Chapter 64: Chartwell's Report

Date: April 30, 1903
Location: Channelside House; Gen. Pettygree's Home
Situation: Surajistan Report By Col. Chartwell
Rules: Colonial BAR

See Previous Chapter 63 Here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2013/04/chapter-63-two-and-half-years-later.html
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The day began simply enough. One could say it was similar to many days since my permanent arrival home more than two years ago. I no longer thought much about future days being different. Retirement and family life were my proper new duties. Mary and I rose early, breakfasted, additional plans for Channelside's renovation were discussed, lunch followed and in the late afternoon we walked our land.

As we were about to go in for tea, an officer dressed in ceremonials of the Third Dragoon Guards rode in requesting my attention. Colonel Chartwell had been sent from Horse Guards with a report concerning my former command in Surajistan. 

I knew Mary was thinking I might receive orders to return to the Army. For the moment it was best to excuse her from specifics. Not wanting to burden her with military matters I suspected might be upsetting....

We rode to and from The Channel Coast nearby to talk.

Chartwell: "It's the wretched Thugees General. Their devilish allies too. The Armistice was broken by them a fortnight ago. Fort Grant, Colonel Smythe and the garrison were severely attacked. We received copious news until the 15th. ultimo when the telegraph...." 

Pettygree: "Went dead! No news since?" [Chartwell gestured no.] What do we know?"

Chartwell: "Apparently Colonel Smythe suspected something."

Chartwell: "On the 13th., he ordered the entire 9th Lancers out for a dawn scout eastwards."

Chartwell: "Senior Captain Paget led four squadrons to the bridge and...."

Pettygree: "I can see it in my mind from memory; crossed there many times." 

Chartwell: "As the Sun rose, leading squadrons began to deploy when...."

Chartwell: "Concealed Thugee horsemen charged across a great distance."

Pettygree: "The vexing fiends!"

Chartwell: "At first our sowars held their own. One account even remarks an enraged Bengal Tiger attacked and dismounted some Thugees."

Pettygree: "Capital."

Chartwell: "The enemy began receiving the worst of the combat. Their northern body fled and though Paget tried to hold one squadron, they pursued the foe cutting them all down. I presume the enemy's horses were blown from their long charge."

Chartwell: "Elsewhere the melee was general; the foe coming from several directions."

Chartwell: "Colonel Smythe had the garrison stand to sending several companies to support the lancers. Fire from the fort was effectual so I am told Sir."

Chartwell: "As Paget's sowars returned from their merry pursuit, it was all but over. The Tugs were beaten and flying eastward. Our lancers pursued willy-nilly all over the countryside."

Pettygree: "Was that devil KHAN in command?"

Chartwell: "Yes Sir. --- When the regiment reformed, wounded were carried into the fort, a halt was ordered and afterwards the regiment continued its scout."

Pettygree: "And?"

Chartwell: "That's all we know about the battle and the Lancers on the 13th. Sir. On the 14th the Guru's Main Body arrived before the fort."

  

LATER

Further conversation and nuanced speculations which would bore the reader returned us to the stable. As we reentered Channelside, Mary met us ordering that we dress for dinner and repair to the banqueting hall to await the first course.  

Left to right: Major General Pettygree and Colonel Chartwell.

Chartwell: "Before I resume Sir, would you give me a gallery tour?"

Pettygree: "Splendid. --- However, Mary is coming in just now."

Mary: "General Pettygree and Colonel Chartwell, you both do wonders for my morale. The Army should never have done away with the resplendent red tunic in favor of that dreadful new service green. What were they thinking?

Pettygree: "Quite so my dear."

Chartwell: "Thankee. I am at your service Mrs. Pettygree."

Mary: "I am afraid dinner will be delayed a half hour. Jameson informs me our renovations have not applied as well as could be expected to the kitchen and we shall sup in the smaller dining room too." 

Chartwell: "I look forward to it mam."

Mary: [Smiles] As do I Sir. Meanwhile gentlemen, may I reluctantly abandon you to your interesting military stories? Duty calls." [The men bow as she departs.]

Pettygree: "The tour then. On the left is a Van Dyke of Justinian Pettygree; an officer in Rupert's Horse during The Civil War. He was wounded at Marston Moor in 1644. Next is Edward. He served in America during The French and Indian War commanding the 46th Foot circa 1757." 

Pettygree: "Here we have mysterious Lady Diana - perhaps the liveliest spirit in the family." 

Chartwell: "How so General?"

