AlbertTross

Obflugm Edward Reimann MLFA II Neuwmunster 11th January to 21st January 1917 Leutnant Wald stood at the front of the briefing room in front of the whole unit. He'd called the meeting as soon as he had finished his call with headquarters, some 20 minutes ago. Edward sat front and centre with Ebersbach on his left and Jung on his right. Leutnant Wald quietened the ensemble down with a wave of his hand. "Meine herren!" "I've just got off the phone to Admiral Dreisler. We have instructions.....in fact orders...to get in the air as soon as possible." "This period of inactivity has meant we have lost touch with the enemy activities and HQ are nervous. They know the British would like nothing more than to capture our U-boat pens and for all we know they are about to launch an attack to do just that!". Explained Leutnant Wald. He went on to explain that the unit would be airborne by this afternoon. He then went through the planned flights. Edward would be flying with Wald himself to complete a recon of the lines south of Nieuwpoort. Edward hardly had time to get nervous as he changed into his flying gear and headed out to the airfield. Although the snow had been cleared the ground was frozen solid. Edward had difficulty staying on his feet as ice lay everywhere. Thankfully the ground staff had been out breaking the frozen ice along the airfield but it was still quite dicey as Edward skipped across the airfield in his Roland. The recon went well enough and Edward and Flugmaat Hasse returned an hour or so later with several detailed notes of the enemy disposition along the front line. Another similar sortie took place the next morning, however the 13th and 14th January were again lost to the weather. On 14th, Edward and Leutnant Wald were conducting a recon of the area north of the Ypres salient. As they approached the salient Edward noticed several dark specks on the German side of the lines. He watched intently as the specks grew into definite shapes. It was a flight of enemy Moranes. Edward signalled his intent to attack and dived down. As he approached the rearmost Morane from the rear, bullets raked his fuselage. Hasse tapped Edward on the head and shouted for him to descend below the enemy and come up beneath them. Edward did this and Hasse poured bullets from his Parabellum into the underside of the nearest Morane. The Morane wobbled and started losing height. More hits from Hasse had the enemy aircraft drifting downwards without power. Edward followed until he watched the stricken Morane overturn in a field just a stone's throw from a Drachen balloon company. With the rest of the Morane's now across the lines, Edward climbed back upto Leutnant Wald and they continued their recon. Leutnant Wald was happy to confirm Edward's claim on returning to Neuwmunster and Edward (and Hasse) were warmly congratulated by one and all. That evening, Edward, Wald, Ebersbach and Jung were enjoying a drink in the kasino. "You flew very well today Edward, I remember my first victory". said Leutnant Wald. "You must always choose your fights carefully though meine freund" he continued. "It is a thin line between courage and stupidty and you are unlikely to survive crossing the line" said Wald. Edward listened intently. Wald finished his drink and made his way back to his quarters. "He never used to be so cautious Edward" said Ebersbach. "Something changed him" he stated. ""What was that?" asked Edward. "Humanity, meine Freud...life!" said Ebersbach. "Wald went home on leave back in August, his wife was pregnant and Wald returned home to find a newborn baby daughter" explained Ebersbach. "He's been different since his return. Still a fine pilot, but now he waits patiently for the enemy to come to him and no longer goes looking for trouble" continued Ebersbach with a rueful smile. Edward nodded his understanding....... "He has lost his fighting edge!" exclaimed Jung in the high pitched nasal tone he possessed. "He has let personal matters into his military life and it has lessened his effectiveness.....in fact he..." Jung was about to continue when Ebersbach interjected. "Oh be quiet Jung, you're talking out of your Prussian backside again!" said Ebersbach. Edward muffled a laugh as Jung stared at Ebersbach but said nothing. He muffled something about needing to go see the adjutant and bade his farewell. "Jung is a fine pilot, but his brains have been left on the Lichtenfeld drill grounds" said Ebersbach. Edward took part in several more sorties over the next week or so but these were uneventful and broken up by more wintery weather.

TWK - So your chap is awaiting a transfer to 54. Hopefully it'll be accepted, in the meantime good look with the rifle range. Raine - Congratulations to Bell-Gordon on downing the Albatros for number 6 and a surprise dinner with the CO to boot! Happy days.

