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

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Dawn Patrol - April 16, 1917

Sir:

Captain Edeline led 2Lts Perry, Kerneels-Pépin, and myself on this morning's Dawn Patrol. He was concerned about the exceptionally fine weather, but we all understood the importance maintaining an offensive posture. He took us northeast toward the lines at 1000 feet. As we passed over Arras, two Albatros D2s dove on us. Kerneels-Pépin drove one away before four more Albatros D2s arrived to escort the remaining one to safety.

We flew over Vimy, and then on to Lens where we were attacked by a Halberstadt D3, an Albatros D3, and two Albatros D2s. The Halberstadt shot Perry down in the initial attack. His aircraft smashed into the ground with no possibility of survival. Kerneels-Pépin's aircraft was hit, damaging his controls. The pilot of the Halberstadt seemed to have some trouble with his gun, and the Germans broke off.

The Captain made the abort signal, and turned to bring Kerneels-Pépin to the Mercatel Advanced Landing Field, even though the North Advanced Landing Field would have been closer. I can only assume he wished to traverse more enemy territory on the way back, to file a more complete report. But calls must have gone out to every German aerodrome, as we were attacked incessantly until we returned to the British side of the lines. An Albatros D2 and D3 attacked us near the enemy Advance Headquarters. Two Albatros D2s attacked us over Drocourt. Another Halberstadt D3, Albatros D3, and two Albatros D2s combination attacked next. The Captain's engine was hit, and then he went down in flames.

We'd been spared the attentions of Jasta 11 up to this point, but they showed up as we passed over the trenches. Two Halberstadt D3s and an Albatros D3 attacked us. Kerneels-Pépin extracted himself quickly, and I managed to escape when one of the Halberstadts had gun trouble.

Kerneels-Pépin's controls finally gave way once we were safely in friendly territory, but he was able to set his machine down in essentially one piece. All the combat had burned through most of my petrol, and I was about to land on fumes at the Mercatel Advanced Landing Field when an Albatros D3 from Jasta 11 arrived with other ideas. I turned with him for a bit, but soon had no choice but to land while I could still do so under power.

The Captain's loss will be keenly felt. Even though I only joined the flight last Thursday, he was clearly the constant that held the flight together.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Gilbert Kerneels-Pépin
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 16, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 6 hexes +60
Two Allied Aircrew Killed (Edeline, Perry) -60
Two Allied Scouts Destroyed (Edeline, Perry) -20
Two Allied Scouts w/ Minor Damage (Carson-Jeffries, Kerneels-Pépin) -6
Mission Offset -80
Total -106
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