Baldric 42 Posted September 5, 2009 Appologies if the style is a bit off, or details a bit sparse... Fl. R.Lehman Jasta 1, Bretincourt August 22, 1916 Dearest Mutti, Appologies for not writing in awhile. I’ve been terribly busy since graduating from Flight School. As you know, I’ve been assigned to Bertincourt, and arrived here yesterday. Could you let Mother know I am safe? The motorcycle is also safe. It is stored in one of our tent storages. I’ve also been meaning to thank you for pocket watch as it is a very fine piece, and the finest I could ever hope to own. Have you heard from Father yet? I hope he gets over his disappointment in me soon. It is hard, but must be harder on you, being the centre of all our communication. The Air Service has been good to me, and I could not ever be stuck in a submarine-- even if I was a commander, like Father. To me, the sky is freedom. The whole unit has been very welcoming here. We had a lovely dinner in the mess, followed by schnapps and brandy, which I declined knowing I was assigned to fly today. I was soundly teased. The pilots all seem bent on living life to the furthest edge. I’ve heard all about the life expectancy, but hope its just a tale told to frighten us into behaving. Do not mention any of this to Mother, please. She would not understand. I have flown twice already today. The first flight was in search of enemy machines over the Front, and proved educational for me, at least from the tighter expectations in formation flying, and the amazing handling of these Halberstadts by the veteran pilots. One day I shall be that good. On the second flight, my flight leader, Siegfried Schneider, took myself and Sebastian Kruger (also from my class, and you may recall I wrote you about Sebastians ambitions with writing poetry?) for a patrol over No-Mans’ Land. We were just under 1000 metres altitude when Lt. Schnieder spotted four enemy machines. They were British pilots in Fe2bs. He waved to us to engage them. I was frightened, not of the enemy, but of making a fool of myself. I managed to swing in behind the enemy flight leader and peppered him well with my machine gun at about 50 metres range and destroyed the machine for my first claim. Sadly for me, I took several bullets in the fuel tank, and the fuel leaked out at a fast rate, causing me to land in a farmers field near Bertincourt due to engine failure. I’m ok, just a little shaken from slipping in a pile of cow manure when I climbed out of my aeroplane. The aerodrome sent a car for me, and when I got back I was congratulated by all. Siegfried witnessed my report and told me that I just had to wait for final confirmation from Headquarters. I have to close now, Mutti, as I’m told we’re off again soon. It’s been a busy day. Miss you, ~Rolf. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest British_eh Posted September 6, 2009 Ya, you are foolish and lucky that you didn't end up as Krumpet fodder. To engage the enemy whilst still so new to the game is rather dangerous. I will have to have a word with Siegfried Schneider about his setting an example of discipline for ze piloten. Herr Kommandant German_eh Cheers, British_eh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baldric 42 Posted September 6, 2009 Spankings perhaps? More blather from me... Fl.R.Lehman Jasta 1, Bretincourt, France 23 August 1916 Dearest Mutti, Just a short letter this time, Mutti, as we are in between flights. I’ve flown twice today. They allowed me to fly solo early this morning. I felt like I was hunting, somewhat similar to when Uncle Rudi allowed me to hunt alone near his lodgings in the Schwartzwalde, stalking deer. No deer today I’m afraid, just a wallowing RFC Fe2, which fell to my guns. I hope the ground observers saw it, otherwise I’ll not get credit. We flew again, around lunch time (Poor Siegfried tried to smuggle sandwiches’ on board his machine, but sat on them), and patrolled along the front. We intercepted more flying cows and I shot one down. Siegfried witnessed my claim form again. That was awfully splendid of him to do so. The mess will be quieter tonight as one of the experienced men will not be coming home. I’m not sure what to think, although I know his comrades are quite downtrod this afternoon. Tell Mother I am well, and working hard at this flying business. Miss you, ~Rolf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
