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Thread: OTT DYM Mission 1, Luftwachtdienst-Sperrflug, 5 January 1916 (Carl Brisgamer)

  1. #1

    Default OTT DYM Mission 1, Luftwachtdienst-Sperrflug, 5 January 1916 (Carl Brisgamer)

    Prologue

    Flugplatz Cunel, Occupied France
    4 Januar 1916
    19:00

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    “We have only two of the new Fokkers,” said Oberleutnant Karl Selber, commander of Flieger-Abteilung 24 to his second-in-command Leutnant Friedrich Schueler van Krieken, “and I will not be assigning either to an inexperienced, untried pilot.”

    Natürlich Herr Oberleutnant,” agreed van Krieken. “But you have seen Vizefeldwebel Rath putting the Eindecker through its paces,” he added, “the boy can fly.” Like the FA24 commander, Leutnant van Krieken was an observer and not a qualified Flugzeugführer. With the war well into its second year however, he knew a competent pilot when he saw one. But Rudi Rath was young and not regular army, two factors that van Krieken knew would count against him in the mind of Oblt. Selber, a career Prussian Garde officer. Even the other NCO’s called him ‘Bubi’ Rath due to his youthful appearance.

    “An acrobatic display over one’s own field is one thing, but a Frontflug is something else altogether,” stated Selber flatly. “With Wendt and Rouselle having already proven themselves, at this time there is no need to take such a risk with a Fokker.”

    Leutnant van Krieken took a long drag from his cigarette as he looked at the board where the next day’s flying duties were being posted. “With the recent bad weather lifting I would still recommend assigning Rath to a mission,” he said, before turning and stubbing out the butt in the ashtray constructed from an old rotary engine cylinder that sat on the desk.

    Oberleutnant Selber rubbed his chin as he too examined the board. “Leutnant Gross can stand down in the morning,” he said, “and Vizefeldwebel Rath can take up his Albatros C.III on the Luftwachdienst.”

    “Flying with von Hartsen, Herr Oberleutnant?” asked van Krieken raising an eyebrow.

    Karl Selber smiled at his subordinate’s reaction. “I know Leutnant von Hartsen can be …. difficult,” responded Selber, pausing for just a moment to find the right word. “Still, you can be certain he will give a tough but fair assessment of Rath’s abilities.”

    Leutnant van Krieken looked back at the board and crossed out the name of Ltn. Bernward Gross from the roster, then added Vzfw. Rudolf Rath next to the aircraft observer Leutnant Jacob von Hartsen. The Saxon Hussar officer had been serving with FA24 for several months now. Although acknowledged as an excellent observer and the best shot in the unit, von Hartsen was a martinet not well liked by his brother officers and positively despised by the lower ranks.

    ‘Good luck Rath,’ thought van Krieken tapped out another cigarette from the silver case he kept in his tunic, ‘With the enemy in front and von Hartsen behind, you will need it!’

    ********************

    Flugplatz Cunel, Occupied France
    5 Januar 1916
    06:30

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    Vizefeldwebel Rudolf Rath listened intently as Oberleutnant Selber gave the operations briefing for the day, the young pilot noting down times, bearings and altitudes on his map. He could not help but feel some initial disappointment he would be flying an Albatros C.III two-seater and not the latest Fokker E.III type. At least the C series Albatros was also fitted with a synchronised MG08/15 which could be fired by the pilot.

    The two E.III’s assigned to FA24 were being flown by Leutnants Wendt and Rouselle on a Sperrflug to the west of the Meuse River. Vizefeldwebel Rath and his observer Leutnant von Hartsen were to take up one of two Albatros C.III two-seaters conducting a Luftwachdienst mission southeast towards Etain, where 5.Armee was sending up a line of observation balloons this very morning.

    “Well Rath, your first mission,” declared Leutnant von Hartsen as he and Rudi walked out to their waiting Albatros across the frosty field.

    Jawohl Herr Leutnant,” responded the NCO, unsure of how to reply to this obvious statement.

    “Just to be clear Vizefeldwebel,” continued von Hartsen, accentuating Rath’s rank, “I am in command of this aeroplane and you will follow my directions at all times.”

    Rath had been told by other NCO pilots that von Hartsen was a real ‘hard case’ as his name suggested. But he remembered the advice of his Döberitz instructor – 'listen to those with experience of the front'.

    “I will do my best Herr Leutnant,” replied Rath trying hard to keep his expression neutral.

    The officer fixed his NCO pilot with a pointed stare.

    “Then I suppose we must hope that your ‘best’ is enough.”

