Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree

Chapter VIII: Zanzibar Arrives At Dongolo

2012-01-22T00:05:00.305-06:00

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EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
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Date: 3-6 August 1900
Location: Legation City of Dongolo
Situation: Disembarkation
See Chapter VII posted 1 November 2011 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/11/chapter-vii-gaunlet.html

Map here: http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/07/chapter-vi-spy.html

Musical accompaniment: If you have the soundtrack from Lawrence of Arabia, play the overture as your read. Or... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuxHLzwlDY4
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Preface

Lt. Col. Lawford's passage up The Dakla River aboard HM Gunboat Zanzibar ends at the Legation City of Dongolo. After a pause, the pursuit of the Romanov Expedition to Alexandrapour and Countess Alexandra will resume.

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The Legation City Of Dongolo, Mafrica

3 August 1900

At the eastern gate....

A Germanian Schütztruppe squadron returns from patrol.

Inhabitants gather round to observe and hopefully make some money but....

The camelry rides on as....

Gunboat Luchs of the Imperial Germanian Kriegsmarine raises steam to depart.

The helm is put hard a starboard to help turn the gunboat almost in place.

The turn is successful as she heads out into The Dakla River.

Dockspace is needed for....

HM Britannian Gunboat Zanzibar. On the upper deck Nazeem, Lt. Colonel Lawford (blue shirt) and Mr. Wyatt observe the Germanian compound.

Zanzibar motors by and...

Enters the harbour.

Led by the pilot boat which has been with her from the beginning.

A slow turn to port soon....

Finds Zanzibar making the dock and later disembarking a portion of the crew.

Her sailors form at dockside whilst a section of Britannian infantry stand guard.

Lawford and Wyatt proceed down the dock escorting the wounded Colonel Boyle.

Boyle was wounded by plunging fire four days ago on 31 July. See:

http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/11/chapter-vii-gaunlet.html

The party crosses the bridge.

Wyatt: "Colonel, our legation is just round to the right of the American building. Ours is the old Iberian government house we took over last year."

Inhabitants again gather to sell their wares as Britannian and American guards cast a watchful eye and keep the natives away. Though his wound is not mortal, in this heat Boyle needs immediate care from medicos.

His wound is on the side of the abdomen.

Soon he will be resting within.

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Three days later: 6 August 1900

Left to right: Consul General Graham Day's servant Jitters, Day, Wyatt and Lawford.

Day: "Lawford, Wyatt, very good to see you."

Lawford: "When did you arrive Sir? We last saw you on the coast a month ago."

Day: "Last night. Surprised to see me -- I know. Wyatt you keep a good secret."

Wyatt: "You see Colonel, we did not want foes to see him board Zanzibar with us. As far as they know, the Consul General never left the port of Dakla."

Day: "Quite so. Secrets are everything in these parts. [Pause] And now after some refreshment and a tolerable curried chicken, we'll talk about the mission versus those infernal Romanovs."

Return in on the 5th proximo to hear the discussion.

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Closing Remarks

1. Jim P., Der Alte Fritz, kindly loaned the following from his collection: Tiger Miniatures Schütztruppe and Americans available from Recreational Conflict, Gunboat Luchs from The Virtual Armchair General, the pilot boat and the small stuccoed building near the bridge from H.G. Walls. Thank you.

2. Chuck L.'s civilians, pots, boxes and reeds add much to the scene. Thank you.

3. Randy F. also loaned civilians to populate Dongolo. Thank you.

4. All flags with poles are from Flag Dude.

5.Most other structures are from Miniature Building Authority.

6. The cobbled road is from JR Miniatures.

7. The dock was scratch-built for a model railroad layout.

8. The late Brigadier Peter Young gifted The Petrus Monument to me in 1985. It is near the dock. Thank you.

9. Chapter IX is already photographed. Action will heat up with the arrival of Countess Alexandra's expedition and Colonel Lawford's pursuit. Come back on the 5th proximo, if you please.

10. Thank you for your interest. Your remarks are very welcome below. Simply click on the word Comments.

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In Memorium

2012-01-09T20:31:00.008-06:00

Sparks (January 18, 1997-January 9, 2012)

Sparkling Diamonds of Snowwood,

Sparky, Pup, Mr. Sparks, Sparkies,

Big Fellah, Good Fellah, My Blessing, Big Guy,

My Good Boy, GooOD-NEsss and My Friend.

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He lasted until January 9th, 2012 after nearly fifteen years of love, adventure, fun and enormous satisfaction.
He was a wonderful gift and blessing for us.
The above photo of him is before he started becoming unwell a few years ago.
A magnificent and peaceful dog. A credit to the breed.
Oh the memories....
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In the blue Suburban anticipating aromas and sites.

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Dalmatians typically have black spots.

Sparks had "liver-colored" spots of dark chocolate brown.

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Sparks loved walking Trinity Wetland Habitat Conservatory.

Now he has another lovely place to walk, sniff and play.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T09:00:00.003-06:00

May the reason for Christmas fill your homes.
Blessings to all.
Respectfully,
Bill

Chapter VII: The Gauntlet

2011-11-01T15:06:00.005-05:00

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EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
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Date: 31 July 1900
Location: Dakla River
Situation: The Gauntlet
Recommendation: See Chapter VI posted 24 July 2011 here:
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/07/chapter-vi-spy.html
The map shown here will be singularly helpful in following the journey
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Clicked Images Are Extraordinarily Better
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We resume the story of Lt. Col. Lawford's Journey Up The Dakla River.

The Dakla River near the city of Azrou. A pilot boat....

Leads HM Gunboat Zanzibar up river.

On the main deck amidships we see Nazim at the ladder, Colonel Lawford in the blue shirt, Politico Mr. Albert Wyatt in khaki and the enigmatic Colonel Boyle at his cabin door.

Zanzibar's crew exercises the forward gun while others observe adjacent hills. Her speed is only four knots in this narrow and safe section of The Dakla but....

The serenity of the river passage is shockingly altered when shots are fired from the eastern ridge top.

Zanzibar's crew swings around the forward gun and fires, sailors armed with rifles shoot and the Gatling peppers the hillside. Lawford ducked whilst Wyatt and Boyle moved out of sight.

The Gatling suppresses enemy fire.

But Colonel Boyle is hit and lying on the main deck as....

Zanzibar increases speed moving out of range of enemy fire.

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Readers are kindly reminded this is Part VII of a second serial story on the Campaigns of General Pettygree blog. Part VI, The Spy, appeared here on 24 July 2011. This story and General Pettygree's Surajistan Field Force (Chapter 55 recently posted) are occurring at the same time.

2. Col. Lawford was detached from Gen. Pettygree's command due to his unique knowledge of whom he is pursuing. Tally-Ho Colonel!

3. The map mentioned at the very beginning is here: http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/07/chapter-vi-spy.html

4. Gunboat: A Houston vessel bought from The Virtual Armchair General. http://www.thevirtualarmchairgeneral.com/500-houston.html

5. Crew: Mostly Perry Sudan Naval Brigade painted by John Preece.

6. The water product from Scenic Express is terrific. See: http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NH60851

7. Ahoy there lads! Your remarks are entirely welcome.

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Chapter 55: Into The Pass

2011-10-16T19:27:00.007-05:00

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THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
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Date: 8-12 July 1900
Location: An Unnamed Mountain Pass
Situation: Marching Deeper Into The Interior
Recommendation: See Chapter 54
Right Click Images To See More
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Surajistan Field Force

The Battle of The Amla on June 30th. temporarily stopped General Pettygree's Surajistan Field Force from pursuing the Thugee Host. A halt of seven days was ordered to rest, bring up supplies and allow the lightly wounded to recover. On 8 July you may remember a singular incident occurred as the Imperials began crossing The Amla River. Let us briefly return to that day when....

8 JULY 1900

Soon after the Advance Guard crossed the Amla River, a Romanov officer was unexpectedly brought to Lt. Caddy RE. A state of war did not exist with the Romanovs so far as anyone knew at that time.

Lt. Caddy: "Who the deuce are you?"

Lucy: "Snorts and whinnies!"

Romanov Officer: "Kapitan Golitsyn.

Caddy: "Sir, may I inquire about your business here?"
Golitsyn: "I am to speak to the General Pettygree."
Caddy: "He is across the river which I pray you know."
Golitsyn: "Da (yes)"
Caddy: "Soon Sir -- when I can assemble an escort."

When circumstances permitted, Golitsyn was taken to General Pettygree not as a prisoner of war but rather as an uninvited guest. At the evening campfire....

Kapitan Golitsyn: "Your hospitality is appreciated."

General Pettygree: "A professional courtesy Sir. [All pause.] Shall I assume you were associated with the Tug attack on the 30th ultimo?"

Golitsyn: "A state of war does not exist between our two nations. We did not engage your force though several of my party were regrettably slain by your random artillery fire. I was near an explosion, apparently experienced a blackout and was left behind in the tumult of retreat. Your men found me."

Pettygree: "You are observers then?"

Golytsyn: "I can only say my government views the shocking increase in Thugee strength, their intractable fanaticism and many natural advantages of terrain as destabilizing in the region. Your survival keeps them in check and less able to to trouble our southern border with their malevolence. Should you be vanquished, the Czar must naturally seek means to reduce the menace."

Pettygree: "Well captain, I intend to end the menace by diplomacy or the bayonet. Meanwhile, there is the matter of your immediate future. In the morning you will accompany the party returning to Fort Grant with the wounded. I daresay our politicos will assist with your next destination."

12 JULY 1900: FOUR DAYS LATER

After four days of marching the Advance Guard entered another mountain pass. The 2/10th Hussars are in the distance followed by 1st. Sikh piquets. Riders are coming in to report to Captain Khambatta.

Trooper Corey: "Captain Sachs' compliments Sir."
Captain Khambatta: "What news?"
Trooper Hamm: "Sir. No enemy in sight around the hairpin curve just ahead."

Accordingly the march continued. Khambatta's two piquet lines keep wary eyes looking in all directions. The Main Guard of twelve Sikhs reinforced by a screw gun are ready just behind to render immediate assistance if needed. The rest of the battalion follows in column of march.

Behind the battalion rides Colonel Preece and the greatly reduced 1/10th Hussars. The squadron commander, Captain Bartlett, remains in hospital. Preece has taken over designating it as his headquarters troop.

The hairpin turn is easily negotiated by the aforementioned units plus the 27th Bombay Miners and Sappers (dark khaki uniforms) and the leading company of the 2nd. Sikh Battalion (right center). Let's reposition to the rear of the 2nd. Sikhs now shall we?

The 2nd. Sikhs marching in two divisions are near full strength. The 1st. Mountain battery follows them.

A better view of the 2nd. Sikh Battalion and 1st Mountain Battery.

Following the light guns are three Jumbos limbered with two 15 Pounder rifles and one ancient 12 Pounder smoothbore.

As The Column marches around the hairpin curve, more Imperial units come into view. Following the Jumbo's and their heavy guns are the 66th Foot Berkshires, supply elements, the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders and the celebrated 9th Bengal Lancers. Where is General Pettygree?

He rides his grey stallion Express at the head of the Berkshires.

As we return to the Advance Guard and the infantry piquet, a critical aspect of mountain marching is....

Flank protection and....

"Crowning the heights."

Measures such as these prevented surprise attacks and sniping at the vulnerable column especially the animals. Without sufficient numbers of them all would grind to a halt resulting in mission failure.

It would be like....

Shooting fish in a barrel.

The head of The Column has come to a halt. Troopers Corey and Ham signalled Captain Sachs to come forward.

That's them behind cover (right center) looking over a slight rise of ground into the distance.

Captain Sachs: "What do you see troopers?"

Trooper Ham: "Begg'n yer pardon Sir, I can't say I know."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Attrition has affected every unit marching in The Surajistan Field Force. For example, the Berkshires have lost approximately 50%. It can be very easy to track losses, recovered wounded and reinforcements. Assign 1D6 per casualty marking the six possibilities with whatever makes sense to you. For example: 1 = KIA or Invalided Home, 2-4 = Remain in hospital and 5-6 Lightly Wounded Recovers. Results would be worse for those without modern medical assistance - for 1900 that is. Keep it generous though to keep your campaign going.

2. An extremely useful book aimed at junior officers is, Lessons In Imperial Rule. Instructions For British Infantrymen On The Indian Frontier by General Sir Andrew Skeen. The abundance of information germane to Colonial gaming will be prodigiously relevant from skirmish tabletop games to anything larger. See: http://www.naval-military-press.com/india-1908-39/

3. Thank you for your interest. Comments are always welcome below.

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Some Remarks About Colonial Games

2011-09-29T14:02:00.005-05:00

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Jack Scruby's commentaries about planning and playing Colonial historical miniatures games were bedrock foundational for me. Some of this is synthesized below.
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PLANNING COLONIAL GAMES

Determining the proper ratio of Natives to Imperials is not easy. I don't think there is a specific formula unless TSATF with its twenty plus years of experience has one. Still such a formula will depend on rules weapons and morale, the amount of firearms on both sides and scenario dynamics too. Interesting variables.