Pettygree: "Her father, Edward's brother, supported Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite Uprising in the 1740s. Naturally he was out of favor for a time; disgraced. His daughter Diana went to live in France, found favor at Versailles and was said to have been involved in intrigues in The Seven Years' War whereas in fact she cared little about it. Celebrations were more her style." 

Chartwell: "The Peninsular."

Pettygree: "Indeed. Constantine served in Portugal and Spain - had an independent command there earning the approbation of those in government because he gave Bones Apart a bloody nose after Corunna." 

Pettygree: "Mary commissioned this one of me mounted on dear Express whilst we were in Surajistan." 

Chartwell: "And your story Sir is only half-written, if I may say so. --- May I resume the narrative of the attack on Fort Grant?"

Pettygree: "Please do."

Chartwell: "The garrison was under arms from the 13th into the 14th of April."

Chartwell: "The Guru set up a breaching battery of large calibre cannons."

Chartwell: "When a breach was made on the right and...."

Chartwell: "Another on the left of the east wall...."

 Chartwell: "The enemy came forward with scaling ladders."

 Chartwell: "Their numbers were not inconsiderable."

 Pettygree: "A veritable sea of malevolent humanity. I've seen it before."

Chartwell: "They reached the walls, ascended to the ramparts and poured through the breaches! Death and destruction everywhere."

Chartwell: "One account states a huge crocodile supported their cause."

Pettygree: "An astounding tale Sir!"

Chartwell: "Rath--errr."

Chartwell: "The garrison fought gallantly and the Tugs suffered cruelly." 

Chartwell: "Even within the breaches."

Chartwell: The northeast wall was lost and the enemy ran onto the parade."

Chartwell: "But well-timed vollies scuppered the invaders. They suddenly fled."

Pettygree: "Good --- good --- and?"

Chartwell: "The last communication from Colonel Smythe stated. 'Have repulsed the Guru's first wave. Our loss is 25%. New enemy reserves arriving and...." 

Pettygree: "The telegraph was cut."

Chartwell: "I'm afraid so Sir."

Jameson: "General, Colonel, excuse me. Dinner is being served now."

Mary: "Gentlemen. May I tear you away from your fascinating stories?"

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CLOSING REMARKS

1) The two games were staged on my annual birthday game day. The cavalry game was held during the morning - the escalade in the afternoon. Escalades are always so much fun! In the former Curt B. and Michael M. served ably as judges adjudicating hidden Tug and fun wild animal movement. There was also a third game; French and Indian War. Three games in one day is a tradition on my birthday game day.

2) Dorothy supplied a wonderful sandwich tray and the scrumptious birthday cake above. The pards kindly brought other delicious goodies to share too.

3) Left to right seated: John M., John B., Curt B. and Brent O. whilst standing left to right are Michael M., "Lucky" Chuck L., Jon P. and birthday boy Bill. Gosh we had fun and it was easy with such wonderfully companionable friends. Thanks a million pards!

4) Mary Pettygree, Colonel Smythe and  several civilian defenders at Fort Grant were kindly supplied from the collection of pard Randy F.

5. The Roman three building set (back right of the fort) is on loan from pard Jim P.'s (Der Alte Fritz) collection. All other structures are from Miniature Building Authority.

6) General Pettygree and Colonel Chartwell were manufactured by Muttonchop Miniatures now sold through Empress Miniatures here: 
http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart62.htm

7) Quick Reference Charts for Colonial BAR may be obtained here:
http://www.oldregimerules.com/

8) The 9th Bengal Lancers mission was to scout miles to the east to locate the Guru's Army. In this they failed. They took some solace in their victory over KHAN's horsemen. A modern Win Win for a game! In the afternoon the Tugs were repulsed because our time ran out. We usually play out the turn in progress at 4:30 pm and then call it quits to chat and pick up. We gamed from 9am till 4:30 with a nice respite for lunch in the "library" listening to mood music while talking over this or that.

9) One interesting item is all lights were turned off in the game room while the 9th Bengal lancers exited the fort and moved over the bridge. This to simulate early morning darkness. It did impede control a little - more so atmospherically in our attitude methinks. Fun.

10) Did anybody spot Annie?

11) Thank you for looking in. I hope you enjoyed the way the games were presented. Comments from you are welcome, if you please below.
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Chapter 63: Two And A Half Years Later

Date: April 30, 1903
Location: Channelside House
Situation: Retirement
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See previous post from September 1900:  http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2013/02/chapter-62-general-pettygree-defeated.html
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Today I have the honour to end my self-imposed silence. For those readers who may have an interest in my welfare and whereabouts, I am alive, well and rested at Channelside House on the Sussex coast. My intention is to offer a glimpse of the near past and recommend your attention to pending circumstances of the new century which may propel you and I into a remarkable future. You may remember....