    ********************

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    Thirty minutes after take off the two Albatros two seaters had climbed to 2000 metres and were approaching the balloon line positioned near the village of Etain. Fifteen kilometres to the west the Meuse River ran through wooded hills, with the fortress city of Verdun beyond. Although only half an hour into the flight, Rath was already feeling the effects of the extreme cold. He was shivering despite the thick flight suit, gloves and boots. His exposed face was numb now, a dubious respite from the stinging pain brought on by the low temperatures and biting wind flying at this altitude. Rath forced himself to focus, first checking the instruments - oil pressure, engine temperature, RPM - so far the 160hp Mercedes Benz engine was running well. He then scanned the sky ahead and behind, above and below. To his left he saw the second Albatros flown by Leutnant Tütschulte with Leutnant van Krieken in the observer's seat. Then not for the first time this flight Rath felt a riding crop tap his shoulder none too lightly. He turned to see his own observer Leutnant von Hartsen gesturing off to their 11 o'clock. Rath looked in that direction but all he saw was one of the observation balloons as they approached the balloon line. Looking back he shrugged his shoulders, causing von Hartsen to strike him again with the crop and point furiously in the same direction.

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    Turning back Rath again scanned the sky. This time however he saw past the 'Drachen' and picked out three small black shapes approaching from the south. Rath blinked and re-focussed his eyes ..... yes! There they were, he could see them now, three monoplane aircraft coming in a few hundred metres below. Rath turned back to von Hartsen and confirmed the sighting. The observer was already preparing for battle, raising the butt of his Parabellum machine gun and firing off a test burst into the clear winter sky. Rath reached for the charging handle of his own machine gun mounted to the right of the engine. Pulling it to the rear then forward to chamber a round, he also fired a short burst. The gun chattered as a dozen rounds were loosed in less than two seconds.

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    'This is it,' thought Rath as he glued his eyes on the incoming enemy formation.

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    Just seconds later Rath saw puffs of white smoke appear in the sky as the flak battery defending the Ballonzug opened fire on the enemy formation. It was then he saw one of the Moranes side slip away to make an attack on the nearest balloon. Rath banked towards the enemy machine, forgetting for a moment he was flying in formation! He narrowly missed Leutnant Tütschulte's aircraft, passing behind the other C.III. If Erwin Tütschulte even noticed Rath's rash manoeuvre it did not put him off his aim. Exchanging fire with the lead Morane the German officer's burst struck a fuel line from his main tank, leaking petrol over the hot cylinders of the Le Rhône engine. The flammable liquid ignited sending a stream of flame running under the engine and fuselage. The Frenchman was also on target, his rounds passing through the fabric of the lower starboard wing of the Albatros.

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    The fire that was every aviator's worst nightmare began to slowly consume the Morane.

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    Rath did not notice the flaming Morane behind him, all his focus on making a diving front quarter deflection attack on the machine in front. The sharp-eyed von Hartsen however fired a long range burst at the stricken French machine, but his Parabellum MG fell silent after just a few rounds as a misfire stopped the gun's operation. Rath's synchronised MG08/15 also rattled into life and functioned perfectly. The Morane flew straight into the stream of bullets Rath had aimed a few aircraft lengths ahead of the machine. In the cockpit the French pilot Aspirant Paul Hasdenteufel rocked back in his seat as steel jacketed 7,92mm rounds tore through his body.

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    The third Morane having flown through the flak without damage made an attack on the second balloon, causing no damage to the Drachen.

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    Despite his wounds the Morane pilot slowed his machine and managed to fire off a strip of ammunition through his Hotchkiss gun, some of the copper jacketed rounds deflecting off the wedges protecting the blades of the propeller. The burst did not damage the balloon, but the Frenchman had more to worry about. Rath banked into the Morane intending to follow up his first burst, but as the French machine slowed he overshot. A split second after Morane disappeared from his view Rath felt the Albatros shudder and heard a loud cracking sound even about the roar of the Mercedes engine. Glancing back he saw the Morane spinning away, the port wing a crumpled mess where his undercarriage had connected with the main spar. Rath looked down at his own aircraft and was amazed to see his sturdy Albatros showed no signs of damage despite the mid-air collision.

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    Such was his shock at the incident he did not even think about the fact he had just claimed his first victory over an enemy machine. Despite the destruction of the Morane the balloon observer Leutnant Alfred Bednarski was quite over being a sitting duck in his basket and deployed his parachute.

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    Seeing his commander bail out of the balloon was enough to encourage Feldwebel Bruno Burkhard to do the same.

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    Rath banked his Albatros over a balloon, which was by now being pulled down as fast as the motorized winch could retract the cable. It was now that Rath saw the burning Morane diving steeply away from the action.

