First Eagles - WWI and Early Years - Missions and Campaigns

Updated March 29, 2009

Cambrai Plane Fest

Cambrai France
January 1 1916

The new campaign is now ready to Download as soon as its approved....

This campaign works on FE + Exp pack and FE+Exp+April Patch

The plane sets as follows:

1. Dh2
2. F2B
3. Fe8
4. Pup
5. CamelF1_110
6. Triplane
7. CamelF1_130
8. SE5a
9. CamelF1_150
10. Nieuport11
11. Nieuport17
12. N24
13. N24bis
14. SPAD13
15. N28
16. HalbD3
17. AlbatrosD1
18. AlbatrosD2
19. PfalzD3
20. AlbatrosD3
21. AlbatrosD3OAW
22. AlbatrosD5
23. AlbatrosD5a
24. PfalzD8
25. FokkerD7F
26. Snipe
27. RE8
28. BE2
29. Re8
30. Salmson2A
31. Ca3
32. HP400
33. Walfisch
34. AviatikC2
35. DFWC5
36. AEG_G4
37. Staaken
38. GothaGIV

The are also two additional packs included with the download.

1) The cambrai_targets.ini file to add many extra ground, balloons and AAA nests.

2) A new sound pack for FE planes to add realism for the sound of the game.

As always if there are issues leave me a msg here and I will try and get the problem sorted out.

Enjoy

468 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated June 24, 2008

Firecage Flying Circus Campaign

Thanks for downloading this campaign.

This release has only been tested in the exp pack and the exp pack +April 2008 versions. They may be interesting results when played in the Orig Release loads

Fly in Jasta 11 squadron against the RAF and the French over Cambrai

Contents of this zip file

The whole “wwiCampFC_J11” folder which can be dropped into the main campaign folder and your ready to go.

I have included my cambrai targets ini file so there are MANY more balloons and AAA nest including every airbase and all main cities. Just drop this file into the cambrai terrain folder.

Planes needed for this campaign to work properly.

AlbatrosD1
AlbatrosD2
AlbatrosD3
PfalzD3
AlbatrosD5a
Dr1
PfalzD12
FokkerD7F
Walfisch
AviatikC2
DFWC5
GothaGIV
Staaken

Nieuport17
SPAD7
SPAD12
N24
N24bis
N28
Avro504C
Avro504D
Fe2B
Pup
Triplane
CamelF1
SE5a
F2B
Salmson2A
BE2
BE-2D
Ca3
HP400

I will release a new update on this as I work out a problem on squad sizes and supplies that’s giving me trouble.

Enjoy

Firecage

571 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated June 14, 2008

Albatros Missions for First Eagles

By dhasdell

The default Fokker missions, reworked to use the Albatros. Replacement files to make the Albatros and DFW flyable are included.

790 downloads

(2 reviews)

0 comments

Submitted December 1, 2006

56 Squadron meets the Gothas

By dhasdell

Two missions, one by day and one by night, for 56 Squadron SE5a's to intercept Gotha bombers. These are the SPAD mission from the Gotha pack reworked.

717 downloads

(2 reviews)

0 comments

Submitted December 1, 2006

Tridyed_Firecage Winter missions pack 1

Ok a set of mission set for use with our winter terrain packs. Time and conditions already set for you ....

They are mostly 12 v 12 missioon and soem have more bombers included as well. No small dogfights in my house

Install to the missions folder and enjoy....

385 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated January 13, 2007

Firecage Plane Fest Campaign Ver 4.1

THIS IS FOR FE PRE EXPANSION PACK! THIS MAY NOT WORK WELL AFTER THE EXP PACK IS INSTALLED. I HAVE NOT TESTED IT YET..

Firecage Plane Fest 4.0

1st off …. Tip of the Hat to all the plane makers… thank you for the time and effort your putting in so I can have fun 

This campaign has about 60 airplanes in it now. (see note above)

I do all the testing on hard FM and all settings to hard. So if things don’t seem even in normal mode that’s why.

All of the plane sets have been done to make room for the newest planes that the mod people have available.

I have moved the start dates back to October 5th 1915 to make more room for so many early planes and still have time to enjoy and learn each one well.

I have redone all the upgrade plane dates so the planes match up as closely as I can. As normal I try and balance what is available. I do my best with what I have.

Bomber squads available for the RAF and Germans. (flyable)

Fixed a few text entries to docs that were showing wrong versions in game.

Please read the installation and Plane Fest Doc for more info.

1,935 downloads

(11 reviews)

0 comments

Updated October 23, 2007

Bloody April 1917

By Guest

Bloody April 1917
=================
A campaign for First Eagles.
This is a historical campaign for the Flanders terrain in First Eagles, to recreate the nadir of the Royal Fying Corps, "Bloody April" 1917. It requires a standard install of First Eagles, plus Edward's Flanders terrain, and a number of extra add-on aircraft. There is a TXT file which explains all that is required.
The campaign uses a variety of early-1917 aircraft, and every mission will provide extensive aerial action, with large numbers of aircraft from different squadrons going about their various missions along the Front.

Historical Background
=====================
A major British offensive was planned to commence in the Arras area in Flanders in April 1917. The First Army (General Horne) and the Fifth Army (General Allenby), comprising British, Australian, Canadian and Indian troops, would make a major push along the River Scarpe, and towards Vimy Ridge. A month of bloody fighting yielded little except heavy casualties on both sides, on the ground and in the air. A brilliant Canadian assault captured Vimy Ridge, and a tenacious Australian attack at Bullecourt penetrated the Hindenurg line for a time, but stubborn German resistance limited the gains to no more than a few miles overall.

In the air, early 1917 was a difficult time for the Royal Flying Corps. The Fokker scourge of early 1916 had been defeated by aircraft such as the DH.2 and the FE.2B, but by early 1917 these aircraft were obsolescent, and were facing newer German machines such as the formidable Albatross D.III. In addition, the German air force was now operating on the Flanders front in larger "Jastas", or "Flying Circuses". Newer British machines such as the Sopwith Pup and Triplane and the Bristol Fighter F2B were becoming available, but in small numbers. The Royal Flying Corps would suffer grievous losses in "Bloody April".

1,235 downloads

(5 reviews)

0 comments

Updated June 20, 2007

First Eagles: Hitting the Zeppelins

By dhasdell

Hitting the Zeppelins

Requires Flanders terrain and A-team Camel, but no other extras. Just drop into the Missions folder of First Eagles.

This mission allows a flight of Camels to take off from St Pol, attack a Zeppelin base near Zeebrugge and return home. Enemy fighters may or may not appear.

482 downloads

(3 reviews)

0 comments

Updated April 2, 2007

19 squadron Dolphin Vs Jasta 6 Fokker D.VIII

A mission for First Eagles.

Bucky's quick mission No.1. 19 squadron Dolphin Vs Jasta 6 Fokker D.VIII.

=======================================================

This mission, although a 'what if' scenario is quite a plausible aerial engagement that
is accurate regarding geography and timing relating to the two units involved
(19sqn & Jasta 6).

