24 August 2017

The Campaign kicks off - General Grahams initial orders

A peaceful walk through the streets of Suakin prior to hostilities.




Thanks to all who have commented on the first post in the Sudan Campaign thread which started last week.  There is no doubt that the thrill of running or playing in an ongoing campaign at a wargames club or with like minded companions is a wonderful.  The one-off games where it gets to 10.00 pm at the club and you decide to throw in that last charge just for fun has far greater consequences whenever you have to back up your force again the next week in an ongoing campaign scenario.


So in the last post the general situation was unveiled to the players and they were all given a map of the area of strategic operations.  An overall commander stepped forward who would attempt to maintain the co-ordination of the columns as well as take command of one himself.  This was no small undertaking.


The lads all got into the spirit of the Colonial Campaign from the start and the choice of language, style of prose and spirit of adventure was prevalent from the absolute get-go.  Initial orders were dictated at Headquarters and relayed out to the Generals for immediate implementation.






It makes it easy when the chaps enjoy the concept of a colonial campaign and
take on the roles of commanders so well and in the flavour of the period.






Stewart's command out of Suakin would have some crucial tasks.











Major General Davis was intent on battles, fun and a few shenanigans on campaign.









Some standing orders are always a great idea as they take away the...ahem...flexibility
of the umpire to do nasty things in the field. 






Never can go too far in the desert without a ready made zareeba evacuation plan







We all like the characters names from "Four Feathers" don't we?


As you can see from the last image, I had asked all the players to name their Regimental Colonels, Company and Squadron Commanders etcetera to add some flavour to the entire escapade.


So the commands have been allocated and initial orders received from High Command.  How these will be interpreted, acted upon and responded to remain to be seen

14 comments:

  1. To be followed...I love the 'peaceful walk' picture, absolutly superb and atmospheric!

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  2. Thankyou Phil - yes the calm before the storm indeed in that first shot.

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  3. This is going to be a fun campaign to follow. Are the columns factoring the need to establish outposts behind them to guard the lines of supply back to their bases on the coast? Or is this up to the individual player? It seems that water and wells will be an important factor to consider in the campaign.

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    1. Yes indeed Jim - it is the responsibility of the commanders to determine their own supply routes and protect their lines as much as possible. Water will indeed be a key player in these early moves.

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  4. I say Carruthers, that's damn fine preparation for what promises to be a jolly good campaign against those Fuzzy Wuzzy devils. Looking forward to the next despatch on the steamer back to Blighty. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Yes indeed Andy - break out the port methinks!

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  5. Replies
    1. It certainly does AJ - the early turns of any campaign are always fascinating.

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  6. Fantastic stuff Carlo I just wish I leave close by and we could mix our collections together...think of the games we could have...almost 1 for 1 scale...well maybe for the British.

    Regards

    Nathan

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    1. They would be a hell of a lot of gun Nathan that's for sure. Glad you are enjoying it so far.

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  7. Wonderful work, Carlo, and most inspiring as well. Your rules have pushed me over the edge again and I have been collecting Peter's Sudan figures. I have hundreds ready to base. Your recent postings will get me going on doing that. Keep up the good work.

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    1. Thank you Hal and it's always great to see and hear about the resurgence of Sudan wargaming and the popularity of the rules and Peters figures as well as the wonderful ranges from Perry, Redoubt etc. Make sure you send through some photos of your collection.

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  8. General Graham, CiC Imperial Sudan Force,
    Jolly fine looking list of fellows you have assembled there...all the best chaps in command too by jingo...as I've always postulated nothing better than some British types to sort out the natives!
    Best Regards,
    Captain Darling
    Seriously there's some serendipity for you here, my Sands of Sudan rules and cards arrived in the mail today and I see this!
    Interesting sounding campaign I look forward to seeing how it developes,

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    1. Now that's what I call perfect timing and so pleased the rules arrived safe and sound. I hope the campaign posts prove suitably inspirational for you and your wargaming colleagues.

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