Chapter 54: Crossing The Amla River

----------
THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
----------
Date: 4-8 July 1900
Location: Main Army At The Amla River
Situation: Battle Aftermath And Crossing The Amla
Recommendation: See Chapter 53
Right Click Images To See More
----------

4 JULY 1900:   IN HOSPITAL

Trooper Corey: "Haloo there Trooper Ham. Oh -- excuse me please -- Doctor."

Doctor Watson: "Trooper Ham your wound will allow you to return to duty in three to four days I should think.

Trooper Ham: "Thank you Doctor, Sir. Back to the regiment then?"

Watson: "Yes unless a complication arises - which I doubt."

Corey: "Well now, Trooper Ham, enjoying your 'oliday?"

Ham: "Yes surely mate. Excused duty, reclining about all day, naps, tolerable food. You?"

Corey: "Oh just swanning about the camp since those Thugee chaps ran for the hills. Picknicking later with the General. A regular holiday for me too, ya know." 

Watson: "Trooper Ham needs some rest now. In the tent, if you please."

7 JULY 1900:  THE MAIN CAMP

One week after the 2nd. Battle of The Amla, Brigadier Blackiston reviewed the Light Cavalry Brigade. Though reduced to three weakened squadrons, several wounded soldiers including Trooper Ham (10th Hussars) have been able to return to duty. In the foreground are two squadrons of 9th Bengal Lancers. On their right are the 10th Hussars.

The Berkshires benefited similarly from lightly wounded men returning to duty.

Colonel Sinclair and his 72nd Seaforth Highlanders are observed by General Pettygree. The 1st Sikhs are on watch in the breastworks looking across The Amla for signs of the vanished foe.

On the east side of the buildings the 2nd. Sikhs are formed up to protect the right flank of the camp. Ammunition boxes have been positioned nearby in case of need. 

Three officers observe the 2nd Sikhs formation. Left to right: Major Mitchell {ADC to the General}, Political Officer Major David Faraday and Lieutenant Caddy RE.

Village buildings showing the left flank of the 2nd. Sikhs, 1st Sikhs with rifles at high port, the Naval Contingent's Gatling Gun Section and the Seaforth Highlanders in column of march. General Headquarters tents are in the upper left of the image.

Close-up view of General Headquarters. General Pettygree (left) is speaking with Lieutenant Caddy RE while other officers relax.

General Pettygree: "Tomorrow morning we cross The Amla. The first to cross will be the 27th Bombay Miners and Sappers. Lieutenant, I want you to accompany them to breach the Canyon Gate and proceed further into the interior. Take your explosives along. Scouts report the foe is nowhere in these parts but be ever vigilant for them and mischief. 

Lieutenant Caddy RE: "Yes General."

Pettygree: The rest of the Army will follow closely behind in support. Don't hesitate to blow up any difficult obstacles. Questions?"

Caddy: "None Sir. Thank you for the job Sir."

8 JULY 1900:  CROSSING THE AMLA RIVER

Early in the morning some 1st Sikhs have crossed The Amla River whilst....

Behind them the rest of the battalion waits to cross in road column of march.

Ahead of them all are the 27th Bombay Miners and Sappers. They and Lieutenant Caddy RE {riding} approach several unoccupied buildings.

 And the Canyon Gate. Access into the interior is beyond it.

The men from Bombay easily opened the gate without incident and carefully entered the canyon. Lt. Caddy properly awaited events with his supplies outside.

He started riding forward when...."

A surprise was brought to the rear; a Romanov officer.

 Lt. Caddy: "Who the deuce are you?"

Return next time for the answer.

--------------------

CLOSING REMARKS

1. Ridge Tents:

http://www.architectsofwar.com/blackpowder-2.aspx

2. Buildings, campfire and GHQ Tents: http://miniaturebuildingauthority.com/index.asp

3. Bombay Soldiers: http://www.redoubtenterprises.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=c1814f3282c424ccb3833bd65eff7f2b

4. Some of the medical items: http://www.redoubtenterprises.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=39e283746521f43295505ad33781d137

5. Other medical staff: http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html

6. 1st and 2nd. Sikhs + Highlanders: http://www.bicorne.net/catalog/index.php/cPath/292_102_162_163/sort/2a/page/2

7. Lt. Caddy: http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html

8. Berkshire Flags: British Napoleonic from: http://www.gmbdesigns.com/

9. Indian flags: http://flagdude.com/ Fictional flags made at my direction.

10. Romanov is actually a Bulgarian from: http://www.recreationalconflict.com/

11. Comments are welcome as always below.

--------------------