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 - Offensive Line Patrol - April 21, 1917.

Sir:

With Lt Grün and 2Lt Kerneels-Pépin at the North Advanced Landing Field after this morning's Balloon Bursting mission, B Flt, No 54 Sqdn, has no scout pilots available for the ordered Offensive Line Patrol. I regret that it must be cancelled.

(signed) Major Benjamin Wagner
C/O, No. 54 Sqdn RFC
April 21, 1917

****************
Victory Points
Failure to Undertake Mission -25
Total -25

1 comment:

Eric M. said...

I have to admit that canceling this mission is somewhat of a relief. Now I don't have to agonize over how much of a risk I should run with my last two scout pilots on the last day of the campaign. I won't have to consider the risks of a Twilight Patrol, either (although that would have been a fitting way to wrap up the campaign).

I am, after this mission, half a point over the cut off for "Full Control of the Skies". Whether I can hold on to that will depend on whether a newly-arrived two-seater crew, on their first mission with the Flight, can at least break even on a Defensive Line Patrol.