Finally Got WOFF

[Sailor Steve]

I've been watching videos of 'Wings: Over Flanders Fields' for months now, and I finally have myself organized enough to buy it. I joined the SimHQ WOFF forums a couple of months ago, but rather than jump into the best WWI air war sim available I've been having fun with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and X-Plane 11.

The first thing I did was set up Training Mode and start learning how to fly the sim. I immediately noticed that the creators have a good sense of humor and a good background on the material. The instructor is Captain Owen Triggers, which was the name of the flight instructor turned squadron commander in the 1977 BBC TV series 'Wings'. It only ran two seasons, but it followed the adventures of a farm-boy who joins the war and becomes a BE.2c pilot just before the Fokker Scourge. It's not a great series, but it's a pretty good one.

I just ordered a TrackHat and it won't come for a few weeks, so I'll probaby devote what little gaming time I have left to learning WOFF and continuing to play with the other two flight sims I have.

[Buddahaid]

Let me know how you like it although my game time is pretty limited these days. I'm simply curious.

[Sailor Steve]

I've already watched dozens of videos, possibly more than one hundred. I was a big Red Baron fan back in the day, and this looks at a glance like it could have been called Red Baron 4. I also considered Rise of Flight, but online multiplayer just isn't my thing.

I kind of wish I could start even earlier in the war, but I understand their reasons for the start date they did pick. In 1914 you would be flying some very primitive planes with no opposition, just doing your job. I have one pilot who was given the very earliest possible date, March 1915. I don't like that a French pilot is training in a BE.2c, but they didn't want to waste resources developing models just for training. It's still cool since April 1 was the date of Roand Garros' first victory as a single-seat pilot shooting a gun through the propeller. The first Eindeckers didn't go into service until the very end of June, and the first victory in one was July 1, with the first confirmed kill coming on the 15th.

So far the modelling and scenery are first-class, and the sounds are also quite good. I'm getting my fill of more primitive planes with SFX, flying a Bleriot XI out of an unused grass strip in England. That's been fun too.

[Mud]

Do you still need the original CF3 to play it, very tempting to buy it. :hmmm:

[Sailor Steve]

For the earlier versions you needed to put the disc in the drive to play it. With this latest Ultimate Edition they say you need the key code from CSF3, but in fact it never asked me to enter it. I'm sure they reserve the right to ask for it, since they originally were tied together, but now I don't know. I didn't, but who knows if they'll ask you or not.

I bought CSF3 last year just for this purpose, and I consider the money well spent. So far I've been having a blast, and I haven't seen any combat yet. I've set up several careers for January 1915, six months before the Eindecker made its appearance, and I've been using the Quick Combat function to just fly around behind the lines, pretending it's July 1914 and waiting for the war to start.

[Sailor Steve]

I've started my first WOFF careers. Not really the first, but what I had before is just experimenting.

I found that the earliest I can start a new career is January 1915, and that all the QC mission I fly will be applied to that day. I then realized that I could use the QC to practice and write my own personal log to assign those missions an earlier date. I then wondered how far back I could take it.

Then I realized that, while the 100th anniversary will never return, the 104th is happening right now. RAF No 3 squadron was the first to cross over to France for the war, with several others only days behind. That was August 13. Since I wanted to have a fighter pilot and a two-seater pilot from each power running simultaneously, I figured why not do the research for the squadrons I wanted and find out where they were on August 1. Or July 30, which was yesterday, and the day I wanted to start this mess. So I created a French pilot. The earliest date I could find was August 12, so I created the pilot and flew a QC mission, choosing an airfield for my "training" base and practicing touch-and-goes in a Caudron G.IV. I'll continue this sort of thing until August 12, then move to the base they were actually at during that time. It's weird, but I'm starting a career at the very beginning of the war, and almost a year before the eindeckers made their first appearance.

But that's just me...

[Sailor Steve]

And then something really awesome happened, all by itself:

It's not enough for me to just make up a pilot. I want real names, so I came up with a generator using dice and websites dedicated to names - British, French, German - first, last and middle, and to generate city names as well. And that's where it got weird.

My first pilot is French. I rolled a 14 for the first name, so it starts with 'N'. A further roll came up with 'Noel'. I rolled for a middle name, and he has one. Being French, he might have a few more, so I rolled for that. Nope, only one. The next roll was a 15, so it begins with 'O'. The only 'O' I could find on the list I had was 'Odil'. For the last name it came up 11, which is 'K'. The only French last names beginning with 'K' on the list I had were 'Kay' and 'Kirouac'. A further roll said his full name is Noel Odil Kay. Unusual, but there it is. Except it gets even weirder.

For the city I rolled an 9, which is 'I'. I could find exactly zero French cities beginning with 'I'. Well, except for "Irish Nantes". That's a nickname, and it came about apparently because Nantes was founded by Irish smugglers as a base from which to sneak things into England. And it turns out that 'Kay' is a Celtic name. One source says it's related to MacKay and McKay, but it's also the name of King Arthur's foster brother and Chamberlain, Sir Kay, or Sir Kai in the earlier versions.

So there you have it. Noel Kay's surname comes about because he's descended from the Irish smugglers who founded Nantes. And that's the weirdness. I didn't come up with that origin and then make up the names, I rolled up the names and the story is a logical explanation for something that actually had nothing to do with me at all. Like I said at the beginning, "all by itself".

[Aktungbby]

. I could find exactly zero French cities beginning with 'I'.
. Issy-les-Moulineaux... Ivry-sur-Seine
:Kaleun_Goofy:

[Sailor Steve]

Hmm...I wonder why they didn't show up on Wiki or any of the other sites I checked. Anyway, I found another more detailed site.

[Sailor Steve]

2/08/1914 Caporal Noel Kay has been transferred from Breuil-le Sac to Camp de Chalons where Escadrille C13 is forming. It seems that the rising tensions between France and Germany over the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia knows no end. Actual hostilities may not be far off.

Meanwhile, In England I've created a new pilot. Sergeant Corrigan Yegor "Corrie" Aujla, of Saanitch, British Columbia, Canada, has begun training with No 3 Squadron RFC at Netheravon. One of the fun things I just discovered on my own is that you can not only select the season in Quick Combat but also the airplane. This is good because the game has No 3 Squadron starting in January 1915 with Morane parasols, and that is when they first outfitted with that aircraft. Prior to that they were flying BE.2s. With QC I can actually change it so my British pilots are flying BE.2s for the first few months of the war.

I love this game.

[Sailor Steve]

03/08/1914

Noel Kay is busy flying orientation flights to learn the area of Chalons.

Corrie Aujla is also doing orientation flights around the middle of England.

[Sailor Steve]

04/08/1914

Escadrille C13 got word that late yesterday afternoon Germany declared war on France. Noel Kay and Caporal Alfred Esnault made a flight from Chalons to Nancy and back.

With No 3 Squadron in Netheravon, Corrie Aujla has been assigned a senior observer. He made his first flight with Captain Fabio Carlson aboard. His first opinion of his new aircraft commander is "He drinks too much." On the other hand he's starting to become friends with Welsh pilot Sergeant Robbie Reinard.

[Sailor Steve]

05/08/14

In France, Noel Kay and Alfred Esnault make a flight from Chalons to Auve and back, with some sightseeing along the way.

In England they receive the news that at 2300 hours last night Britain declared war on Germany, due to that country's invasion of Belgium.

Corrie Aujla makes another very long flight with Captain Carlson. They head south to the Channel coast and when Aujla starts to turn back, Carlson begins waving at him from the front cockpit, signalling him to keep heading south. Following orders Augla travels out over the Channel until they are out of sight of land. Carlson then signals him to turn east. Aujla does so, but after a few minutes begins to worry about their fuel and turns back northward. Carlson signals him to turn eastward again, but Aufla ignores the Captain's frantic waving and returns to land. By this time a thick fog has set in and Aujla becomes disoriented and heads west rather than north. With the sun setting and fuel running low he finally sets the plane down in a field near the town of East Wittering. After berating Aujla for a time Carlson seems to realize that he might not want the attention punishing Aujla might bring to him. They finally find a house with a telephone and manage to get through to Netheravon, informing their commander of where they are and that they will find gas in the morning and head for home. The family invites them to sleep in their barn.

[Sailor Steve]

6 August 1914:

In France, Noel Kay makes another flight, this time to Belrain and return. No news from Belgium.

In England Corrie Aufla and Capt Fabio Carlson are awakened at 0300 by the family with whom they have taken shelter for the night. Father and son take them in a horse-drawn wagon to a gasoline storage facility on the outskirts of East Wittering. The man there fills a tank on the back of a lorry and gives them a ride back to the farm, along with the father. The son follows with the wagon. When they explain that they will have to return with payment they are told that with the new war brewing this one is free. The plane is filled and at 0405 they take off in the dark. The sun rises while they are in flight and they land back at Netheravon in time for breakfast. Captain Carlson says nothing of their disagreement, so neither does Sergeant Aujla.

[Sailor Steve]

7 August 1914

In France Caporal Noel Kay suffers an engine failure three minutes after takeoff. On landing the plane hits a tree and is badly damaged. Caporal Esnault is unharmed, but Kay receives a severe gash to the forehead and is taken to the town hospital.

At Netheravon in England Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson make an extended flight northeast to Oxford, south to Portsmouth then northwest back to Netheravon. Total flight time is 3 hours 1 minute.

[Sailor Steve]

8 August 1914

In France Noel Kay sits in a small cottage hospital in Chalons while Escadrill C 13 moves to their new field at Verdun.

In England Corrie Augla continues his training with 3 Sqdn. Today is a flight from Netheravon to Woking and back.

[stork100]

All very interesting. I had not heard of WOFF until coming across this thread and now I'm curious to learn more. I've always been a die hard fan of Red Baron 3D (still my favourite game) for three significant reasons:

1. The dynamic campaign, which provided endless playability and new surprises even after a decade worth of playing, plus the historical authenticity and the fairly realistic representation of the nature of WW1, the missions, squadrons, aircraft etc. At least, it gave the right kind of impression.

2. The level of spirit put into the game which was absolutely superb, never seen anything else like it. Very endearing.

3. The aggressiveness of the AI. A significant element missing in more modern flight sims in my opinion, where enemy fighters tend to just fly singly in wide sweeping level turns, essentially waiting to be shot down by the player. In RB3D however, they were very manoeuvrable and would attack very frequently, with a level of unpredictability even for the experienced player.

It was partly for these reasons that I never got Rise of Flight, as these ingredients all seemed to be distinctly lacking, at least to the level of RB3D. That combined with the whole having to be online thing, continually having to buy the game etc, the trend of modern games that I refuse to interact with.

I already have CFS3 so may well think of giving this a go. Since you've come from Red Baron, and probably appreciated it for the same reasons I do, I'd be interested in how you might compare the two. Understanding that it is its own game with its own unique character of course.

All the best with your campaign. Cheers.

[Sailor Steve]

I'll try not to gush too much, but it's going to be hard.

1. The dynamic campaign, which provided endless playability and new surprises even after a decade worth of playing, plus the historical authenticity and the fairly realistic representation of the nature of WW1, the missions, squadrons, aircraft etc. At least, it gave the right kind of impression.
I think the Developers at WOFF had RB3D in mind when they started out. The dynamic campaign allows you to start the game in January 1915, seven months before the eindeckers make their appearance. You can get into fights with the enemy at that time, but it's not easy matching two-seaters, especially the poor old BE.2c, which is only outfitted with a rifle. You spend a lot of time patrolling the lines hoping the AA doesn't get you. Assigned missions can include photo-recon and artillery spotting, and you actually witness artillery barrages taking place. I've seen truck convoys on the move. Sometimes you will be informed that due to the weather you won't be flying today. After each mission you go to the squadron board and see who scored kills and who didn't come home.

There is also a very nice AI-pilot mode, not really autopilot because you don't set the plane up (of course they couldn't in real life) but a mechanism that follows the waypoints with a limited time-compression (12x is the maximum). It's handy because some of the flights are pretty long. On the other hand I've read about a couple of die-hards who print out the maps and navigate purely by sight. AI-Pilot is also handy when you are the wingman. I have found it very hard to keep in formation and tend to get lost a lot. With the AI-Pilot you stay where you're supposed to be all the time.

2. The level of spirit put into the game which was absolutely superb, never seen anything else like it. Very endearing.
Someone said that if you want to fly historically accurate WW1 aircraft, and wand to fight against other humans, you need Rise Of Flight, but if you want to actually experience trying to survive the war WOFF is the only choice.

3. The aggressiveness of the AI. A significant element missing in more modern flight sims in my opinion, where enemy fighters tend to just fly singly in wide sweeping level turns, essentially waiting to be shot down by the player. In RB3D however, they were very manoeuvrable and would attack very frequently, with a level of unpredictability even for the experienced player.
I haven't had any combat experience yet, but according to WOFF's guidebook the AI makes decisions based on in-game experience. If they think they're losing they might try to form up and run. They do have a 'Workshop' where you can adjust things yourself, including the aggressiveness of the AI (your side and theirs) and the accuracy of the gunfire. I'm not likely to learn much more for myself anytime soon as my OCD has me stuck with several campaigns, all at the beginning of the war. As you can read, neither of my current pilots has even seen combat, and since the Germans are still in Belgium they probably won't for quite some time.

Among the adjustments is the ability to make yourself flight leader all the time or make it according to rank, so you find yourself playing wingman a lot.

It was partly for these reasons that I never got Rise of Flight, as these ingredients all seemed to be distinctly lacking, at least to the level of RB3D. That combined with the whole having to be online thing, continually having to buy the game etc, the trend of modern games that I refuse to interact with.
I completely agree. While ROF is very pretty it has nothing that I really want from a WW1 combat sim.

I already have CFS3 so may well think of giving this a go. Since you've come from Red Baron, and probably appreciated it for the same reasons I do, I'd be interested in how you might compare the two. Understanding that it is its own game with its own unique character of course.
I described WOFF to a friend who is a big RB3D fan as 'Red Baron 5'. Yes, I skipped 4 because I think it's that sophisticated. As I said, I can't stop gushing. It's everything I could have hoped for and more.

[Sailor Steve]

9 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is informed by the doctor that he could probably leave now, but they want to keep him under observation for a couple more days.

Netheravon: 3 Squadron is informed that British troops are organizing for the cross-channel trip to France, and they will be following soon after. Corrie Aujla's flight takes him and Capt Carlson far to the northeast and back. Aujla now has passed the 20-hour mark in the BE.2. The weather continues overcast as it has been for the past couple of weeks.

[stork100]

I described WOFF to a friend who is a big RB3D fan as 'Red Baron 5'. Yes, I skipped 4 because I think it's that sophisticated. As I said, I can't stop gushing. It's everything I could have hoped for and more.

Fascinating. I'll definitely check it out further, because it sounds like the real deal. Could be what I've waited a long time for. Thanks very much for your insights.

[Sailor Steve]

You're most welcome. I regret waiting as long as I did, but the whole '100 Years' thing has been tying up my life, and I haven't had time for anything for quite awhile now. The good news is that I skipped the whole WOFF 1, 2 and 3 parts and got to jump directly into 'Ultimate Edition'. And now you get to do the same.

Oh, I forgot to mention earlier - there are some truly awesome mods right now. They're all on the Mods Download page at the main WOFF website, so they're easy to find. Also you can find the dedicated fans at the SimHQ forums:
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/372/1/wings-over-flanders-fields

Check out the Screenshot thread there. Page 4 will blow your mind.

[Sailor Steve]

10 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay is now being told that he can probably leave for Verdun in a couple of days, but won't be cleared to fly for another week. Meanwhile news has come through that French forces have attacked the Germans near Mulhouse, in Alsace. This is the first fighting by our troops.

Netheravon: Sgt Corrie Aujla and Capt Fabio Carlson flew eastward today, to Guilford, then northeast to London. From there they followed the Thames, heading back up-river to Esher in the southwest, then northwest to Woking. From there it was west by southwest back to Netheravon. Flight time was 2 hours 39 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

11 August 1914

Chalons: Noel Kay writes "Still sitting out in the warm afternoon sun. I could grow used to this. News came that yesterday the Germans captured Liège in Belgium, and have re-taken Mulhouse."

