Gräser #13 Flik61j Status: wounded

D3 Forced landed under fire. Set on fire after repeated strafing runs.

No victory claims: Put fire into 3 or 4 Spads.

Engaged 5 or 6 Spads over #XX. Too busy to note #s.

Sitting on ground, shortly after game start, with Flik24j waiting for them to refuel, when EAs attacked base. Took off and engaged numerous Spads. Lost track of fellow Austrians, found myself alone with all EAs giving me there complete attention. I hope the others got away. Put bullets into any EA that came in front of me but none went down to my knowledge. Took damage and lost power, attempted to make a landing on #XX but had to land short in friendly territory under fire. Exited game about 2120.

Status kia, UFAG destroyed

Score Claims Rail Depot c3-7 south damaged shared with 6.

Claims Witnessed #6 bombed depot

Cockpit Note by Walter Shroedenmach, pilot, Flik105g.

We are down. After Heinrich’s and my most glorious and victorious attack yesterday, he is now but a cooling corpse. I cannot get his body out of the wreck of the UFAG.

I was coming in too low, and decided to gain altitude as we dropped our bombs in order to avoid the explosion. The devils in the AA pit got our range and killed Heinrich and wounded me badly with about six shots. I think I will be dead soon too. But I have six rounds in my pistol and I will take a few Italians with me. I can see them laughing and gesturing as they come towards us from the MG nest. I will wait till they are close.

I do truly hate them. Even as I struggled to get Feldwebel Ahrens body out of the UFAG, one of the coward scout pilots came in low and strafed us. Number 11 was painted on his wing. He was probably hoping to claim the victory. It does not matter. I at least can make sure that these three garlic eaters won’t live to brag about their deeds.

Status: KIA Plane Status: Destroyed

Score claims: RR at C3-7 with #7.

Took off with #7 at 2100

Landed at XXXX and waited for Escorts

When #11 appeared we took off for RR at XXXX. Made several passes on RR all appeared misses.

At 2150 attacked by two EA.

Fought to get as low as possible at the highest rate of speed, but EA #8 on my tail.

Observed extensive damage to RR.

Claims: 1 Factory @B1-2

Witness: 1 Depot @ C1-5 by Uhlan

I stepped out onto the field, still uneasy with returning the salutes of those around me. Being next in line, I had just been promoted to Leutnant and posted as CO of the 24th, but I lost a dear friend and frankly, couldn't bring myself to enjoy the moment. I gazed over to the two HB CIIs that we would be flying today. The new pilot hadn't arrived yet, so the burden would be on Uhlan and myself.

Theo was there early, checking the bombload and his gun as usual. I waved over to Uhlan and Josef as I climbed up the wing and settled into my familiar seat. I was still thinking of last time we went up, the image of Von Schtupp's plane spinning to the ground. This war was getting darker each flight. How many deaths had I myself witnessed? How many brave young Fliegers sacrificed for justice?

I came out of my stupor as the flare went skyward and Uhlan fired up his mount. My engine coughed and sputtered at first, and I almost wished that she would fail. But alas, she finally got good firing and the prop spun up to speed. With chocks pulled, I rolled down the green field and took to the sky.

The flight to the rendevous was short and Uhlan and I spotted our escorts on the field waiting for us. We landed and pull up next to the albs as the crews ran out with cans of fuel to top us off. We stood atop our planes, yelling to each other about the plan when suddenly the sirens went off! Somehow the enemy was upon us (and so quickly too). The flak guns thundered and I spotted several planes at altitude coming right for the base.

The brave men of 61 dropped down into their cockpits and within moments they roared to life. I screamed at the groundcrew to hurry. Uhlan and I ran over to each other to quickly figure out our next step as the albatrossen engaged the evil vile spads. I got back into my plane as the last can of fuel was poured. Up ahead the battle was waging on low. Uhlan and I knew we had to get clear of the fight now, or we'd be strafed on the ground and never even get to reach our target.

