MVR AAR3 - Manfred’s Third kill - 30th September 1916 - by Baz
NB a I am not trying to recreate exactly the historical events that happened, but trying to see what happens in the game subject to the models (or substitutes) I have available. Also, there are many versions and ‘facts’ that are varied by WW1 historians, many of which are at odds with each other, even surrounding someone as infamous as the Red Baron, and it is not my intention to add to these, but play with the most likely scenarios.
Historical Account
Reconnaissance information had informed the RFC that Jasta 2 had moved their Aerodrome from Bertincourt to Lagnicourt-Marcel.
On 30th September 1916, under a bright Autumn sun, 3rd Brigade, No.s 12 & 13 Squadrons, based at Avesnes-le-Comte and Savy airfields, sent 11 bombers (Be2c/d’s) some 60km to bomb the Lagnicourt Aerodrome. The Be2’s did not carry observers/gunners to maximise the bomb load and successfully dropped 88 x 20lb bombs on the Aerodrome, flying at around 12000ft. Providing the bombers with escort were Fe2b’s from No. 11 Squadron, based at Izel-le-Hameau, and (2) Morane-Saulniers and (6) Nieuports from No. 60 Squadron, also based at Savy, flying at around 7000ft.
However, this was stirring the hornet’s nest, and on the bomber’s approach, many aircraft got off the ground first and, having gained the necessary height, fought the bomber flight and their escorts most of the way home.
Earlier that morning on a different patrol, Ltn der Reserve Ernst Diener form Jasta 2 had been shot down over Bapaume, possibly by Rene Dormer of Escadrille 3 in a Nieuport scout.
The game
I am using Dave’s D8 solo rules for all the plane movements, adding in climbs/dives/turns/restrictions where necessary. Boom damage is full, and any collisions are pegs (both) over bases at the same altitude (including climb chits).
No.s 12 & 13 Squadron (Be2c/d’s) are represented by 5 x Be2 (3 x Be2c and 2 x Be2a) escorted by No. 11 Squadron represented by 3 x Fe2b’s and No. 60 Squadron by 2 x Morane-Saulniers Type N, 1 x Nieuport 16 and 1 x Nieuport 17 (B gun only). The Be2’s do not have gunners and are therefore unable to fire. The Fe2b’s had two guns available by use for the observer. However, the rear gun is only able to target aircraft at a higher altitude, and the observer can only fire one gun at a time.
Jasta 2 who are on the tails of the bomber group are starting at a higher altitude in a loose V formation over the bomber Aerodrome (represented by 1 x D.II, 2 x D.II’s (treated as D.I’s) and 2 x D.I’s). Boelcke has the following ace skills - Perfect Aim, Sniper, Lucky Pilot, Sneak Attack and Bullet Checker.
Boelcke (bright yellow fuselage), Bohme (Dull yellow fuselage), Richthofen (Brown fuselage), Muller (Green D.I) and Phillips (Purple D.I).
The Jasta cLose on the fleeing bombers and escorts, Boelcke has the rear Fe2b in his sights, whilst the remainder guard his sides and tail.
Richthofen, Muller and Phillips dive early.
Bohme dives, but Boelcke bides his time. The bomber group disperse.
Finally, Boelcke dives, shooting at long range for minor damage.
Boelcke follows up but misses his target.
Keeping on the tail of the Fe2b for a consecutive shot, Boelcke uncharacteristically places himself in a position where all 3 Fe2b’s are able to shoot at him. Using his sniper skill he manages to get an engine damage on the closest Fe2b. To make matters worse, the other Fe2b’s hit home and he uses Lucky Pilot to get rid of the Fire damage card, but still gets hit for rudder damage, jamming his opponents gun with the rest of the Jasta closing!
The Fe2b’s are not known for their tight turns, and two manage to collide with one not sustaining any damage but the other gun jammed plane, taking 4 damage. Boelcke passes through but two Fe2’s still have short range shots which again set him on fire (and smoke) and more rudder damage. Bohme closes on one of the Fe2’s doing the damage and blasts him from the sky at short range. Muller also lets loose at long range for minimal rudder damage. The Moranes and Nieuports are getting closer to the action.