Netheravon: No flying today. No 3 Squadron is moving to Swingate Down tomorrow and every man is busy organizing and packing for the equipment to be moved directly to Dover.

[Sailor Steve]

12 August 1914

Chalon:
Noel Kay writes: Today we received news that France and Britain declared war on Austria-Hungary yesterday.
0930 A car came to take me to our airfield at Verdun. We arrived at 1237. Three and a half hours! I could have flown there in one hour. Anyway, the boys were all happy to see me.

Swingate Down:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
0748: Squadron took off for Dover via Brighton. At 0916 my friend Robbie Reinard suffered an engine failure and landed just east of Brighton. Lt Salmond had us land nearby. After examining the situation he had us take off for Eastbourne at 0927. From there the Lt took off with a mechanic. at 1354 he returned with Robbie's BE. in tow. At 1420 the Squadron took off for Dover. at 1520 we landed at Swingate Down and were assigned quarters for the night.
Time in aircraft: 26.13 hours. Total flight time: 26.13 hours.

[Sailor Steve]

13 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Yesterday Belgian troops defeated the Germans at Haelen. The Austro-Hungarians have started their invasion of Serbia.
0947: First flight in almost a week. Flew around the Verdun area, learning what is where. 33 minutes.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla writes:
At 0625 No 2 Squadron took off for Amiens. We are to follow shortly.
0815: Squadron took off from Swingate Down for Calais and then to Amiens. We have some concerns about Robbie's engine, but the local mechanics assure us it is in good working order.
08:52 Crossed French coast west of Calais. Headed west.
0900: Turned south, following coast.
0925: Turned inland, following the Somme River.
1002: Having skirted the forest around Abbeville, we turned south towars Amiens.
1020: Landed at Amiens. There we met the boys from No 2 Sqdn, and they had a good story to tell. It seems their commander, Major Burke, had them travel around the forest as we did, just to ensure a place to land in case of engine trouble. One of his pilots, Lt Harvey-Kelly, positioned himself at the rear, broke off and flew straight across the forest. When the group landed at Amiens they found Harvey-Kelly's BE already there, making himself the first British pilot to land in France for the war!

[Sailor Steve]

Started another new pilot. No 3 Squadron is destined to be a fighter unit, and I wanted another one that would remain in two-seaters.

14 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay is still busy learning the area. Meanwhile news has come through that yesterday the Austro-Hungarians began their invasion of Serbia.

Amiens:
Corrigan Aujla and his observer Captain Fabio Carlson are spending time flying around Amiens, getting to know the area and their comrades from No 2 Squadron.

Eastchurch, England:
Sergeant Ries Meismer has begun training with No 4 Squadron at Eastchurch. Today was a 45-minute flight up to London, eastward down the Thames then south back to Eastchurch. It's a quiet little town right on the coast.

[Sailor Steve]

15 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes:
Flew south of the city today. Found a large army camp, with dozens of tents in a field. Had to buzz them. Keep their spirits up. The news tells us that Liege has fallen to the Germans.

Amiens:
Corrie Aujla writes:
Made a flight over to Abbeville today, then as far north as Bethune. Two hours in all. Big news - tomorrow we transfer to Maubeuge, on the Belgian border. Our troops are going to be stationed there, the first line of defense.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meismer writes:
Made a short flight today up to the mouth of the Thames and back. Our training is being cut short. Tomorrow we fly to France!

[Sailor Steve]

16 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends the day flying around the north side of Verdun. "Such a beautiful place. It's hard to believe war could ever come here."

Amiens:
No 3 Squadron transfers northeast to Maubege, nearer the Belgian border.

Eastchurch:
Ries Meisner writes:
Transfer flight from Eastchurch down to Amiens. We're in the war now! As we crossed the Channel I was thinking it's only five years since that French fellow made the first hop across from France to Merry Olde. Now it's a matter of routine. It could still be bad if one us had an engine go bust halfway across, but still we don't really think about it. Now we're safely ensconced in our new quarters and waiting to see what comes next.

[Sailor Steve]

17 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends about an hour exploring the region to the east this time.

Maubege:
Corrie Aujla flies an exploratory patrol to Lille and back.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer spends an hour learning the area around his new home. He is excited about being "...in the war now...",, and considers himself a crack pilot with his whopping six hours of training.

Dusseldorf:
Flieger Odis Först, 18 years old, makes his first solo flight in an Aviatik B.I. Considers himself lucky to get back on the ground in one piece.

[Sailor Steve]

18 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spent the day making his way southward this time. Actually only another hour. The rest of the day was spent talking to mechanics and chatting with his fellow pilots.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla writes:
"0505: Extended navigation exercise. Three BEs. Lt Cruikshank was flight leader. Robbie was number 2, with me in third spot, We flew up to Arras, then up to Tournai and back to Maugeuge."

Amiens:
Ries Meismer took off with his observer for another exploratory flight. He had barely made 1,000 feet when his engine started banging and sputtering. Fortunately he had enough altitude and engine to make it back to base. Total flight time 7 minutes. Too late in the day for another try.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först made his first extended flight, following his instructor down to Jüchen and back. Almost an hour in the air.

[Sailor Steve]

19 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay and another pilot made an extended flight southeast to Toul, east to Nancy, northeast along the Belgian border and back to Verdun. 2 hours 18 minutes.
In the news the Germans took Haelen yesterday. Everyone is wondering when they will reach France.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla and two other planes patrolled up and down the Belgian border for almost two hours. Nothing to report.

Amiens:
The entirety of No 4 Squadron made a very long familiarization flight, west to Abbeville, northeast to St Omer, westward to Lille then back to Amiens. 3 hours 32 minutes. Ries Meismer is amazed at his commander's planning skills. They landed back at their home field with less than 15 minutes' fuel remaining.

Dusseldorf:
Cadet Odis Först followed his instructor around the area again, this time west to Kaarst, northeast to Duisberg and back to Dusseldorf. Almost an hour, and any hour spent in the air is a good one.

[Sailor Steve]

20 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a long flight east and then south, experimentally takes the plane up to 12,000 feet.

Maugeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes another patrol of the Belgian frontier, this time in company with one other plane.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer continues to learn the area around Amiens.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först continues his training with a flight from Dusseldorf to Köln and back.

[Sailor Steve]

21 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay makes a flight to Chalons and back. While near Chalons he suffers another engine failure. Kay manages to put down safely at the nearest airfield. After an examination the mechanic tells him it's going to take two days to repair. Kay gets a telephone call through to Verdun, and his commander tells him to stay with the plane and return home when it is ready.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla makes yet another patrol of the Belgian border. Nothing to see, nothing to report.

Amiens:
Ries Meismer makes a very long flight - almost three hours. The squadron is told that they need to get all the flight-time possible, as the war is going to come to them all too soon.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först makes a very long flight, following his instructor all over the region. No explanation is given other than that they need practice navigating.

[Sailor Steve]

22 August 1914

Chalons:
Noel Kay spends the day in town revisiting some of the places he saw during the week he was stationed here.

Maubeuge:
Corrie Aujla spends yet another couple of hours patrolling the Belgian frontier. As usual nothing is happening.

Amiens: Ries Meismer makes another long trip around the area. Not as long as yesterday, but still enough to tire even a young pilot out. His observer is even more bored, since he has nothing to do at all.

Dusseldorf:
Odis Först repeats his flight of yesterday, this time solo. He botches his landing and receives a stern warning about the cost of the planes. If it happens again he may find himself grounded for an indefinite period.

[Sailor Steve]

23 August 1914

Verdun:
The starboard engine finally repaired, Noel Kay and his observer fly back from Chalons to Verdun.

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron has the day off. Everyone is busy packing as they are transferring to a new field tomorrow.

Amiens:
No 4 Squadron is also not flying. They are also preparing for a move.

Dusselforf:
Odis Först and his three fellow students follow their instructor on a long flight down to the Belgian border near Liege and back.

[Sailor Steve]

24 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay spends another half hour just flying around. It seems like it's all for nothing. At the end of the day he writes: "News from Belgium is not good. Our forces have lost another battle and are in retreat, as are the first British forces to engage the Germans. At the same time our army in Alsace is withdrawing."

Maubeuge:
No 3 Squadron is transferring from Maubeuge to Le Cateau. Ten minutes after takeoff Corrie Aujla's engine conks out. He lands on the grass at a nearby farm, but the plane is still moving when it hits a patch of furrowed ground. The BE noses over and is severely damaged. Corrie and the much disliked Captain Fabio Carlson both receive fairly minor injuries. The squadron flies back to Maubeuge, and an ambulance is sent to pick up the injured pilot and observer. They are put into a cottage hospital and are told they will be there for the next two days. The squadron takes off for their new home at Le Cateau.

Amiens:
No 4 squadron is also transferred to Le Cateau. They make the journey without incident.

Dusselforf:
After the flight the previous day Odis Först and his three fellow students are told to take the rest of the day off, spend some time on the town, but be back at noon the 24th. Today they gather in various states of sobriety and are told to pack their gear and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow they are all flying to Belgium to join a new squadron forming there.

[Catfish]

A nice read, i like this very much! :up:

My only gripe is that this sim is so relentless and unforgiving :):03:

[Sailor Steve]

25 August 1914

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "There is no more news from the Front, the Front has come to us. The Germans have overrun our border and taken several towns. Today we are hastily packing everything. Tomorrow we move to Chappy."

Douai:
Corrigan Aujla writes: "At 0500 we were awakened and told to get into our uniforms and make sure we had everything we needed. At 0515 we ate a hasty breakfast and were told the Germans had
broken through and would be here within hours. I was packed into the back of an ambulance with some other enlisted men. Captain Carlson rode in the front with the driver and by 0545 we were part of a truck convoy headed west. Most of the French army is retreating slowly, preparing for a fight if necessary, so we had the roads to ourselves, and made good time. We drove from Maubeuge to Valenciennes, a distance of 25 miles or so, in around five hours. After refueling the trucks and some food for ourselves we were underway again. It has taken us six hours to get to Douai, a distance of about 35 miles, Now we are encamped outside Douai, preparing to get some sleep before taking up the journey again. I have no idea what has become of the Squadron and my friend Robbie Reinard."

Le Cateau:
Reis Meismer writes: "0723: Didn't even have time to unpack. Transfered again from Le Cateau to Saint-Quentin along with No 3 Squadron. It seems we'll be travelling with them for the foreseeable future. 1 hour 52 minutes. It should have taken less than half that, but they had us make a detour to the west to see exactly where the Germans are."

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Took off at 1041. Made the flight from Dusseldorf to Jamoigne, flying over Liege along the way. 2 hours 53 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

26 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Escadrille flew from Verdun to Chappy. We are now 25 miles closer to the lines. Hoping we start operations soon."

Bouvais:
Corrie Aujla writes "We were awakened at dawn again. By 0600 we were on the road. Two hours later we were in Arras. The roads took us through Beaumetz-les-Loges, down to Doullens and then to Beauvais. We arrived there about 1500. The army colonel in charge of the convoy decided we were safe enough and elected to camp outside Bouvai for the night.

No 3 Squadron and No 4 Squadron have moved yet again, from St. Quentin to La Fere.

Jamoigne:
The beginnings of FA 13 make a 20-minute exploratory flight around the area of their new home.

[Sailor Steve]

27 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and Eduard Camplan make a familiarization flight around the Chappy area.

Bouvais:
Corrie Aujla and Captain Carlson are still with the truck convoy, which is spending all day and another night camped near Bouvais.

La Fere:
Sergeant Ries Meismer and his observer Captain Ted Wimund make a long flight of almost three hours learning the area around La Fere.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först meets his new Commanding Officer, Hauptmann Alfred Streccius, and his assigned observer, Hauptmann Reinhold Straub. Först and Straub take a one-hour flight around the area.

[Sailor Steve]

28 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Finally, our first patrol. We took off in shifts, one plane every two hours. We didn't see any Germans, nor did any of our flights. Everyone returned safely in their turn."

Bouvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "We are still camped at Beauvais. Colonel Blayne has not been able to get in touch with his superiors, nor have we with ours. The war is at our doorstep, but you wouldn't know it from the tranquil atmosphere shrouding this place. Well, tranquil except for all the men and vehicles running to-and-fro.
.
La Fere:
Ries Meismer and Capt Ted Wimund make a shorter flight and then are informed that they are moving again tomorrow.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Reinhold Straub make a somewhat longer flight than yesterday, getting to know the area and each other.

St Cyr:
A new French pilot, Filimor Oda Dion Isaïe Hance, begins training at Saint-Cyr, west of Paris.

[Sailor Steve]

29 August, 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay and his observer are again part of rotating patrols. He finally sees some Germans. He will put that in his report though he is certain his superiors know exactly where this group is, since he has a front-row seat to a French-German artillery duel. They stick around until fuel concerns send them home again.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Still no word from either command, which is odd because with the war going on right next door they must need those trucks somewhere. Twenty of them, just sitting. Our bigger worry is what will become of us when they finally do move. Do we go with them, or sit here and wait to hear from our Squadron? Or do we set out on our own hoping we're heading in the right direction? If we stay we have no means of support with the army gone. If we go with them we risk becoming part of the infantry war. If we go our own way we could get drafted into some other unit, or even captured by the enemy. There seems to be no definite future, and no easy choice to make."

La Fere:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons, with Ries Meismer in No 4, move yet again, this time to Compiegne.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först and Hptmn Straub make an even longer flight to the north, knowing full well that the fighting is to the southwest. Orders are orders, so they go where they are told.

[Sailor Steve]

30 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Patrolled over another battle between our forces and theirs. In a fit of rudeness their infantry decided to direct some machine gun fire in our direction! We even took some damage! All was well, though, and we got home safely. The Germans are still advancing."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The day has come. Colonel Blayne has gotten through to his superiors, and they are indeed wanted at the front lines. Captain Carlson has decided that we should stay here in Beauvais. He has made a deal with a local hotel-keeper that we should be his guests on the Captain's word as an officer that he will be recompensed in full when we have the means. M Jumonde says it's "part of my duty to help fight the war by aiding our British cousins."

La Fere:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron transfer again, from La Fere to Senlis.

Jamoigne:
Odis Först writes: "Another long flight around. Three-quarters of the way through the motor quit running. We were in a forested area, but over a large patch of open grass at the time. I managed to put the plane down, though not without some damage to the wing. We stayed with the plane, and some time after we were due back they sent a plane looking for us. He landed and took Hptmn Straub with him. another hour and he came back for me. By dinner time a truck had gathered the plane and returned. Hptmn Straub is full of praise for "his" pilot, and tonight I seem to be the toast of the squadron. Tomorrow is another day."

[Sailor Steve]

31 August 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying to day. Escadrille moving tomorrow."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: ":M Jumonde has come up with a different plan to pay for our rooms: we'll go to work for him. Capt Carlson will help with his books, and those of other businesses nearby, and I will do all the odd jobs around the area ̶ cleaning, clearing up trash, helping move things ̶ anything that needs doing. I joined the army and seem to have become a civilian through no doing of my own."

Senlis:
Ries Meismer writes: "Moved yet again, this time to Juilly."

Jamoigne
Odis Först writes: "We are grounded today, preparing for a move forward tomorrow."

[Sailor Steve]

1 September 1914

Chappy:
Noel Kay writes: "Transferred from Chappy to Clermont-en-Argonne today. Successful move with no problems."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "I went to work helping a man with a truck pick up trash in our neighborhood and finished the day helping Mme Jumonde with her garden. Late in the day a flight of aeroplanes passed overhead. They were at about 2,000' altitude and looked to be a high-winged parasol of some kind. I counted five of them.

