Fokker D.VII & DVIIF Missions will not start

[Russkly]

Recently started seeing this without having changed anything that I can recall:

 

Applies to both 2D and VR modes.

 

Get to briefing screen; press "Start"; in-flight screen then shows but with briefing screen still open with spinning cursor wheel and "Please wait" message.

 

Requires ctrl+alt+del to stop Il2.

 

Have tried a few different planes on different maps, but the problem only seems to apply to the D.VII & D.VIIF as far as I can tell so far.

 

Problem applies in career mode, QMB and PWCG.

 

Have tried "Verify integrity of game files" and have also uninstalled and re-installed the entire game - problem persists.

 

Most bizarre.

 

Not sure what files to attach to illustrate the problem and aid diagnosis.