We ran down the field, banking hard just as we left the ground. The fighting was close enough to see that our poor escorts were outnumbered and were being taken apart by the Amerikans. Now eastbound, Uhlan and I ran low and hard, hoping that the spads were too occupied with the albatrossen to notice our escape attempt. Theo, as it seems is his new norm, was cursing up a storm, begging me to turn around head into the action. I too felt like joining the fray, but the mission had to come first and if that meant us stealing away like thieves, then so be it.

We cleared the base and finally I could not see the spads any longer. Only then did I change our course to north, intent on staying on our side for as long as possible before having to risk the venture into Italian territory. Theo was scanning the sky above and behind us, his left hand tapping an odd tune on is Spandau. Uhlan was drifting back and forth, probably watching himself for the accursed Amerikan devil planes.

We were now ready to turn West and head for our target, a depot. As I came about, I had visions of what lay ahead. I had been here many times and knew the lay out well. But there was an unknown element. Had the Amerikan's figured out our plan? Our destination? Were their planes waiting for us just across the lines? No. This was no time to get myself into a panic. If they were in deed there, then we would handle that problem when we faced it.

We crossed the ruddy brown no man's land and once again dared into the airspace of our hated (though comically absent) enemy, the Italians. I spotted the bridge below, looking more and more creaky with each patch job they had done to it. Today it would be spared, though the temptation was there. However, the true target was just beyond. The depot. All was peaceful here, with no signs of any aircraft in the area other than our two CIIs. I signalled Uhlan to attack while I climbed a bit higher to watch for any interlopers.

Uhlan criss crossed the depot, with each trip bringing a new thunderous boom and cloud of smoke as he wrought havoc on the collection of storage buildings. The AA tried to get him, but their aim was as absent as their planes. For myself, I circled high and wide intent on not letting any spads catch us by surprise.

I finally lowered myself when I saw Uhlan make his final pass. The depot below was in shambles, a fine testiment to his work. We reformed and began our trek back to the north base to rearm. It was already decided that, time allowing, we had a place that required our attention once more.

We landed without incident and I congratulated Uhlan on his attack. He was a bit unhappy with the performance, but he had accomplished the main mission and that was all that really mattered. While the planes were restocked, we wondered how our friends in F61 had faired against the spads. None of the albs made it here, so once again we were left with nothing but questions.

Readied for flight, we took to the air one more time and again, turned our sights to Venice. We knew of some important factories there that could use a good thrashing, and we also had some payback to dole out.

I led our two planes out to sea, but this time stayed a bit closer to shore. I guess I was still wary of running into those spads again, and if so being far out over water was not a good idea, in my opinion. Should something happen, I would much rather land on dirt than the sea.

The sun was shining beautifully on the rolling waves below and the sky was very calm. The whole vision was like some painting hanging on the walls of the museums back home. It was breathtaking and I found that I could almost find comfort in its warmth.

We turned south and neared Venice. Uhlan veered westwardly to reach his factory, while I made a direct line for the one that had claimed Von Schtupp. Looking over the side I saw the workers moving around the bridge I had hit just a few days before. They ran for cover when they saw my plane above and I thought of buzzing them just to see the terror in their faces. Instead I pressed on, a bit more concerned with pulling this attack off rather than showing off.

The factory came into view and I dropped down to my attack altitude. I checked my sight and lined up for my first run. The great smokestacks of the factory spewed out large clouds of blackened smoke and I feared they might interupt my aim some. I circled once and found the path I would take that gave me the best chance at a hit.

The sirens blew and the MGs nest openned fire as I moved around my prey. I swung wide to prepare. I thought of Von Schtupp once more, and swore this factory would fall for him.

