Black September VIII Campaign – September During the Great War

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

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Below are assignments for mercenary, late and pilots not indicating a side preference during 'registration' via the poll on this thread. All other pilots fly on the side you indicated as their preference in the poll.

Participating pilots must join Flugpark Discord EARLY/NOW  to get plugged into appropriate Entente and Central communication channels for player assignments etc:  Then do a shout out on either Entente or Central.

If you are just registering now click the link below that corresponds with your chosen side and then post your desire to fly and staff on each side will provide you with next steps.

Central https://discord.gg/YV3NT9dFFY
Entente https://discord.gg/5V9wwMpM6Y 

Central:
@J5_Hotlead
@J99*Basti
@Rodwonder

Entente:
@No.23_Farmer
@SCG_FeuerFliegen
@NiiranenVR
 

 

 

CAMPAIGN RESULTS - Entente Wins

                  ENTENTE     CENTRAL

WEEK 1            78                126

WEEK 2           106                73

WEEK 3            94                 46
TOTAL              290                 245

 

NOTAM Sept 20

Mission Start Time Changes
Operations moved back 1 hour the next two weeks.  The new mission start time is 1800 GMT.  The server will open approximately 15 minutes before that at 1745 GMT.  Convert times to your local time zone.  The mission will run approximately 120 minutes.   This week is Verdun sector in 1917.

 

NOTAM Sept 14

 

Field and objectives have been distributed to Field Commanders on both teams along with additional information affecting operations and planning.

NOTAM Sept 12, part 2.

Communications
We will continue past practice of requiring all players to be on Flugpark Discord for the purpose of side commanders being able to verify player limits are not exceeded per side and per channel limits are also not exceeded.  Additionally, recall that only players flying from the same field assigned to the same geographically similar flight and tasking can be on the same channel. All other forms of communication including side chat text in game is prohibited. When pilots land on field or are dead/captured they can move to their sides briefing channel and share information only with players who are also on ground at a field or waiting on reserve for an assignment.  Please be sure to review these protocols with your pilots during pre-briefings. 

Penalty for violation of comms protocols is up to 50% of points earned during the mission up to and including, forfeit of mission for serious or repeated offenses. 

NOTAM Sept 12

 

Mission Start Time Changes.  The mission start time is 1700 GMT.  The server will open approximately 15 minutes before that at 1645 GMT.  Convert times to your local time zone.  The mission will run approximately 120 minutes.

Field Commanders have been sent a resource list for planning purposes/pilot assignments.  Contact your sides Field Commander with questions.

 

NOTAM Sept 10

Mission Objective:   Destroy Heavy Bunker Complex
The "Heavy Bunker Complex" is a take on the heavy artillery systems (usually in the form of rail mounted naval artillery) which was placed into massive Earthen works miles behind the front and utilized to disrupt enemy logistics in their "rear" at critical junctures such as railheads, or for dedicated work against the strongest of enemy defensive emplacements.

 

In the background in the photo above, there is an underground tunnel entrance with a small gauge rail line leading to the gun emplacements.  Both open air and tunnel based emplacements were built during the war.  Open air was more common.  What are they moving down these rail lines in addition to the guns themselves? Ammunition and powder for the guns - in large quantities.

So the red circles indicate armored tunnel entrance doors which have been shut to protect and seal the bunker complex.  You'll need to blast them open with a well placed bomb or two on the doors.

 

After the door is down, a second run will have to be made dropping a bomb just inside the entrance doorway (you can also try shooting), or else by multiple proximity hits outside the doorway - starting a detonation of ammunition on a trolley parked by the door.
 

Spies have taken a photo of the ammunition parked near the doorway from inside to help you better understand what's getting hit and whats going to happen:

To be clear - YOU'RE SHOOTING / BOMBING A CIRCLED POWDER CANISTER (ONE OR THE OTHER) - AFTER THE DOOR IS BUSTED SO THAT YOU CAN GET TO THEM.
 

A precise hit should start a chain reaction that will destroy the station."
 -- Someone somewhere, a long time ago, in a far away place.