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    But the Frenchman Sous Lieutenant Jean-Paul Gauderman was doing more than just avoiding another attack. Switching off his main tank, his overdive extinguished the flames that threatened a fiery death. He then switched on the reserve tank and restarted the engine, the fuel now flowing though an undamaged line.

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    Using the agility and speed of their Moranes to good effect, the two remaining French pilots round on the second balloon …..

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    …. with the red nosed Morane narrowly avoiding a collision with the 'gasbag'.

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    Coming away from the Drachen the French are again engaged by flak, which bursts wide of the mark.

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    Rath and von Hartsen pass behind the balloon while Tütschulte and van Krieken come around …..

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    … to intercept the red nosed Morane. The French pilot pulls up and executes a reversement, passing under the Albatros C.III. Having re-loaded his Hotchkiss, S-Lt. Gauderman opens fire as he comes out of the turn. This time his rounds strike home and in a moment flames begins to consume the German balloon.

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    Closing on the balloon, Gauderman empties another ammunition strip into the observation balloon …..

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    ….. which continues to burn.

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    Passing behind and just above the gasbag Gauderman loads another ammunition strip into his Hotchkiss gun …..

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    ….. then reverses course and opens fire. This time the effect is dramatic as the balloon explodes in a ball of flame!

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    The force of the blast rocks both the French Morane and Rath's Albatros, but no damage is done to either aircraft.

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    The 'sizzling sausage' falls to earth, marking the French officer Jean-Paul Gauderman's first victory.

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    Rath dives though the smoke left by the burning balloon, passing just under the oncoming Morane so close that von Hartsen ducks involuntarily as the French machine's undercarriage seems so close he could reach out and touch it!

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    Meanwhile the other Morane piloted by Aspirant Joseph-Henri Halberger swoops on the second balloon, peppering the fabric skin with machine gun rounds.

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    Rath pulls the control stick hard to starboard giving Leutnant von Hartsen the chance to put a burst through the Morane's empennage, shooting up the rudder controls.

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    His second burst passes to the rear of the Morane, even as the flak battery below renews its barrage to no effect.

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    Rath again passes under the Frenchman as they turn into each other, Gauderman firing a quick burst at the balloon ahead.

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    As the Albatros and Morane separated von Hartsen fired a final burst which missed his rapidly diminishing target.

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    On the other side of the balloon Halberger performed a reversement and opened fire on the Drachen, setting the gasbag alight. He moment of triumph was short lived however as a flak gun finally got the range on their target. A 7,7cm shell fired from one of the Ehrhardt-Rheinmetall Ballonabwehrkanone defending the balloon line exploded beside the Morane, sending hot shrapnel into the aircraft. A piece blew a hole in the Morane's reserve tank, setting the machine alight.

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    Flames enveloped both aircraft and balloon …..

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    ….. but the Frenchman was lucky to avoid further damage.

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    Rudi Rath banked the Albatros to follow the burning Morane. Lining up his sight ahead of the French scout he squeezed the trigger and again put a deflection burst into the cockpit. Although his instrument panel flew to pieces as the bullets smashed into his aircraft, Halberger was luckier than his comrade Hasdenteufel as just one bullet grazed his arm. The force of the blow however left the limb momentarily numb and hanging useless.

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    Rath flew over the balloon still now being winched in by its crew, while the burning Morane dived under the smouldering Drachen.

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    Like Gauderman earlier in the combat, Asp. Halberger performed an overdive in an attempt to quell the flames. He partially succeeded and as he levelled out at almost tree top height the fire burned itself out as the last of the fuel in the holed reserve tank was consumed.

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    Behind the Frenchman, 'his' balloon still burned but the flames had yet to consume the fabric skin.

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    Wounded, his aircraft barely holding together and skipping over the ground at very low altitude behind the German lines, and with two Albatros two-seaters hovering above like vultures waiting for the kill, Joseph-Henri Halberger made the decision to put his stricken Morane down in a field and chance his luck at an escape on foot.

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    Gauderman on the other hand decided to make another attack to put paid to the balloon once and for all. Rath, with one eye on the Morane they had just forced down banked in at the last moment to fire off a burst at the red nosed French machine, which passed astern of his target.

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    Aspirant Halberger got his kite down in one piece, immediately switching off the engine. But the Morane had a terribly high landing speed and he soon ran out of field. The aircraft hit a ditch and ended up on its port side, and if not for his harness Halberger would have been thrown forward into the windmilling propeller. Having slid to a stop, the Frenchman was pleasantly surprised to find he was not dead! Halberger slipped the harness and, clutching his wounded arm, immediately ran off to put as much distance between him and his wrecked aircraft as he could.

