Southside Bucky

This is the 'PropLoop' sound file I'm using these days. I just thought some of you might like it.
 
Also, I've included an engine sample that better suits the early war, in-line engined aircraft...Adds a bit of variation. Use it with the following planes:
 
Aviatik C.II
BE2a
BE2c
BE2d
DFW C.II
Farman MF7
FarmanMF11b
FE2b
Pfalz EV
RFC MF11
RFC SF11
 
Installation instructions included in the 'Read Me'.
 
Hope ya like 'em.
 
Bucky.

Here's one for fans of the macabre!...A blood curdling scream and collision sound file, activated if/when you collide with another plane or terra-firma!
 
Two versions to choose from. Installation instructions included in the 'Read Me'.
 
Hopefully, it'll add a bit of drama to your game?
 
Bucky

A mission for First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.10: '21/04/18: THE RITTMEISTER FALLS'
 
Released 21/4/09. The 91st anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.
 
============================================================
 
INTRODUCTION:
 
I created this mission, a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at
approximately 10:40am (Allied time), on Sunday, 21st April, 1918, to commemorate the 91st
anniversary of Manfred von Richthofen's death.
 
Brown, Buie, Evans, Emery or Popkin? These are the names that all have a valid claim for the
honour of shooting down the legendary 80 victory German ace, Rittmeister Manfred Freiherr
von Richthofen.
 
For over eighty years it was generally accepted that von Richthofen fell to the guns of
Captain A.R. Brown, DSC, of 209 Sqn RAF. Now though, although far from being conclusive,
investigative research made in the 1990's would suggest that the Baron was most likely hit
by the ground fire of Sgt. Cedric Basset Popkin, Machine Gunner 1st Class, of the 24th
Machine Gun Company, 11th Brigade, 4th Australian Division.
 
For Capt. Roy Brown however, the story related that during a large dogfight with German
fighters over Le Hamel, and a subsequent fast dive from 5,000 feet to evade two enemy
aircraft on his tail, Brown, flying Sopwith Camel, B7270, spotted a red Fokker Dr.I Triplane
chasing another Camel at very low level. He dived down onto the Triplane's tail and after a
short chase, fired a long burst into Richthofen's plane...
 
The following is part of the brief combat report submitted by Capt. Brown on the afternoon of
21st April, 1918:
 
 
"...Dived on large formation of 15-20 Albatross scouts D5 (sic) and Fokker Triplanes, two of
which got on my tail and I came out.
 
Went back again and dived on pure red triplane which was firing on Lieut. May. I got a long
burst into him and he went down vertical and was observed to crash by Lieut. Mellersh and
Lieut. May.
 
I fired on two more but did not get them."
 
 
As von Richthofen pursued Lt. May, his Dr.I was being targeted by small arms fire from
numerous Australian troops situated in various positions in the Vaux-Sur-Somme/Corbie
area, Buie, Emery, Evans and Popkin among them. At this point in the chase, things were
not looking good for the inexperienced Lt. Wilfred May, in his 209 Sqn Camel, D3326. Von
Richthofen, in his all red Fokker Triplane, serial number 425/17 was gaining on him fast and
it was only a matter of time until he brought his guns to bear on the British machine.
 
However, as experienced and careful a pilot as von Richthofen was, he made two fatal
errors of judgement that April morning: First, he seemingly disregarded his perilous position
by flying so low over allied lines. He then also became target fixated in the quest for his 81st
victory...It was the undoing of him.
 
An eye witness described what happened next:
 
 
" ...(I) heard a burst of gunfire and the Fokker stopped in its stride and did the first half of
the loop, then straightened out and fluttered down out of our sight as if doing a pancake
landing..."
 
 
Richthofen had been killed by a single .303 bullet.
 
We will never know with absolute certainty who it was that fired the fatal shot, but the
controversy has raged on ever since...
 
============================================================
 
TO SET THE SCENE:
 
At this time, Jasta 11 were based at Cappy airfield, about 20 miles east of Amiens. The
weather on the morning of the 21st had been misty and windy, which delayed the early
morning patrol. But by approximately 9:30am (Allied time) the mist had cleared sufficiently
to allow von Richthofen and five of his Jasta 11 wingmen to set off and patrol the lines.
 
At almost precisely the same time at Bertangles, north of Amiens, 209 Squadron were taking
to the air on a routine High Offensive Patrol.
 
At about 10:25 the two units clashed over Le Hamel and a large dogfight commenced,
involving some thirty plus aircraft. As a novice to aerial combat, Lt. May had been instructed
to steer clear of any trouble. This he did by heading west and diving earthward. Von
Richthofen, ever watchful, and sensing an easy kill, went after him, towards his date with
destiny...
 
============================================================
 
MISSION GUIDELINES:
 
Immediately the mission begins, you'll be a little over 5000 feet, with the two Fokker
Triplanes that Roy Brown mentioned in his combat report, on your tail and firing relentlessly
at you. Take quick evasive action by diving to earth, but at the same time, keep a keen
lookout for Lt. May's Camel, who meantime is being chased by the Baron...Can you reach
May in time to save him from being von Richthofen's 81st victim?
 
Now's your chance, flying as Capt A.R. Brown, to dispell all doubts over who killed the Red
Baron!
 
Be aware though, that Brown had spent most of his ammunition during the combat over Le
Hamel...So how much ammo do you have left?
 
============================================================
 
COMPROMISES AND GAME LIMITATIONS:
 
Unfortunately, the Flanders Terrain doesn't include the requisite towns and villages
(Vaux-Sur-Somme, Corbie, etc), so I've had to move the action about thirty miles north to
more closely replicate the real life action.
I could have used the Cambrai terrain, which does include those places but in my opinion,
the Flanders terrain is much more realistic, graphically.
 
There are no machine gun ground units to add to the historical authenticity either. But then,
at least there can be no arguments over who fires the fatal shot this time...
 