Obflugm Edward Reimann MLFA II Neuwmunster 28th December 1916 to 10th January 1917 Following his successful maiden flight the previous day, Edward awoke early on the 28th, he was eager and keen. The CO had said he would be accompanying the others on their mission today and Edward had butterflies as he walked over to the window of his room and drew the single curtain across. He was greeted by a sheet of white. So much so that he couldn't see out of the window, he could only see the snow which covered it entirely. Edward's heart sank...."Scheiße"...he remarked to himself as he walked back to his bed and wiped the sleep from his eyes. Clearly there'd be no flying today.......or, indeed, for the foreseeable. Leutnant Wald tried his best by organising some gunnery practice in the wooden hanger on the left of the airfield, but this could only last so long. He also allowed some leave to those due it, but this took no account of how difficult it was to get about! The snow was several feet thick in places and where it had been blown into corners, a man would sink beyond head height. Preparations were also made for a party on New Year's Eve In the Kasino. Edward was roped in to help organise the food. He was a decent cook thanks to the predominantly homely upbringing he'd had back in Otterndorf, where the majority of his peers and family were feminine. He helped prepare and cook several sumptuous courses, alongside the chefs. Roasted pork knuckle, herring, bratwurst and a hearty dumpling stew were just a few of the dishes on offer as the pilots, mechanics and rest enjoyed the festivities. As well as champagne and far too much schnapps, Edward had been pleased to see several bottles of kolsch had been gathered and enjoyed some of these alongside his kameraden. He was beginning to learn about those around him, as well as suffer the inevitable 'ribbing' thanks to his 'englischer' heritage. Indeed, his nickname seemed to have become 'King' thanks to his anglicised first name. He took it in good stead and gave some out too. The extended period without flying allowed him to get to know several of his kameraden...... Oberflugmeister Gunther Ebersbach was from Oberstdorf on the border with Austria. He was a big fellow with a freethinking 'bohemian' style. He seemed untroubled by the war, the awful weather, in fact by anything in particular and he naturally drew Edward towards him with his cheery demeanor. Oberflugmeister Theodore Jung was the polar opposite. A diminutive character from Bad Laasphe near Siegen. He was Prussian to the core and had two years in the Uhlans before his transfer to the kriegsmarine early in 1916. There were rumours his father (a long serving Colonel in the army) had wangled the move when the Uhlans were due to be sent up against the Russians. He was a good pilot however, and had two confirmed victories already to his name. Flugmaat Eduard Worms was a good humoured Bavarian from Pullenreuth near the border with the Hapsburg empire. He'd been a farmer before the war but had managed a naval posting thanks to his teacher, who had connections with Kiel. Finally there was the CO. Leutnant Oswald Wald was from Bingen on the banks of the Rhine. He was a career soldier who'd transferred to the Marine-Landfliegerabteilung in 1915. He'd proved himself a capable pilot as a later member of the 'Brieftauben-Abteilung Ostend' where he'd made several bombing trips around Flanders and even as far as Dover. He'd been CO of MLFA II since it's official inception at the start of 1916 and had three confirmed victories, making him the unit's top marksman. Edward wondered why he hadn't transferred to single seaters, but would need to get to know his kameraden better before being able to answer such questions. The New Year celebrations went well, very well and Edward felt rather the worse for wear the next morning. The snow hardly relented the next week either. When it had flattened enough to allow road travel, Edward went to Ostend alongside, Leutnant Wald, Oberflugmeister Ebersbach and the chief mechanic, Stabsfeldwebel Christiansen to pick up some supplies, orders and spares. The weather seemed to be lifting and warming as the 10th January approached. Everyone was itching to be back in action.

Raine, thanks for the welcome back. I hope it's a long tale too. That's certainly the intention. I'm sorry for your loss although it appears to have had some positive effects too. It's definitely a human trait how one can get positives from such a sad occurrence but it happens. Now to young Bell-Gordon. A fine tale with some fine fighting. A good job on the Roland, they are not easy targets at all, as hopefully young Reimann will show too. There seems to be a fine camaraderie in Bell-Gordon's unit which is good to see. Even with the angry claim gods, he's become an ace....top job. I'll add Reimann's next instalment shortly although it has a minimum of flying and is mostly composed of freezing cold, snow and too much Schnapps.

