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 29 April 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Balloon Bursting - April 21, 1917.

Zones A & C

Sir:

2Lt Kerneels-Pépin and I took off in light rain this morning to attack German balloons north of Arras. The rain turned to mist, and we crossed the lines at 1000 feet. Kerneels-Pépin's machine was hit by ground fire near Vimy, but took no serious damage. We continued over Lens, but did not find a balloon until we were north of Hill 70. Two Albatros D2s were defending it. They attacked us, but soon lost us in the mist. We then turned our attention to the balloon. Kerneels-Pépin made the first pass, but caused no damage. I managed to hit it, however, and my Buckingham ammunition caused an explosion.

We continued northward and found a second balloon at nearly the limit of our sector. Both of us hit the balloon on our first pass and missed on our second. My third pass set the envelope on fire.

I set a course for the most direct route to Corbie, as we were at nearly the limit of our petrol. The mist lifted and the rain resumed, revealing us to an Albatros D3 in the vicinity of our first balloon. Kerneels-Pépin and I got separated, but were able to rejoin after the Albatros broke off. Shortly thereafter, when we reached the trench lines, another Albatros D3 attacked. This one seemed to focus his attention on me, but soon had gun trouble and ended the engagement.

Two Albatros D2s attacked us next. Once again, I lost contact with Kerneels-Pépin, and when we found one another again, it was clear that these three combats had left us far too little petrol for a return to the aerodrome. We made our way, instead, to the North Advanced Landing Field, where we set down safely.

(signed) Lieutenant Wolfgang Grün
Acting B Flight Leader, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 21, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Two Balloons Destroyed (Grün) +50
Use of Advanced Landing Field by Two Undamaged Aircraft (Grün, Kerneels-Pépin) -4
Mission Offset -20
Total +26
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1 comment:

Eric M. said...

Before the mission, the Major took Grün aside and told him that regardless of the standing orders concerning the use of Buckingham ammunition, Grün was expected to keep Hostile Aircraft off Kerneels-Pépin's tail if necessary. Grün did, in fact, fire once at a German aircraft. But with two balloons to his credit on this mission, there is no question, officially, about what his ammunition was used for.

29 April 2011 at 05:02

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