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 22 April 2011

54 Sqdrn. 'B' Flight - Offensive Line Patrol - April 20, 1917.

Zone A

Sir:

While I am aware of my orders not to conduct operations across the lines, I am also aware that B Flt, No. 54 Sqdn, was ordered to conduct an offensive line patrol today. A single SPAD VII, even in the capable hands of Lt Grün, is hardly a signficant offensive force, so I accompanied him. We took off in a thunderstorm, which alternated with periods of heavy cloud as we flew to Arras at 1000 feet. My gun jammed as we strafed the German trenches on our way over, but I was able to clear it. A goods train was spotted near Vimy, and again my gun jammed, but Grün managed to cause some damage. I cleared this second jam, but it did no good. Neither of us could hit a supply convoy found near Lens.

With the heavy cloud concealing us from HA, I decided to continue beyond Hill 70, where we attacked another supply convoy. Both of us achieved hits, and I made the signal to return to the aerodrome. We took a route along the German trenches, which we strafed from Hill 70 to Arras. Our flight back to Corbie was in light rain, which stopped just as we landed. Both our machines were found to have suffered superficial damage from ground fire.

(signed) Major Benjamin Wagner
C/O, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 20, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Two Hits on Supply Convoy (Wagner, Grün) +4
One Hit on Goods Train (Grün) +2
Trench Strafing +13
Patrolled 5 hexes -0
Total +19
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