Q:  AAA Defenses?
Light for week 1.  After all, it's an impregnable underground fortress.  Two "low" MGs at the door.  Positions easily visible above.  Maybe heavier later if we find some pilots proficient in bullseyeing womp rats.  

Q.  Any other quirks to this one?
Yes two worth mentioning!
 1)  If you drop a bomb into the brick side walls of the tunnel entrance it will dud rather than bounce/fall down and detonate.  It has to hit a horizontal surface to arm.  Bomb "skipping" attempts wont work.
2) The concrete control house between the two doors is damageable but not destructible - aka you cannot reduce it to rubble to get a better shot inside the doors.  But you can certainly drop a bomb onto/into it after the doors are open and try to use proximity to trigger the chain reaction.

Q:  I don't get it, I bomb a door, then an ammo canister, and then what happens?
Get ready to shake rattle and roll.  Maybe have a camera rolling too.  You may also notice guns not so happily poking out of those concrete emplacements.  Something something Jutland on land.  Collect victory point.

NOTAM AUG 31

 

Mission Objective:  Suppress Fort

 

Pictured above is an example fort, one of two modeled in Flying Circus to represent the string of constructions across Verdun and general SE defensive line by the French as part of their defense in depth.  For Black September 8 you’ll possibly be tasked with assisting in the suppression of one of these forts after completing a trench mapping.

 

How does it work?
Red circles indicate vulnerable parts of the fort which can be attacked and damaged with bombs.  The damage is individual to each part and successful hits are indicated by bomb/shell craters appearing over the part of the fort that was hit.  Each hit on one of the individual weakpoints will also produce a fire/smoke plume from the center section of the fort.  When 75% of the fort weakpoints have been damaged, the fort is considered sufficiently suppressed and the objective is complete. These forts don’t have native AAA defenses.  You may however get some harassing fire from enemy troops emplaced near the fort.

 

Below:  Fort destroyed just past 75% below.

 

Also,

Destroy Heavy Artillery. (Replaced with Destroy Heavy Bunker...look for upcoming NOTAM)

 

Destroy Artillery (2x)* 

Attack Infantry (2x)* 

Destroy Forward Trench / Fort (2x)*  

 

*requires completion of trench mapping objective to attempt.

 

 

ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Our apologies as our team have been a bit behind schedule recently regarding Black September.  We were quite busy this month and unsure if we would be able to offer the community our eight annual September campaign event.  I am pleased to be able to announce an outline for our three-week campaign in production. 

Given the recent attacks on the community, I know we can count on your understanding for the lateness of this announcement.  Since we have some new planes recently available, we thought it would be an opportunity to take a step back from total historical recreation of Black September and create a event that allows us to fully explore and utilize all the currently available planes within their own snapshots in time.  You will notice that each week is a different year during the month of September during the war across 1916, 1917, 1918 and will be set in the French sector of Verdun, with planes historically stationed in that area.  We hope you enjoy this opportunity for hopefully balanced and interesting air engagements between contemporary planes stationed in that sector, understanding that the lack of an early war Entente two-seater and some other gaps have forced us to do the best with what we have.

Entente and Central unit representatives are already reviewing some of the finer details and any changes the result of those reviews will of course be announced here.  Please pass your feedback to your unit commanders who can forward consolidated feedback through the proper channels.  Given the compressed timeline, it will be impossible to monitor, and respond in a timely manner to duplicate topics and suggestions.

Please register your participation in the poll above.

 

Dates:

Saturday September 9^th – Test

Saturday September 16^th - Week 1

Saturday September 23 - Week 2

Saturday September 30 - Week 3

Start Time:
Approximately 1700 GMT with server open 15 minutes before for player loadout (edited 9/12).

Flugpark Discord Server for side assignment and planning/flight assignments:  https://discord.com/invite/sStewGJXPQ 
Registered Participant Discord Discussion: https://discord.gg/nHDWJDwKq4  

Mission Duration: 2 hours (edited 9/12)

Weather:  See in game mission description before mission start.