Jasta 6 received the Fokker D.VIII (or the Fokker E.V as it was first called) at the
end of July 1918, Jasta 6 being the first to receive it. However, on August the 16th
they lost a pilot because of wing failure, and again on the 19th...The E.V was then
quickly taken out of service until the weakness was diagnosed and cured.
It was accepted back in service in early October, and by the end of the war a mere
80 had been delivered. There is no record of it being used in combat during the last
weeks of the war.

So to maintain historical accuracy this mission takes place the day before the wing
failure incidents; (15/8/18.) At this time Jasta 6 were based at Bernes, a few miles
north of St Quentin, which in turn, is about 30 miles from Douai

19 Squadron, using the Sopwith Dolphin at this time, were based at Savy, about 20
miles from Douai.

You're flying an offensive patrol with your two 19 sqn wingmen, at 08.25 on Thursday
15/8/18. You have just crossed the German front lines at 12,000 feet near Douai,
looking for trouble. You're mindful of the fact that there have been recent rumours
within the RAF of a new German monoplane fighter in operation on the western front,
reported as being very manoeuvrable... You're about to find out those rumours are
horribly true!....

=======================================================

To use this mission as intended, you'll need:

Flanders terrain.
By Edward

The Sopwith Dolphin.
By Capun and his team. Available from the Skunkworks site (Registration required).

The Fokker D.VIII.
By Laton. Available from the Combat Ace download section.

The 19 Sqn Blue Nose Dolphin skin.
By Gambit168. Available from the Combat Ace download section.

All three Fokker D.VIII Jasta 6 skins.
By V. Deutschmark. Available from the Combat Ace download section.

A big thank you to all of the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this
great game.

=======================================================

To install, simply unzip the downloaded file to:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions.

Or unzip to your desktop and drag and drop, or copy, then paste into your missions
folder.

=======================================================

Feel free to change the mission anyway you like, and should you find anything wrong
with it, please let me know.

EDIT, 11/4/07: One thing I didn't realise when I first put this mission together is that
unless you tell your wingmen to 'Engage Air', they won't fire a single shot!
So remember to hit the TAB button and select '1' if you want some help from your
Squadron comrades...Think of it as firing a flare gun!

Have fun!

Bucky.

=======================================================
=======================================================

361 downloads

(4 reviews)

0 comments

Updated May 16, 2007

Berthold: The 'Iron Knight' Of Jasta 15.

A Mission for First Eagles:

Bucky's Quick Mission No.3: 'Berthold: The 'Iron Knight' Of Jasta 15'.

============================================================

This mission is a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at about
6.30pm on Wednesday, 29th May, 1918, between Jasta 15 and two unknown French
Escadrilles.

During this action, Hptm Rudolf Berthold, leader of Jasta 15 and Kommandeur of
Jagdeschwader II, flying his new Fokker DVII, brought down two planes within ten minutes of
each other: A Spad XIII and a Breguet XIV of two unknown French units. These were his
victory numbers; 30 and 31.
However, he was lucky to survive the combat as his machine gun interrupter gear
malfunctioned and he almost shot his own propeller off!

Berthold (44 victories), was a strict disciplinarian and was dubbed; 'The Iron Knight' by his
men. He accepted no excuses from them...Not even a gun jam or engine trouble was reason
enough to withdraw from a fight as far as he was concerned!
Although suffering many horrendous injuries during the war, he refused to stop flying...
Enduring agonising pain caused by an injury to his right arm that was so bad he had to fly
one handed!.
He survived the war, only to be killed by his own countrymen in 1920. Courageous to the
point of foolhardiness, his combat career makes interesting reading. Do a Google search and
be amazed!

============================================================

To set the scene:

At this time Berthold's Jasta 15 were based at Mesnil-Bruntel, a few miles east of Amiens.
Their Fokker DVII's were so new, it's doubtful if the red and blue paint used to decorate them
was totally dry! They had received them just a couple of days before.
The Aisne offensive had been launched by the Germans on the 27th, and was proving
successful, forcing the allies back about 20 miles. Jasta 15 were very much in the thick of the
action, opposed as they were, by three allied air forces: British, French and American.

============================================================

Mission guidelines:

Flying as Berthold, you're leading five wingmen of your jasta on the evening patrol. You're
approaching the front at approximately 9000 ft.
While busy contemplating how truly splendid your freshly painted, spanking new DVII's look
in the evening sunshine, you suddenly notice a group of aeroplanes about a kilometre away
and 1500 meters below, heading toward a German airfield....FRENCH BOMBERS!...

============================================================

Mission Requirements:

To fly this mission as intended, you'll need:

Flanders Terrain.
By Edward.

Jasta 15 skins X6
By Warbirds and JFM.

Breguet 14
By Capun and his team at Skunkworks.

Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.

============================================================

Compromises and game limitations:

1. During the spring and summer of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back
much further than the actual front line depicted in the game. Also, the FE map is very
sparsely populated around the Soissons area where this combat actually took place. This
means that I've not been able to place the action as accurately on the map as I would've liked.
Never mind, it isn't that far away.

3. FE won't allow multiple 'named wingmen' in the players flight. This means the game will
recognise only the players plane. consequently, there will be no record of your wingmen's
actions in the 'stats' screen at end of mission. It also means you can't issue orders via the
'tab' button.
The good news is; this doesn't stop your wingmen from participating in the furball!

============================================================

Installation Instructions:

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder.

============================================================

I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it challenging enough to play it more than once...
I've tried to make it as accurate and authentic as the game will allow.
Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish. In fact, if you have a low to medium
spec PC, you may wish to lower the number of aircraft used in the mission, to achieve
smoother frame rates.

I would welcome any suggestions or feedback, good or bad, via any one of the FE forums.

Happy hunting!

Bucky.

========================================================================================================================

344 downloads

(4 reviews)

0 comments

Updated April 23, 2007

Billy Bishop's Dawn Raid

A mission for First Eagles.

Bucky's Quick Mission No.4: 'Billy Bishop's Dawn Raid'.

============================================================

Introduction:

This Mission is a re-enactment of an action that took place at around 5.00am on Saturday,
2nd June, 1917.

On this day, Canadian, Capt William Avery Bishop attacked an unknown German aerodrome
(Estourmel?) near Cambrai, single handed, shooting down three German planes that had
attempted to take off to intercept him, and inflicting damage on parked planes and equipment
on the ground. For this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Bishop, was at this time in 60 Squadron, flying a Nieuport 17 (serial No.B1566). He had been
promoted to Captain and given command of a flight after just one month of flying at the front.
A remarkable feat in itself.
He survived the war as the leading British and Empire ace, with a total of 72 victories. It has
to be said though, that none of his claims have been verified by documented German losses.
Indeed, the action depicted in this mission can't be corroborated by any witnesses
whatsoever, and it's a strange fact that he was awarded the VC on just his word alone...
Something never achieved by any other VC winner, before or since!