It is not as easy as a SYW game where we might simply ask. Jim, please bring 500 Prussian musketeers and 100 heavy cavalry and Randy please bring the same. In a Colonial game the native side usually will have fewer firearms and different morale dynamics. It is at this point we try to fathom how much of each type of combatant to bring onto the tabletop.

In general:

A mostly melee armed native force could outnumber Imperials by 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1 or even - gulp - 3:1.

A mostly musket/rifle armed native force could outnumber Imperials by 1.25:1 or 1.5:1, or a little more.

The bottom line is: All we can do is ponder the above and guess. I don't think there is a bull's eye to hit the perfect ratio. I'm happy with that.

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Players are usually, logically and hopefully (?) more nervous in Colonial games. This is a different and necessary form of fun game tension. It is unique and properly so. Indeed this is a singular difference offered by Colonial gaming. It needs to be there.

It boils down to players on both sides thinking the other Army is way too numerous or powerful. This happened in August 2011. Readers may want to revisit that game here: http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2011/08/chapter-53-2nd-battle-of-amla.html

For a couple of turns several players of both sides understandably thought the opposing force was too powerful or too numerous. As I listened, I politely said something like - carry on - no changes - hang in there - wait and see. As the scenario designer I silently thought - good!

Some will complain. Some will lobby for changes. Some on both sides genuinely believe they will be utterly defeated. Not usually though. I take the position they ought to be nervous this way. Typically I usually stick to my guns and don't change a thing and at the end players happily chat about beating long odds and what might have happened - on both sides - if only....

Lest readers think I have this figured out perfectly, no I do not but the above may prove helpful for some.

Another topic is how to command Imperial and native forces. It's trickier than in a horse and musket game. Plus the native force must be able to move great distances quickly.

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"Colonel, they're com'n. Thousands of 'em."
"Aye. Stand to and load."
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There's nowhere to go and nothing to do but stand your ground and enjoy this different and exiting type of historical miniatures game experience. Your remarks are entirely welcome below.
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Chapter 54: Crossing The Amla River

2011-09-03T15:19:00.003-05:00

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THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
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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
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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.

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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.

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Chapter 53: 2nd Battle Of The Amla

2011-08-28T23:27:00.006-05:00

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THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
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Date: 30 June 1900
Location: Main Army At The Amla River
Situation: Major Thugee Attack
Recommendation: See Chapter 52
Right Click Images To See More
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FOREWARD

From 28-29 June 1900 General Pettygree's Main Body of The Surajistan Field Force reinforced Captain Bartlett's Advance Guard at The Amla River. On the 30th. Thugees doubling the size of Pettygree's force hurled themselves against the Imperials.

Thugee estimated strength was 168 riflemen, 60 more with jessails, an additional 70 carrying muskets, 250 swordsmen, 96 horsemen, 13 artillerymen serving three old smooth bores and four senior leaders totalling 661 combatants.

This is the story of the 312 Imperials who fought them.
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FAR LEFT FLANK

Action commenced immediately on the western flank where a host of Thugees {Der Alte Fritz Jim P. and Derrick N.} broke cover and splashed across The Amla.

Colonel Smythe {Randy F.} formed the 66th Foot Berkshires {72 in the upper right} to face them supported by Brigadier Blackiston's cavalry reserve {Bill P.} riding fast to support them from central reserve; 9th Bengal Lancers {35} and 10th Hussars {20}.

Horsemen of both sides collided in the first mêlée of the day. Left-most Berkshire companies took cover behind breastworks as enemy footmen moving rapidly forward skirmished with them.

Enemy infantry crashed into the breastworks as more arrive not knowing their horsemen had been bested in the cavalry fight.

The Berkshires fell back under intense pressure. The Imperial Cavalry Brigade {not shown} rallied back at the gallop to reform behind them. The foe continued to surge forward, unstoppable with overwhelming numbers and zeal.

Again the cavalry came forward to the charge on both flanks of the Berkshires whilst the infantrymen met the foe with the bayonet.

The Berkshires reduced to company strength finally routed to an Imperial square on the back table. Imperial horsemen {not shown} though victorious in three mêlées were ordered to break off and rally back again. The original Imperial left flank was destroyed.

BEHIND THE IMPERIAL CENTER: ON BACK TABLE

A brigade square meant to be unengaged unless attacked. Mission: Protect supplies, etc. and act as a final rallying point in case of disaster on the main table. It was not allowed to advance onto the main table but could fire onto it using the most negative range modifier. The remnant of the Berkshires {not shown} rallied here as did some of the 9th Bengal Lancers {not shown} near the end of the game.

Col. Buckingham {Keith L.} commanded the 1st. Sikh Infantry {66}, Bombay Miners/Sappers {40}, Royal Artillery {8 crew} with 1x Old 12 Pdr. and 1x Light Howitzer plus baggage, the hospital, engineers and heliographers here. All unengaged - by scenario design.

FAR RIGHT FLANK

Colonel R. Savory {Curt B.} held the eastern flank of the Army closely hugging The Amla River in a dog leg. He deployed the 2nd. Sikh Infantry {94} and Royal Artillery {8 crew} servicing 1x 15 Pdr. + 1x 2.5" Screw Gun there.

Initial Sikh positions facing north along The Amla.

Later in response to a large Thugee surge {Earl K.} across the eastern Amla, Savory reformed facing east to....

Receive a charge across open ground.

The right flank held and the enemy retreated back across The Amla.

THE CENTER

Colonel Sinclair's command {Keith L. and acting CinC} faced north on the the south bank of The Amla. At his disposal were the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders {68}, 1x 15 Pdr. + 1x 2.5" Screw Gun {8 crew} and a Naval Gatling Gun {8 crew}. These silenced enemy artillery and riflemen across the river but later ....

As worsening conditions on the left flank became apparent, Sinclair retired from the river to face threats from the west.

An immense body of enemy horsemen heading for a large Imperial gap was one of them!

Most of the enemy horsemen were knocked out and routed by clever combined arms fire from Imperial rifles and artillery after crossing the river {not shown}.

Some got through but were checked by the 9th Bengal Lancers.

72nd Highlanders move out to reform a new line facing west.

Steady laddies!

The Seaforths facing west were not tested. The foe elected to withdraw. The remnant of Blackiston's Cavalry Brigade can be seen. Off image to the right are Colonel Savory's 2nd. Sikhs similarly watching the foe retire.

Colonel Sinclair {upper left} rides in front of his regiment whilst General Pettygree on the grey observes the enemy withdraw back over The Amla.
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CASUALTY REPORT

Thugees:
79 KIA, 161 wounded carried away for help and 67 lightly wounded returned to duty.

Imperials:
13 KIA, 90 in hospital and 17 lightly wounded returned to duty.

66th Foot Berkshires {72 at start}
-6 KIA, -57 wounded +10 Back To Duty = 47 in hospital
Effectives At Evening Parade = 19.
The sacrifice of the Berkshires saved the Army.

72nd Seaforth Highlanders {68 at start}
-0 KIA, -1 wounded +0 Back To Duty = 1 in hospital
Effectives At Evening Parade = 67.

1st. Sikh Infantry {66 at start}
Effectives At Evening Parade = 66; Unengaged.

2nd. Sikh Infantry {94 at start}
-2 KIA, -19 wounded +5 Back To Duty = 14 in hospital
Effectives At Evening Parade = 78.

9th Bengal Lancers {35 at start}
-3 KIA, -13 wounded +1 Back To Duty = 14 in hospital
Capt. Dyce-Powers in hospital
Effectives At Evening Parade = 20.

10th Hussars {20 at start}
-2 KIA, -12 wounded +1 Back To Duty = 14 in hospital
Supernumerary Capt. Verbeek in hospital
Trooper Ham in hospital for those interested in him
Effectives At Evening Parade = 7.

Bombay Miners/Sappers {40 at start}
Effectives At Evening Parade = 40; Unengaged.

Royal Artillery {24 at start}
Effectives At Evening Parade = 24}

Naval Gatling Contingent {8 at start}
Effectives At Evening Parade = 8.

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Colonial tabletop gaming presents players with a unique form of tension not present in horse and musket games. Both sides worry about the other in terms of numerics and firepower. In addition more than a few Imperial missteps can lead to disaster; especially if natives have long movement rates. Players on both sides often think they have insufficient numbers of miniatures which is part of the genre. A good thing.

2. This was The Second Battle Of The Amla. Interestingly, Chuck L. and Todd B., in the smaller battle on the 24th of June 1900, attacked Captain Bartlett's Advance Guard from the west too.

3. From 1:30 to 2:00 pm we adjourned upstairs for "Low Tea" in the Living/Dining Room. Menu: Earl Grey tea with milk {plus sugar if desired}, varieties of scones, clotted cream, whipped cream cheese, Wilkin & Son, Ltd. orange tawny jam, Walker's shortbread, butter pickles, three kinds of cheese and small sandwiches featuring roast beef or turkey accentuated with mustard and Romaine lettuce. Light music played in the background as we companionably enjoyed polite conversation and each other's company.

4. Game start 11:00am. Game finish 3:30pm. Chit-chat till near 5:00pm.

5. Rules: Batailles de l'Ancien Régime {BAR} modified for 1880-1910 approx.

6. We sure had fun!

7. Singular comments are welcome, if you please, just below. Comments from participants are welcome too.

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Chapter 52: Amla Battle Report

2011-08-24T10:46:00.004-05:00

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THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
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Date: 24 June 1900
Location: Main Army Encampment
Situation: Captain Verbeek's Battle Report
Recommendation: See Chapter 51
Right Click Images To See More
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MAIN ARMY - GENERAL PETTYGREE'S GHQ
Captain Verbeek's Battle Report

24 June 1900:
Left to right: Capt. Verbeek, Gen. Pettygree and Col. Sinclair.

Verbeek: : "After the Advance Guard Camp was established, we noticed activity in the hills across the river. Late on the 22nd. our western piquet was surprised and overrun. Thereafter the Thugees immediately moved to our fortified buildings at the ford. Their sudden audacity and impetuosity was a shock. They moved with lightning speed!"

Verbeek: "Captain Bartlett withdrew the men into and on top of the main building. Entrances were heavily boarded and defended. The western door held for a long time before collapsing. Luckily the foe lost heart in the ensuing melee there and fell back to regroup - uncowed."

Verbeek: "The eastern door collapsed almost immediately. Our men were thrown back waiting for l'coup de grace when almost as suddenly the entire enemy force retreated and vanished. A miracle General!"

Verbeek: "Before sunset the Captain Bartlett asked if I might ride to report the news to you General and request immediate assistance. Naturally I agreed."

General Pettygree: "Well then. The Army will march before sunrise to rescue Bartlett."

Colonel Sinclair: "General. My Seaforths are itch'n tay have at the vexing Thugees more than most an' they're rested. We can leave at sundown and force march arriving in two or three days instead of the four it will take the Army to arrive at the Amla. The laddies can steal a march during darkness just like the Bonnie Prince did in the '45 and...."

Pettygree: "Confound the foe. Agreed. Alright Sinclair. Alert your regiment, march near sundown and take Colonel Preece and his 10th with you. The rest of us will march in the morning,"

At dusk the Seaforths briskly departed the Main Army Camp reinforced by 2/10th Hussars trotting out in style. Good luck men!

----------

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The Battle of the Amla was fought on a weeknight evening from 7pm to the turn in progress at 9:15pm.

2. At 9:20 the game was stopped. The next morning was a workday.

3. The garrison was in a bad way but there were more doors to knock down.

4. A D6 decided door strength. The western door required six turns to knock down; the eastern door needed only two turns to collapse.

5. The attacking force was decided by Todd and Chuck each throwing 2D6.

2 or 3 = 10, 4 or 5 = 15, 6 or 7 = 20, 8 or 9 = 25, 10 or 11 = 30 and a 12 resulted in 35 miniatures. Result: Todd's 15 + Chuck's 25 = 40 miniatures. They picked whatever they wanted from the collection. It was about 50/50 rifles and swordsmen.

6. The Imperial Force was thought to be 41 miniatures but due to confusion it was only 35 miniatures strong.

7. The foe was told to attack from anywhere along the river. They had to cross it. Todd and Chuck cleverly agreed to use cover, cunning and a mass attack to overwhelm Bartlett's western piquet of eight lancers.

8. Rules? Batailles de l'Ancien Régime {BAR} modified for year 1900 AD weaponry and more. BAR is not just a BIG battalion game. The author was satisfied with how the rules worked with under 80 miniatures on the table.

9. Both sides lost about 1/3 of their combatants.
----------

Chapter 51: Advance Guard Camp

2011-08-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

----------
THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
----------
Date: 19-24 June 1900
Location #1: Main Army Encampment
Location #2: Amla River Camp
Situation: Advance Guard Is Attacked
Recommendation: See Chapter 50 The Sketching Patrol
Right Click Images To See More
----------

CAMP OF THE BERKSHIRES AND GHQ

THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE

24 June 1900:
The Surajistan Field Force is four days behind Captain Bartlett's Sketching Patrol (Advance Guard) up north. Above is the camp belonging to the Berkshires, 66th Foot. The rest of the Army is encamped closely nearby. No one has heard from Bartlett yet.