Juilly:
Ries Meismer writes: "Made a scouting flight to the northeast of Paris. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Odis Först writes: " Transferred from Jamoigne to La Ferté sur Chiers. An easy flight. 46 minutes. Had some excitement later in the evening. At about 1930 an Aviatik came in and landed, not long before dark. It was a Leutnant Boelcke. We already have one! Ltn Wilhelm Boelcke is one of our observers. This one was his younger brother Oswald Boelcke. He is a rarity, an Officer Pilot. Apparently he was assigned to a different unit but took his plane and a mechanic and came here, claiming he was bound for another field but had to stop here for the night. It's a strange thing, and not for a poor flieger like me to understand."

Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "Long training flight with our instructor leading us north to Beauvais, then over to Chantilly and back. 1 hour 59 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

2 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "0622: Patrol over German territory. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Helped pick up trash again all day, and haul it to a place they had picked out, where we buried it. Hard work, but it keeps my mind off what I'm missing."

Juilly:
Nos 3 and 4 Squadrons move again, from Juilly to Serris.

La Ferté sur Chiers:
Odis Först writes: "1256: Flew our first real patrol today, south to the lines then eastward for awhile. 52 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

3 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "0849: Patrol over German territory. They are at Chateau-Theirry. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "The Germans are still moving westward. They are now at Chateau-Thierry, only 50 miles from Paris. We have still heard nothing of our own armies."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "Transfered yet again, from Juilly to Touquin."

Chatel:
Odis Först writes: "Yesterday the Boelcke brothers took off looking for a better field. They returned this morning and have found one. We spent the morning packing and took off at 1403, and after a short 15-minute flight we were at Chatel.

Saint-Cyr, just north of Paris:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Tomorrow we join the war!"

[Sailor Steve]

4 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "No flights. Preparing to move again."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Word has reached us that the Germans have been stopped northeast of Paris. We are awaiting word of whether Bouvais will be evacuated."

Melun:
No 3 and No 4 Squadron RFC transfer again, from Touquin to Melun.

Chatel:
Flieger Odis Först and Hauptmann Reinhold Straub make an exploratory flight around the area of their new base.

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance "joins the war" when MS-26 moves 30 miles to their new airfield at Vincennes, southeast of Paris.

[Sailor Steve]

5 September 1914

Clermont-en-Argonne:
Esc 13 Transfered to Le Petit Maulan.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "No definite news of the fighting around Paris, but it doesn't seem to be heading this way. Life continues here as normal, including my own work. Capt Carlson is helping various shopkeepers with their books while I found myself helping a local shopkeeper repair his lorry. He repaired while I operated the jack-lift."

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "1040: Long flight to the southeast. The Germans are to the north and east, but we have to make sure. 2 hours 22 minutes."

Chatel:
:Odis Först writes: "1650: Scouting mission, looking for the French army. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1026: Our first patrol. Everybody searching to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

6 September 1914

Clermant-en-Argonne:
Noel Kay writes: "1635: Area patrol. The Germans haven't moved."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Good news!!! A motorcycle dispatch rider arrived today with a message for Captain Carlson. It seems Colonel Blayne reported our situation as soon as he could. It took a couple of days for HQ to get the message, and a couple more before a rider could be arranged to come look for us. Transport will be unavailable for the next few days but as soon as it is we will be taken to HQ to await further transport to our squadron. They seem to have moved around a lot, and their exact location will have to be ascertained before we can join them. Now it's only a matter of time.

Melun:
Ries Meismer writes: "No flying today. Moving again tomorrow."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0428: Transfered from Chatel to Sainte Menehould."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1224: Patrol to the east again. 2 hours 26 minutes. No Germans in that sector."

[Sailor Steve]

7 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "0800: Patroled lines. Seems to be stalemated. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Spent the day helping a local farmer load his crops into a lorry."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer writes: "1319: Transferred from Melun to Touquin. 27 minutes.

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0919: Familiarization flight. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "1505: Patrolled east yet again. It doesn't matter how many times they send us east of Paris. There are no Germans here. 1 hour 19 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

8 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes.

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Another day working in a field. I haven't been in the air in two weeks. I'm most anxious to get back to flying."

Touquin:
Ries Meismer Writes: "1400: Flight north to look for Germans. Maybe next time. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "1428: Patrol to the west, over our right flank. Our forces seem to be pulling back. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimo Hance writes: "1639: Patrolled to the north this time. Still no Germans. 1 hour 23 minutes."

[Skybird]

There is somebody who feels properly immersed, eh? :

[Sailor Steve]

I don't know what you mean. Just because I have one pilot who's separated from his unit and can't get back because said unit keeps moving around and can't get to HQ because Paris may come under siege any day now? Just because half the airfields they were really stationed at aren't in the game and I have to find other aerodromes that are in the game and keep track of them all? Just because I'm re-reading the '100 Years' thread to find out where the front lines are each day and can't wait until they finally dig the trenches so I can use the game properly? Just because I'm flying several missions ever day (thank the developers for time-compression) in late 1914 and haven't seen a single enemy plane yet?

Nah, I'm not immersed. :oops:

[Sailor Steve]

9 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "1118: Patrolled lines again. Germans seem to be withdrawing. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Beauvais:
Corrie Aujla writes: "More field work. My French is getting to a point where I can communicate my needs. No real conversations yet."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meisner writes: "1601: Transferred from Melun to Coulommiers. 19 minutes (but it's only 6 miles)."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "0658: Patrolled the lines. The enemy does not seem to be following our withdrawal. 46 minutes."

Vincennes:
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. Moving tomorrow."

[Sailor Steve]

10 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Pouring rain."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla wirtes: "Woke up this morning to pouring rain. We spent the morning sitting and chatting with M and Mme Jumonde. Their daughter-in-law came for lunch, with two small boys, aged 6 and 4. in tow. Her husband, the elder couple's son, is a clerk in the French HQ in Paris. We were enjoying the rainy afternoon talking to them and playing with the boys when a car pulled up and a fellow British sergeant knocked on the door. He enquired as to our identities and told us that the Germans were on the run. General Joffe had accomplished this feat by sneaking a third army through the city by recruiting all the local taxicabs! This new group was joined by the rear-guard pieces of pieces of the two armies facing the two German armies, then drove this new force up the middle between the two German forces. Taken totally by surprise, the the Germans had pulled back across the Marne River and today, in the rain and the mud, have stopped ant the Aisne. Paris was safe, and Sergeant Bellerman was here to take us to British HQ. We said our goodbyes to the Jumondes, of whom we had grown quite fond, and climbed in the car, Capt Carlson beside the driver and me having the back seat all to myself. The drive from Beauvais to Paris took almost 5 hours, and as Mme Jumonde had made us a nice basket of sandwiches and a bottle of wine we had no need to add a dinner stop to the time or to go hungry. I wound up in a small barracks with eight other enlisted men and three empty beds. Capt Carlson of course got his own room."

Coulemmiers:
Ries Meismer writes: "Heavy rains. Everyone is grounded."

Sainte Menehould:
Odis Först writes: "Nothing is flying today. Heavy rains. Last night, following a late flight. Hptmn Streccius and Ltn Wilhelm Boelke (the observer) were driven off to dinner with General von Pritzelwitz. Today at lunch there was some kind of to-do at the officers' mess. Later the officers came to visit us, and called us to attention. Ltn Oswald Boelke (the pilot) very seriously announced that the Captain and the senior Boelke brother had both been awarded the Iron Cross! With the younger brother leading we gave them both three resounding cheers."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hance writes: "0418: After being awakened at 0300 we checked everything out and were ready to transfer from Vincennes to Saint-Soupplets. As it grew light the sky was heavily overcast. The flight took 29 minutes through intermittent rian squalls. Later in the day we were glad we started so early, and it turned to contiuous pouring rain for the resr of the day.

[Sailor Steve]

11 September 1914

The entire Marne region of France is driving rain, with no sight of letup. Reports from various units are pretty much the same.

In Paris, Corrigan Aujla writes: "I don't know what Capt Carlson is doing. I myself was put to work running messages back and forth to various offices. It''s pouring rain everywhere."

In eastern France the Germans are retreating toward the Aisne river. At Sainte Menehould Odis Först writes: "Still raining. We spent the day watching our retreating troops march by. Soon we will have to fly, rain or no."

[Sailor Steve]

12 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan;
Noel Kay writes: "No flying today. Still raining. No news of where the German armies have got to."

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "My new job is not hard. It's still raining and still no news of No 3 Squadron. I'm sure it will happen soon."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "Waited all day for the rain to lift. At 1630 we were preparing to take off in driving wind and rain when suddenly both let up. We flew from Coulommiers to Fere-en-Tardenois at 1635, taking 57 minutes for the flight. The rain remained light the whole way."

Sainte-Menehould:
Odis Först wirtes: "If anything the rain has gotten worse. The number of troops marching past is dwindling. Word is they are forming up on the east side of the River Aisne, and that they are starting to build some kind of barricades."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "We are still grounded by this infernal rain. I still haven't seen one single German, or even heard their artillery. I long to be of some service in this so-called "war"."

[Sailor Steve]

13 September 1914

Le Petit Maulan:
Noel Kay writes: "The rain has let up some, but extremely strong winds are keeping us on the ground. Word has come that our forces have crossed the Aisne River and have the Germans pinned down there.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Third day pushing the message cart. Still no word on No 3 Squadron."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Ries Meismer writes: "The rain and wind have picked up again. We managed to get here alright. Now we need to get into the air again."

Buzancy:
Odis Först wirtes: "Hptm Steccius has determined that we fly today. The troops are gone except for a small rear guard, and Ltn Oswald Boelke suggested we sleep in our clothes with weapons at our sides. At 0230 we were awakened by the noise of artillery fire, and we've been up ever since awaiting the sun. Took off at 0730 for Buzancy. Everyone made it safely. 35 minutes."

Saint-Soupplets:
Filimor Hanse writes: "Still waiting for better weather. It feels like I'm going to spend the rest of my life on the ground."

[Sailor Steve]

14 September 1914

All across the front a series of storms keep everything grounded.

Paris:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Got paid a visit from Cpt Carlson. He's been working with the office with some job, and he's been in touch with the group responsible for keeping track of where everyone is. Just this morning he found that No 3 Squadron is in Fere-en-Tardenois, and likely will be for some time. As soon as transport can be arranged we are heading back to our friends, our machines, and our flying!"

[Sailor Steve]

15 September 1914

Most of the front is still rained out, but a couple of interesting things are happening locally.

Verdun:
Noel Kay writes: "1345: We made the move back to Verdun. waited all day for the rain to let up, and it did shortly after noon. We waited some more to make sure it wouldn't come back, and then we took off into a heavy wind. 39 minutes later we were back at the field that feels more like home to me than any aeordrome we've had yet."

Fere-en-Tardenois:
Corrie Aujla writes: "Sometimes you wait forever and nothing happens. Other times they happen so quickly your head spins. We had just finished our breakfast when a sergeant came asking for us. He was there to drive us to our squadron! We departed Paris at 1008. the roads were muddy but we had a good driver, and we pulled into Fère-en-Tardenois some five hours later, at 1553. The driver asked for directions to the aerodrome at a hotel on the entrance to town, and in a couple of minutes we were on our way. at 1610 we pulled up to the brick building that held our office and officer's quarters. Major Salmond was truly shocked to see us standing in front of his desk. His shock turned to delight and there was shaking of hands and clapping of shoulders all around. Other officers were called in and then I was released To the enlisted pilots' tent. Everyone there was also stunned for a moment, and the the cheering began, followed by rounds of story-telling that lasted well into the night. Robbie Reinard was especially glad to see me, as he had spent so much time wondering if the Captain and I were alive, dead, prisoners, or who knows what? The only bad part of all this is that even though I'm back with the squadron I am still unable to fly again due to this ongoing rain."

Ries Meismer writes: "Still unable to fly. There was some hubbub over at the tents of No 3 Squadron, with whom we share the field. It seems that a couple of long-lost pilots, separated from their unit back when the Germans took Maubeuge, have suddenly turned up again.

[Sailor Steve]

16 September 1914

All across the front it is still raining. The ground war continues with fighting along the Aisne River, but the only flying recorded is by Cpl Filimor Hance of Escadrille MS 26: "0503 Took advantage of a break in the rain to move from Saint-Soupplets to our new base at Pisseleux. 57 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

17 September 1914

Bad weather continues across the entire front. The Battle of the Aisne goes on, but without aerial reconnaissance.

[Sailor Steve]

18 September 1914

Heavy fighting rages around Noyon and Reims, but the planes are still grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

19 September 1914

I really am crazy. According to Oswald Boelcke's letters home, it really did rain for more than a week without letup. As long as they weren't flying, I'm not flying.

Meanwhile I stumbled upon the most amazing series of videos. They tell the story of a fictional American pilot who joins a French Escadrille in 1916, following his adventures through the end of the war, using WOFF as a backdrop. Like most gamers who make 'Let's Play' videos, he decided at the beginning that if he died on a mission that would be the end of it. It's extremely well edited and shows off the game itself as well as his own production and storytelling skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2jYllVvd4E&list=PLOtla8ktpauQGxMe8IgMI2SPp_6cQtD5r

[Sailor Steve]

20 September 1914

As fighting on the ground continues, the planes are still grounded. One group is forced to move by advancing Allied forces.
Odis Först writes: "1408: A slight break in the rain sees us transferring from Buzancy to Pontfaverger. 36 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

21 September 1914

On the ground a battle rages for the possession of Noyon. The French are pushing the Germans back, all in rain and mud.
In the air...well, no one is in the air, except for one escadrille, MS 26.

Filimor Hance writes: "We're being transferred again - this time to Anvers. Anvers? Six days out here, unable to fly at all. Now we are ordered to fly anyway, and we're going back to PARIS?? Why? The Germans have left that area. There's nothing there to observe. Why? Took off at 0614. Flight took 2 hours 24 minutes. All in the rain. Now we're at a field in the southern side of the city. What next? London?"

[Sailor Steve]

22 September 1914

In real life there was a bombing raid by two British planes on a Zeppelin shed. A second raid turned back due to the weather. Everything else was grounded, including all of my pilots. Meanwhile the ground war rages on. That, and a lot of naval stuff going on in the Pacific.

[Sailor Steve]

23 September 1914

The weather starts to clear a little and some squadrons are flying again, with varying results.

Fere-en-Tardenois
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Cloudy, but no rain. 0546: First time flying in more than four weeks. They had me practicing take-offs and landings all morning. 33 minutes. Captain Carlson went on an orientation flight with Sgt Holmes. After they returned the Captain started shouting at the Sergeant. Major Salmond came out, dismissed Lance Holmes and went with Captain Carlson back into his office. Later in the day the Major took the Captain on a flight, after which the Captain retired to the officers' quarters."

From the same airfield Ries Meismer writes: "0447: No rain! went on a long flight to the Aisne area. Seems to be a lot of fighting, but no major movements. 2 hours 56 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0852: Made two flights today, each of about two hours. Nowhere near the fighting, but Bruno Seigneurie thinks he has the answer. They don't believe we're ready and don't want to risk us until we've gained more experience. If that's true, then I guess I'll have to live with it. Soon enough we'll see some action."

[Sailor Steve]

24 September 1914

At Verdun, Esc 13 is still grounded by rain.

Fere-en-Tardenois, 3 Squadron
Corrie Aujla writes: "I was kept from flying today. Major Salmond took me into his office and started asking me questions about Captain Carlson. What was he like in the air? Had he ever shouted at me? Had he ever tried to strike me? I eventually mustered the courage to ask what was going on, and he said that when it was all resolved he tell me what he could. For the meantime I was not to speak of this to anyone. Of course all the enlisted pilots wanted to know what was going on, and it was all I could do not to tell them anyway. What kept me in line was the thought that it could mean my career. For the time being I'm saying nothing, and won't broach the subject with Major Salmond again until he chooses to tell me something."

