27 September 2016

The Tale of Two Commands : Can the Governor hold on?




Our intrepid newspaper correspondent seeks a closer look as the Egyptians do battle!
As you can no doubt recall the last instalment of our relief and rescue column found our young and valued allies the Egyptian Foot looking at copping a bit of a hiding at the hands of the Mahdist Camels.  These brave locals were attempting to finish off the column by attacking the rear of the formation.


Colonel Sinjin Neville Bird continues his advance to clear the oasis.  Beautiful Connoisseur Miniatures Sudan
figures from the Bicorne Miniatures company in the United Kingdom 


The 10th Hussars storm past the now safe outlying buildings and look to support the Bengal Lancers

Mahdist cavalry and infantry move quickly upon the advance forces




Rifle fire from the rocky outcrop prove to be somewhat inconsequential in the early stages

Need to better secure those moving tiles methinks!!

The Royal Marine Light Infantry take on an almighty Beja charge - "Here's to you Fuzzy Wuzzy!"


"Well done chaps!" - "B" and "C" Company, The 3rd Egyptian Foot distinguish themselves against the odds.  Once
again love the Connoisseur sculpts and the Peter Gilder designed falling camels are superb!
Our brave Egyptians fight tremendously well against the Mahdist Camels and their fire as they charge in makes the melee and easier task.  Colonel Gadhafi aka Mark B is cheered by all and sundry around the table...with the exception of the Umpire!


Roger Pack looks mightily impressed as well

The Mahdist cavalry hit the 9th Bengal Lancers whilst the Hussars take on a large force on foot near the wadi

Another angle of the action

Captain Colin Taggart of The Gordon's takes to forming up his "C" Company into skirmish formation
to take on the enemy rifles who are starting to become a nuisance!


The command of the 28th Bengals starts to become tenuous as more Mahdist foot appear to the flank

The artillery start to bring fire to bear on enemy units threatening the rear

General Cole looks on as the action starts to heat up

Our players seem slightly subdued as new enemy appear on all sides


Could this be the end of the 28th Bengals Native Infantry?
So the battle is evenly poised.


The rear is now secure however the left flank which is entirely in the hands of Martin's command under Colonel Bird is all that stands between the masses of Hadendowah and the soft centre of the column.


The 28th Bengal Native Infantry have already been weakened by the ambush from the oasis so is not at full strength and quite strung out.  One can only speculate what the can do to stem the flow of enemy upon the field.

26 comments:

  1. What a thrilling story beautifully illustrated. It's a reminder of the strengths of some of the older figures. I particularly like the hussars because there 's something very workmanlike about cavalry with their swords still sheathed. Great figures in a setting that shows them off. I look forward to the next part of the report.

    Stephen

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    1. Thank you for your comments Stephen and I absolutely concur on your thoughts regarding the older figures. I particularly think so many of the older Connoisseur horses are as good as you can buy.

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  2. It's always a real pleasure to look at your wonderful figures...congrats to you...and to your intrepid newspaper correspondent!

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    1. Thanks Phil and greatly appreciated. The figures still look ok all these years on that's for sure.

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  3. Oh thinks look like they are hotting up nicely!

    Cracking classic photos Carlo

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    1. Oh and why not try affixing magnets to the moving boards?

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    2. Thanks Dave - yes the game developed at quite a pace from this point thats for sure. Magnets hey...that could work!

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  4. Mahdis, Fuzzy Wuzzys, camels, enemy foot & cavalry and not to forget the earthquakes - it's all go!

    That intrepid newspaper correspondent in the first picture is hopefully scribbling quickly as his dedicated readers are keen to hear and see more. 8O)

    Salute
    von Peter himself

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    1. Cheers Peter - yes one imagines the tectonic plates were the last thing that the good general had planned for. Take care.

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  5. Fantastic instalment of a very exciting encounter. The rules always have the players on edge as one bad die roll as the mahdists charge in can result in devastation. Can't wait for chapter 4. Great read and plenty of eye candy. Well done Carlo.

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    1. Thanks Andy - all going well with the column with only a few hiccups so far. The RMLI may have a 1 in them soon though!!

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  6. Surely the Bengal Infantry will hold? The Colonel's VC depends upon it!

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    1. One can only hope Matt, one can only hope. Don't they normally award the Victoria Cross at disasters though? MMmmmm...

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  7. It's all gripping stuff! The column has secured a line of retreat - but that won't help His Excellency the Governor. I hope the 28th BNI hold out or it'll all be to play for. Well done to the stalwart chaps of the Egyptian companies! They do sometimes come good.

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    1. Yes the Egyptian foot surprised everyone, not least their own player commanding them which was wonderful to see. The 28th are pretty important at present and I know Martin consistently shook his head whenever every random arrival ended up on his side of the table.

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  8. Fantastic images from a fantastic game. Thanks for sharing Carlo.

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    1. Thank you Nathan - yes the terrain has that right colour and consistency for my amateur photographic skills using Bens old pocket Kodak we gave him as a Christmas present ten years ago!

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  9. My favourite Colonial Collection. Never get tired of viewing these beautiful figures.
    Regards
    John

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    1. Coming from you John that is high praise indeed. Many thanks for your continued kind words and support.

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  10. Carlo,
    John stole my thunder the collection was certainly one of Peter's best. It oozes the period in its figures. You're collection brings back all that excitement and inspiration that seeing Peter's articles used to.
    Fantastic game excitingly poised
    Thank you
    Graham

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    1. Thank you very much Graham. I am very happy to see two luminaries such as yourself and John popping past to see the Sudan get a run. I am always in awe of Peter Gilders articles in those early Wargames Illustrated, Miniature Wargames and Wargames Worlds which inspired my dabbling in the period. I am hoping to post the final installment of this game this week so stay posted.

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  12. Cracking blog it's inspired me to buy the rules and do it in 6mm.

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    1. Excellent news Doc - send through some pictures when you get the collection up and running.

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  13. I will when there complete. Most of the imperial troops are painted about 700 just basing to do. then 1400 fuzies to buy

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    1. Look forward to seeing them mate - hope they are progressing well!

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