============================================================
 
TOO EASY?...A WORD, PLEASE:
Before I decided to upload this mission, I asked myself; is this one challenging enough? After
all, if I can succesfully dodge those two chasing Fokkers, find Lt. May, then get on the Baron's
six and take him out, all in about two minutes flat, then anybody can! Thinking about it further
though, I didn't really put this one together with the "challenge", or difficulty factor in mind...
What I really wanted to do was create as accurate an historical re-enactment of the events of
21st April 1918 as it was possible to achieve, as reported by the combatants involved, and by
latter day historians and investigators.
 
I have to say, that although it's very "scripted", I'm really quite pleased with the result. For
example: While the player (Roy Brown) is diving down from 5000ft, dodging fire from the
chasing Dr.I's, Lt. May will actually be pursued by von Richthofen over the village of Vaux-
Sur-Somme (well most of the time, anyway), and they'll come very close to hitting the church
tower, just as it really happened on that April morning in 1918...
 
What I'm trying to say here, is that in spite of its apparent simplicity, this mission has taken
me longer to get right, and caused me more problems and frustration than just about all the
others put together!
 
============================================================
 
MISSION REQUIREMENTS:
 
To fly this mission as intended, you'll need the following mods and skins:
 
Flanders Terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.
============================================================
209 Sqn, RAF Squadron skin set, which includes Roy Brown's B7270, for the Expansion Pack
Sopwith Camel.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
 
PLEASE NOTE: You'll need to place these skins in the 110 hp Camel folder.
============================================================
MvR's Fokker Dr.I, 425/17 ('MvR Last Plane') skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
'J11 Lt. von Linsingen' skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
'J11 Scholtz' skin, for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
============================================================
Many thanks to the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.
 
 
Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would also recommend the
following mods, available at the Combat Ace, Downloads site:
 
'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.
 
'FE Sounds V.2'.
By yours truly.
Found in 'Sound Mods'.
 
'First Eagles Tracer With Smoke'
By Jan Tuma.
Found in 'FE Weapons Mods'
 
PLEASE NOTE:
In order to replicate the low level chase between von Richthofen and May, I found it
necessary to amend two files which govern the altitude of AI planes. Without this change
the AI planes will not fly below 100 feet or so. IMHO, this change improves the overall
game and not just this mission.
 
Here's how to do it:
 
Using the 'SFP1 CAT file Extract Utility', extract the 'MISSIONCONTROL' ini (found in the
'Mission Data.CAT) to the 'Flight' folder, open, then scroll down to [Altitude] and re-set;
'VeryLow=' to '05'.
 
Then extract the 'AIRCRAFTOBJECT' ini (found in the ObjectData.CAT) to the 'Objects' folder,
scroll down to [Dogfight-----] and re-set; 'SafeAltitude=' to '05'. (Make sure to change all
four entries: Dogfight; Green, Regular, Veteran & Ace.
 
I would also recommend using Peter01's Fokker Dr.I Flight model DATA.INI, which improves
the Triplane's manoeuvrability and aggressiveness. This FM is in the 'FM Update 3rd
September' pack, found at the Combat Ace 'WWI, Add-On Aircraft/Flight Models' section.
 
For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Salute!
 
Bucky. 21/4/09.
 
============================================================
 
REFERENCES USED IN CREATING THIS MISSION:
 
'The Red Baron's Last Flight'...N. Franks & A. Bennett.
'Under the Guns of the Red Baron'...N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'In the Footsteps of the Red Baron'...M. O'Connor & N. Franks.
'Who Downed the Aces in WWI'...N. Franks.
'The Red Baron Combat Wing'...P. Kilduff.
'The Illustrated Red Baron'...P. Kilduff.
'Red Baron. The Life and Death of an Ace'...P. Kilduff.
'The Sky their Battlefield'...T. Henshaw.
'Richthofen'...A.E. Ferko.
 
============================================================
============================================================

A mission for First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + either; Nov 08 patch or Peter01 FM's pack
without patch.
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.9: 'Voss vs 56'.
 
Released 23/9/08. The 91st anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.
 
============================================================
 
Introduction:
 
This Mission is a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at about 6:30pm,
on Sunday, 23rd September, 1917, in the skies above Poelcapelle and Westroosebeke,
about 7-8 miles NE of Ypres, in Belgium.
 
The action involved seven SE5a's of 56 Sqn, the RFC's premier fighter unit, and Lt. Werner
Voss, a 48 victory ace and a holder of the coveted Ordre Pour Le Merite (Blue Max).
 
This epic encounter, arguably the most famous dogfight in history, has been the subject of
much speculation and controversy for ninety odd years now, and shows no signs of abating
any time soon. This is evidenced by the fact that even though the combat reports of all the
allied pilots involved (and other aircrew that witnessed it) still exist, there are some
historians and enthusiasts that think Voss had run out of fuel and/or ammunition, and even
that he was trying to surrender(!) before he was killed.
Whatever the truth of the matter, the allied pilots combat reports are all of the opinion that
the Fokker Triplane's excellent climb capability would have allowed Voss to withdraw from
the combat at any time with relative ease. Yet he chose to fight to the end... Maybe he just
had a little too much confidence in his own ability?
 
Werner Voss' life story in general, and his final combat in particular, make very interesting
reading. I highly recommend the book 'September Evening', by Barry Diggens' to anyone
who would like to read further on the subject. Apart from containing a detailed blow by blow
account of the combat, it also includes the complete combat reports of all the allied pilots
involved.
 
============================================================
 
To set the scene:
 
At this time Voss was Staffelfuhrer of Jasta 10, based at Heule, near Courtrai. He had
achieved his 48th victory that morning (23rd Sept) by shooting down a DH4. It was his first
day back on the front line since going on leave on 11th of September. Probably eager to
rack up his victory tally, he fatefully decided to fly one last patrol...
 