All was routine and quiet when....

Captain Nightingale (center): "Gallopers com'n in ... an' fast.
Lt. Bracegirdle (right): "Must be news from Bartlett."

Nightingale: "Its the Belgian supernumerary volunteer Cap'n Verbeek with a trooper from the 10th Hussars. Raising a lot of dust."

Captain Verbeek (in blue) was immediately taken to General Pettygree's command tent.

General Pettygree (center): "Captain Verbeek. Welcome. What news of Bartlett?"

Verbeek: Moi Général, J'ai l'honneur, ah, excuse me...to report that five days ago ... on the 19th ... we arrived at the Amla River and as ordered established the...."

AMLA RIVER CAMP

19 June 1900:

Sketching Patrol senior officers top a rise of ground viewing their final destination at the Amla River. From left to right: Political Officer Major David Faraday, Supernumerary Captain Verbeek of Belgium, Captain Dyce-Powers 4/9th Bengal Lancers and Captain Bartlett 1/10th Hussars commanding.

Broken country has finally given way to more open and somewhat flat ground. A camp will be established somewhere on the plain.

Scouts ride ahead to reconnoiter in case an enemy is hiding along the riverbank.

Sergeant Bourne: "Forward lads. Let's see what there is to engage our attention then."
Trooper Ham: "Yes Sergeant."
Trooper Corey: "An' confusion to 'em I sez!"
Sergeant Bourne: "Quiet now."

Trooper Corey: "Nuth'n as usual."

Trooper Ham: "We ain't done yet, Trooper Corey."
Sergeant Bourne: "Turn to your right. I think a ford is yonder by some buildings."

The trio trotted to the buildings finding them abandoned.

Trooper Corey: "Sergeant! A ford is just below us."
Trooper Ham: "And buildings across the river might conceal them Tugs."
Sergeant Borne: "Aye. Time to report back to Cap'n Bartlett."

19-22 June 1900:
From the 19th to the 22nd instant, Captain Bartlett's command settled into two buildings above the ford. Construction of breastworks commenced utilizing trees from wooded areas nearby.

A troop of 9th Bengal Lancers encamped to the east overlooking the Amla River.

As did another troop about one mile to the west.

22 June 1900:
Most of the officers posted themselves on the second story roof looking outwards for trouble when....

A body of Red Sash riflemen splashed across the Amla in the west taking cover behind the slope of the riverbank. Their fire was erratic but it did cause two lancers riding toward the river to hastily ride back to their camp.

Green Sash swordsmen and riflemen surged from the woods at the top of the photo whilst the Red Sash Riflemen came on in support.

The lancers mounted up but could not get away. They were forced to fight hand to hand without any momentum.

The Green Sash swordsmen cut down the lancers. Only a few escaped. Then the victorious Tugs immediately headed for the buildings and....

A great many crossed the breastworks to....

Batter down the door. Realizing he could not hold the outer perimeter, Bartlett had withdrawn all personnel into the main building in the nick of time! The enemy immediately set to battering in the door. Slowly it began to break. Its destruction was certain. Splinters and bullets flew as crazed combatants hammered away with intensity.

Other audacious Tugs attempted to break into the eastern door of the main building. Lancers from the eastern piquet camp temporarily discomforted them but....

The foe broke down the door, hurled defenders backwards and surged within!

Great Scott!

Bartlett's easwtern door is breached; the enemy is within.
His western barrier is about to be shattered.
The mounted lancer troop outside disappeared due to withering fire.
What is Bartlett's fate?
What news has the galloper Verbeek brought to General Pettygree?

----------

Closing Remarks:

1. Todd B. (left) and Chuck L. (right) commanded the natives whilst Bill P., yours truly (center), nervously took the role of Captain Bartlett and the outlying piquets.

2. Tune in next time to find out what happened!

3. What will General Pettygree do when HE finds out?

4. Your comments, exclamations and exhortations are welcome below!
----------

Chapter 50: The Sketching Patrol

2011-08-07T22:08:00.002-05:00

Important!
The Expedition To Alexandrapour Story Is Paused
Because We Are Returning To....
----------
THE SURAJISTAN FIELD FORCE
----------
Date: 5-17 June 1900
Location: To Kordofan, Surajistan And Beyond
Situation: Sketching Patrol
Double Click Images To See More
----------
FOREWARD
Chapter 50 resumes the photo story of General Pettygree's campaign to suppress the secretly revived and changed Tug cult. Thought to have been extinguished and/or peacefully assimilated by Colonel Sleeman a half century ago, the revived cult shockingly flooded out of The Hidden Valley into Surajistan in 1898-1899 to spread their beliefs by the sword, rifle and rumaal (strangling cloth) in an unexpected avalanche of mayhem and terror.

The Surajistan Field Force will soon depart from Fort Grant to stop the insurrection for all time. Preceeding the Main Body by a few days is Captain Bartlett's Sketching Patrol. Let's press on with them, shall we?
----------

THE SKETCHING PATROL

June 5, 1900:
Captain Bartlett's Sketching Patrol departs for the interior of Surajistan. The expressed mission is to enhance maps of the region and return to base in a fortnight. However, this is a ruse to least alarm the foe. What you actually see is a screen covering the march of the main body of The Surajistan Field Force scheduled to depart Fort Grant in a few days. Scouts are even farther out.

June 9, 1900:
Troopers Ham and Corey, 10th Hussars scout the right flank.

Ham: "Go up there in them rocks the sergeant sez an see wot there is..."

Corey: "It's us then, always us in this wretched heat an dust lead'n the rest."

Ham: "Dead end. Back to the column to report."

Corey: "Aye and nuth'n liv'n anywhere to be seen."

Ham: "Hid'n they are. Why don't they come out and show themselves?"

June 13, 1900:
The Sketching Patrol approaches the friendly village of Kordofan. The Imperial force consists of 1st Squadron 10th Hussars and 4th Squadron 9th Bengal Lancers. This time the ever vigilant Troopers Ham and Corey are in front.

Ham: "Two to four. Bad odds for them, I'd say."

Corey: "Sergeant sez Cordowham is a friendly village, you know."

Ham: "We've heard that afore. Alright then, let's have a chat with this lot up 'ere."

Kordofan was a friendly village; friendlier still when Captain Bartlett and Political Officer David Faraday paid respects with a gift of 5,000 rupees before passing through.

June 16, 1900:
After Kordofan the road ended and the column moved into regions of sparse forest, hills and less open country.

Ham: "Well Trooper Corey, today we have the honour to eat the dust of the column."
Corey: "Quit yer bellyach'n Trooper Ham. It's a presdigeeous honour be'n the rear guard you know. Not everyone gets a chance to follow from the most dangerous position."
Ham: "Dangerous! Still not a vexing Tug in sight. No place fer 'em to hide I see."

Corey: "They're out there me fine cavalier - somewhere - watching - I'm think'n."

Ham: "Aye."

----------

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The watch tower was scratch-built by HG Walls, Herb Gundt.

2. The road is from JR Miniatures.

3. Other structures are from Miniature Building Authority.

4. 10th Hussars painted by John Preece.

5. Comments are welcome below.

----------

Chapter VI: The Spy

2011-07-24T14:04:00.007-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 24 July 1900
Location: The Interior
Situation: Boyle's Account About Countess Alexandra
Recommendation: See Chapter V posted 10 July 2011
Double Clicked Images Are Extraordinarily Better
----------
Lt. Col. Lawford's Narration Resumes:

"Earlier vexations regarding the curious nature of my mission were slowly being replaced by a need for caution. An alarm did not yet brood upon my thoughts but I could foresee the possibility. For example, was the dignified yet easy-going man standing before me really a Colonel Edward Boyle? I had no means to answer my interrogative nor verify an answer should one be given."

"Was I being practiced upon? Were scant and duplicitous explanations solely designed to prevent unsavory parties learning about a covert mission? I could understand protecting the mission. Was there more?"

"There was nothing to do now but press on listening to Boyle advancing his promised account about himself, Countess Alexandra and her party of explorers. For privacy we descended to the taff rail where I could scarcely countenance the veracity of his tale. Methodical thrumming of the Zanzibar's engine cleverly masked our conversation as we continued up river to Dongolo."
----------

COLONEL BOYLE'S STORY

Boyle: "You will come to understand Colonel that a portion of my duties are of a particular nature. Disguises, a deep purse, fluency in seven regional languages and associates whom you will never ascertain allow me to operate unseen, as it were, within the lairs of unsuspecting foes. You observed correctly that I resemble an Iberian official. True for today and perhaps for several days more but...."

Boyle: "Forty-two days ago and several hundred miles from here I resembled nothing of the kind. Ah, I've advanced too far ahead."

Lawford: "Pray go back in time, if you please."

Boyle: "Months ago we intercepted an electric communication thought reliable. It stated the Romanovs would land an expedition at Buradi to.... Are you familiar with the port Colonel?"

Lawford: "Yes. Whilst aboard Zanzibar inbound to Dakla I was given a map showing Buradi around the western bend of Mafrica. It is situated at the mouth of a river ... the Dongola, if I remember it."

Boyle: "Just so. The expedition did indeed land at Buradi. Several days followed to acquire supplies, tentage, guides and soldiers; all the paraphernalia so necessary for an overland journey lasting several weeks. Satisfied with acquisitions, the Romanovs headed inland toward the city of Kalat where I engaged them."

Boyle: "Your Countess Alexandra, Colonel Villainovich and their retinue came into view as expected. Naturally my appearance was altered and reinforced by speaking a local dialect. There were difficulties in communicating until we discovered a common medium; broken English."

Boyle: "My disguise as an indigenous resident of a home near Kalat was acceptable to them. I presented no threat nor was there any cause for alarm. Yet they nervously deployed around my false domain as if there was."

Boyle: "The Romanovs inquired about Kalat."

Villainovich: "Is this city friendly or not? Will a bribe be necessary to pass through?"

Boyle;" Of the entire population of Kalat, said I, only a few remained. My family sheltering within the wretched and humble home you see, myself and a poor boy with his camel in the distance are the only inhabitants."

Lawford: "A confederate of yours surely?"

Boyle: "Surely."

Boyle: "One officer, a Captain Tumarkin, ascended to my rooftop to be certain there was no possible trouble close by."

Boyle: There being none, Villainovich ordered the column to cautiously continue its march. They soon came upon the boy and camel raising their suspicions."

Boyle: "It was humorous observing the soldiers prepare for the worst!"

Lawford: "And the boy, did he lead them onward into Kalat?"

Boyle: "He did after acceptable assurances no treachery was near from the absentee population. More relaxed, the party continued at a better pace than before."

Boyle: "You see Colonel, Kalat had been abandoned the day before. The people feared for their lives because of troubling stories revealed to them about Romanov treachery, mayhem and the like by my associates. They vanished into the hills."

Boyle: "Proceeding forward, no city dwellers were in sight. Not even a domesticated beast or dog."

Boyle: "Scouts initially entered the city spreading out here and there to be sure no dangers lurked behind closed doors or impenetrable walls."

Boyle: "The column halted, the cavalry looked outwards and the screen moved deeper into the city."

Boyle: "On balconies and rooftops they saw not one soul."

Boyle: "Then Captain Tumarkin led them safely within when...."

Boyle: "An extraordinary event occurred."

Boyle: "None other than Romanov Consul General Kuragin suddenly appeared in an archway."

Boyle: "Villainivoch and Alexandra rode in his direction, dismounted and disappeared within the compound."

Lawford: "Did the boy discover anything more?"

Boyle: "Not until the next day when...."

----------

CLOSING REMARKS:

1. Recreational Conflict sells Bulgarian cavalry painted here as Russians. See: http://www.recreationalconflict.com/

2. Russian infantry are Redoubt Miniatures. See Russo-Japanese War: http://www.redoubtenterprises.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=82b3fc689d33a0042c7f7d9aa831142c

3. Pulp Figures made our Romanov Consul General. See: http://www.pulpfigures.com/catcode.php?range=Personalities&code=PHP&number=17&custID=653051031305155441

4. For references to structures, ships, etc. see the previous chapter.

5. Thank you for boarding HMS Zanzibar with Colonel's Lawford and Boyle -- if Boyle is his actual name. We'll continue up river to Dongolo in two weeks. Till then why not be seated in a deck chair with a cool drink and watch the Mafrican wilderness pass by?

5. Comments welcome naturally below. What would you like to drink?

----------

Chapter V: Up River To Dongolo

2011-07-10T00:05:00.005-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 27 June to 10 July 1900
Location: Government House and The Dakla River
Situation: Touch And Go At The Port of Dakla
Recommendation: See Chapter IV posted 26 June 2011
Please Indulge Yourselves And Double Click Images
----------
Lt. Col. Lawford's Narration Resumes:
"After HMS Zanzibar passed through the Dakla River navigation channel, she docked one mile upstream from Government House. A waiting coach sped Nazim and myself there. Upon arrival we exited our conveyance and...."
--------------------

GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Lawford: "We walked along a bricked pathway to the main entrance of the building. A section of Highlanders presented arms. As we ascended the stairway, I noticed the Iberian coat of arms apparently about to be removed. The sale of the colony to Britannia after the disastrous recent war with the Americans was their way to recover some lost assets. One of the gentlemen watching us from a lower window appeared to be Iberian."