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    In the skies above S-Lt. Gauderman put yet another burst into the descending balloon, while Rath tried to keep with the more agile Morane.

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    Despite the additional damage the balloon stubbornly refused to burn up.

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    Now Gauderman was again faced with running a gauntlet of Boche flak …..

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    ….. none of which was able to find its target.

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    And still the balloon, now within a few hundred metres of the ground, did not burn!

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    Incensed the German sausage would not 'sizzle', the French officer again reversed to have another crack, even as the two Boche Albatros machines closed in on him.

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    With single minded determination Gauderman fired off another long burst into the balloon, even as Leutnant von Hartsen shot up the Morane, sending a stream of black smoke trailing after the French machine.

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    As Rath and von Hartsen draw away, now Tütschulte and van Krieken close on the last Morane.

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    Gauderman fires off another tray of ammunition through his Hotchkiss gun, again holing the balloon but little more.

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    Leutnant Tütschulte draws ahead of the Morane to allow his observer Leutnant van Krieken a clear field of fire.

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    The smoking Morane is again fired on by flak as S-Lt. Gauderman makes an attack on the Albatros.

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    Van Krieken opens up with his Parabellum MG as the Morane closes, and Gauderman also squeezes off a burst, but neither man hits their target.

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    Behind them the balloon still smoulders as the crew have almost brought her to the ground.

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    Banking to starboard Leutnant Tütschulte gives his observer another shot at the Morane, and this time van Krieken makes it count, putting a long burst into the fuselage. At the same moment Rudi Rath gets back into the fight, but his MG08/15 stops after just a few rounds!

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    Rath sticks to his opponent with a perfect no deflection angle of attack, but his gun still refuses to fire. Finally Rath remembers to clear and recharge the gun, his inexperience delaying what should be an automatic drill.

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    Realising he is unlikely to get his MG working in time to stop the Frenchman's escape Rath banks hard to port, allowing Leutnant von Hartsen to bring his gun to bear. This time von Hartsen's marksmanship skills do not let him down as he puts a long range burst into the Morane.

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    S-Lt. Gauderman feels something give way in the aircraft and the controls become all but useless. Fortunately he is flying at low level and manages to coax the Morane down to crash in No Man's Land.

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    As the two FA24 Albatros C.IIIs turn back to the north and their own lines, the men of Ballonzug Nr.94 manage to bring in the badly damaged Drachen, and put out the flames.


    VICTORY POINTS

    CENTRAL POWERS
    3 SINGLE SEAT SCOUTS SHOT DOWN - 6 POINTS
    1 BALLOON SURVIVED (DAMAGED) - 5 POINTS
    TOTAL = 11 POINTS

    ENTENTE
    1 BALLOON SHOT DOWN - 5 POINTS
    TOTAL - 5 POINTS

    CENTRAL POWERS VICTORY


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    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-19-2019 at 05:35.

  2. #2

    Default CASREP OTTDYM Mission 1, Luftwachtdienst-Sperrflug, 5 January 1916 (Carl Brisgamer)

    CASUALTY REPORT (AKA THE BUTCHER'S BILL)

    CENTRAL POWERS

    FLIEGER-ABTEILUNG 24


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    Vizefeldwebel Rudolf Rath (pilot, Albatros C.III)
    RTB (0 damage) / 2 kills
    Leutnant Jacob von Hartsen (observer, Albatros C.III)
    RTB (0 damage) / 1 kill

    Leutnant der Reserve Erwin Tütschulte (pilot, Albatros C.III)
    RTB (1 damage) / 0 kills
    Leutnant Friedrich Schueler van Krieken (observer, Albatros C.III)
    RTB (1 damage) / 0 kills


    BALLONZUG NR.94

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    Balloon destroyed (EXP)
    Feldwebel Bruno Burkhard bailed out OK

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    Balloon damaged (22), winched down
    Leutnant Allfred Bednarski bailed out OK



    ENTENTE

    ESCADRILLE MS.52


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    Sous Lieutenant Jean-Paul Gauderman (pilot, red nosed Morane Saulnier N)
    SD NML / 1 kill
    C&W rolled 9 -1 SD -1 NML = 7 Injured - skip 1d2 scenarios rolled 2 skip 2 scenarios
    E&E rolled 7 -1 WIC +1NML = 7 Landed almost home! - Skip 1 Scenario

    Thrown clear of his aircraft when it crashed, S-Lt. Gauderman was fortunate to suffer nothing more than a few cuts and bruises and a shoulder strain. Gauderman spent most of the day working his way back across No Man's Land avoiding German patrols. Reaching the French lines that night, he returned to his escadrille the following morning. In just over two weeks S-Lt. Gauderman was again fit for flying duties.

