Olham

Yes, as Siggi says, MackLroy. When you pick one for your changes, look first, which number the standard photo in your log has. Then put an X before the number of that original in "pilot photos". Give your pilot pic that number now, and throw it in there. No, they are all aircraft. All SPAD XIII. The French must hate me by now. I wonder, when they will bring up Guynemer or Fonck, to stop me. Edit: No, Guynemer was dead then already.

In February 1917 he was a member of Number 3 Naval Squadron that was operating with the British Army near the Cambrai front. "Bloody April" was in 1917. In the site it says, Collishaw flew near Cambrai in Feb. 17? I have just started a Jasta 11 pilot in January 1917, in Brayelles. So, if he lasts long enough, I should get the chance to duell with Mr. Collishaw. But that Tripe is a great turn fighter, I assume? And Collishaw even had two guns mounted - that will get tough then...

Okay, James, I'll see what I can do. But when I put some good work into it, I must be allowed to add it to the contest; which means others can download it too. But that is also the case with all my own good skins. Good grief, Widowmaker - have you discovered the "killer craft" for you now? So you are "Schwarze Witwe" now?

The second letter is indeed written in a haste. I can't recognise all. It reads: BB, 30. 12. 42 Lieber Lindemann! Wie seinerzeit am .... ...., schicke ich Ihnen heute meinen z.b.V. zur Entgegen- nahme eines Bildes mit Wid- mung vom Kommodore. Ich selbst bin leider heute verhindert, werde jedoch gelegentlich noch- einmal vorsprechen. Im Voraus herzlichen Dank li. Kamerad. BB (Berlin Brandenburg?) 30. 12. 42 Dear Lindemann! Like at that time at/on --- ---, I send to you today my z.b.V. (zur besonderen Verwendung - an Adjutant for special duties, I assume) for the receipt of a picture (photo) with dedication of the Kommodore. Myself, I am unfortunately prevented today, but will call on you again occasionally. Thank you very much indeed in advance d(ear) comrade.

Wouldn't it be Hermann rather? Well, here's my translation: My dear Hermann annexed I send to you a signed card of me as a remembrance, as (you) wanted, with my best wishes. I was really very peased about your letter, and wish you much pleasure with (your) collecting. Hans Joachim Marseille

This graphic display shows the introduction times of the German fighter aircraft. Also can you see some Jastas, were it was available earliest. (If anyone can correct something here, you're welcome, and I'll change mistakes, or add data). This graphic does NOT show the full time, a plane type was used; but only the time, until a new aircraft was introduced. I hope, this may help some with their decision, to try the German side for a change. Enjoy!

Yes, I noticed that too, Pol. Those who say, it was quirky and hard to control, can't be that much worse pilots than me. But one thing I noticed, is the difference in flight model, between stick controlled rudder (easier on mine) and real pedals (the Albatros is a lot trickier to fly with those, I found).

Wow - 56 has more aces than I need (or could deal with - Lol!!) OvS - what does MFJ and Seafrosta mean? Just had my second sortie with Jasta 11 - with the Red Baron himself, and more aces. (see: Reports from the Front). And yes - I met some Pups from RNAS-9. Two of them will be missing in the mess this evening. But they are very agile turn fighters, and I don't know, what had happened, had they not collected some hits from ground fire before (I saw in the report afterwards, that they must have attacked a balloon base).

James - seeing you are a good "old" OFF Forum member, I'd suggest, you should try to define, what sort of painting you would like, and in which colours, and on what plane. And then, either me, or some other genius from our "skinners community", will do a personal skin for you. What do you say?

This moving story of fight and bravery is an excerpt from Peter Kilduff's book "The Red Baron", which I hereby recommend [ ISBN 0-304-35207-1 ] (Thanks again, Rickitycrate) Geschwader-Kommandeur von Richthofenled the second mission.The triplane he had used in the morning, Fokker Dr.I 127/17, was replaced for the afternoon patrol by Dr.I 477/17, an aircraft which bore his brick- red colour on all upper surfaces and was all the more conspicuous from most of the other triplanes, which were painted in the standard brown and green streaked finish with a few individual adornments barely visi- ble from a distance. The whole point was for everyone - friend and foe - to be able to recognize Germany's now legendary air combat leader. Once JG I returned to the Albert area, however, it was one of von Richthofen's newer hawks who scored the afternoon's first triumph. Southwest of the city the Richthofen group saw a triplane from another unit in a heated battle with an Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8, a slow but steady two-seat general purpose aircraft know as the "Big Ack". The two-seater had just sent the lone triplane into an spin, apparently out of control, when JG I's fighters dived on it. One after another they roared past the F.K.8 and fired into it. The 'Big Ack's' observer hit one of the triplanes, which appeared to catch fire and fall away. Ltn. Hans Kirschstein of Jasta 6 came down firing and then pulled up, turned and raked the two-seater's underside with machine-gun fire. The British observer, although wounded, shot at another triplane and reported, that it exploded. Meanwhile, Kirschstein climbed above what now proved to be a formidable oppo- nent and shot up the F.K.8 from front to back, again wounding the observer and this time setting the fuel tank afire. One other triplane opened fire, wounding the pilot and adding to the observer's injuries. The remaining triplanes milled about, not interfering to avoid hitting Kirschstein, as he jinked back and forth, deciding wether to deliver a fatal shot to the flaming Armstrong Whitworth. Kirschstein had the opportunity to kill the observer, who struggled out of his burning cockpit and climbed on to the F.K.8's bottom wing, grasping the Scarf ring gun mounting to keep from falling to his death. But the German did not fire; his mission was to destroy enemy aeroplanes, and he knew that in this instance he had succeeded. Then the F.K.8's pilot climbed out on the wing and held on to the control column in the hope, somehow, of landing the burning two-seater. Hans Kirschstein, a 21-year-old Rhinelander who had fought in the ground campaigns in Poland and Galicia, and had survived a two-seater crash on the Western front, did not need to administer a 'coup de grace' to the Armstrong Whitworth. It was finished and would be recorded as his second victory. He pulled away and let some of the newer pilots - called 'Häschen' (young hares) - follow the crippled aircraft down. Moments later, Kirschstein shot down a Sopwith Camel, his third victory. [...] As the Armstrong Whitworth headed down, a pursuing Fokker triplanegot too close and was hit by a burst of fire from the observer. Finally free of it's pursuers, the F.K.8 made a crash landing between the trenches. 2/Lt. Alan A. McLeod, the pilot, scrambled out and pulled his observer, Lt. A. W. Hammond, MC, from the flaming wreckage. McLeod was wounded again, as he crawled with Hammond on his back toward the safety of British lines. Both men survived the ordeal. On 4 September 1918 Alan McLeod went to the Buckingham Palace, where King George V presented him with Britain's highest award for bravery, the Victoria Cross. The 19-year-old Canadian was the First World War's youngest air VC recipient.

