Finally...My First BIG One!
A couple weeks back I was fortunate enough to host a WoG scenario involving 10 early war planes (and a balloon)! I've never had so many before and, I must say, it was quite exhilarating ... just watching the action unfold. Sadly, I didn't have a camera so I was unable to record it. Fortunately, my co-host did snap a few with his phone and sent some shots for my enjoyment. They are of a truly critical moment in the contest and capture the intensity of the game.
The scenario was a French attempt to bust a German observation balloon. The balloon would begin to descend once a French aeroplane crossed the German trenchline. The Germans gained 1 Victory Point per full turn its observers occupied their basket. Six Moraine Saulniers (subject to limited ammo rules) came across in three separate pairs at level 4. The German's four Fokker Eiii's would enter (also in pairs) but dice for entry.
French Objective: Destroy the balloon before hauled down. Failing that, destroy or chase off the Fokkers.
German Objective: Avoid the French victory conditions.
Two pair of "Bullets" lived up to their name making a bee-line for the target, from the north-west and the west (respectively), quickly crossing the the German lines. The other two flew south and and spent time climbing. Fortunately for the Germans, two Fokkers entered from the north-east to offer a warm reception. The balloon, began to descend.
The four Moraines dueled with the two Fokkers, ignoring their prey altogether.
Finally the other two Moraines crossed the trenches and shot up from the south-west as two of the previously engaged French planes, though they bloodied the noses of their adversaries, were downed. As the southerly Moraines closed on the balloon, the other pair of Fokkers entered the fight, diving down and setting one of the earlier "Bullets" alight. This is the point depicted in the attached images.
Overview of moment showing all planes (two down)
Close-up showing attack on balloon
Side view showing the diving Fokkers
It wasn't looking good for the French; 2 down, 1 burning, 1 wounded pilot trying to reload while 4 seemingly relentless Germans swooped in to clean the skies of them. Passing viewers who got sucked into watching the game commented on the visual impression of a disturbed beehive!
Then the remarkable happened, the machine guns of two Fokkers jammed ... AAAAND a "Bullet" which was unable to steer due to rudder damage (both right and left!) collided with a Fokker which, due to previous damage, fell apart in mid-air! The wounded Frenchman finally reloaded his gun and, with the aid of his two other compatriots, valiantly "duked it out" with their disadvantaged enemy. There was much smoke, lots of flames and further woundings. In the meantime, the observers had long abandoned their balloon and it DID make it to the ground, riddled but not destroyed.
In the end it was down to 1 Frenchman and 1 German ... then the sausage eater's plane exploded (!) and the Frenchman sang the Marseilles very loudly as he flew back home! I guess it's never "over" 'til it's OVER!
I apologize for my lack of images, but I hope the text gives you an idea of what the action was like. Next time I'll be sure to bring a camera! I'm CERTAINLY looking forward to hosting another "BIG" GAME!
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I, too, look forward to more reports from the Front...
That looked like a LOT of Fun!
Originally Posted by BwanaJoe
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