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

Sunday, 16 May 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Balloon Bursting - April 7, 1917

Zones B & A

Sir:

With the rest of the flight stranded near the North Advanced Landing Field, Capt Edeline allowed me to fly alone against the balloons observing our troops between Bapaume and Arras. I flew at 1000 feet under low cloud, crossing the lines near Cambrai. A balloon was spotted immediately. I made several passes at it, and observed damage to the cover, but it did not ignite despite my incendiary ammunition. The balloon was winched into its shed before I could destroy it.

Turning north, I headed for another balloon, but an Albatros dove on me from out of the overcast before I reached it. My controls were damaged on its first pass, but that did not prevent me from sliding out of his sights on all his subsequent passes, until he finally gave up.

As I was crossing back over the lines on my way to the Mercatel Advanced Landing Field, aileron control was lost completely. I set my machine down reasonably safely in a clearing, using only the rudder and elevators.

(signed) 2nd LieutenantHarvey Clark
B Flt, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 7, 1917

****************
Victory Points
One Balloon Damaged (Clark) +5
One Allied Scout Damaged/Aborted (Clark) -3
Mission Offset -20
Total -18
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