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

Friday, 5 November 2010

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Offensive Line Patrol - April 13, 1917

Zone B

Sir:

After this morning's Dawn Patrol, all of B Flt, No 54 Sqdn's scout pilots took off to look for ground targets across the lines from Mercatel. Skies were overcast, and I led 2Lts Carson-Jeffries, Clark, Milford, and Kerneels-Pépin at 1000 feet. Just before reaching the trenches north of Mercatel, three Albatros D3s from Jasta 11 pounced on us from out of the clouds. We all survived the initial onslaught, and then I became separated from the dogfight. Milford, on his second day at the front, managed to escape from combat as ordered. The other three became involved in individual combats, all of which concluded with the Germans breaking off.

We strafed the enemy trenches as we passed over them, giving Milford's gun a permanent jam. Turning south behind the lines, we eventually came upon a column of troops. Milford was now a spectator, but the rest of us attacked, and Carson-Jeffries and I caused particular havoc. Continuing south, we spotted a goods train. Milford's machine was hit by ground fire (not seriously), Carson-Jeffries' gun jammed (also not seriously), and I managed to hit the train.

Crossing back over the lines south of Mercatel, we once again strafed the enemy trenches. My wings were holed by ground fire, but that was the final incident before our return to Corbie.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 13, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 3 hexes -0
Trench Strafing +10½
Two Hits on Column of Troops (Carson-Jeffries, Grün) +6
One Hit on Goods Train (Grün) +2
Total +18½
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