Lawford: "I was preceded and brought to a third floor private room by Mr. Albert Wyatt (foreground), the very same gentleman I had observed watching Zanzibar sail up the adjacent navigation channel. Within the room...."

Lawford: "I was introduced to the formally attired gentleman who had stood beside Wyatt on the balcony as Zanzibar passed by. He identified himself as Chargé d’affaires, Brigadier (ret.) Graham Day."

Day: "Colonel Lawford. Welcome to Dakla, Her Majesty's newest and most cruelly steaming protectorate. Delighted to meet you - trusting your cruise was tolerable.

Lawford: "Thank you sir. Yes. Captain Collingwood and Zanzibar provided a very restful passage from Bombay though there was a small shock when two Romanov gunboats were raised on the horizon."

Day: "They are part of the reason you are here I'll be bound. But, unfortunately Colonel your rest is over and there's not a moment to spare. I'm afraid there is only time for you to touch and go. Wyatt here will explain. Allow me to take your hat. Please be seated."

Lawford: "Urgency has been the rule since my detachment from General Pettygree's command at Fort Grant."

Day: "Unfortunate you will miss the show there when The Surajistan Field Force marches to take on the Tugs. I assure you though, the mission you are undertaking is of vital importance to HM Government. I daresay it will also assist your former commander in a way you can not now know."

Lawford: "I don't know much General - only that I am to investigate and confound a Romanov Expedition I assume is proceeding somewhere within the interior." (As I spoke, I wondered just who this Albert Wyatt was. A politico?)

Wyatt: "You are essentially correct Colonel. Only let me modify your understanding with a small but crucial change in language. You are to confound the Romanovs only if necessary. Only -- if -- necessary."

Lawford: "Only if necessary? Upon what does that decision depend?"

Wyatt: "Regrettably I can say no more on the matter today. Definition will come at the right time. Meanwhile...."

Lawford: "He stopped speaking when I breathed deeply and glanced aside. Seeing I was troubled, Wyatt allowed time for me to recover. In the interval I silently suppressed a loathing for this deliberate and possibly dangerous lack of clarity. Was he playing at politics with my life? He was a political officer, surely. And what of Alexandra? Was she...?"

Wyatt: "I apologize Colonel. Definition will come in good time. Punctilious secrecy sir is paramount in these regions. Ears are everywhere and wagging tongues can be bought for a tin of biscuits. Meanwhile, I beg your forbearance for a few minutes longer. The papers on the desk before you falsely explain your duties here; a necessary ruse de l'guerre. Only the General, one other and I know your true orders. For the moment listening ears and wagging tongues only know you are the new commander of the 7th. Bengal Lancers stationed at the International Legation at Dongolo."

Day: "Within two hours time you will return to Zanzibar to steam up river to Dongolo. Wyatt will accompany you with someone you've not yet had the pleasure to meet. No time to explain now. There's not a minute to lose."

UP RIVER TO DONGOLO

Lawford: "Wyatt, Nazim and I passed through a small army encampment on the way back to Zanzibar's berth. Farther away Captain Collingwood already had smoke rising from the single stack. Urgency again!"

Lawford: "Within the encampment two companies were on parade. More distantly I could just make out the smoke of a small vessel to the left of the watchtower apparently in motion."

Lawford: "In no time we were aboard again and underway. Wyatt went below decks whilst Nazim and I returned to our now familiar aft upper deck to observe everything we could. The crew had a knack for speedy departures; rather like my 9th Bengal Lancers so very far away back at Fort Grant. We saw Zanzibar had even taken aboard a Gatling gun in our brief absence. A crewman was servicing the piece aft."

Lawford: "We crossed to the port side noting Zanzibar's sailors were armed and ready for mischief. The Gatling was actually being loaded. Was trouble expected this soon?"

Lawford: "A pilot boat, the vessel seen earlier, led us up river."

Lawford: "Her seamen were at the ready too."

Lawford: "Leaving the port of Dakla behind, I wondered if we would return someday. Distant storm clouds hopefully did not forecast a disagreeable fate."

Lawford: "As we continued up river...."

Lawford: "Wyatt joined us on the the aft upper deck with the man who had observed us entering Government House several hours before. Given his dignified bearing, features and unidentifiable uniform, I'd guessed the gentleman was an Iberian official present for the transition of the protectorate to Britannia's care."

Wyatt: "Colonel - one more surprise for you. May I have the honour to introduce you to someone deeply involved in the mission?

Lawford: "Your servant Senior."

Boyle: "Thank you Colonel. No, I am as Britannian as you. Edward Boyle is my name. Colonel Edward Boyle of The Exploration Service."

Lawford: "Sir, allow me offer my sincere...."

Boyle: "No apology needed Colonel. I am very pleased to meet you.

Lawford: "Tis my honour. May I inquire if your duties and mine coincide?"

Boyle: "Yes. I like a fellow who gets to the point quickly; a man for me sir. Let me commence by telling you a story about a stunning red-haired Romanov Countess...."
--------------------------
CLOSING REMARKS

1. The covered wagons recently came from the Fort Ligonier gift shop in Ligonier, Pennsylvania at $2.50 each. They need a little extra work to attach horses and to hide the barely visible pencil sharpener. Email or telephone the gift shop to buy Connestoga Wagons pencil sharpeners. http://fortligonier.org/visit.php

2. The miniature portraying Edward Boyle is from Mutton Chop Miniatures. http://www.muttonchop.i4style.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=52

3. All buildings, tentage, the armchair, bookshelves and the floor/walls of the private room are from Miniature Building Authority. Inside room doors were scratch-built. http://miniaturebuildingauthority.com/index.asp

4. The gunboat is a Richard Houston one-of-a-kind hand-made ship available from The Virtual Armchair General. You can commission your own ship. I did. http://www.thevirtualarmchairgeneral.com/500-houston.html

5. The naval crew is from Perry Miniatures Sudan Range painted by John Preece. There are several boxed sets of different naval brigade poses. http://www.perry-miniatures.com/

6. The lovely specially made terrain mat is from The Terrain Guy in Texas. http://www.theterrainguy.com/info.html

7. Scenic Express provided the blue ripply water in 14"x24" sheets. http://www.sceneryexpress.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NH60851

8. The road is from JR Miniatures. 15mm. Amazing products really. Lots of variety. http://www.jrminiatures.net/search.aspx?find=roads&page=6

9. British infantry are from Bicorne Miniatures Connoisseur range. This is the fabulous range created by the gifted sculpter Peter Gilder. http://www.bicorne.net/catalog/index.php/cPath/292_102_162_163

10. Many thanks to pard Chuck who adds significant details such as palm trees, potted plants, other shrubbery, crates, Pulp characters, ideas, inspiration and much more to make scenes come alive.

11. The long dock was scratch-built for a model railroad.

12. You can do this too as time goes by. Start small, aim small, grow a little at a time and before long.... An excellent example is The Kingdom of Wittenberg blog; artistic, interesting, clever, especially stunning interiors and a lot of attention to detail. http://tidders-kingdomofwittenberg.blogspot.com/

13. Mr. Wyatt and General Day are from Pulp Figures. Amazing characterizations.
http://www.pulpfigures.com/catmain.php?custID=653051031310013885

14. The small vessel was reworked/crafted by H.G. Walls from a Miniature Building Authority motor launch. It is reminiscent of Mr. Charlie Allnut's boat in the motion picture, The African Queen. It is kindly on loan from the collection of Der Alte Fritz. I wonder if a pulp manufacturer has Charlie Allnut and Miss Rose Sayer plus the German crew of the Louisa available.

15. Your remarks? Please write them below at the word comments.
----------

New Easier Attrition System

2011-06-30T11:51:00.005-05:00

My former system was laborious and complicated. This one will be easier! After a game throw 1D6 per unit that had losses.

1. You HOLD the field or the game is a draw recover:
1= 70%, 2= 75%, 3-4= 80%, 5= 85% and 6= 90%.

2. RETREATING FROM the field recover:
1= 60%, 2= 65%, 3-4= 70%, 5= 75% and 6= 80%.

Modifiers: (Minimum result = 1. Maximum result = 6)
Poor supply situation, July or August, poor quality soldiers -1. (only one can be used)
Arty., Engineers, Cavalry and Elites +1 (only can be used)
Captured prodigious amounts of supplies +1
-----

KIA-MIA-In Hospital Box:
Miniatures that remain casualties are placed in this box and don't come back - usually. Some will eventually return as replacements,escapees or from hospital.
-----

Reinforcements should be added before the next game.
Throw 2D6 for a big unit and 1D6 for a small one. The result is the number of replacements arriving from the homeland or back from hospital; (the KIA-MIA-In Hospital Box)
------------------

A system like the above needs to be generous so units don't become skeletal too soon and it needs to be easy on the record keeping side of things. This might do it.
----------

Chapter IV: At Sea

2011-06-26T21:59:00.009-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 26-27 June 1900
Location: Off The Continent of Mafrica
Situation: A Curious Sighting And Landfall
Recommendation: See Chapter III posted 12 June 2011
My Dear Fellow/Lady, Oblige Me By Double Clicking Images
----------
Lt. Col. Lawford's Narrative:
"HMS Zanzibar took us aboard at Bombay departing with such urgency that I did not have an opportunity to meet Captain Collingwood. I was hopeful this would be remedied soon. However, as the days passed at sea, I remained frustratingly unenlightened about our destination and arrival date. Was secrecy this imperative aboard a warship of Her Majesty? All I knew was, on the 26th of June, we were steering a clockwise course offshore of the unseen but nearing continent of Mafrica when...."

AT SEA

"Captain Collingwood ordered HMS Zanzibar to...."

"Increase speed to 18 knots."

Our wake was considerable.

Lawford: "Something had been sighted amidships off to starboard. Fellow traveller, Major Thorpe, trained his binoculars on the object - not making much of it. Nazim, attempted to ascend to the higher forward deck for a better view. He was stopped on the ladder abaft the bridge."

Nazim: "Sah'b, I could not find out why the ship increased her speed nor what might be out there - far away - where kalapani meets the sky."

Lawford: "Officer land up there Nazim - not your province. The chap who was just here looking through his binoculars did not know either. He went to the Captain to inquire."

Nazim: "Very good Sah'b."

(Kalapani or black water means sea or ocean)

Lawford: "When the answer came, the mystery mostly remained; two gunboats in line abreast parallelling us and steaming fast. They did not fly identifying national colours. Why? Obviously they were not Britannian. Otherwise they would have hailed. Uneventful hours passed and with the onset of night, the running lights of the pair grew more faint with each sea mile increasingly separating us until they vanished."

Lawford: "Very early the next morning I was asked to meet Captain Collingwood on the bridge. Ascending there I momentarily paused at the forward rail. We had come inshore during the night. The verdant coast of Mafrica beneath an overcast and rainy sky to starboard was extraordinarily beautiful and at the same time darkly mysterious."

"Immediately off to starboard a small and picturesque bay lay asleep. In the distance a headland was coming into view but I could tarry no longer to make observations. Collingwood was waiting."

Collingwood: "Colonel. Good morning to you. Bad business yesterday with that infernal pair of Romanov gunboats lurking in these waters."

Lawford: "Romanov?"

Collingwood: "I thought they might interrupt our voyage and dash out of some inlet at dawn but they capered off. Yes, Romanov, but how would you know?"

Lawford: "Indeed I know very little of the mission, our destination and...."

Collingwood: "I don't know much myself. All in good time Colonel no doubt. However, I am now authorized to shed a little light on the subject as we near our destination. Just round that headland you were observing forward is the Port of Dakla. We should raise the pilot boat before noon to take us in. Furthermore...."

Lawford: "As he spoke I could not help wonder if he was aware that my mission involved a Romanov party including Countess Alexandra. Drifting off I remembered her well-proportioned features accented by lovely red hair, her at times imperious nature and intoxicating style. I guessed the Captain knew nothing of her. Lest I drift farther away, I suspended these silent thoughts as Collingwood's continuing remarks returned to my full hearing."

Collingwood: "Lieutenant Beattie will give you a map of the region when we finish our chat. I know you are familiar with continental central regions where you were captured last year by the vile Tugs, but I daresay the southwest will be new to you. Between now and noon you may find it beneficial to study it. It's yours to keep. Later when you are taken ashore to report at Government House for orders, it might be of value."

Lawford: "Back in my cabin I laid out the map recalling my first intriguing readings about Mafrica many years before. Naturally I read with great interest about fascinating early explorations, discoveries of strange new animal species, innumerable geologic wonders, the abominable slave trade that developed, Britannia's subsequent efforts to squelch it, the opening of the continent for benevolent trade and searching for mysterious ancient civilizations lost in time. The map produced by the eminent cartographer Mr. Jack Scruby Esq. a half century ago would be singularly helpful. Yet so much was still unknown."