Voss took off at approximately 17:05, in the pre-production Fokker Triplane, serial No.
FI. 103/17 which he had been using since late August, and in which he had achieved his last
10 victories. At about the same time, thirty or so miles away at Estree Blanche, 56 Sqn
were leaving the ground for their final patrol of the day.
 
At 18:25, Voss encountered two SE's of 60 Sqn. The ensuing combat which lasted all of two
minutes, ended with both British fighters disengaging after being severely damaged.
Unfortunately for Voss, The flight of SE5a's from 56 Sqn, led by Cpt. James McCudden VC,
had witnessed the brief furball and were not slow in coming to the aid of their two stricken
comrades...
 
The infamous ten minute dogfight that followed is excellently summed up in this excerpt
from James McCudden's book; 'Flying Fury':
 
"The German pilot (Voss) saw us and turned in a most disconcertingly quick manner, not a
climbing nor Immelmann turn, but a sort of flat half spin. By now the German triplane was
in the middle of our formation, and its handling was wonderful to behold. The pilot seemed
to be firing at all of us simultaneously, and although I got behind him a second time, I
could hardly stay there for a second. His movements were so quick and uncertain that none
of us could hold him in sight at all for any decisive time."
 
Inevitably though, odds of seven to one were too great, even for a pilot of Voss' prowess.
And especially considering the high calibre fighter pilots he was up against. It was 2/Lt.
Arthur Rhys-Davids who eventually got Voss in his sights long enough to deliver the coup
de grace. Voss fell to earth just inside the British lines, NW of Frezenberg, at a place called
Plum Farm. He was 20 years old.
 
In homage to Voss, McCudden stated in his book:
 
"I shall never forget my admiration for that German pilot, who single-handed fought seven
of us for ten minutes, and also put some bullets through all of our machines. His flying was
wonderful, his courage magnificent, and in my opinion he is the bravest German airman
whom it has been my privilege to see fight."
 
High praise indeed.
 
The battle hardened 56 Sqn pilots that Voss faced that evening were all aces except for
Cronyn. Indeed, by the end of the war they had amassed 172 victories between them.
They are listed below with their total end of war victory numbers, the serial number, and
identification letter of the SE5a they were actually flying on 23rd Sept 1917.
 
Cpt. J.B. McCudden. (58) flew B4863 marked 'G'
Cpt. G.H. Bowman. (32) flew B2 marked 'M'
Lt. R.T.C. Hoidge. (27) flew B506 marked 'N'?
2/Lt. A.P.F. Rhys-Davids. (22) flew B525 marked 'I'
Lt. R.S. Maybery. (21) flew B1 marked 'K'
Lt. K.K. Muspratt. (8) flew A8944 marked 'H'
Lt. V.P. Cronyn. (4) flew A4563 marked 'L'
 
============================================================
 
Mission guidlines:
 
WARNING!
It has to be said that it's almost impossible to survive this mission, (well, for me anyway!)
and for that reason I hesitated to upload it at all. But with the 91st anniversary of Voss'
demise approaching, I decided to go for it.
I created it using the latest 'Peter01 FM's pack', 'Very Hard AircraftObject.ini', and
'70% GunData.ini files'. Consequently, I haven't lasted more than a minute during the
mission testing! I'm no great flyer though, so with a bit more ability, or without those
mods?...
 
When the mission begins, you'll be flying at approximately 6,500ft. We'll assume that the
encounter with the two 60 Sqn SE's has just ended, and the 56 Sqn flight is winging its way
towards you...Utilise your height advantage, and don't fly straight and level for more than a
few seconds!
 
The 56 Sqn pilots were all amazed at Voss' aerobatics...You'll have to be equally agile to
have even the slightest glimmer of a chance!
 
============================================================
 
Compromises and game limitations:
 
I had a go at including the legendary 'red nose Albatros' that featured briefly in the furball
that fateful evening. However, it only distracted the SE's from giving you (Voss) their full
attention. And seeing as it only played a very small part in the combat, I decided not to
use it.
 
The 56 Sqn SE5a identification letters used are all correct for the pilots involved in the
combat (See above for pilot/ID list). However, on 23/9/17, 56 Sqn were still using a dumbell
marking on the rear fuselage. This was changed to the more familiar white rear fuselage
band on 25/9/17.
 
The actual combat between Voss and 56 Sqn commenced at about 6:30pm, but I've had to
set the mission time at 5:30, otherwise you'd be flying in the dark.
 
I've also used a bit of artistic license regarding height advantage and the order of events,
but essentially it's you (Voss) against seven enemy planes, just as it was for him.
 
============================================================
 
Mission requirements:
 
To fly this mission as intended, you'll need the following mods and skins:
 
Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.
 
Werner Voss skin for the Expansion Pack Fokker Dr.I.
By Gumpy.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
 
SE5a 56 Sqn, RFC, 1917 Squadron Markings.
Two versions by dhasdell.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WWI Aircraft Skins' section.
Make sure to use the 'letters' version.
 
Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.
 
Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would recommend the following
mods, available from the Combat Ace, Downloads site:
 
'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in: 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.
 
'FE Sounds'.
By yours truly.
Found in: 'Sound Mods'.
 
For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Viel Glueck!
 
Bucky. 23/9/08.
 
============================================================
 
References used in creating this mission:
 
'September Evening'... B. Diggens.
'Werner Voss'... D. Hylands.
'Flying Fury: Five Years In The Royal Flying Corps'... J. McCudden VC.
'High In The Empty Blue'...A. Revell.
'Under The Guns Of The German Aces'... N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'Who Downed The Aces In WWI'... N. Franks.
'Above The Lines'... N. Franks. F.W. Bailey & R. Guest.
'Above The Trenches'...C. Shores. N. Franks. R. Guest.
'The Jasta War Chronology'... N. Franks. F. Bailey & R. Duiven.
'The Sky Their Battlefield'... T. Henshaw.
'Royal Flying Corps Communiques 1917-18'... C. Bowyer.
'The Fokker Triplane'... A. Imrie.
'Fokker Dr.I Triplane: A WWI Legend'... P. Leaman.
'Fokker Dr.I Aces Of WWI'... N. Franks & G. VanWyngarden.
'British Aviation Squadron Markings Of WWI'... L.A. Rogers.
 
