Bloody April - 1917 is a campaign game from Terry Goodchild’s ‘Wings over France’ rules for solitaire play of WWI aerial combat during the Battle of Arras. Like all the combat of the war the offensive took a terrible toll, but in the air the Allied losses were especially heavy compared to those of Germany. This campaign attempts to recreate that bloody month . . .

ASSIGNMENTS & REPORTS


To the Men of the Amiens Sector:

We are about to undertake a great offensive. It will prove to be a challenge for all of you and your aircraft. Because of the defensive nature of the Hun air strategy we must take the battle to him, which we will do with the utmost vigor. Remember always our primary responsibility is to provide assistance to the ground forces; this is the highest priority, and to do so, we must do everything possible to protect our reconnaissance and observation aircraft. Set forth and do battle knowing that with you are the confidence and heart-felt appreciation of a grateful nation.
Colonel J.B. Wagner-Stowe DSO
Commanding Officer, Amiens Sector

Friday, 11 December 2009

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Dawn Patrol - 2 April, 1917.

Participants
19 Sqdrn.

Capt. Everett Hopewell
2nd Lt. Gabriel Call
2nd Lt. Wesley Holt

5 Sqdrn. (two-seaters)
Sgt. Owen Cadell

2nd Lt. Max Faraday


∘ Actually, sir, it was a fairly routine mission and we were able to over-fly all of the assigned areas. I took one of the two-seaters in the hopes of getting some photos but the weather was just too cloudy and overcast for anything to come out. We were able to observe a number of enemy concentrations, especially in Area 'A' and the northern portion of 'B'. I took us over Hill 70 and Vimy Ridge and we saw activity by our observer aircraft and quite a few Hun infantry units seeming to mass behind the lines. There was some bombardment, mainly by our long range artillery which the Germans seldom answered.

∘ Our first contact with the enemy was as we flew over the lines northwest of St. Quintin. There was a Alb. D-II 'smoker' which I had alone for awhile but couldn't bring him down due to some good flying on the pilot's part using the clouds and mist for cover. The other Alb. D-II put up a good fight against Call and Holt and then just kind of slid of sight.

∘ The only other encounter was with the Baron and two Alb. D-II's. The best he could do was to drive off Call and Cadell's two-seater. Faraday thinks the fight broke up because Richthofen had a gun jam. Call and Holt got in some good experience and, as usual, Cadell and Faraday handled themselves well, especially as the Baron concentrated on their DH-4.

∘ We returned to Amiens via the 'back roads' as I wanted to avoid further encounters so we could continue with the day's assignments.


Mission Points (Spotting): 120

Mission Reduction: -80

Mission TOTAL: 40

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