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Thread: Mission 13 Things that go bump in the night 52Sq. " The Bulldogs."

  1. #1

    Default Mission 13 Things that go bump in the night 52Sq. " The Bulldogs."


    (or Nigel's last mission?)



    It was very strange to Nigel standing as he was in front of Major Kyte's desk.
    Not strange to be standing there as he had on many occasions before, but in the fact that in the chair that for two years had been graced by Major Kyte's posterior, sat Captain Hawkwood. Freshly returned from his Blighty wound leave, and Acting Squadron C.O. since Kyte's promotion to GHQ. he was keen to prove his leadership qualities.
    Nigel snapped off a salute. " Good to have you back sir." he said with feeling.
    "Thanks' Nigel. It's good to be back. Do take a seat old chap."
    So being in command has not gone to his head mused Nigel as he sat down opposite his old friend.
    "I take it that you have heard about this Hun Heavy that has been terrorizing the Red Tabs in the Back areas for the last few evenings by knocking seven bells out of HQ." Ginger began.
    "Well they have got the bally wind up, and think it might hit something important one of these nights like the local Bordello or the Hunting stables, so they are asking the Bulldogs to put a stop to Fritz and his pranks.
    What I want is for you to take up the Bristol Night Fighter that has just arrived from the pool. I will get it up gunned for you as you like it. You are the only chap with experience of night work because of your secondment to that Night Fighter Squadron when you were back in Blighty."

    "Leave it with me then sir, I'll give it a go" replied Nigel.

    In the pitch darkness over the front he was not so sure that it had been such a good idea.


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    As the odd searchlight probed the night sky it seemed like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.


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    He was just about to call it a night when he spotted a vague silhouette in the gloom.


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    Turning toward it , he was sure that he could see a giant Gotha looming up before him.
    Just as swiftly it vanished as if it had never been there. Maybe it hadn't he reflected. Straining your eyes at night could easily play tricks on the retina.


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    Even the searchlight battery seemed to have given it up for the night.


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    Just as he was about to give up for a second time for no apparent reason that he could understand, first one searchlight sprang back into life and probed the sky nowhere near to where he thought he had seen the enemy bomber.


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    As it scanned the heavens it suddenly fixed upon what he had been seeking all evening.


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    Within seconds a second light bracketed the monster and held it in its beam.


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    Banking like a madman Nigel sped towards the Gotha at full revs.
    As soon as he was within range and fearful that the bomber would give him the slip he opened up on it.


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    The bomber simply ploughed sedately on in the full glare of the searchlights.


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    It was not until his third shot that Nigel registered any success and by this time he was receiving return fire from the Huns forward gunner.


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    As Nigel swung behind the enemy, Chips Woodhead in the observers seat got a few rounds off and was repaid in kind by the rear gunner of the Gotha.


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    At that precise moment the searchlights went out and both the crew of the "Biff" and the Bomber were temporarily night blinded.
    Picking up where they left off desultory fire was exchanged between the two protagonists without either getting a clear idea poof the others position.



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    Finally Nigel to his consternation found that he was almost up the bombers chuff, and opened up just as the enemy rear gunner replied. This time Nigel's fire was telling and a small lick of flame wrapped itself around one of the engine pods of the Gotha.


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    No need for searchlights now Nigel surmised as the flames illuminated the bulk of the aircraft before him.


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    The down side was that in avoiding a crash into the tail of the Gotha he had now over flown his target.


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    As the Gotha continued to burn rather fitfully, he stalled the Bristol in order to fall back into an attacking position again.

    Meanwhile Chips continued to pump away and succeeded in wounding both the pilot and forward gunner. Also the fire started to smoke.


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    In the dark Nigel's stall almost caused the bomber to collide with his tail this time.


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    Incoming rounds from the Gotha now damaged the Bristol and the controls went haywire, before the German's gun jammed. Chips' return was also cut short by an empty drum as he returned fire to no real noticeable effect in the dark.

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    Pulling an Immelmann, Nigel almost lost Chips over side as he struggled to reload his gun, but pulling up managed to draw a bead on the Hun and get off another few rounds before he again swept past.


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    Then suddenly the Gotha found the clouds. For an instant Nigel could see a spark from the burning engine, but that too seemed to have extinguished itself. The chase was over as swiftly as it had begun.