Fere-en-Tardenois, 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Several flights went up today. Due to a shortage of available machines I was not one of them."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först srites: "Overcast, but no rain. I get to fly today! 1458: Patrolled over the fighting near Reims. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1258: One long flight, up to Beavais and then north. Halfway from Beauvais we turned back to Paris and Anvers. 2 hours 51 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

25 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1516: Patrolled north of Sedan and back. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0638: Sent up to familiarize myself with the region. 1 hour 3 minutes. After lunch I was introduced to Captain Arnold Williamson, and told that he would be my observer from now on."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0758: We made an observation flight up to Laon. We did see some German army movement, and they did shoot at us. They missed. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Fairly nice day. 0515: Long patrol over the lines. 3 hours 3 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1603: Flew around the city, then southward. 2 hours 45 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

26 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0452: Flew up to Charleville, then to Sedan and south back to Verdun. Noted several enemy positions. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0755: First flight with Capt Williamson. He's a nice enough fellow, if a litle dour. Patrolled between Chateau-Thierry and Paris, looking for any Germans slipping through.
Didn't find any, but had a good flight. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1019: Patrol between Chateau-Tierry and Laon, looking for German forces trying to flank our own. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0846: Flew west and south. Fighting is heavy along the Aisne. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0603: Flew west of the city, then south. 1 hour 42 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

27 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0659: Flew over the lines, looking for unusual movements. 1 hour 28 minutes"

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1047: Patrolled between Paris and Chateau-Thierry and Paris again. 2 hours 38 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois: No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1228: Patrolled the area around Laon again. The German trenches begun at Reims are now being expanded to include Laon."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1054: Patrolled between Compiegne and Laon, looking for possible flanking movements by the enemy."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "0800: Flew north to Beauvais and back, plus a circle of the City. 2 hours 8 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

28 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0842: Flew up around Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1339: Flew up around Laon. 1 hour 46 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meisner srites: "1454: Traded places with No 3 Sqdn. They patrolled up by Laon while we ran back and forth between Paris and Chatea-Thierry. 3 hours 22 minutes. I finally got a chance to talk to that chap from No 3, the one who went missing for two weeks. I asked him for details and he said "Well, we got caught out when the Huns took Maubeuge. Caught a truck convoy that took us all the way to Beauvais. Stayed there for a few days. The higher-ups caught us up and moves us to Paris. We stayed there until they had time to shunt us back here. Actually I'm unhappy about it. If it hadn't happened I'd have at least ten more flying hours behind me." I was expecting a long story with lots of adventures. Anyway, I also got to compliment him on the reputation he's gained for his perfect landings. every time. Our own commander makes us watch when he comes in. All he said to that was "Well, the one you made today wasn't half bad." I said I learned from watching the best. He didn't seem to like that much, so I let it drop."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1336: Flew down to the south of Epernay, well into enemy territory. 2 hours 34 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1039: Flew up to Chantilly, then to Beauvais, then west of Paris, then home. 2 hours."

[Sailor Steve]

29 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1040: Up to Sedan again, then over to Reims and back to Verdun. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1539: Back to the Chateau-Thierry-Paris patrol. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0531: Patrolled between Soissons and Reims. 2 hours 42 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1625: Long flight up to Laon, the north to Saint-Quintin. Our forces have dug in at Reims, and now theirs are doing the same, but there is some worry that they might try a flanking movement to our north. We then flew south-west across the lines and almost to Paris. We returned to Pontfaverger after the sun had set, and it was growing dark, but the hangars were lit up and the north side of the field had fire-pots lit, giving us a perfect view of the field. 3 hours 10 minutes. After we had had something to eat Ltn Boelcke had Hptmn Straub and myself into the squadron offices. His brother Hptmn Boelcke was there also. The Ltn asked us both how we felt about making very long patrols. Hptmn Straub and I both said we didn't mind at all, and when Ltn Boelcke asked me again I commented that I rather liked being in the air for such long periods of time. He then said that many of the pilots didn't like making patrols of more than two hours, and he would keep me in mind when longer Patrols were required. I retired to the enlisted pilots' tent and said nothing to my fellows.

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1253: Flight north of Paris, then south, returning over the city. 1 hour 48 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

30 September 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1314: Flew to Sedan again. 3 hours 12 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0414: Patrolled the Chateau-Thierry-Paris run again. Something different this time - there were two of us. Sgt Jem Bodley and Lt Erik Alvord were in the other plane. Capt Williamson and I had lead. 2 hours 37 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0827: Another trip up to Laon. The German trenchworks are expanding. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0450: Patrolled to the west over the lines, then south, following the artillery eastward, then north back to Pontfaverger. Artillery was so heavy I could still hear it back at home field. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Anvers
Filimor Hance writes: "1455: Flew over to Abbeville, then over to Beauvais, south to Amiens, then Chatilly, and back to Anvers. 2 hours 25 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

1 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1744: Long patrol over enemy territory. Got lost when it got dark, Finally made our way back to Verdun. 2 hours 54 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0725: Patrolled from Paris to Soissons this time. 3 hours 28 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1036: Took over the Paris -Chateau-Thierry patrol from No 3 Sqdn. 2 hours 49 minutes "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0638: Flew west to the front lines, then followed them south and east. 2 hours 48 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "0449: We have transferred to a new field - Breteuil. 56 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

2 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0552: Long flight up around the Sedan area again. 4 hours 15 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1122; Flew to Chateau-Thierry, across the lines up to Laon, back down to Soissons, over to Riems then back to Fere-en-Tardenois. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1340: Took our new pilot, Lt Douglas Perkins, on a flight around the area. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "What an honor! Ltn Boelcke came to me this morning and said we would be flying with him today! Further, he said I would be flight leader and he would follow me. Of course I was very nervous, but things went better than I could have hoped. We took off at 0940 and patrolled the lines from Bapaume down to Peronne, then home again. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Breteuil
Filimor Hance writes: "No flying today. No sooner did we get settled in here than we were told we're moving again tomorrow."

[Sailor Steve]

3 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1023: Patrolled between Verdun and Sedan. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Rere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1356: Chateau-Thierry to Paris run again. 2 hours 9 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, Nor Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1513: Flew with Lt Perkins again. This time he flew and I rode in the front cockpit. He's a good enough pilot, but I still felt nervous having absolutely no control over the machine. I don't know how the regular observers do it. 1 hour 36 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Raining today. No flights."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0600: Transferred to Esquennoy, 2 whole miles away. 22 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

4 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "The news tells us that the Germans have taken Ypres and are moving northward. 1222: Short flight up and down the lines. Raining by the time we landed. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Fer-en-Tardenois, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0504: Dawn flight up to Laon, over to Reims and back again. Slight rain. 3 hours 4 minutes."

Fere-en-Tardenois, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1619: Over to Paris, then up to Laon and the lines, back south to home. 2 hours 35 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Heavy rain. No flying."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain has moved in. No flying today."

[Sailor Steve]

5 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1427: Flew up and down the lines again. Low patchy fog. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0509: Moved from Fere-en-Tardenois to Amiens. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0823: Moved with No 3 Sqdn to new field at Amiens. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1207: Extended scouting flight all the way to Paris and back. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0637: Short familiarization flight. 55 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

6 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Fog and rain. No flying today. Amazing news though. Two Frenchmen mounted a gun to their Voisin and after several tries yesterday managed to shoot down a German Aviatik. The crew were both killed. It's the first time ever that one airplane has shot down another, and it was two of ours who did it!."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0659: Flew west to the sea, then around the area and back. 2 hours 3 minutes."

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1015: Flight up around Abbeville area. 1 hour 37 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1434: Another long flight around the front. Not much to see. 4 hours 11 minutes.

Esquennoy
Jelimor Hance writes: "0747: Longer flight exploring area. 2 hours 19 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

7 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0740: Beautiful day. Flew to Sedan, then a pass down the lines. 2 hours 5 minutes."

Amiens, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0918: We had a group of senior Army officers show up today. Our orders were to give them rides to various towns and back. I drew a Colonel Healey and was told to take him up to Doullens. He took me aside just before we took off and asked if, once we were out of sight of anyone who could get us into trouble, I could take him for a loop. I said that was certainly possible. After we had turned around over Doullens and were above farm country coming back, I granted his wish. A ways further one we did another. He had told me he had never been up in a plane before and likely never would again, so how could I refuse. As we were returning to Amiens he practically begged me, via vigorous signs, to break off and go around one more time. I had to explain myself to Major Salmond later, but when I told him the poor fellow reminded me of an eager puppy begging for a treat he said it would have been easy enough to just lie about my approach or something, and since he appreciated my honesty he could forgive me "Just this once". 1 hour 12 minutes.'

Amiens, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1207: Interesting day today. A group of Army dignitaries paid us a visit. We were assigned to fly them around the area. I was given a General MacFreign, an Artillery commander. We were not supposed to take our charges anywhere near the lines, but I had special orders to show him what his guns were doing so he could better decide how to dispose of them. We flew over to Peronne, then south to Laon and Sissonne, and then back to Amiens. I gave him a good long look and he seemed happy enough about what he saw. 2 hours 40 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0559: Another flight almost to Paris. We witnessed a large artillery duel between the lines, and received some pretty heavy Flak near Villers-Totterets. 2 hours 32 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1021: Short flight around local area. 46 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

8 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0950: Up to Sedan again. No fighting going on at the moment. 2 hours 31 minutes."

Abbeville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1044: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 32 minutes. "

Abbeville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1502: Transferred from Amiens to Abbeville. 34 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0848: Reconnaissance to Soissins and back. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "Rain. No flying today."

[Sailor Steve]

9 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1246: Another trip to Sedan, then over to Reims and back along the lines. 2 hours 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1130: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 17 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Transferred from Abbeville to Moyenneville. 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1051: Long patrol up and down the lines. 2 hours 49 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1121: Long flight around extended area. 3 hours 3 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

10 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1511: Short trip over the lines. Eduard took some pot-shots at a balloon. 47 minutes. The Germans have taken several towns up north."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1202: Flight over to the lines, patrol and back. 2 hours 36 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1620: Flew up to Lens then patrolled down to Cappy. 1 hour 32 minutes. "

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1356: Patrolled the lines from Baupaume down to Soissins. 2 hours 44 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "1439: Followed the leader all over the area, 2 hours 13 minutes. I'm starting to wonder again if we'll ever be allowed into the war. I asked myself the same question a month ago, and nothing has changed."

[Sailor Steve]

11 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1613: Short dusk flight to check for enemy crossing the lines. Landed just before dark. I've made one night-time landing, and I don't want to do it again. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes. "0606: Short flight around the area. Moving again tomorrow. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Moyenneville, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1452: Flew up to Saint Omer scouting for a new field. 3 hours 10 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1655: Gave a new pilot a quick tour of the area. 23 minutes."

Esquennoy
Filimor Hance writes: "0506: Took off in pitch dark with Capitaine Jannerod to look for a new field. He already has one in mind. All we need to do is check it out. It started snowing while we were aloft, fortunately not bad enough to make us land and seek shelter. It looks like he picked a good one, and if the weather doesn't get worse we'll be moving tomorrow. It's up near the coast where the Germans are advancing. 2 hours 43 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

12 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0837: Flight up to Sedan again. No unusual movement. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0917: Transferred from Moyenneville up to Saint-Omer. 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1302: Followed No 3 Squadron up to Saint-Omer. 50 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0748: Long flight scouting our side of the lines. 2 hours 46 minutes."

Ostende
Filimor Hance writes: "0804: Transferred from Esquennoy to Ostende. 1 hour 15 minutes. We are now right at the front. Capitaine Jannerod informed us that the Germans have moved all the way to the coast and our forces are right behind. Our job now is to see where the enemy moves next so our troops will know immediately. We are the front line."

[Sailor Steve]

13 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rainstorm moving through. No flying."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Massive storm moving through. No one is able to fly."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Rain everywhere. Both our squadrons are grounded."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1048: Raining, but not enough to cancel our patrols. We flew south across the lines and down to Epernay. Saw an entertaining show along the way. We heard an artillery barrage while crossing the lines, and witnessed an enemy truck convoy racing helter-skelter down what was left of a road, being hounded by our shells all the way. We even got a couple of them. Flying down to Epernay and back we encountered a lot of Flak. It was pretty wet down there. I suspect they were bored, and we provided the perfect diversion. The rain picked up on our way home but we made it back safely. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "0934: I've been complaining about ever getting to the war, and now we're desperate to get away from it. We woke up to the sound of thunder, and it wasn't just the storm, it was the German guns. The Germans moved up to the outskirts of Oostende during the night and were now preparing to attack the city. Packing everything up took far longer than we would have liked, and we could hear the sound of infantry firing at each other by the time we were ready to take off. The trucks moved out and we took off down the coast to Dunkerque. We had to fight rain and stiff winds all the way, but 57 minutes later we were safely back on the ground again and well behind the lines."

[Sailor Steve]

14 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1122: Patrolled behind the lines. Nobody is moving, nothing is happening. Both sides are sitting in their trenches, seemingly just waiting. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This is the second day in a row we are rained in."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "Raining again, not flying. There is a big difference."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1256: Patrol over to Soissons, then down the lines to Reims, then home. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Flew back up to Oostende to see what the damage was. Our forces have dug in a couple of kilometres up from Niewpoort. The Germans are blocked there, and exchangingartillery fire. The Germans will dig in now too, or be forced to pull back. 52 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

15 October 1914

The entire front has closed down again. To the north lies a heavy overcast and rain. The Marne and Verdun regions are silent, with a heavy fog lying everywhere. Even it anyone could fly there's nothing to see.

[Sailor Steve]

16 October 1914

While the Verdun sector is still fogged in, to the north the rain has lifted a little

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1023: Capt Williamson and I took a familiarization flight around the area. North to the coast and Dunkerque, then south to Clety and back to our field. I hadn't realized just how big the Saint-Omer complex is. It's HUGE!! Hangars everywhere, around thirty BEs parked or flying. It's an interesting place. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0906: Orientation flight east to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up the coast and around to Calais, then home again. We are at the Saint-Omer extension, which is at the west end of a very large field. The main base is at the east end, with the hangars being about a half-mile apart. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1151: Flew up to Oostende again. Artillery exchange going on just east of Niewpoort. Looks like more trenches being dug. 1 hour 23 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

17 October 1914

The rain has closed back in in the north, and today there is no flying again at all.

[Sailor Steve]

18 October 1914

While the fog continues over Verdun-Sedan and environs, the rain has lifted in the north.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1047: Group flight over to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, up to Calais, over to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Starting to get a feel for the area. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1201: The rain lifted long enough for us all to make another flight. We flew west to Boulogne, up to Calais and Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Dunkerque
Filimor Hance writes: "1028: Flight up to Niewpoort and the lines. South as far as Diksmuide and the westward back to Dunkerque. Several artillery engagements. 59 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

19 October 1914

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. We have been told that as soon as the weather clears a little we are being moved west, to Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise, for some rest."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Reis Meismer writes: "1318: Another familiarization flight, over to Bailleul and back. 1 hour 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1436: Another short flight around the area, this time by ourselves. 45 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us. Don't know what the officers are doing, but we enlisted pilots played a game of football. Not so easy when you can't see from one goal to the other, but a lot of fun."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1433: Transferred from Dunkerque to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer, only a few miles away. 14 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

20 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur -Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1333: Fog lifted just long enough to take off. Sgt Pelliers, the camp cook, made sure we had bottles of hot coffee and sandwiches for the flight. We flew west to Soissons, northwest to Amiens, then turned north to Doullens. Arrived at Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise after a flight of 2 hours 38 minutes.

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1435: Flew over to Boulogne, then down to Hesdin, then back home. 1 hour 20 minutes. Time in aircraft: 78.17 hours."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1536: Late afternoon flight over to Boulogne, back up to Calais, then up the coast to Dunkerque and back to Saint-Omer. Landed just as it was getting dark."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1511: Still following the same plan - from our new field up the coast to Dunkerque and Niewpoort, then down the lines to Diksmuide, then home. There was a heavy bombardment going on by the British against the Germans, with no reply. After only a week of artillery fire the land is starting to look like a desert. The town of Diksmuide appears to be abandoned, and many of the houses are levelled. No infantry activity. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is a little less today, but still too much to fly. We played some more football. Ltn Boelcke was at the field, working personally with the mechanics on his machine. He came over and watched our game for a few minutes, then went back to work. The rest of the day was spent reading, playing cards and chatting with each other.

