+Olham Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 Flying mostly German side in late 1916, or 1917, I didn't have a "Lone Wolf" mission since a very long time. The more was I surprised, when I got one with my DH-2 in 24 RFC today. "If I should meet a flight of German Roland C.II, I'll be dead meat in this crate", I thought, but you can't say that to your CO; so I only said "Yes, Sir!", saluted and off I went. The whole flight was eventless - Bertangles > N-NE to Savy > S-SW to Montagne > E to Amiens > N to Bertangles - it was a joyride in beautiful spring weather. I have here some recruiting forms you may want to sign - 24 RFC, spring 1916, anyone?
tranquillo Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 Flying mostly German side in late 1916, or 1917, I didn't have a "Lone Wolf" mission since a very long time. The more was I surprised, when I got one with my DH-2 in 24 RFC today. "If I should meet a flight of German Roland C.II, I'll be dead meat in this crate", I thought, but you can't say that to your CO; so I only said "Yes, Sir!", saluted and off I went. The whole flight was eventless - Bertangles > N-NE to Savy > S-SW to Montagne > E to Amiens > N to Bertangles - it was a joyride in beautiful spring weather. I have here some recruiting forms you may want to sign - 24 RFC, spring 1916, anyone? I might join you, Olham. Do I get Bed & Breakfast too?
+Olham Posted February 1, 2011 Author Posted February 1, 2011 (edited) In the morning, we have baked beans, eggs, fried sausage, toast, and marmalade (English breakfast); sometimes even Stilton or Cheddar cheese; in the lunch breaks we have Ploughman's Lunch, and you would get decent meals for dinner like Shepperd's Pie or English roast; in the and after dinner we have good English lager or bitter, good French wines; whisky or brandy, and yes - a clean, warm bed! What do you say?! - Sign here... Edited February 1, 2011 by Olham
tranquillo Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 You forgot to mention good company. Count me in, I could do with a break.
shredward Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 In the morning, we have baked beans, eggs, fried sausage, toast, and marmalade (English breakfast); sometimes even Stilton or Cheddar cheese; in the lunch breaks we have Ploughman's Lunch, and you would get decent meals for dinner like Shepperd's Pie or English roast; in the and after dinner we have good English lager or bitter, good French wines; whisky or brandy, and yes - a clean, warm bed! What do you say?! - Sign here... Why oh why would I ever want to give up my glamorous life in the trenches to sign up for that? Yours, Thomas Atkins.
+Olham Posted February 1, 2011 Author Posted February 1, 2011 Because - you're sane? Hey, Thommy - admit it - you suffer from vertigo?
+Hasse Wind Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 You know those old engines were sometimes so unreliable, Olham. Maybe you have some engine trouble next time you are ordered on a lone patrol? You'd love to go up there and give everything for King and Country, but the damn engine fails you and you have to turn back halfway to the front. Just don't do it too often, otherwise the CO will become suspicious.
Lewie Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 You know those old engines were sometimes so unreliable, Olham. Maybe you have some engine trouble next time you are ordered on a lone patrol? You'd love to go up there and give everything for King and Country, but the damn engine fails you and you have to turn back halfway to the front. Just don't do it too often, otherwise the CO will become suspicious. Sounds like it was a tour mostly on the allied side of the lines, piece of cake really. Not quite the same as doing a Roucourt to Bevilliers to Pronville tour. Don't let on to the CO that you like these. You know, when you return to base, try to look a little hazed and stressed.
+RAF_Louvert Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 . I agree Lewie, those little jaunts along the friendly side are easy peasy. It's the long recon to some lovely spot like Valenciennes that proves whether or not you have the luck. Now then Olham, about these marvelous meals your having over at 24...about what time do they begin serving in the mess? .
+Olham Posted February 2, 2011 Author Posted February 2, 2011 (edited) Regular breakfast will be served from 5:30 h to 6:30 h, then we would walk over to the kites and mechanics to see, if everything is fine and the craft ready to fly. Morning briefing is between 7 h and 7:30 h; after that, the pilots who go up get ready with their crates. Lunchtime is between 12:00 - 13:00 h usually; that can be different for flights still in the air; they can eat their lunch later. The dinner is our "biggest meal" in the evening; usually at 18:00 h. This can vary though, depending on how many of the boys are still up in the air. (A "WW1 librarian" like you may have read about the real times for meals in the RFC? Was I close?) Edited February 2, 2011 by Olham
Wodin Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 Followed by a tremendous Beano....where cuts and bruises are the norm...
Guest British_eh Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Hi there Olham, In fact the Lone Wolf mission should be and was very prevalent with both sides up till 1917. In the new revamped SIA - RSS Workshop Settings guides there will be a detailed and simplified version of alternate and historically accurate mission priorities. The Germans continued well into 1917 with the Lone Wolf whereas the British were now into formation flying. Cheers, British_eh
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