Obflugm Edward Reimann MLFA II Neuwmunster 27th December 1916 The dusty Daimler lorry rumbled to a halt and Edward climbed out, grabbed his case and stood back as the lorry turned sharply and headed back out. Edward became aware of the sharp cold straight away. It had been cold in Brussels and cold in the lorry, but that was nothing compared to the biting chill he was now feeling as he gazed across the airfield. He took his case and walked sharply over to the only building which looked used at that moment. He entered and closed the door and was greeted with a warmth he'd not felt for many hours. He had clearly entered an office, as the typewriter and filing cabinet indicated. At that moment the door opposite opened and a middle-aged unteroffizier came in. On seeing Edward he moved towards him. "Yes herr Oberflugmeister? Can I help you?" asked the unteroffizier. "I'm Obflugm Edward Reimann and I've been ordered to report here." explained Edward. "Ah yes. Please wait here a moment and I will see if the CO can see you now" stated the unteroffizier. The NCO went back to the door he'd just come in from and knocked perfunctorily, before entering. A few moments later he re-emerged. "Leutnant Wald will see you now" confirmed the unteroffizier. Edward nodded and entered the small room. The unteroffizier closed the door behind him. "Hello herr Oberflugmeister. Please, take a seat" said Leutnant Wald. Leaving his case, Edward moved towards the nearby chair. "Thank you sir" confirmed Edward as he sat down. Leutnant Wald perused Edward's papers. Nodding to himself occasionally as he read through it. He stopped suddenly and looked at Edward. "It states here you were born in Manchester?" stated Wald. "Yes sir, I was born in the north of England but moved to Germany with my mother when I was two." explained Edward. The Leutnant nodded his understanding and carried on reviewing the paperwork. "Have you had any experience of Roland two seaters?" asked the Leutnant. "I have flown the CII on numerous occasions sir" replied Edward. "Excellent, that will make things far easier herr Oberflugmeister" said Wald. Leutnant Wald proceeded to brief Edward on the unit, it's responsibilities and the situation in general. At the end of the briefing, Leutnant Wald informed Edward where his room was and instructed him to unpack and get some refreshment before reporting back at 11am in his flight gear. Edward found his room easily enough. It was tiny but relatively warm thanks to a small fire, burning brightly in the bricked fireplace. He unpacked his possessions, and made his way to the Kasino where he was able to get hot coffee and a small but filling stollen. Having donned his flying gear he then reported back to Leutnant Wald as instructed. The Leutnant introduced Edward to his beobachter, Flugmaat Edgar Hasse and instructed the young pair what he wanted them to do. Edward was to climb up to about 5000 feet and circle the area around the airfield before heading out to Ostend and then returning. He also instructed Edward to return at once if enemy aircraft should appear. The Roland's engine popped and rumbled as Edward strapped in. A short time later the two seater was in the air and climbing away from the airfield. Edward could feel the warmth from the engine on his face but other than that was thoroughly cold. The skies were wintery but relatively clear as they reached 5000 feet. Edward circled the airfield and then headed north west towards Ostend. On reaching the coast, Hasse tapped Edward on the head and pointed down. Edward looked as directed and saw the dark roads and snowy roofs indicating they were above Ostend. All appeared calm and Edward started back towards Neuwmunster. He landed easily enough some 20 minutes later. On reporting back to Leutnant Wald, he was told the CO was happy with Edward's efforts today and that all being well, he would take part in tomorrow's scheduled flights. Edward spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in the company of his fellow pilots in the Kasino.

Hi all, i've decided to use what free time I have available to start a DID pilot. I'll be posting whenever I'm able and hopefully will stay alive long enough for it to be an interesting adventure............. May I introduce Oberflugmeister Edward 'David' Reimann. Edward was born in Manchester in 1894 to an English father and a German mother. His father ran a cotton mill, however he died when Edward was just two. His mother then took the young Edward to Otterndorf on the mouth of the Elbe to live with her family. Given the proximity to the sea, and his maternal grandfather being a low ranking officer in the Kaiserliche Marine, young Edward loved all things nautical. Following his education, Edward joined the German navy at the age of 17. At the start of the war, Edward was serving on the SMS Seydlitz, a large and newly built warship, operating in the North Sea. Edward was commended for his actions during the Battle of Dogger Bank in early 1915, when the Seydlitz was seriously damaged and spent much of the remaining time that year in dry dock. Edward was assigned to shore duty in Hamburg and grew increasingly frustrated over the next 12 months. He eventually decides to apply to join the German Naval Air Service and is accepted in mid 1916. He completes his training and is assigned to Marine-Landfliegerabteilung II in mid December 1916. This is his story........