[Sailor Steve]

21 October 1914

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0821: We made an experimental run today. As part of the coordinated patrol plan No 3 Squadron will be covering the area from Diksmuide down to Bailleul. We started a run at 6,000 feet to avoid Archie fire, and slowly descended through the cloud cover to 2,500 feet. Nobody shot at us anyway, but the recommendation for now seems to be only flying on clear days, so we can be high enough to guarantee a safe run. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0842: Another patrol from the coast down to Diksmuide. 1 hour 1 minute."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0910: We have been set up in a rotation to patrol distinct areas, giving the maximum coverage possible. Our part of the lines is between Bailleul and Loos. We made our first flights in that role today. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0925: We've been transferred not for rest but to get us into the fight! High Command has organized a plan for squadrons to start flying patrols up and down the lines based on sector. Our patrol area is from Lens south to Arras. When we arrived on station there was an artillery exchange going on just to the north of us. We didn't get to watch as our patrol took us to the south. 55 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still fogged in. We had a couple more games today. Ltn Boelcke was back to watch, and had two more officers with him."

[Sailor Steve]

22 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0857: Flew once again from the coast to Diksmuide. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1010: Started our regular patrols today, Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Second patrol from our new field. Heavy artillery exchange west of Lens. Quiet around Arras. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Saint-Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1045: Patrolled from Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 33 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather turned good today, and we made good use of it. We all got to fly one patrol. The Boelcke brothers, in the other hand, flew five times, mainly because Hptm Wilhelm Boelcke was working with our artillery to develop better reporting techniques, without much luck. Our one patrol came in the mid-afternoon.
1428: Flew to Reims, then west along the lines to Verdun. 1 hour 35 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

23 October 1914

The rain has returned to the Front, and once again the entire Flanders district is grounded. The Germans however are flying despite a light rain.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0717: Despite a light rain the visibility is good.Patrolled from Laon to Reims. 1 hour 41 minutes. The Boelcke brothers had success with the artillery today, guiding ours to destroy three enemy batteries."

[Sailor Steve]

24 October 1914

The Flanders district is still grounded due to the rain.

Meanwhile, at Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0912: Despite some haze we were able to get aloft for awhile. Patrolled from Verdun some way to the east. 1 hour 42 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

25 October 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1108: We were given a deep scouting raid, to Chalons, Epernay and Reims. Not much to see but a lot of fog on the ground. Lucky for us there was none when we took off. Luckier there was none when we landed. 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Everything seems to be quiet on the Diksmuide run. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1202: Flew again today. Same route - Lens to Arras. Heavy artillery over the trenches beside Lens. Smaller barrage in the outskirts of Arras. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: 1202: Back flying. Diksmuide to Bailleul again. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint Omer, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "1233: Back flying again. The assigned route - Bailleul to Loos. 1 hour 23 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

October 26, 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1252: Another quiet run. Some artillery along the way, not aimed at us. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1321: Lens to Arras again. Fighting for Lens continues. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1335: Same patrol - Diksmuide to Bailleul. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1410: Patrolled Bailleul to Loos again. Not much going on. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover is too low for flying today. We could do it, but we would be too close to the ground fire. Hauptmann Wilhelm Boelcke has been awarded the Iron Cross, 1st class, and apparently this has caused some stress between him and the other officers. Our outdoor games continue."

[Sailor Steve]

27 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1427: Too much haze to really see anything, and no fighting to speak of. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1440: Heavy artillery battle outside Lens. No enemy troop movements. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1515: Fairly quiet today. Lots of haze and some fog. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1550: Same run, Bailleul to Loos. Same result - quiet. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still too low a ceiling to stay safely above the ground fire. We had another couple games today, and Ltn Boelcke attended, with three other officers."

[Sailor Steve]

28 October 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0753: Mild rain showers. Quiet in our sector. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0825: Morning patrol today. Light rain. Sector still quiet. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1549: Quiet patrol. Lots of mist and fog up around Niewpoort. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1559: Some rain, but still flying. Much artillery fire all down the line. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Cloud cover still keeping us down. We had a treat today. Ltn and Hptmn Boelcke both showed up, along with a couple of other officers I don't know, and asked if they could join us! Of course we said yes. Hptmn Boelcke and one other were on our team and Ltn Boelcke and the other officer were on the other team. Sad to say we lost both games. Still and all, it was a great change to our everyday pace. One almost hopes it stays this way for a few more days. Almost. Flying is still much more fun."

[Sailor Steve]

29 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0814: Routine patrol. Some artillery, no assaults. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0922: Hazy day. The only artillery was by Lens. 1 hour 7 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0934: Hazy day. Very little activity. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1009: Average patrol. Hazy. Not much going on. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded. Cloud cover has settled in, leaving us in haze and fog. Played a couple more games today, but without officers. The Boelcke brothers had business to take care of, and the others didn't show up without them. Starting to feel like we're going to live here forever, unless they transfer us to the infantry."

[Sailor Steve]

30 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0938: Routine patrol. Nothing to report. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1043: Light haze. Fairly quiet. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1146: Nice day for flying. Some activity north of Poperinge. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1156: Another fairly quiet patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Weather is worse. Raining all day. No outdoor sports. Mostly playing cards and chatting, with some reading thrown in. The magazines we have are getting old."

[Sailor Steve]

31 October 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1103: Routine patrol. Some artillery along the lines. 1 hour 14 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1210: Beautiful day for flying! Much artillery between Loos and Lens, and some south of Arras. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1316: Hardly a cloud in the sky. A lot of artillery all up and down the line. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1336: Routine patrol. A bit of artillery in a couple of spots. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1347: Weather clear enough to fly, but just barely. Patrolled from Reims westward. Some activity, but not much. 1 hour 36 minutes. The Boelcke brothers are just about to depart to do some more testing of the Hauptmann's artillery-guidance system.

[Sailor Steve]

1 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1231: Wet, misty day. British shelling Germans east of Veurne. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1331: Nothing unusual to report. Misty weather, more artillery. 1 hour."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1453: Misty weather. Not as much fighting as yesterday. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1514: Misty day. Average patrol. Not much happening. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1537: Flew over to Verdun. Circled the city drawing flak, then came home again. 1 hour 38 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

2 November 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0830: Long flight to the forest east of Compiegne. There is a large enemy battery there and they want some of our people to bomb it. Hptmn Straub and I spend some time marking The locations of the guns. 2 hours 51 minutes.

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "0853: Cloudy, threatening rain. Some fighting along the front, but not much. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0929: Much the same as yesterday. Weather a little better. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1356: Weather a little better today. Not much activity. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1445: A little nicer today. Usual artiller exchange between Loos and Lens. 1 hour 15 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

3 November 1014

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0814: Foggy today, but not so much we can't fly. Artillery back and forth all down the line. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1027: Some fog. Routine patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1109: Dreary, foggy day. Nothing much happening. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1135: Flew to Verdun again, then all the way down to Saint-Mihiel. Marked troop and battery positions for HQ. Flew home directly across enemy territory. 2 hours 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1521: Foggy day. Routine patrol. 1 hour 16 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

4 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1014: After a test flight to check some control problems, we finally took off into a mild rain. Any worse and we won't be able to fly. It was hard to see the ground properly from our patrol flight, but everything seems to be normal. 7 minutes, then 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1206: Took off for patrol. Rain got bad, forced to turn back. 18 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes"1405: Forced to turn back because of rain. 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1515: Patrolled from Reims eastward along the lines. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "Grounded today due to heavy rain."

[Sailor Steve]

5 November 1914

The entire Flanders region is once again grounded due to intense rain. Even the troops in the trenches are occupied with trying to stay dry and war, so fighting has almost completely stopped.

On the border between Marne and Verdun the weather is not so bad. From Pontfaverger Odis Först writes: "0802: Exploratory flight down to Chateau Thierry, then to Epernay and finally Reims. Patchy fog here and there. 2 hours 22 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

6 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out. The area from Reims to Verdun is now covered by a heavy fog, so no one is flying there either.

[Sailor Steve]

7 November 1914

Yet again the entire front is either raining or foggy. No flying for me today.

[Sailor Steve]

8 September 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0952: The sun came out today. Flew the usual patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1137: Sunny day, routine patrol. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1238: Sky is clear for the most part. Back to our usual patrol. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1437: Weather much better. Usual patrol. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still fogged in today.

[Sailor Steve]

9 November 1914

Flanders is still rained out, and the area around Reims is still foggy, but the men of FFA 13 are getting things done.


Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The Boelcke brothers came to the field today to give us instruction on conducting spotting and communication with the artillery. They have already done so with the officer pilots,and now it is our turn. We spent three hours this morning going over procedures with Ltn Oswald Boelcke, then spent time with our own officer observers learning to follow flight paths as each one likes to conduct them. Finally we learned the most by standing in front of the crowd as if we were the instructors, and explaining to each other how it's done. As soon as the weather is good enough we'll be going up in groups and practicing with some officers from the artillery."

[Sailor Steve]

10 November 1914

Rain and fog everywhere. Nobody is flying today.

[Sailor Steve]

11 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0818: Misty day, but good enough for flying. Usual patrol. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Saint-Pol Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Rain has let up. Able to fly a patrol today. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1257: Slight rain showers. Same patrol as always. 1 Hour 11 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1414: Sky cleared enough for a patrol. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still grounded due to heavy fog."

[Sailor Steve]

12 November 1914

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1007: Lovely day for flying. Sun, not a cloud to be seen anywhere. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1248: Nice flying weather. Routine patrol. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1422: Beautiful day! Standard Patrol – Loos to Arras. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1552: Last patrol of the day. The sun was close to setting when we took off. By the time we reached the start of our run it was getting dark. We couldn't see too well, but there was still some artillery firing. We landed by the light of the fire pots. 1 hour 25 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded, waiting for the fog to lift."

[Sailor Steve]

13 November 1914

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1031: Morning patrol this time. Overcast, occasional rain. Routine. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1039: Today it was our turn. The fog had lifted somewhat, so the Boelcke brothers flew over to their favorite artillery unit to inform them that the enlisted pilots were ready for flight training. They arrived at our field around 0900 and explained exactly what we would be doing. At 0930 they departed for the field where we would be conducting our exercise. We didn't have to know anything about the flag signals. We only had to follow the directions of our officer-observers. The operation lasted all day, and our total time over three flights was 2 hours 26 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1149: Heavily overcast but dry. Routine patrol. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1417: Overcast, some rain. Usual patrol, nothing to report. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1550: Late afternoon patrol in the rain. Returned to field just after dark. 1 hour 6 minutes."

[iambecomelife]

Nice record keeping. I have an old copy of OFF (from years before the team made WOFF) and even then it was an excellent successor to classic games like Red Baron 3d.

I usually fly campaigns late in the war, so I can jump into action flying a high-powered fighter like the SE5a, Camel, or Fokker DVII, but to each his own! I imagine flying in 1914 can still be fun.:up:

My campaigns usually end with me crashing my Sopwith Camel due to its handling characteristics - the Camel is as deadly to me as German fighters!

[Sailor Steve]

It's funny - even with Silent Hunter I've sort of had enough of "jumping into the action". I just like flying around, and I prefer doing it in a Caudron G.4 to a Cessna 172. I figure the war will come to me soon enough.

[Sailor Steve]

14 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0911: Much nicer weather today. Big artillery battle west of Lens. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer Extension
Ries Meismer writes: "1212: Routine patrol. Light scattered clouds. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1319: Got to try out our new job today. We circled an enemy battery near Reims for some time guiding our fire onto their guns. We weren't exactly accurate, but it was good exercise and we got a good close-up view of the action. 2 hours 19 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1338: Another lovely day. Standard patrol. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1547: Last patrol of the day. Not much to see. Returned to field after dark. 1 hour 19 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

15 November 1914

Yet another rainstorm sweeps across the Flanders front, grounding everything.

Down at Verdun the story is much the same, except that the cause is the perennial fog returning again.

[Sailor Steve]

16 November 1914

The rain and fog continue as everyone waits for a chance to fly again. With winter here it that chance does not appear to be good.

[Sailor Steve]

Yet another winter day with bad weather all over the front.

[Sailor Steve]

18 November 1914

And another day passes with no one flying.

[Sailor Steve]

19 November 1914

Still the bad weather goes on. Soldiers are fighting in ankle-deep mud and aeroplanes can't take off in those conditions.

[Sailor Steve]

20 November 1914

The world is still wet and miserable.

[Sailor Steve]

Sorry I haven't posted in four days. I had my first cataract surgery and I'm still not fully healed.

Not that it matters. As of November 21 1914 it's still raining everywhere.

[HW3]

No need to be sorry Steve, take good care of yourself, and follow doctors orders, you don't want to mess up the surgery and make it worse.

[Sailor Steve]

22 November 1914

The sun has come out over Flanders, and the pilots in that area are once more flying their usual patrols. Nothing exciting is happening, though, and everything is routine.

North of Verdun the Germans are still locked in fog.

[Sailor Steve]

23 November 1914

After one day's flying the rain and fog return, and everyone is once again grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

24 November 1914

The sun comes out, kinda sorta, and all too briefly, but the Flanders crowd are able to get into the air one more time.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0801 Transferred to Gonneham. 50 minutes." (from Saint-Omer)

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1045: Overcast skies. Heavy gusts over patrol area. Wondered a coupld of times whether we were going to make it back home. Make it we did, however, and landed in drizzling rain. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1150: Took off into a light rain shower. Normal patrol. Hit by machine-gun fire over Arras. Minor damage only. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Gonneham
Ries Meismer writes: "1530: Followed No 3 Sqdn to Gonneham. 36 minutes." (from Saint-Omer Extension)

Meanwhile at Pontfaverger FFA 13 is still grounded by fog.

[Sailor Steve]

25 November 1914

After one day of flying the rain and fog return. Again no one is flying.

[Catfish]

The weather must be poor, with fabric soaking, cold, and rain.


For which side are you flying currently, and with which plane type? I mean it's still 1914 :hmmm:

[Sailor Steve]

It was a brutal winter. I refer to Oswald Boelcke's letters to his parents for that information. He is constantly describing fog, rain, and snow.

As for the types, start at the beginning of the thread. I currently have two French pilots - one flying with Escadrille 13 and destined to remain a two-seater pilot forever. That's Noel Kay. In reality the escadrille was flying Farman MF-11s at the time, and would later move to Caudron G.3s and the G.4s. The Farman and Caudron G.3 are not in the game, so I'm flying a Caudron G.4 well over a year before it came out.

My other French pilot, Filimor Hance, is flying a Morane-Saulnier 'L' with Escadrille 26, and will end up as a fighter pilot.

British pilot number 1 is Corrigan Aujla, with Number 3 Squadron RFC, is currently in a BE.2c but will soon be in the Morane 'L'.

My second British pilot, Ries Meismer, with No 4 Squadron, is also in a BE.2c and will remain there until a better two-seater comes along.

Finally I have one German pilot, Odis Först, flying with Feld Flieger Abteilung 13 in an Aviatik B.I. The brothers Wilhelm and Oswald Boelcke were with FFA 13 during this period. I didn't realize that until after I had chosen my squadrons, and didn't plan it that way.

If you read the thread from the beginning you will find quite a few misadventures involving training and the beginning moves of the war, including Corrie Aujla getting separated from his squadron for several weeks and almost captured by the Germans. Despite the lack of flying, and the boredom of routine patrols when I do get into the air, there has been more than a little excitement along the way so far. I'm really becoming attached to all these guys.

[Sailor Steve]

26 November 1914

Nothing has changed. The entire region is still either rained out or fogged in.

[Sailor Steve]

27 November 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Squadron
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0905: From our new field it's a bit further to reach our starting point, but closer to the finish. Routine patrol. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Squadron
Ries Meismer writes: "0920: First flight out of new field. Much shorter flight time to patrol area. Clipped a hedge on landing. Tore off landing gear and wrecked plane. I don't know which is worse - coming so close to crashing or being put on report for carelessness. 54 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1017: Sun came out. Set out on routine patrol. Engine started acting up. Made it back to base 47 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1223; Got to fly today. Routine patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Pontfaverger
FFA 13 is grounded by the fog for the 13th day in a row.

