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

Monday, 30 August 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Bombing Raid - 11 April, 1917.

Advance HQ

Sir:

B Flt, No 54 Sqdn, provided escorts for No 5 Sqdn's raid on the enemy Advance HQ this morning. I have to say I had a bad feeling about this operation, and ordered 2Lt Carson-Jeffries to remain behind, insuring there would be someone to conduct the Balloon Bursting mission this afternoon. 2Lts Barrington and Stramel accompanied me, while 2Lt Hamilton and Sgt Barnes were sent by No 5 Sqdn, piloted by Sgts Steele and Hill. The entire flight was conducted at 1000 feet, in overcast and light rain.

We headed directly northeast toward the target, crossing the lines near Arras. As we flew over the trenches, two Albatros D3s dove on us from out of the clouds, and Barrington was shot down before anyone knew what was happening. Steele and Hill took the DH4s out of the action, while Stramel and I engaged the HA. Another D3 joined the fray just before all three of them broke off.

The attack on the target was a success, with Hamilton and Barnes making two passes each, resulting in a total of five sure hits.

We returned by retracing our route, and shortly after reaching the Allied side of the lines two Albatros D2s engaged us. Stramel's machine was hit immediately and a small fire broke out. To their credit, Steele and Hill moved to protect Stramel instead of escaping. Eventually Hill drove one of the D2s away, and I drove off the other. By this time, unfortunately, Stramel's fire had spread, and his aircraft plunged to Earth. Stramel was both the workhorse and the memory of B Flt, and will be sorely missed.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 11, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Five Bombs on Target +50
Two Allied Aircrew Killed (Barrington, Stramel) -60
Two Allied Scouts Destroyed (Barrington, Stramel) -20
Mission Offset -10
Total -40
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