Hi Gents, apologies for my enforced absence but my PC went bonkers. I lost everything and I'm in the process of getting a new one. I'm typing this on my phone. Once I'm back up and running and I've reinstalled WOFF, i'll be back .

Mfair - Congratulations to Gallagher on his first confirmed victory. With regards to the declined one, you can only try. Gallagher's actions 'forced the enemy from battle'....would be the official line I imagine.

Sergent Simon 'Sid' Grace Escadrille C9 Epinal Caudron G4 2 confirmed victories 22nd December 1915 "So, how was your sojourn to Paris mon ami!" said Mondeme as Sid entered the mess. "Very enjoyable, how were your family?" responded Sid. "Oh they were fine, I was fed up with them after two hours and wanted to head back." exclaimed Mondeme. Sid laughed. It was good to be back he thought. After a few pleasantries with the others, including Capitaine Larsy, Sid was brought up to speed. Sorties had continued, thankfully without loss but the weather was worsening still and turning seriously wintery. That evening the snow started in earnest and didn't let up for the next four days. Despite the efforts of the ground crews, no flying was possible over the Christmas period. The festivities were heartfelt and included carols and a heartfelt rendition of Chant du Départ. A fine meal was had too, with a huge Goose, the centerpiece. Sid however, wanted to get back flying. On the 26th the ground was cleared enough to allow a reccie out to the lines. On the 27th, clear skies greeted the pilots although it was bitterly cold. The sortie was out towards Nancy and was passing peacefully enough until Sid spotted aircraft approaching them from higher up. It was a pair of Aviatiks and Sid didn't waste a moment. He went straight at them and as he passed underneath, Mondeme raked the underside of one of the enemy aircraft. The enemy split up and Sid's target turned to try and get back to the lines. Sid however had anticipated this and came across between the enemy and safety. Mondeme did his bit again and this time oily smoke started billowing from the stricken boche. He lost power and height and a final flurry from Mondeme as Sid pursued the Aviatik had him spiralling down into the ground on the French side of the lines. Capitaine Larsy, who'd been the other pilot on the sortie was able to confirm the victory meaning Sid now had three confirmations. Celebrations that night were heartfelt and long. It seemed an age since he's been in the air and now it was like he'd never been away. Further sorties including several bombing runs brought 1915 to a close. What would 1916 bring?