 

Ruleset

•           Most points wins the campaign.  Tie is possible.  End of game scoring screens should be recorded by each side and individual parser results will be available minutes after end of each mission ending.

•           15-minute load in with cold engines; follow on screen instructions/note last minute details and read the in-game mission instructions while warming engines; players may not take off until flares/siren at fields.

•           Pre-Flight Planning – sides assign players to roles (escort, two-seater, hvy bomber).  Read in mission instructions during 15 minute pre-flight/engine warm up and pay attention to in game signals/messages/signs etc.  Do not take off until on screen message with flares/siren at fields.

•           Balloons are secondary objectives, the destruction/defense of which offer varying benefits to both sides defensive and offensive capabilities throughout the mission.

•           Anti-Aircraft (AAA) emplacements do NOT respawn.

•           Aerodromes (the following text is deleted):

Quote

on both sides may be attacked and through extensive damage to structures shut down for an hour

 Note:  These are often large and very well defended targets.

•           Repair/rearming/refueling services are available at aerodromes but can be knocked out permanently by destroying the maintenance truck.

•           Planes will be returned if landed safely at the home aerodrome, otherwise planes refresh into the available inventory after 15 minutes.

 

Mission Objectives

Train or Convoy

Canal Traffic or Infantry Column

Destroy Heavy Artillery (Replaced with Destroy Heavy Bunker)

Airfield / Infantry Camp

Balloon Busting (2x)

Trench Mapping (2x)

Destroy Artillery (2x)*

Attack Infantry (2x)*

Destroy Forward Trench / Fort (2x)*

 

*requires completion of trench mapping objective to attempt.

 

Server/Mission Settings

Verdun Sector

1916 - Dawn

1917 - Midday

1918 - 2hr before Sundown

120 min respawn – prevents side change

15 min death/capture penalty

1 min finish flight

15 min lost plane resupply (insta-return on)

Locked payloads

 

1916 - no gun modifications

1917 - no gun modifications

AAA defenses will strengthen each year

 

  Timeline                               Airframe

Sep-16             Entente            Nieuport 11

Sep-16             Entente            Spad VII 150HP

Sep-16             Entente            Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter - Po 2

Sep-16             Entente            HP O-400

Sep-16             Central            Halberstadt D.II

Sep-16             Central             Pfalz D.III - Albatross D.II

Sep-16             Central             DFW C.V

Sep-16             Central             Gotha G.V - AEG G.IV

                                   

Sep-17             Entente            Spad VII 180HP

Sep-17             Entente            Nieuport 28 - Nieuport 27

Sep-17             Entente            Spad XIII

Sep-17             Entente            Bristol F.2B2

Sep-17             Entente            Breguet 14

Sep-17             Entente            HP O-400

Sep-17             Central             Albatros D.Va

Sep-17             Central             Pfalz D.III

Sep-17             Central             Fokker Dr.I

Sep-17             Central             DFW C.V

Sep-17             Central             Gotha G.V - AEG G.IV

 

Sep-18             Entente            Nieuport 28

Sep-18             Entente            SE5a

Sep-18             Entente            Spad XIII

Sep-18             Entente            Breguet 14

Sep-18             Entente            HP O-400

Sep-18             Central             Fokker D.VIIF

Sep-18             Central             Fokker D.VII

Sep-18             Central             Fokker D.VIII

Sep-18             Central             Pfalz D.XII

Sep-18             Central             DFW C.V

Sep-18             Central             Gotha G.V - AEG G.IV

Edited October 1, 2023 by J5_Baeumer
NOTAM posted/edits

[=IRFC=majorqc]

It the british that lack a two seater in early war no? Anyway that look like an interesting event look forward to it

[Wilkinson]

No Sopwith Camels in 1918?

 

[Winkelmann]

No, but Central has the D.VIIF. 

 

[RNAS10_Mitchell]

On September 16, it shows the Sopwith Strutter.  Perhaps a typo?

 

Edited August 23, 2023 by RNAS10_Mitchell

[No.23_Triggers]

4 hours ago, No.56-Sqn_Wilkinson said:

No Sopwith Camels in 1918?