Lawford: "The southwestern corner of the map revealed the headland we were approaching from the southeast. The Port of Dakla lay just beyond within a prodigiously protected bay. Where would my orders take me? Deep into the interior I supposed."

"After several hours of study the sea became calmer and the ship slowed considerably. Out of curiosity I went to the bridge deck surprised to discover we...."

"Had already passed through The Bay of Dakla and commenced entering the channel of the great river by the same name."

"We passed a large near white Iberian-style official-looking building roofed with reddish clay tiles. I later learned it was Government House, to which I would immediately repair when taken ashore. One the balcony, two men observed Zanzibar navigate the narrow channel. In a few hours I learned their identities and the particular relationship they would have with my mission."

Mr. Albert Wyatt (left): "Zanzibar made good time."

Chargé d’affaires, Brigadier (ret.) Graham Day: "Yes and there is not a minute to lose."

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

Closing Remarks

1. Mafrica Map is an improved and new version of Jack Scruby's original map. Pard and owner of Scruby Miniatures via Historifigs Mike Taber, gave me permission to use it here two years ago. See: http://www.historifigs.com/

2. Zanzibar is a one-of-a-kind Houston gunboat. See The Virtual Armchair General for details. http://www.thevirtualarmchairgeneral.com/500-houston.html

3. The river motorboat from tthe collection of Der Alte Fritz was built and painted by H.G. Walls, Herb Gundt. Der Alte also loaned his gunboat, the one nearest you in the photo showing two gunboats.

4. Government House is from Miniature Building Authority.
5. The two chaps on the balcony are from Pulp Figures: http://www.pulpfigures.com/main.php?custID=653051031305155441
PHP 14 and PHP18
6. Sailors are from Perry Miniatures Sudan Range painted by John Preece.

7. If you please, avail yourself and kindly post comments below.

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

Chapter III: Port of Bombay

2011-06-12T07:15:00.002-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 12 June 1900
Location: Port of Bombay
Situation: Arrival And Departure
Recommendation: See Chapter II posted 5 June 2011
Double Click Your Images My Dear Fellow/Lady
----------

PORT OF BOMBAY

The express we took from Fort Grant, Surajistan....

Arrived the 12th of June, 1900.

At the bustling port of Bombay at low tide.

A watch tower protected the harbour.

Whilst a Britannian warship took stores aboard.

Danger is always possible. It's best to be well-armed like this chap.

Lawford: "This is not my ship. I was informed by authorities HMS Zanzibar would be in port. When is she expected?"

Dock master: "She is offshore Barra Sahib; only waiting for dock space. When the ship you see here leaves, Zanzibar will come in. Not long. This afternoon hussoor. Why not relax in the Docksider?" --- (Barra Sahib: great lord. Husoor: lord)

Lawford: "It was good to get away from the blazing sun. Cool beverages with a few singularly interesting patrons compensated for unremarkable food. Two hours later the dock master returned with good news."

Dock master: "Husoor, may you live to see your great grandchildren marry. The dock will be cleared in moments. Your Queen's gunboat that has been loading provisions is raising smoke and has cast off her dock lines. --- Here comes Nazim."

Lawford: "I observed the ship that had been receiving stores take all shore hands but one back aboard. He skillfully jumped onto the taffrail at the last instant. Dock space would soon be available for Zanzibar."

Nazim: "Colonel Sah'b. Zanzibar will be at the dock this half hour. I have been told she will only just touch and go to quickly pick us up."
Lawford: "Aye. No time to tarry then."

Lawford: "Indeed we were taken aboard without delay and shown to the aft upper deck. The harbour was so calm the vessel did not even set dock lines. In under ten minutes we were underway. Touch and go urgency."

Dock master: "Pukka journey husoor!
----------
Lawford: "Would it be a good journey? Nazim and I still did not know our destination. Our future remained hidden behind the smoke of the unknown."

----------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. The two watch towers were made by HG Walls, Herb Gundt.
2. Other structures are from Miniature Building Authority.
3. Ships are wonderful one of a kind Richard Houston gunboats. The first is on loan from Der Alte Fritz. The second is from my collection. Sale and construction of both were cheerfully facilitated by The Virtual Armchair General's Patrick Wilson.
4. Chuck's collection of palms, plants, pots, boxes, some of the city dwellers, plus the gator with his wary opponent may be seen throughout the city.
5. Docks were manufactured by Lemax a few years ago.
6. The terrain cloth is from The Terrain Guy in Texas.
7. The 25mm cart, horses and loads are from Old Glory.
8. Perry Miniatures Sudan sailors painted by John Preece.
9. Chuck's "Western Express Train Set" came from Toys R Us recently. See: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3342341

10. Naturally your remarks below at the word comments are welcome.
----------

Chapter II: Requirement Of The Service

2011-06-05T08:13:00.005-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 5 June 1900. Evening.
Location: Col. Lawford's Quarters, Fort Grant, Surajistan
Situation: New Orders
Recommendation: See Chapter I posted 31 May 2011
Double Clicked Images Reveal The Most
----------

COL. LAWFORD - FOUR DAYS LATER

Nazim observes General Pettygree (right) and his ADC Major Mitchell (center) arrive at Lieutenant Colonel Lawford's quarters.

Mitchell: "I don't know how he'll take it; missing the show."

Pettygree: "Like any good officer he will do his duty; requirement of the service."

Lawford (seated) has been conversing with political officer, Major David Faraday.

Faraday: "Colonel, I saw some of your lads march off to start the show this afternoon."

Lawford: "A 'sketching patrol' to cause minimal alarm."

Pettygree: "Yes and find out what's out there before the garrison marches."

Lawford: "I look forward to it gentlemen to end the Tug menace. Soon."

Pettygree: "Jim, no easy way to say it. You've been reassigned - detached."

Lawford: "Sir --- and miss the show?"

Pettygree: "Orders. Faraday will explain. You're the best man for the job."

Faraday: "You are required and directed to immediately proceed to Bombay and take passage aboard HMS Zanzibar for an undisclosed port. Our politico there will give you timely information and further instructions regarding the Romanovs."

Lawford: "What's this about - and - if I may respectfully ask, why me?

Pettygree: "My dear fellow, because you know that Romanov woman and her scheme to find buried treasure at the lost ancient city of Alexandrapour. Rubbish naturally. You are going to find out what the deuce the Romanovs are really doing, confound them if necessary and report back to the politico Faraday mentioned."

THE NEXT DAY

Nazim: "The cart is loaded Colonel S'hib and the escort is waiting."

Lawford: "Well done Nazim. Let's go. There is not a minute to lose."

Nazim: "For the mission and the lady."

Lawford: "Right. We'll know soon enough if what I told you four days ago about the Romanov Camp and herself was just a troubling dream or a dreadful vision of fate yet to transpire."

----------

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The building is from Miniature Building Authority.

2. The 25mm cart, horses and load are from Old Glory.

3. Place your remarks below at the word comments, if you please.

----------

Chapter I: Alexandra In Peril

2011-05-31T18:56:00.010-05:00

----------
EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRAPOUR
----------
Date: 1 June 1900. Early Morning.
Location: Col. Lawford's Quarters, Fort Grant, Surajistan
Situation: Fate of Countess Alexandra
Double Click Images To See More
----------
Foreward:

Expedition To Alexandrapour is a spin off adventure from General Pettygree's campaign. Chapters will be identified by Roman numerals. For plentiful background, see Chapters 37 and 40 through 48.

Pettygree's operations versus the Tugs resume very soon with Chapter 50, The Sketching Patrol.

We return now to Fort Grant where a very troubled Lt. Col. James Lawford, Commander of the celebrated 9th Bengal Lancers....
----------

COLONEL LAWFORD'S QUARTERS

Nazim: "Colonel? Colonel Sahib! Are you alright? What is it?"
Lawford: "A moment Nazim. Ah.... Give me a moment, if you please. Help me dress."

Pause....

Lawford: "You will remember last year --- the Romanovs sought permission from the Tug Supreme Leader to find the lost ruins of Alexandrapour and the supposed treasure buried beneath it."
Nazim: "Yes Sahib, but we thought they did not find it."
Lawford: "That is what we thought but....

THE ROMANOV CAMP

Lawford: "I've seen their camp. Seen it in the most desperate of circumstances."

Lawford: "Surprised and outnumbered they fought a mysterious enemy."

Lawford: "Disaster and ignominious defeat beckoned, but the worst was...."

Lawford: "She --- she was there."

Nazim: "The Countess Alexandra?"

Lawford: "None other. She drew her revolver firing to stop the charge; failing."

Nazim: "What was her fate Sahib?"

Lawford: "An unspeakable one Nazim. She was escorted to an altar near ancient ruins."

Lawford: "Taken to a place of sacrifice surrounded and administered to by the same cruel fiends who tortured me at Kota Ki-Bandahar last year."

Nazim: "Sahib!"

Lawford: "Yes...I'm afraid so."

Lawford: "I can hardly speak of it.... Her garments were indecently replaced by a ceremonial white short gown...then...monstrously tied to posts...."

Lawford: "Hopelessly left there to...."

----------

CLOSING REMARKS:

1. The building is from Miniature Building Authority; some with terrific interiors.

2. MBA also has the tents and altar.

3. Chuck's Pulp characters are in evidence around the altar.

4. Pulp Miniatures provided the model for the final photograph.

5. Come on then. Let's rescue her!

6. Your remarks are always welcome below at the word comments.

----------

Countess Alexandra Elaina Volkanskaya

2011-04-30T23:18:00.003-05:00

Which Countess Do You Prefer?
Vote On The Poll To The Left, if you please. Choose 1, 2 and/or 3.
Images expand singularly when double-clicked

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

See poll to the left. Comments welcome below.

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

Chapter 49: Officer's Call

2011-02-17T23:49:00.006-06:00

Date: 30 December 1899
Location: Fort Grant
Situation: Officer's Call
You THERE! Yes, You. Double Click Your Images!
--------------------
Before 1899 ends, Major General Pettygree, commanding Fort Grant, summoned selected officers for a meeting. As they arrive....

Major Trevelyan 10th Hussars, greets Lt. Caddy RE whilst Dr. Watson waits to enter.

Several officers gather at the bar for drinks and a little conversation.

Bartender: "Did you hear the one about Lt. Byron from Glasgow?"

Lt. Bracegirdle, leftmost: "No. I can't say I have. Why?"

Bartender: "Well, he's a pukka (very good) laddy to use the lingo here an' wastes not a drop o' the Scotch. Yesterday a fly dropped in his glass. Frowning, he saved the delirious little bugger from drowning, placed him on the rim and demanded, Spit it out!"

When Major General Pettygree arrived, the officers gathered arround.

Left to right: Dr. Watson, Lt. Bracegirdle Heliograph, Major Faraday Political Officer, Major Colin McKenzie Seaforths, Captain Gill 9th Bengal Lancers, Captain Jellicoe RN, Lt. Caddy RE, Lt. Colonel Preece 10th Hussars, Major General Pettygree and Major Trevelyan 10th Hussars.

Trevelyan: "Gentlemen. May we have your attention?"

Pettygree: "Lawford, no please don't get up. Very good to see you. Your wounds from the Kota Ki-Bandahar incident?"

Lawford: "Glad to be back General. My injuries are healing well. I'll ride with the regiment when the campaign resumes if Dr. Watson allows."

Watson: "Count on it Sirs. He's healing marvelously from the torture."

Pettygree: "Very good. Good indeed. -- Now to the business at hand."

Pettygree: "Gentlemen. -- We shall return to the field to finish the job. Not only will we fight with rifle, lance and cannon, we've added the Gatling and cutlasses so to speak of Captain Jellicoe's seamen and one more ace too. Her Majesty's Government has agreed to negotiate extensively with friendly and enemy native leaders alike with promises and incentives." Major Faraday will explain.-- Major?

Trevelyan: "Welcome Major Faraday.

Faraday: "I'm glad to be here Gentlemen to help finish this Muljadhi chap and his Tug followers once and for all. In addition to your arsenal of weapons and skills I am authorized to make treaties with the khans. To encourage them, I will subsidize friendly leaders with rupees and rifles."

Preece: "Rifles!"

Faraday: "Yes. You see as the Army marches deeper and deeper into enemy territory, the khans who agree to remain peaceful will need weapons to defend themselves from neighboring leaders who will not be so agreeable. Plus, if we sweeten the deal with continuing subsidies of rupees, it makes things better for us. Protects our line of communication."

Pettygree: "Quite so. Thank you. Gentlemen, let us adjourn and enjoy the rest of the evening."

The meeting ends and they disperse.

When the hour grows late, they retire to their quarters.

Good night Sirs. We'll see you in the new year, God willing.

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

CLOSING REMARKS:

1. Lawford and Faraday are from Foundry's WWI British interrogation set painted by John Preece.

2. Bar, bartender, small table and stone structures are from Miniature Building Authority. The main table was scratch-built.

3. Winter ground cover in this and the previous chapter is on loan from the collection of Der Alte Fritz manufactured from The Terrain Guy in Texas.