Sergent Simon 'Sid' Grace Escadrille C9 Epinal Caudron G4 2 confirmed victories 21st December 1915 Sid had slept like a log and after a light breakfast and another bath, he went for a walk. The weather was worsening and getting seriously cold. He walked along the Seine and up towards the Trocadero and the Eiffel tower. The streets were full again with servicemen and shoppers. He decided to head over to the Cafe de la Paix for a spot of lunch. On reaching the restaurant he entered and was shown to a table. Having ordered some coffee he saw someone else enter. It was Nungesser, Sid waved and Nungesser saw him and came over. "Ahh bonjour Sid, comment allez-vous?" asked Nungesser. "I'm very well thank you Charles and you?" responded Sid. "I'm remarkably well considering." said Nungesser. "Considering what mon ami?" asked Sid, half knowing what the response was likely to be. "Being kept up half the night mon ami." responded Nungesser with that engrossing grin. Sid smiled. "How did you get on my dear fellow?" asked Nungesser. "It was a lovely evening, I've arranged to meet Sophie this evening." responded Sid. "Wow, you don't mess around do you. She does seem to be a touch of class." said Nungesser. "Well I have to head back to my Escadrille this afternoon mon ami. So shall we have some lunch here?" said Nungesser, taking a seat. "Of course, I'll walk you to the station later too " responded Sid. "Why thank you. Are you still intent on joining me at 65?" asked Nungesser. "I'd love to, I guess it depends on my CO of course, he's a good chap." responded Sid. "Well I'll get Capitaine Féquant to put in an official request." said Nungesser. The pair talked over a lovely lunch of Croque Monsieur washed down with some wine. Eventually however Nungesser had to take his leave. After picking up Nungesser's bag, the pair headed over to the train station. They shook hands, "Au revoir Sid, bon chance and stay safe. I'll write soon although hopefully Féquant will do his stuff." said Nungesser. "Au revoir Charles, you too mon ami." responded Sid as Nungesser boarded the train. Afterwards Sid went back to his hotel and went for a swim. The pool was lovely and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. As the evening approached Sid got himself ready. He was nervous but very excited. Thankfully he remembered the route to Sophie's and after picking up a bunch of flowers on the way, he was at the apartments. He rang the bell and after a few moments Sophie came to the door. On seeing Sid she smiled. "I'm just getting ready, do you want to come in?" said Sophie. Sid presented her with the flowers and followed her in to her apartment. The dwelling was sparsely decorated but definitely had some feminine touches. Sophie put the flowers in some water and invited Sid to take a seat. "I won't be long Sid." said Sophie, disappearing into her bedroom. Sid decided to stand and took a look out of the window. There wasn't much of a view, it looked out over a small courtyard towards more apartments. The chill near the window was considerable so Sid went and sat back down which was near the small stove which served as the main heating it appeared. After about 10 minutes, Sophie appeared. She looked beautiful, her peach coloured dress finished just past her knee and her hair was in a twirling set of curls. She put a creme coloured hat on and announced herself ready. "You look amazing." said Sid. Sophie smiled, "Thank you, you are as handsome as you were last night." she said. The pair left, "Where are we headed?" asked Sophie. "I thought we'd go and see a show and then some dinner?" responded Sid. "That sounds wonderful." said Sophie. Sid hailed a taxi and the pair headed into town. They ended up at the Vaudeville theatre watching a comedy performance. The performance was good but the highlight for Sid was when Sophie having laughed out loud at a particular joke, leaned into Sid and put her head on his shoulder. Once the show had ended the pair left and crossed over the road to La Petite Chaise, one of Paris's oldest restaurants. The pair were seated and ordered their food. They talked about their pasts. Sophie's family were still in Dijon although she'd not seen them since the war started. She had a younger sister, Daphne who was still at school. Her father worked as a tailor in Dijon although most of his work was now military. Sid explained his family were in Liverpool but he hadn't seen them since he joined the Légion. Sophie hesitated before the next question but eventually said it. Why had he had to join the Légion? Sid hesitated before answering but thought someone deserves to know the truth. He certainly wasn't ashamed of it and he'd rather it be with someone he actually wanted to tell. "We were in Liverpool town center and talking with my father's friends, some of whom were military types. The conversation got onto Ireland and the increasing tensions over there. One of the Officers, who seemed to delight in creating arguments, asked me a direct question, did I believe there should be home rule in Ireland? Well, I certainly wasn't going to lie and I'm no rabid fanatic, but I told the truth. I said yes I did, no more no less. Clearly the officer decided he didn't like the answer or that he didn't like me, as he left and arranged for my application to the Royal Engineers to be cancelled. The manager of my firm called me in a few days later and told me I'd brought dishonor to his firm and that my services were no longer needed. Finally I had an argument with my father. At that point I just decided I'd had enough. I left the next morning, leaving my mother a note, explaining. I had barely enough money to buy the fare to Hull where I caught the ferry to the Netherlands..... the rest.....as they say...is history." stated Sid. Sophie listened intently, then rose up. Sid thought she was about to walk out. She leant over the table and gave Sid a soft and loving embrace......"you poor thing." she said. The pair continued talking but Sophie brought her chair nearer Sid. "Do you never wonder about your family Sid?" asked Sophie. She'd meant the question in all innocence but there was something cutting about it. "When I first left, yes, when I first joined the Légion, definitely. But once the training got tough and I sorted my head out. My thoughts cleared, so maybe the question should be 'do they never wonder about me?'" said Sid. Sophie realised she'd dug a little too deep and seemed sheepish. Sid saw this and smiled, "I don't tell many people that Sophie, not even my CO in the Légion knew. Not because I'm embarrassed but that it simply doesn't matter anymore. It all seems so long ago now. I've pledged allegiance to France and right now, France needs me." said Sid, quietly. Sophie smiled and kissed Sid again. "Can I need you too?" she said as he drew close. "I was hoping you would say that Sophie. I'd like that very much." said Sid. The pair eventually finished and walked back to Sophie's apartment. "I'd invite you in Sid....." said Sophie. "I can wait Sophie, I have to leave early tomorrow to return to my escadrille. I very much want to see you again......if you want to." said Sid. "Of course I want to see you again." responded Sophie and the pair embraced deeply. Eventually they parted, "Please stay safe Simon..... please." said Sophie, pleadingly. "I'll do my best Sophie. Promise you will write." responded Sid. "I will, au revoir mon bel anglais." said Sophie. "Goodbye Sophie." responded Sid. Sid walked back to the hotel and slept well once more. In the morning he rose early and headed off to the station for the return journey. He was looking forward to getting back in the air again.

