Strategy & Tactics #255: First Battle of Britain – The Air War Over England, 1917–18 is a two-player wargame of intermediate complexity designed by Joseph Miranda. It recreates the German bomber offensive against Britain during the final years of World War I — the first sustained aerial campaign in history and a harbinger of modern strategic warfare. Players control either the Imperial German Air Service or Britain’s defending forces, fighting for control of the skies in a campaign where morale mattered as much as destruction.

• Historical Context: Between 1917 and 1918, German Zeppelins and Gotha bombers launched repeated raids against British cities, attempting to break morale and force Britain to divert resources from the front. The campaign marked the first time Britain faced a direct threat from the air — a psychological and tactical revolution that reshaped warfare forever.
• Game Objective: In First Battle of Britain, players compete to earn morale points. The German player wins by panicking the British populace through effective bombing raids, while the British player must intercept attacks, maintain air superiority, and manage national morale. Physical damage plays a secondary role — psychological warfare determines victory.
• Scale and System: Each hex represents 5 miles, and each operational turn equals one month. Within each month, players conduct up to 24 flying turns, each covering 20 minutes of flight time. Air units represent squadrons or flights of aircraft, while ground-based units include early warning stations, anti-aircraft guns, and naval air elements.
• Aircraft and Units: The German side fields Albatross, Pfalz, and Fokker fighters alongside Gotha and Riesen bombers from elite formations such as Kagohl 3 and the “England Squadron.” The British counter with Avro 504s, Sopwith Camels, Se5As, and Handley Page bombers, supported by the Royal Naval Air Service and coastal patrols. Each aircraft type is rated for air combat, bombardment, speed, and pursuit.
• Three Historical Scenarios:
  • Scenario 1 (1917): Early raids and the buildup of both air forces.
  • Scenario 2 (1918): Both sides at full operational strength.
  • Scenario 3 (Campaign): A full recreation of the entire 1917–18 air war, lasting approximately eight hours of play.

With its mix of operational management and tactical air combat, First Battle of Britain delivers a unique perspective on early air warfare — where fragile biplanes, giant bombers, and daring pilots defined a new era of strategic military thinking.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour map of Britain and the North Sea
• 176 die-cut counters featuring detailed aircraft art by Larry Hoffman
• Three complete scenarios covering 1917, 1918, and the full campaign
• Rules for air-to-air combat, bombardment, morale, and training
• Playable in 4–8 hours depending on scenario length

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Squadron
Hex: 5 Miles
Turn: 1 Month (Operational) / 20 Minutes (Flying)

Strategy & Tactics #255: First Battle of Britain – The Air War Over England, 1917–18 captures the dawn of strategic air warfare with precision and drama. Players experience the innovation, courage, and uncertainty of aviation’s first great campaign — where flimsy machines carried the weight of national morale.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted destination for wargames, strategy titles, and historical simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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