My recall home on September 25, 1900 following the signing of The Armistice of Dongolo by the mad Thugee Guru and myself. I hoped it would lead to a permanent end of the war  in Surajistan. Only The Almighty knew for sure if peace would be sustained.  

Though some ardently believed it, being relieved of command must not be viewed as shocking after six years service on The Frontier. The campaign versus the Thugee cult, severe damage rendered to its malevolent cause by Her Majesty's gallant soldiers and sailors  did lead to closure via The Armistice.  

The past two years and a half have been unremarkable from the standpoint of news destined for The Times pertaining to Surajistan or myself. Peace after all offers only boring headlines. A great many other matters weighed more heavily on the scale of history.  Consider the incendiary gunboat incidents lit by the Kaisier on the east Mafrican Continent. Even the  meagre Gallian encroachment in northern Mafrica versus the charismatic El Krobar raised more headlines to disturb our breakfasts. 

My circumstances were insignificant by comparison excepting to Mrs. Pettygee and myself. Retirement on half pay was my lot. No command decisions were to be made, no eager orderlies dashed about and certainly not one jezail bullet was fired in anger on the south Sussex coast. Higher command authorities were content with my quietude. Yet on the sunny afternoon of April 30, 1903, all this was about to change as my wife and I returned home from our customary afternoon walk.  

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Mary Pettygree: "William, it is so very good you are home these past few years. Six years on The Frontier surely was enough fighting that beastly Thugee cult. Before that it was your posting to The Sudan and....The best is having you all to myself now. I am so very happy."

Major General Pettygree: "Dearest Mary, my love for you has never been stronger. You've made my return to Channelside refreshing, warm and --- the restoration is proceeding nicely, don't you think?"

Mary: "I do. --- Soon Channelside will be as new and when our verdant land flourishes once more, things will be even better. --- Our afternoon walks are so lovely. Shall we go in for tea?"

Mary: "Earl Grey should do nicely I think?"

Gen. Pettygree:  "Perfect dear. Ask Jameson to plan for three. A rider is coming in."

Gen. Pettygree: "In ceremonial dress."

Mary: "Something important I shouldn't wonder. I'll speak to Jameson. Ask him to dinner, will you dear?"

Gen. Pettygree: "Third Dragoon Guards uniform, if I'm not mistaken."

Rider: "Good afternoon General. I'm Colonel Chartwell, Sir, bringing news from Horse Guards."

Gen. Pettygree: "Welcome Colonel. Mrs. Pettygree and I love having visitors. Won't you join us for tea? You may find Earl Gray tolerable. You must stay for dinner as well." 

Chartwell: "Thank you General. I bring vital news...."

Gen. Pettygree: "If it can wait, we will speak privately later."

LATER

Pettygree: "We'll ride to the channel talking as we go Colonel. It's not far."

Chartwell: "Very good , Sir."

Pettygree: "This way."

Pettygree: "I'm afraid spring is late this year Colonel. Yet a close examination reveals dormant vegetation about to return to robust life."

Chartwell: "You have a magnificent view General."

Pettygree: "Quite so. It reminds me of my service abroad; Egypt, The Sudan and Surajistan particularly."

Pettygree: "Longfellow wrote, "Ah what pleasant visions haunt me, As I gaze upon the sea! All the old romantic legends, All my dreams, come back to me."

Chartwell: "I know it Sir, The Secret of The Sea. The ending goes like this I think, "Till my soul is full of longing, For the secret of the sea, And the heart of the great ocean, Sends a thrilling pulse through me."

Pettygree: [Deep breath] "And now Colonel, I've delayed your news long enough."

Chartwell: "General. I bring news about Fort Grant and Surajistan."

Pettygree: "My last command was headquartered there."

Chartwell:  "Aye Sir. It's the wretched Thugees General. Their devilish allies too. The Armistice was broken by them a fortnight ago. Fort Grant, Colonel Smythe and the garrison...."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1) Great War Miniatures provided General Pettygree's new uniform introduced circa 1902-1903. See: http://northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=20 and Brigade Games: http://www.brigadegames.com/Great-War-Minis_c_10.html  Specifically the 1914 British collection.

2) Mrs. Pettygree on loan from pard Randy F.  is from Foundry's Darkest Africa Range: http://wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/darkest-africa/mountains-moon-collection-bcda001/

3) Chartwell is a 28mm Elite Miniatures British heavy dragoon from the Peninsular range. See: http://www.eliteminiatures.co.uk/CAVALRY,%20ARTILLERY%20AND%20GENERALS.htm

4) The shore of Lake Michigan; a veritable inland sea near my home, stood in for the English Channel coast. Will you oblige me with your approbation? It was my first effort going on location outside. It was very satisfying. Fun! I hope to do more.

