6 October 2016

"What's all the fuss old boy?" - Rescuing the Governor scenario concludes in fine colonial fashion!

Things are going well for the British column as both enemy mounted and foot suffer severe reverses at the wadi and
the desert crest and are now in full flight.  Can the advantage be exploited?


Apologies for the delay in getting this final instalment up on the blog however their have been distractions from outside the hobby and within in the past fortnight - all of them good!  So without further delay lets see how this particular scenario played out.


Beja or good old fashioned Fuzzy Wuzzies as I like to call them, hit the 28th!

Colonel Sinjin Neville-Bird prepares to lead by example


I touched earlier on in part one of the game that the various Regimental Colonels that were being played by actual players were allowed to have a characteristic that would assist them during the game.  Colonel Neville-Bird, played by Martin in typical fashion was blessed as follows:


  
“Son of Mars”
This particular chap grew up reading of the exploits of Alexander, Leonidas and The Black Prince and so believes himself to be a 19th century warrior poet best suited for earlier times.  He is a dashing and courageous leader who fights from the front and adds a +1 on every melee combat result he is actively involved in. 


He is more inclined to take a wound however and must roll a d6 after every round of fighting.  On a roll of 1-4 he is unscathed.  Roll of a 5 gives him one wound and a 6 gives him two wounds. 


If this takes him over his capacity he has died a hero for Queen and Country.


The Royal Marine Light Infantry continue their pursuit of a defeated group of natives as
the Naval Brigade look for a drink along with their mules.


Back at the rear of the column the Egyptians get a move on along with the intrepid newsman Roger Pack..."Now tell
me how do you spell Gadafhi?"

The advance goes pressing on - the village is cleared and the rocky outcrop is next.

Another view of the victorious column cavalry having done a sterling job


As if the 28th Bengal Native Infantry don't have enough on their plate more Hadendowah appear on the flank 

A rallying cry from the Emir manages to bring around this retreat.

A view down the table to show just how far the column lead elements have travelled...

...and indeed how close they are to their objective


The 9th Bengal Lancers, albeit with severely depleted ranks, once again take on the enemy whilst the 10th Hussars, much fresher than their colonial colleague counterparts, give a mighty cry as they surge into the foot. 

Near the oasis the 28th fight for dear life on a number of fronts

"Hold the line their Sergeant Patel!"

Fierce fighting just outside the wadi and within spitting distance of the town.

"Haven't you ever seen the hand of God before?" - Martin takes off some casualties as they try and outlast the Beja.
The Gordon's continue their advance up to the rocks as enemy cavalry appear past the palms 


From the rear another captured Egyptian gun appears - lovely Greg Blake designed Cannon Fodder miniatures piece


Column of companies with a long way to march


Colonel Ponsonby and General Cole use all their dexterity to move their men forward.


The Mahdists are again in flight before the town walls as the garrison looks on having not fired a shot
under direct orders from their commanding Governor.  "No point egging them on you know old boy!"


The local Emir is not prepared to go down without a fight and sends forth more mounted and foot to take
on the RMLI and the Gordon's, the latter fresh from having destroyed the enemy rifles.

An incredible battle.  The brave and courageous Fuzzies "stuck" in the melee with Martins lads for two
miraculous turns however in the end their lack of numbers couldn't sway the outcome.  The 28th are safe
but, as you can see, have received an incredible mauling

As Major General Cole rides to the gates the RMLI receive a mounted charge and prepare to open fire...and miss!!

At the same time the 10th Hussars make short work of this isolated band of Mahdists

The 9th Bengal Lancers finally see off the brave Hadendowah cavalry who have been harassing them for most
of the day.

The Mahdists who had gathered on the hill in menacing numbers high-tail it off the board as the Scots move
up to engage them.  Something to be said about men in kilts hey Graham C?
 
Having already rebuffed the passioned entreaties from several junior officers sent to the town to convince him
to leave the town, major General Cole himself fronts up.

He still looks quite defiant atop the roof

However even this fool can see that the time has come to make his way down the stairs with his good lady and seek
a cool Gin and Tonic at the Bengal Club back in Suakin.
Despite the losses from the 9th Bengal Lancers and the 28th Bengal Foot, the column arrived in reasonable shape.


The scenario itself was enormous fun, made all the better by the fine spirit in which the game was played.  Well done to all the lads for enjoying their exploits in the Sudan.


The players in our Victorian romp: From the left Mark H (Colonel The Honourable William Ponsonby), my good self, Stephen B (Colonel Alastair MacDonald), Steve N (Major General Cole), Steve Y (Colonel William Gibson), Martin S (Colonel Sir Sinjin Neville-Bird)... 


...and missing the photograph as he was still bringing up the rear the irrepressible Mark B (Colonel Gadhafi)


I will post in a week or so a few of the rules and scenario notes we used in the game for reference and comment.


All the very best.

22 comments:

  1. I was glad to see the rest of the story today. I like happy endings too. It's a magnificent collection of figures you have there. Congratulations to all the players too.

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    1. Thank you Duke. Yes the collection has been accumulated over quite a few years and the lads all enjoyed pushing them around I think so everyone pleased...thank goodness.

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    1. Cheers Gordon and great to see you back having a look at the colonials.

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  3. What a Fantastic game to have been a participant.
    Great storyline, exquisite figures.
    Hobby perfection.
    Regards
    John

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    1. Thank you John and as you can see, the game was the perfect blend of wargame, friends and laughs...with some good food and a few pints thrown in for atmospheric effect.

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  4. Classic! I'm pleased you all had so much fun playing out the scenario. I wish I could've taken part. As for the fine units involved, several awards of the Order of British India should go to the stalwart chaps of the 9th Bengal Lancers and the 28th Bengal Foot for their sterling performance.

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    1. Hi AJ and thanks once again for the scenario as well. I think some decorations all round are certainly in order!

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  5. Absolutely splendid old boy. Jolly good showing. They don't like it up 'em don't those fuzzies. That said, it is always good to see the enemy posing a stiff challenge to the Imperial bods. Stimulates the grey matter. Thanks for this report. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Cheers Andy and greatly appreciated. This was a great fun game and all the participants had a wonderful time playing the game, some for the very first time. Very enjoyable.

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  6. A grand showing... Many a tale to be told for sure.

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    1. Thanks Dave - I am very much looking forward to your write up on the weekend you just spent away as well and the Sudan game you put on.

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  7. All back in time for tea and medals!

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    1. More likely a roll and a pint of cider with this lot Matt :^)

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  8. Ah what can I say Carlo your gaming and tables are always of the finest quality any mad gamer could ever dream of.

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    1. Thanks Nathan as always for your very generous comments. Great fun game had by all and the tiles in this hall light always look good. If only I could stop the boys playing the game from shifting them with those middle-aged bodies :^)

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  9. Thanks Carlo. Great game and great AAR.

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    1. Cheers Mark - it as a great day of gaming.

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  10. Carlo,
    Superb game report and a fitting ending. Yes indeed beware the men in kilts! Lovely photos and it's obvious everyone had a great time.
    Graham

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  11. Thanks Graham - yes indeed quite a few laughs and a fair amount of gentle ribbing. Great day.

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  12. Fabulous game Carlo - took me back to the campaign I took part in for Wargames World many moons ago
    Ian

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    1. Great to hear that Ian - very heartened by so many wargames remembring great times at the WHC.

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