Claims: Village xxxx, Bridge xxxx, Bridge xxxx
Witnessed: Anhiem #17, Bridge xxxx, Depot xxxx

Things were relatively quiet when I joined my new posting with Flik24k which gave me some time to get used to these crates. 24k is a "multi-purpose" company and the variety of aircraft attest to that fact, but the squadron's workhorse is the Hansa Brandenberg C.II. They're fast, and stable, but bounce like hard rubber balls if you come in to land too steep! This feature of the "C2's" as the other pilots call it, will probably plague me for the rest of my life.

July 9th, my first mission! Took off and got into my position off Anhiem's starboard quarter as he took his place off Leutnant vonSchtupp's port quarter and we headed out over the waste that is "no-mans-land" to xxxx. As we entered the lunar landscape of craters behind the lines I was so busy gaulking at the scenery I became separated and it took a rap to the head by korporal Putz to release me from my trance. As I closed with the flight vonSchtupp made my number. I didn't know my target, but Anhiem seemed to be covering us and vonSchtupp looked to be headed for the bridge, so I lined up on the village the enemy was using to gather their forces in for their assaults. vonSchupp was, as it turned out, heading for the village, but his bomb fell wide. Already lined up, and a glance showed Anhiem just dropping on the bridge, I decided to go for the village. I looked through the sight and held the cord in my left had, flying the C2 by feel with my right. As the large building came into view I pulled the cord and could hear the bomb come off the rack. Joseph and I peered over the side at the Italian soldiers scurrying in every direction to find cover. I couldn't see the bomb, but I suddenly saw the building's roof change and a ball of fire replace it. The building still stood, but it would be no refuge in the rain.

As I settled back into the cockpit, Joseph slapping me one the shoulder, I looked for my wing mates and found that Joseph was not congratulating me, but warning me, as I watched a green aeroplane curve past me from left to right and dive onto my tail. "Hold on!" I yelled to Joseph as I split-S under the Spad and brought the Hansa around to face him again. I thought I saw a second Spad, and a large 2-seater nearby, but I was looking for my Spad when I saw our #17 blazing away at him with obvious strikes, but no apparent effect. I banked to intercept them and checked for the other two and vonSchtupp. I could see nothing of them so I bumped the already maxed throttle to be sure and made straight for the Spad Anhiem was chasing. But it sped off into no-man's land after his friends. We looked for vonSchtupp, but could not see him. Anhiem finished off the bridge, and we headed for drome xxxxx.

We met Spatz there and then took off for xxxxx. I bombed the bridge there, then joined Sebastian as he bombed the troops in the village. I watched for unwelcome visitor as he made several passes and spotted 2 dark specks hi overhead moving west. There was no AA fire around them, so it had to be Spads. I signaled Anhiem, but he was fixated on his task so I maneuvered to get his attention, while trying no to loose the Spads. Finally I got him to understand, and we headed east. Joseph tugged at my collar and I turned to see the 2 specks dive down behind us, but they grew no larger, and then began noticeably moving to the south, and away from us, eventually disappearing into the summer haze. I had Joseph watch, not just where they had been, but where they might get to, but they never reappeared, and we returned to drome xxxxx unscathed.

Into the air again we headed for xxxxx. I bombed the bridge, but my aim had become frayed in the day's excitement and it took every bomb I had to finally do some telling damage. I swooped down to get a better look at it and found a mangled twisted mass of rubble and steel with large chunks of the bridge lying in the river, but still I had managed to cause only one span to fall. A tribute to French masonry!

Anhiem's aim was as off as mine as he finished the last of his bombload in vain. We returned to xxxxx and rearmed as fast as we could. I had Joseph check the fuses and I supervised the loading of the racks and strung the release pins myself. Anhiem was in a rage, and stormed about the drome berating anyone below the rank of Feldwebel within reach. Theo, his gunner, a strange bird in any cage, sat on the wing of their crate with a flask watching his master goad the ground crew into faster action. The planes were lined up for take-off, and we roared back into the sky, returning to xxxxx post-haste to finish our work. I broke off and headed for the village. Three bombs all very close, and starting fires, but no real damage done. A haze was moving in off the channel and I could not longer see the target so I went to Anhiem, looking about for our friends of before. I could see Anhiem had badly damaged the depot below, but he seemed to be like a clockwork machine flying back and forth dropping bombs even when there was no longer any reason to. Finally his gunner shook him and he signaled return to base.