============================================================
============================================================

FE Sounds V.2 (Revised 8 March 09)
 
EDIT 8/3/09:
Some people were experiencing problems with some of these samples, so I've made some changes to the package. The "Read Me" will explain...
 
 
Aside from using authentic sound samples, in my opinion, the next most important aspect of decent sound within a game is balance. I therefore paid particular attention to this when editing these files. As an example, check out the "WindLoop" sound, just audible above the noise of the engine.
 
New sounds included:
 
"PropLoop"
"Lerhone"
"RotaryEngine"
"Vickers"
"Lewis"
"Spandau"
"Parabellum"
"WindLoop"
"Tiretouch"
"Dirthit"
 
Please note:
The game's default volume for bullet hits on AI planes will be heard at the same volume level as hits to the players plane, which is obviously unrealistic. So to rectify this, extract, then open the "SOUNDLIST.INI" file from the "FlightData.cat". Scroll down to "DirtHit", and change the "MaxDist=" line to: MaxDist=010.000000.
 
Disclaimer:
I just want to let it be known that these files have been tucked away on my PC for three years or more, and therefore I can't remember where they originated from. Although I've enhanced and edited these samples to the point where they bear little or no relation to the originals, if anyone recognises one of them as being theirs and then take exception to their use, then please PM me and I'll be happy to delete that file from the package.
 
EDIT 2/3/09:
Sorry, forgot to mention...Just as a guide:
I use "Lerhone" for all the early 1915-16 rotary engine aircraft: DH2, Pup, Nieuports, Eindekker's, etc. It could also be used for the Fokker Dr.I and 110hp Sopwith Camel.
Use "RotaryEngine" for the Sopwith Triplane, 130 & 150hp Camels and all other late war (mid 1917-1918) rotary powered planes.
 
 
I hope you like at least a few of 'em
 
Bucky

A mission for First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.
 
UPDATED 22/11/08: This mission has been amended to include the excellent authentic Jasta
11 colour schemes created by Quack74 (See 'Mission requirements' below).
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.7: 'Richthofen's Final Two Victories'.
 
Released 20/4/08. The 90th anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.
 
============================================================
 
Introduction:
 
There is no question that Manfred Von Richthofen is THE most famous fighter pilot of all time.
In fact, there's a strong case for saying he's the best known soldier of any war in history, let
alone WW1. He's been, (and will continue to be) the subject of countless books, journalistic
articles and TV documentaries. Indeed, at the time of writing, a new movie; 'The Red Baron',
has just been released in Germany. The lasting interest and fascination with all aspects of his
short life is truly extraordinary.
 
I created this mission, a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place at
approximately 18:40, on Saturday, 20th April, 1918, to commemorate the 90th anniversary
of Richthofen's death.
 
Flying his famous red Fokker Dr.I Triplane, serial number 425/17, this was to be the Baron's
penultimate patrol and air combat, during which he achieved his 79th and 80th victories.
 
This is how Richthofen described the action in his combat report:
 
"With six planes of Jasta 11, I attacked large enemy squadron. During the fight I observed
that a Triplane was attacked and shot at from below by a Camel. I put myself behind the
adversary and brought him down, burning, with only a few shots. The enemy plane crashed
down near the forest of Hamel where it burned on the ground.
Three minutes after I had brought down the first machine, I attacked a second Camel of the
same enemy squadron. The adversary dived, caught his machine and repeated the
manoeuvre several times. I approached him as near as possible when fighting and fired 50
bullets until the machine began to burn. The body of the machine was burned in the air, the
remnants dashed to the ground, north-east of Villers Bretonneux."
 
His unfortunate victims that day were; Major Richard Raymond-Barker, who was killed, and
2nd Lt David Greswolde Lewis, who amazingly survived the crash of his burning Camel, and
was taken prisoner.
 
Less than 24 hours after this combat, Richthofen was dead. Killed by a single .303 bullet (but
that's another long story!). He was just 25 years old.
 
============================================================
 
To set the scene:
 
At this time Jasta 11 were based at Cappy airfield, about 20 miles east of Amiens. Richthofen
was experiencing a lean period (mainly due to bad weather), having gained no victories
between 7th-19th April...the weather during that day had been very cloudy, but by the early
evening it was generally clear, allowing the Rittmeister and five other pilots of Jasta 11 to
set off for the early evening patrol.
Airborne at about the same time, and equally keen for a fight were the Sopwith Camels of
3 sqn, RAF...
 
============================================================
 
Mission guidlines:
 
When the mission starts you'll be at a little over 6,000 ft (1500m). Initially, you should keep
to a heading of around 250 degrees, flying south-west. Keep formation with your five
wingmen. Looking below and to your right, you'll see the winding Somme river as you pass
over Cerisy, heading toward Villers Bretonneux. To your left you'll see the old Roman road
that stretches from Amiens to St Quentin. Perfect navigational aids should you become
disorientated.
 
Richthofen shot down the two Camels within three minutes of eachother. Indeed, the two
machines crashed to earth just 50 yards apart. Maybe you can do better?
 
============================================================
 
Compromises and game limitations:
 
1. During the spring of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back much further
than the actual front line depicted in the game. Also, the Flanders map is very sparsely
populated around the Villers Bretonneux area where this combat actually took place.
However, although some towns and villages are missing, The action happens in the correct
general area.
 
2. 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 action.
 
3. Manfred's brother Lothar, (40 victories) was not involved in the action depicted in this
mission. He was still in hospital and extremely lucky to still be alive after being shot down in
his yellow and red Fokker Triplane on 13th March. It's a nice Jasta 11colour scheme which is
included with the expansion pack, so I've used it anyway...We'll assume that he had another
Dr.I painted the same way, and that another pilot was using it on 20th April!
 
