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

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Bombing Raid - 2 April, 1917.

Participants
19 Sqdrn.
Capt. Everett Hopewell
Lt. Harry Brandt
2nd Lt. Wendell Austin
2nd Lt. Wesley Holt
2nd Lt. Gray Horton
5 Sqdrn. (two-seaters)
Sgt. Harold Price with Lt. Carlton Foxx
Sgt. Owen Cadell with 2nd Lt. Max Faraday

Our assignment was to bomb Hill 70. At the time of leaving the sky was overcast and remained so most of the mission except for intermittent periods of clouds. I took both of No. 5 Sqdrn.'s DH-4's with a covering force of five scouts. I gambled that the Huns would stay away from us unless they came in sufficient numbers; events proved me correct.

Enemy air activity was very light; three times we spotted a/c, twice pairs of planes, and once a solitary one and they all declined to attack. I'm not sure of the enemy's intentions, perhaps holding out until they are certain of our offensive?

Sgt. Price and Sgt. Cadell bombed from about three thousand feet and I staggered our scouts a few thousand feet above. The tactic seemed to work well as the two-seaters were not disturbed while they carried out their assignment. I should note that in spite of the lack of any air opposition we were pounded intensively by archie which accounted for our one casualty. (Lt. Horton received a light wound and his controls were shot up. He subsequently 'staggered' to the northern emergency field.)

After the bombing we followed the lines northwards strafing as we went. I don't imagine much damage was done, but, at least, the PBI saw us carrying the flag.

Lt. Horton will not fly for several days but his plane will be back and repaired by morning.

(signed) Capt. Everett Hopewell

Victory Points
    Pilot minor wound (Horton) -10
    Scout minor damage and abort; set down in emerg. field (Horton) -3
    Trench strafing +33 (w/ -10 reduction)
    Mission bombing +80 (w/ -10 reduction)
    
Mission Total +100
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