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4 players, Western Front, Fokker DrI vs.
SE 5a's
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| Ltn. Heinrich Bongartz |
Although the Red Baron was killed eight days ago, the German
army is on the offensive and gaining ground on British forces. Ltn. Heinnrich Bongartz, Jasta 36 ace with 33 victories, took
off in his Fokker DrI with the afternoon patrol but was forced to return tot he airfield with engine trouble. The former schoolteacher warmed
up the squadron's reserve Triplane, number 575/17, and took off alone hoping to catch up to his flight. Over the front, he
was attacked by a three-plane formation of what he later called "Sopwith fighters," one of which quickly put a bullet through
his left temple, destroying his left eye. Ltn. Bongartz miraculously stayed conscious long enough to crashland and survived
the war. It was his fifth and final combat wound.
Though officially reported as flight of Sopwiths in German
records, Bongartz's Triplane was actually credited to a novice SE 5a pilot of 74 squadron, Lt. Clive Beverly Glynn. The 74
squadron pilots split up to attack in tactical formation; one approaching from head-on, the second from the rear, with the
last flying above for top cover. The rear attacker wounded Ltn. Bongartz and shot him down on the first firing pass.
- four players
- April 29, 1918
- Over German trenches; 18 squares from German territory
- calm winds, no clouds
The German pilot is heading west at 4,400 feet and automatically
carries a parachute. If he shoots down one SE 5a, a medal could be considered if other circumstances warrant and there are
no dissenting players. If he shoots down two SE's, he may roll for a medal suitable to the heroism involved in the combat.
If he succeeds in downing all three SE's, he is automatically awarded (with no rolls necessary) the highest bravery medal
available to a pilot of his origin and status. If no bravery medal is available, roll on the awards subtable until he gets
a medal not already in his possession.
The highest British pilot will start in the vicinity of the
fight at 4,900 feet, facing the direction of his choice. The second SE starts at a head-on angle to the German Tripe, six
squares away, at 4,500 feet. The last SE comes in from a tail angle of the pilot's choosing, 7 squares behind, at 4,650 feet.
This mission and the medal prerequisites are intended only for
German pilots of ace/experienced caliber.
Sources: "Jasta 36 History" by Stephen Lawson, C&C International,
www.theaerodrome.com. Game adaptation by Stephen Skinner.
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