============================================================
 
Mission requirements:
 
To fly this mission as intended, you'll need the following mods and skins:
 
Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.
 
The following Jasta 11 Fokker Dr.I skins:
All created by Quack74.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Skins', 'WW1', section.
MvR Last plane.
J11 Blue Tail.
Richard Wenzl.
Werner Steinhauser.
Edgar Scholtz.
 
Many thanks to the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.
 
 
Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would recommend the following
mods, available from the Combat Ace, Downloads site:
 
'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in: 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.
 
'FE Sounds'.
By yours truly.
Found in: 'Sound Mods'.
I've updated this mod with a louder "bullet hit" sample, designed to make you jump when
your plane gets hit!
 
For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Viel Glueck!
 
Bucky. 20/4/08.
 
============================================================
 
References used in creating this mission:
 
'The Jasta War Chronology'... N. Franks. F. Bailey & R. Duiven.
'Under The Guns Of The Red Baron'... N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'In The Footsteps Of The Red Baron'... M. O'Connor & N. Franks.
'Above The Lines'... N. Franks. F.W. Bailey & R. Guest.
'The Red Baron. Beyond The Legend'...P Kilduff.
'The Red Baron Combat Wing'...P.Kilduff.
'Richthofen'...A.E. Ferko.
'Von Richthofen's Flying Circus'...G. Van Wyngarden.
'Sopwith Camel Squadrons'...L.A. Rogers.
 
============================================================
============================================================

A mission For First Eagles + Expansion Pack 1 + Nov 08 patch.
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.8: 'Woollett's six in a day!' Parts 1 & 2.
 
============================================================
 
Introduction:
 
These missions are a re-enactment of two aerial combats that took place in the skies above
La Gorgue, 15 miles west of Lille, at approximately 10:30am and 5:00pm on Friday, 12th
April, 1918. The combatants were 43 Sqn's C Flight, led by Captain Henry Winslow Woollett,
(35 Victories), and three (or more) unknown German Jasta's...Woollett was credited with
shooting down six German aircraft during these combats...Three in each!
 
Henry Woollett, a medical student before the war, joined the RFC in 1916, and was posted
to 24 Sqn in November of that year. He scored one victory flying the (by then) obsolescent
DH2, before converting to the DH5, in which he scored four more victories.
In August 1917, he was sent home to England to become an instructor. He was then posted to
43 Sqn in March 1918. He achieved thirty victories up until early August 1918 (including 11
balloons), when he was again sent home to command three training squadrons.
A brilliant pilot, and an excellent leader, he had great style too: He created quite a stir
among the top brass by wearing a leopard skin flying helmet and matching gauntlets!
 
This is how Woollett described both actions in his combat report:
 
"At 10:30am, I led my patrol down on to eight EA just south-east of La Gorgue. I fired about
30 rounds into one single seater; machine spun down and crashed just west of La Gorgue. I
then dived on to another EA (a two seater); this I saw crash just north-east of La Gorgue.
I climbed up and got on the tail of an Albatros and after firing 40 rounds it burst into flames,
falling to pieces. I also saw another EA in flames, and also one crash which was shot down
by Lt Daniel."
 
"5:00pm. I led patrol down on to thirteen EA just north of LaGorgue. I fired about 30 rounds
into one EA which was going east. This turned over on its back and fell to bits. I then
climbed and got on to the tail of another Albatros; after firing several bursts into him, he
spun down and crashed north-east of La Gorgue.
On returning over lines I climbed up and found another EA at about 2,000 feet; this after
about 20 rounds collapsed in the air and fell to bits. I saw two other EA crash, engaged by
machines of my patrol."
 
============================================================
 
To set the scene:
 
At this time 43 Sqn were based at Avesnes-Le-Comte, about 10 miles west of Arras.
Equipped with the excellent 110hp Le Rhone Sopwith Camel, 43 Sqn was a formidable unit.
The weather was fine all that day, which allowed a great amount of aerial activity by both
sides along the whole front. Indeed, the RAF Communique for that day states:
"A record number of hours flying was done, a record number of photographs taken, and a
record number of bombs dropped for any 24 hours since the war started."
 
The Western Front on 12th April 1918 was a target rich environment...
 
============================================================
 
Mission guidelines:
 
For the sake of surprise, I won't give too much away here, but if you want to re-enact the
events of that day as accurately as possible, then read Woollett's combat report above, and
try to emulate him...Be aware though that if you have your 'Gameplay' settings on 'Hard' (as
you should!) then you'll have just 500 rounds of ammo in each combat...
SO TAKE CAREFUL AIM!
 
Part 1:
When the mission begins you'll be approaching the front line, with your five wingmen of
C flight at approximately 7,000 ft. Steer a course at anywhere between 15-100 degrees and
make a gentle climb to about 8,000 ft, which is the height Woollett liked to patrol at to take
advantage of the Camel's optimum performance at that altitude.
If you survive this engagement, then make your way home to Arras airfield (see
'Compromises & game limitations').
 
Have a cup of tea and a lie down, then don your leopard skin flying helmet and gauntlets
again, ready to lead C Flight's 2nd patrol of the day...
 
Part 2:
This early evening mission begins at around 7,200 ft, so again, you may want to gain a bit
more height, and head for the front line at around 10-90 degrees...This one's a proper
furball, so good luck! Again, consider the mission over if/when you make it home...
 
In both missions remember; you'll have to give your wingmen the signal to engage
(Usually: 'TAB', then '1' ). Otherwise, you'll be on your own...
 
============================================================
 
Compromises and game limitations:
 
1. During the spring of 1918 the German offensive had pushed the allies back further than
the actual front line depicted in the game. However, La Gorgue is on the 'Flanders Terrain'
map, so the action takes place above the correct area.
 
