OTT EYM Mission 1 - When the Blood Runs Cold - 5 January 1917 - by malachi
OTT-EYM Mission 1: When the Blood Runs Cold – 5 January 1917
Oberleutnant Karl Krallen hunkered low in the cockpit of his Albatros D.III to shield himself from the icy wind. Moments earlier, Ltn Lucas Martin Bluhm had signaled his return to the warmth of their aerodrome due to engine problems. Krallen had briefly considered joining him but the mission was to hinder any enemy photo-equipped tandems and his presence in the area may accomplish that, so on he flew into the biting wind. The typically alert Jasta leader’s concentration had briefly lapsed and it nearly cost him. A bit too late, he spied a plane behind and giving chase. Despite the freezing air, Krallen’s blood ran even colder as he recognized the Nieuport 23 of the Belgian Lieutenant Andre de Meulemeester who had been making a name for himself in this sector.
Lieutenant Andre Emil Alfons de Meulemeester
“His sharp eye helped him to always find the enemy before the latter spotted him.” The Belgian Air Service in the First World War, Walter Pieters, p560.
Krallen wheeled the Albatros left in an effort to avoid the attack and extend.
Reversing to attack, Krallen found the Belgian more than ready to fight and the Albatros was soon smoking as Krallen’s volley also found its mark. [Sharp Eye and Perfect Aim used by de Meulemeester]
Neither pilot yields as collision is narrowly averted. The blood is up now!
Krallen stalls into a Split-S but the cagey Belgian is not fooled. Neither pilot can gain an advantage.
Krallen immelmanns as de Meulemeester closes.
The Belgian’s turn is a bit too late as Krallen scores from long range.
This time the Nieuport gains the upper hand reversing on Krallen. de Meulemeester sees his bullets strike home but his gun falls silent. [Sharp Eye and Perfect Aim]
His gun and right rudder jammed, the Belgian deftly bends his N23 to the left in a defensive maneuver [Acrobatic Pilot].
Krallen finds the N23 is too quick for a deflection shot.
de Meulemeester reverses and takes up the hunt again.
Krallen reverses and the pilots attempt to put sights on target.
The Nieuport takes damage at close range after misjudging its approach while a gun jams on the Albatros (I forgot to place a jam token but it made no difference to the next few phases). Krallen is out of arc for return fire.
The Belgian reverses and stalks his prey. [Acrobatic Pilot]
Shots fired but both pilots are surprised as they miss. The N23 gun jams again. [Perfect Aim]
de Meulemeester skillfully stalls once more in hopes of another shot. [Daredevil]
The pilots maneuver for position as the strain of combat is barely noticed.
Both pilots flinch as bullets fly wildly but accomplish nothing. [Perfect Aim]
The Belgian skillfully sideslips wide left in hopes of another shot but it’s not to be. [Daredevil]
Low on fuel and ammo, neither pilot can continue the fight. Krallen points the nose of the Albatros east, relieved to be in one piece and headed home.
Butcher’s Tally
Lt Andre de Meulemeester: Nieuport 23 (streamer), RTB 0 kills / 0 probables
ObLtn Karl Krallen: Albatros D.III (stripes), RTB 0 kills / 0 probables
A fun fight and I enjoyed this one, Paul. It was pretty scary going up against all those ace skills but the damage cards were fairly tame for both pilots. I was a bit surprised neither pilot had to use Lucky Pilot (I usually save it for Fire or BOOMS or Wounds).
Had some problems trying to upload images where the site would just freeze, so it took awhile. That's been happening quite a bit lately if doing a longer post, but hopefully it improves.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by malachi
Bookmarks