While we usually have a campaign game or two on Monday nights, we had 2 new pilots, as well as 3 pilots that do not fly every week, show up. So, it was a 9 pilot, mix-party. One of the new pilots was my #2 son, who has autism (like me), and i am trying to get him to be more comfortable getting out, and we connect through games. So... This was my first chance to play an allied plane, and i opted to fly my Bristol F2.b. For my son, i showed him "the plane Snoopy flew" (Sopwith Camel) and he was 'sold'. OK, onto the brief AAR...
Even with the rising sun, the air was very cold as it flew past Sergeant Wolfe's head. Not far off his left wing, he spotted a Hun 2-seater. He turned his head to shout over the roar of the wind and engines, "Leftenant Hawke!". Once he got his attention, he pointed out to the left. With a thumbs up, the banked left to engage the enemy. Their first of the war.
Soon the air was full of Allies from other Squadrons, and enemy planes. He barely avoided their first target after Wolfe realized several Hun scouts came to its rescue. Soon an Albatros D.III flew in front of him. It seemed that the enemy was also overwhelmed by the "target rich environment" and had not noticed him. As soon as the German committed to an Immelmann turn, Wolfe closed to engage. Wolfe got off several long burst from his front facing Lewis machine gun, but with no apparent affect. As the plane began to fly past them on the right. Immediately Hawker let loose a long burst from his machine gun. The enemy bird burst into flames, and immediately began to tumble to the grown far below.
Suddenly, the enemy that had first drawn him into the fray let loose a long burst, and to the horror of Sgt Wolfe, a bullet had pierced a fuel tank and it began to burn. In desperation, he threw the plane into steep banks, causing the Leftenant to curse loudly. Still he had to deal with the bright yellow plane. With the erratic maneuvers of his pilot, Hawker let fly hundreds of bullets. Fortunately, the wood and canvas enemy bird disintegrated and catching fire as it plummeted. They were still not out of the woods yet.
There was still a lone German hunter. But on this day, only three planes remained in the air, and all concerned had had enough.
I had managed to keep the plane aloft long enough for the flames to go out. The last German plane... a single wing... late war... only had 1 damage point left. My son and his Sopwith Camel, also had a single damage point left. I was fortunate enough to have 4. Overall, i really enjoyed taking out the Bristol F2.b up.
Bookmarks