2. The actual German Jasta's that 43 sqn encountered that day are unrecorded, and
unfortunately, the Albatros DVa Jasta skins supplied in the game (numerous as they are) do
not include any appropriate units that were based around the Lille area at that date.
Therefore, I've had to utilise three random units; Jasta's 76b and 34b + 46, for mission parts
1 and 2 respectively. They're nice colour schemes though!
 
3. The 43 Sqn unit markings depicted in the game, utilise the earlier "white triangle" markings.
At the time of this action they had been changed to two diagonal stripes either side of the
fuselage roundel. They changed on 22/3/18, three weeks earlier...D'oh!
 
4. Avesnes-Le-Comte, 43 Sqn's airfield is not on the "Flanders Terrain" Map, but Arras airfield
is in the same general area, so I've used that instead.
 
============================================================
 
Mission requirements:
 
To fly this mission as intended, the only mod you'll need is:
 
Flanders terrain.
By Edward.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Maps/Terrains' section.
 
Special thanks to Edward for producing this most excellent terrain, without which none of my
missions would be possible!
 
Although not essential, for extra realism and immersion I would recommend the following
mods, available from the Combat Ace, Downloads site:
 
'Thicker, Fuller Clouds'.
By ShrikeHawk.
Found in: 'Maps/Terrains'. 'Environmental Mods'.
Excellent mod that greatly improves the "cotton wool ball" clouds effect.
 
'FE Sounds'.
By yours truly.
Found in: 'Sound Mods'.
 
For maximum realism I would also recommend that this mission be played with all gameplay
settings set to 'Hard'.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Toodle pip!
 
Bucky. 28/4/08
 
============================================================
 
References used in creating this mission:
 
'Sopwith Camel Aces Of WW1'...N. Franks.
'British & Empire Aces Of WW1'...C. Shores.
'Above The Trenches'...C. Shores, N. Franks & R. Guest.
'Royal Air Force Communiques 1918'...C. Cole.
'Sopwith Camel, King Of Combat'...C. Bowyer
'Air Aces Of The 1914-1918 War'...J.M. Bruce & Others.
'Sopwith Camel Squadrons'...L.A. Rogers.
'Aces And Airmen Of WW1'...A.C.Wood.
'W.W.1 Air Map' Website...Created By D.Townsend.
http://patriot.net/~townsend/WW1AirMap2/ (Firefox browser required).

Updated 19/4/08.
I've now included a louder "bullet hit" sound. Designed to make you jump when your plane gets hit!
 
EDIT 30/4/08: It's taken a while for me to work this out, but initially I didn't realise that the bullet hit sound was as loud on the AI planes as on the players...Even from long distance. Not very realistic...There's no way you'd hear hits on the target plane above your engine noise. So, to rectify this, extract, then open the "SOUNDLIST.INI" file from the "FlightData.cat", scroll down to "DirtHit", and change the "MaxDist=" line to: MaxDist=030.000000 or even 025.000000.
Job Done!
 
 
The player engine sound in FE is not loud enough IMO. The AI flyby sound easily drowns it out, so here's a louder version which to my ears sounds a lot better.
I've also included louder and better machine gun sounds which I think balance nicely with the new engine and ambient sounds.
There are various ways to use them, but the way I do it is to rename the original file, eg to Proploop2 or Vickersorig, or whatever suits you, then drop the new files into your Sounds folder and you're good to go...
I think it's an improvement, I hope you do too!
 
Bucky.

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.
 
***************************************
***************************************

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 Mission For First Eagles.
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.5. Rene Fonck: 'Ace Of Aces'. Parts 1 & 2.
 
Released: 09/05/07... The 89th anniversary of the action depicted in this mission.
 
============================================================
 
Introduction:
 
Ask any student of the first air war to name their top ten WW1 fighter pilots and all the usual
names will crop up, plus maybe, a few lesser knowns. Chances are though, the name Rene
Fonck won't be among them... He's been largely forgotten... Even in his own country.
A true case of criminal neglect IMHO, because Rene Fonck was probably THE greatest fighter
pilot of WW1. The only problem is/was, Fonck knew how good he was and wouldn't let anyone
forget it...He was regarded as a boastful, boorish, braggart, and generally not well liked by
his comrades.
But when you talk the talk, you've got to be able to walk the walk...Fonck could and did!
 
This mission, which comes in two parts, depicts the events of Thursday, May 9th, 1918. This
was the date that Sous-Lt Rene Fonck of escadrille SPA103, shot down six German aircraft
in a single day...An outstanding feat in itself , but amazingly, he was to repeat it again on
September 26th!
In fact, he brought down two or more enemy planes in one day, an incredible eighteen times
in one year!
 
His marksmanship was of olympic gold medal standard. He usually expended very little
ammunition when bringing down enemy aircraft. About nine rounds on average.
 
His official end of war total was 75 confirmed victories, but in his book 'Ace Of Aces', he gave
all the dates for a further 52 unconfirmed victories, which would give him an actual score
of 127.
 
 
============================================================
 
To set the scene:
 
On May 9th, Fonck didn't even begin flying until 3:45pm because of bad weather, but soon
after crossing the allied lines with his two wingmen, he spotted three enemy two-seaters. He
shot down all three in a fight that lasted just 45 seconds...They all crashed within 400 metres
of each other!
 
After landing to refuel, he took off again at 5:30pm. It was very cloudy and eventually Fonck
became separated from his two wingmen. He emerged from a dense cloud and immediately
came across another German two-seater and shot that down.
Continuing his patrol, he spotted a flight of four Fokker D.VII's, escorted by five Albatros
D.V's flying slightly above, and ahead of the D.VII's. Weighing up the odds and feeling brave,
Fonck put his SPAD into a dive, positioned himself amongst the nine enemy planes and shot
down the rearmost D.VII.
Alerted by the machine gun noise, the remaining E/A attempted to turn and bring their guns
to bear on Fonck, but this manoeuvre slowed them down, and his momentum allowed him to
pass between them. He then shot down the leader of the patrol and bolted for home, with
seven enemy planes in hot pursuit!
 