What is MB ?

Good grief - the only tree for miles. He must have had some dog's genes in him.

This afternoon's flight showed me, how well "Olham's Pack" work together. First we fought 4 SPADs, with no problems - all my men survived, undamaged. Then we appeared over the front line, were we had to protect one of our fields. My flight did the high cover, while Leutnant Walter Blume in his black and white Albatros, together with two wingmen, attacked ground troops. All went very well. My wings were a joy to watch - they rejoined, when I called them, and when my engine ran dry (no hit leakage - I must have put in too little!) at an altitude of 5.000 feet, they circled around me as if they tried to help somehow. I sailplaned over the protected field first, but was afraid, it might be run over by those ground troops any moment. So I turned my nose towards our territory - but there were many trees. I had to sail quite some distance, before there came an artillery-devastated area, were I could land. The Albatros D Va 200, that we got yesterday, is gliding as if she was made for it! A picture shows, how my wings came down to check, what the matter was with me. I was really touched at the heart by their care!

Hasse: One of my wingmen had got behind the Nupe and shot it down, saving my pilot in the process! Couldn't you hug them sometimes? I think I found, that your wingman 1 will follow you, when you press "attack", and then "help". He will stay with you then and attack planes near you. But that means all planes - even the one you are hunting. I do it anyway still, when the situation gets too close, and mine saved my "sitting device" several times.

OvS: Olham, sign-up with Jasta 11, and pick a fight with RFC 56... or even Jasta 4 should get you many of the RNAS squadrons... so should any of the MFJ's or Seafrostas. Okay, thanks, OvS - I have just started a pilot in Jasta 11 yesterday, in January 1917. So I should meet them sooner or later. Tttiger - I had two encounters with the Bristol fighter. They are extremely agile and strong. When I am not given the direct order to attack them, I rather let them pass. I may be crazy, but not suicidal. Yes, Hasse Wind - I will try the SPAD myself one day. It must be a good fighter, when you use the right tactics. And for the Brisfits - see above. Thanks for the names, Rugbyfan. I have shot down Gerald Constable-Maxwell in "a former life" (Lol!) This time, I will try to last much longer.

Albatros D Va and D Va 200 also tend to tip towards the left - I always start with the stick bent half to the right side. Also she needs a little rudder right. That seems to do it.

Do you like Chicken Massala? Yes? Would you like it every day? That's how I feel with SPADs. I think, I would be so surprised, if another craft would appear here at my field Vauxcere, that I would forget to shoot it down.

Yes, please do so, CJ; perhaps it's even better; or I can work it into one.

Yes, I knew the Early Aviator site. Also google for: Vintage Aviator (I forgot the correct adress).

Those silly germans. This is neither silly nor funny - what did you think, where the Albatros come from?

..So long to Edmund Blackadder the 31st!!...arise Sir Edmund the 32nd!!...your carriage awaits!!!....with a six foot box in the back of it!!:rofl:

Mmmm - that looked much better. Now you got me hungry, Pol! And there was something with roastbeef too - my god - I have nothing in the house and my mouth is watering so I might drown (whoosh! door slamming...) ... ...

I have aircraft on 5, effects on 3, clouds on 1, all other on 2; and it's looking good.

Hahaha! "Mr. S.E.5a" speaking (Lol!)

After such achievements it's alright to be sad for a while. But don't let it go long, Red Dog, and climb another cockpit. Your country relies on you! Did you collide with another craft, or was it strong wind? I have a pilot now with 3 confirmed kills, and 11 waiting claims. Each sortie, I'm glad when we are at least back over our lines. But I had never before thought of take off accidents. Really dangerous altogether, a pilot's life back then...