Gotha Raider: WWI German Attacks on London 2027

The year is 1917. After incurring heavy losses with its Zeppelin fleet, the German high command decides to continue the strategic air offensive against England with a fleet of bombers, including some of the largest biplane bombers in existence. Operating from bases in occupied Belgium, it was determined that even London can be reached, and so planning for “Operation Turkenkreuz” begins.

Gotha Raider is a solitaire game that places you in command of a group of German Gotha Bombers (Kagohl 3, the “Englandgeschwader”) in World War I. The object of the game is to conduct numerous bombing missions and to inflict maximum damage to installations on the southeast coast of England and inside London. The success of each sortie is reflected by the level of bombing damage achieved during the bomb run, with enough damage to London culminating in your receiving the highly coveted Pour le Mérite.

You will face relentless risks, as each sortie becomes more hazardous due to the passage of time and the new and more advanced enemy aircraft you will be engaging. Additionally, the High Command will be pressuring you for results to help boost the flagging morale of the German populace. The ultimate level of success you achieve rests considerably on the decisions you make.

-description from publisher's website

Gotha Raider is a solitaire game from designer Gregory M. Smith that places you in command of a group of German Gotha Bombers (Kagohl 3, the “Englandgeschwader”) in World War I. The object of the game is to conduct numerous bombing missions and to inflict maximum damage to installations on the southeast coast of England and inside London.

Issue 116 of Paper Wars, winter 2026-2027

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