The bombers continue to flee. Boelcke will have to worry about them later and Immelmanns to get a long range (higher altitude) at the Fe2 but misses. Richthofen closes on the other one and gets a short range shot which kills the pilot and brings it down, but not before it has missed Boelcke with a shot. The other Fe2 fires at Bohme at close range for minimal damage. Now the Moranes are in range, one fires at long range on Richthofen but misses, whilst the other hits Muller for 2 damage at short range. Muller returns fire for some damage but jams his gun. The Nieuport 16 also hits Bohme at long range for minimal damage.
Boelcke’s fire is taking its toll.
The last surviving Fe2 gets a long range shot(altitude) from its rear-facing gun at Boelcke as he passes through for minimal rudder damage. The red Morane flies straight into Richthofen for a collision causing major damage to each plane, 6 and 8 (ignore pilot wound and smoke as special damages do not apply).
The Fe2 has a long range shot at Muller but misses, and the Nieuport 16 fires at Boelcke, only to jam his gun. Bohme hits the red Morane at long range for damage, while Muller performs an Immelmann and continues to unjam his gun. The bombers are crossing the front line and are almost safe.
The Fe2 fires on Phillips for rudder damage and the Nieuport 17 also adds damage and starts his plane smoking. Richthofen performs a Split-S to get back in the action and Muller finally clears his jam.
As Boelcke makes for his Aerodrome the fire seems to be petering out.
The escort has done its job and the unarmed bombers all make it across the lines and home without any damage.
Bohme hits the jammed N16 at short range for major damage but jams his guns. Richthofen adds his shot to the N16 at long range, wounding the pilot. Muller hits the black Morane for rudder damage. Boelcke is making it back to Lagnicourt providing the last fire does not do too much damage.
The black Morane fires at long range at Richthofen for no damage, but the return fire does more to the Morane. Whilst unjamming his gun the red Morane collides with Richthofen but neither plane takes any damage.
The N16 finally clears its jammed gun and puts in a short range shot at Phillips for minimal damage. Phillips returns fire and hits the engine which bursts into flames. The propeller stops turning and the plane falls from the sky. Bohme continues to unjam his guns whilst Richthofen gets into short range of the black Morane for a consecutive shot which puts it down.
Boelcke’s fire finally splutters out leaving his damaged plane to limp home.
With a final passing shot, Bohme hits the red Morane for rudder damage which takes it down, whilst it misses Phillips. All the remaining scouts and escorts now leave for their respective airfields. The RFC have protected the bombers but at a high price, and again, Jasta 2 come out relatively unscathed.
Game Summary
Bohme - 2 kills (Fe2b (green) and Morane-Saulnier (Red)
Richthofen - 2 kills (Fe2b (orange) and Morane-Saulnier (Black)
Phillips - 1 kill (Nieuport 16)
Boelcke - 0 kills -Forced to return to base (damage)
Muller - 0 kills
1 x Fe2b and 1 x Nieuport 17 returned to base.
All the Be2’s made it back to base.
Historical facts
Richthofen (3rd kill) - Fe2b (6973) 11 Squadron, combat SE of Bapaume, 10:45am shot down in flames at Fremicourt. Pilot, Lt EC Lonsdale - killed in action (NB after flight training he had been sent to 11 Squadron in France on 17th September 1916, aged 21). Observer, Sgt A Clarkson - killed in action (NB other references show Captured as prisoner and Died of Wounds on 6th December 1916).
(NB 6973 was a presentation aircraft purchased with money raised by the people of Malaya, with ‘Malaya No. 22’ printed on the nacelle.)
Morane Saulnier Type I, 60 Squadron, piloted by Capt. EO Grenfell, was in combat with a Hostile Aircraft over Lagnicourt and was shot up and damaged but managed to land safely
Reply With Quote
I'm enjoying these - only a few more to go 
Originally Posted by flash
Bookmarks