G
GaryR
Guest
Started a new campaign with RFC-68 at Baizieux Aerodrome at Flanders, date is 4/1/1918. First mission is short patrol over the trenches due east of our base. Doesn't take long to spot 4-5 planes, a mix of DR1's and ALB's high to our North. I turn away to climb and signal my wing to stay with me as I keep an eye out for the planes to dive, which they did in short order. We swept back over to meet them head on and the mixmaster began. I couldn't believe the skill the German pilots were exhibiting and only after I was able to break one DR1 away from the pack did I recognize him. It was Manfred Von Richthofen himself! I put a snapshot burst into him during one of our scissors passes and he began to smoke. He dove down into the trees, and I stayed high.. watching and waiting for the crash. It didn't come. He flew masterfully back toward his lines and drew me back into the rest of his squadron for protection. Just then I looked behind me and ANOTHER DR1 came sliding in as if on rails, perching directly behind me. I hear the RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT of his Spandau's as I see fabric being shredded just above my head. Full rudder, snap the aileron and over I go, pulling into a dive and pulling out just above the trees going the opposite direction. It worked, as he must have lost sight of me and started a lazy turn to reaquire me. I took advantage of the E I picked up and pulled up and into a lead turn, trying to intercept him at just the right time. Closer... closer... NOW! I let go a good burst right into his engine and into his cockpit. I can't belive my eyes as we pass within yards of each other. it's Lothar Richthofen! He dives for the dirt with me in tow and I attempt to give him another burst. Nothing happens. Time to go!!! I pull up and toward one of my group and give the "Get the hell out of here" hand signal and home we went. We lost a good man that day, but the "Flying Circus" boys took a few good kicks too.. It's good to be home.