Strategy & Tactics #331: On to Baghdad – The Campaign in Mesopotamia & Persia 1914–1918 is a two-player operational-strategic wargame that recreates the often-overlooked desert campaigns of the First World War in the Middle East. From the British invasion of Mesopotamia to the collapse of Ottoman control, this game captures the military and geopolitical struggle that reshaped the modern Middle East.

• Historical Background: During World War I, the British and Indian Armies launched a campaign up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to secure oil resources and safeguard imperial interests in the Persian Gulf. The Ottoman Empire, bolstered by German and Austro-Hungarian support, sought to resist these advances and expand its influence into Persia and beyond. The campaign saw grueling riverine operations, harsh desert conditions, and shifting alliances among local Persian and Arab factions. On to Baghdad explores these strategic challenges, offering players the chance to rewrite the fate of the Middle East between 1914 and 1918.
• Gameplay & Objectives: The Allied player commands the British-Indian forces, supported by Russian contingents, pro-Allied Persians, Kuwaitis, and partisans. Their goal is to gain strategic control of Mesopotamia and Persia, securing vital oil regions and major cities. The Central Powers player leads the Ottoman Turks, with assistance from German and Austro-Hungarian forces, pro-Central Powers Persians, and regional partisans. Their mission is to hold critical ground, protect Baghdad, and threaten British influence throughout the Persian Gulf and India. Success requires careful management of logistics, alliances, and movement across some of the harshest terrain of the war.
• Game System & Scale: On to Baghdad operates at an operational-strategic scale. Each hex represents 35 kilometres, and each turn equals six months of campaign time. The map spans the deserts, rivers, and mountain passes of Mesopotamia and Persia, challenging players to balance movement and supply over immense distances. Ground units represent divisions (with breakdowns for smaller operations), air units represent squadrons, and partisans model local guerrilla forces that can sway the balance of power. The rules capture river transport, oil field control, diplomacy, and the fragile logistics that defined warfare in this theatre.
• Strategic Depth: Both sides must navigate political instability, limited communication, and complex alliances. The Allies must extend their supply lines deep into Ottoman territory, while the Central Powers must defend vast frontiers and maintain local support. The game reflects the interplay of imperial ambition, resource competition, and modern warfare in a region that would become the focal point of global geopolitics for the next century.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map of Mesopotamia and Persia, including Baghdad, Basra, and key oil regions
• 176 die-cut counters representing Allied and Central Powers divisions, squadrons, and partisans
• Complete rules for land, air, and irregular warfare, plus logistics and political control
• Player aids and setup instructions for fast and balanced play

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Operational / Strategic
Hex: 35 Kilometres
Turn: 6 Months
Units: Divisions, Air Squadrons, Partisans

Gameplay Focus: On to Baghdad delivers a sweeping simulation of World War I’s desert campaign, combining historical depth with accessible, strategic gameplay. Players experience the tension of long-distance warfare, the importance of oil and logistics, and the clash between modern armies and traditional forces in a vast, unforgiving landscape.

Strategy & Tactics #331: On to Baghdad – The Campaign in Mesopotamia & Persia 1914–1918 is a compelling game for enthusiasts of World War I history, Middle Eastern strategy, and grand operational wargaming.

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

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