Southside Bucky

Hi guys. Just uploaded Quick Mission No.4, at the Combat Ace downloads section. Titled: Billy Bishop's Dawn Raid. It's a re-enactment of the action that earned him the Victoria Cross on June 2nd 1917. The 'Read Me' (which is longer than ever!) will talk you through it... Get It Here: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?autom...p;showfile=4623 Hope you like it, but again, feedback of any kind would be welcome. Regards. Bucky.

No static aircraft BBRFC...What's goin' on there? You are using the latest Flanders terrain, yeah? Regarding the looping and soft landing AI planes, I've tried everything to try 'n stop it, but until TK addresses the odd behaviour (hopefully, in the next patch), we'll have to live with it. The Parked A/C do blow up, but not too easily, which is quite realistic I suppose. LOL Gambit! Don't say I didn't warn ya! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your input fella's. Bucky.

Thanks for the kind words Charles, glad you liked it. If the lighting bothers you, you could open the mission and change the time...try advancing it in half hour increments, until it suits you. If you wouldn't mind I'd love to hear your (or anyone else's) views on the difficulty factor, ie, too hard or too easy? Thanks again. Bucky.

Yeah, He's been much maligned over the years, BBRFC...Those detractors should hang their collective heads in shame IMO! It must've been difficult for you to single out a Canadian WW1 pilot as a hero...There were so many outstanding ones! I hope it meets with your approval. All the best. Bucky.