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    Aspirant Joseph-Henri Halberger (pilot, Le Vengeur Morane Saulnier N)
    FL-ET WIA / 0 kills (FL = Forced Landing)
    C&W rolled 10 +0 FD -1 WIA = 9 All well when you land well!
    E&E rolled 11 -1 WIA -1 BEL= 9 They didn't even see me!

    Aspirant Joseph-Henri Halberger counted himself fortunate that he chanced a forced landing behind the German lines rather than run the gauntlet of Boche aircraft and flak guns. Halberger managed to avoid capture and the deadly perils of No Man's Land to get back to French lines, and finally to his escadrille. The wound where the German bullet had creased his arm was cleaned and bandaged, and Halberger was cleared to fly within a few days.

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    Aspirant Paul Hasdenteufel (pilot, red & white fuselage band Morane Saulnier N)
    COL WIA ET / 0 kills
    C&W rolled 3 -2 COL -1 WIA = 0 KIA

    Mortally wounded in the cockpit of his Morane, Aspirant Paul Hasdenteufel was killed when his Morane crashed near the German balloon line west of Etain.
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-15-2019 at 11:17. Reason: Tally Correction

  3. #3

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    AAR will be posted in my usual episodic fashion between gym, dinner and other domestic duties.

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    Greta visuals and story line Carl; another stellar performance from the Eagles, the tally has started nicely - jolly bad luck on the French !

    Onkel says:


    Well done Eagles, though you couldn't save the balloons from the attentions of our French adversaries you certainly made them pay for it !
    After some thought HQ has decided to go with my recommendation of the award of a pilot's badge and an Iron Cross 2nd Class to Rudolf Rath - 2 kills and one mission in a tandem pushing him to the threshold of three required.
    An observers badge awarded to Jacob von Hartsen for his first victory also so congratulations to them both, drinks are on them tonight in their respective messes.
    Last edited by flash; 01-15-2019 at 10:50.

    "He is wise who watches"

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    Good read so far Carl, looking forward to the rest of it - a difficult task for the Moranes I fear

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    Great opening Carl. Plenty of detail as usual in your AARs.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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    AAR and Butcher's Bill completed, ready for Onkel's review.

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    Great AAR, Carl. Enjoyed the engaging prose supported by a great blend of contemporary b/w photos & color photos.

    Rath certainly announced his arrival at the Front!

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    Onkel has reviewed your report.

    "He is wise who watches"

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    Great AAR again Carl - thanks for the entertainment. Eleven "0" s for Sous Lieutenant Jean-Paul Gauderman! Is that some kind of record or what

    Love the idea you came up with, permitting pilots to attempt a landing when forced to quit. That is really sensible. Shall keep that one in the back of my mind in future, as flying the early birds we are likely to need it a few times

    How tough did you find it flying the Moranes? Only I'm currently painting up a type L and a type BB, which are even earlier I think. I've noted the ammunition rule for them, which if I remember correctly was two rounds then reload. Is that the same for the types L and BB do you know?

    Anyway, congrats to the Eagles on a great start (Grrrrrrrrrrrrr) Rep inbound.

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    Great start to your campaign for Roth 2 victories is a great accomplishment for the rookie. I enjoyed the narrative very much with some excellent photographs what's not to like.
    I found using your idea for the Hotchkiss only firing twice before having to reload was a real penalty for the Morane and it does mean that the Elll's has quite an advantage over the Morane.

  12. #12

    Thumbs up

    Another great action packed AAR Carl & your usual highly enjoyable dialogue before & during the action.
    Those Froggies were certainly not lacking in pluck. Pursuing the balloons when even heavily damaged.
    Roth has made an immediate impression.
    One to watch out for no doubt!

    Rep inbound.

  13. #13

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    Great to have you and your terrific AARs back Over the Trenches, Carl, and your Daring Young Men put on quite a show, especially your rookie, Rath.
    Those before me have said it all already, so I can only add a +1 to all of the points they brought up.

    One surprise to me, from both yours and Rob's versions is that balloons don't necessarily burn to bits.
    Something for my Bratwursts to hope for this weekend ...

  14. #14

    Default EPILOGUE- OTTDYM Mission 1 Luftwachtdienst-Sperrflug, 5 January 1916 (Carl Brisgamer)

    EPILOGUE

    Flugplatz Cunel
    5 Januar 1916
    08:30

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    “I cannot decide if he is the bravest pilot I have ever flown with, or just the luckiest,” Jacob von Hartsen downing his second schapps. “The damned fool rammed one of the Parlewuhs and almost hit another! Mein Gott we were so close I could count the spokes on the Morane’s wheels!”

