Ares Games
Results 1 to 15 of 15

Thread: OTT-BYM Mission 1--Dusty denies the Enemy-5th Oct 1916--gully_raker

  1. #1

    Post OTT-BYM Mission 1--Dusty denies the Enemy-5th Oct 1916--gully_raker

    Prologue

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR Fife-Brand.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 34.8 KB  ID: 303151" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Lt. Reginald Fife-Brand MC, CdG was feeling "Cock O' the Hoop" as he flew towards Bentangles Aerodrome, home of 52 Sqd the Bulldogs.
    He had recovered from his wound after 2 weeks in hospital & had been granted a 14 day furlough in London before returning to duty in France.
    He had been feted by the London "In Crowd" due to his newly earned Ace status & had even been invited to receive his MC medal from the King himself.
    Now it was back to reality but at St Omer he had been allocated a spanking new grey Spad VII to use as his own aircraft & it was in this plane that he now approached the home of his beloved C flight. He had been impressed by the rugged beauty of the French aeroplane & the fact that it had a synchronised Vickers machine gun fitted. No more fiddling with Lewis drums in the midst of battle!
    He banked towards the drome & commenced his landing approach.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	WW1 Aerodrome (3).jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	40.5 KB 
ID:	303152

    As he landed a group of pilots rushed from the C Flight mess hut to welcome him.
    He noticed a group of the venerable old DH-2's & some Nieuport 17's plus a well used camo painted Spad VII with freshly painted British rondels over the original French markings.

    He climbed from the cockpit to receive handshakes & pats on the back. Uncle was waiting in the wings & when the excitement had died down caught Reg's attention & beckoned him towards Uncle's Office. "Welcome back Reg! Now time for some business. While you have been swanning around in London like a celebrity the Trench Lads have put a dent in the Hun's line & they are desperate to get it back. Our Air forces have stopped them from getting photos of our front line but they have just brought up an observation balloon to observe the situation & call in Artillery barrages on our PBI".
    "HQ want that balloon destroyed so at dawn tomorrow you will lead an attack on it with a Nieuport armed with incendiaries & another scout as escort. The jolly old Hun will be sure to have fighters protecting it as they have not yet been able to bring up flak or AA guns". I will leave it to you to choose your other pilots".

    Reg called 2nd Lt Dusty Rhodes & Sgt Bran Stark who was the Flights top scoring Ace to a briefing.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	WW1 RFC Pilots briefing.jpg 
Views:	32 
Size:	53.6 KB 
ID:	303153

    "Dusty, thanks for filling in for me whilst I was away! I would like you to fly a N 17 armed with incendiaries to go after that balloon as the Nieuport's manoeuvrability will be an advantage & Bran you can fly that other VII if it has been properly checked over as we will need every advantage if we come up against those new 2 gunned Albatros D.II's"
    We take off just before dawn to try to catch them unawares"

    THE MISSION

    As the Sun began to rise the trio of British aircraft crossed the lines & spotted the balloon. They also could see through the darkness two German aircraft flying at angles towards the balloon. Ltn's Gerhard Brünig, flying a reddish brown coloured D.II & Otto Schoenfelder in a yellowish fuselage D.II were swiftly coming to the balloons defence!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 01.jpg  Views: 31  Size: 156.8 KB  ID: 303154" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 02.jpg  Views: 31  Size: 154.0 KB  ID: 303155" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    On the Right hand side of the battle Bran Stark & Dusty opened fire on their targets. Bran caused some damage to the German Albatros but its return fire stopped. A Jam!
    Dusty's shots did no damage to the balloon but the winch crew immediately began to winch it to safety.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 03.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 234.6 KB  ID: 303156" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    On the other side Reg & Brünig exchanged shots but it was Fife-Brand who suffered a jam whilst the German pilot missed completely.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 04.jpg  Views: 30  Size: 198.6 KB  ID: 303157" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    As they passed each other the German ripped some holes in Fife-Brands new Spad which caused Reg to utter some choice expletives! @*#%*

