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, 1 January 2010

19 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Balloon Bursting - 2 April, 1917.

Participants

19 Sqdrn.
Capt. Everett Hopewell
2nd Lt. Wendell Austin
2nd Lt. Wesley Holt
Lt. Gabridel Call

5 Sqdrn.
Sgt. Harold Price with Lt. Carlton Foxx

  • The mission, which began with good hunting weather, ended rather tragically with the death of two of the flight's pilots.
  • As we were passing over the southern emergency field we spotted a lone E/A and decided to attack because the enemy declined to, and the new lads wanted blooding. They got a couple shots in, but nothing came of the fight other than using up fuel and ammo.
  • Just after St. Quintin a balloon was spotted and destroyed with a couple of the lads contributing hits (Lt. Call - Buckingham ammo, should get credit). The next was spotted about twelve miles further on and it, too, was destroyed; this time Lt. Holt almost single-handedly blew it away. (Incidentally, it blew up in his face but without causing him any harm.)
  • We crossed over Zone 'B' with no encounters, but just into 'A' (over Vimy Ridge) Sgt. Price's DH-4 developed engine trouble and I signaled Lt. Austin to accompany him to the northern emergency field.
  • By now the sky was clear of clouds and we were then attacked by two Alb. D-III's and Lt. Call was shot down and killed. The two Huns left for some unknown reason and once rejoined by Holt I signaled that the mission was ended and we headed to the emergency field for fuel and ammo.
  • We were about to land when two Alb's showed up (I'm sure they were the same two as earlier). Lt. Holt was shot down on his landing approach and killed.
  • I landed, made arrangements for Lt. Holt's body to be returned to Amiens, checked on Sgt. Price and Lt. Foxx who were waiting for their fuel line to be repaired and ordered Lt. Austin to stay with them for the return to Amiens. I returned to base.

(signed) Capt. Everett Hopewell

Victory Points
Two Allied pilots KIA (Lt.'s Holt & Call) -60
Two Sopwith Pups destroyed -40
Damaged two-seater lands at emergency field -5
Two enemy balloons destroyed +50
Mission reduction -20
Mission Total -75
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