[Sailor Steve]

28 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Nice day. Very quite over the lines - no artillery at all. 1 hour 6 minutes. I've been promoted to Sergent!"

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1043: Routine patrol. Nothing happening. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Clear sky. Routine patrol. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "I've been grounded for two weeks. My time is to be spent studying procedures for a week, then helping the mechanics."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Two straight weeks of fog now."

[Sailor Steve]

29 November 1914

The situation becomes somewhat reversed, with rain once again covering the Flanders area, but now Pontfaverger sees a rare day with high overcast but no fog. However...

Odis Först writes: "1552: Fog lifted. No patrols, but everybody got in a little flying time, some more than others. We were barely airborne when the engine started running rough. Our first time to fly in two weeks and we only got 15 minutes in!"

[Sailor Steve]

30 November 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Got to fly again today. Routine patrol. Very little fighting going on. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0935: Sun came out. Routine patrol. Some fighting south of Arras. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Exciting time today. It stopped raining. Took off at 1222 into a light fog. No sooner had we left the ground than the BE started to roll to the right. The angle was too steep to set ;her down again. At an altitude of about fifty feet we turned right towards the hangars. The plane kept turning to the right and I was able to apply enough rudder to get her on the ground again. We were both pretty shaken up. It turned out that one of the control wires had worked loose and the mechanics had somehow failed to spot it.

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "Third day on the ground. It's harder today, as the weather has cleared enough for everyone to fly. Except me."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The clouds are still high and the fog is gone. Only trouble is, now it's raining."

[Sailor Steve]

1 December 1914

The weather has closed in again. Ground fighting on the Western Front goes on in the rain and mud, while the air squadrons are grounded throughout the region.

[iambecomelife]

Sorry I haven't posted in four days. I had my first cataract surgery and I'm still not fully healed.

Not that it matters. As of November 21 1914 it's still raining everywhere.


Did not notice this; I hope you are doing well, Steve!

I am pleased to see you take care of your men. Whenever I play OFF or RB3d Career Mode, the French countryside is infested with my pilots' burned-out Camels. :haha::haha:

[Sailor Steve]

Did not notice this; I hope you are doing well, Steve!
I'm not really. They said the first eye would be seeing perfectly after two or three days and the second one would be done on the 17th. Tomorrow I have an appointment to find out why the first one still hasn't healed.

I am pleased to see you take care of your men. Whenever I play OFF or RB3d Career Mode, the French countryside is infested with my pilots' burned-out Camels. :haha::haha:
When my pilots finally see an enemy airplane I'm sure I'll have the same experience. So far they've all had four months of wartime flying and it's been nothing but patrol after patrol...except of course when it's raining, which is a lot of the time.

[Sailor Steve]

3 December 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1124: Gloomy, wet, gusty day. High winds blowing us all over the place. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1222: Gloomy weather. Standard patrol. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1433: Routine patrol except for the part where we were hit by machine gun fire. No serious damage but still something to worry about. 1 hour 24 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

4 December 1914

Yet again the entire region is enveloped in driving rain. Nobody is flying today.

[Sailor Steve]

5 December 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0913: Rainy patrol. No fighting going on anywhere. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1252: Raining still, but not quite enough to stop us. Sector quiet today. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1349: Patrol in the rain. No activity at all. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn
Ries Meismer writes: "Eighth day on restriction. Squadron is flying again."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Weather has turned nasty. Blowing wet snow."

[Sailor Steve]

6 December 1914

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1050: Skies clearing. Some artillery near Passchendaele and heavy fighting around Messines. 1 hour 22 minutes.

1426: My turn to take the Morane up today. After one last lesson on using the "blip" switch and a warning on the machine's quirks, I was off. All the descriptions and warnings in the world don't tell you how much the plane wants to fly to the left. Constant right rudder and working of the stick are required just to maintain a straight course. The French gauges don't help either. I did one circuit of the aerodrome and a touch-and-go. A second circuit and I landed too far to the left, right towards some trees. I didn't quite touch down when I decided that breaking off now might be a good idea. I climbed out and circled the field again. This time the ground crew were waving a red flag, meaning that my landing should be final. I brought the machine in safely, thinking I might be in trouble. Actually they wanted me out of the sky to avoid confusion. A pilot from Paris brought us a second Parasol! If the weather holds I should have twice the opportunity now to practice on the new aeroplane. 17 minutes."

Saint -Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1425: Nice day for a flight. Big artillery exchange near Nieuwpoort. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1518: Partly cloudy. Some artillery around Athies and Arras. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Ninth day on restriction. Squadron is flying again.12/6/14 Ninth day on restriction. Lovely day out today. Quite cold, but partly clear. Watching the boys fly is getting harder and harder. Capt Wimund came to visit today. He actually apologized for not making it sooner, but he's been busy flying with another pilot. He says he doesn't hold the accident against me at all. It could have happened to any of us. No 3 Sqdn has a new pair of aeroplanes – a pair of Morane parasols. The second one arrived today. They've been taking turns getting used to the new machines. I wonder if we'll get something similar soon."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still snowing."

[Sailor Steve]

7 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0948: Much nicer today. Constant artillery all down the line. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1258: More time in the Morane. Some more touch-and-goes. 22 Minutes.

1352: Took off for patrol. Engine quit over Houthulst Forest. Tried to turn back to Ypres. Couldn't clear the trees. No injuries sustained in the crash, but the BE is stuck up in the tree and we both fell while climbing down. Capt Williamson and I will both be in hospital for at least a week. Flight time 29 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1600: Another nice day. Some artillery, but not as much as yesterday. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Tenth day on restriction."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The snow has lightened, but is still coming down."

[Sailor Steve]

8 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0930: Beautiful day for flying. Some fighting near Diksmuide. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1113: Beautiful day. Very heavy fighting opposite Lens. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Captain Williamson and I are in a military wing of a small hospital in Ypres. Yesterday evening the doctor told me that I had sprained my ankle and would be able to walk out in four days. The Captain is a little worse off. He twisted his hip and is lucky it's not broken. He will be here for a week at least, and maybe on crutches for a few days after that."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Ries Meismer writes: "Eleventh day on restriction. I have kept busy helping the adjutant organize reports, and try not to think about the fellows up flying on this beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky."


Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The air has warmed up somewhat. The snow has turned to rain again."

[Sailor Steve]

9 December 1914

The rain has returned again, and air squadrons all over the front try to occupy themselves with different ways to fight the boredom.

[iambecomelife]

Very sorry to hear that Steve! I have been having my own problems with vision as I get older; make sure you take care of yourself.

By the way, I will PM you about WWI aircraft soon, if you don't mind. Or we can talk on facebook. Thank you!

[Sailor Steve]

Either one will be fine. :sunny:

[Sailor Steve]

10 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1108: Routine patrol. Another lovely day. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1240: The sun is back. Routine patrol. South of Lens the engine started giving off a horrible screeching sound. We managed to find a nearby airfield. Their mechanics determined that we had a bearing going bad. It should be repaired tomorrow. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham, No 4 Sqdn RFC
Official Report: "Sergeant Ries Meismer was killed in a landing accident today, at 1253 hours.After twelve days on restriction for a prior landing accident, Sgt Meismer was practicing take-offs and landings when on approach to the field and apparently watching the low hedge that caused his crash on the 27th November he became distracted and flew straight into a tree. The family, of Launceston, Cornwall, UK, will be notified."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Second day a Ypres. Captain Williamson and I had a good long talk about the future of The War and Aerial Reconnaissance. I'm hobbling around with a cane but feeling better quickly."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We had a clear day today. We didn't do any flying, but Ltn Boelcke received a brand-new Fokker two-seat monoplane from the factory, courtesy of Lt Parschau, Herr Fokker's leading trainer. We all turned out to watch him give his fellow officers a ride. The machine is unusual in that its seats are side-by-side rather than fore-and-aft."

[Sailor Steve]

11 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1239: Light fog up to 400 metres. Usual patrol. 1 hour 25 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1406; The usual patrol. Misty weather, a little fog. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Ypres
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Third day in Ypres. Ankle is much better. Captain Williamson managed to walk from his bed to the privy, leaning on a nurse."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The weather is good enough to fly but Hauptmann Streccius had a planning meeting involving all the observers, and they were discussing plans for the Unit most of the day."

[Sailor Steve]

12 December 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0922: Moderately clear day. Hptm Streccius had us up practicing, re-learning our flying skills. 1 hour 28 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: 1418: Partial overcast, 300 metres, mainly over the lines. Couldn't see a thing. 1 hour 23 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1534: Heavy overcast made it seem later than it was. Routine patrol, returning home in the dark. The artillery duel in the dark was quite beautiful. Finding the field was easy enough. Judging the altitude for landing was not. Still, we made it down safely. 1 hour 10 minutes."

Gonneham, No 3 Sqdn RFC
Corrigan Aujla writes: "This morning Capt Williamson and I had a discussion of what I should do next – remain here with him while he recovers or return to base. He was of the opinion that I should return and get as Much time in on the new Moranes as possible. He wrote a note to that effect and then sent a cable to Gonneham to have a car sent for me. It arrived shortly before lunchtime and by 1600 hours I was back in my cot at the aerodrome. I'm walking quite well now and should be able to fly tomorrow."

[Sailor Steve]

13 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0859: A little fog, low overcast. Routine patrol. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1442: Because I wasn't part of the regular rotation learning to fly the new Moranes I had to wait all day for my turn. I finally got off late in the afternoon. Still I managed to fly a good turn around area and land just before dark. 1 hour 11 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1536: Another night patrol. How I hate these things. Take off right at dusk, the sun is completely gone when you reach your patrol line. Can't see anything except for the occasional artillery, and then have to land in the dark. The fire-pots are lit, but judging distance is still difficult. Crossed the 100-hours mark. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Just when we're ready to go on patrol, it starts snowing again."

[Sailor Steve]

14 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Straight from last patrol of one day to first patrol of the next. High winds aloft, lots of clouds, some rain here and there. Last night's barrage has ceased and the sector is fairly quiet. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0907: Today they had me take off first, but only gave me a limited amount of time. 18 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1053: Heavy overcast, some rain. Massive artillery duel near Lens. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Still grounded by the snow."

[Sailor Steve]

15 December 1916

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0940: Was allowed more time in the Morane today. Took it up to 3,000 metres. 38 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0947: Good day for flying. Broken clouds. Not much happening. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1214: Sky is fairly clear Much artillery around Lens and Arras. 1 hour 14 minutes."

Pontfaverger
FFA 13 is still snowed in.

[Sailor Steve]

16 December 1914

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1006: Gorgeous day! Hptm Streccius only allowed us to practice again. 41 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1033: More time in the Morane. Flew up to St. Omer and back. 53 minutes. Capt Williamson is back. If he's feeling fit enough we fly again tomorrow. We lost one of our new Moranes today. Sgt Bodley had a mishap. He is fortunately unharmed, but the machine is only good for engine parts.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1122: Beautiful day. Good patrol, though fairly quiet. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1344: Beautiful day. The artillerists think so too. Lots of fighting. 1 hour 17 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

17 December 1914

Once again the entire region is rainy and snowy, and no one is flying. There is not much ground activity either.

[Sailor Steve]

18 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: High clouds. No rain. Not much fighting. Routine patrol. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Northolt, Britain
Dugan Vystavel is the new pilot I've created to replace the lost Ries Meismer. He hails from a tiny village in New Zealand called Okato. He came to Britain for advanced studies in science and mathematics in November 1913, and due to his aptitude in those fields he was taken into the army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He immediately started learning to fly on his own, and now has many hours in Bleriots and Boxkites. He has spent his first few months in the army studying the principles of photography. Now he has been taken into flight school. Because of his previous experience and new field of study he is earmarked to be rushed through training on the BE.2 and thence to No 4 Squadron at Saint-Omer where pioneering work is being done in the field of aerial photography.
Dugan Vystavel's first log entry: "0815: First solo flight. 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1133: Good enough to fly again. Long practice flight getting ready for action again. 1 hour 49 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1141: No sooner had Capt Williamson and I taken off for our first patrol in a week than the controls jammed. We made a stuttering circle of the field. I managed to put her down on the field, but the plane wouldn't level off. We snagged the left wing and then nosed over. Neither of us was harmed but yet another BE has been written off as a total wreck. 13 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1251: Another clear day, with a few random clouds. Quiet again. 1 hour 17 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

19 December 1914

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0845: Touch and goes plus a little fly around the area. 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0937: Hazy day. Ordinary patrol. Very quiet. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1208: The machine we have today seems to be holding together alright. The patrol was quiet. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1422; Late afternoon patrol. Returned home just before sunset. All quiet. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Fog has moved in again."

[Sailor Steve]

20 December 1914

Northern Europe has been het by a massive storm. It's raining everywhere - even in England.

[Sailor Steve]

21 December 1914

The storm continues over Northern Europe.

Around London the weather has cleared somewhat, and training squadrons are flying again.
At Northolt Dugan Vystavel writes: "0936: Captain Johnson took us on a long flight around London, looking for landmarks and taking notes. It was my first extended flight since joining the Army. 2 hours 17 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

22 December 1914

The entirety of Norther Europe is either raining or fogged in again. There is no aerial activity.

[Sailor Steve]

23 December 1914

Yet another day of rain, snow and fog across the front. This winter is becoming boring and depressing.

[Sailor Steve]

24 December 1914

Flanders is still in the midst of a storm, but there is flight training in England and the Verdun area has received a brief reprieve.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Hptm Streccius took advantage of the good weather to send us on real patrols for the first time in more than a month. Because of our experience there Hptm Straub and I were assigned a long range patrol down to Epernay and back. We encountered quite a bit of enemy flak but they weren't remotely accurate. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1210: Nice day, if a little hazy. Captain Johnson led us on another flight over London. Our last flight he had us write down landmarks. Today he had us circle over the landmarks as soon as we saw them. I wasn't the first on any of them. 1 hour 21 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

25 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0911: Hazy Christmas day, but we can fly. Routine patrol. Absolutely silent along the front. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Late yesterday afternoon, after all the flying was done, the officers threw a nice Christmas Eve party for the enlisted men. After it was over we enlisted all moved to one of the hangars and continued until late into the night. At that same time the officers held their own party, so everyone was very merry for Christmas Day. This day brought us very nice flying weather, so we all had a job to do despite theholiday. We didn't mind. With the weather we've been having any day like this one is welcome.
1012: Hptmn Straub and I were assigned to fly due west to a "hot" section west of Guignicourt. It wasn't so hot after all, as the artillery seemed to be taking a break and the infantry didn't seem inclined to move at all. We circled the area and came home again. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1107: Patrolling on Christmas Day. Very quiet, no activity at all. 1 hour 11 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1338: Usual patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1353: Captain Johnson gave me a map with certain points marked on it and instructions to follow them. I flew alone eastward to central London, then north to Baldock, southwest to Luton, west to Reading, southeast to Guilford, northwest to Woking and then back to Northolt. He knew I would not be landing until after dark, and I knew that I might crash and die on Christmas Day. I managed to get down safely. 2 hours 57 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

26 December 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0815: Foggy day, but we flew anyway. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Northolt
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0906: Fairly nice day. Long flight directly across London to Southend, then back up to Chelmsford, over to Harlow, up to St. Albans then back to Northolt. 2 hours 17 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1043: Took off from Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer for our new home at Roesbrugge. 43 minutes later we were there. It is a very nice field with several finely-ground gravel pathways to land on, all clearly marked out with a great building for us to live in, with rooms even for the mechanics."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1233: Grey hazy day. Normal patrol. Some activity, but not much. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Gloomy fog, overcast, raining, not flying."

[Sailor Steve]

27 December 1914

The rain has returned over norther Europe, especially at Pontfaverger where it is being driven by gale-force winds.