4. May I encourage you to place your remarks at the word comments below?

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

Între Acte {C}

2011-02-13T22:50:00.006-06:00

Situation: Intermission {C}
Purpose: Three Topics
Images: Best to double click 'em, you know
----------
WINTER....
Embraces The Frontier from The Secret Valley to Fort Grant and Mother Russia. The Imperials, their implacable foes and the Romanovs have gone their separate ways. Beneath the snowy blanket all appears dormant. Don't you believe it! However, before the thaw, let's cast our eyes on three peaceful and pleasant snowscapes.

One of the many villages within The Secret Valley. The central watchtower serves as a final defensive stronghold should outer walls in obvious need of repair fail to stop intruders from other villages. Few inhabitants believe the Imperials know the exact location of their valley. Beside this they have the Guru's prophetic promise the Imperials will never come here and survive.

Back in Mother Russia Colonel Villainovitch and his niece Countess Alexandra Elaina Volkanskaya stroll about a portion his country dacha.

Are they discussing the imminent party for neighboring nobility? Perhaps. Might they also be speaking about returning to The Secret Valley after the thaw? Yes, possibly.

And you? Are you contemplating Major General Pettygree's plans for his growing force at Fort Grant? Please return after intermission to learn what his officers have to say about it.

Meanwhile let's warm things up with....

FIRE SIMULATION
Weeks ago Furt inquired about making fire. The following photos hopefully serve.

The product with technical details.

The back of the package shows parts, manufacturer and the website address.

The black Atlas Connector is a model railroad switch bought separately. The three light bulbs are individually connected to it on the top. The 9 volt battery provides power at the side. After the red wire is taped to the battery, power is available or not. Bulbs may be turned on as a group of three, two or just one depending on the position of the yellow buttons. Currently they are all in the down {off} mode.

The first time I used the product was as a test within a 15mm WWII bunker. Only the blinking white light was activated to simulate MG fire. The group thought it was effective and it added interest.

The red wire is taped to the battery now. Power is available to bulbs when the yellow buttons are pushed up. All are on. Oh! Ignore the letters I, DY and X. I forgot to remove these. The last step is to hide all this someplace and place the bulbs beneath cotton wool or the fiber used to fill pillows.

As seen in previous chapters, the fiber is colored with red, yellow and black water-based paint simulating fire and smoke. Apply paint to your fingers working the paint into the fiber using all the colors in different proportions.

INSPIRATION
Within the pages of Winston Churchill's first book, The Malakand Field Force will be found the kind of specific detail needed to imagineer historical miniatures tabletop games at the company to brigade level. Highly recommended especially if you do any Colonial gaming. A+.

Indeed, just the other day my wife noticed this fellow on Deck 4 of The Navigator of the Seas. He too was so inspired by Churchill's details he was seen taking notes whilst outbound from Montego Bay, Jamaica to Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA. Amazing coincidence!

Montego Bay, Jamaica seen from a low mountain range. Royal Caribbean's Navigator of The Seas is docked in the harbor. "Yah mahn. No problems."

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

CLOSING REMARKS

1. Wintry terrain courtesy of my good friend Der Alte Fritz, Jim P. Lovely isn't it?

2. Watch tower, dacha and trees built by HG Walls: Herb Gundt. Awesome, yes?

3. Back soon. We'll see what Major General Pettygree and his officers have to say in the officer's club.

4. Remarks welcome below as always at the word comments.

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

Chapter 48: Escape Still In Doubt

2011-01-10T23:46:00.003-06:00

Date: November 18, 1899
Location: Village Of Kota Ki-Bandahar
Situation: The Rescue Attempt Part 2
It's Elementary. Double-Clicked Images Are Best
----------
Continuing narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"Chapter 47, "The Rescue Attempt Part 1, previously related how the hand of fate suddenly passed through the village carrying everyone toward new destinies. Would my cruel captivity continue or end with me unhurt or shockingly disabled? No matter. I seized the hand extended to me as...."
----------

"Gill's men pounded up the stairs arriving at the floor below in my Watch Tower prison. Enraged guards charged with drawn swords. The sowars barely had time to snap fire."

"The three fell - riddled by the fire. Of course I did not know this at the time. I only knew when fire ceased that heavy footsteps resumed the ascent to my floor. Whose would they be?"

"Bracing myself I opened the door - careful to keep my manuscript in hand."

Lawford: "Gill! How..."
Gill: "No time Sir. Let's get out of here. Now Sir, if you please."

"An open window during our descent allowed me to observe a troop of 10th Hussars cross the stream; smoke still drifting from earlier explosions."

"The enemy saw and opened fire upon them from the distant bridge."

"The hussars ascended the bank moving in an arc toward the Watch Tower when...."

"A third explosion occurred. This was the reason for the arc. Lt. Caddy had planted a third charge intending to draw attention away from my escape. When the charge failed to explode on time, he elected to cross the river to get on with the rescue operation. He arrived at the Watch Tower as we emerged."

Caddy: "Good to see you Sir!"
Gill: "Horses around the side, Sir."
Caddy: "Quite right Colonel. Time to dash away."

"We formed up to leave regrettably having lost Pvt. Jones (10th Hussars), one sowar also dead with two others wounded (9th Bengal Lancers)."

"We broke into a fast trot increasing to a gallop to avoid enemy fire."

"We raced pell mell away from Kota Ki-Bandahar. There was no pursuit. Odd. The rescue operation had been a success - so far. "

THE NEXT DAY

"The next day we passed into an arid region seeing ancient ruins along the way. Was one of them Alexandra's lost city? There was no time to stop." [From left to right: Gill, Lawford and Caddy.]

"The Column rode on."

"Several hours later a range of forested hills came more closely into view."

"We entered a vast pine forest on a small trail. The rest of our march was uneventful. A week later we arrived at Fort Grant and I reported to Major General Pettygree. He congratulated Gill and Caddy for a successful mission. I told him everything I knew. He seemed troubled by the party of Romanovs."

"What I did not know was the fate of my acquaintance Alexandra, her Uncle Villainovich and their quest to find the plundered treasure of Alexander The Great they believed is buried underneath the ruins of Alexandrapour. Was it true? Would I see her again?"
----------

Lt. Colonel Lawford could not then know the answers to his inquiries. Luckily I know something of their next circumstances below.

Soon after Lawford's escape, The Supreme Leader, Muljadhi, hosted another private durbar. Colonel Villainovich and Alexandra arrived dressed to the nines.

I could not hear more than a little of their conversation but....

From past experience we know Villainovich promised delivery of an object before the next campaign season to the Tug leader. Also known unless it was a ruse to fool Lt. Col. Lawford was the matter of finding and exploring Alexandrapour.

The intensity of the Guru and the demeanor of the Romanovs indicate serious matters.

We may imagine Alexandra and her Uncle conferring before departure.

Two days later they arrived at ancient ruins. Do they believe this is Alexandrapour?

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

CHUCK'S CLOSING REMARKS

"I was looking forward to this game for some time. Seeing as I was the cause of Col Lawford's imprisonment, I was anxious to see how the next chapter would unfold. Bill and I had been bouncing ideas off each other about how to handle the game. I suggested trying a couple of "pulp" rulesets I've had for awhile as a bit of a diversion. We tried .45 Adventure and Where Heroes Dare. Bill liked the special attributes and flavor of the rules and suggested we use one for the rescue scenario. I agreed and chose to use Where Heroes Dare. I really enjoy .45 Adventure but didn't think it would be able to handle the number of figures Bill had in mind for this game."

"I had a few things to consider when making up forces for the game. First, Bill wanted the British to win. It didn't have to be easy for them but they were still supposed to make it off with Lawford. Second, the British were going to be heavily outnumbered. To aid the British cause, I made all the British officers "leads". In the rules this gives them three wounds, access to better abilities and 3 attacks in hand to hand. I also gave them armor. I know there weren't bulletproof vests on the Northwest Frontier so I told Bill to think of them as being extra lucky. I made all the British troopers "companions" giving them two wounds and two hand to hand attacks. I kept things pretty simple when it came to special abilities. I didn't want to slow things down with so many characters on the table."

"For the Tugs, I gave them only a couple of lead figures and two or three companions. The rest were made up of single wound supporters. The Iron Ivan yahoo group did the heavy lifting figuring out Tug stats. They already had a list of generic colonial characters and stats. It was very helpful."

"This game also allowed me to break out my new dynamite deck from the Virtual Armchair General. One of the ideas I had was for the British to set up some dynamite explosions as diversions to draw some of the guards away from the tower holding Lawford. The dynamite deck is a special deck of cards representing the fuse on a bundle of dynamite. The more cards the longer the fuse. It really added some uncertainty to the game. Ill definitely use it again."

"I was happy how the rules worked in this game. [Me too! Bill] I did forget one rule about checking for suppression whenever a group is shot at. I don't think it would have changed much. I look forward to breaking out Where Heroes Dare again. I have some freshly painted rocket troopers looking for a scrap."
----------
OTHER CLOSING REMARKS
1. Thank you Chuck for your involvement in everything! Mighty glad about it, I say.
2. This concludes the first person narration of Lt. Col. Lawford.
3. I'm looking forward to -- well -- let's just wait and see.
4. Your remarks are welcome as always at the word comments below.
----------

Chapter 47: Rescuers Arrive To Save Me!

2011-01-05T00:39:00.011-06:00

Date: November 18, 1899
Location: Village Of Kota Ki-Bandahar
Situation: The Rescue Attempt Part 1
Sir, You May Prefer Double-Clicked Images
----------
Continuing narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"May I suggest readers kindly repair to Chapter 46, "Explosion" where as Alexandra and I conversed, a tremendous explosion extraordinarily changed everything."
----------

"This is the nearby building exploding, soaring upwards and disintegrating - pieces cascading down a slope to a stream below."

"As we stared in bewilderment, loud voices, gunshots, horses and running footsteps added to the din. Amidst it all I strained recognizing an improbable voice at the watch tower entrance below."

Gill: " Colonel Lawford! Are you here?
Lawford: "YES! -- Upstairs. -- Gill?
Gill: "Yes Sir. Time to leave Sir!"

"Indeed it was time to go. Native voices above us shouted angrily arguing their next move. Alexandra put on her coat and hat whilst I grabbed my manuscript.

Lawford: "Alexandra! Let's go."
Alexandra: "I can't abandon my Uncle!"
Lawford: "This is your only chance....Gill will be here and....
Alexandra: "James. NO!"

"In a flash she pushed me backwards. I fell. She opened the door, slammed it shut and vanished before I could recover."

"The tempest above and below grew in intensity. My jailers above began to descend, no doubt to restrain or kill me. Footsteps below pounded up a flight of stairs followed by gun shots and bellows. Outside a whirlwind of combats swept through the area."

"I thought my life could end, my cruel captivity continue or I might escape. Maimed or intact? Vainly - stupidly - I hoped at least my manuscript could somehow get out so those who cared would learn my fate and discover something about this notorious cult."

"However, before you learn my fate and that of my rescuers, read on. I shall explain the singular events of this day as best I can - to the end - commencing with...."

"Yesterday my rescuers reconnoitered approaches to Kota Ki-Bandahar from the east and west."

"Lt. Caddy RE commanding a troop of 10th Hussars arrived before sun up hiding in the brush waiting for the moment to start the battle east of the village. The honour to do so was theirs. They placed and detonated explosives in the building mentioned earlier just across the stream."

"Whilst a mile to the west Captain Gill descended into a swale secretly posting a troop of 9th Bengal Lancers facing east within a copse. Following the explosion...."

"Gill led his troop quietly forward. Preceding him in a cunning ruse two allied natives pretending to be Tugs, rode into the village inquiring about the explosion. Almost every Tug eye still observed the destruction at the other end of the village. To enhance their curiosity, Lt. Caddy ordered the hussars to open fire with carbines there. [Not shown.] The battle was on."

"Gill's troop increased speed to a gallop detaching...."

"Four sowars to successfully engage the foe coming from the left whilst...."

"He and two other sowars dismounted taking revenge on the foe who had just dispatched his native allied horsemen. It was after this combat he shouted up to me and entered the Watch Tower. He pounded up the stairs and...."

"His party was rushed by maddened swordsmen...."

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

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The amazing conclusion will be posted soon.

2. Meanwhile, please allow your imaginations to wander.

3. Remarks welcome below at the word "Comments" as always. Thank you.

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

Chapter 46: Explosion!

2010-12-21T07:12:00.003-06:00

Date: November 18, 1899

Situation: Explosion In The Village

Location: Kota Ki-Bandahar

Double Clicked Images Are Singularly Better

----------

Continuing Narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"Readers are kindly invited to review Chapter 45, Captivity, Fiends and The Angel. There I wrote about being rigorously questioned, fiendish torture and my second opportunity to converse with the intoxicating Alexandra."

"Boredom certainly was not my lot. I was a prisoner without hope of escape. So much so that my jailers allowed me a kind of parole, the benevolence of which contrasted impossibly with their ill treatment of me yesterday. The height of their kindness was contact with Alexandra."

