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, 21 November 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Trench Strafing - 14 April, 1917.

Zone B

Sir:

I led Lt Grün and 2Lts Carson-Jeffries, Milford, and Kerneels-Pépin on a low-level attack on enemy trench lines between Arras and Mercatel this morning. 2Lt Perry remained at base as HQ has not provided sufficient aircraft for my flight.

Skies were cloudy when we took off. I had the flight circle for a few minutes southwest of Arras to give the cloud coverage a chance to increase. The wait was worthwhile, and we reached the trenches under a solid overcast. Methodically making our way south, all was going smoothly at first (although I did need to clear a stoppage in my own gun once). As we approached Mercatel, however, Milford was hit by ground fire, wounding him slightly. He was able to continue, but shortly after that both he and Kerneels-Pépin began having engine trouble.

I decided to end the operation, and the flight escorted Milford and Kerneels-Pépin to the Mercatel Advanced Landing Field. It was raining by the time they landed, and the rest of us proceeded to Corbie in rain with occasional snow showers.

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
B Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 14, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Trench Strafing +59
One Allied Aircrew Slightly Wounded (Milford) -10
Two Undamaged Aircraft using Advanced Landing Field (Milford, Kerneels-Pépin) -4
Mission Offset -10
Total +35
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