 

Looks like the event is based in the Verdun Sector, hence the lack of Camels (French / American sector). I bet the Dr.I lads will be happy...
 

 

2 hours ago, RNAS10_Mitchell said:

On September 16, it shows the Sopwith Strutter.  Perhaps a typo?

 

I'm assuming that the "Strutter" will likely be a Bristol or DeHav or some such, as a stand-in. Same as the "AEG G.IV" is a Gotha, etc. Not sure how that Pfalz III snuck in though...! 

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

3 hours ago, No.23_Triggers said:

Not sure how that Pfalz III snuck in though...! 

Stand in for the DII.  Its not perfect yet, but as the planes come from 1C it gets better.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

10 hours ago, RNAS10_Mitchell said:

On September 16, it shows the Sopwith Strutter.  Perhaps a typo?

 

Sopwith Strutter is not in the roadmap in this year so it has to be a different plane, they not decided yet. Hope not Po2. 

Looks like I have to buy the FC3, I prefer rotaries not  inline scouts.

15 hours ago, J5_Baeumer said:

Given the recent attacks on the community

Do I miss something? I presume good answer would be that I don't, but I'm curious what happened anyway.

[No.23_Triggers]

11 hours ago, J5_Baeumer said:

Stand in for the DII.  Its not perfect yet, but as the planes come from 1C it gets better.

Ah. P.D.IIIa is a far bit quicker than the D.II, but it's the closest to what we currently have on hand. Fingers crossed that the D.II makes it in before the campaign kicks off! Apparently it'll be the next German ship to arrive in FC3. 

...on that note, if the next two planes do arrive in time, could we expect to see some N17s in the planeset? 

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

I would hope so, depending on timing of the release, of course.  If the DII makes it in time it would of course replace the Pfalz, which is a stand in substitute.  It seems the fairer substitute than the DVa.

[JGr2/J34b_Matthias]

@=IRFC=majorqc@RNAS10_Mitchell

This is the French sector and the French actually made very wide use of the 1 1/2 Strutter.
Some additional explanations on stand-in planes selected.

 

Po-2 -> 1 1/2 Strutter

Bristol F.2B2 -> French Dorand AR.1/2
HP O-400 -> French Letord LET.2

Additional Comments:

1) No Camels?

Correct, no Camels for Entente in 1917 - they were of course not operated by the French.  IAF and US squadrons did arrive in sector with them later.

Also note that the Germans don't have their first full operational delivery of triplanes in Sept 1917 (additional note those first deliveries went direct to J11/J16 and friends in the West anyway.)  Dr.Is were therefore in extremely limited availability as prototypes for combat testing.

2) SE5as?
The SE5as are the American 25th Aero Squadron which was in the area in force in September 1918 but historically faced severe challenges getting combat operational due to logistical issues.

 

They were chosen over a number of additional squadrons running more Spad XIIIs, as well as the 95th Aero Squadron which was in the later stages of rotating out their N. 28s for Spad XIIIs (Shame really, I know everyone loves N. 28s so much), and the 17th Aero Squadron which had Camels but was busy using them in the West over Soncamp for ground support during this period, and the lone camel squadron under Trenchard with the IAF.

3)  If D.II and N.17 release before the campaign do we get those added instead of "stand in" planes?
That IS the plan.  Also will consider the possibility of N.17s vs N.28s as N.27s in 1917.

Edited August 25, 2023 by J5_Matthias-Sch27b

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

See bold text re aerodromes in original post.

 

Edited August 26, 2023 by J5_Baeumer

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

See NOTAM in original post.

 

If you have not registered via the survey to indicate your side preference, please do so now.

[Adler_Blau]

On 8/31/2023 at 8:41 PM, J5_Baeumer said:

See NOTAM in original post.

 

If you have not registered via the survey to indicate your side preference, please do so now.

Hi! How many pilots and what side you need?

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

Welcome, Adler Legion!

[RNAS10_Mitchell]

What time of the day will this take place?  Have some schedule conflicts, and hoping there is a way.  Thanks!

[JG1_Vonrd]

Due to recent unforeseen RL circumstances, I'm going to have to bow out for this. Sorry.

