Gotha

Gotha: The generic term for the big German bombing aeroplanes which made raids over London. From the name of the "Gotha Wagen Fabrik," at Gotha, in Germany, the place of manufacture. The Germans got the model from a giant British Handley Page Bombing Machine of exceptional design, with an 80 feet wing span, the first of its kind. Sent across from England the pilot by mistake landed in the enemy's lines with his machine intact, and the raiding Gothas were copied from it. That is the popular story, on which, since the war, some doubt has been thrown. A monument, representing a model Gotha machine, stands in the town of Gotha to commemorate the bombings of London.

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
Browse other terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z