"The remarkable events of recent days surely could not be exceeded. Yet the next hours would prove this estimation impossibly and singularly deficient. Astonishing events already in unstoppable motion were soon to overcome everyone as Alexandra and I resumed our conversation."
----------

Alexandra: "James. What are you writing?"
Lawford: "A journal of sorts; my capture, the journey here, the unusual nature of my captivity, your appearance and my remarks. If fate should allow me to return home...."

Alexandra: "Return home! None of us will be allowed to leave unless you tell them what they want to know. Your fidelity to duty does you credit, but who will know, care or benefit by your writings after you, my Uncle and I are murdered by this unknown cult?"

Lawford: "Duty and honour must prevail even to that end Alexandra. Not unknown. The cult of thugee was a murderous scourge in India for hundreds of years. Colonel Sleeman thought they were eradicated by his cunning pursuit, courts of justice or by conversion to more peaceful ways of life. Come to the window a moment. For example...."

"From our Watch Tower vantage point we see villagers resuming peaceful morning routines as they no doubt have done for generations. Observe several men and women casually greeting and conversing with each other. A dog walks about unconcerned. The merchant house on the right has expectantly awakened as goods are unloaded for sale. All is serene and quiet."

Alexandra: Did you hear that James?"

Lawford: "Yes. -- Look there!"

A shocking and thunderous explosion shattered the tranquil morning. We could only gape as fire, smoke and debris rose into the air.

Then a second tortuous explosion ripped the same building further apart.

Blasting the top upwards to careen over the adjacent hillside. In seconds it broke into pieces scattering debris down the slope to the stream below.

We saw villagers stopping all they were doing, more came outside and everyone turned toward the noise.

The Chancellor and one of his military leaders viewed the sudden destruction too. What did it portend? We would soon find out.
--------------------
CLOSING REMARKS:
1. Some explanation of thugee may be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuggee
2. For our purposes the cult has changed from small group activity to a national movement to control all of India - as in the 1939 adventurous and thrilling motion picture Gunga Din.
3. Watch Tower scratch-built by the super talented Herb Gundt; HG Walls.
4. Other structures are from the popular Miniature Building Authority.
5. Your remarks are welcome below at the word comments.
--------------------
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Respectfully yours,
Bill
--------------------

Chapter 45: Captivity, Fiends And The Angel

2010-12-12T23:44:00.035-06:00

Date: November 17, 1899
Situation: Captivity, Fiends And The Angel
Location: Kota Ki-Bandahar
Images May Be Enlarged By Double Clicking
----------
Continuing Narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

The reader is kindly invited to review notes in Chapter 44, Durbar. There I described my early captivity, meeting The Supreme Leader, being questioned and impossibly renewing my acquaintance with -- Alexandra.

As I resume writing, those emotionally undulating first days are now past. However, let me go back in time for a moment reminding you how....

Desolation attending my thoughts instantly fled when Alexandra first appeared in the courtyard. In those moments my hopeless circumstances, the impossibility of escape and my unknown fate were replaced by her presence, striking beauty and conversation. After overcoming my shock, we talked....

Alexandra: "I am just as shocked to see you. I had time to compose myself."
Lawford: "But how are you here?"
Alexandra: "When I learned my Uncle would be searching again for the missing treasure of Alexander The Great, I begged to come along. We were unpleasantly diverted here."

Lawford: "These regions are said to be endowed with several of his ruined cities."
Alexandra: "And treasure."
Lawford: "Yes but... Did you not know an insurrection by a sect previously thought extinct has erupted here? I am their prisoner; apparently on parole."

Alexandra: "I do now. Our expedition must therefore end. We are denied access to the ruins of Alexandrapor. Indeed our departure depends on you."
Lawford: "Me!"
Alexandra: "Da. When The Supreme Leader learned we had known each other in St. Petersburg, he demanded I convince you to cooperate with his inquiries. A few days ago my Uncle came to me...."

Villainovich: "Alexandra. Excuse me. May we talk?"
Alexandra: "Da Uncle."

Villainovich: "Our expedition is ruined. And there is more."
Alexandra: "Vat - Uncle?"
Villainovich: "When The Supreme Leader learned you knew his prisoner, I was asked to have you make certain inquiries."
Alexandra: "Inquiries? Lawford vill never reveal anything."

Villainovich: "But if he does not, he will be tortured and we will remain here."
Alexandra: "Uncle! This is impossible. Madness!"
Villainovich: "Da. But you must try."

Torture said she. I'd been expecting no less since the first durbar (audience) mentioned previously. Alexandra knew I could tell her and them nothing. When we parted, I was taken to an empty dirty room where the Chancellor and Guru again demanded I reveal the nature of General Pettygree's reinforcements arriving at Fort Grant. They asked more - a lot more. I revealed nothing while....

Five ruffians exercised,danced, capered and hallooed outside the room.

Ordered inside they did not quite do their worst. When the fiends finished with me I was....

Taken to my cell and thrown onto my bed. Shaken but not broken I laid painfully awake most of the night. Alone and desolate.

The next morning after rising slowly, I dressed in my tunic to hide my wounds and as protection from morning air entering by the open window. I resumed writing the narrative you are reading now when....

I heard light footsteps ascend the wooden stairs. They stopped outside my door followed by knocks and the unmistakable voice of Alexandra.

Alexandra: "Don't get up. Those brutes! NO! Stay seated darlink!"
Lawford: "Alexandra! Yes, if you don't mind I will just stay seated -- here."

Alexandra: "Good. Let me throw my hat and coat on your bed. Ve must talk."
--------------------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. Structures from Miniature Building Authority.
2. Fiends and most chaps sauntering about below Villainovich and Alexandra were loaned from the super Pulp collection of Chuck L.
3. Foundry supplied Lawford in tunic with chair and table from their British WWI Interrogator Set artfully painted by John Preece. The Darkest Africa range has a nice variety of British officers in uniform and without tunics including the chap with tea cup in sets DA91 and DA93.
4. The Chancellor is from Mutineer Miniatures.
5. The Guru was obtained from Scale Creep. Mark Severin has two packages of personalities adapted from the 1939 motion picture Gunga Din.
6. Old Glory's Realms of Terror, A Romanov Holiday GHR-2 A has the Tsar, Tsarina who became Alexandra, plus two children.
7. Other versions of Lawford and Alexandra came from Copplestone Castings. See High Adventure BC1 Armed Archaeologists and BC19 Female Archaeologists. Also see Back of Beyond BC17 Bolshevik Heroines.
8. One of Tiger Miniatures Bulgarian officers became Villainovich.
9. Your remarks are welcome -- below -- at the word Comments.
--------------------

Chapter 44: Durbar

2010-11-17T19:44:00.009-06:00

Date: Nov. 9, 1899
Location: Kota-Ki-Bandahar Village
Durbar: A Conference Audience or Meeting
Narrative of Lt. Colonel James Lawford
----------
My capture on the 16th ultimo and passage into captivity strained my being. Hopeful plans of escape made impossible by my captors gave way to thoughts of abandonment, desolation and worse, the deeper into the void we travelled. Why they wanted me I knew not. Where I was going was unknown to me. What men and fate planned was kept from me. A good thing. Had I known the improbable and singular events about to overtake me, I would never have believed them.

You may recall my arrival at Kota-Ki-Bandahar; the gallop into the village and arrival at my newest prison within the imposing Watch Tower.

Three days later I was summoned to a durbar. The durwan (door-keeper) ushered me into a sparse chamber protected by a solitary guard where....

The Supreme Leader, Muljadhi, beckoned that I be seated before him. After some conversation he inquired about reinforcements expected to arrive at Fort Grant. Naturally I declined to answer. In truth I did not know.

Dissatisfaction with my answer brought a reprimand from a chap stepping from the wings, a Guru. "No Guru-ji," said I politely. "Even if I knew, I could not tell you." For some reason he made no further inquiries. I was returned to my cell.

Days later I learned about a second audience where...

A Colonel Villainovitch, of the Romanov Army....

Called on The Supreme Leader and his Chancellor.

Muljadhi: "Welcome Colonel. We are pleased you accepted our invitation.

Villainovitch: "Da. The Tsar is equally pleased and -- I bring the news you want.

Guru: "Delighted. When will the item arrive?"
Villainovitch: "After the coming winter in time for your next campaign."
Guru: "Good. Very good."

Chancellor: "Meanwhile Colonel, we ask one more service."

Villainovitch: "Oh?"

Chancellor: "Order your associate to interrogate the prisoner Lawford. We need to know what new forces are en-route to Fort Grant. Your Tsar may find this useful too.

Villainovitch: "Da."

Lawford resumes his narration:

As mentioned, I learned about these shocking conversations days later amidst an astounding event I scarce believe even now. However, I've presented them here since this serves your needs best. -- A few days before revelation to me the durwan....

Led me to a courtyard nearby saying, "You are expected within. Go husoor (lord) and enjoy." A kind of parole I assumed. After all I had no idea where I was nor was there a providential means of suddenly mounting a stallion and galloping like mad to safety. My swift ending was more likely had I tried.

I entered the courtyard gateway. At the far end stood a lovely European woman apparently expecting me. Who was she?

Thoughts of imprisonment vanished. She was elegantly attired, slender, confident and affected a comfortable if slight imperious air. The red hair intrigued me of course. Conscious of my gaze, she stood still a moment longer and then suddenly....

The striking vision whirled to face me. My breathing stopped. I could only say, "Alexandra!"

Seating myself lest my legs give way, I stammered, You can't be -- here. Impossible. I -- must be dreaming.... "No darlink, I am here," said she.
----------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. Structures are from Miniature Building Authority.
2. Carpet: TJ Int'l Product. http://www.orientalcarpetcreations.com/
3. The lady is from Old Glory's: GHR-2 Tszar Nicholas, Tsarina and 2 children.
4. Remarks always welcome. Leave them below at the word comments.
----------

Chapter 43: KHAN

2010-11-14T12:25:00.004-06:00

Date: Nov. 6, 1899
Situation: Lt. Col. Lawford's New Prison
Location: Kota-Ki-Bandahar Village
Pukka (1st rate) images if you click on them twice husoor (lord)
----------

"Open the gate!" KHAN leads the Red Sash Horsemen toward the village of an ally.

The gate is fully open. The leader in blue points shouting, "This way KHAN."

The Red Sash Horsemen gallop through the narrow gate led by KHAN.

Men atop the village Watch Tower lean over to observe and cheer the procession.

In the midst is the prisoner (center), Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th. Bengal Lancers.

KHAN

Slowing a bit now, he leads the horsemen across an old bridge toward....

The village of Kota-Ki-Bandahar with its imposing and striking Watch Tower.

They assemble in an orderly way before the tower. The village malik (headman) converses with KHAN as Lt. Col. Lawford is brought forward. One horsemen (left center) has his attention drawn elsewhere.

Striped men appear from the tower.

Lawford's bearing remains unchanged as he wonders if the striped chaps are guards or?
----------

In Chapter 42 the unknown officer below said....

Officer: "Bring our guest forward, Vladimir."
Trooper: "Da Colonel."

The guest wears the uniform of an hussar.

They observe riders coming forward from the cavalry horde.

The hussar rises above the saddle to see better.

The Europeans ride calmly to meet the approaching natives.

CLOSING REMARKS

1. H.G.Walls artfully built the two gorgeous watch towers.

2. From the collection of Chuck: Roads and natives on tall circular bases. Thank you Chuck!

3. The hussar is a 30mm Suren from the Napoleon in Egypt range. Contact Tradition of London. The mirliton was replaced with a Hinterland Miniatures busby.

4. From Miniature Building Authority: Stone walls, bridge, wooden walls and buildings.

5. The Terrain Guy's excellent table covering and river add much to scenes.

6. Grey natives skillfully painted by Reinforcements By Post.

7. Your remarks are always welcome. Click on the word, "comments" below.

----------

Flying Machines From The Future

2010-11-09T19:01:00.003-06:00

Experimental Photos
Flying Machines (Contraptions) From The Future
And For Fun
----------

RAF NORTHWEST FRONTIER SQUADRON BACK FROM THE FUTURE

Two Gloster Gladiators flying in support over a column of Imperials.

RAF Fairey Battle hunting for the foe.

The Lysander spots something suspicious below.

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

Closing Remarks

1. These are test photos for my own review for later scenic improvement.

2. And for fun.

3. Artfully painted by friend Chuck.

4. 15mm aircraft from Old Glory UK.

5. One of these days the blog may fast forward to the 1930s so clunky armoured cars and early aircraft can be used. Someday....

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

Chapter 42: Mountain Pass and Valley

2010-11-06T18:03:00.005-05:00

Date: November 6, 1899
Situation: Rescue Party Two Days Later
Location: High Mountain Pass And Valley Below
Quiet Now. Look to Your Front
And Double Click Your Images

Mountain Pass Two Days From The Imperial Camp

The summit. Look closely in the right center distance for activity. See 'em?

That's Sgt. Davies and two of his 10th Hussars scouting around the corner.

More join them.
Private Thornton: "All clear Sergeant."
Sgt. Davies: "Right. Bring the column forward."

