20 November 2014

15th Sikhs of the Suakin Field Force 1885

15th Sikhs take up the defence of a small settlement on the outskirts of El Teb.
Now that the rules are out and available I thought it might be an idea to put a few of the Sudan units in the collection on display to showcase the lovely Connoisseur figures as well as to provide another insight into the array of troops involved in the campaign.

The first unit comprises the 15th Sikhs which were part of the mixed Indian Brigade which sailed from Bombay following the death of Gordon and the fall of Khartoum in January 1885.  This formation consisted of the 15th Sikhs themselves, 9th Bengal Cavalry, 17th Bengal Infantry, 28th Bombay Infantry and a company of Madras Sapper and Miners.



The skirmishing company head out.  In the rules each battalion can send out a company of skirmishers to see if they can find any hostiles lurking in the mimosa.  Though not necessary to have skirmishing bases I had spare figures and modelled them on the wider bases for purely aesthetic purposes.

British Commanding Officer in the background belting out orders.


Though these are Sikhs by uniform they actually appear in the Connoisseur lists as Indian Infantry and I use them to represent any of the brave Indian forces that fought in the Sudan in much the same manner I will use Yorks and Lancs to represent Kents if required.
This view actually shows how the roof on these Sudan settlements can be taken off so that figures can be paced inside if necessary.  Not essential for "The Sands of Sudan" however pretty useful when fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan using moderns...heaven forbid!!
 
Colour plate from Military Modelling December 1984 from a sensational article by Michael Barthorp on the Suakin Field force 1884-85.  Colour plates by the wonderfully talented R.J.Marion - who else!

These are a unit with an increasingly good history of diligently performing the tasks assigned in our battles.  Lets see if they continue their form in the next game.

20 comments:

  1. Excellent - and I love that reference to Military Modelling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mark - how old am I with Military Modelling plates? Dave Barker used to get them in bulk from his local newsagency and bring them to teh club on a Monday night at Subiaco Uniting Church Hall. Always a thrill and a steal at $4.80!

      Delete
  2. Very nice, Carl! The big battalions are most impressive!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you Simon - there is something very nostalgic about 60+figures at the ready which screams Grant, Featherstone, Young and Gilder to me. I was looking at some old WI Connoisseur adverts they used to have on their inside covers -foot for 45p. Wouldn't that be lovely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Reading between the lines, it looks like you prefer the Connoisseurs to the Perrys. Is this because you wanted to catch the style of the old Gilder games? Or were you collecting Connoiseeurs first?

      Delete
    2. That's an interesting question Simon. I think it's the look of those games from the old magazines and the way the Connoisseurs simply look the part. The figures are so lovely. However I also love Perry Miniatures as my Napoleonics collection can attest! Connoisseurs were also part of the first collection that hit our group started however I do look with great admiration and Diary of a Gaming Magpies Perry Sudans.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the shout-out Carlo. One day I'd love to have my units as big as yours as the look awesome - alas neither the budget or time are on my side!

      Delete
    4. Hi P - I have been fortunate and patient over many years in collecting these little metal chaos. I do love your collection though mate. Top notch!

      Delete
  4. Brilliant - I have them and the Lancers earmarked as the next units for my Sudan project so your post was timely... any chance you could post the full Mil Mod article, or let me know which specific issue so I can try and track it down on eBay??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very impressive unit, I also have a fondness for the Indian infantry units.

      I'd also be interested in seeing more of the MM article.

      Delete
  5. Hi Steve - that's a great idea. I will post my Bengal Lancers in the next week and then the article as well. Quite a few great old articles from those early mags in the collection.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carlo,
    First class. I have to admit you have sorely tested me and I've been studying the Connoisseur lists, however I want to get started and playing ASAP so I'm afraid 15mm it will be. More info on the article would be useful

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Graham - you'll love the next few weeks then as the old units get a bit more of an airing. Will get the article in full up on the site very soon. 15mm will be perfect for these rules as well and the scale wild be sensational and allow some fantastic games.

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely stuff, Carlo. I like to see the Indian forces represented. They add that touch of Imperial splendour to the tabletop.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi AJ - that is so true!! Bengal Lancers next my friend and then the battery!

      Delete
  9. Splendid work Carlo my friend. I am going to start a Sudan Campagin over the Christmas break and I was hoping you might have some idea on the best system to use?

    Regards

    Nathan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nathan and greatly hear from you. Hope PNG is treating u well! I am currently starting some preliminary work on the campaign rules as I type so maybe a bit off. However you are probably the ideal chap to have a play around with them as well. Just about to pack up your copies so I can get them in the post first thing Monday. Crazy week ahead work wise!!

      Delete
    2. Thanks Carlo you are a true gentleman and thank you for sending the rules through. I return on the 7th Dec so I am truely looking forward to unwrapping the parcel. PNG is hot, raining but the people of friendly and I am geting well looked after, so I can not complain.

      Thanks again

      Nathan

      Delete
  10. Rules arrived yesterday - excellent stuff. My Sudan project will be using 20mm Jacklex figures, I hope to start painting this weekend. Positively enthused by your efforts, Sir!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great to hear Matt - haven't hear of those figures do would be great yo look them up. Playing a A Sudan game here Saturday.

    ReplyDelete