AlbertTross

Obflugm Edward Reimann MFFA II Nieuwmunster 5 confirmed victories (3 unconfirmed victories) 26th February to 5th March 1917 The weather relented enough for a couple of sorties for Edward as the winter chills showed its first signs of ebbing away into spring mildness. On the 26th, reports of enemy movement north of Ypres had orders for Edward to fly above the area whilst Hasse made detailed notes of anything he could see, troops, equipment, shells, transport....anything that might give a clue as to the enemy's intentions. The orders then stated Edward was to fly low over the local command headquarters and drop the notes for immediate actioning by the brass on the ground. The mission itself passed quietly enough, although 'quiet' is hardly the correct word to use for anywhere around the Ypres salient. The bag drop by Hasse was completed successfully and both Edward and Hasse were commended on their return to Nieuwmunster. Commended by headquarters that is, not Leutnant Wald. In fact, Leutnant Wald had been rather distant with Edward ever since Oberleutnant Saschenberg's visit a few days previously. Not actually hostile, just distant. Edward shrugged it off at first as he had his hands full with flying but in the evenings in the kasino, the forced silence between the two was being noticed by others. Ebersbach stated that it was more proof that Wald had been affected by the birth of his child and his enforced absence from it. "Instead of patting you on the back and saying 'well done' for your success, he gets 'insulted' that your success has led to interest from elsewhere!" explained Ebersbach. On the 27th, Edward, Wald and Ebersbach flew an attack on the Bailleul railyard. The weather was perfect and the flak terrible. All three survived however and considerable damage was done to the rolling stock and storehouses. On the 28th however, when another attack was planned, this time on the lines south of Nieuwpoort, only Leutnant Wald managed to reach the lines as both Edward and Ebersbach had to abort due to engine faults. In Edward's case it had been quite dicey as the engine had seized as he banked steeply, leaving him sideslipping towards the ground. Thankfully he had enough altitude to pick up enough speed to land safely. This debacle resulted in a severe dressing down for Chief Engineer Uwe Ziegler. Ziegler, a burly 6 footer from the Hamburg docks, was left crumpled and destroyed by Leutnant Wald's tirade. At one point, both Edward and Ebersbach, who could both hear everything being said, thought about going into Wald's office to save Ziegler further earbashing. As February gave way to March, the weather put paid to the flying on the 1st and 2nd. On the 3rd however Edward was out on a reconnaissance trip to the lines. As he gained height and levelled out for his short trip to the lines he saw flak bursts over towards Oostende. He then froze as five Neuports emerged, however these Neuports did not attack. Instead they flew on, making steady progress, back towards the lines. Edward now saw that they were two-seaters, Neuport XII's if he remembered correctly. He throttled up and came up underneath one of the enemy aircraft. Hasse blasted it from below and rhe Neuports split up and tried to give their gunners a shot at Edward. Edward however used his skill to avoid them and come up behind his original target. A long accurate burst had the Neuport nosing down with the pilot slumped and still. The other Neuports now nosed down and ran. Edward let them go and finished his mission. On his return he completed his report and filed his claim. An hour later Leutnant Wald called Edward to his office. Wald looked stonyfaced as Edward entered. He had paperwork in his hand and briefly looked at it as Edward stood to attention. "I have read your report Oberflugmeister, a satisfactory outcome to the mission requirements it seems." said Wald. "Yes sir, and I was lucky enough to down one of our enemy too." responded Edward. "Indeed, however I should tell you that your claim has been rejected." continued Wald. Edward looked rather perplexed, "Has the claim been investigated? It was over our side of the lines. Have the local commanders been contacted sir?" asked Edward. A glimmer of a thin smile cracked Wald's face, "No Oberflugmeister, I have not contacted the local commanders. They have enough to do than chase around Flanders looking for your claims!" said Wald with barely concealed sarcasm. Edward was about to let loose when Wald moved the paperwork he was holding in front of him. "Your 'new friends' have made a formal request for your immediate transfer to Marine Feld Jasta I. I am instructed to provide a date by which the transfer can be completed!" Wald's tone rose as he finished. "My 'new friends'? I have no idea what you're referring to or insinuating herr Leutnant" said Edward, rather affronted. "Oh piffle Edward! You have clearly instigated this and now Oberleutnant Saschenberg is flexing his military muscles by getting