Ghost Story

The Great War began in Europe in 1914. The Continent’s great powers, long envious of each other, embarked in a armed conflict that would eventually envelope most of the world. In early 1915 a group of North Americans, primarily from the United States and Canada, met in a Florida tavern. These adventurous men formed a volunteer fighter squadron that would assist the French in their struggle against the German aggressor. They knew that since their governments were neutral in the European conflict that they would have to phase into the French military to avoid political embarrassment to their home nations. Officially they did not exist. They were designated the 328th Aerial Pursuit Squadron of the French Armeé de l'Air.

Once they claimed their first aerial victories over France later in 1915, German survivors would report these encounters to their superiors. As Imperial Germany leveled diplomatic protests to the American and Canadian governments, 328th's existence was denied in Washington and Ottowa. An infuriated German Ambassador to Ottowa claimed that the American and Canadians acted as if German pilots were being killed by phantoms. The officers of the 328th Squadron, with ironic humor, named the squadron The Phantom Fighters.

The Phantom Fighters continued to serve with distinction and formed the reputation as being the best flying hooligans on the allied side. They attracted more North American pilots through out the war. Pilots from all walks of life. College educated and self taught. Working class and professional, even volunteers from the not so neutral American and Canadian military services. After America and Canada joined the war effort, they continued to serve the French as willing volunteers. Most became well respected aces.

In December 1918, with the Armistice a month old, the pilots of the Phantom Fighters returned to their homes and resumed their normal lives, until 1940. Once again a new, more menacing Germany began a domination of the world. Again the United States and Canada attempted to remain neutral. Some of the Phantom Fighters heard the call. Again the squad was organized and went to France. Many new pilots joined them and quiet support was rendered from home. This was a tougher fight and the Phantoms had to stay on the move to keep fighting, France, North Africa, England, French Indochina and now to aid the USSR to repel the Nazi invaders. And a new chapter of this ghost story begins.........

The Phantom Fighters, 328th Aerial Pursuit Squadron, Virtual was formed in the Autumn of 1998 by Quaffle and Stonecold to serve as a allied fighter squadron in the online multiplayer arena for Red Baron II and Red Baron 3D WWI flight simulator. Over the past few years the Phantom Fighters has participated in Red Baron, European Air War and now IL2 Sturmovik. Currently the squad senior command is:

PF C.O. Rory O'Moore

IL2 Wing C.O. Pink Panther

IL2 Wing X.O. Coastie

IL2 R.O. Gunstar

IL2 T.O. Welshman

Il2 Assistant T.O. Agile Hunter

Webmaster Artjunky

We are from all parts of the United States and Canada. We accept pilots of all skill levels. We are a tight knit, easy going bunch. Our goals are to improve as on-line fighter pilots. Our main rule is to have FUN. Enjoy your visit, the pub is always open.

S!

Gen. Rory O'Moore, CO Phantom Fighters

Squad Motto: Slip the Chains!