I would recommend doing a Google search for the full story, then make up your own mind
about him...

============================================================

To set the scene:

At this time 60 Sqn was based at Filescamp Farm, on Le Hameau aerodrome, a few miles
west of Arras. Bishop had for some time been planning an audacious dawn attack on an
enemy aerodrome...Originally, he was to be escorted by another famous VC winner; Albert
Ball, but he had been killed (in controversial circumstances) on 7th may 1917, so now Bishop
planned to go alone...

At about 03.45 hours on Saturday, June 2nd, 1917, Bishop set off from Le Hameau in his
Nieuport 17. It was still dark, misty, and raining.
Soon after crossing the front lines he came across an enemy airfield but found it devoid of
activity, so flew on in search of a better target.
At about 5.am, just as the sun was rising and with the bad weather clearing, he found exactly
what he was looking for...Ahead was a German aerodrome with seven parked machines,
being made ready for the dawn patrol by several mechanics and groundcrew.

He made a low, sweeping pass, strafing the row of Albatros D.III's and generally causing
mayhem...As he turned to repeat the manoeuvre, he saw one D.III taking off to intercept
him. Bishop lined himself up behind the German and shot him down.
Moments later, another D.III was attempting the same thing... Bishop again manoeuvred
his Nieuport into position, but in his excitement, missed from quite close range. However, his
fire unnerved the German pilot, who lost control and steered his plane into a tree.

Bishop turned again toward the airfield and this time he saw two D.III's taking off at the
same time,...in opposite directions. One headed for Bishop while the other tried to gain
height to launch his attack. He was now in a turning fight with the nearest Albatros.
Managing to turn his more agile Nieuport inside, he fired a long burst into the enemy plane,
which then crashed to the ground just outside the airfield perimeter.

After an intense but indecisive combat with the fourth D.III, and worried that he was
dangerously low on ammo, Bishop hightailed it away quickly, even throwing his Lewis gun
overboard to gain speed. He was chased by more enemy fighters all the way back to the
front line, but got back safely to his aerodrome.
His mechanics couldn't believe his Nieuport had made it back with so many bullet holes...
It was literally riddled!

Bishop describes the action in great detail in his book 'Winged Warfare'. A WW1 air war
classic.

============================================================

Mission guidelines:

The mission starts a short time after Bishop had found the first inactive German airfield...
You'll be at about 1500 ft.
Keep to a heading of around 80 degrees. You'll see Cambrai on your right as you approach
the main Cambrai to Douai road. You should soon be able to see the aerodrome at the
1.00 O'clock position.

How you approach it is up to you, but Bishop descended to 300ft to achieve the maximum
surprise. Get to the airfield quick, and the action should pan out just as it happened to
Bishop.
A few last words of advice though...ZOOM 'N DIVE,...BOB 'N WEAVE...DO NOT FLY IN A
STRAIGHT LINE!!

If you find the mission too hard:
Go to the game's 'Missions' folder, open the Bishop mission, then find the line;
EnemyAirDefenseActivity= and change the 3 to 1 or 2. Then save and exit.

============================================================

Mission requirements:

To fly this mission as intended, you'll need:

Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains section.

Nieuport 17
By Tex Murphy & Monty CZ
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Add On Aircraft' section.

Albatros D.III
By Capun and his team at Skunkworks
To be found at the Skunkworks site. (Registration required)

Active Battlefield for First Eagles Version 2
By Heck.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains section.
Not sure if this is essential but it's a great mod and highly recommended
anyway!

PLEASE NOTE: I've tested this mission with Gr.Viper's excellent 'FE-Simple Machine Gun
Mod' installed, and found it exciting, but unfortunately, next to impossible!
So if you have this mod in your game, you may want to disable it to play this mission with
any chance of survival!...Or give it a try if you're feeling particularly brave!

For maximum realism, the mission should be played with all gameplay settings set to 'Hard'.

Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.

============================================================

Compromises and game limitations:

The only compromise to historical accuracy in this particular mission is that Bishop's Nieuport
17 was actually armed with a single overwing Lewis gun, as opposed to the Vickers supplied
with Tex Murphy and Monty CZ's excellent version. A bit of a shame because Bishop had to
reload a new drum onto his Lewis gun three or more times during the action, and it would
have been nice to be able to replicate that.
Never mind though, you should still have more than enough ammo to cause just as much
mayhem and destruction!

The good news: The RFC Nieuport actually depicts Bishop's Nieuport 17, serial No.B1566!

============================================================

Installation instructions:

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder.

============================================================

I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to play
it more than once...I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the game
will allow.
Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish.

I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one
of the FE forums.

Be Lucky!

Bucky. 3/5/07

============================================================
============================================================

328 downloads

(5 reviews)

0 comments

Updated May 3, 2007

Rene Fonck: 'Ace Of Aces'. Parts 1 & 2

Updated 18/4/08.
Just a quick note to confirm that this mission will work with the expansion pack and
April 08 patch, as long as you have ALL required skins, terrain etc installed.

A Mission For First Eagles.

Bucky's Quick Mission No.5. Rene Fonck: 'Ace Of Aces'. Parts 1 & 2.

Released: 09/05/07... The 89th anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.

============================================================

Introduction:

Ask any student of the first air war to name their top ten WW1 fighter pilots and all the usual
names will crop up, plus maybe, a few lesser knowns. Chances are though, the name Rene
Fonck won't be among them... He's been largely forgotten... Even in his own country.
A true case of criminal neglect IMHO, because Rene Fonck was probably THE greatest fighter
pilot of WW1. The only problem is/was, Fonck knew how good he was and wouldn't let anyone
forget it...He was regarded as a boastful, boorish, braggart, and generally not well liked by
his comrades.
But when you talk the talk, you've got to be able to walk the walk...Fonck could and did!

This mission, which comes in two parts, depicts the events of Thursday, May 9th, 1918. This
was the date that Sous-Lt Rene Fonck of escadrille SPA103, shot down six German aircraft
in a single day...An outstanding feat in itself , but amazingly, he was to repeat it again on
September 26th!
In fact, he brought down two or more enemy planes in one day, an incredible eighteen times
in one year!

His marksmanship was of olympic gold medal standard. He usually expended very little
ammunition when bringing down enemy aircraft. About nine rounds on average.

His official end of war total was 75 confirmed victories, but in his book 'Ace Of Aces', he gave
all the dates for a further 52 unconfirmed victories, which would give him an actual score
of 127.

============================================================

To set the scene:

On May 9th, Fonck didn't even begin flying until 3:45pm because of bad weather, but soon
after crossing the allied lines with his two wingmen, he spotted three enemy two-seaters. He
shot down all three in a fight that lasted just 45 seconds...They all crashed within 400 metres
of each other!

