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

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Defensive Line Patrol - 15 April, 1917.

Zone A

Sir:

I led 2Lts Carson-Jeffries, Perry, and Kerneels-Pépin on a patrol against enemy ground targets between Vimy and Lens this morning. We proceeded at 1000 feet under overcast skies, which turned to light rain as we reached the lines near Arras. Strafing the enemy trenches as we passed over them, we continued northeast, finding a goods train beyond Vimy. We all attacked, and I observed a hit. Next, a supply convoy was found on the road into Lens. Carson-Jeffries' and Perry's engines gave them some momentary trouble, but they were able to keep them going, and once again, we all attacked. Kerneels-Pépin's wings were holed by fire from the ground, but that did not prevent him from damaging the convoy.

Two hits out of eight attacks on ground targets did not impress me, and I decided that rather than searching for more ground targets, our four machine guns might be more effectively employed strafing the German trenches as we began our return to Corbie. So we made our way steadily strafing enemy positions from Lens to Arras. At one point, a damaged German two-seater was seen heading eastward high above us, and a bit later Perry's machine was hit by ground fire, taking superficial damage to the fuselage.

Just as we were about to leave the lines and head for home, three Albatros D2s dove on us. The enemy pilots seemed relatively inexperienced, and despite their initial advantage, Kerneels-Pépin got beneath one and shot it down! Neither of the remaining HA were ever able to fire on us, and eventually they broke for the safety of their rear area. Low on ammunition, I declined to persue them, and we all returned to the aerodrome.

(signed) Captain Matthew Edeline
"B" Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 15, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 3 hexes -0
One German Scout Shot Down (Kerneels-Pépin) +20
Trench Strafing +30½
One Hit on Supply Convoy (Carson-Jeffries) +2
One Hit on Goods Train (Edeline) +2
Total +54½
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