File Name: Billy Bishop's Dawn Raid File Submitter: Southside Bucky File Submitted: 3 May 2007 File Updated: 3 May 2007 File Category: Missions/Campaigns A mission for First Eagles. Bucky's Quick Mission No.4: 'Billy Bishop's Dawn Raid'. ============================================================ Introduction: This Mission is a re-enactment of an action that took place at around 5.00am on Saturday, 2nd June, 1917. On this day, Canadian, Capt William Avery Bishop attacked an unknown German aerodrome (Estourmel?) near Cambrai, single handed, shooting down three German planes that had attempted to take off to intercept him, and inflicting damage on parked planes and equipment on the ground. For this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Bishop, was at this time in 60 Squadron, flying a Nieuport 17 (serial No.B1566). He had been promoted to Captain and given command of a flight after just one month of flying at the front. A remarkable feat in itself. He survived the war as the leading British and Empire ace, with a total of 72 victories. It has to be said though, that none of his claims have been verified by documented German losses. Indeed, the action depicted in this mission can't be corroborated by any witnesses whatsoever, and it's a strange fact that he was awarded the VC on just his word alone... Something never achieved by any other VC winner, before or since! I would recommend doing a Google search for the full story, then make up your own mind about him... ============================================================ To set the scene: At this time 60 Sqn was based at Filescamp Farm, on Le Hameau aerodrome, a few miles west of Arras. Bishop had for some time been planning an audacious dawn attack on an enemy aerodrome...Originally, he was to be escorted by another famous VC winner; Albert Ball, but he had been killed (in controversial circumstances) on 7th may 1917, so now Bishop planned to go alone... At about 03.45 hours on Saturday, June 2nd, 1917, Bishop set off from Le Hameau in his Nieuport 17. It was still dark, misty, and raining. Soon after crossing the front lines he came across an enemy airfield but found it devoid of activity, so flew on in search of a better target. At about 5.am, just as the sun was rising and with the bad weather clearing, he found exactly what he was looking for...Ahead was a German aerodrome with seven parked machines, being made ready for the dawn patrol by several mechanics and groundcrew. He made a low, sweeping pass, strafing the row of Albatros D.III's and generally causing mayhem...As he turned to repeat the manoeuvre, he saw one D.III taking off to intercept him. Bishop lined himself up behind the German and shot him down. Moments later, another D.III was attempting the same thing... Bishop again manoeuvred his Nieuport into position, but in his excitement, missed from quite close range. However, his fire unnerved the German pilot, who lost control and steered his plane into a tree. Bishop turned again toward the airfield and this time he saw two D.III's taking off at the same time,...in opposite directions. One headed for Bishop while the other tried to gain height to launch his attack. He was now in a turning fight with the nearest Albatros. Managing to turn his more agile Nieuport inside, he fired a long burst into the enemy plane, which then crashed to the ground just outside the airfield perimeter. After an intense but indecisive combat with the fourth D.III, and worried that he was dangerously low on ammo, Bishop hightailed it away quickly, even throwing his Lewis gun overboard to gain speed. He was chased by more enemy fighters all the way back to the front line, but got back safely to his aerodrome. His mechanics couldn't believe his Nieuport had made it back with so many bullet holes... It was literally riddled! Bishop describes the action in great detail in his book 'Winged Warfare'. A WW1 air war classic. ============================================================ Mission guidelines: The mission starts a short time after Bishop had found the first inactive German airfield... You'll be at about 1500 ft. Keep to a heading of around 80 