Hasse - So the sun didn't shine for Petain's visit. A real shame that Auguste couldn't wangle some leave, but the gift from Casale should wash the sadness away.

Seb - So Runt has finally seen the back of Ackart. He's a charmer isn't he, a cad, a liar and a gambler. Congratulations to Hoskins and good luck with the confirmation. Paroni - He's a character that Nungesser that's for sure. Full of bravery and bravado. Mfair - Hopefully he'll wangle a move, might be a little while away yet. Sid will have to wait and see if Nungesser is as good as his word.

Sergent Simon 'Sid' Grace Escadrille C9 Epinal Caudron G4 2 confirmed victories 20th December 1915 The train was rattling along at a fair pace. The carriage Sid and Mondeme were in was packed, soldiers mostly, a couple more pilots and some civilians. They'd caught the Epinal train on time at 8am and changed onto the Nancy to Paris train at 10. The carriage was full of cigarette smoke and as Sid didn't smoke it wasn't pleasant. He sat looking out of the window. The weather was decent enough for late December. Mondeme had been asleep but woke up as the train blew it's whistle. "Sacre bleu, I was hoping we'd be in Paris by now." said Mondeme, yawning. "Not long now mon ami, 20 minutes or so I think." replied Sid. Mondeme took a drink from his hip flask and offered it to Sid who also took a glug of the brandy they'd 'aquired' before they left. "Merci" said Sid. "So where are you staying these next two nights Sid?" asked Mondeme, he still said it like 'seed' which still amused Sid. "Two nights in the Hôtel de Vendôme." replied Sid, checking his paperwork. "Very swish! I've got another 3 hours on the train to look forward to." Mondeme bemoaned. "It'll be good to see your family, who knows when we'll get the chance again in the coming year." said Sid. "True, very true. It's a shame you can't go and see your family though." said Mondeme. "I wouldn't know where to start with them mon ami. I left suddenly, I doubt they even know I joined the French Foreign Legion." replied Sid. "That's sad, let's hope the chance presents itself one day mon ami." finished Mondeme. The train screeched to a halt at Gare de l'este station and the pair made their way off. Mondeme had to catch a taxi to the Gare de Lyon to get his train to St Etienne so the pair said their au revoirs and went their separate ways. Sid checked in to the hotel and after sorting his clothes out ran a hot bath, it felt SO good, he could have spent the whole leave in there, but he eventually got ready and decided on a walk around the town. The weather was still decent enough as he strolled out in his clean uniform. He walked along the Rue de la Paix. The streets were busy with shoppers and servicemen. He spotted the Cafe de la Paix, it was one of the best restaurants in Paris and was already busy. As he made his way along, a voice spoke loudly from one of the tables outside the Cafe. "Ahhh a fellow pilote! Bonsoir Sergent". Sid turned and saw another man in uniform sat at a table. He was a pilot too, an Adjutant. "Apologies if I startled you, would you care to join me?" said the adjutant. Sid sat down "thank you sir" he said hesitantly, still unsure who he was speaking to. "Haha, less of the sir. Let me introduce myself, Nungesser, Charles Nungesser. You can call me Charles." said the pilot. "Hello Charles, I'm Simon, Simon Grace, although my escadrille call me Sid." responded Simon. Nungesser got another glass from the waiter and poured a glass of fine champagne for Sid. The pair talked for some time. Nungesser had recently joined Escadrille 65 flying Nieuport scouts. Sid explained where he was based. He also confirmed he was ex Foreign Legion and originally from England. Nungesser, initially taken aback, smiled, took a long drag on his cigar and poured Sid another glass. He explained how he'd scored his two victories, how he'd been disciplined after the first one. When Sid explained he also had two confirmed victories Nungesser was aghast, "two victories, in a Caudron? even an Eindecker!" said Nungesser. "You must be skilled. We need to get you in scouts mon ami. How do you fancy joining me in 65?" asked Nungesser. Sid wasn't expecting that, "I'd be honored Charles, I must admit