headquarters to side with him. Now, if I refuse their request I will have to provide just cause!" berated Wald. Edward could contain himself no longer "I have no idea why you believe I have anything to do with Oberleutnant Saschenberg's request, or visit the other day! I'm sorry you feel 'affronted Oswald but it has nothing to do with me!" said Edward, forcefully. "Do not call me by my first name Oberflugmeister, may I remind you that I am still your commanding officer until such time as I see fit to let you go!" responded Wald. Edward drew breath slowly and calmed himself, he would not allow himself to fall into a trap, even an obvious one like this. If he continued to argue, Wald could have him charged with insubordination and would probably take great pleasure in doing so it seemed. "That is your perogative.....sir" responded Edward. There was a long and cutting silence until Wald broke the quiet...."I suppose I will have to let you go, but I'm damned if I'll allow it to disrupt the rest of the unit." said Wald. "I'm not sure that I understand....sir" said Edward. Wald did not respond directly and stared out of the window at the darkening skies outside. "I will arrange your transfer to MFJI as soon as possible Oberflugmeister and until that moment you are on leave! See the adjutant for any transport documents you need!" finished Wald, staring out of the window throughout. Edward thought about an abrasive response but thought better of it. "As you request....sir" said Edward, who saluted and turned to leave. Edward arranged travel documents through Belgium and back to Germany with the adjutant. He would leave right away. He barely had time to say goodbye to the rest of the unit. Ebersbach was fuming with Wald but Edward persuaded him not to raise it with the Leutnant. They would meet again someday Edward assured Ebersbach.

Obflugm Edward Reimann MFFA II Neuwmunster 5 confirmed victories (3 unconfirmed victories) 20th February to 25th February 1917 Edward watched as Kehr was led towards the waiting ambulance. Kehr looked sad but calm. Leutnant Wald was also there and was talking to another officer who was holding the paperwork Wald had just given him. Just as Kehr neared the ambulance he stopped and looked at Edward. Kehr beckoned Edward towards him and Edward drew near. "Thank you for your help meine freund" said Kehr and grasped Edward's hand. "I resisted far too much, but you managed to get the truth from me, like a doctor draws the poison from a wound." Kehr continued. "Now the wound can heal" said Edward, smiling. "Get yourself sorted and then you can return freund." finished Edward. "I shall!" finished Kehr and with that he entered the ambulance. Edward flew a relatively uneventful mission that afternoon, directing the artillery fire along the enemy held road towards Bailleul. Bad weather was still hampering the flying however and the next two days were lost. During the afternoon of the 22nd however Leutnant Wald received an unexpected visitor, Oberleutnant Gotthard Sachsenberg. The adjutant showed Saschenberg into Wald's small and simple office and closed the door. "Guten tag, Oswald, I hope you don't mind me calling on you unannounced!" Said Saschenberg as he sat down. "Not at all Gotthard, it is always a pleasure. It seems so long ago now we were at flight school together." Wald responded. " Indeed! I remember those trips into the nearby town all too well!" Gotthard smiled broadly as he spoke. "Me too" responded Wald. He reached into the cupboard underneath his desk and drew out a bottle of Napoleon Brandy. He took two small tumblers from a drawer and placed them down on the desk. He poured two decent measures and handed one to Saschenberg. "What brings you here?" asked Wald. "Danke Oswald. I see that Oberflugmeister Reimann now has five confirmed victories?" enquired Saschenberg, although he already knew the response. "That's correct, he is a fine pilot, we're lucky to have him." responded Wald, taking a decent slurp of his drink. "Indeed WE are" responded Saschenberg, overemphasising the 'we' considerably. "Is it not time you allowed him to fulfill his potential flying scouts with my unit?" asked Saschenberg. Wald's expression tightened slightly but his voice remained clear and calm, "I think that's a decision for me don't you agree Oberleutnant?" responded Wald. "Of course herr Leutnant, but who's decision it is is irrelevant, it is the decision itself which is important." replied Saschenberg. Wald found the logic of that statement difficult to counter so sidestepped it with an equally unequivocal statement, "We two-seater staffels need good pilots too Gotthard. Not just the jastas." said Wald. "Indeed Oswald, but it would be wrong to hold another's promise in check simply to prove a point, don't you agree!" continued Saschenberg, deliberately stoking the flames with a provocative statement. Wald, flushed momentarily then regained his composure, "You always were a presumptuous twit Gotthard" replied Wald with a hint