Heavy German losses

[Scott Kolar]

Hi,

There has been a lot of action lately online. We have met for the past two evenings (Monday 2/20 and Tuesday 2/21). Unfortunately, my German pilots have not done so well and have suffered losses both evenings.

Monday evening was a photo mission. I was to take photos of the railroad bridge flying an LVG CV 2 seater. My apologies as I cannot remember what the other planes were in the game.

In turn one, I found myself taking a 300’HO shot on Mark Stevenson. Mark decided to return the favor. Accompanying him was his wingman Lynn Held who also decided to give me a frontal labotamy as well. I was targeted on Mark with both guns. As luck would have it, I missed. But both Mark and Lynn were on their game. They tore me up pretty good with 5 engine hits, one which caused an oil leak. I was smoking and in trouble so I headed for the clouds. Like blood to a shark I was swarmed on by the enemy in my attempt to escape. Unbelievably, I made it to the clouds. I thought “Wow, that was close!” But my troubles were not over as I still had to land my crippled crate. Upon trying to land, my engine seized. I did find flat ground, but again was not favored by my dice. My plane crashed and both pilot and obs died with a 70% chance each! Talk about virtual reality. Mark was credited with the kill.

Tuesday evening was a balloon mission. Lynn and I were teamed together in SPAD VII’s and Mark in an Albatros. He was later joined by Mike Carr in a Halberstadt.
Lynn and I stuck it out at the balloon despite the intense barrage of ammunition we were taking. I managed to take out the balloon in an explosion before it could descend. My plane took a tremendous pounding. I was stuck in a left bank at 150 feet and could not climb as a result of other crits. Both Mike and Mark were on me like Post it notes. They both fired on me in which I suffered a engine crit forcing me to dive. Out of control and not going to clear the ensuing trees ahead I decided to jump. With a 10% chance I did not make it. Mark once again was credited with the kill. His shot to my engine caused my demise.

I have so much to learn and I feel I have the best group of friends to learn from. I think it is time to start rethinking my strategies.

A great quote from my favorite movie “Top Gun” is something I will always hold on to. ‘A good pilot is always compelled to evaluate what’s happened, so he can apply what he has learned’.

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