BHGS Challenge

Introduction.

This is a multi-player game set in the closing stages of World War I. It pitches two fledgling Squadrons/Jagdstaff

els against each other as they fly above the trenches on the Western Front.

Having been allocated a Squadron/Jasta each player takes the record card of a freshly trained pilot officer. Novice pilots were sent to the front with woefully inadequate training and like them your new pilot has limited ability and a short life expectancy.

As the pilot gains experience so his skills improve along with his prospects, until he becomes a deadly ace and a highly decorated national hero. It is however a dangerous profession and the pilot may not achieve that goal. Wounds, death or being made prisoner of war may suddenly end his career. Then the player simply takes another twenty minute perisher from the pool of available pilots and tries again.

The newly formed squadrons only have an assorted pool of obsolete aeroplanes available to them when the game starts. More up to-date machines become obtainable as the squadron pilots begin to prove themselves until the very latest machines are made accessible to the top aces.

Squadrons will be required to perform a variety of missions as well as the routine fighter patrols. Success, or otherwise determines the squadron's reputation. Each squadron will gain points from successful missions. Do not forget, high command is only interested in the squadron's strategic value in winning the war.

In contrast, who is the highest scoring pilot? Who at the game end has the premier reputation and glory? Remember though, the highest scoring ace of the First World War was on the loosing side and although a winner, the pilot with the highest score may, like the Red Baron, be dead by the end of the game!

Day to Day business.
Each Squadron has to be led by the most senior ranking pilot. If there are a two or more pilots of the same rank the one with the longest service, if they joined at the same time, then by mutual consent. The squadron leader is only usurped by a pilot out-ranking him. N.B. rank is not to be confused with reputation.

At the start of each campaign day the Flight Commanders decide the type of activity the squadron will carry out. There is the choice of combat patrols, intercept flights or strategic missions. However, if High Command decides there is an assignment of importance, they will dictate the mission for that day and issue the appropriate orders.

Combat patrols consist of the squadron flying along a pre-set flight plan and attacking any enemy aircraft encountered during the flight. Should hostile aircraft be sighted off the registered flight plan the flight leader may alter course to intercept.

Intercept Flights remain on the ground awaiting sightings from front line observers who report as the enemy aircraft cross the line. Intercepting aircraft then take off and manoeuvre to attack the enemy flight.

Strategic missions are issued by High Command. If the Squadron commander elects to carry out a strategic mission, he applies to Wing Headquarters who will issue the mission orders from a selection available for the day.

The planning and execution of the particular mission is up to the Squadron/Staffel Commander and the members of the flight. Generally speaking they will consist of a specific target or operation; the flight commander will plot his flight plan to and from the target. Some of the missions, bombing and photo reconnaissance for example will require the use of a two seat aircraft, which may be provided by a neighbouring squadron (and flown by the umpire).

Typical Strategic missions: Trench strafing, a particular section of the front line will be attacked by the squadron's aircraft using machine guns and light bombs. Bombing mission, a specific target will be attacked with one or two bombers. Artillery observation and Photo-reconnaissance, similar missions where members of the squadron will be expected to provide close escort duties and protect the vulnerable two-seaters.

The game is played at two levels. The umpire compares the flight plans and squadron orders for the day and plots the operations on his map. Intercepts are then transferred to the table and the opposing pilots adjust the goggles, warm the guns and prepare for action.

As the end of the dogfight the points are tallied up. Successful operations gain squadron points, individual pilots progress their careers as promotion and medals are awarded. However other players may be ruefully reaching for the new pilot's roster and wondering if this new perisher is better than the last one.