Uhlan #12, CO Flik61j

Status: Wounded

Aircraft: Damaged

Claim: Spad #1, fired on and collision

Witnessed: bomb damage on 2 factories by vonSchtupp #8 and Anhiem #17.

Pursuant to orders flik61j rendezvoused with elements of fliks 24k and 105g during an air-raid. Once clear, the combined flight consisting of vonSchtupp, Anhiem, Ahren, Gräser, Helmut, and myself, took off and by a precarious route reached the target factories in xxxxx. Both targets were severely damaged a large structure being demolished at one, and a smaller structure at the other.

Excessive time over the target cut into fuel reserves and we aborted the third target planned for this sortie and turned for the rendezvous drome. Enroute we encountered a major storm (framerates dropped to <1 and then every living soul was dumped off the server!) and the flight was scattered. Somehow, everyone made it back, and we formed up and headed for our secondary targets. This sortie was inconclusive (game-over called) and the flight crossed the mud refuel before heading to our respective home dromes. One of the scouts strayed off a bit, and I went to reel him in, followed by one of the bombers. The rest droned on to the field ahead. Leaving the mud I spotted aircraft almost right overhead headed west very fast. I signalled 'enemy sighted' and made the bomber's number to RTB. The pilot took the combined meaning to be urgent and he dove for the field. Helmut stayed with me as we alter course to buy the bomber some time. The enemy aeroplanes, 2 of them, had spotted us as they circles overhead lining up for their plunge. We were very low, and I feared Helmut would not fair well so close to the ground, so I ordered him away. Looking back at the enemy I saw them begin their dive. I flew straight and level less than 500 feet up, waiting for my moment. They dove right at me and just as they began to fire I broke to the right to pull up under them, firing at the trailing plane as he fired on me. Suddenly splinters of my prop had passed through my upper wing and the engine died. I looked around quickly, but all I saw were chunks of wing flitting to earth, thankfully the wrong color to be mine. I got the plane leveled and the nose down, but the engine wouldn't restart. The other Spad was reversing and I had no way to fight him so I headed for the ground. I deadstick landed the crate just as the Amerikan began strafing. I got loose and leapt from the plane, taking cover in a small gully and watched the angry American repeatedly try to strafe my damaged plane into wreckage.

When he tired of it, he headed off west. I walked to the wreck of his wingmate's Spad and found the poor young man still in the cockpit. I then walked to the aerodrome not a mile away and sent a truck to recover the SPAD pilots body. While the crews from today’s work celebrated my "safe" return and their own in addition to a successful mission, I contemplated a young impetuous SPAD pilot.

Kugelfang

Re-assigned to the rear to evaluate and conduct testing on captured allied aircraft. Hopefully to bring new knowledge back to the pilots of the front lines in a few weeks.

von Cubb

On R&R for tonight’s mission.

Gräser #14

Flew escort with Fliks 24&105, 3 bombers. 2 tgts hit. landed safely. Took of on 2nd sortie but session finished before bombing. Landed safely at xxxxxx

Maxfusion

Medical Leave

Helmut #15

Transferred to Fliegerkompagnie 61j? A shiny new Taperferkeits 2nd klasse medal on my tunic? I must admit I was full of mixed emotions. Honored, perplexed and scared to death. I was so nervous about my first mission in a fighter that I was almost late, (2055hrs), getting on the flight line. My time, you see, was consumed by getting as familiar, (as one could get on the ground), with this fabulous machine. We sat on the flight line for an eternity, (10 minutes), waiting for the bombers when out of the blue came my old friends from Flik_24, Sebastian and Theo. That left the group from Flik_105 to show up. Again I experienced another excruciating 10-minute wait. During this time I tried to relieve my anxiety and engraved the number 8 into my control panel to comply with my promise to Sebastian’s mother. We were getting ready to take off without Flik_105 when they came gracefully in to land. As I watched them roll by I noticed Theo leaning over the side of his planes fuselage and getting rather sick. To add to my stomach problems I heard sirens start to sound at 2120hrs to which no one but me seemed to give the slightest care about. If that weren’t enough I heard the AA chime in and I started to get frantic to get off the ground. Herr Hauptmann, coolly, was directing our attention to the intruders and expressed his intentions to stay put on the ground until they had flown by. At this point I jointed in Theo’s activities over the side of my planes fuselage.

The armada took off at 2135 towards our missions objectives. Knowing that safety was sticking close to my wingman I fixated on #12 while staying close to #14. I started to loose the feeling in my right hand as we arrive over the target because I was gripping so hard on the yoke to maintain the tightest possible formation. The bombers went in while I tried to relax and maintain position with the other escorts in our CAP over the target.