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    Quest as he might he could not re make contact with the Giant, and as his fuel started to run out he switched onto his reserve tank and made his way back to the Drome.
    What he could not know, was that with two crew including himself wounded, and his engine badly damaged by fire, the Gotha was on its last legs anyway.
    In order to get it home, the pilot had to jettison his bombs and nurse his ailing aircraft gently back to its airfield. one Giant that would take to the skies no more.



    The Butcher's Bill.

    Nothing at all this time.


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    Rob.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC_4756.jpg   DSC_4778.jpg   DSC_4780.jpg  
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  2. #2

    Thumbs up


    That was truly inspired Rob! Love the searchlight effect & the night vision.
    The lads did the best they could under the circumstances & did some good damage on the Hun beast.

    Many G & T's for them in the mess no doubt!

    Wanted to give you some Rep but I have to spread it around first.

  3. #3

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    Superb action, very atmospheric and great searchlight special effects.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  4. #4

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    Cheers chaps.
    I must admit I took my life in my hands with that one. On my camera you could not tell if it had worked or not. The room was dark and the screen just looked black. It was not until I put them up on the computer screen that I knew if it worked or I had just wasted three hours in the dark.
    And then the Bu**er got away.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  5. #5

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    Loved the searchlight effects... and there wasn't much holding that Giant together!

  6. #6

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    So close, so very close - almost got eye strain trying to see what was going on but very atmospheric photography - & pretty good guesswork in a darkened room !

  7. #7

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    Great Dave.
    I was trying to give the impression that you were a pilot trying to make out your target in the murk.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Great Dave.
    I was trying to give the impression that you were a pilot trying to make out your target in the murk.
    Rob.
    This one of the best things about this campaign... all of the creativity of the participants and the different ways they bring these AARs to life!

  9. #9

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    Another materpeice Rob, as others have noted, I love those searchlights. This is a difficult one to win but that how it must of been, looking for ythe odd engine spark or glow in the dark. Great stuff, thanks for posting.

  10. #10

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    Another classic from the master Not much more to add as everyone else has said it. how did you do the searchlight ?? Pray tell


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  11. #11

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    The trucks are Red Eagle AA conversions. Searchlights from a Naval model shop. Leds and holders from Zinge Industries stand at WMMS.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  12. #12

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    My first quick run through the post and I thought you forgot how to work a camera.

    Very cool effect....nice work Rob.

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Captain Chum View Post
    My first quick run through the post and I thought you forgot how to work a camera.

    Very cool effect....nice work Rob.
    What do you mean forgot Kelly?
    I never found out in the first place.
    that's why they never send me on aerial recon missions.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  14. #14

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    Let me say just WOOW! WingCo! A creative mind of yours I love so much! What pictures you delivered and what setting I thought my pad is loosing power, but it was a dedicated effect.

    I am raising my late night glass cheering this report! So close!
    Just perfect.
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post

    I am raising my late night glass cheering this report! So close!
    Just perfect.
    I think I would have got the blighter if I had not spent so much time chasing shadows at the beginning.
    I had considered bringing in AA fire with the searchlights, but decided that as it was not stipulated in the remit it would have been deuced unsporting what!
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I think I would have got the blighter if I had not spent so much time chasing shadows at the beginning.
    I had considered bringing in AA fire with the searchlights, but decided that as it was not stipulated in the remit it would have been deuced unsporting what!
    Kyte.
    Not to mention shooting the wrong plane! Then again don't yours have G & T on the underside wings!

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Brambo View Post
    Not to mention shooting the wrong plane! Then again don't yours have G & T on the underside wings!
    No only topside Trev.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  18. #18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I think I would have got the blighter if I had not spent so much time chasing shadows at the beginning.
    I had considered bringing in AA fire with the searchlights, but decided that as it was not stipulated in the remit it would have been deuced unsporting what!
    Kyte.
    I had considered the inclusion of AA, but then promptly forgot about mentioning it in the briefing. First mission brief and all... I was pleased as punch to get anything on paper and posted in time for the beginning of the month.

    In hindsight, more active searchlights (loved the Red Eagle minis!) and AA would have been most appropriate!



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