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, 4 July 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Bombing Raid - April 9, 1917

Hill 70

Sir:

All the scouts of B Flt, No 54 Sqdn, escorted two DH4s from No 5 Sqdn to bomb the enemy position on Hill 70 this afternoon. I took the formation directly to the target at 1000 feet, saving petrol in case the SPADs got involved in combat. I should have taken a slightly longer route with less time behind the lines, as 2Lt Clark was wounded by groundfire on our way to the target, and my wings were holed.

Heavy cloud his us from most HA, although two Albatros D3s were seen just above us near Arras. They did not dive on us, and we did not climb to them, as I did not want us to be distracted from our mission.

2Lt Hamilton and Sgt Barnes each put a bomb into the target on their first pass. A mist rolled in for their second pass over the target, preventing them from repeating the performance.

I led the flight back to friendly territory by the shortest route. Since we had encountered no HA, the SPADs had enough petrol for us to return to Corbie through rear areas, so no further HA were spotted. 2Lt Clark will be able to fly again in a few days — I think he finds being grounded more painful than his wound!

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
"B" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 9, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Two Bombs on Target +20
One Allied Aircrew Slightly Wounded (Clark) -10
Mission Offset -10
Total +0
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