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 06_edited.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 137.0 KB  ID: 303158" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Dusty had flown under the nose of the balloon pulled an Immelmann & this time scored some good hit but they did not cause any great damage.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 07_edited.jpg  Views: 34  Size: 111.3 KB  ID: 303159" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    The adversaries now had to regroup to re-join the fight & Dusty took the opportunity to change the drum on his Lewis.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 08.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 198.1 KB  ID: 303160" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Fife-Brand & Brünig again exchanged shots but not much damage resulted.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 09_edited.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 239.3 KB  ID: 303161" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Reg cleverly stalled to allow the Albatros to pass him & using his Ace Sniper skill blew the German Aircraft out of the sky!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 10.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 201.8 KB  ID: 303162" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Dusty had preformed a Split S to match the balloons height as the winch crew continued the job of lowering the balloon.
    As he fired he was rewarded by seeing a spurt of flame issue from the body of the sausage.
    Immediately both the German Observers jumped out of the basket & parachuted to safety.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 11.jpg  Views: 30  Size: 246.2 KB  ID: 303163" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Reg now turned to re-join the main action as his battle with the Albatros had taken him away from the area of the balloon.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 12.jpg  Views: 29  Size: 246.0 KB  ID: 303164" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Dusty continued to attack the balloon which continued to burn slowly.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 13.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 170.7 KB  ID: 303165" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 14.jpg  Views: 34  Size: 162.1 KB  ID: 303166" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Sgt Stark landed some good shots on the remaining Albatros who was unable to return the favour as the Spad was out of his firing arc.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 15_edited.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 212.7 KB  ID: 303167" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    As Dusty closed for another close range shot the gas in the balloon suddenly ignited with a mighty roar flinging the Nieuport into the air & raining small pieces of burning balloon skin onto the wings of his aircraft. Reg who was also close by was buffeted but suffered no damage.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 16.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 192.9 KB  ID: 303168" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=AAR 17.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 219.3 KB  ID: 303169" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Otto Schoenfelder in the remaining D.II realising he would now be facing 3 British aircraft decided discretion was the better part of Valour & it was too late to help the balloon headed off towards the Eagles Nest & Safety!

    Victory Points

    BRITISH
    Balloon Destroyed = 20 points
    1 German Scout Shot down = 10 points
    TOTAL 30 Points

    GERMAN
    NIL

    BRITISH VICTORY

    Thoughts & Observations

    Well that early Explosion Card certainly helped the British win that one.
    My Camera was playing up again & I lost the pic of the engine damage card that started the second fire on the balloon. I also had to photoshop some of the shots which overexposed with the flash. Think its time for a new camera.
    I used Dave's D8 charts & an amended version of Zoe's Altitude rules. First time I used a Split S to advantage too!

    Great to get the first of the BYM Missions under my belt & I love not having to change drums on the Spad's!
    Last edited by flash; 06-19-2021 at 03:24. Reason: name checks

  2. #2

    Default The Butchers Bill!

    BRITISH FORCES

    Lt Reginald Fife-Brand: Grey SPAD VII - RTB 1 Kill (Brünig's D.II)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 6.jpg  Views: 31  Size: 182.0 KB  ID: 303170" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Sgt Brandon Stark: Cammo SPAD VII - RTB 0 Kills
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 4.jpg  Views: 30  Size: 104.5 KB  ID: 303171" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    2nd Lt 'Dusty' Rhodes: N.17 - RTB 1 Kill (Balloon)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 5.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 95.8 KB  ID: 303172" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />


    GERMAN FORCES

    Ltn Gerhard Brünig: red/brown D.II - SD-EXP-FT 0 Kills
    Rolled 12 - 3EXP = 9 - All's well when you land well!
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 2.jpg  Views: 33  Size: 160.3 KB  ID: 303173" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Ltn Otto Schoenfelder: Yellow D.II - RTB/No Kills.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 1.jpg  Views: 30  Size: 123.6 KB  ID: 303174" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />

    Burnin' Drachen !
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	<acronym title=BB 3.jpg  Views: 32  Size: 177.6 KB  ID: 303175" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />
    Last edited by flash; 06-19-2021 at 03:18. Reason: Tidy Tally

  3. #3

    Default

    Well done Baz, your chaps pricked that sausage neatly ! I really enjoyed the romp and liked the dawn shot

    Uncle says:


    Well done chaps that'll keep the footsloggers happy - no more Fritz peeping over the hedge today ! A couple of victories to celebrate - Dusty's, in particular, as that gasbag was his fifth victory and he's now a qualified ace. His Itchy Trigger Finger has no limits now !

    2Lt Robert "Dusty" Rhodes is awarded the Military Cross for his fifth victory for King & country
    He is also awarded the Croix de Guerre with bronze palm by our gallant allies

    Had to tidy the names but other wise the Tally was very good mate, Brünig was a lucky so and so after copping that Boom card.. Remember that if he ever makes ace !
    Last edited by flash; 06-19-2021 at 03:37.

    "He is wise who watches"

  4. #4

    Default

    Nice report and atmospheric photos, need some more Eagle reports and !!

    Sent some Rep your way. Can’t do 5his as rep guns jammed as already given for the briefing!!

