"And there's a fresh breeze blowing from the west, so for God's sake be careful not to get blown over the lines", warned Stanhope as he gave out the day's orders.
"Right; Uncle, you and your chaps to conduct an OP in the North Betancourt sector, Trotter – you've got the North Bois de Jacinthes sector. I'll cover the Central Foudroyé sector. Just remember that bloody wind, gentlemen; and stick to your flight leaders"
Half an hour later Stanhope's ‘A' flight was on its ‘OP', or ‘Offensive Patrol'. Stanhope checked the landmarks below; there was the shattered chateau, across the lines was the southern edge of Railway Wood. "Damn," he thought, "the wind's blowing us across". He craned his neck to check that his formation were still keeping station; behind him and to the right he saw Lowery's and Pope's machines exactly where they should be, then to his left were Jessop's and Farrell's SE-5s.
Farrell saw him checking and the young Canadian gave a cheerful wave . For the first time, it seemed, Stanhope allowed himself a brief smile; they were doing all right. Suddenly a burst of machine-gun fire from Lowery's machine made him look over; Lowery was pointing and Stanhope's eyes followed to where he was indicating. There, far below them, was a German two-seater. He chastised himself inwardly; why hadn't he spotted it? Lowery had done well, but Stanhope felt the sting of failure for not seeing the reconnaissance plane. He scanned the skies, fearing a trap.
And there it was; four – no, five – shark-like silhouettes. They were unmistakable; Albatrosses. It was finally time.
***
I won't post all our games on TMP, but will follow the story of 'B' Flight. As this was our first game in the Betancourt campaign, though, I thought I'd post, even though it was 'A' Flight in action.
Full AAR and more on the blog:
link
Best wishes,
Nick