I came back around and started my pass. I was riveted on the target as the brick structures grew larger and larger. I release my first bomb at the lead buidling, and a second at the trailing one. I saw the explosions rip into the walls of my target. I imagined the workers inside, screaming in terror as my iron hammers smashed the factory below. I circled round and went again. And again. And again. Each time I adjusted some so that all the buildings could share in the destruction. Great fires erupted and several of the structures were knocked halfway down. On my final pass, I struck what had to be the very heart of the factory, as now the explosions came without further help from me. I gave her one more circle, watching with an erie fascination as she burned and fell. I saw one smokestack crumble to the ground, its supports blown out from under it. I found it symbolic of how Italy would someday fall before us.

My job done, I turned back north to search for Uhlan. I had spent some time over the target and thought he might be waiting for me where we entered. Theo scanned West while I looked forward trying to spot the yellow bomber. Instead, my heart skipped as I saw the black plane above. No..not now.

I cursed at myself as I swung around for the other factory. The spad trail followed, so any hopes I had of slipping away faded. My best chance now was to find Uhlan and hope that together we could fend off the Amerikan. Theo kept eye on the spad as I drove hard towards where Uhlan should be..unless he had already fallen to the enemy scout.

I got sight of Uhlan making another run on his target. Well out of range to see my hand signals, I fired flare after flare. I'm not sure if he saw it or not, but he turned from his target and headed for the sea. I veered to catch him when Theo warned me of the nearing spad. At this point Uhlan must have seen my frantic waving, as he began to turn tightly. I myself entered a turn, counter in direction to his.

The spad tore between us, its gunning blaring. The plane was blackish and I could see the markings clear. It was Flint, one of the allied leading aces in the area! A bad situation had suddenly become much much worse.

Uhlan got the first burst off at the attacker, sending the predator up into a climb. At the top, he dove again bearly missing me with a horrid burst of gunfire. Uhlan again fired at him and once more the spad sought the safety of altitude. This time he dove on Uhlan and it was my turn to get some shots into his stubborn aeroplane.

We continued this game for a few minutes, helpless to escape the superior speed and climb rate of the French built machine. All we could pray for was a mistake that would let us get our guns on him for those few crucial moments and perhaps cause enough damage to make him flee.

At some point, Uhlan caught a nasty load of allied lead into his plane. I glanced at him and my blood ran cold. His plane was torn badly, fabric from his upper wing flapping over his head. Uhlan was low and flying straight, headed due East now. This left me alone to face the spad. I looked at our attacker and knew that my time was up. But instead, he moved after the wounded Uhlan. With a shallow dive, he easily ran out past the range of my guns.

I was suddenly faced with the hardest snap decision of my life. Should I follow and try to save Uhlan, who really had no chance to escape and was probably doomed no matter what I do, or do I take advantage of his brave sacrifice and get my own plane out and to safety? I suppose in the hereafter I will know the merit of my decision.

I turned north and ran for open sea and air. We had lost one plane last mission, and Uhlan seemed lost to me now. And I owed it to him, Theo, and Austria to get this plane back to base. I felt sick to my stomach as I ran. I wanted to fight more, to save poor Uhlan, to face the enemy. But reason told me how foolish the visions of glory were.

I took the plane as far north as I dared (lest I run out of world..hehehe) before turning back east. I settled into to a good altitude, not too high, but enough to give me room to fight properly should Flint return for me. The long flight back to our lands was cold and lonely. I could feel eyes on me, and they were not Theo's.

Back over soil, I raced across NML to finally see the lush green of our own side. I breathed a half sigh of relief as I figured this nightmare would soon be over. And then I caught sight of it. Another enemy aircraft just south of me. I knew inside that it had to be Flint, coming to finish the one that got away.

I pushed the nose down to pick up speed. Perhaps I could outrun him to the base, but not likely. I saw his plane coming down as well and just before his first swipe at me I leveled out and began my defensive turn. I risked one look back at Theo and silently apologized to him. I could only hope that somehow he would forgive me.

The spad hit us hard with his first pass. I screamed as a bullet grazed my shoulder. Nothing solid, but the searing pain ran throughout my body, as if I was ablaze. Theo returned fire, but the spad had again climbed high. I was staying inside his turn, but without the power to climb I could do nothing but wait for his next slash at us.