degrees. You'll see Cambrai on your right as you approach the main Cambrai to Douai road. You should soon be able to see the aerodrome at the 1.00 O'clock position. How you approach it is up to you, but Bishop descended to 300ft to achieve the maximum surprise. Get to the airfield quick, and the action should pan out just as it happened to Bishop. A few last words of advice though...ZOOM 'N DIVE,...BOB 'N WEAVE...DO NOT FLY IN A STRAIGHT LINE!! If you find the mission too hard: Go to the game's 'Missions' folder, open the Bishop mission, then find the line; EnemyAirDefenseActivity= and change the 3 to 1 or 2. Then save and exit. ============================================================ Mission requirements: To fly this mission as intended, you'll need: Flanders terrain. By Edward. To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains section. Nieuport 17 By Tex Murphy & Monty CZ To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Add On Aircraft' section. Albatros D.III By Capun and his team at Skunkworks To be found at the Skunkworks site. (Registration required) Active Battlefield for First Eagles Version 2 By Heck. To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains section. Not sure if this is essential but it's a great mod and highly recommended anyway! PLEASE NOTE: I've tested this mission with Gr.Viper's excellent 'FE-Simple Machine Gun Mod' installed, and found it exciting, but unfortunately, next to impossible! So if you have this mod in your game, you may want to disable it to play this mission with any chance of survival!...Or give it a try if you're feeling particularly brave! For maximum realism, the mission should be played with all gameplay settings set to 'Hard'. Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game. ============================================================ Compromises and game limitations: The only compromise to historical accuracy in this particular mission is that Bishop's Nieuport 17 was actually armed with a single overwing Lewis gun, as opposed to the Vickers supplied with Tex Murphy and Monty CZ's excellent version. A bit of a shame because Bishop had to reload a new drum onto his Lewis gun three or more times during the action, and it would have been nice to be able to replicate that. Never mind though, you should still have more than enough ammo to cause just as much mayhem and destruction! The good news: The RFC Nieuport actually depicts Bishop's Nieuport 17, serial No.B1566! ============================================================ Installation instructions: Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path: C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions Alternatively, you can drag and drop the unzipped MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder. ============================================================ I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it both challenging and enjoyable enough to play it more than once...I've tried to make it as historically accurate and authentic as the game will allow. Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish. I would welcome any suggestions or general feedback, good, bad or indifferent, via any one of the FE forums. Be Lucky! Bucky. 3/5/07 ============================================================ ============================================================ Click here to download this file

Hi guys. My new mission is now available. It's one for all those who like to fly for the 'darkside'...More than a few, I imagine! Once again, I've tried to make it as historically accurate as possible. The Read Me explains it all... Get it here: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?autom...p;showfile=4569 Have fun! Bucky

Thanks very much for your time and trouble Peter. I'll be able to finish that next mission now! Uploading the file would be good, if you wouldn't mind...I could refer people to it in the 'Read Me' as part of the mission requirements. Pleased to hear you like the missions. They're great fun to research and make...It's just like the good ol' days with the RB3D quick mission builder! Thanks again, and all the best. Bucky.

