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, 6 February 2011

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

Sir:

I thought that a Twilight Patrol would be a suitable way to get familiar with the area around my new assignment. Lt Grün told me that B Flt typically conducted Twilight Patrols between Arras and Bapaume, and approached the lines at 1000 feet to save petrol for multiple strafing passes. I decided to approach the lines at 15,000 feet, in hopes of surprising any HA I might find below me. The petrol required to reach that height, however, would prevent any but the most perfunctory trench strafing. With Grün's strict warnings not to reach the lines until full twilight, and to return immediately if visibility became any more clear, I circled the aerodrome in light cloud until I reached my desired altitude, then headed slowly toward Arras.

As I neared the trenches and descended through 11,000 feet, I saw four Halbertstadt D3s 2000 feet below me. I didn't much fancy the odds, but I thought the best defence would be a good offence, so I dove on them, leaving their formation scattered as I zoomed away. Once I reached 1000 feet, a single Halberstadt D3 attacked me before I could begin "showing the flag". My machine gave me an advantage, and I was able to fire on the Halberstadt a couple times without effect. When he managed to get in position to fire at me, however, I decided it was best to break off.

I made my way rapidly southward, strafing the German trenches as I went. The weather began to clear when I was about halfway to Bapaume, and my gun jammed temporarily on my final strafing run. I came under fire from one of our strongpoints as I turned for home, and had to take evasive action. The sky became brilliantly clear, and despite the failing light, I could see a German two-seater being escorted westward more than 10,000 feet above me. I was glad such excellent visibility held off until I was well on my way back.

(signed) Lieutenant Hamish Lumley
"B" Flight, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 16, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Patrolled 5 Hexes +10
Trench Strafing +10
Total +20
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