After landing to refuel, he took off again at 5:30pm. It was very cloudy and eventually Fonck
became separated from his two wingmen. He emerged from a dense cloud and immediately
came across another German two-seater and shot that down.
Continuing his patrol, he spotted a flight of four Fokker D.VII's, escorted by five Albatros
D.V's flying slightly above, and ahead of the D.VII's. Weighing up the odds and feeling brave,
Fonck put his SPAD into a dive, positioned himself amongst the nine enemy planes and shot
down the rearmost D.VII.
Alerted by the machine gun noise, the remaining E/A attempted to turn and bring their guns
to bear on Fonck, but this manoeuvre slowed them down, and his momentum allowed him to
pass between them. He then shot down the leader of the patrol and bolted for home, with
seven enemy planes in hot pursuit!

============================================================

Mission guidelines:

As already stated, this mission comes in two parts to more accurately depict the events,
weather and timing of Thursday, May 9th, 1918.

PART 1.
You'll join the action at about 7500 feet, having just crossed the allied lines at 4:15pm. The
weather, which has kept you grounded for most of the day has cleared nicely, Although it's
still quite cloudy.
You're accompanied by your two able wingmen; Lt Fontaine and Cpt Battle. Suddenly, you
spot three specks in the distance...Bosche two-seaters!... Manouevre yourself into a
favourable position and dive into the fray!
Fonck managed to shoot down all three German two-seaters himself...Can you do the same?

Having achieved the mission goal, feel free to press 'ALT+N' to fast forward to your
aerodrome...You can then land, and wait while your ground crew refuel and re-arm your
SPAD...You may want to grab yourself a coffee and a croissant while you wait...

PART 2.
We join the action at 12,500 feet. It's 6:10pm, and you've been in the air for 40 minutes. It's
very cloudy and you've lost your two wingmen, and the light is fading...
You emerge from a dense cloud to find a German reconnaisance plane very close by...Once
you send him down, prepare yourself to dive into the midst of the Fokker D.VII's and
Albatros D.V's!
Fonck shot down two Fokker D.VII's before making a break for home, but do feel free to try
and better him if you think you can!

If you survive, you can navigate your way back to Villers Bretonneaux airfield (or press
ALT+N like I always do!) and land to a rapturous reception from your comrades...Just as
Fonck did.

============================================================

Compromises and game limitations:

1. During the spring and summer of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back
much further than the actual front line depicted in the game. Also, the FE map is very sparsely
populated around the Montdidier area where these combats actually took place. This means
that I've not been able to place the action as accurately on the map as I would've liked.

2. FE won't allow multiple 'named wingmen' in the players flight. This means the game will
recognise only the players plane. consequently, there will be no record of your wingmen's
actions in the 'stats' screen at end of mission. It also means you can't issue orders via the
'tab' button.
The good news is; this doesn't stop your wingmen from participating in the action, although
for this mission you won't want any help anyway!

3. In Fonck's second patrol, about 45 minutes passed between him shooting down the
two-seater and the dogfight with the flight of German fighters...Here, I've condensed the
action to save you flying around aimlessly for the best part of an hour.

4. Again, in the second patrol, Fonck was able to dive into the German fighter formation
undetected before causing havoc...As far as I can tell, the AI in First Eagles is 'all seeing'...
This makes it impossible (I think!) to sneak up on 'em! You'll just have to take your chances
mixing it with 'em I'm afraid!

============================================================

Mission requirements:

To fly this mission as intended, you'll need:

Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.

Rene Fonck SPAD XIII skin.
By HerGr.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WW1 Aircraft Skins' section

Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.

For maximum realism, the mission should be played with all gameplay settings set to 'Hard'.

============================================================

Installation instructions:

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder.

============================================================

I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to play
it more than once...I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the game
will allow.
Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish.

I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one
of the FE forums.

Bon chance!

Bucky.

9/5/07

336 downloads

(6 reviews)

Updated April 16, 2008

Cambrai 1917

By Guest

Cambrai, November 1917
================

A campaign for First Eagles.
This is a historical campaign for the Flanders terrain in First Eagles, to recreate the air battles of late-1917, the time of the debut of the tank, at Cambrai. It follows on from my previous release, "Bloody April" 1917. It requires a standard install of First Eagles, plus Edward's Flanders terrain, and some extra add-on aircraft. There is a TXT file which explains all that is required.
The campaign uses a variety of appropriate late-1917 aircraft, and every mission will provide extensive aerial action, with large numbers of aircraft from different squadrons going about their various missions along the Front.

The aircraft which operate in this campaign are the:

BE.2d
Bristol Fighter F2B
Nieuport 24bis
SE.5a
Spad XIII
Sopwith Camel

Albatros D.III
Albatross D.V
Aviatik C.2
DFW C.V
Fokker Dr.1 triplane
Gotha G.IV
Pfalz D.III
Zeppelin Staaken

Historical Background
=====================
By November 1917 the British Army has been continuously on the offensive in Flanders for four months, in bloody battles at Ypres, Messines and Passchendaele, and most of the German Army reserves have been drawn there. A bold stroke was planned well to the south, in the direction of Cambrai. The Army, spearheaded by a new secret weapon, the tank, would make a major push.

In the air, the start of 1917 had been a difficult time for the Royal Flying Corps, culminating in the disastrous "Bloody April", but by the end of the year, the tide had turned somewhat. Newer machines, such as the Sopwith Camel, SE.5a and Bristol F2B fighter, were coming into service, which were a match for all German machines except for the new and deadly Fokker Triplane.

1,156 downloads

(5 reviews)

0 comments

Updated September 1, 2007

Richthofen's Final Two Victories

A mission for First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.

UPDATED 22/11/08: This mission has been amended to include the excellent authentic Jasta
11 colour schemes created by Quack74 (See 'Mission requirements' below).

Bucky's Quick Mission No.7: 'Richthofen's Final Two Victories'.

Released 20/4/08. The 90th anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.

============================================================

Introduction:

There is no question that Manfred Von Richthofen is THE most famous fighter pilot of all time.
In fact, there's a strong case for saying he's the best known soldier of any war in history, let
alone WW1. He's been, (and will continue to be) the subject of countless books, journalistic
articles and TV documentaries. Indeed, at the time of writing, a new movie; 'The Red Baron',
has just been released in Germany. The lasting interest and fascination with all aspects of his
short life is truly extraordinary.

I created this mission, a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at
approximately 18:40, on Saturday, 20th April, 1918, to commemorate the 90th anniversary
of Richthofen's death.

Flying his famous red Fokker Dr.I Triplane, serial number 425/17, this was to be the Baron's
penultimate patrol and air combat, during which he achieved his 79th and 80th victories.

This is how Richthofen described the action in his combat report:

"With six planes of Jasta 11, I attacked large enemy squadron. During the fight I observed
that a Triplane was attacked and shot at from below by a Camel. I put myself behind the
adversary and brought him down, burning, with only a few shots. The enemy plane crashed
down near the forest of Hamel where it burned on the ground.
Three minutes after I had brought down the first machine, I attacked a second Camel of the
same enemy squadron. The adversary dived, caught his machine and repeated the
manoeuvre several times. I approached him as near as possible when fighting and fired 50
bullets until the machine began to burn. The body of the machine was burned in the air, the
remnants dashed to the ground, north-east of Villers Bretonneux."