Hi Deutschmark. How about Udet's 105/15 ? Thee's a colour profile in the E.III Windsock Datafile (No.15). There's a photo of it on page 3. The red sash is conjectural, and may have been black. It probably had a black rudder too. Also, the crosses are the earlier, slightly more curved style, and note the extra cross on the top fuselage decking. Regards. Bucky.

I hope it meets with your approval Jasta 15... Don't forget, for added realism, try flying it with your left hand only! I'd be interested to hear your views. Regards. Bucky.

Great news Laton! Some nice shots here...Funnily enough, it's where I work! http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/images/I006/10216200.aspx The only original E.III remaining. Hope they help. Bucky.

Hi Firecage. Actually, it's quite prevelant in the stock A/C as well...Especially the DFW.CV, but I've noticed that most AI planes perpetually loop and flutter to the ground. Sometimes they explode, other times they take-off again. I've brought the subject up over at the Thirdwire FE site by asking TK if the problem is being addressed in the next patch. No answer from him at the time of writing this... Here's hoping! Bucky.

OK, request noted MM, early war it is! It'll be the one after next...I'll start researching it over the weekend. Thanks for your interest. The one I'm trying to put together at the moment is another late war historical scenario, but I'm having trouble with the DFW.CV. The AI pilots seem to be having trouble flying the thing...Either perpetually looping the loop, or diving into the ground all the time. Anyone come across this before?...Any solutions? Any help would be appreciated. Cheers. Bucky.

Alps? Where are they?....And please,...don't say Switzerland! Cheers. Bucky.

Hi Mountain man. You too v.Deutschmark. The Fokker's coming along real nice...Looking good! Can I make a small suggestion? The thin crosses are not very representative of the type used on the E.I. IMO, the better option would be to use Sinbad's 'Second Alternative Early Maltese Crosses'. Not nitpickin', just trying to help. Thanks, and keep up the good work both of ya! Bucky.

File Name: Berthold: The 'Iron Knight' Of Jasta 15. File Submitter: Southside Bucky File Submitted: 22 Apr 2007 File Updated: 23 Apr 2007 File Category: Missions/Campaigns A Mission for First Eagles: Bucky's Quick Mission No.3: 'Berthold: The 'Iron Knight' Of Jasta 15'. ============================================================ This mission is a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at about 6.30pm on Wednesday, 29th May, 1918, between Jasta 15 and two unknown French Escadrilles. During this action, Hptm Rudolf Berthold, leader of Jasta 15 and Kommandeur of Jagdeschwader II, flying his new Fokker DVII, brought down two planes within ten minutes of each other: A Spad XIII and a Breguet XIV of two unknown French units. These were his victory numbers; 30 and 31. However, he was lucky to survive the combat as his machine gun interrupter gear malfunctioned and he almost shot his own propeller off! Berthold (44 victories), was a strict disciplinarian and was dubbed; 'The Iron Knight' by his men. He accepted no excuses from them...Not even a gun jam or engine trouble was reason enough to withdraw from a fight as far as he was concerned! Although suffering many horrendous injuries during the war, he refused to stop flying... Enduring agonising pain caused by an injury to his right arm that was so bad he had to fly one handed!. He survived the war, only to be killed by his own countrymen in 1920. Courageous to the point of foolhardiness, his combat career makes interesting reading. Do a Google search and be amazed! ============================================================ To set the scene: At this time Berthold's Jasta 15 were based at Mesnil-Bruntel, a few miles east of Amiens. Their Fokker DVII's were so new, it's doubtful if the red and blue paint used to decorate them was totally dry! They had received them just a couple of days before. The Aisne offensive had been launched by the Germans on the 27th, and was proving successful, forcing the allies back about 20 miles. Jasta 15 were very much in the thick of the action, opposed as they were, by three allied air forces: British, French and American. ============================================================ Mission guidelines: Flying as Berthold, you're leading five wingmen of your jasta on the evening patrol. You're approaching the front at approximately 9000 ft. While busy contemplating how truly splendid your freshly painted, spanking new DVII's look in the evening sunshine, you suddenly notice a group of aeroplanes about a kilometre away and 1500 meters below, heading toward a German airfield....FRENCH BOMBERS!... ============================================================ Mission Requirements: To fly this mission as intended, you'll need: Flanders Terrain. By Edward. Jasta 15 skins X6 By Warbirds and JFM. Breguet 14 By Capun and his team at Skunkworks. Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game. ============================================================ Compromises and game limitations: 1. During the spring and summer of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back much further than the actual front line depicted in the game. Also, the FE map is very sparsely populated around the Soissons area where this combat actually took place. This means that I've not been able to place the action as accurately on the map as I would've liked. Never mind, it isn't that far away. 3. FE won't allow multiple 'named wingmen' in the players flight. This means the game will recognise only the players plane. consequently, there will be no record of your wingmen's actions in the 'stats' screen at end of mission. It also means you can't issue orders via the 'tab' button. The good news is; this doesn't stop your wingmen from participating in the furball! ============================================================ Installation Instructions: Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path: C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions Alternatively, you can drag and drop the MSN file directly into your 'Missions' folder. ============================================================ I hope you enjoy flying this mission and find it challenging enough to play it more than once... I've tried to make it as accurate and authentic as the game will allow. Feel free to change any of the parameters as you wish. In fact, if you have a low to medium spec PC, you may wish to lower the number of aircraft used in the mission, to achieve smoother frame rates. I would welcome any suggestions or feedback, good or bad, via any one of the FE forums. Happy hunting! Bucky. ======================================================================================================================== Click here to download this file