of intention, despite the smile as he spoke. "Indeed Oswald, one needs to take chances if one is to reach one's full potential. Maybe that is why you are still a Leutnant in charge of a handful of fellow pilots and beobachters." responded Saschenberg. "A position I'm more than happy with herr Oberleutnant. I will release Oberflugmeister Reimann from his current duties when I see fit" responded Wald. "Therein lies the difference between us herr Leutnant and maybe the difference between you and Oberflugmeister Reimann too by chance?" responded Saschenberg, finishing his drink and rising from his chair. Wald looked a little miffed, "Did Oberflugmeister Reimann initiate this approach?" asked Leutnant Wald. "Not at all, this visit is purely off the record Oswald. I'm simply stating what we both know to be true. Reimann has excellent potential and can best fulfill this, to the betterment of himself and the fatherland with us at MFJI." finished Saschenberg. The Oberleutnant saluted and Wald responded. "Auf weidersehn, herr Leutnant" said Saschenburg, who duly left. The following day Edward was on a reconnaissance down towards the Bailleul lines again. All seemed well until Hasse spotted flak bursts and three winged shapes closing in with the sun at their backs. "Enemy schwein! Behind and closing" shouted Hasse, as he cocked his weapon. Edward bided his time and left it to the last moment to throw his aircraft to the left. The ploy worked and a Triplane zoomed past the DFW. Edward pulled every move to keep the enemy at bay, until purely by chance, the Triplane appeared directly in front of Edward, albeit momentarily. Edward fired a quick burst into his assailant who now made a dart for his own lines. Edward, with no hope of following, turned for home and landed safely some time later.

Raine - So Bell-Gordon and chums are following Belgian royalty around? At least it ended with a sumptuous meal, 'Moules et Frites' followed by a tasty 'biere', the staple food of Belgium. A professional job on that Roland. They are not easy, even when flown passively, one false move and you get a mouthfull of lead. It seems like your man has a plan to uncover Huntington. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Obflugm Edward Reimann MFFA II Nieuwmunster 3 confirmed victories (3 unconfirmed) 10th February to 19th February 1917 The wretched weather had put paid to any flying for two days now. There was little to do but write or play 'skat' although that carried danger as Ebersbach was a patent expert at the game. In fact if it wasn't for Leutnant Wald's strict rules on the amounts being gambled, Ebersbach would be a rich man. During these couple of days, the unit received another pilot, bringing the total to 6 pilots and 6 beobachters. Flugmaat Lothar Dreis was from Bielefeld. He was somewhat older than the the others at 31 and had been working in a naval training school near Kiel for some time before applying for flight training. He was made welcome and was to bunk up with the other lower ranked NCO's, Flugmaat Kehr and Flugmeister Werner Buhr. Buhr, a former boxer from Friesenried, was a likable if simple fellow. He had already gotten used to Flugmaat Kehr's peculiar sleeping. Kehr had a habit of talking in his sleep, rather unintelligible stuff, but as Buhr rather bluntly put it, he was clearly "having a go at somebody". All went well on the evening of the 11th, possibly because Dreis had fallen asleep instantly and deeply due to his tiresome journey. On the 12th however, Dreis was woken by Kehr's nocturnal noises. Whereas Behr would simply roll away and go back asleep, Dreis bellowed loudly, "For heavens sake fellow! Be quiet!". At this, Kehr, although clearly still asleep had got up out of bed and come over to Dreis. He grabbed the shocked Dreis by the shoulders and shook him, almost imploringly. "I can't do it! I can't do it I tell you! It wasn't me!" yelled Kehr as he shook the shoulders of the petrified Dreis. Buhr got up and pulled the now sobbing Kehr away. The commotion had brought, Wald and Edward into the room. Ebersbach being on a 4 day pass. Kehr, who presumably had now woken, was sat on his bed with his head in his hands. Leutnant Wald, looking slightly absurd in his longjohns but with his cap perched on his head, looked at Kehr. He now approached Dreis. "Are you okay now Flugmaat Dreis?" Wald enquired. "Alright! How can I be alright!" said Dreis rather loudly. "I was attacked by that man!" He exclaimed, pointing past Wald towards Kehr. Buhr now interjected "He didn't attack you, don't talk rubbish" he said, again in that blunt manner. "He clearly had a nightmare and your shouting at him drew him towards you!" Buhr continued. A now rather heated argument began between Buhr and the clearly affronted Dreis. Wald, tired and wanting to end this spectacle, brought both of them to silence. He looked at Buhr, "Flugmeister, return to your bed straight away!" said Wald firmly. Wald now stopped momentarily as if in deep thought. Finally