His unfortunate victims that day were; Major Richard Raymond-Barker, who was killed, and
2nd Lt David Greswolde Lewis, who amazingly survived the crash of his burning Camel, and
was taken prisoner.

Less than 24 hours after this combat, Richthofen was dead. Killed by a single .303 bullet (but
that's another long story!). He was just 25 years old.

============================================================

To set the scene:

At this time Jasta 11 were based at Cappy airfield, about 20 miles east of Amiens. Richthofen
was experiencing a lean period (mainly due to bad weather), having gained no victories
between 7th-19th April...the weather during that day had been very cloudy, but by the early
evening it was generally clear, allowing the Rittmeister and five other pilots of Jasta 11 to
set off for the early evening patrol.
Airborne at about the same time, and equally keen for a fight were the Sopwith Camels of
3 sqn, RAF...

============================================================

Mission guidlines:

When the mission starts you'll be at a little over 6,000 ft (1500m). Initially, you should keep
to a heading of around 250 degrees, flying south-west. Keep formation with your five
wingmen. Looking below and to your right, you'll see the winding Somme river as you pass
over Cerisy, heading toward Villers Bretonneux. To your left you'll see the old Roman road
that stretches from Amiens to St Quentin. Perfect navigational aids should you become
disorientated.

Richthofen shot down the two Camels within three minutes of eachother. Indeed, the two
machines crashed to earth just 50 yards apart. Maybe you can do better?

============================================================

Compromises and game limitations:

1. During the spring of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back much further
than the actual front line depicted in the game. Also, the Flanders map is very sparsely
populated around the Villers Bretonneux area where this combat actually took place.
However, although some towns and villages are missing, The action happens in the correct
general area.

2. FE won't allow multiple 'named wingmen' in the players flight. This means the game will
recognise only the players plane. consequently, there will be no record of your wingmen's
actions in the 'stats' screen at end of mission. It also means you can't issue orders via the
'tab' button.
The good news is; this doesn't stop your wingmen from participating in the action.

3. Manfred's brother Lothar, (40 victories) was not involved in the action depicted in this
mission. He was still in hospital and extremely lucky to still be alive after being shot down in
his yellow and red Fokker Triplane on 13th March. It's a nice Jasta 11colour scheme which is
included with the expansion pack, so I've used it anyway...We'll assume that he had another
Dr.I painted the same way, and that another pilot was using it on 20th April!

============================================================

Mission requirements:

To fly this mission as intended, you'll need the following mods and skins:

Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.

The following Jasta 11 Fokker Dr.I skins:
All created by Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Skins', 'WW1', section.
MvR Last plane.
J11 Blue Tail.
Richard Wenzl.
Werner Steinhauser.
Edgar Scholtz.

Many thanks to the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.

Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would recommend the following
mods, available from the Combat Ace, Downloads site:

'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in: 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.

'FE Sounds'.
By yours truly.
Found in: 'Sound Mods'.
I've updated this mod with a louder "bullet hit" sample, designed to make you jump when
your plane gets hit!

For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.

============================================================

Installation instructions:

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder.

============================================================

I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to play
it more than once. I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the game will
allow.
Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish.

I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one
of the FE forums.

Viel Glueck!

Bucky. 20/4/08.

============================================================

References used in creating this mission:

'The Jasta War Chronology'... N. Franks. F. Bailey & R. Duiven.
'Under The Guns Of The Red Baron'... N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'In The Footsteps Of The Red Baron'... M. O'Connor & N. Franks.
'Above The Lines'... N. Franks. F.W. Bailey & R. Guest.
'The Red Baron. Beyond The Legend'...P Kilduff.
'The Red Baron Combat Wing'...P.Kilduff.
'Richthofen'...A.E. Ferko.
'Von Richthofen's Flying Circus'...G. Van Wyngarden.
'Sopwith Camel Squadrons'...L.A. Rogers.

============================================================
============================================================

385 downloads

(2 reviews)

0 comments

Updated November 22, 2008

'Woollett's Six In A Day!' Parts 1 & 2

A mission For First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.

Bucky's Quick Mission No.8: 'Woollett's six in a day!' Parts 1 & 2.

============================================================

Introduction:

These missions are a re-enactment of two aerial combats that took place in the skies above
La Gorgue, 15 miles west of Lille, at approximately 10:30am and 5:00pm on Friday, 12th
April, 1918. The combatants were 43 Sqn's C Flight, led by Captain Henry Winslow Woollett,
(35 Victories), and three (or more) unknown German Jasta's...Woollett was credited with
shooting down six German aircraft during these combats...Three in each!

Henry Woollett, a medical student before the war, joined the RFC in 1916, and was posted
to 24 Sqn in November of that year. He scored one victory flying the (by then) obsolescent
DH2, before converting to the DH5, in which he scored four more victories.
In August 1917, he was sent home to England to become an instructor. He was then posted to
43 Sqn in March 1918. He achieved thirty victories up until early August 1918 (including 11
balloons), when he was again sent home to command three training squadrons.
A brilliant pilot, and an excellent leader, he had great style too: He created quite a stir
among the top brass by wearing a leopard skin flying helmet and matching gauntlets!

This is how Woollett described both actions in his combat report:

"At 10:30am, I led my patrol down on to eight EA just south-east of La Gorgue. I fired about
30 rounds into one single seater; machine spun down and crashed just west of La Gorgue. I
then dived on to another EA (a two seater); this I saw crash just north-east of La Gorgue.
I climbed up and got on the tail of an Albatros and after firing 40 rounds it burst into flames,
falling to pieces. I also saw another EA in flames, and also one crash which was shot down
by Lt Daniel."

"5:00pm. I led patrol down on to thirteen EA just north of LaGorgue. I fired about 30 rounds
into one EA which was going east. This turned over on its back and fell to bits. I then
climbed and got on to the tail of another Albatros; after firing several bursts into him, he
spun down and crashed north-east of La Gorgue.
On returning over lines I climbed up and found another EA at about 2,000 feet; this after
about 20 rounds collapsed in the air and fell to bits. I saw two other EA crash, engaged by
machines of my patrol."

============================================================

To set the scene:

At this time 43 Sqn were based at Avesnes-Le-Comte, about 10 miles west of Arras.
Equipped with the excellent 110hp Le Rhone Sopwith Camel, 43 Sqn was a formidable unit.
The weather was fine all that day, which allowed a great amount of aerial activity by both
sides along the whole front. Indeed, the RAF Communique for that day states:
"A record number of hours flying was done, a record number of photographs taken, and a
record number of bombs dropped for any 24 hours since the war started."

The Western Front on 12th April 1918 was a target rich environment...

============================================================

Mission guidelines:

For the sake of surprise, I won't give too much away here, but if you want to re-enact the
events of that day as accurately as possible, then read Woollett's combat report above, and
try to emulate him...Be aware though that if you have your 'Gameplay' settings on 'Hard' (as
you should!) then you'll have just 500 rounds of ammo in each combat...
SO TAKE CAREFUL AIM!

