appeared along the fuselage.
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Both Belgian pilots had succeeded in pushing me to turn away from the front but at least I had thrown Belgy 2 off my tail. My passenger tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a thumbs up. The sound of the mg spitting out a few rounds was enough to convince me our rear gun was operational again.
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A tap on the shoulder, a thumbs down and then 3 fingers prompted a quick look back….we now had 3 Camels chasing us. I had to turn for the lines but that meant taking a gamble….
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Belgy 1 and 2 had broken off but were now flying to cut off my line of retreat whilst Belgy 3 closed in from the rear.
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Now it was my turn Belgy 1 and 2 had turned and were taking me head on….I fired off a burst and flames were licking the side of Belgy 2. His burst put another hole in my wing surface…
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I dodged round both planes as I could see Belgy 1 hammering on his jammed guns. I had Belgy 3 in my sights and he got a quick burst and flames began to lick his plane.
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A quick turn and Belgy 3 was on my rear as bullets hammered into the airframe again, then I could faintly hear click click click, his guns had jammed. I was now dangerously low but I had no room to climb and hoped lady luck would smile as we crossed the lines very low. Archie was bursting all round us and some ground fire but soon we were clear and heading for home.
I was surprised when we landed and my passenger got out of the plane then instead of a handshake gave me a kiss full on the lips…taking off the hat and goggles revealed a stunning blonde haired woman, a quick wink and she was gone. I just stood there stunned. Who was she? Where had she gone? Would I ever see her again?
The butchers Bill.
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Lt Blake Roberts RTB
2Lt Richard Lyle RTB (wounded rolled 7-1+3=9 a mere flesh wound)
"Lt Stephen Croft RTB
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(the bottom line is the +1 to cards line)
Lt Jacob Hasenhirn RTB
Agent RTB
It wasn't until I realised that I had forgot the archie card and drew the 0, totted up the damage and it was on 14 for Lt Hasenhirn that it dawned just how lady luck had held out for him and his saucey agent.
Very exciting 
Originally Posted by gully_raker
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