Shortly I heard the explosions which caused me great elation with our gallant brethren in the two seaters as they performed their handy work at getting the job done. I dared not get a quick look at the burning factories for fear of losing sight of Uhlan’s rudder. Once the bombers were finished we reformed and Uhlan took us on a beeline course, circumnavigating potential threats. During one of the briefest of moments when my wings were parallel to the ground, I stole a glance at my fuel gauge. It was as low as I ever have seen it. Finally reaching home base I made one of my usual “ten ticket ride” landings and collapsed in my cockpit while letting the circulation return to my right hand. The flight crew had just finished with me when Uhlan ordered us back into the air, (2245hrs), towards a different objective. We arrived there just about the time dusk was settling in and had to return to base because of the darkened visibility. I was still focused on Uhlan when he ordered all to return to nearest friendly base. I thought he meant the bombers only and continued to stick to him like a suckling colt. He then convinced me that all meant all in his usual direct manner and I headed for the nearest base. I was so happy to be landing again I literally floated in and made one of the best landings ever amongst my new friends at Flik_61 at 2305hrs.

Respectfully Yours,
Helmut Boehem

Sebastian Anheim, #17

Claim successful bomb run on xxxxxxx factory as witnessed by Haupt. Uhlan of Flik61j.
Witnessed hit on xxxxxxx factory by Feldwebel Von Schtupp.

I read the orders and immediately knew that is was gonna be an interesting day. My friend Helmut had recieved a transfer to Flik61j. I would miss him, but at least he was still alive. How many other friends can I not say that about anymore?

I strode out to my plane confident that today we would hurt those evil allies. Theo came out running after me. He told me that Herr Kugelfang's plane was unflyable! And with the CO still on leave, that meant that only our plane would fly for Flik24! I could almost feel the clouds roll into to block the sunshine I was feeling. We lifted off clean, the engine purring nicely, and I turned us to meet up with the other flights. As usual, I enjoyed the scenery during the short flight to the rendezvous base. As I lined up for landing, I saw the sleek

scouts of Flik61 sitting there on the runway waiting for me and the other bombers. I smiled when my wheels touched down and I saw good old Helmut sitting in a shiny new albatross. Haupt Uhlan greeted me warmly, though he was a bit dismayed at the lack of other Flik24 planes. Flik105 was due in shortly, so we discussed the plan of attack, along with alternative ways, just in case. It wasn't long before the base spotters called out the approach of Flik105. 2 medium bombers and one gotha {Friedenschaven G.III] loomed in the sky, falling into an approach pattern. The 2 mediums, piloted by Heinrich and Von Schtupp made it down okay, but our heavy hitter had to return for reasons unknown. Quickly recounting the plan, we got into our planes and readied for launch. That was when the sirens began their wailing! We sat there, eyes racing across the sky as nearby flak gunners began lobbing shells into the blue. We dared not take off now, and I feared being caught on the ground by allied scouts. Such an event would be devastating. Our bombs had to be dropped. There was no two ways about it. Haupt Uhlan, the veteran amongst us, spotted the enemy aircraft, which either was unaware of us on the runway or had other things in mind. Once he saw it move beyond effective strike range, we fired up the engines and took to the air for our long flight. Knowing the distance to cover was great, we took a direct route straight into allied territory. It was an odd feeling, having escort, but I was still very concerned about running into those verdammt spads. With their speed they could dive through our cover and get at us with ease. I did find some comfort though. Helmut was hovering very close to me, like a mother hawk guarding her young. Haupt Uhlan lead us around the nearby allied dromes and structures, keeping us well clear of the AA emplacements. The flight was so long though. Every moment my fears grew. I thought I could feel the allied scouts lurking about in the clouds above. I keep my eyes glued on Herr Uhlan, knowing that if the enemy showed their faces, he would be the one to spot them first.

The Hauptmann was soon signalling us. Our target lay ahead. He pointed to Heinrich, then to one of the factories below. He signaled for me to attack the one further north. I drifted down to my attack altitude of roughly 1.2 kilometers. The winds were higher than I expected, and so I had a hard time getting my plane to line up properly. As my target neared, I got ready to release my first salvo of bombs. When in range, I let loose 2 eggs. Unfortunately the wind had gusted and they went wide, doing some proximity damage, but nothing critical. I swore out loud and raced out to turn and line up again. I could hear the sirens below and watched as the tracers seemed to reach out at me from the ground. My second run was a bit better, as I caught the corner of a smaller building and again landed an egg close to the big brick structures. It wasn't good enough though. Once more I extended and brought her about. This time I had a good line up. I held my breath as my prey drew closer and closer. With a silent prayer, I let fly my packages of doom. I was happily rewarded as I saw one bomb dive right into the great roof of the smokestacked facility. The second one struck the east wall of the building next to it. Encouraged, I swung about yet again. As before, my line up was decent and let the bombs drop. Again I hit that big building and nearly jumped right out of my plane as I saw it erupt into a series of smaller explosions, great clouds of black smoke rolling skyward. It was then I heard some gunfire from behind. I glanced back quickly and saw nothing on my six, so I brought her 180 and lined up again. Then more shots. I broke hard right and craned around. It was Haupt Uhlan, signalling for me to rejoin. I sheepishly signaled my understanding, embarrassed that I had become so fixated on the target below.