    “So, you would say that Rath is an aggressive fighter?” asked Oberleutnant Selber, his steady voice contrasting with Leutnant von Hartsen’s heightened anxiety. “Perhaps one who would do well in the cockpit of a Fokker Eindecker?”

    “Jawohl Herr Oberleutnant,” replied von Hartsen putting down the empty glass and doing his best to calm his demeanour. “With the exception of his propensity for colliding with the enemy Rath’s flying skills are acceptable."

    "And the boy can shoot," added von Hartsen almost begrudgingly, "twice I saw him put bursts directly into a Morane's cockpit.”

    “It seems as if he also had the presence of mind to manoeuvre so you could engage the enemy after his own gun jammed,” said Selber looking down at the freshly typed combat report on his desk, “and you brought down your first Franzmann.”

    “He went down in No Man’s Land,” agreed Jacob von Hartsen, who was now sitting ramrod straight in the chair with his voice completely under control, “I saw the enemy machine crack up on landing.”

    "Two confirmed victories for Vizefeldwebel Rath and one for you von Hartsen," said the FA24 commander approvingly. “Three successes to the crew of one aircraft in one mission is astounding. It is a pity one of our Drachens was destroyed and another damaged, but perhaps the price the French paid will make them think twice about another such adventure.”

    “Get some breakfast,” continued Oberleutnant Selber, “then you and Rath take a car forward to have a look at the Morane you forced down. Have a truck and some of the men go with you in case it is salvageable. I would not bother with the other shot down near the Ballonzug, apparently it hit with some force and there was practically nothing left of the aircraft …. or the pilot.”

    Von Hartsen stood, donned his cap and offered a salute. As he walked to the vehicle park to sign out a car and contemplated sharing another ride with Rath the thought crossed his mind - ‘This time I will be driving!’

    ********************

    Etain, Occupied France
    5 Januar 1916
    11:00

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    Vizefeldwebel Rudolf Rath looked over the wrecked Morane, which was already surrounded by a crowd of Landser. The starboard wing stuck straight up in the air, while the port wing was crushed under the crumpled fuselage. The cockpit was almost intact, except for the some bullet damage inflicted in the morning’s aerial action. The French pilot had been lucky however, for it appeared he had simply released his harness and walked away from the crash.

    “Not much here worth salvaging,” commented Feldwebel Hermann Margot, surveying the French machine. Fw. Margot was the Spiess, the highest-ranking NCO in Flieger-Abteilung 24. “We’ll take the Hotchkiss MG, that will sit very nicely over the door to the Officer’s Mess, wouldn’t you say Herr Leutnant?”

    “Very good Feldwebel, carry on,” replied Jacob von Hartsen not even bothering to look up from his close examination of the scorch marks around the engine where the Morane had started to burn in the air. “The Wulewuh was lucky to get his crate down before the flames took him, more’s the pity,” said von Hartsen.

    “A pity indeed Herr Leutnant,” replied Rudi Rath, who was nonetheless immediately glad his opponent didn’t burn. All the same he was disappointed the Frenchman made his escape. More than making him a prisoner, Rath would have liked the opportunity to meet his enemy. To talk about flying, the details of their air fight, or perhaps the characteristics of their machines.

    As the enlisted mechanics set about removing the Hotchkiss from its mount, Feldwebel Margot took out his knife and cut the aircraft serial number from the vertical stabiliser. “Here you go lad,” the Spiess said, presenting the piece of fabric to the young NCO pilot, “a souvenir of your first day over the trenches.”
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-16-2019 at 02:31.

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Great AAR again Carl - thanks for the entertainment. Eleven "0" s for Sous Lieutenant Jean-Paul Gauderman! Is that some kind of record or what

    Love the idea you came up with, permitting pilots to attempt a landing when forced to quit. That is really sensible. Shall keep that one in the back of my mind in future, as flying the early birds we are likely to need it a few times

    How tough did you find it flying the Moranes? Only I'm currently painting up a type L and a type BB, which are even earlier I think. I've noted the ammunition rule for them, which if I remember correctly was two rounds then reload. Is that the same for the types L and BB do you know?

    Anyway, congrats to the Eagles on a great start (Grrrrrrrrrrrrr) Rep inbound.
    Thanks Mike. Reading the historical accounts many of the early combats ended with one aircraft forced down, and Halberger's choice certainly paid off.

    Regarding ammunition, I read that Roland Garros only had three strips of ammo for his Hotchkiss MG! But by 1916 my research indicates the Moranes carried 10 strips stored in canvas pouches arranged around the cockpit. All Hotchkiss MGs were strip fed. Moranes used by the RFC were fitted with the Lewis gun or a synchronised Vickers.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    Another great action packed AAR Carl & your usual highly enjoyable dialogue before & during the action.
    Those Froggies were certainly not lacking in pluck. Pursuing the balloons when even heavily damaged.
    Roth has made an immediate impression.
    One to watch out for no doubt!