At Dover, on the English coast, Dugan Vystavel writes: "Last night Captain Johnson informed me that the squadrons were desperately in need of pilots, and due to my prior flying experience, totaling forty hours, my ten hours in the BE should be enough. I packed my bags and went to bed, and at 0800 this morning a car took me to the train station in London. The 1030 train to Dover saw me at the airfield there by noon. There I met three other new airmen in a similar situation. We will spend the night here and take the morning ferry to Calais, then a train to No 4 Squadron at Saint-Omer. I'll be starting the new year in a front-line combat squadron.

[Sailor Steve]

28 December 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0949: Another routine patrol. Some fighting along the way, but not much. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1356: Clear skies today. Just a few clouds. Routine patrol. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1139: First patrol from our new field. A little further to the coast but a lot closer to home at the south end of the patrol. Fairly quiet along the front. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "After a night's sleep and a good breakfast we were driven to the docks. Caught the 1000 ferry across the Channel. Docked at Calais at 1053. Caught the train at 1207 to Saint-Omer. No 4 Sqdn now has four new pilots. We begin our orientation tomorrow morning at 0800."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "A driving gale with accompanying rain is moving through our part of the world. We are once again grounded.:"

[Sailor Steve]

29 December 1914

And again the entire front is closed down due to rainstorms everywhere.

[Sailor Steve]

30 December 1914

The wind and rain are still with us, but two pilots are having an interesting time of it.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1155: The storm has moved on – for the day. We made a reconaissance flight over Verdun, and then down the lines. 1 hour 46 minutes."


Saint Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "We were taken to a wooden hangar with a BE in the middle, and men working on various mountings to allow the plane to carry a camera. We were told that if we were interested we could become part of this new section, working on taking accurate photographs from the air. All four of us volunteered on the spot. This is something completely new and most interesting. We would report here at 0800 every day for study, except for days when we would also be flying regular patrols."

[Sailor Steve]

31 December 1914

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Gloomy weather, but flyable. Only a little artillery along the way. 1 hour 9 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Gloomy, overcast, but flyable. Routine patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 4 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0821: Heavy overcast. We four "fledglings" were assigned to explore the area. Since we lack aircraft two of us were flying and two riding along. I was observer on this flight, which took us west to Boulogne-Sur-Mer then up the coast to Calais and Dunkirk, then back to Saint-Omer.
1317: After lunch it was my turn to fly. Our directions had us heading south to Bruges, then to Hesdin. From there we ran north to Boulogne then east back to Saint-Omer. In all it was in interesting and informative couple of flights, and helped with our navigation skills. 1 hour 41 minutes for my flight. "Riding along" doesn't count."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1120: Dark, overcast, gloomy day. Not much fighting going on. 1 hour 15 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The rain is back. No flying today."

[Sailor Steve]

1 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Gloomy again, heavily overcast. Hardly any fighting. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0816: Some sun, mostly clouds. Silent along the front. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0933: Fairly clear up over the coast. Quiet patrol, little fighting. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1031: The longest flight I've ever taken. Major Reynolds, the squadron commander, laid out a course for me and came along for the ride. We flew from Saint-Omer west to Boulogne-Sur-Mer, then northeast to Gravelines. From there we went south to Hesdin, then Abbeville. Turning east we flew to Amiens, then north to Doullens and finally home. Major Reynolds then told me I was qualified to start flying patrols. 3 hours 35 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "We are still rained out.."

[Sailor Steve]

2 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "0943: Fairly clear. Routine patrol. Almost no fighting. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0952: They had us fly the Morane today. I have to be careful. We've already lost one, and this is the only one we have left. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Routine patrol. Quite windy aloft. Massive artillery exchange near Niewpoort. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1415: Captain Mapplebeck and Lt Theobald took me on my first patrol of the lines. It's quite a way east from here. My assigned observer is Capt Landon Richard – or rather I should say I'm his assigned Chauffer. 1 hour 27 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The rain has stopped, but it's too windy to take off or land."

[Sailor Steve]

3 January 1915

The rain has started in Flanders again. No one is flying anywhere.

[Sailor Steve]

4 January 1915

The rain continues over the entire region. Everyone is still grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

5 January 1914

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0815: My old friend Robbie Reinard and I have been assigned to make the first flight to Paris to pick up our new Morane parasols. Patchy fog on the ground, but we got off all right. We arrived at Le Bourget at 0956, after a flight of 1 hours 41 minutes.
1010: Took off from Le Bourget in our new Moranes for the return trip. Arrived back at Gonneham at 1212 after a flight of 2 hours 2 minutes. There was plenty of time for the riggers to fit the pintels to mount the machine gun. When next we fly we will be fully armed."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0924: Accompanied Captain Mapplebeck's plane on an artillery-spotting mission near Liévin. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1109: Patchy fog. No activity. Had to land in the fog. Not fun. 1 hour 6 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1216: Routine patrol. Patchy fog. Heavy artillery near Diksmuide. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The wind has died down. It is, however, still raining."

[Sailor Steve]

6 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0845: Robbie and I flew again together. Since we have the only armed machines in the squadron we were assigned to orbit an enemy airfield near Douai for awhile to see what happened. Nothing did. Meanwhile two more of our fellows went down to Paris to pick up their new Moranes, and now we have four! 2 hours 24 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1005: Followed Capt Mapplebeck on another artillery spot, this time near Ledegen. Forced down by engine trouble. Landed near the lines. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Ternoise
Noel Kay writes: "1230: Clear day. Routine patrol. Little activity. 1 hour 8 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "Our new Kommandant, Hptm Ludwig Schäfer, arrived today. Hptm Streccius was due to depart on the 1st but put off leaving until he could show the new leader around.
1304: Assigned to accompany Ltn Boelcke on a Photo mission. I'm not sure what happened, but I managed to crash on take-off. Neither Hptm Straub nor I were injured, and the machine received only minor damage and will be ready to fly tomorrow. I received a stern warning. To top it off the other two machines couldn't find the target. Not a good way to greet the new Kommandant. I understand that Ltn Boelcke is upset he wasn't allowed to fly with his brother this time, but it was pointed out that Hptm Boelcke is not qualified on the camera. Hopefully the next mission will be better."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1354: Beautiful sunny winter day. Routine patrol. Heavy artillery near Zerkegem. Engine failed over Diksmuide. Managed to set it down safely on our side of the lines. 44 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

7 January 1915

Winter drags on as the rain returns and the Western Front is grounded again.

[Sailor Steve]

8 January 1915

Across the Front it is still raining, storming and foggy.

[Sailor Steve]

9 January 1915

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "We were told yesterday that on the first clear day we would be moving again – back to Verdun! We’re going home! It looks like the weather will be good enough tomorrow, so we made our preparations to fly early. They want us moving in the dark so as to keep our whereabouts concealed from any possible prying enemy eyes.
0513: We took off well before dawn, and headed south-south-east. Capitaine Provillard had arranged that after each turn he made he would fire a flare to let us know where he was. Over Compiegne we headed due south to stay well away from the lines. Near Soissons we turned east-southeast for awhile, then due east to Verdun. We arrived there with perfect timing, about twenty minutes after the sun rose. I’m horrified to see what has become of the city in the three months we’ve been gone. The enemy artillery has smashed the north side into rubble. The rest of the town looks okay, but it’s a real shock seeing our first home town in such a state. 3 hours 9 minutes.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0807: Accompanied Capt Mapplebeck on a photo-recce mission over Ledegen. 2 hours 9 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1015: Took off to accompany Capt Corwin and Lt Robert on a photo mission. Engine started spewing oil as we were circling for altitude. I put her down safely just half a mile from Merville. The other plane completed the mission safely alone. It will be a couple of days before our plane can be hauled back to Gonneham and repaired. 10 minutes.

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1453: Routine patrol. Once again I had the last flight of the day. Landed just before sunset.1 hour 6 minutes."

Pontfaverger is still fogged in.

[Sailor Steve]

10 January 1915

Once again the weather has closed in, and pilots all over the front sit and wait.

[Sailor Steve]

11 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1020: Flew with Capt Mapplebeck on an artillery spot over Passchendaele. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "1053: Routine patrol. Partly cloudy. Little activity. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "No sooner did we return to Verdun than we were beset by fog. Now we've been sitting for two days. I'm starting to wonder why we came back here."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "Good weather, but engine still not repaired."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "This is our fifth straight day of fog. It's hard to tell there's a war on except for the occasional dispatch.

[Sailor Steve]

12 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0800: No special operations today. Routine patrol. Perfect weather. Big artillery battle all up and down the line. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0815: Another routine patrol. Cloudless sky. Very little fighting. 58 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0951: Finally another clear day!. Recon patrol over Sillery then up to Reims. 1 hour 11 minutes.:"

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1000: My first solo patrol, from Armentieres to Neuve-Chapelle. Heavy artillery fire around Lille. 1 hour 34 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1251: The sky is clear today. We are assigned a reconnaissance mission over Grandpré. Took some damage crossing the lines on the return trip. 1 hour 11 minutes. Our new machines started arriving today – The Farman F.20."

[Sailor Steve]

13 January 1915

Roesbrugge
Filimor Hance writes: "0929: Routine patrol. Light rain. Some artillery opposite Niewpoort. 59 minutes. We are told that the next day of clear weather we are moving back to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0947: Took off in a light rain for a routine patrol. Everything is quiet. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1149: Second solo patrol, this time in the rain. Still, visibility was fair, and we made it home with no trouble. 1 hour 30 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Foggy today, with a little bit of snow. No flying."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is back again."

[Sailor Steve]

14 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0823: Did my own Artillery Support mission today, with Capt Cottrell doing the spotting. We were accompanied by Robbie Reinard and Lt Ness. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1043: MS 26 transferred back to Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer. As nice as Roesbrugge was, this feels like coming home. 37 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1339: Saw my first taste of combat today. I was leader of a flight of three planes on a mission to bomb a German rail yard. My observer was Lt Ronald Jefferson. The other two planes were manned by Sgt Crowe and Lt Winfrey, and Sgt White and Capt Fletcher. They say we caused some damage, but I don't know how they could tell. 2 hours 16 minutes.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog is still with us, just like always."

[Sailor Steve]

15 January 1915

Winter has moved in again with its attendant rain, snow and fog.

[Sailor Steve]

16 January 1915

It's still stormy everywhere.

[Sailor Steve]

17 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0829: Accompanied 2nd Lts Newbury and Webb on a photo mission over the trenches near Pozieres. 2 hours 8 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0903: Accompanied Capt Mapplebeck on an artillery mission near Neuve-Chapelle. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1136: Beautiful day! Routine patrol. 1 hour 18 minutes."

The Verdun region is still covered in fog and rain.

[Sailor Steve]

18 January 1915

The rain is again falling on Flanders, but the Verdun area has cleared up, if only for a day.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0803: Clear enough to fly. Deep reconnaissance past Reims. 1 hour 52 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1417: Overcast but dry. Short patrol over the lines near Varennes-en-Argonne. 39 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

19 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0801: Flying the standard patrol today. Much of the front lines obscured by low clouds. Just approaching Diksmuide when the engine started rattling and spewing oil again. Managed to set it down in a field near Ypres. They sent a lorry for the plane and us in the afternoon, and by dinner we were back at Gonneham.

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1000: Patrolled the lines again. Some artillery all down the line. Partly cloudy. 1 hour 36 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1308: Routine patrol. Little activity. Scattered clouds, sometimes blocking view of ground. 1 hour 26 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Rain has set in. Impossible to fly."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The high winds are back, and have brought rain with them."

[Sailor Steve]

20 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1300: Standard patrol. Mostly quiet. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1448: Routine patrol. No activity apparent, but view often blocked by low clouds. 1 hour 12 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still raining today."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The wind and rain are still with us."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "My plane is being repaired again. The engine is a total shambles, so they're putting in a different one. Hopefully this one will hold together."

[Sailor Steve]

21 January 1914

Winter sets in again and everyone is grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

22 January 1915

The winter is still here, and everyone is still bored and sulking.

[Sailor Steve]

23 January 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0814: Sky clearing. Routine patrol. 1 hour 17 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0823: Scouting patrol over Loos with Capt Mapplebeck and Lt Burr. 2 hours 1 minute."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Accompanied Lts Newbury and Ness on an Artillery mission. Engine ran well. 1 hour 49 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0905: Clear enough to fly. Ltn Müller and Hptm Liezka led Ltn Boelcke and Oberltn Bertram and Myself with Hptm Straub on a long test flight. Once we had checked out our machines we were free to do as we wished, and Ltn Müller wished to stay aloft as long as possible. We didn't stay up all that long, returning before we had used half our fuel. Everyone has noticed that the Boelcke brothers aren't flying together anymore. We all wonder why, but nobody dares ask. 2 hours 21 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1510: Beautiful day, except for the freezing part. Quick patrol over the lines. 59 minutes"

[Sailor Steve]

24 January 1915

Flanders is washed out again, but Verdun is livable for the second day in a row.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0925: Flew down to Commery, then up the lines to Saint-Mihiel. Over Saint-Mihiel we were hit in the engine by a round from the DCA. We managed to land safely near a village and call for help. 54 minutes in the air."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1028: Ltn Boelcke led Lt Müller and me on a scouting mission over the lines near Verdun. The weather was quite misty, but we had no trouble seeing the enemy positions. I had some motor troubles on the way home, and it cut out entirely as we were circling to land. We made it down safely but hard. The Aviatik will be ready again in two days. There is a spare I can use until then, so no time will be lost on my part. 1 hour 43 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

25 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0900: Heavy overcast. Standard patrol from Hooge to Neuve-Chapelle. Heavy fire near Messines. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0901: Routine solo patrol. Passchendaele to Hooge. 1 hour 18 minutes. Passed the 20-hour mark in the Morane."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0947: Routine patrol. Not much going on. 1 hour 18 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "The weather has turned foggy."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "The fog has settled in again."

[Sailor Steve]

26 January 1915

The entire front is rained out again.

[Sailor Steve]

27 January 1915

The rain and fog continue.

[Sailor Steve]

28 January 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0904: Accompanied Lts Carlson and Webb on an Artillery spot up by Passchendaele. 1 hour 55 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1004: Led a scouting mission over the German aerodrome at Phalempin, with Sgt Crowe and 2nd Lt Stewart accompanying. Captain Mapplebeck flew above us watching for the enemy. My observer this flight was Capt Buckingham. 2 hours 15 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1119: Some high clouds, but mostly clear. Routine patrol. Some fire near the coast. 1 hour 13 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "Still foggy. I’m beginning to wonder why we came back here. At least at Saint-Pol we were flying most of the time."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes nothing, but is still grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

January 29 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1008: Artillery Spot near Miramont, with Lts Cruikshank and Webb. 1 hour 39 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1105: Took off to lead an Artillery mission with Lt Crowe following Suffered an engine failure and forced to land. Lt Crow managed to complete the mission. 18 minutes.

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1246: Routine Patrol High overcast. Some artillery near the coast. 1 hour 22 minutes."

Verdun is still fogged in.

[Sailor Steve]

30 January 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0801: Went with Capt Mapplebeck on a scouting mission. Hit by Archie – no serious damage. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1120: Trench photography near Lens, with Maj Salmond. Big push by the Germans. 1 hour 23 minutes"

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1423: Routine patrol. Took a newcomer in tow to show him the route – Cpl Roman Becquerel. 1 hour 29 minutes."

The Verdun area is still totally grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

31 January 1915

Once again the weather closes in and the region is rained out.


1 February 1915

Flanders is still pouring rain. Verdun is still fogged in.


2 February 1915

Nothing has changed. Everything is still grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

3 February 1915

Most of the Front is still washed out.

In Wilhelmshaven a new pilot begins his career. Alongside the Zeppelin sheds where he has been training the last several weeks, Leutnant Lennart Jarman Altendorf makes his first solo flight.

[Sailor Steve]

4 February 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Still raining, but not enough to deter us. Photo mission with Lts Newbury and Webb. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0909: Rain is slightly less. Able to fly. Routine patrol. Not much happening. 1 hour 16 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0911: Hptm Podalski took each of us on a flight in turns, assessing our skills. 38 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Followed Capt Mapplebeck and Lt Crowe on a scouting mission over Haubourdin. 2 hours 15 minutes."

