What a Ball Game!
Just before Corona lock down, Jon Hall decided he wanted to see Albert Ball fly. So he challenged me to fly him against a couple of Albatros opponents. “A couple!” he said and then put five of the little so and sos on the table – two DIIIs and three DIIs!!!!!!!
OK Jon!!!!! – So the rules were standard, but with no altitude played. However, if any pilot was hit with smoke, fire or a wound, or if the aircraft came within three points damage of going down, they would have to leave – ie they would be “Forced Down”. Albert Ball was required to get rid of at least three opponents to claim a victory.
Starting well apart, the enemies flew towards one another.
Ball flew wide then turned in to attack the DIIIs from behind, hoping that the slower DIIs wouldn’t do too much damage at long range.
However, much to his relief, the DIIs had anticipated Balls attack from behind themselves and so had planned to turn about in good old Immelmann style. In so doing, they took themselves, temporarily away from the action.
Ball got on the tail of one of the DIIIs and gave it a really rough ride, very nearly shooting it down and forcing it to beat a hasty retreat. It dived away and headed home, as fast as it could go.
Which is where Ball made a big mistake. Not realizing how close his enemy was to the end and fearing the now rapidly approaching DIIs, he failed to follow up his attack and instead turned to face the rest of his foes.
Exchanging fire with all in sundry and with a determined DIII on his back, Ball wriggled through the crowded air space without a hitch, whilst two of the Albatros pilots almost contrived to do his job for him – but not quite!
So quickly turning back, Ball took advantage of the space between two seperating Germans and took on one of the DIIs.
Fire was exchanged, with the result that the DII started to belch dark black smoke, which made him decide to quit and retire to the barn. Two down!
By this time the enemy was a little hacked off and were queueing up for a crack at this damned nuisance of a Brit.
And nothing ventured, nothing gained. Ball turned towards all three of them for another crack.
Which didn’t go according to plan, sad to say. Ball was hit in the exchange, so decided enough was enough. He too headed for the barn and possibly the hospital.
Leaving the German pilots in control of the sky, just as the sun began to go down.
Win for Jon Hall Drinks on me
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