The Evening Patrol

 Today, we returned to the skies over France in 1917 with another Wings of Glory game, which we haven't played for a while!

The lads wanted to try something they hadn't used before so ended up with 2 Sopwith 1 1/2 strutters:

 I stuck with my favourite Nieuport 17.

 I randomised the Germans (which would use my solo system) and I got 3 Albatros DVa's.

The Germans advanced quickly, maintaining formation.

My Nieuport was out on the flank, so I sideslipped to get more in line.

Lawrence brought his Sopwith behind Phil, they had a plan!

The Boche seemed unconcerned!

Phil's Sopwith exchanged shots with the first Albatros, and came off worse...just!

The lads planned to maximise their 2 single machine guns effect.

The Albatros fired but missed, as did Lawrence, but Phil's rear gunner hit the German well!

I merged with the other Albatrosses.

As planned, Lawrences rear gunner shot as the Albatros passed, but he missed.

I 'Immelmanned' to try and catch the green tailed Albatros.

Phil caught the other Albatrosses, but his forward gun jammed.

I had similar bad luck, but at least I wounded the Albatros first!

My next move put me in a great position, but I couldn't fire!!!

Phil and Lawrence now turned unexpectedly towards me.

The two Albatrosses were out of position, the Sopwith-sneaky-move had surprised them too!

I broke away from the Green Albatros - my guns were now cleared.

The lost Albatrosses turned slowly to pursue.

'Green' turned to face both Sopwiths.

I turned to re-engage, though my 'Lawnmower engine' was not helping me to get there anytime soon!

The lost Albatrosses were weaving their way back to the action.

'Green' took fire from both Sopwiths, but Lawrence's front gun jammed. 

The Albatros escaped.

The other Albatrosses were making good progress across the table.

'Green' headed to meet them, no doubt glad to be supported.

Phil got a bead on...

...but he was the only one!

I turned to engage.

The two Albatrosses both fired together at Lawrence, taking out his rear gunner and causing a lot of damage!

Phil had decided to come back.

The two Albatrosses now engaged me, but my shooting was better!

Phil now went for 'Green' who had got separated.

I followed Lawrence...

...but then 'Immelmanned' to chase the killer two.

The Albatrosses split and turned to engage me.

Phil and 'Green' barely missed each other.

I couldn't match the pace of the Albatros, so turned to let them come to me!

Phil's rear gunner jammed his gun, but at least caused some damage first.

The other two Albatrosses were again confused, Lawrence had a badly damaged plane and a dead gunner, so he had headed for home!

I was beginning to feel a bit surrounded!

I tried an aggressive turn...

...but mis-timed it and got hit!

The three Albatrosses now combined.

This was starting to look a little 'sticky'!

Phil bravely moved in.

I 'Immelmanned' again to support Phil...

...but got caught by an Albatros...

...and burnt, that damned 'Bang' card!

Never mind, it was a fun game, and both Lawrence and Phil survived the disaster!!!