5) Channelside is a discontinued inn from Miniature Building Authority.

6) HG Walls built the lovely, realistic and properly large green deciduous trees.

7) Join me will you, as Major General William Augustus Pettygree's next adventure unfolds? Who is with me -- with the General -- that is?
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WOW! Resurrection Painting With Explanation

This brand new painting of the Resurrection is AMAZING, beautiful and hopeful as is the artist's explanation.

http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

Happy Easter - Resurrection Day

Happy Easter - Welcome to Spring!

Happy Easter and Welcome To Spring - Almost!

The free photo above promises spring is near. Have faith!

Have a terrific and safe Easter, Spring Break and every day with family and friends.

Dorothy and I are really looking forward to having our annual family Easter dinner with our small seven member immediate family including our lively ten month old Dalmatian Rocket.

I wanted to get  this into your hands before Easter to let you know how much I appreciate your interest, trust and confidence in the Campaigns of General Pettygree blog over the years. Thank you very much for your support. The General and I will see you down the trail soon, God willing.

Meanwhile at the most important time of year on the Christian and Jewish Calendar, you may find the following analysis useful; Baby Boomers especially like me.

Very respectfully,
Bill


The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat...

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school... The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.
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Closing Remarks

Dr. Spock was celebrated in the 1950s (?) 1960s and perhaps 1970s for his methodology for raising us Baby Boomers.

I read Ben Stein's remarks several years ago and think I might have posted it here before. If you at least partially view the world through the prism of history as I do, his remarks reveal and interesting and I think true cause and effect.
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Chapter 62: General Pettygree Defeated

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Date: 18 July 1900

Location: Captured Tug Village of Dongolo

Situation: Battle of Dongolo Ends
Tabletop Rules: BAR Colonial. To obtain a copy see:
http://www.oldregimerules.com/

See Previous Chapter 61: The Second Wave! Posted 16 Feb. 2013

http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2013/02/chapter-61-second-wave.html
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GENERAL'S JOURNAL - 18 JULY 1900

"Final moments of The Battle of Dongolo found the enemy breaching our defences in several areas but...."

LEFT FLANK - NORTH SIDE OF DONGOLO

"Colonel Sinclair's Seaforth Highlanders continued to hold the northeast corner of the village."

"It was at this time I gave the order to form a new battle line in the western end of Dongolo. The Seaforths continued to defend the northeast corner of Dongolo so this could be accomplished."

"Colonel Sinclair performed miracles there even as the enemy gradually pushed the Highlanders back. The number of the enemy was considerably reduced. The situation here gave me a glimmer of hope."

"As had been the Thugee pattern from the beginning, very little pressure was applied to our left flank on the north side of the village. The 27th Bombay Miners and Sappers had suffered few casualties as they withdrew to form the new battle line outside and inside the northern half of Dongolo."

"Behind the 27th., remnants of the 2nd. Sikhs formed a second line."

"A few yards farther to the rear, mounted on Express, my grey, I commanded our last reserve; our old 12 pounder, a body of surviving Berkshires and some of the 1st Sikhs."

RIGHT FLANK - SOUTH SIDE OF DONGOLO

"Our line in the southwest corner of Dongolo was not as deep. There was not much that could be done though there was a little time to shift some men to bolster the defence."

"The enemy held the ground south of the wall. Inside Dongolo a company of Sikhs held the enemy back with supporting fire from the Seaforths. However, they could not hope to hold long with the mass of the enemy ready to knock down the wooden wall."

"We were terribly outnumbered but holding - for the moment." 

"There was one uncommitted reserve available to the Guru; his third wave. Yet these and so many of our foes of the past hour were not apparently Thugees. They were allies of some kind who had suffered terrible casualties as the second wave pushed us back - as had we."

DEFEAT AND THE MIRACLE!

"Some said it was near sundown, when the cacophony of battle ceased. First to stop pushing, thrusting, firing and disengage were our opponents. Unbelievably they stood down as if on cue. An order from the Guru surely. Sensing an opportunity, I gave the order to cease fire too."

"We stood nervously eyeing each other. Our standing men formed up a bit better, reloaded, drank water from nearly drained canteens, nursed minor wounds and wiped sweat from their brows. Wounded were tended and brought to the rear as best we could manage. Was this a malevolent ruse to reorganize and bring forward their enormous reserve to crush us in an instant?"

