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

Monday, 11 January 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Offensive Line Patrol - 3 April, 1917.

Zone C

Sir:

2Lts Clark and Stramel along with our newcomers, 2Lts Degrande and Barrington, accompanied me on an operation against enemy ground targets southwest of Cambrai. I led the flight at 1000 feet under heavy cloud. Clark's engine gave him some momentary trouble just past Albert, but he got it going again and was able to stay with us.

We strafed the enemy trenches as we crossed the lines, Degrande's wings getting holed for his trouble. We came upon a goods train much sooner than we expected, and our surprise was such that not one of us registered a hit! Another goods train was nearby, and this time both new pilots, Degrande and Barrington, made good hits. Barrington was wounded by defensive fire from this train, but fortunately, was able to keep flying.

As we headed back toward the lines, Clark and Barrington came under fire from a machine gun emplacement. Barrington broke off, but Clark persisted as if he were invincible and soon had his engine seriously damaged. I had the flight escort Clark to the South Advanced Landing Field, strafing the enemy trenches once again as we passed. After seeing Clark safely on the ground, the rest of us proceeded to Corbie.

Barrington will be grounded until the 7th. While Clark's spirit is admirable, when he returns to the aerodrome tonight, I will remind him that risks should only be run when there is some advantage to be gained.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 3, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Allied Aircrew Slightly Wounded (Barrington) -10
Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (Clark) -3
Two Hits on Goods Train (Degrande, Barrington) +4
Trench Strafing +10
Patrolled 3 Hexes -0
Total +1
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