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

Saturday, 12 June 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Offensive Line Patrol - April 8, 1917

Zone B

Sir:

What a waste! We took off this afternoon, 2Lts Glenn, Carson-Jeffries, and myself, led by 2Lt Stramel, for a low-level attack against German ground targets in the center of our sector. We hadn't flown halfway to the lines when Stramel and Glenn's engines started acting up. Stramel turned back, but Glenn tried to set down in a small clearing ahead of us. If he'd been a better pilot, he probably could have pulled it off, but he rolled through the clearing and smashed into a clump of trees.

To salvage something from this mess, Carson-Jeffries and I kept going. We strafed the German trenches as we crossed near Arras, then attacked a supply convoy. I managed to hit it, but Carson-Jeffries' gun jammed. Fortunately, he was able to clear it, but by then the convoy was gone. Turning south, we next attacked a goods train, but both of us missed. We strafed the German trenches again as we returned near Mercatel. A couple of damaged HA had been seen high above us, but we weren't interfered with.

We found Stramel waiting for us at Corbie with the bad news about Glenn. Killed by a clogged petrol line, or some such rot — I'm glad the Captain is still here to write the letter to his family.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Phillip Barrington
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 8, 1917

****************
Victory Points
One Allied Aircrew Killed (Glenn) -30
One Allied Scout Destroyed (Glenn) -10
One Hit on Supply Convoy (Barrington) +2
Trench Strafing +5
Patrolled 3 Hexes -0
Total -33
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