Having done some decorating I found I'd accrued enough brownie points and a little spare time before the weekend to get some solo action going !
I wanted to keep it simple so didn't get into the altitude element in any big way and though it carries the names of actual pilots the following AAR bears no resemblance to historical events or the WW1 timeline, I just used models from my Wednesday night go box and added the names as required.
Offizierstellvertreter (Warrant Officer) Reinhold Jörke is trying out his new Fokker D.VI when he's found by Frank (Mongoose) Soden flying his SE.5. (A repaint of Bishop's SE.5)
Jörke has to turn into the attack coming from his two o'clock - both machines open up at close range causing a respectable amount of damage to each other - Jörke's tail is damaged and one of his guns jams.
Jörke works on his gun as he sideslips and turns to his left as dictated by his control damage; he sees the SE has turned to it's right and that they will soon pass each other again...A long range exchange this time and both suffer control damage affecting left turns but this will not affect either machine in the next turn.
They pass each other, Jörke hooks hard right behind Soden's tail, getting into position for another long range shot causing damage to the SE but again a gun jams.
Jörke chases him round while he clears his guns but the Mongoose is a slippery chap and shakes him off before he can clear his gun -
They follow the reversed turns but before they can meet again they are joined in the battle area by a certain red triplane and a large Sopwith Dolphin drawn to the fracas and keen to assist.
Jörke gets back on target as he slides in behind the SE, opening up at close range once again. causing further control damage for the Mongoose. The Triplane and the Dolphin collide but it's a mere brush; the triplane and SE swap lead too
Jörke is confronted by the Dolphin as it emerges from the melee and they swap spit at close range - the Fokker is hit hard again & coughs smoke, the Dolphin jams a gun.
Breaking away the triplane takes a shot from the SE as it pirouettes above him but no significant damage is taken
Jörke's Fokker is severely damaged and he signals to his colleague he must break for home, the pilot nods and indicates he will cover his withdrawal
The red tripe reverses and catches the Dolphin as it looks to chase down Jörke's Fokker, jamming his gun in the process
Jörke gets away cleanly and the triplane eludes the enemy
Butcher's Tally
The long shadow on the left is from an aircraft stand - sun low in the west by this point.
Everyone got home safe with a bit, or, a lot of damage so all in all a good result all round.
PS. As a point of interest I was flying the Fokker D.VI and was nearly bested by my own AI - wouldn't have been the first time !
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