    “Unlucky Baz”
    Last edited by Baz; 06-19-2021 at 10:48. Reason: Spelling

  5. #5

    Default

    Well done, Baz. That’s off to a good start; and another ace in the squadron helps even the odds with those nasty Albatri.

    Mess time with the rounds on Dusty.


  6. #6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Baz View Post
    ... need some more Eagle reports and !!
    Flew mine yesterday and hope to get it posted over the next few days.
    Unfortunately "Aussie Baz's" report is all too similar ...

  7. #7

    Default

    Well done "Aussie Baz" (what's the odds of two OTT fliers named Baz?)

    Your boys certainly got the job done.
    I too like that sunrise pic - simple, but effective.
    Have some rep while you enjoy your new ace.


    One question - in your photo 6 where Reg has his new SPAD damaged, you put a +1 on the 0; shouldn't the 3 have it?

  8. #8

    Default

    Quite nice! A fun read! Good Job!

  9. #9

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by Stumptonian View Post
    Well done "Aussie Baz" (what's the odds of two OTT fliers named Baz?)

    Your boys certainly got the job done.
    I too like that sunrise pic - simple, but effective.
    Have some rep while you enjoy your new ace.


    One question - in your photo 6 where Reg has his new SPAD damaged, you put a +1 on the 0; shouldn't the 3 have it?
    Correct! Just dropped it on the wrong card. At least I gave the Hun a + 1.

  10. #10

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Well done Baz, your chaps pricked that sausage neatly ! I really enjoyed the romp and liked the dawn shot

    Uncle says:


    Well done chaps that'll keep the footsloggers happy - no more Fritz peeping over the hedge today ! A couple of victories to celebrate - Dusty's, in particular, as that gasbag was his fifth victory and he's now a qualified ace. His Itchy Trigger Finger has no limits now !

    2Lt Robert "Dusty" Rhodes is awarded the Military Cross for his fifth victory for King & country
    He is also awarded the Croix de Guerre with bronze palm by our gallant allies

    Had to tidy the names but other wise the Tally was very good mate, Brünig was a lucky so and so after copping that Boom card.. Remember that if he ever makes ace !
    Thanks Dave! Dusty sends his Thanks for the Gongs. Been a long haul to Acedom as he copped a few wounds along the way!

    Serious drinks in the Mess tonight! On Dusty of course. All Bulldog Flights invited to the "Knees Up"!

  11. #11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Stumptonian View Post
    Well done "Aussie Baz" (what's the odds of two OTT fliers named Baz?)

    Your boys certainly got the job done.
    I too like that sunrise pic - simple, but effective.
    Have some rep while you enjoy your new ace.


    SNIPPED **************************

    :
    Amazing what effects you can get by half closing the rear roller door with the Sun in the right angle!

  12. #12

    Default

    Congrats Aussie Baz - great start to the campaign. Mmmm I shall have to see if there are any spare Spad VIIs in the offing - they look useful
    Congratulations to Dusty Rhodes for his well deserved gongs - I take it there are a few drinks going in the mess for them - mines a pint, or maybe three
    REP inbound and many thanks for the splendid entertainment

  13. #13

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Congrats Aussie Baz - great start to the campaign. Mmmm I shall have to see if there are any spare Spad VIIs in the offing - they look useful
    Congratulations to Dusty Rhodes for his well deserved gongs - I take it there are a few drinks going in the mess for them - mines a pint, or maybe three
    REP inbound and many thanks for the splendid entertainment
    Thanks Mike & yes the drinks are on Dusty in the mess--- See Post #10 above.

  14. #14

    Default

    What with Mikes flames, Barries acrobatic photos and now your dawn suprise picture the quality of cinematic effects in OTT is getting higher with each report.

    Great result for your chaps and congratulations to the "Original Aussie Baz" for a successful mission.

  15. #15

    Default

    Well done Baz. Those SPADs could be a game changer with no longer having to change your Lewis drums. Hope the French can spare more of them for the Bulldogs.

    Great 'dawn attack' photography. Another bar raised!



Similar Missions

  1. Replies: 18
    Last Post: 07-01-2021, 06:46
  2. Replies: 24
    Last Post: 07-01-2021, 06:31
  3. AAR OTTBYM Mission 1 – Vagabond Denies the Enemy – Oct 5th 1916
    By Vagabond in forum Over the Trenches
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 06-30-2021, 19:13
  4. AAR OTTBYM Mission 1 - Flash Denies the Enemy - October 5th 1916
    By flash in forum Over the Trenches
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 06-30-2021, 18:45
  5. Replies: 48
    Last Post: 06-05-2021, 01:31

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •