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, 13 September 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Defensive Line Patrol - 11 April, 1917.

Sir:

Sgt Barnes and I conducted a Defensive Line Patrol this afternoon while the scout pilots of B Flt, No 54 Sdn, operated against enemy balloons. Sgts Hill and Steele were our pilots. We took off in a thunderstorm and climbed to 20,000 feet. Passing over Albert and the South Advanced Landing Field, we then turned north as the rain stopped. By the time we reached Mercatel, we were in a mist and spotted a lone Albatros D3 far below us. With the advantage of height, numbers, and surprise, I ordered an attack. Sgts Hill and Steele were both able to fire on the Albatros, to no effect. A pair of Albatros D3s joined the fray, hitting Barnes' machine and causing only superficial damage. I managed to fire at one of the D3s, then all the HA disappeared into the mist.

We'd engaged the D2 at 6000 ft and fought our way down to 2000 ft, so we began climbing as we continued to the remaining checkpoints, reaching 20,000 ft over St Pol. Our return to Albert and then Corbie was without further incident.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Cameron Hamilton
No. 5 Sqdn RFC
April 11, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 9 Checkpoints +18
Mission Offset -12
Total +6
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