Off we went to xxxxx again, watching for those ever present Spads. We landed unharmed, rolled to a stop and Anhiem walked off to a nearby tree and sat. Joseph wanted to see if he was all right, but Theo step in front of him and stopped him with a look. I called him back and we went in to get something to eat before we headed for our home aerodrome.

Uhlan

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.

On Leave.

Departed xxxxx with #12 for xxxxx, a little late. xxxxx was empty so we decided to patrol as per orders. #12 fired on an ea. but could not close because our scouts are slower than enemy 2seaters. One other ea. seen well out in nml hdg west at high speed; did not pursue as per orders. No further contact. Landed at base 2255.

Gräser

Score claims: Damaged bridge at xxxxx with #3’s help

Claims: 1 Bridge at Grappa xxxx 1 Depot at xxxxx

Witnessed:1 Town at Grappa xxxxx by Uhlan, 1 Bridge at xxxxx by Uhlan, 1 Bridge at xxxxx by Uhlan

I had mixed feelings about this mission. I was feeling better now that Von Schtupp had transfered along with a new Uhlan. However, I had this rock in my gut that told me this wasn't going to be as easy as the others were. On the field, Uhlan, Der Leutnant, and myself discussed what we should attack. The feeling we got from the orders was to strike fast, hard, and everywhere. Checking our maps, we laid out our routes and refueling stops. Theo was looking more nervous than usual, which isn't easy I might add. I think he was feeling that same spectre that I was.

It was a tough call, but Herr Von Schtupp decided that we should go without waiting for escorts. Herr Uhlan and I agreed with it, as every moment would prove crucial in this day of thunder.

Our engines growled as soon as the flare flew from the observation tower. Herr Von Schtupp took lead, followed by myself and Herr Uhlan in nice line astern formation. We quickly got to alt and began our journey into the unknown.

Unlike most flights, I didn't look at the ground below us. Today I had little room for thoughts other than living through the mission. Theo and I both snapped our eyes to every minute corner of the sky. I'm sure Uhlan thought me to be tipsy with the way my plane bounced around.

I tensed even more as we crossed the lines and neared our targets. My stomach churned like a storm beaten sea and I thought that I would be sick. I had spoken of my fears to Der Leutnant and he shared my uneasiness. Perhaps I had tempted fate too often. Perhaps today the odds would catch up to me.

I shook my head clear as Herr Von Scthupp signalled targets below. I watched them peel off to attack some staging grounds while I lined up for the bridge there. I made my usual line up pass to survey the target, then started a long drift out to get ready for my attack. Time skipped for me, as when I banked about I caught site of an aircraft over me. Given our fast track to the target, it could only mean one thing....the allies where here. Theo flailed about, but the angle was bad and couldn't get a shot..not that the enemy was in range anyway.

I swung the CII back in the direction that Von Schtupp and Uhlan went, screaming at the top of my lungs. My arms flapped in the sky signalling EA EA! in the hopes that they might see me, even if I couldn't see them just yet. Theo was watching the contact unwaveringly, all the while pointing where it was for my reference. I put the nose down and ran the engine up as fast as she would go. Visions of our doom faded in and out before me. I thought of Mother...and of how Father died.

Thankfully Theo signaled clear as I neared the other target area. However, the turmoil was far from over. I caught site on one of our bombers WITH A SPAD ON HIS TAIL! I pointed and Theo got ready. As much as I feared what fate may have had in store for us tonight, I couldn't let the evil Amerikans claim a friend. Uhlan, the bomber, had the spad in a turn...smart flying, playing on the weakness of the Allied crate. I came around into an intercept position and as the spad tried to line up on Uhlan, Theo let forth a long burst. The spad counter rolled, breaking off of Uhlan's slippery 6. I slid in behind the fast scout while Theo hammered away, tracers stitching into the canvas of the green and brown plane. I hung tight behind the spad, knowing it was the only safe place. Again, blessed luck was with me as the spad nosed down and sped away. I dared a look over my shoulder to find good Uhlan closing on me.

