(Zone “C”)
Taking Part:
Pilot:
Lt. Henri LeMaris
Lt. Kipp-Parr speaking to Colonel Wagner-Stowe in the latter’s office: “Yes sir, thank you, sir, a bit of whiskey would go quite well. Regarding my decision, sir; basically what occurred was that we ran into a duo of Jasta 11 where they shouldn’t have been, namely in our far west. I had just begun our turn towards the lines and the blighters must have seen us about the same time we spotted them; they started climbing and I made the decision that we should have a go because with the bright sunlight they would at the very least be tailing us all the way to our assigned area. We had the altitude advantage and I felt we should take advantage of it. I did think about our two-seater and signaled for him to stay up; I believed he would be fine because if we weren’t able to handle the Huns the DH-4 was close enough and had sufficient altitude to get back to base before the Huns could get to them. As it turned out it worked very well - you know Harry bagged one. But even if he hadn’t it would still have worked well.”
Before the colonel could reply there was a knock at his door. “Yes, what is it, Major?”
Major Marion Abbotsford, adjutant, better know to all as ‘the Bishop’, put his head around the door, “Just letting you in on the latest, sir, that ’B’ flight replacement pilot, LeMaris, downed a Hun near St. Quintin,. A line unit and a reserve battery called in the confirmation. Apparently quite a splendid show that the PBI were able to attend - good for their morale, that. sir”
“I say, that is splendid news; thank, you, Major.
“So, lieutenant, LeMaris was out on a twilight patrol. Heard he was he with us; apparently quite an able chap.”
“Yes, sir, asked if he go out again as he’s been convalescing from a leg wound and wanted to get in a little practice. This will be his eighth Hun, I believe, sir. He’s here only as a temporary but if he’s assigned permanently would you like him to take over the flight?
“Good show, that. As the Bishop said, it’s beneficial that the infantry see we’ve our hand in.” Re-filling their glasses, he said, “No, lieutenant, you will be promoted. I don’t like the idea of an outsider assuming command - bad for team spirit, old boy. You will have to assign him as assistant flight leader, over Brandt, however. As to your decision to attack while escorting, I believe technically it was in contravention of my order to stay with the two-seaters, but I also believe this was a unique situation and speaks to your ability to make proper and expeditious decisions.
Conversation between Col. Wagner-Stowe and Lt. Kipp-Parr
Mission Points:
Five hexes over-flown: 10
German a/c destroyed: 20
Mission deduction: 0
Mission TOTAL: 30
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