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 15 March 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Defensive Line Patrol - April 18, 1917.

Sir:

As No. 54 Sqdn was fully occupied with trench strafing this afternoon, Sgt Barnes and I took on a Defensive Line Patrol on their behalf. Sgts Hill and Woollacott were our pilots, bringing us up to 20,000 feet through light rain. After passing over Albert, invisible beneath the cloud, we spotted a pair of Halberstadt D3s far below us. Lt Grün had emphasized that we were not to engage in combat unless the odds were in our favour, previously damaged aircraft or lone Halberstadts, so we continued to the South Advanced Landing Field. Turning north, the weather improved to light cloud by the time we reached Mercatel. After overflying St. Pol, I chose to fly slightly nearer the lines than a direct return to Albert would require, in the hope of surprising a lone or damage HA. The decision paid off, as we soon found a single Halberstadt D3 below us, and we dived to attack. Woollacott took us in first and missed, but Hill scored hits. Unfortunately, the Halberstadt disappeared into the clouds before we could turn back for another try. We climbed back to 20,000 feet and returned to Corbie, where it was still raining.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Erskine Ford
No. 5 Sqdn RFC
April 18, 1917

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Victory Points
Patrolled 9 Checkpoints +18
Mission Offset -12
Total +6
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