    Rep inbound.
    Glad you liked it Baz, I am looking forward to reading your mission.

    When Gauderman reversed and came back for another chop at the balloon his Morane was still airworthy with 4 out of 10 damage points remaining. I thought 'what would a brave French aviator do?' and decided a impetuous move was called for. At least he did not make the supreme sacrifice for his bold actions.

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by fast.git View Post
    Great AAR, Carl. Enjoyed the engaging prose supported by a great blend of contemporary b/w photos & color photos.

    Rath certainly announced his arrival at the Front!
    Thanks Chris, I wanted to provide a bit of atmosphere and depth to the characters right from the start this time around. We only have 12 missions so no time to waste.

    Rath had some lucky card falls - two pilot wounds and his opponent drawing a '10' for his collision. We shall see if his fortunate run continues

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    Regarding ammunition, I read that Roland Garros only had three strips of ammo for his Hotchkiss MG! But by 1916 my research indicates the Moranes carried 10 strips stored in canvas pouches arranged around the cockpit. All Hotchkiss MGs were strip fed. Moranes used by the RFC were fitted with the Lewis gun or a synchronised Vickers.
    Cheers Carl - thanks for the info which I shall use soon I hope

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    Wow Carl, thrilling form start to finish. Thought at one stage the French were going to cal it a day and depart for home.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    Wow Carl, thrilling form start to finish. Thought at one stage the French were going to cal it a day and depart for home.

    Neil
    It was a tough call. Gauderman still had 4 damage points left and the balloon was badly damaged and already burning, plus the Germans were out of position.

    Surely one quick pass would kill the gasbag and take the victory?

    Even though the balloon stubbornly refused to die I still thought the Morane would get away, what with all the zeroes. The 3 damage card from van Krieken sealed his fate

  21. #21

    Default Service Records for the Daring Young Men

    I have been keeping service records for my campaign aircrew since I started playing in 2009, here are the current files on Vzfw. Rudolf Rath and Ltn. Jacob von Hartsen.

    I can post a blank template in the file section if anyone else is interested in using this to track their daring young men.

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  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    I can post a blank template in the file section if anyone else is interested in using this to track their daring young men.
    Heck yeah. Please.

  23. #23

  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    Thanks for that, Carl.
    I bought a 5 x 8 3-ring Binder for this campaign to keep track of my crewmen and this will help immensely.

  25. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    Thank you, good sir!

  26. #26

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    As usual a wonderful read. You have an amazing flare for writing. You make the action in the photos come alive!

    Rath will be the pilot to recon with by the looks of it. I can see him leading the pack before long.

    For solo AA guns I though you could not target any planes within 1/2 ruler from a friendly plane or balloon? I guess these new gun crews weren't so careful!

    Thanks for the spreadsheet for pilot tracking. This will make it easier following a pilot's history.

    Also like the voluntary landing under distress. Will have to try to remember to use it.
    Last edited by Teaticket; 01-17-2019 at 10:01.

  27. #27

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    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Great AAR again Carl - thanks for the entertainment. Eleven "0" s for Sous Lieutenant Jean-Paul Gauderman! Is that some kind of record or what

    Love the idea you came up with, permitting pilots to attempt a landing when forced to quit. That is really sensible. Shall keep that one in the back of my mind in future, as flying the early birds we are likely to need it a few times

    How tough did you find it flying the Moranes? Only I'm currently painting up a type L and a type BB, which are even earlier I think. I've noted the ammunition rule for them, which if I remember correctly was two rounds then reload. Is that the same for the types L and BB do you know?

    Anyway, congrats to the Eagles on a great start (Grrrrrrrrrrrrr) Rep inbound.
    Mike, what I found was Morane Ls had Lewis guns. So they would be 3 shots before reloading. Flying a Morane N isn't so bad. At least it can Immelmann, unlike the L which cannot. I didn't think about the Hotchkiss reloads, 2 shots and then reload? Ouch. Do they reload quicker to balance their lack of firepower? I don't remember seeing these rules. Do you know where to find them?

  28. #28

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    I think they are optional but don't quote me. It's a long time since we flew tho original early missions.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  29. #29

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    I didn't think about the Hotchkiss reloads, 2 shots and then reload? Ouch. Do they reload quicker to balance their lack of firepower? I don't remember seeing these rules. Do you know where to find them?
    The Hotchkiss reload idea was mine. They fired strips of 25 rounds (2 bursts) after which the pilot had to reach down into the cockpit and grab another strip, place it into the feed opening, allowing the bolt to come forward to chamber a round. A practiced pilot could do it in about 4 seconds = 2 cards.

