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, 18 July 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Dawn Patrol - 10 April, 1917.

Sir:

I took a slightly-understrength B Flt, No 54 Sqdn, on a Dawn Patrol in overcast and light rain this morning. Lt Grün and 2Lts Carson-Jeffries, Barrington, and Stramel were with me. We crossed the front at 1000 feet between Bapaume and Cambrai. Passing north of Cambrai, four hostile aircraft attacked us from above — two Albatros D2s, a Halberstadt D3, and an Albatros D3. Lt Stramel cut the two D2s off from the others. I managed to damage the Halberstadt and Stramel damaged one of the D2s before the fight broke up.

We headed north to pass east of Douai and Beaumont when three Albatros D3s dove on us. This scrap was less eventful, although I did send one of them running.

Arriving over Lens, I turned us southwest to finish the patrol paralleling the lines. I was injured by fire from the ground in the vicinity of Lens, but not badly enough to prevent my continuing the patrol. Stramel's wings were holed as we continued, then I was hit again near Vimy! The German gunners just behind the lines here are very good.

We returned to the British side of the lines near Arras, and we all set down safely at Corbie aerodrome.

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
"B" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 10, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 12 hexes +120
Two German Scouts Damaged/Aborted (Edeline, Stramel) +6
One Allied Aircrew Slightly Wounded (Edeline) -10
Mission Offset -80
Total +36
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