he turned to Dreis. "Flugmaat Dreis, will you now return to your bed as well, danke" said Wald, hoping that would be the end of it. "But herr Leutnant, I cannot possibly stay in the same room as this....this... Verrückte!!" exclaimed Dreis. Wald, visibly annoyed, had been hoping to avoid prolonging this any further. He sighed and looked over towards Kehr, now being consoled by Edward. He had but one option left, "Oberflugmeister Reimann, will you please escort Flugmaat Kehr to the lockup please and have a guard posted". said the Leutnant. For a split second, Edward thought of speaking out against this but caught Leutnant Wald's imploring gaze. He picked Kehr up carefully and grabbed his blanket "come on meine freund". Kehr put up no resistance as Edward led him out of the room and over to the tiny lockup at the end of the corridor. The next morning, Edward spoke with Leutnant Wald over breakfast. "What will happen to Kehr now"? Edward asked. "That rather depends on Flugmaat Dreis, Edward. If he decides to make an official complaint....Well I can hardly ignore it." Wald replied. "Let me speak with Kehr please herr Leutnant. There is clearly something troubling him, something constantly toying on his mind and each night it emerges when he's asleep." said Edward. Wald smiled, "I had no idea you practiced psychology Edward, but yes, feel free." He replied. Edward sat with Kehr in the tiny lockup, he could see the straw mattress had not been used. Kehr looked exhausted and forlorn. "Tell me what's troubling you" Edward asked. After much refusals and counters from Kehr. There was a moment when Kehr looked like he was about to blow again but finally, he drew breath deeply and spoke. "Back at the end of '15 I was with my unit on the eastern front. I can't remember the name of the village we were near. I could never pronounce those Ukrainian place names" Kehr smiled thinly as he began. Edward listened intently as Kehr described what happened next. Kehr's unit had been ordered to round up the villagers, roughly 100 old men, women and children. They were ordered to take them into the rear whilst the village was fortressed up as a strongpoint. Kehr continued and told of how, after marching them roughly 2 miles, they were ordered to stop. The Hauptman in charge of Kehr's unit then ordered the villagers to be lined up as if for an inspection. The Hauptman then ordered two platoons, including Kehr's, to form up in front of the villagers. Kehr's platoon leader, now realising what was about to happen, challenged the Hauptman. The Hauptman destroyed the Leutnant with a tyrannical tirade of abuse and threats. Two of the villagers, a man of about 50 and a young girl, maybe 15, also now realised what was about to happen and tried to run. The Hauptman raised his pistol and shot both of them dead as they ran. Kehr described the inevitable rest to Edward who had sat in silence throughout. "You see Edward! I hate myself, I hide it under silly jokes and overbearing ways but it's there.....constantly." finished Kehr. Edward, shocked but now at least informed, was able to explain this to Leutnant Wald. Kehr was removed from duties and a report sent advising immediate referral to a medical unit. On the 13th, the flying resumed. Edward was on his way to the lines to the south of Nieuwpoort again to ascertain enemy positions. All went well until Edward was about to turn and head for home. Bullets tore into the wings of the DFW and Edward instinctively rolled into the direction of the attack. A Nieuport, with British markings zoomed past. Edward, threw the cumbersome two seater around for all it was worth. He could hear the rattle of the enemy's Lewis gun from time to time but the pilot was either a poor shot or Edward's maneuvers were working. Momentarily Hasse was able to get a burst at the enemy aircraft. The englischer now made a fatal error. He tried to run. Edward now rolled around behind the fleeing Nieuport and blasted him. Clearly the enemy pilot did not know about the DFW's armament. Another burst and Hasse watched the enemy roll over into the ground about a kilometre from the German front lines. After a delay of roughly 24 hours, Edward's victory was confirmed thanks to a report from the sector commander. He now had four confirmed victories. After more missions, including Edward (and Hasse's) first use of a wireless system and more days missed thanks to the weather, Edward scored his fifth victory. On a trip towards Ypres, Edward and Wald spotted a fornation of enemy Caudrons. Edward instinctively went after them. He targeted the leader and came up beneath as Hasse kept the others at bay from the rear. He blasted the french machine and another burst had the right engine in flames. Edward continued after the now stricken Caudron and a final burst had both the gunner and pilot slumped and the enemy aircraft heading straight down into the ground. Wald confirmed this one himself and a raucous evening was had, celebrating Edward's fifth victory.