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    When it received Morane the RFC discarded the Hotchkiss, the early British machines using a Lewis and the later model using a Vickers Gun.
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-17-2019 at 12:10.

  30. #30

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    I would think the Hotchkiss reloads would only take one phase when compared with swapping out a Lewis drum.

  31. #31

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    Cool. I will try to do this with my Morane Ns in the future. 2 shots, 2 to reload.

  32. #32

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumptonian View Post
    I would think the Hotchkiss reloads would only take one phase when compared with swapping out a Lewis drum.
    I thought about one card, but you would have to have fast hands, pretty tough when flying an aeroplane. Perhaps with the Ace skill:

    Weapon Specialist:
    When un-jamming his own weapon this ace takes one phase less than usual.

  33. #33

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    I thought about one card, but you would have to have fast hands, pretty tough when flying an aeroplane. Perhaps with the Ace skill:

    Weapon Specialist:
    When un-jamming his own weapon this ace takes one phase less than usual.
    Super Ace will do it too as he removes 2 markers per turn.

    I'm not sure why I am liking this as I am flying the French! It will be tough watching everyone chalking up victories while I am busy loading my guns!

  34. #34

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    Super Ace will do it too as he removes 2 markers per turn.

    I'm not sure why I am liking this as I am flying the French! It will be tough watching everyone chalking up victories while I am busy loading my guns!

    Hence the French discarded the Hotchkiss in favour of the Lewis and Vickers on their Nieuports and SPADs.

    A belt fed version was introduced in 1917 but for infantry and armoured vehicle use.

  35. #35

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    Quote Originally Posted by Carl_Brisgamer View Post
    Hence the French discarded the Hotchkiss in favour of the Lewis and Vickers on their Nieuports and SPADs.

    A belt fed version was introduced in 1917 but for infantry and armoured vehicle use.
    At least the N11 is available. I'll be upgrading to them after a few more missions.

  36. #36

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    A win for the home team! Well done!

  37. #37

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    Quote Originally Posted by zenlizard View Post
    A win for the home team! Well done!
    Thanks Sam, I look forward to seeing how your mission plays out, good luck.
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-17-2019 at 22:48.

  38. #38

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    Super Ace will do it too as he removes 2 markers per turn.

    I'm not sure why I am liking this as I am flying the French! It will be tough watching everyone chalking up victories while I am busy loading my guns!
    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    At least the N11 is available. I'll be upgrading to them after a few more missions.
    I think the Bébé will cure many of your ills... early advantage to the Fokkers, then less so as we move on.

  39. #39

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    Quote Originally Posted by fast.git View Post
    I think the Bébé will cure many of your ills... early advantage to the Fokkers, then less so as we move on.
    A brief historical timeline for Nieuport 11 deployment in the Aeronautique Militaire:

    5 January 1916 - The first ten Nieuport 11s arrive for frontline service at escadrille MS31 (previously equipped with the Morane Saulnier N) in the Verdun sector.

    21 February 1916 - Opening of the Battle of Verdun - ninety Nieuport 11s are serving all along the front, including escadrilles N65 (Amiens sector), N103 (Somme sector) and N12 and N67 (Verdun sector).

    26 February 1916 - First recorded Nieuport 11 victory over a Fokker Eindecker - Adj Jean Navarre, newly transferred from Escadrille N12 to N67 at Vadelaincourt, was credited with a double victory. Navarre drove down a two-seater of Kampfstaffel 4 at Dieue, while his second victim, which crashed at Manheulles, was a Fokker E III assigned to that unit for escort duties.

    12 March 1916 - First recorded Fokker Eindecker victory over a Nieuport 11 - Ltn Parschau of Kagohl 1 was credited with a Nieuport in the Verdun area, Adj Auguste Metairie of N49 coming down wounded in French lines.

  40. #40

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    Be about the end of April for the Brits then, unless there is a delay because of packaging problems!
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  41. #41

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Be about the end of April for the Brits then, unless there is a delay because of packaging problems!
    Rob.
    Except the RNAS, they took delivery of their first Nieuport Bebes in November 1915!

  42. #42

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    I don't think anyone is flying for the RNAS this time around Carl.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  43. #43

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I don't think anyone is flying for the RNAS this time around Carl.
    Rob.
    I'm surprised. If I had to choose an Entente air force to fly with in the early war period it would be the RNAS. It was a very forward thinking organisation with early access to good aircraft.
    Last edited by Carl_Brisgamer; 01-19-2019 at 21:53.



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