Part 1:
When the mission begins you'll be approaching the front line, with your five wingmen of
C flight at approximately 7,000 ft. Steer a course at anywhere between 15-100 degrees and
make a gentle climb to about 8,000 ft, which is the height Woollett liked to patrol at to take
advantage of the Camel's optimum performance at that altitude.
If you survive this engagement, then make your way home to Arras airfield (see
'Compromises & game limitations').

Have a cup of tea and a lie down, then don your leopard skin flying helmet and gauntlets
again, ready to lead C Flight's 2nd patrol of the day...

Part 2:
This early evening mission begins at around 7,200 ft, so again, you may want to gain a bit
more height, and head for the front line at around 10-90 degrees...This one's a proper
furball, so good luck! Again, consider the mission over if/when you make it home...

In both missions remember; you'll have to give your wingmen the signal to engage
(Usually: 'TAB', then '1' ). Otherwise, you'll be on your own...

============================================================

Compromises and game limitations:

1. During the spring of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back further than
the actual front line depicted in the game. However, La Gorgue is on the 'Flanders Terrain'
map, so the action takes place above the correct area.

2. The actual German Jasta's that 43 sqn encountered that day are unrecorded, and
unfortunately, the Albatros DVa Jasta skins supplied in the game (numerous as they are) do
not include any appropriate units that were based around the Lille area at that date.
Therefore, I've had to utilise three random units; Jasta's 76b and 34b + 46, for mission parts
1 and 2 respectively. They're nice colour schemes though!

3. The 43 Sqn unit markings depicted in the game, utilise the earlier "white triangle" markings.
At the time of this action they had been changed to two diagonal stripes either side of the
fuselage roundel. They changed on 22/3/18, three weeks earlier...D'oh!

4. Avesnes-Le-Comte, 43 Sqn's airfield is not on the "Flanders Terrain" Map, but Arras airfield
is in the same general area, so I've used that instead.

============================================================

Mission requirements:

To fly this mission as intended, the only mod you'll need is:

Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.

Special thanks to Edward for producing this most excellent terrain, without which none of my
missions would be possible!

Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would recommend the following
mods, available from the Combat Ace, Downloads site:

'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in: 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.

'FE Sounds'.
By yours truly.
Found in: 'Sound Mods'.

For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.

============================================================

Installation instructions:

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions'
folder.

============================================================

I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to
play it more than once. I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the
game will allow.
Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish.

I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one
of the FE forums.

Toodle pip!

Bucky. 28/4/08

============================================================

References used in creating this mission:

'Sopwith Camel Aces Of WW1'...N. Franks.
'British & Empire Aces Of WW1'...C. Shores.
'Above The Trenches'...C. Shores, N. Franks & R. Guest.
'Royal Air Force Communiques 1918'...C. Cole.
'Sopwith Camel, King Of Combat'...C. Bowyer
'Air Aces Of The 1914-1918 War'...J.M. Bruce & Others.
'Sopwith Camel Squadrons'...L.A. Rogers.
'Aces And Airmen Of WW1'...A.C.Wood.
'W.W.1 Air Map' Website...Created By D.Townsend.
http://patriot.net/~townsend/WW1AirMap2/ (Firefox browser required).

257 downloads

(2 reviews)

0 comments

Updated November 22, 2008

Cambrai Plane Fest II 1915 - 1918

Cambrai Plane Fest II

By : Firecage

See the readme for installation info

This is for the Exp pack and NO April patch.

This is a list of all planes needed for this campaign to work.

RAF Fighters:
MSTypeH
MSTypeL
moraneN
Avro504D
Fe2B
Dh2
MartinsydeG100
Fe8
Pup
Br14
F2B
Fe2C
Triplane
CamelF1_110
CamelF1_130
SE5a
Dolphin
CamelF1_150
Snipe

French Fighters:
MSTypeH
MSTypeL
moraneN
Fe2B
Nieuport11
Nieuport16
Nieuport17bis
Nieuport17
SPAD7_150
N24bis
Hanriot
Hanriot_CAM
Hanriot_Dual
SPAD7_180
N24
N27
N27_DUAL
N27_FAS
N27_RFC
SPAD13
N28

German Fighters:
PfalzEI
PfalzEIII
FokkerEI
FokkerEIa
FokkerBII
FokkerEIII
PfalzEIV
PfalzEV
FokkerEIIIa
FokkerEIV
Fokker DII
Fokker DIIIL
FokkerEIVa
AlbatrosD1
Fokker DIII
HalbD3
AlbatrosD2
OefAlbatrosDII
AlbatrosD3_160
AlbatrosD3
AlbatrosD3_OAW
AlbatrosD5
AlbatrosD5a
PfalzD3
FokkerDr1
PfalzD8
SchuckertD3
FokkerD7
PfalzD12
FokkerD7F
FokkerD8

As for the bombers these are the planes you will need to get this to work right…

Allied Light Attack Bombers:
MSTypeLAO
BE-2A
BE-2
BE-2D
Re8
Salmson2A

Allied Heavy Attack Bombers:
SP3
Ca3
HP400

German Light Attack Bombers:
PfalzBI
PfalzEIIIO
PfalzEIIIAO
AviatikC2
Fokker BI
Walfisch
AEG G4

German Heavy Attack Bombers:
DFWC1
Staaken
DFWC5
AEG G4
GothaGIV

677 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated July 13, 2008

dogfight 1.0.zip

By Nippy

Dogfight for Thirdwire Simulators (Series 1)

Dogfight is a quick mission generator much like Microsofts Quick Combat and
Ubisofts Quick Mission Builder.
This simple little program is an attempt to add similar facility to Thirdwire products
without editing Mission files by hand, or struggling with a complex Mission Editor.
So, using it you should be up and flying against a selected opponent within a few
seconds (once you're use to the system anyway!).

As a template for the Missions I used a standard 1v1 fighter encounter so the action
begins very close together (2 km seperation for WWI types, slightly further for faster types).

To use you:
1)Start Dogfight.
2)Setup mission.
3)Press the Red GENERATE button.
4)LEAVE Dogfight running.
5)Start the Thirdwire Simulator.
6)Go to the Single Mission page and then Load Mission Menu.
7)Click on the name of the mission that you just created in dogfight(default is "0 Dogfight").

8)When you want to change the mission click on Alt and Tab simultaneously.
9)Select Dogfight, make your changes and then press the red GENERATE button.
10)Return to the Thirdwire Simulator by clicking it on the task bar (or alt tabbing if you prefer).
11)ALWAYS RESELECT THE MISSION from the Single Mission-Load Misiion Menu to update the information.
12)Play the mission!

Repeat 8-12 as many times as you want

This sounds a bit long winded but you do soon get used to it.