============================================================
 
Mission guidelines:
 
As already stated, this mission comes in two parts to more accurately depict the events,
weather and timing of Thursday, May 9th, 1918.
 
PART 1.
You'll join the action at about 7500 feet, having just crossed the allied lines at 4:15pm. The
weather, which has kept you grounded for most of the day has cleared nicely, Although it's
still quite cloudy.
You're accompanied by your two able wingmen; Lt Fontaine and Cpt Battle. Suddenly, you
spot three specks in the distance...Bosche two-seaters!... Manouevre yourself into a
favourable position and dive into the fray!
Fonck managed to shoot down all three German two-seaters himself...Can you do the same?
 
Having achieved the mission goal, feel free to press 'ALT+N' to fast forward to your
aerodrome...You can then land, and wait while your ground crew refuel and re-arm your
SPAD...You may want to grab yourself a coffee and a croissant while you wait...
 
PART 2.
We join the action at 12,500 feet. It's 6:10pm, and you've been in the air for 40 minutes. It's
very cloudy and you've lost your two wingmen, and the light is fading...
You emerge from a dense cloud to find a German reconnaisance plane very close by...Once
you send him down, prepare yourself to dive into the midst of the Fokker D.VII's and
Albatros D.V's!
Fonck shot down two Fokker D.VII's before making a break for home, but do feel free to try
and better him if you think you can!
 
If you survive, you can navigate your way back to Villers Bretonneaux airfield (or press
ALT+N like I always do!) and land to a rapturous reception from your comrades...Just as
Fonck did.
 
============================================================
 
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 Montdidier area where these combats 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.
 
2. 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 action, although
for this mission you won't want any help anyway!
 
3. In Fonck's second patrol, about 45 minutes passed between him shooting down the
two-seater and the dogfight with the flight of German fighters...Here, I've condensed the
action to save you flying around aimlessly for the best part of an hour.
 
4. Again, in the second patrol, Fonck was able to dive into the German fighter formation
undetected before causing havoc...As far as I can tell, the AI in First Eagles is 'all seeing'...
This makes it impossible (I think!) to sneak up on 'em! You'll just have to take your chances
mixing it with 'em I'm afraid!
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Rene Fonck SPAD XIII skin.
By HerGr.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WW1 Aircraft Skins' section
 
Many thanks to all the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this great game.
 
For maximum realism, the mission should be played with all gameplay settings set to 'Hard'.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Bon chance!
 
Bucky.
 
9/5/07

A mission for First Eagles.
 
Bucky's Quick Mission No.6: Five Fokker's! March 2nd, 1916.
 
============================================================
 
Introduction:
 
This mission is a re-enactment of an actual aerial combat that took place in the
early morning of Tuesday, March 2nd, 1916.
 
On this day, Sgt T.P.H. Bayetto (That's him in the Morane's 'Loadout' screen
photo), flying a Morane Type N "Bullet" of No.3 Squadron RFC, was escorting
a Morane BB two-seater on a long reconnaissance mission over Vallenciennes,
a few miles SW of Mons, when they were attacked by five Fokker Eindekker's.
 
This is how the action was described in the 'Royal Flying Corps Communiques',
a weekly written report of significant actions, produced for the RFC's internal
consumption throughout the war:
 
"Sgt Bayetto (Morane Scout, 3 Sqn) on escort duty to the Vellenciennes
reconnaissance, reports having been attacked by 5 Fokker's in the
neighbourhood of Vallenciennes. The reconnaissance machine dived to get
clear, but was closely followed by the hostile machines. Sgt Bayetto opened fire
on the nearest hostile machine and drove it down, apparently into the woods
near Vallenciennes. After this engagement he saw no more signs of the
reconnaissance machine and returned over Lille where he was again attacked
by 3 Fokker's. These he eventually evaded and after circling round Lille for 15
minutes, returned to his landing ground."
 
In actual fact, Bayetto couldn't find his comrades because they had just become
the ninth victims of the infamous German fighter ace, Max Immelmann...
 
The Morane BB's pilot Lt C.W. Palmer, managed to get the stricken plane down
safely despite being shot in the foot. The observer, Lt H.F. Birdwood was killed.
Palmer was hospitalised but died of septicaemia on March 29th after having his
foot amputated.
 
T.P.H. Bayetto was killed in an air crash in England in July 1918.
 
Immelmann fell to his death in controversial circumstances on June 18th, 1916.
 
============================================================
 
To set the scene:
 
From the time of its introduction in mid 1915, the Fokker Eindekker had only been
encountered in small numbers. Initially, it was distributed in one's and two's to the
two-seater Feldfleiger Abteilung units as an escort machine. Even so, in spite of
the relatively few Eindekker's available (only about 55 by October 1915), its impact
was considerable, inflicting heavy casualties on the RFC's slow and poorly armed
aircraft.
By early 1916, the Germans had realised that the Eindekker would be more
effective if used in greater numbers and within dedicated fighter formations which
they called Kampfeinsitzer Kommando units (KeK's).
 
This mission depicts the day when the RFC encountered one such unit: KeK Douai,
consisting of five Fokker E.III's...The largest number seen together up until that
time...From early March onward, the Fokker's hunted in packs! However, once the
RFC started to receive the Airco DH2 and Nieuport 11 in significant numbers in the
spring of 1916, it spelled the end of the period that came to be known as
"The Fokker Scourge".
 
============================================================
 
Mission guidelines:
 
Flying as Bayetto in a Morane Bullet, the mission begins at approximately 6700
feet. You're already deep inside enemy territory. Keep close to the reconnaissance
machine you're escorting, and follow him to the target.
 
