Volume 27, Number 9
Expanded 2016 Indy Schedule Released
We have decided that more is probably better. For the first time in several years, the Indy Squadron will increase the number of gaming dates scheduled rather than decrease them. The tentative 2016 Indy calendar includes eight dates, six of which are official Indy events with two additional gaming conventions that the squadron supports.
The upcoming season begins with the revival of a long-held Indy tradition - New Year's Day gaming. The calendar is full throughout the spring with additional games in February and numerous special events in April.
Local gaming in June and Gen Con in August fill out the summer, with the usual September games followed by Armistice Day in early November. The full schedule is on the right sidebar menu of IndySquadron.com.
Expanded 2016 Indy Schedule Released
We have decided that more is probably better. For the first time in several years, the Indy Squadron will increase the number of gaming dates scheduled rather than decrease them. The tentative 2016 Indy calendar includes eight dates, six of which are official Indy events with two additional gaming conventions that the squadron supports.
The upcoming season begins with the revival of a long-held Indy tradition - New Year's Day gaming. The calendar is full throughout the spring with additional games in February and numerous special events in April.
Local gaming in June and Gen Con in August fill out the summer, with the usual September games followed by Armistice Day in early November. The full schedule is on the right sidebar menu of IndySquadron.com.
Sopwith Pup tended by re-enactors in full WWI dress, DPR 2011 2016 Dawn Patrol Rendezvous Newsletter
Dawn Patrol Rendezvous (DPR) is the biggest World War I aviation historical event in America, and the Indy Squadron is fortunate that it is held in nearby Dayton, Ohio.
Dozens of full-scale replica WWI airplanes will be flying in exhibition, in addition to scores of scale models, period WWI re-enactors, WWI aviation art, authentic memorabilia from the war and much more. This is truly a spectacular event that directly relates to the WWI gaming hobby.
It is also a perfect opportunity to see the Museum of the United States Air Force which is located on the same grounds. The museum offers excellent facilities for gaming including a large lobby area with spacious tables and chairs.
Help us spread the word about the 2016 DPR and make your plans to join in. The latest DPR newsletter is below with complete details. Scroll through the newsletter, or use the enlarging button to read it easily in full screen mode.
Book Review, "I Chose The Sky"
Leonard Rochford
Grub Street books
Hard bound, 183 pages
$29.95 US
Order here:
http://grubstreet.co.uk/product/i-chose-the-sky/
In the 1980's, a wonderful 16x20 print was released by JRE Aerographics showing WWI ace Leonard Rochford standing beside his Sopwith Camel. Each of the limited edition prints were personally signed by Rochford. I was lucky to buy one before stock ran out and have had an interest in Rochford's flying career ever since.
Unfortunately, the 1980s was also when Rochford's book went out of print. But after more than thirty years Grub Street has chosen to put “I Chose The Sky” back on bookshelves, and I am just one of many who are delighted.
Everything about this book is engaging. Rochford, better known as “Tich” to his squadron mates, gives magnificent details throughout the work. He recalls his brother driving him to a training airfield in the family's old Talbot motor car. He tells of riding back and forth to flying lessons in his pre-1914 Triumph motorcycle. This details lends a richness to the story that could only come from someone of Rochford's era.
But strangely, when it comes to Rochford's 29 air victories flying Sopwith Pups and Camels in 1918, his combat accounts are somewhat spartan. He recalls them faithfully but with less flair and detail, although the reader is still absorbed.
“I Chose The Sky” is truly a personal account in every way. Rochford speaks of his own experiences, thankfully skipping the vast strategic discussions except when necessary to provide context to the reader.
The book itself is well constructed. The page stock is sufficient for long life and no transparency. The font (Times New Roman) is of medium size and easily read. The hardback copies come in 6x9 format, making the book a convenient travel companion that slips comfortably into a briefcase or backpack.
The twin photo sections are faithfully reproduced from the original book in glossy black and white, depicting many of the men with whom Rochford flew and a number of his personal airplanes.
But ultimately, the real value of this book shines through with the intimate details Rochford shares about his life as a fighter pilot on the western front during the First World War. If you enjoy history, adventure and good, old fashioned story telling, you can't possibly go wrong with “I Chose The Sky.”
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