Retaking my position in the flight, we turned back towards the south factory. Haupt Uhlan signaled for Von Schtupp, who had been sitting in reserve to attack it. Von Schtupp rolled and dove while Heinrich, the scouts and I circled overhead. The winds played havoc with him, but he was able to get some good hits and one building here joined mine in sweet oblivion. Von Schtupp climbed back up with us and we headed back for a fresh load of bombs. Then the oddest thing happened. A great blackness came over us all and we lost sight of each other. The gauges became blurry and seemed to stop moving. When awareness returned, I was back at my home base. I do not know how I got there, but I knew that the mission wasn't done yet. There was little time for mystery now.

Checking to make sure I was loaded and ready to go again, I lifted off for the rendezvous base hoping to meet the rest there again. I flew low and fast. I encountered the enemy on my way, though I did not see him. The guns of a RR yard were barking at the sky above, so I pulled off my normal course and squeezed all the speed out of my plane I could. I could ill afford to be claimed by an Entente now. Thankfully, I made it out of the danger area either unnoticed or just plain ignored. Either way I was far from complaining. I rejoined our combined flight at the base and we discussed the next stage as the ground crews refueled our planes. Quickly covering our path and targets, we struck out north, seeking to attack a nearby bridge and depot. Time was tight as our window of opportunity was drawing closed. We raced for the targets, my mind focusing on the upcoming bombing and not drifting to the terrain around me as it usually does. The urgency, as well as that odd blackout, blocked all other thoughts from my mind. The bridge soon came into sight and Uhlan signaled the attack. I caught glimpse of Von Schtupp and Heinrich diving for it, so I bypassed it and searched out the depot that lay nearby. I gained visual on it and lined up for a bomb run. Everything felt good, the winds had died down, and I had gotten in position to possibly hit 3 buildings. Theo, however, drew my attention back over my shoulder. Haupt Uhlan was frantically waving for us to abort. I cursed aloud again as I veered off course and went to rejoin the others. Something had caught the Hauptmann's attention as he seemed focused now on only getting us back to base.

We closed in tight and ran for xxxxxx. I lost sight of Heinrich and Von Sctupp, so I kept as close to the Hauptmann as I could. I got a great heavy feeling in my stomach as I wondered where they had gone and what had changed the Hauptmann's mind. But a friendly base was nearby and I would soon be home, another mission under my belt. We had just crossed over into our lands when the Hauptmann signaled enemy aircraft above us! I saw him wave to me and sign for me to return to the base. He would get no argument from me as I put the bomber into a steady nose dive. The fabric on the wings screamed at me, and I screamed for them to hold (Note: any reports made by Theo stating that I was also yelling for my mother are completely false. If he does not report this, please disregard this particular note.) I could see the base just ahead, and glanced back to see the Hauptmann and Helmut bravely climbing into the air. I cut my engine just short of the threshold and glided in to an easy landing. My heart smiled when I found both Von Schtupp and Heinrich awaiting us. I can only think that somehow they got their planes to run faster than I could convene mine! Ha Ha!

The sirens were wailing and the Flak guns firing off. Theo and I departed our planes and looked around for the rest of the flight. Helmut's plane was soon in sight, coming in for a landing. But the Hauptmann wasn't with him. Grabbing a pair of binoculars from one of the base spotters, I scanned the sky near NML, where I saw signs of a battle. It would seem the Hauptmann had engaged the allied aircraft! They were to far out to be seen and the base field commander would not allow us to take back off to help him. I could only sit there and pray for his safety. We were all bursting with joy when the truck brought Hauptmann Uhlan back to the base. His plane was badly damaged, and he had seen better days, but he had claimed yet another American and survived. The steins were overflowing as we celebrated our daring flight! Beyond all odds, it was a great day after all.

Sebastian Anheim, Feldwebel.

Spatz #1 (CO) flik41j

no report

Pendragon #2

I flew the CAP as designated in orders...found Spatz and later our #6. We saw enemy over our territory but they did not engage.

Later after much mechanical problems I lead #6 across the front for a patrol, we barley got over the front when we were jumped by 4 spads. #6 seemed to move sluggish he was not maneuvering much...then I saw him crash.

I immediately ran and was peppered by 4 spads. I was shot, saw my fuel line bust and soon i decided to go low and attempt a landing beyond my trench to salvage my life...the plane was a write-off. just as I made it over our line enemy #4 smoked my carburetor and it was game over for the poor albatross that could. I effected a landing behind our line and leaped from the flaming machine when it came to a stop.

I feel singed, shot and pissed on...hopefully my injuries are not to severe so that I may exact revenge. ;)

Die Eule

MIA or KIA, Pilot never returned from last mission.

[Captured Italian soldiers a report a strange occurance possibly involving Feldwebel Die Eule. They had seen an Albatros type aeroplane come in low over their trenches and land in a field beyond a treeline behind them. They hurried to the plane and found it intact except for a series of bullet holes running up the back of the crate to the cockpit where the pilot slumped, dead with a shot to the head. Another bullet had pierced the now empty fuel tank and the plane, still held by the dead pilot's weight on the stick landed itself when it's engine died of fuel starvation. The Italians description of the plane and the pilot resemble Fw Die Eule.]

Gewin

on leave

VonSchtupp #8

Claims: bombed factory

Heinrich Ahrens

no report

Pat Wilson

On Leave