Together we hovered for a few moments, eyes peeled for both the spads and also our lost comrade Von Schtupp. I had thoughts of getting out of there, but I felt that if Von Schtupp had fallen, I would not let him go in vain. With Uhlan dutifully watching the skies, I set back to the business of hitting that verdammt bridge. I was sorely rattled, and my aim was off, but I eventually was rewarded with the satisfying sight of a gaping hole and burning wood.

Now we made our way back to base xxxxx. During the flight, Uhlan signalled a contact behind us, though he couldn't make out friend or foe. I thought it might be Von Schtupp, but decided not to risk ourselves by checking. If indeed it was him, he would meet us at the rendezvous.

Our hearts grew heavier once we had landed and the crews went to restocking our warbirds. Von Schtupp hadn't appeared as we had hoped. Uhlan and I bantered back and forth quickly and decided to press on with the plan as laid out by our CO.

We launched out again and made for the targets in xxxxx. I noticed my hands shaking on the stick, sweat pouring from under my cap. Theo's mouth was moving, though I could not make out the sounds for the constant thrum of the engine. I think he was singing...singing away his fears.

The flight to the targets was uneventful, thanks to the creator. This time Uhlan headed for the bridge while I took the staging area. Uhlan (and may I point out his great bombing skill) made short work of the span, while I couldn't hit my face with my own hand. I suppose the imagery of what we just happened.

Uhlan and I reformed when he spotted two dark shapes way overhead. "Not again" I yelled and signaled for a hasty retreat. Our job here was done and there was no need to risk another encounter with the allies. They didn't drop to engage us, of which I am thankful and dared not question the grace bestowed upon us.

Landing again at xxxxx, I ran to the Ops building to ask if any word of our wayward comrade had come. Of course, there was none but I was daring to hope.

Once restocked again, Uhlan and I set out for the last set of targets...those in xxxxx. We stuck close to each other on our sides as we drove northward, turning west just shy of xxxxx. With a gradual climb, we reached attack altitude and made ready. So many things running through my mind now. Von Schtupp being top of the list.

Burst of flak brought me from my stupor. I hadn't even noticed how far we had flown, and cursed myself for being so melancholy at this most crucial time. Uhlan signaled that he was heading for his target, the bridge, while I steered south a bit to get at the depot. The winds had kicked up again and the smell of the ocean filled my nostrils. Below the structures of the storage buildings started to take form. I decided to forgo my usual line up pass and immediately set to readying my strike. As the first of my would be victims became clear, I let go my bombs....

A complete miss again! I began to wonder if somehow my sights had become jarred in the dogfighting earlier. Or maybe, in retrospect, my nervousness had caused me to lose focus. I was turning back for each run too early, preventing me from getting a solid line up, and so my runs netted little more than causing fear with the defenseless workers below. Uhlan the Unshakable (as I now call him) had already dispatched his bridge and had rejoined me as the last of my futile bomb drops had completed. I noted the time spent over this target, and I flew into a rage. I had spent far too much time here, making both of us vulnerable, and it netted me nothing!

I called for a return to base xxxxx. I pushed the CII, yelling at her to go faster and faster. I did quick calculations in my head and figured I could get in one more run at that verdammt depot before the sun setting would end this day in hell.

My plane hadn't stopped rolling before I was already half way out of it screaming at the top of my lungs for the groundcrew to rearm her. I was like a madman, arms flinging about barking for them to work faster. Too much had been sacrificed for me to fail at this point. Theo and I even grabbed some munitions ourselves. I caught a glimpse of Uhlan, cold and calculating working his plane as well. I wanted to tell him to remain here...no need for us both to be at risk, but a part of me wanted the company and extra set of eyes and gun.

Readied again, I tore off into the sky with Uhlan in tow. I keep the climb angle shallow to give me the best speed. In the distance I could see the red haze of the nearing sunset. My temples pounded with the blood being forced through my body by my hammering heart.

The flight there was a blur. Uhlan made way to a nearby staging area while I could do nothing but think of that depot. It had become personal somehow, as if it represented the sum total of the Allies and their evil ways. I had just barely made it to attack altitude and started my run. From outside of my body, I could see me leaning over the side of my plane, screaming at the men below as I let loose with both my bombs and my hatred. All ration was gone now, and I wished with all my might that this horrid place would burn...burn to the ground and take all with it. I wanted them to pay...for the Hauptmann...for Pendragon...maybe for Von Schtupp..and for my Father.