Remember; to replicate Bayetto's actions you'll have to take out at least one
Eindekker (FYI: Max Immelmann will be in the E.III that attacks first...A chance to
alter history?), then fly over Lille on your way home...Assuming you're lucky
enough to even begin the homeward journey!
 
Just a few words of warning:
Archie is liable to be quite active, so you might want to jink about a bit.
More importantly...BEWARE THE HUN IN THE SUN!
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Morane N "Bullet".
By P10ppy.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Add On Aircraft', 'WW1', section.
 
BE2c.
By Capun and his team at Skunkworks
To be found at the Skunkworks site. (Registration required.)
 
Fokker E.III.
By Laton. Skins by V.Deutschmark. FM by Peter01.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'Add On Aircraft', 'WW1', section.
 
Fokker E.III, Buhme skin.
By V.Deutschmark.
To be found in the Combat Ace, Downloads, 'WW1 Skins', Section
 
 
PLEASE NOTE:
The BE2c has a tendency to fly at low throttle, which makes the propeller rotate
too slowly. This also makes it very hard to keep the Morane from overtaking it all
the time. Therefore, I changed the following parameters in the BE2c Data.INI
file. You may want to do the same?
 
I think the AI flies it much better with these settings:
 
[Engine]
SlowPropRPM=1200
FastPropRPM=1550
MaxPropRPM=1800
IdlePropRPM=950
 
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 No.3 Squadron reconnaissance machine in use that day was a Morane BB,
a sort of two seat biplane version of the "Bullet". This plane is not available
for FE at this time, so I've had to use the equally slow and vulnerable BE2c...
C'est la vie!
 
Lesser annoyances are:
 
Vallenciennes doesn't exist on the FE map, but the action does take place over the
same general area, so no big deal.
 
Hardly worth mentioning but Bayetto's Morane would not have been painted red at
this time. The order to paint the noses of all Type N's was given in mid July, during
the battle of the Somme, to minimise the possibility of the Morane being mistaken
for the Fokker Eindekker.
 
I've had to use V. Deutschmark's Buhme skin to depict Immelmann's E.III.
Immelmann did fly an Eindekker with a very similar paint job though.
 
============================================================
 
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.
 
Best of British!
 
Bucky. 28/5/07
 
============================================================
 
References used in creating this mission:
 
'Royal Flying Corps Communiques 1915-1916'... Edited by C. Cole.
'British Fighter Units Western Front 1914-16'... A. Revell.
'Early German Aces of World War 1'... G. Van Wyngarden.
'The Jasta War Chronology'... N. Franks. F. Bailey & R. Duiven.
'Under The Guns of the German Aces'. N. Franks & H. Giblin.
'Sharks Among Minnows'... N. Franks.
'Above The Lines'... N. Franks. F.W. Bailey & R. Guest.
'Above The Trenches'... C. Shores. N. Franks & R. Guest.
'Morane-Saulnier Types N,I,V'... Windsock Datafile No.58. J.M. Bruce.
'Fokker E.III'. Windsock Datafile No.15... P.M. Grosz.
'Fokker E.I-II'. Windsock Datafile No.91... P.M. Grosz.
 
============================================================
============================================================

A mission for First Eagles.
 
Bucky's quick mission No.1. 19 squadron Dolphin Vs Jasta 6 Fokker D.VIII.
 
=======================================================
 
This mission, although a 'what if' scenario is quite a plausible aerial engagement that
is accurate regarding geography and timing relating to the two units involved
(19sqn & Jasta 6).
 
 
Jasta 6 received the Fokker D.VIII (or the Fokker E.V as it was first called) at the
end of July 1918, Jasta 6 being the first to receive it. However, on August the 16th
they lost a pilot because of wing failure, and again on the 19th...The E.V was then
quickly taken out of service until the weakness was diagnosed and cured.
It was accepted back in service in early October, and by the end of the war a mere
80 had been delivered. There is no record of it being used in combat during the last
weeks of the war.
 
So to maintain historical accuracy this mission takes place the day before the wing
failure incidents; (15/8/18.) At this time Jasta 6 were based at Bernes, a few miles
north of St Quentin, which in turn, is about 30 miles from Douai
 
19 Squadron, using the Sopwith Dolphin at this time, were based at Savy, about 20
miles from Douai.
 
 
You're flying an offensive patrol with your two 19 sqn wingmen, at 08.25 on Thursday
15/8/18. You have just crossed the German front lines at 12,000 feet near Douai,
looking for trouble. You're mindful of the fact that there have been recent rumours
within the RAF of a new German monoplane fighter in operation on the western front,
reported as being very manoeuvrable... You're about to find out those rumours are
horribly true!....
 
=======================================================
 
To use this mission as intended, you'll need:
 
Flanders terrain.
By Edward
 
The Sopwith Dolphin.
By Capun and his team. Available from the Skunkworks site (Registration required).
 
The Fokker D.VIII.
By Laton. Available from the Combat Ace download section.
 
The 19 Sqn Blue Nose Dolphin skin.
By Gambit168. Available from the Combat Ace download section.
 
All three Fokker D.VIII Jasta 6 skins.
By V. Deutschmark. Available from the Combat Ace download section.
 
A big thank you to all of the above artists for their most excellent contributions to this
great game.
 
=======================================================
 
To install, simply unzip the downloaded file to:
C:/Program Files/Thirdwire/WW1/Missions.
 
Or unzip to your desktop and drag and drop, or copy, then paste into your missions
folder.
 
=======================================================
 
Feel free to change the mission anyway you like, and should you find anything wrong
with it, please let me know.
 
EDIT, 11/4/07: One thing I didn't realise when I first put this mission together is that
unless you tell your wingmen to 'Engage Air', they won't fire a single shot!
So remember to hit the TAB button and select '1' if you want some help from your
Squadron comrades...Think of it as firing a flare gun!
 
Have fun!
 
Bucky.
 
=======================================================
=======================================================

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
 
============================================================
============================================================

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.
 
========================================================================================================================