Testing
DogFight has been tested with FE1 extensively (with virtually all the add on aircraft from
CombatAce, the Skunkworks and Peter01 fms), SFP1 (chiefly SCW) and WOE1 (chiefly WOR and WOA).
I've also tried it with some early Korean War era jets (SFP1).
I have only briefly tried it with more modern types (WOE) and though it works I'm not too sure
how useful regular fliers of these types will find it (it's the one period that I never really fly).
I have no access to any Thirdwire Series 2 sims so I really don't know if it will work with them.

The program was written using Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2010 C++ and FLTK.
FLTK (Fast Light Toolkit) is a great free package for constructing GUIs really quickly and easily.
Without it I doubt that I would have had time to write this program.

Thanks

Thanks to TK for creating a marvellous set of Sims. I love the way they work with TrackIR.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many add on creators at Combatace and
the Skunkworks who have given me many hours of great gaming.

I hope Dogfight helps to provide some entertainment for Thirdwire Simulator Users.

Gary Ireland

116 downloads

mission editor

(2 reviews)

6 comments

Submitted March 30, 2014

'21/4/18: The Rittmeister Falls'

A mission for First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.

Bucky's Quick Mission No.10: '21/04/18: THE RITTMEISTER FALLS'

Released 21/4/09. The 91st anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.

============================================================

INTRODUCTION:

I created this mission, a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at
approximately 10:40am (Allied time), on Sunday, 21st April, 1918, to commemorate the 91st
anniversary of Manfred von Richthofen's death.

Brown, Buie, Evans, Emery or Popkin? These are the names that all have a valid claim for the
honour of shooting down the legendary 80 victory German ace, Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr
von Richthofen.

For over eighty years it was generally accepted that von Richthofen fell to the guns of
Captain A.R. Brown, DSC, of 209 Sqn RAF. Now though, although far from being conclusive,
investigative research made in the 1990's would suggest that the Baron was most likely hit
by the ground fire of Sgt. Cedric Basset Popkin, Machine Gunner 1st Class, of the 24th
Machine Gun Company, 11th Brigade, 4th Australian Division.

For Capt. Roy Brown however, the story related that during a large dogfight with German
fighters over Le Hamel, and a subsequent fast dive from 5,000 feet to evade two enemy
aircraft on his tail, Brown, flying Sopwith Camel, B7270, spotted a red Fokker Dr.I Triplane
chasing another Camel at very low level. He dived down onto the Triplane's tail and after a
short chase, fired a long burst into Richthofen's plane...

The following is part of the brief combat report submitted by Capt. Brown on the afternoon of
21st April, 1918:

"...Dived on large formation of 15-20 Albatross scouts D5 (sic) and Fokker Triplanes, two of
which got on my tail and I came out.

Went back again and dived on pure red triplane which was firing on Lieut. May. I got a long
burst into him and he went down vertical and was observed to crash by Lieut. Mellersh and
Lieut. May.

I fired on two more but did not get them."

As von Richthofen pursued Lt. May, his Dr.I was being targeted by small arms fire from
numerous Australian troops situated in various positions in the Vaux-Sur-Somme/Corbie
area, Buie, Emery, Evans and Popkin among them. At this point in the chase, things were
not looking good for the inexperienced Lt. Wilfred May, in his 209 Sqn Camel, D3326. Von
Richthofen, in his all red Fokker Triplane, serial number 425/17 was gaining on him fast and
it was only a matter of time until he brought his guns to bear on the British machine.

However, as experienced and careful a pilot as von Richthofen was, he made two fatal
errors of judgement that April morning: First, he seemingly disregarded his perilous position
by flying so low over allied lines. He then also became target fixated in the quest for his 81st
victory...It was the undoing of him.

An eye witness described what happened next:

" ...(I) heard a burst of gunfire and the Fokker stopped in its stride and did the first half of
the loop, then straightened out and fluttered down out of our sight as if doing a pancake
landing..."

Richthofen had been killed by a single .303 bullet.

We will never know with absolute certainty who it was that fired the fatal shot, but the
controversy has raged on ever since...

============================================================

TO SET THE SCENE:

At this time, Jasta 11 were based at Cappy airfield, about 20 miles east of Amiens. The
weather on the morning of the 21st had been misty and windy, which delayed the early
morning patrol. But by approximately 9:30am (Allied time) the mist had cleared sufficiently
to allow von Richthofen and five of his Jasta 11 wingmen to set off and patrol the lines.

At almost precisely the same time at Bertangles, north of Amiens, 209 Squadron were taking
to the air on a routine High Offensive Patrol.

At about 10:25 the two units clashed over Le Hamel and a large dogfight commenced,
involving some thirty plus aircraft. As a novice to aerial combat, Lt. May had been instructed
to steer clear of any trouble. This he did by heading west and diving earthward. Von
Richthofen, ever watchful, and sensing an easy kill, went after him, towards his date with
destiny...

============================================================

MISSION GUIDELINES:

Immediately the mission begins, you'll be a little over 5000 feet, with the two Fokker
Triplanes that Roy Brown mentioned in his combat report, on your tail and firing relentlessly
at you. Take quick evasive action by diving to earth, but at the same time, keep a keen
lookout for Lt. May's Camel, who meantime is being chased by the Baron...Can you reach
May in time to save him from being von Richthofen's 81st victim?

Now's your chance, flying as Capt A.R. Brown, to dispell all doubts over who killed the Red
Baron!

Be aware though, that Brown had spent most of his ammunition during the combat over Le
Hamel...So how much ammo do you have left?

============================================================

COMPROMISES AND GAME LIMITATIONS:

Unfortunately, the Flanders Terrain doesn't include the requisite towns and villages
(Vaux-Sur-Somme, Corbie, etc), so I've had to move the action about thirty miles north to
more closely replicate the real life action.
I could have used the Cambrai terrain, which does include those places but in my opinion,
the Flanders terrain is much more realistic, graphically.

There are no machine gun ground units to add to the historical authenticity either. But then,
at least there can be no arguments over who fires the fatal shot this time...

============================================================

TOO EASY?...A WORD, PLEASE:
Before I decided to upload this mission, I asked myself; is this one challenging enough? After
all, if I can succesfully dodge those two chasing Fokkers, find Lt. May, then get on the Baron's
six and take him out, all in about two minutes flat, then anybody can! Thinking about it further
though, I didn't really put this one together with the "challenge", or difficulty factor in mind...
What I really wanted to do was create as accurate an historical re-enactment of the events of
21st April 1918 as it was possible to achieve, as reported by the combatants involved, and by
latter day historians and investigators.

I have to say, that although it's very "scripted", I'm really quite pleased with the result. For
example: While the player (Roy Brown) is diving down from 5000ft, dodging fire from the
chasing Dr.I's, Lt. May will actually be pursued by von Richthofen over the village of Vaux-
Sur-Somme (well most of the time, anyway), and they'll come very close to hitting the church
tower, just as it really happened on that April morning in 1918...

What I'm trying to say here, is that in spite of its apparent simplicity, this mission has taken
me longer to get right, and caused me more problems and frustration than just about all the
others put together!