It was only with Uhlan's plane crossing my T that I came back. The sun was setting and any further bombing would be futile. Theo looked over the side and gave me a thumbs up. I never bothered to look. I could see the faint glow now from below and that was all I wanted to see.

Our planes settled gently back at xxxxx. I disembarked my tired warhorse, throwing my flightcap to the ground. Theo started to say something, but I guess the look in my eyes gave him doubts. I turned on my heels to look at the plane, and began to kick it. I said nothing, just kept pounding on the dumb machine with my worn boot. When I had stopped I turned to see everyone standing there in silence. They stared at me with eyes I have never seen before. I walked off the field alone...out past the hangers and into the nearby field of tall grass and wild flowers. I sank down at the base of a great tree, her leaves browned by the summer heat. I pulled my scarf from around my neck, bundled it up in my hands, and buried my face into it. I wept, asking myself...when...when would this horror be over.

Feldwebel Sebastian Anheim

Arrived at 9:30 just as some bombers where landing. Chatted with them a bit and took off and climbed out over drome. Began north south patrols. Noticed a low flying allied plane. Dove to try to catch it but could not. Decided to follow him to his target and shoot him when he made his bombing run or turned for home. Then I noticed a high Spad. Tried keeping an eye on both of them until the Spad made an attack run. Whilst fending him off I lost contact with the bomber. He made a few ineffectual passes and I put a few bullets in him each time till he left for home. I went looking for the bomber. Went south about 15 miles hoping to head him off. No luck. Was completeing a big loop and heading back north again when I spotted a bomber low. Dove down on him while looking around for his escort. When I got down to him (#17) I spotted his escort Spad #7. I went ahead and made a firing pass at the bomber. Then another. Turned to fling a few bullets at the spad and then turned back to the bomber. Twas then I realized this was no ordinary 2 seater. I had foolishly used a lot of E getting on his 6 again and soon I found the tables reversed as he could outturn me quite handily. Then the spad came back for another pass. I began climbing in a tight spiral. I soon got above the 2 seater and the spad. The spad was no longer a threat so once I got sufficiently above the bomber, I waited till he was mushing about near stall and dove on him for another pass. I threw a hail of lead his way hoping for a pilot kill after which I was going to chase Mr. spad driver back home. I got a lot of hits but he survived it and turned away. I went back into my spiral climb but made a mistake and stalled just a bit. Enough to put the 2 seater squarely on my 6. I clawed for altitude as he fired away. I thought I might make it but suddenly I was hit. My vision started to turn red and I quickly dove away. I looked around and spotted my home drome only about a mile away. I headed for it with both of them hot on my tail. I watched and jinked with stick, rudder, and throttle whenever they got lined up to shoot. As I neared the drome I hugged the ground and sped a full throttle toward home. Then I was over the runway, chopped the throttle and landed just as the 2 seater finished a firing pass. I jumped out of my plane and ran for cover hurling epithets at that Yankee pilot. He was quite a flyer and his plane was a good one but I think if I had proceeded with more caution the victory could have been mine. Maybe next time my valiant foe. I am now recovering nicely from my wound and looking forward to returning to my unit.

Spatz

Flew my Albatross and escorted 105 to their tgts. I observed damage to a factory, RR, a bridge and a town in the area. Well Done 105!

I then flew a patrol of our side...heard sirens at aero xxxxx but could not find enemy. No sight of any enemy the whole mission.

Pen

Enemy Aircraft Engaged #18

I was a little slow moving and getting out of the sack. I managed to get to the air strip just in time 21:00, but by the time I conducted a pre-flight and got all my gear in order it was almost 21:05. Looking at my mission orders I knew we would be late. Feldwebel Graser was on the field waiting on me, then I realized he had the wrong plane. He had one from Flik41j that was in our hanger for repairs. I instructed him to get one of our planes. While he was arguing with the ground crew I took off to circle the filed and gain some altitude. Within minutes Graser joined me. I instructed him to follow and we flew as fast as we could for aerodrome xxxxx to meet the 24k and escort them if needed.