Flint had gotten behind me as I had pulled a bit too hard and lacked the speed to do much. I was forced to level out for a moment and he was on me with lightening speed. The vickers reached out for us and I heard fabric tear and bullets ricochet off my struts. The burst ended short though and I thought he might have jammed his guns. Unless he was just toying with me at this point. Perhaps he wanted me to get a bit closer to the safety of our base before finishing us.

I had thought of putting the plane down here. Theo and I would be safe, and perhaps the plane could be salvaged. But I had taken the easy out once tonight. I wouldn't embrace further damnation by doing it twice. So I droned on. This plane would be on the field or I would die with it.

Flint came in from behind again, and he was lined up perfectly. And yet, nothing. As he pulled past me, I snapped around and gave him a burst. I know I hit him, though one gun would be lucky to end a spad's run of terror. Flint circled above once again and I yelled for him to finish it. I had grown weary of the game, I had seen too many friends die. I wanted an end to this.

The black spad leveled behind me and came in fast. I could see he was going to pass just over me. Theo yelled he himself had jammed and could do nothing at the moment. I decided if I was to die, I would take this Flint with me. I yanked my nose up, fully realizing that the spad would run into me unless he was on his toes. To his credit, Flint rolled out and avoided me. I cut the nose over and gave him one more burst as he came about to regain his alt.

The base was near now. Unless he acted soon I would make it there safely. I wondered if now the mortal blow would come. The black spad was right over me, poised to strike. Flint was looking over the edge at me and finally our gazes met. With a knowing look, Flint lifted his arm and saluted. I returned the salute to this master killer and watched as he pulled away, heading back for his own lines.

I put the CII down onto the field and sent a prayer out to Gott. I thanked him for saving us. I begged his forgiveness for my enjoyment of the destruction I had laid out this day. And I asked him to take care of my friends Von Schtupp and Uhlan. I hope that when we meet again, they will still call me brother....

Lt Sebastian Anheim, Flik24k, Kommandeur

KIA

claim: Depot @ C1-5

We took off with Leutnant Anhiem, in Hansa Brandenberg C.II's, and flew to rendezvous with Flik61j. Set down at #20, fighters already there, and waited to pick up bomb load and top off fuel for mission. It was no sooner done than the sirens began to wail. ObLt Spatz took off, but his flight didn't follow right off and as the enemy plane dove in, he engaged them alone for critical minutes. We counted at least 5 Spads against our 3 Albatrosen who were just taking off, and separated at that! We took off to the east hoping to make our escape from the marauding Spads and do the damage we couldn't do to them directly.

We flew north, then west and crossed the front near #22 heading for C1-5 and the target depot. Anhiem flew high to keep watch while Uhlan leveled off at 2k to drop my bombs. My aim was atrocious, so Uhlan dropped to 1k to make it easier. Finally, with my last bomb I saw a building collapses and take fire!

Uhlan took us up to meet Anhiem and we flew to a friendly aerodrome to rearm and refuel. It was then decided we would bomb Venice again. We had a long flight to Venice, but the sea was pleasant to watch and time went quickly. Just before we came ashore Uhlan broke off to head for our target and I prepped my bombs. Again my aim was shameful and we did no damage to the factory, though we demolished several trucks parked in the yards.

After I dropped my last bomb we dove to check for damage done. As I peered over the side Uhlan suddenly banked hard and headed toward the sea. behind us I saw two aircraft I saw one as one of ours, Anhiem and turned to tell Uhlan. Just as he turned to look tracers began to emanate from the trailing aeroplane. Uhlan again banked hard, but this time to the aid of our friend.