============================================================

MISSION REQUIREMENTS:

To fly this mission as intended, you'll need the following mods and skins:

Flanders Terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.
============================================================
209 Sqn, RAF Squadron skin set, which includes Roy Brown's B7270, for the Expansion Pack
Sopwith Camel.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.

PLEASE NOTE: You'll need to place these skins in the 110 hp Camel folder.
============================================================
MvR's Fokker Dr.I, 425/17 ('MvR Last Plane') skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
'J11 Lt. von Linsingen' skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
'J11 Scholtz' skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
Many thanks to the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.

Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would also recommend the
following mods, available at the Combat Ace, Downloads site:

'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.

'FE Sounds V.2'.
By yours truly.
Found in 'Sound Mods'.

'First Eagles Tracer With Smoke'
By Jan Tuma.
Found in 'FE Weapons Mods'

PLEASE NOTE:
In order to replicate the low level chase between von Richthofen and May, I found it
necessary to amend two files which govern the altitude of AI planes. Without this change
the AI planes will not fly below 100 feet or so. IMHO, this change improves the overall
game and not just this mission.

Here's how to do it:

Using the 'SFP1 CAT file Extract Utility', extract the 'MISSIONCONTROL' ini (found in the
'Mission Data.CAT) to the 'Flight' folder, open, then scroll down to [Altitude] and re-set;
'VeryLow=' to '05'.

Then extract the 'AIRCRAFTOBJECT' ini (found in the ObjectData.CAT) to the 'Objects' folder,
scroll down to [Dogfight-----] and re-set; 'SafeAltitude=' to '05'. (Make sure to change all
four entries: Dogfight; Green, Regular, Veteran & Ace.

I would also recommend using Peter01's Fokker Dr.I Flight model DATA.INI, which improves
the Triplane's manoeuvrability and aggressiveness. This FM is in the 'FM Update 3rd
September' pack, found at the Combat Ace 'WWI, Add-On Aircraft/Flight Models' section.

For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder.

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I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to play
it more than once. I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the game will
allow.

Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish.

I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one
of the FE forums.

Salute!

Bucky. 21/4/09.

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REFERENCES USED IN CREATING THIS MISSION:

'The Red Baron's Last Flight'...N. Franks & A. Bennett.
'Under the Guns of the Red Baron'...N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'In the Footsteps of the Red Baron'...M. O'Connor & N. Franks.
'Who Downed the Aces in WWI'...N. Franks.
'The Red Baron Combat Wing'...P. Kilduff.
'The Illustrated Red Baron'...P. Kilduff.
'Red Baron. The Life and Death of an Ace'...P. Kilduff.
'The Sky their Battlefield'...T. Henshaw.
'Richthofen'...A.E. Ferko.

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237 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated April 21, 2009

Ojcar's Armchair Aces 1916 1.3 for FE1

By Grinseed

Ojcar's Armchair Aces 1916 1.2 for FE1
The second in Ojcar's Armchair Aces Series modified for use with First Eagles 1.
Instalation is straightforward with only one difference in the preparation of the Strutters. Read both readmes to learn how to add three new aircraft to your hangar collection. You will need the practice for the forthcoming 1917 version.

Reverential hat tip to TK. Gratitude to Canadair for the batch file converter (see readme). Many thanks to Sinbad for permission to use and modify his Strutters. Salute to Ojcar for a great series.

Any problems, contact me via the forum. This download wont harm your computer, but it just might devour all your free time as you fly and die in 1916.

Cheers and Happy Landings
Grinseed

21 April 2012 I have uploaded the correct FE1 version to replace the FE2 version originally uploaded in error.

Version 1.3 Corrects airfield names to allow enlistment as Belgian pilot as per Ojcar's edit of orginal version.

194 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated August 7, 2013

"Battle of Caporetto" Ver 1.0 Part 1

By quack74

This is ONLY Part 1 of the "Battle of Caporetto" Campaign, Version 1.0, made by quack74

Part2 is a necessary download for it carries ALL the ENEMY (Austrian) aircraft files

This Campaign takes place in Northern Italy in the Fall of 1917. Austria vs Italy.

All info is in the readme files

The Vogesen terrain ( by Gepard ) is needed to run this campaign.
I highly recommend Jan Tuma's visual upgrade pack as well.

I would like to thank ***** and the skunworks A team for many of the WWI models
I would like to thank sinbad for allowing me to repost some of his Hanriot HD-1 Italian skins
I also would like to thank Gepard for the terrain and the help he gave me
And thanks to JanTuma for the beautiful terrain upgrade.

Thanks especially to all those guys that took the time to build all the aircraft and ground objects.
Without them this campaign wouldnt have come to mind. Actually Laton's Austrian and Italian planes triggered it.
They needed a place to fly. So thanks Laton.

Enjoy, quack74

676 downloads

(1 review)

Updated August 8, 2013

"Battle of Caporetto" Ver 1.0 Part 2

By quack74

This is Part2 of the "Battle of Caporetto" campaign, Version 1.0, done by quack74

Part2 contains all the ENEMY (Austrian and German) aircraft files. Except for the Decal folders. They are all in Part1 download.
These files could not be included with Part1 only because of size.
After dowloading both Part1 and Part2 you should merge the two together to keep it all organized before installing. It could be confusing if you dont. Just copy all the aircraft files in the /Objects/ Aircraft/ folder from Part2 and paste them into the / Objects/ Aircraft/ folder in Part1. It's that easy.

Enjoy, quack74

462 downloads

(1 review)

0 comments

Updated November 8, 2010

Armchair aces 1915

By ojcar

From the Readme and installation notes:

Welcome WWI buffs! This is the first chapter in a series covering the (mostly) complete air war in Western Front in WWI. Next chapters coming in the standard two weeks!

The entire war is divided in mini-campaigns of a month-10 missions. I'm using the two stock maps plus the Vogesen map. This first chapter starts in August 1915, so until end of 1915 you'll have 50 missions per pilot! (and be in mind this is the shortest chapter)

The beauty of this approach is that you can follow your fav unit throught all maps, or you can simulate unit transfers for your pilot. You can start as a two seater pilot (as most Germans did), and then be "transferred" to a fighter unit. You can start as a RNAS pilot, and be in the RAF at the proper time, you can start in Escadrille 124 (the La Fayette escadrille) in French Army and end the war ir a USAS unit......A lot of possibilities.

This mod is intended for FE2, because in 1917 and 1918 you'll need the different Albatros, Strutters, SPADS et al with different engines that FE2 has. FE1 pilots will need to edit the campaigns to fly them, for example changing the name of the planes like AlbatrosD5_180 to AlbatrosD5....Please, don't ask me for a FE1 version. I'm doing 117 campaigns for the entire series and it's a lot of work!!!! Nevertheless, if someone want to make an FE1 version it has my agreement (if it's free for the people, of course).

So, be ready for a downloading fest.

Very important!!!! Read the Readme!!!!

319 downloads

(1 review)