21:10 Landed at aerodrome xxxxx. No other aircraft were found. Re-fueled and decided to patrol the north area assigned to us by HQ.

21:15 Took off on patrol.

21:25 Patrolled the area around the factory and RR yard located at xxxxx. We were at altitude of 2000m and we could hear the air raid sirens. We knew that EA was in the area. We looked and did not find anything. We continued to head north.

21:35 Spotted EA about 750m below me. I maneuvered into place so he would not see me coming. I got pretty close to his six and opened fire. I saw several rounds hit his aircraft. (#18). Aircraft type was unknown, but it was fast. I continued to chase him northward but he was out running us.

21:45 Returned to patrol.

21:50 Landed at aerodrome xxxxx for re-fueling and reload of ammo.

21:55 Took off on another patrol.

Patrolled the entire area plus the factories located at xxxx and xxxx. Also patrolled RR yards at xxxx. No EA spotted. Returned to base xxxx and landed at 22:55

Hans Josef “Die Eule” Beirgarten

On Leave

wounded, HB C.II damaged

I had crossed enemy lines and dropped 1 bomb on the village tgt at xxxxx when spads were spotted. Narrative will follow tomorrow.

Lifted off at 2104. Difficulty starting engine in Number 7. Flew SW to staging Aerodrome. Landed at empty field, but soon joined by others. Lt. Pendragon assumed command. Walter and I were assigned to bomb rail-yard at xxxxx. Flew in loose formation to allied side of NML, then separated and headed for targets.

Difficult time getting new plane and bombsight aligned and working well. Luckily, there were no enemy aircraft and AA was light and poorly aimed. We had to abort several runs at 1000m to assure not wasting ordnance. Several bombs hit near station and rail cars. Can only hope for proximate damage.

Soon joined by a squadron mate I did not identify, but we flew back to the staging aerodrome together. Perhaps I should have checked pilot Walter’s files more closely, but I am ashamed to report the worst landing I have experienced since training school. Walter came in with far too much speed, and his flair turned into a leap towards the clouds. The young fool could not get the engine back up to speed. We struck hard, tore off the landing gear, cart-wheeled once, breaking off both up wingtips, and, thank God, settled down on her belly. If we had had even one bomb left, we would be dead.

I dressed down Walter thoroughly and marched him over to the aerodrome’s commander. I apologized for the problem Walter had caused and asked about other aircraft that might be available. He had one UFAG C2 that was scheduled to be ferried up to Flik105g. I told him I would take responsibility for the crate and had it armed and rolled out on the field.

Walter was more than eager to prove himself competent. Lt. Helmut, flying a Halb c2, and I choose targets and set off for allied an allied bridge need NML. We hit it hard and destroyed at least one span. Then we rushed back across the mud to the base and had the crews strap on a new clutch of eggs for our allied friends to the west.

Walter put us so close to the factory I could have lit my pipe from the chimney sparks. I am not sure how much damage we did, but the flight was thrilling to say the least. Running out of daylight, we rushed for home.

At about 2309 we were on our final approach to the base when we were hopped by one of those damn allied SPADS. Walter was ready to take him on, but I smacked his helmet and pointed to the field. We would be much more safe under the covering fire of the base AA batteries than mixing it up with a SPAD. The bastard put two good bursts in us, shredding fabric and drawing blood. Walter was a brave lad and managed to set the plane down, The SPAD driver kept hammering away at us. Walter and I broke for the trenches at field side. Then we saw a most amazing sight.

The ground crew must have hidden a case of Schnapps in the UFAG. Or they were drunk on patriotism and glory. Whatever the reason, I was astounded to see a dozen of them rush out to the UFAG and drag it off the field into a stand of trees that made a natural redoubt. The damned SPAD pilot blasted away at the grove of old oaks and I swear I heard him cursing and demanding that we roll the UFAG back out on the field so he could claim his prize. Really cheeky. Must be one of those American cowboys.

After two flights at one of the assigned targets the target was still standing. As I was going to make a third run iwas met by an Albatros fighter that called me back. My attempt to land the big Freidrichshafen was most unfortunate. After a big bounce the bomber gently tipped onto its nose. Just as the plane started to settle it exploded! The entire crew was blown to bits. I write this report from my hospital bed - soon to join them.