[J37_Daedallus]

Sorry you can't make it, I hope things improve for you and thx for letting us know.

[JGr2-J5_Tabasco]

I couldn't seem to register properly but put me where you need me.

[J37_Daedallus]

You registered on the 25th Aug, you are Central ?

[1PL-KJ-1Esk]

Test mission? 

[GenMarkof007]

S! A bit late to ask... but I didn't get any feedback after entering the poll. Am I registered? thx for the follow-up! Cheers

[J37_Daedallus]

Yes you are registered to fly Central ?

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

NOTAM posted.  Subscribe to be automatically alerted to new updates using the "Follow" button on the upper right corner of the first page.

[JG1_Vonrd]

Seems that I'm assigned as Merc... Please see my post above:

 

"Due to recent unforeseen RL circumstances, I'm going to have to bow out for this. Sorry."

 

I just don't want to screw up the balance by being in the assignments.

Edited September 11, 2023 by JG1_Vonrd

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

NOTAM posted.  Subscribe to be automatically alerted to new updates using the "Follow" button on the upper right corner of the first page.

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

Second NOTAM for today is posted.  Subscribe to be automatically alerted to new updates using the "Follow" button on the upper right corner of the first page.

[Texan_Wargamer]

I’m good to fly central, added to the poll 

[Udmurt]

Have just purchased Vol.2, gonna try to fly with a Breguet for some ground attack missions if needed. 

[No.10_Ace_Ivo]

2 hours ago, 72AGs_Udmurt said:

Have just purchased Vol.2, gonna try to fly with a Breguet for some ground attack missions if needed. 

Nice, make sure to join the Entente team in this Discord then: https://discord.gg/RFj3DzKY4C 
More info listed there.

 

S!

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

NOTAM posted.  Subscribe to be automatically alerted to new updates using the "Follow" button on the upper right corner of the first page.

[J2_Seya]

I'm away for work for all three weeks. Have a great time guys

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

NOTAM posted in first thread.  Subscribe to be automatically alerted to new updates using the "Follow" button on the upper right corner of the first page.

[JGr2/J5_Baeumer]

Final Scores listed - see original post above.

Thank you to all participants and congratulations to Entente players who despite suffering shortages of all kinds including personnel, proved themselves to be persistent adversaries, never giving up, or despairing in the face of long odds.  It paid off.  Special thanks to the field commanders for this campaign, Ace_Ivo (winning Entente coalition) and Daedallus (Central coalition) and both their respective teams for their sportsmanship, patience, understanding, and considerate resolution of problems.  

Thank you to all the participants for their participation and contributing to the event with their time.   Finally, but not least, thank you to J5_Matthias for creating three solid missions that were balanced and created excitement and thrills that spanned three years of Septembers during the war in 1916-1918.  Please thank him for his exceptional work under a less than ideal timeline. 

Link to more campaign data etc. here:
https://discord.com/channels/527195399128350732/828802491483291708/1157878277868879924

 

 

Edited October 1, 2023 by J5_Baeumer

[J37_Daedallus]

S! all

 

Congratulations to Ace_Ivo and Entente, and thx to J5_Baeumer and J5_Matthias for organising the campaign and producing the maps that covered September 1916, 1917 and 1918, and which led to such an exciting finish. Their work was conducted under a lot of pressure, and we appreciate all their efforts.

 

I'd like to thank the Adler Legion for joining us, and the flight leads of the Central team for showing such good leadership and initiative. And the team for making great efforts to be there, including using tin foil to replace a lost trackir headclip in a house move! And Karl Loppnow who was outstanding in his support for the team.

 

The feedback I have received from ppl so far has been unanimous in that they had a lot of fun, and are looking forward to the next one. This is the best sign of a successful event.

 

S! to all that took part.

Edited October 1, 2023 by J5_Daedallus

[1PL-KJ-1Esk]

Yeah we always look forward to BA and BS and i thing the simple score is the best solution...make it simple. 

What about FiF? ane news? So far we have only 2 events .... well the Knights are on but its missing something...