"Then word came from Colonel Sinclair. A delegation preceded by the Guru's Household flag requested a parlay at the East Gate. What for? Our surrender and enslavement? -- Never!"

"Political Officer Major Faraday (left) accompanied by Lieutenant Caddy, RE rode smartly out of the East Gate to discover their intent. They were told the Guru himself demanded to speak with me."

"The Guru came forward with some of his Household warriors beckoning me."

"Colonel Sinclair formed a Highland guard outside the gate. Faraday and Caddy maneuvered their horses to the side to observe the proceedings."

"I walked through the gate to meet my nemesis." 

Guru: "Greetings General. Please accept my compliments for you and your Imperial Surajistan Field Force."

"At first I was silent casting a suspicious eye on this well-spoken frontier leader. Even Faraday and Caddy's horses were stern in their gaze. However, we knew that in the 80s he had benefited by a classical education at Oxford."

Guru: "Surprised General? Your countenance betrays you. You see a humbly clad man, shoeless, without gold braid or opulence in command of thousands of warriors who do not want any representatives of your Queen Empress here."

Pettygree: "To prevent your cult's murderous ways. Your army is crippled sir and can no longer conquer the subcontinent."

Guru: "Do not count on it General."

Pettygree: "What do you want to say?"

Guru: "That we should stop this bloodshed."

Pettygree: "Good. We shall start with your warriors and allies laying down their arms to be destroyed. Thereafter, your men will immediately return to their villages.

Guru: "No General. As the great Napoleon instituted an armistice in the year 1813, I suggest we do the same. We will start with your retreat from my valley. Take your accursed flags, weapons, wounded and every able-bodied soldier honourably away lest you be utterly vanquished and destroyed in fifteen minutes. You are beaten! You may have twenty-four hours before departure to build conveyances for your wounded. What do you say General?"

"I thought about it for some moments. His army had suffered crippling losses and like Napoleon he needed time to rebuild - if he could. However, I doubted he had resources in men and ammunition to do so. If the battle resumed, his losses would soar even higher."

"He no doubt also knew our annihilation would bring revenge from the Queen Empress as he called her - infinitely stronger than The Surajistan Field Force. I guessed he calculated it was his only way out. He would let us go to possibly insure his future survival."

"This extraordinary offer was our only way out too."

Guru: "What do you say General?"

Pettygree: "We agree to these terms.

Guru: "Then goodbye General. Never come back!"

TWO DAYS LATER

"We departed Dongolo for Fort Grant after twenty-four hours per stipulated terms. I wondered if it was a pretty ruse to attack us in the open but...."

Captain Wending-Smythe: "Riders coming in General."

"Troopers Ham and Corey had found us. They reported the Rear Guard was encamped on the other side of the next river waiting for us. If the Guru wanted to attack surely he would have done so before we could combine."

 "Captain Jellicoe's Shore Party soon came into view."

"Behind them red coat infantry occupied a Thugge Tower."

"Before evening The Surajistan Field Force crossed that stream and encamped for the night.

EPILOGUE

"The retreat was not accosted as is often the case under these circumstances in these regions. No trouble came our way from the Guru or his allies. He was as good as his word. On August 27th. after more than a month's march we passed through Fort Grant's Main Gate. The campaign of 1900 was finished."

"No human knew what would come next. Perhaps we could hope for a long period of stability and peace,  relative peace. We worked very hard to care for the wounded and rebuild our shattered units. As for me personally, I expected a telegram any day recalling me to Britannia. On the 25th of September it came."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1) Clearly the Guru (Chuck) won the battle and campaign. Had it not been for "The Miracle" every Imperial save surviving cavalry would have been lost. The Surajistan Field Force must now retreat back to Fort Grant.Well done Chuck. He was ably assisted by Keith ? and Jon P. Congratulations and bravos!

2) Native Casualties:
Tugs: 262 miniatures (2,620 at 1:10)
Allies: 81 miniatures (810 at 1:10)
Total: 343 miniatures (3,430 at 1:10)

3) Imperial Casualties: 226 miniatures (2,260 at 1:10).
Imperial commanders were John B., my son Tyler and myself, Bill P.

4) Not all casualties are permanent. Medical care in the coming months will restore many combatants to their units, some will be lost and others will be invalided home pending D6 throws.

5) For the near future both sides will be in a state of recovery.

6) Questions:
How long will the armistice last?
Does the Guru have another reservoir of warriors?
What will be the attitude of the Guru's allies?
Will Britannia send reinforcements soon, later or never?
What will become of General Pettygree?
Are there other questions?
What do you think? Please post these below at Comments.
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