Hi guys. Just to let you know my second mission is now available in the Campaign/Missions section of this site. The (rather lengthy) Read Me will explain everything. Feedback, good or bad would be nice! I hope you enjoy it. Bucky.

I take it you fly for the Sausage Eaters BK? If so you may be a tad disappointed because I've set this mission to be flown from the Tea Bag side only. It's a simple matter to change it though. PM me if you have trouble. and I'll show you how...Even if you are with the darkside! FYI, my next one will be an historical mission from the German POV! All the best. Bucky.

Hi guys. On my computer I see a notice below the file read me, that says it was approved today at 2.53am by Erik, and apparently has been downloaded 15 times already. Should I still upload it again? Thanks for your concern BTW! Bucky.

File Name: McCudden Vs 'Green-Tail'. (56sqn vs Jasta 5) File Submitter: Southside Bucky File Submitted: 15 Apr 2007 File Updated: 16 Apr 2008 File Category: User Made Missions Updated 18/4/08. Just a quick note to confirm that this mission will work with the expansion pack and April 08 patch, as long as you have ALL required skins, terrain etc installed. A Quick Mission for First Eagles: "McCudden Vs "Green-Tail" =================== This mission is a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place on Monday 18th February 1918, at approximately 10.30am, between two "elite" units: 56 Squadron RFC and Jasta 5. 56 Sqn were based at Lavieville, near Albert. Led by Major James McCudden VC (57 victories). Jasta 5 were based at Boistrancourt, near Cambrai. Led by Oberleutnant Richard Flashar. (2 victories) ===================================== McCudden gives a quite detailed account of the combat on page 255 of his excellent book 'Flying Fury'. Essential reading for any student of the first air war. In the book he describes several encounters with an Albatros DV which he dubs; "Green-Tail". He acknowledges the flying ability and bravery of the German pilot repeatedly. In fact, McCudden thought it was "Green-Tail" that killed his good friend Cpt Richard Maybery (21 victories), on 19/12/17 during a fight with Jasta 5. ================================== To set the scene: McCudden's flight took off at about 10.00am from Lavieville on an Offensive Patrol, and crossed the lines over Bourlon Wood at 13000 feet...Almost immediately they spotted a patrol of Albatros DV's below... This is how McCudden descibes the action in his book: "I signalled the attack to the patrol, and down we went, with the sun behind us. I singled out the leader and fired a good burst from both guns, and I must have riddled the pilot, for he still flew on straight until the machine burst into flames, and it then fell over sideways. I got a plain view of the Albatros as it fell a flaming wreck. It was "Green-Tail"! Maybery was avenged!" McCudden went on to score a second victory during this dogfight, bringing down another Albatros DV very soon after despatching "Green-Tail". There has always been controversy over exactly who "Green-Tail" was, McCudden describes the plane as having a white inverted 'V' on the top wing, and the letter 'K' on its fuselage. It's now pretty well established that his two victims that day were Unteroffizier Justus Kaiser who was killed, and Uffz Von Stein who survived the encounter, but was wounded. It's likely that they weren't from Jasta 5 at all, but from Jasta 35 who were also based nearby, and often flew alongside Jasta 5. The Jasta 5 skins available for FE, with their green tails will do nicely for our purposes though! ======================================== Mission and game limitations: For the purposes of this mission (seeing as we don't yet have a skin that fits perfectly), We'll have to choose one of the currently available Jasta 5 schemes as "Green-Tail"... Well, fortunately there is one with an inverted 'V' on the wing, which I consider to be the closest match. So if you want to duplicate McCudden's actions, that is the plane you have to single out and bring down, plus at least one other. ========================================= Mission Guidelines: When the mission starts, you'll be at an altitude of approximately 12,500 ft. with a few miles to fly until you reach the lines over Bourlon wood. Keep climbing until you reach 13000 ft or even a bit higher, and keep to a heading of around 60 degrees. Don't forget, you're looking for the Albatros with the white 'V' on the upper wing. although it's not a mission goal, so don't get target fixated!...And make sure you SIGNAL YOUR WINGMEN when you sight the enemy by pressing: 'TAB', then '1'. Otherwise you'll be on your own! That's all I'm going to tell ya...Good Luck! PS. I've decided to start this mission in the air because at the moment FE is not geared up very well for take off's and landings. PPS. I've included a few German two seaters roaming the area that you can hunt down after the main furball.... If you survive and have any ammo left! ======================================== Requirements and installation: All skins and terrain are available from the downloads section of the Combat Ace website. To fly this mission, you'll need: Flanders Terrain By Edward. SE5a 56 Sqn, RFC,1917 - Two versions. By dhasdell. Available on Page 7 of the WW1 skins download page Not absolutely essential, but these markings are more accurate than the stock versions. Please note: If you want to fly as McCudden, then you'll have to select No.6 at the 'Loadout' screen. Nothing I do can induce the game to give the correct number automatically. Dunno why! Jasta 5 skins X 5. 2 by JFM. 4 by Warbirds. (Yeah, I know that makes 6. Read on...) Available on page 13 and 16 of the WW1 skins download page Note that there are two versions of Flashar's "Dragon"...Only one required so take your pick! Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game. ====================================== Install the mission by unzipping the downloaded file to the following path: C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions ====================================== Phew!...Sorry for the long winded intro. I hope you enjoy flying this Quick mission and find it challenging enough. I've tried to make it as authentic as the game will allow. If you find anything wrong with it, or have any suggestions please let me know via any one of the FE forums. Cheers! Bucky. *************************************** *************************************** Click here to download this file

Oh yeah, I forgot about the DH2. Really nicely modelled, although a little slow to turn IMHO. It was quite nimble by all accounts. The other pusher, the FE2b is good fun too. The way you have to manoeuvre it for the gunner to get a decent shot in..........And then finding yourself screamin'; SHOOT, YOU IDIOT! Bucky.

Yeah, A beautifully bewildering choice of Parasol's fella's! You can tell a lot of work went into 'em...Thanks very much and well done! Oh, and thanks for the namecheck too. I'm honoured! All the best. Bucky.

Unfortunately, some of my favourite planes can't really be flown on hard setting, which is essential to really assess a planes ability and potential. Like the Pup, and Camel for example. If pushed, I'd have to say the SE5a is my favourite, but I'd much prefer a simple ring and bead sight rather than the Aldis, which although nicely modelled, tends to just get in the way! Being Gung Ho patriotic, (I just can't help it!) I never really fly jerry planes...except maybe against the French! Bucky.