We swirled around with the black Spad of the Amerikan ace B.J. Flint, trading shots and trying to get the one burst that would either send him off and force him down. Instead, we received that burst, and the fabric of our upper wing shredded so bad it fouled my gun. Uhlan dove for the ground and headed east as best he could with no ailerons. I saw Anhiem head towards the sea, but Flint followed us. He had taken a moment to decide and had lost some ground as a result, but he crept up on us and was soon in gun range and firing. Uhlan climbed and dove, sometimes touching the wheels to the ground, and Flint had to be careful not to crash - too careful for my taste! Then it happened! I heard a strange sound and turned from my gun to see Uhlan fall forward, the dashboard and wind screen splattered with blood and now blood running down from his flight helmet. I braced for the crash, but the plane gently touched down and rolled along. I cut the engine and checked Uhlan, but there was no hope for him. I took his journal from his pocket, and his wife's locket from the dash and bounded from the plane, headed for a nearby wood. I hid until dark and worked my way towards the front. It took 2 days to find a way across.

Josef Pulitzer, bomber/gunner assigned to Einrich Uhlan #17

On leave

AWOL

Got in about 4 minutes late due to computer probs. Sirens went off almost immediately ( was flabbergasted at how nme could already be there till I found out that server clock was fast, game was started according to server clock, so game was started 5 minutes early)

I yelled for others to take off and took off and began climbing. Looked behind and no one was following. Looked up and saw 5 spads. 3 of them attacked me. I tried to attack but three was too many. There was nearly always someone on my 6. Took some wing damage. Knowing that the albs don't handle wing damage well (they pull off) I decided reluctantly to abandon the fight and landed at the edge of the base. Then I saw that the other scouts were up and engaged. In the red haze of anger I briefly considered taking back off to help. Then I decided to let them fend for themselves. No sense committing suicide so a rookie pilot could live 5 more minutes before he died too. Exited and was furious for about an hour. Never again will I wait on the ground for any reason other than refueling and rearming.

Spatz

Alive ..plane intact(Alb)

Boring..netted a lot and watched my counry men die. I tried to help #3 but he wouldn't fly to me and i couldnt catch up to him before the spads #8 and # 4 got him. Flew back to my aero and parked it.

Pen

Soldiers reported seeing what appeared to be a drunken Die Eule eating chicken in the cockpit of his plane as it sat on the runway. His engine started late as the rest of the flight left him when the air raid sirens went off. He never made it very far. A few hundred feet from the runway he was forced down by a Spad. After what appeared to be a good touch down on the rough, the Alb wheels got caught up in the brush and the plane nosed over and inverted. It was such a soft nose over nobody paid much attention to it. After several hours, Die Eule never returned to base. A squad was sent out to search for him. His body was found still strapped in the aircraft. Die Eule had taken a shot in the right shoulder, but in his drunken state he must not have been able to unbuckle his harness with one hand. It was determined that death was a result of remaining inverted until he passed out from the blood rushing to his head in his weakend state. All the while bleeding from an injury to the shoulder that would not have otherwise been fatal. The ultimate cause of death, blood loss while remaining inverted for several hours trapped in aircraft.

on leave

Leave?

My stomach cramps were bad but being new to the Flik and coming from JG1 I felt that no matter how I felt I must go up and show my self. Not only for the honor of JG1 but for my self.

I walked out onto the field to gaze up at the beautiful clouds and thought it wouldn't be long before I would be flying in them. As my Albatros climbed from the field the wind blowing in my face I began to feel better and it wasn't long until I almost forgot about my cramps. I climbed a bit over the field and then headed South to see if there might be any activity over our RR station and factory. I climbed up to 2K and enjoyed the fresh air. I was still not feeling all that well but at least I had something to do to keep my mind off my illness. The clouds were as beautiful up here as they had been on the ground and as I flew over our installations I tried to see if there had been any damage done by NME bombers. I kept a keen eye out for any unsuspecting NME bomber but also for the executioner out of the sun. I saw neither and took the flight as a chance to get aquatinted with the lay of the land. Before long my cramps had returned and they were so bad that I had to sit down on one of our sister airfields. I was taken to the infirmary and laid down until my pains subsided. I then returned to my air field.

FW. Werner Kohlbach