to wanting a chance to fly these new scouts." He responded. "There is nothing like it Sid, if you have the skill to down two flying a donkey like the Caudron, you'll fly rings around the Boche." exclaimed Nungesser. "Leave it with me, I'll speak to the CO when I get back." said Nungesser. The pair continued talking whilst taking in the passers by. "Where were you planning on eating tonight Sid?" enquired Nungesser. "I hadn't booked anywhere, I was just going to stroll around and find something." responded Sid. "Fancy accompanying me? I know a great spot nearby, it's very popular, especially with the ladies." said Nungesser winking. Sid smiled, "That sounds good to me Charles." Shortly afterwards the pair left the Cafe de la Paix and after about five minutes walking, they were there. 'Le Consulat' was somewhat off the beaten track but was still busy as the pair entered. "It looks full Charles." said Sid. "Nonsense mon ami, patience." replied Nungesser. After a few moments the mâtre d' approached "ahh Monsieur Nungesser! It is good to see you again. Wait one moment sir." he said. The next second a table was brought out and immediately decked out with chairs, cloth and accoutrements. Nungesser gave the man a tip and the two pilots sat down. They ate splendidly and as they drank another bottle of vintage champagne, Sid spotted two ladies across the room. They had been occasionally gazing over at the pilots and now one had caught Sid's attention. Nungesser saw this too and smiled, "there are no flies on you Sid that's for sure.....come on" said Nungesser who stood up, took the bottle and walked over to the ladies' table. Sid went too and the pair introduced themselves. The ladies turned out to be out for the evening. They were both nurses in the hospital in town, although they had this evening off. The one who'd been gazing at Sid made room next to her and he sat down. Her name was Sophie and she was 22. Nungesser seemed engrossed with his lady friend, Theresa. The four drank and talked for the rest of the evening. Sophie was from Dijon and had been in Paris for two years. Sid wasn't sure how she'd react when he said he was actually from England. Sophie however seemed even more engrossed. Eventually the four finished, paid up and made their way out. Nungesser and Theresa said their farewells to Sid and Sophie and headed out. Judging by the glint in Charles' eye, he was onto a winner. They agreed to meet back at the Cafe de la Paix tomorrow afternoon. Sid walked Sophie back to her dwelling which was about 10 minutes away. "Thank you Sid, I've had a lovely evening." said Sophie. "Me too Sophie, it's been a real pleasure. May I see you again?" asked Sid as they reached her apartment. "I'd like that very much Sid." said Sophie. "How about tomorrow?" said Sid. "I'm in work but I finish at 7pm. If that is not too late?" said Sophie. "That's fine, shall I call for you here?" asked Sid. "Yes, that would be perfect, shall we say 8.30?" said Sophie. "Perfect. I shall look forward to it Sophie." confirmed Sid. The pair shared a brief kiss and parted. Sid virtually skipped back to his hotel.

Mfair - It's a lovely aircraft to fly the Bristol Scout, the shooting is weird but doable. Paroni - So Bastian dreams of scouts too. It's a shame about the Christmas leave but at least he got some gifts from home. Fine pictures as always.

Mfair - Great tale, so Gallagher sets eyes on the prize, well one of them anyway. A Bristol Scout and what's more it's his. Those Fokkers proved to be that more experienced though and there were more of them. They knew they'd been in a fight though and Gallagher got back ok.

Paroni - Welcome to Bastian, fresh from the Wurttembergers. A welcome also to that spy. Not sure her shoes are quite appropriate in a canvas covered aircraft but hey, I could live with that. Raine - Hawkwood seems to have it ok finding a billet even if he has to share a bed. The two SM's sharing is classical, who needs an alarm call with to SM's in the same room. Tinker, great name, he must have been ribbed to death in training. As for the update, yes it sounds very good.....but I'm still looking at getting into single seaters asap. Albrecht - It's a cracker of a skin, definitely..... striking.