Verdun is still covered in fog.

[Sailor Steve]

5 February 1915

The whole world is shut down due to weather...or at least the parts my pilots are all flying in.


6 February 1915

The storm is massive. Everything everywhere is still shut down.

[Sailor Steve]

7 February 1915

Varying stages of fog and rain are still around, but everything is light enough today that everybody got a good flight in.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Thirteen days since we last flew. Not knowing what tomorrow will be like, they sent us up in groups to make sure we all got flying time in. I was fourth man in a scouting mission that included Ltns Soltau, Müller, and Boelcke. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0904: Artillery mission. Lts Richards and Ackart leading. Myself with Lt Nash and Sgt Crowe and Capt Henry in support. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "1002: Bombing mission against a railyard with Lt Cruikshank and Robbie Reinard. 1 hour 19 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1003: Hptm Podalski led his three students on a long flight around the area. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1003: First hunting mission. Two of us patrolled near Passchendaele looking for enemy planes on recon missions. My partner was Caporal Garros. He's something of a legend having been the first man to fly non-stop across the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately we didn't find any enemy machines. 1 hour 35 minutes.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1034: Fog has lessened a little. First flight in two weeks. Long deep penetration scouting mission up around the Sedan area. 3 hours 13 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

8 February 1915

Flanders is rained out again, but surprisingly Verdun has its second day in a row of no fog!

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Led a flight of four planes on a scouting mission across the lines from Reims. 1 hour 59 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1004: Scouting flight over Somme-Vesle. Lots of flak. 1 hour 29 minutes."

Wilhelmshaven
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1202: Another long flight so we could get used to being over water. We travelled northeast across the Jade to Cuxhaven, south to Bremerhaven, then back west to our field. 1 hour 55 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

9 February 1915

The front is yet again unflyable. Everybody waits and wonders what will happen next.

[Sailor Steve]

10 February 1915

The Front is still closed down, but at Wilhelmshaven the sky is clear enough for the fledglings to fly.
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1445: Flew southeast to Varel, then south to Oldenburg, east to Bremen, then back to Sande and home. Arrived just after night. Got some practice landing in the dark. 2 hours 9 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

12 February 1015

The Front is still rained out, but the rearward training school at Wilhelmshaven is flying again.
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0809: Long flight up to Minsener Oog, then down to Witmund, southwest to Aurich, south to Westoverledingen, then north-northwest back to Sande. Once the weather is clear in Flanders we will be moving to our new field at Bertincourt. 2 hours 18 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

13 February 1915

Nothing much has changed, except that even the rear area at Wilhelmshaven is being rained on again.

[Sailor Steve]

14 February 1915

Verdun is under attack by a series of snowstorms, but Flanders is enjoying a clear day.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0810: Transferred from Wilhelmshaven to Bertincourt. Hptm Podalski led the three of us south to Dusseldorf first. 3 hours 28 minutes. Had some lunch Stretched our legs for a bit. 1306: Took off from Dusseldorf. Flew across Belgium and into France. Landed at Bertincourt after dark. 4 hours 35 minutes. Total trip time: 8 hours 3 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0901: Photo-Reconaissance mission over Monchy-Le-Preux. Billy Crowe leading. 2 hours 52 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0902: Artillery Spotting mission south of Arras. Lts Cruikshank and Webb leading. 1 hour 37 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1003: A week since we last flew. With Lt Garros in a patrol over our own airfield at Alquines. 1 hour 37 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

15 February 1915

After one clear day the winter storms hit again. Flanders is raining. Verdun is snowing. Nobody is flying.

[Sailor Steve]

16 February 1915

Flanders is still soaked with rain, but the Verdun area gets a reprieve.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0815: Sky is clear. Patrol up the lines. 1 hour."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0815: Clouds have lifted. Patrol westward over Reims, then back down the lines. 1 hour 52 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

17 February 1915

Verdun has started snowing again. In Flanders it's still raining.

[Sailor Steve]

18 February 1915

The rain and snow are still making life miserable for everyone.

[Sailor Steve]

19 February 1915

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0822: Scouting mission over the trenches near Lens. Sgt Crowe and Capt Finch accompanying. 1 hour 53 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0824: Artillery-spotting mission. Lts Cruikshank and Coltrane leading. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0824: Rain has stopped. My assigned observer is Obltn Alexander Bringmann. Our first mission is spotting for the artillery near Lens, with Vfw Leffers and Hptm von Bülow in attendance. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0913: With Lt Garros again on a defensive patrol over Saint-Omer. Engine troubles forced us to land just as we were approaching the field anyway. Minor damage to landing gear. 1 hour 25 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

20 February 1915

And the weather sets in again. Sometimes it feels like this winter will never end.




21 February 1915


Winter continues another day.

[Sailor Steve]

22 February 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0901: Another defensive patrol, again with Lt Garros, again over Saint-Omer. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0901: Bombing mission on enemy airfield. Three planes. 1 hour 54 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1001: Scouting mission Two machines. 1 hour 50 minutes."

Gonneham: "1005: Scouting mission up near the North Sea coast, with Sgt Alford and 2nd Lt Coltrane, and Sgt Adlam and Lt Fogg. Nothing much to see. 2 hours 11 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1022: Sky clear for another day. Long-range patrol down to Epernay. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1450: Scouting mission over Buzancy. 1 hour 36 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

Well, it was fun while it lasted. On Thursday my computer quit working. After not being able to fix it myself I took it to an expert. It truns out that the 240GB SSD I have just for the OS just up and died. I only got it back yesterday. Today I loaded up WOFF and everything works fine, but my master logbook - the one I put together myself - is lost. I could recreate my careers if I had that to work from, but I don't. I have to start over from scratch, which I not only can but I think it will be fun. The problem is that it will no longer be synchronized to the correct dates, which for somebody like me is tremendously frustrating.

I'm not sure yet how I'm going to handle it. Start over with the same characters? They're still in WOFF, which was stored in it's own drive? Chuch everything out and truly start from scratch with all new pilots? Either way I'd feel silly posting it here with the wrong dates and all. I'll thing of something, but I'm not sure yet what I want to do.

[Sailor Steve]

Well, I've decided to carry on as best I can. I realized that I do have a copy of my personal logs, right here. My post reports are all copied directly from the original, so copying them back will take quite a bit of time, but will be fairly easy. Meanwhile it's still winter, so I have a few days of being grounded left before spring hits. Like today.

23 February 1915

The rain and snow are back again, and once again nobody is flying.

[Sailor Steve]

24 February 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hanse writes: "0902: Defensive patrol over friendly rail yard, with Cpl Garros. 1 hour 38 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0902: Recon patrol over enemy airfield, with Capt Mapplebeck and Sgt Crow. 2 hours 20 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0951: Took off with Lt Cruikshank for offensive patrol over an enemy observation balloon. Barely underway before the engine started spewing oil. Made it safely back to field. 10 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1010: Test flight. Engine quit while landing. Came down short of field. Light damage. 36 minutes."

It's snowing over Verdun again.

[Sailor Steve]

25 February 1915

Once again the entire front is wallowing in rain, mud and snow.




26 February 1915

The winter continues. The flying does not.

[Sailor Steve]

27 February 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0822: Bombing enemy railyard near Lens with Sgts Burr and Alford. 1 hour 24 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0822: Artillery spotting mission with Ltn Leffers supporting. Using the new aerial telegraph rather than the blinker light. Flight barely started when engine troubles forced us to return to field. 40 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0902: Defensive patrol over friendly trenches, with Cpl Garros. 1 hour 35 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1002: Scouting mission over enemy airfield at Hambourdin. Engine troubles on the way home forced us to land at La Gorgue. 1 hour 32 minutes."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1013: Line patrol. 49 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1219: Patrol the lines opposite Guignicourt down to Sillery. 1 hour 38 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

28 February 1015

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0801: Artillery Spotting again, with Ltn Leffers supporting, on the trenches near Lens. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Offensive patrol over rail yard south of Roulers, with Cpl Garros. Well inside enemy lines. Saw no hostile aircraft. 1 hour 57 minutes.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0922: Artillery Spotting mission, Lt Cruikshank leading and us providing support. 1 hour 59 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1003: Artillery Spotting with Sgt Crowe supporting, covered by Captain Mapplebeck. 2 hours exactly."

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1116: Line patrol starting over Fresne-en-Woëvre, following the trench line south past Saint-Mihiel, ending at Commerey. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1412: Hptm Straub and I made a long scouting flight down to the aerodromes around Somme-Vesle. Things went smoothly enough, but given our last couple of experiences we spent the whole time worrying about the engine. We made it home right at sunset. 1 hour 51 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

1 March 1915

And when everyone finally thought it was over, the winter returns, and flyers all over the region are looking for something to do to forget the boredom.


2 March 1915

The bad weather continues.


3 March 1915

No sign of letup in the weather.


4 March 1915

The weather is still bad. Hopefully this is winter's last gasp.


5 March 1915

Nothing has changed. The winter is winning the air war.


6 March 1915

The entire front is now blanketed in snow. Beautiful, but no flying.

[Sailor Steve]

7 March 1915

The weather over Flanders has cleared enough for some flying. Everybody rushes to get a mission in while they can.

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0901: Heavy overcast, but we flew a bombing mission against the aerodrome at Bertincourt anyway. 1 hour 51 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0902: Offensive patrol over Ghistelles aerodrome. No enemy aircraft sighted. 1 hour 48 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Artillery Spotting, again with Sgt Crowe in support. 2 hours 7 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1015: Clear enough to fly. Artillery Spotting mission with Vfw Leffers and Gfr Grünwald in support. 1 hour 43 minutes. Gfr Grünwald crashed on landing. He and Gfr Max-Johann Heckert were both killed. While we were away some British planes bombed our aerodrome from high altitude."

The Verdun sector is still snowed in.

[Sailor Steve]

8 March 1915

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0925: Clear skies. Supporting Maj Salmond in Photo mission over trenches. 1 hour 39 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0940: Artillery Spotting with Sgt Crowe supporting. 2 hours 22 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "1002: Defensive patrol over Alquines aerodrome. Adj Coupet leading. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "1106: Bombing mission with Vfw Leffers. Bombed rail yard at Etrun. 1 hour 22 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

9 March 1915

Another storm has moved in over Flanders, but for a change Verdun is clear.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0525: Hazy but semi-clear. Set out tefore dawn on a scouting mission deep behind enemy lines. didn’t make it to the lines before the engine started acting up. Managed to land at La Cheppe. The heavy snow made it easy to see in the dark. A telephone call to let them know where we are. The mechanics here will attempt to fix the motor, and Lt Bordage and I will wait with the machine. 50 minutes.

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0819: Skies clear today. Short low-level scout over the trenches near Suippes. Took a couple of hits from ground fire, but nothing serious. 1 hour 40 minutes.

[Sailor Steve]

10 March 1915

Things are back to normal for this long hard winter. Flanders has another clear day while Verdun is fogged in again.

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0821: Counter-Battery Direction, with Vfw Leffers. Leffers turned back early with engine troubles. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0822: Overcast. Supported Lt Cruikshank on an Artillery Spotting mission west of Lille. 1 hour 23 minutes."
And then: "1516: Flew a second mission. Another Artillery Spot with Lt Cruikshank, this time east of Arras. 1 hour 44 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0903: Offensive patrol over the lines at the coast. Lt Albin leading. Saw no enemy aircraft. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "1001: Artillery Spotting mission, with Lt Aldaine and Sgt Crowe supporting. 2 hours 8 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

11 March 1915

The rain has returned to Flanders and the mud with it. Yet again the air services are all grounded.

[Sailor Steve]

12 March 1915

The storms are marching eastward. Flanders is still rained out but Verdun gets another semi-clear day.

Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1013: Scouting mission over the factories at Rethel. 1 hour 21 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1122: Scouting mission to the west, near Guignicourt. 1 hour 31 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

13 March 1915

Rain is still falling all across Flanders.

In Verdun the sky is overcast and dry, but all the snow has semi-melted into a soft, squishy mud several inches thick.

At Pontfaverger the mechanics are setting up the equipment they've managed to scavenge a set of parallel bars and three springboards for exersize. The camp doctor has spent his own money to purchase a cinema projector, and the men at the trenches are given time off in shifts to join the aircrews and mechanics for the ocassional film.

[Sailor Steve]

14 March 1915

The weather is no better today than it ever seems to be.

[Sailor Steve]

15 March 1915

The weather continues to be bad.

[Sailor Steve]

16 March 1915


Yet another day of bad weather.

[stork100]

It's good to see you still continuing with these daily flight logs after that mishap with your computer. They make fun and interesting reading.

Based on your advice earlier in this thread I did actually lash out and get WOFF Ultimate Edition a few months ago and have been really enjoying it. As you said it might as well be called Red Baron 4 and I couldn't ask for more from it as a spiritual successor. They really have done a terrific job and it's hard to see it ever being surpassed for what it is. Great stuff.

[Sailor Steve]

Awesome! :rock:

[Sailor Steve]

17 March 1915

The Verdun area is heavily overcast, but clear enough for some flying.

Senard Aerodrome, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1148: Local patrol over our own field. Basically just using the weather to get some flying time in. 1 hour 5 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1158: Overcast but able to make a patrol. Flew south over Somme-Vesle. 1 hour 56 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

18 March 1915

Flanders is still raining. Verdun is still overcast but flyable.

Senard Aerodrome, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "1307: Photography mission over Charleville, very deep into enemy territory. 3 hours 4 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1408: Scouting flight over Epernay. 1 hour 47 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

19 March 1915

Bertincourt
Lennart Altendorf writes: "0821: Scouting mission over the trenches west of Lens with Ltn Leffers. Saw my first enemy machines today. Two biplanes – English type. Prepared to run, as we’ve heard they are arming some of their machines. They ignored us, though, and soon disappeared into the clouds. 1 hour 43 minutes."

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0822: Defensive patrol over our own airfield at Droglandt, an old familiar field. Flying second to SLt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 12 minutes. Garros has disappeared for the time being, off on some assignment He has been taking these “mystery trips” on and off since January, and nobody seems to know what is up."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0902: Led Sgt Crowe on a mission to bomb a rail yard north of Lens. 1 hour 56 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "It’s been nine days since we last flew! The constant rain has finally lifted and we are in the air again. 0903: Part of a three-plane flight led by Lt Cruikshank to bomb a rail yard north of Lens. 1 hour 20 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "0909: Scouting flight over the trenches from the Aisne River down to Sillery. 1 hour 45 minutes."

Senard, Verdun
Noel Kay writes: "0926: Another photography mission, this time over Sedan. 2 hours 39 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

20 March 1915

Saint-Pol-Sur-Mer
Filimor Hance writes: "0802: Offensive patrol over the lines near Paaschendale, again with SLt Masson Sollier. 1 hour 31 minutes."

Bertincourt
Lennart Altenforf writes: "0902: Artillery spotting over the trenches near Cappy, Ltn Leffers supporting. 1 hour 41 minutes."

Gonneham
Corrigan Aujla writes: "0923: Supported Lt Cruikshank photographing enemy trenches east of Lens. 1 hour 40 minutes."

Saint-Omer
Dugan Vystavel writes: "0958: Scouting mission over German airfield at Haubourdin. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Pontfaverger
Odis Först writes: "1108: Another scouting flight over Epernay. 2 hours 2 minutes."

Senard
Noel Kay writes: "1219: Quick scouting mission over nearby trenches. 50 minutes."

[Sailor Steve]

21 March 1915

Winter closes in yet again. The snow seems to be mostly gone, but a new set of rainstorms sweeps through the front.


22 March 1915

Today is warmer, but still raining all across the fronts.

[Buddahaid]

Admittedly I haven't been following your careers but I do enjoy catching up at times. That said I'm going to give this sim a try and I've ordered CFS3 and WOFF as of yesterday. I've been spending most of my game time on Assetto Corsa lately so it's time to do some flying again.

[Sailor Steve]

:yeah:
My reports aren't much to read, really. Some of the guys over at the SimHQ WOFF forum are writing huge stories well worth reading - novel material. I just file reports.