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

Saturday 30 April 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Defensive Line Patrol - April 21, 1917.

Sir:

As Lt Grün and 2Lt Kerneels-Pépin were at the North Advanced Landing Field, Sgt Dunfee and I found ourselves to be the only uninjured aircrew at Corbie aerodrome when we arrived this morning. We therefore took on the afternoon Defensive Line Patrol, but with some caution. Not only were we newly arrived, but we would be unescorted, and this was Sgt Dunfee's first combat mission. The weather was misty as we took off and passed over Albert at 15,000 feet. A light rain began falling once we reached 20,000 feet and headed toward the South Advanced Landing Field. Two Albatros D2s were seen patrolling over the field about 7000 feet below us.

Heading north, the rain stopped after we flew over Bapaume. Two Halberstadt D3s were spotted 10,000 feet over Mercatel, and then a Roland C2 escorted by two Albatros D2s only 3000 feet below us. We declined to attack any of them. Turning away from the lines after overflying Arras, we flew to St. Pol and then to Albert without encountering any further HA, and landed at Corbie under light clouds.

(signed) 2nd Lieutenant Maurice Berquist
No. 5 Sqdn RFC
April 21, 1917

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