The Rescue Column rides around the bend hugging the side of the mountain to avoid the dangerous drop to their left. Up ahead....

Two natives appear. One raises his arm in greeting.
Native: "Ram-ram, bhai." (Hello brother)."
Privates Thornton and Jones ride forward to investigate followed by....

Sgt. Davies: "Wot's this, THEN?"
Native: "My name is Aacharappan from the poor village of Bhouratabad."
Davies: "Out for a stroll?"
Aacharappan: "No bhai. My malik (headman) sent us to beg of the Barra-Sahib (great man) Pettygree for help. KHAN destroyed our village not five days ago."
Davies: "Did he have British captives with 'im?"
Aacharappan: "Yes."

Village Of Bhouratabad In The Valley Below

Captain Gill ordered The Column to Bhouratabad to see what KHAN had wrought. His pursuit will hopefully rescue the prisoners - the object of his mission. Sergeant Davies is across the river approaching the village.

While Captain Gill (left) and Lt. Caddy RE (right) observe from high ground.

Sergeant Davies is greeted enthusiastically by a villager. All appears correct. Thus....

The Column is ordered to the village. Officers speak to the headman.

The destroyed village and The Rescue Column. Why did KHAN do this?

Move OUT! There's Not A Moment To Lose!
Blast That KHAN!

The Imperials moves out an hour later. Village survivors watch them leave. Some....

Accompany the Imperials as guides and methinks more.

Good luck men!
--------------------

While Elsewhere

Others move silently through a forest -- we know not where or why.

Officer: "Bring our guest forward, Vladimir."

Trooper: "Da Colonel."

--------------------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. Miniature Building Authority structures often may be dismantled as shown.
2. 10th Hussars artfully painted by John Preece.
3. Natives skillfully painted by Reinforcements By Post (not the pink-turbaned chap.)
4. Native language taken from Flashman In The Great Game by George MacDonald Fraser, 1989 edition.
5. Comments as always welcome below. Click on Comments, if you please.
--------------------

Chapter 41: Night Passage

2010-10-26T00:19:00.006-05:00

Date: November 4, 1899
Situation: Rescue Party Departure
Location: The Imperial Camp
All Right Then. Double Click Images And Look to Your Front
----------------
The Rescue Party alluded to in Chapter 40 departs as evening arrives.

Acting Captain Gill, 9th Bengal Lancers, salutes the officers at General Pettygree's Headquarters. He leads his command on a night passage to conceal the start of the mission.

More 9th Bengal Lancers pass by; supply horses in the rear.

Sgt. Davies, 10th Hussars, follows. He salutes the officers watching the departure too.

The tail of the Rescue Party; Lt. Caddy, RE, close by his vital supplies guarded by two 10th Hussars.

Darkness descends quickly in the mountainous high altitude.

Later, senior officers gather round the campfire. Their thoughts and prayers are with the rescuers, as should be ours.

----------

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The last image was shot using pulsating campfire light only. Other images required some distant overhead light to suggest descending dusk. It is my understanding amateur astronomers use open lens settings to capture light at night. Perhaps you can do that.

2. The campfire is from Miniature Building Authority's tent set.

3. Campfire illumination was provided by three grain of wheat light bulbs (LEDs) commonly used in model railroading connected to a switch and 9 volt battery. Pulsating lights are from Evan Designs, PO Box 2044, Broomfield, CO 80038 USA. Ask for set DC3F FIRE! I bought mine from Walthers Trains; probably the largest supplier of model railroad items in North America. Also see http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/

4. The two chaps on the right side of the last image are Foundry Miniatures. See WWI Great War, GWB001, British Interrogation Set. Mine were specially painted by John Preece. I look forward to using them in future vignettes.

5. YOU can do this too. I had fun thinking and doing all this. Kind of different.

6. Your remarks are appreciated. Click on "Comments" to chat, if you please.

----------

Chapter 40: Prisoners

2010-10-17T11:44:00.011-05:00

Date: November 4, 1899
Situation: Prisoners
Location: The Imperial Camp And Parts Unknown
Images expand amazingly when clicked 1-2 times.
----------
During the second battle of 16 October, Col. Lawford ordered his 9th Bengal Lancers to charge a massive enemy force bent on turning the Imperial Right Flank. This desperate measure slowed the horde but did not stop it. See Chapter 36.

During the melee Colonel Lawford and two Sowars were captured.

Days later you see them being led into The Secret Valley as prisoners. Off to the right an infuriated tribesman inexplicably opened fire fatally wounding one of the Sowars.

Whilst Col. Lawford was being taken into captivity, several officers convened at General Pettygree's headquarters tent many miles away.

Evening dining preparations are taking place to the right as officers chat. In moments....

General Pettygree (left), Lt. Col. Preece (10th Hussars center) and Major Trevelyan (10th Hussars right) resume an earlier discussion.

Pettygree: "Have we our volunteers?
Trevelyan: "Yes General, we do. Lt. Caddy, Royal Engineers and acting Captain Gill, 9th Bengal Lancers. Here they come now."

Left to Right: Pettygree, Trevelyan, Gill, Preece and Caddy with red/blue pugaree.

Pettygree: "Thank you for your volunteerism gentlemen."
Trevelyan: "This is a dangerous undertaking but worth the risk I should think."
Gill: "Aye Major, we know.
Caddy: "And Sir, the men who signed on with us are eager for a good hunt."
Preece: "Are you ready to leave tonight - under cover of darkness?
Gill: "Yes Sir."
Pettygree: "Well done. I hope Lawford is still alive."

He is for we see him here with the surviving Sowar arrive at one of many villages during their passage into captivity and dare we think it, oblivion?

The village Headman stops the procession beside his watch tower and....

Orders the prisoners within. How many hours, days, weeks, months or years will pass here?

Lawford feels a forlorn loneliness in this vast empty region. Escape is on his mind but, how and when? The deeper he travels into The Secret Valley, the more difficult a successful escape becomes. He is not even certain -- he is in -- The Secret Valley.

He barely hopes to get back to the Regiment and England.
----------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. The Watch Tower is the superlative "one-of" artwork of Herb Gundt of H.G. Walls. You will see it again and more in the coming weeks.
2. Tentage is from Miniature Building Authority.
3. Your remarks are welcome, as always below.
----------

Chapter 39: Arriving At Fort Grant

2010-10-03T19:38:00.006-05:00

Date: November 3, 1899
Situation: Reinforcements Arrive
Location: Fort Grant
Click Photos 1-2 Times For Singular Advantages
----------
Previously we saw three Imperial contingents en-route to Fort Grant.

The newly-raised 4th Squadron of the 9th Bengal Lancers commanded by Captain Dyce-Powers assisted by Belgian Captain Verbeek arrives at Fort Grant. First troop (8 sowars/troopers) leads whilst Second Troop follows with another eight sowars.

A Pack Train and....

The troop train.

The slowing train passes the yard building.

Close-up of the Yard Office building.

Minutes ago the gondolas were backed onto the siding. Disembarkation is underway.

The naval contingent remains alert as detraining continues onto the loading dock.

As they should in this remote wilderness. Vigilance is essential to enhance survival. Though we are close to Fort Grant, a foe could be nearby.

Look alive there mate an' confusion to the enemy.

Previously there were three and now we see five....

----------
CLOSING REMARKS
1. The sailors are from Perry Miniatures 28mm Sudan range. See previous chapter for more detail.
2. Buildings are from Miniature building Authority. Terrific structures, don't you think?
3. The chaps atop the yard office sitting and with hand on the table are Foundry expertly painted by John Preece.
4. The fence and loading dock were scratch-built more than a decade ago for a model railroad layout.
5. Train cars and locomotive power are from Lionel. Trackage is Gargraves.
6. Pine trees are from Scenic Express. Once upon a time they sold packs of 25 at a very reasonable cost.
7. I am reliably reminded the white-coated riders are from Tiger Miniatures. I purchased these from the retailer Recreational Conflict.
----------

Chapter 38: Reinforcements En-Route To Fort Grant

2010-09-26T22:33:00.006-05:00

Date: November 01, 1899
Situation: Reinforcements En-Route To Fort Grant
Location: Bombay to Fort Grant Rail Line
Photos expand agreeably when clicked 1-2 times.

Northwest Frontier Village of Rhami. Pack animals are bringing in supplies.

Whilst newly raised 4/9 Bengal Lancers depart Rhami for Fort Grant. They will exercise along the way.

The squadron was previously quartered at Pune atop The Deccan Plateau. It has not seen action.

Squadron Commander Dyce-Powers on the right. Supernumerary: Captain Lucien Verbeek, Belgian Grenadier Guards on the left.

King Leopold II of Belgium asked the Britannian Government to allow Captain Verbeek to accompany The Khyber Field Force commanded by General Pettygree. His mission is to gain experience useful for service when he returns to the Army of his countrymen.
Jeff Cavender artfully painted Captain Verbeek and his mount. Thank YOU Jeff!

We hear a train a com'n, com'n round the bend.
Belch'n thick black smoke, an' blacker since I don't know when.

What cargo does it bring? Food and beverages for Jepson's? Another round of Ottinger if you please.

A British Naval Contingent. See "Closing Remarks" below for the storyline.

The sailors are supported by a Gatling Gun. The Khyber Field Force will need it!

Meanwhile....

--------------------
CLOSING REMARKS

1. The naval contingent commenced its journey by motor conveyance from the Perry Factory in Nottinghamshire arriving at the home and studio of John Preece in Wales. Passing restful bucolic moments there whilst being expertly uniformed and accoutered, they afterwards boarded a flying contraption for America. After several more motor vehicle rides they arrived here descending to the basement wherein lies The North West Frontier and other places. Delighted to have them and very smart they are. (John is not taking new painting commissions at this time.)

2. The railroad was assembled mostly from The Lionel Train Corporation. Trackage is Gargraves. Lionel's Train Master Command Control System allows for walk-around wireless hand-held remote control - a singular and wonderful contraption. The railroad was put away not quite a decade ago but is having a Renaissance of its own for the NW Frontier and a dear little fellow who just turned five years old.

3. Otherwise: Jepson's and the buildings were made by Miniature Building Authority. The train station is a Lionel product. The white-clad horsemen were purchased at Little Wars 2010 from Recreational Conflict; Bulgarians actually, but they aren't Bulgarians here!

Chapter 37: Captives And Pettygree's Decision

2010-05-09T19:23:00.014-05:00

Date: 22 October 1899
Location: Entrance To The Secret Valley
Situation: KHAN'S Retreat
Are You Clicking Images 1-2 Times And Enlarging Them?
----------

KHAN'S REAR GUARD

After the battle of the 16th., KHAN's Army retreated homeward to The Secret Valley. You see his Rear Guard, The Red Sash Horsemen within one of the canyons on that journey. The stronghold is still an unknown number of days away. The Main Body is just up ahead out of sight.

The Red Sash Horsemen have three Imperial prisoners (photo center). Suddenly a horseman on the right levels his jezail firing at them!

There he is. What is his game? The Red Sash Commander with drawn sword has turned to find out.

He appears to be firing at three soldiers from The Khyber Field Force.

What will fate decree for this action? What is the identity of the trio? A few answers follow --- next as we go elsewhere and backwards in time....
----------------------------------------
Four days ago....
Date: 18 October 1899
Location: Two Miles From The Battlefield of 16 October 1899
Situation: The New Camp, A Decision And Inspection
-------------------------------------------------------------
Rifles, jezails and cannon have been silent for two days. The foe threatening the peace of The Frontier has truly vanished. The Imperials, thankful for the respite are restoring themselves in a different camp. Dr. James Watson has released a number of lightly wounded men back to their units as we look in on....

Annie out for a stroll whilst her friends Gunga Din and Sgt. Cutter propose a preposterous scheme to two other RE sergeants. Discussion appears animated. Whether duty and/or reason will prevail only time will tell. Meanwhile, we return to more sober subjects as we observe....

Assistant Surgeon 'Doc' Shaefer wiping his brow. Tired? Yes. However, he has the satisfaction knowing the number of wounded returning to duty has been more than satisfactory. We might even conclude camp will be broken soon because of ammunition wagons being reloaded.

More of the camp comes into view. At headquarters, Chief Surgeon, Dr. Watson (helmet in hand) is presenting his medical report to Officer of The Day, Major Trevelyan, 10th Hussars. {Whitish tents on loan from the collection of Der Alte Fritz. Those in the lower right are new tents from Miniature Building Authority.}

Colonel J. Preece {10th Hussars} observes General Pettygree leaving his tent while....

A soldier tends his fire nearby.

Major Trevelyan: "General, Dr. Watson's report is very good -- considering."

Dr. Watson: "Yes, General. Of our 76 casualties from the two battles of the 16th instant, as of today, only seven died, three are missing and sixty-six remain under care."

General Pettygree: "Yes Doctor. Very good. Hope for even better results in the next week or two."

Major Trevelyan: "Meanwhile Col. Lawford and two of his sowars from the 9th Bengal Lancers remain missing. It is thought they were taken prisoner during the charge and melee on the right flank. We've not found them."

General Pettygree: "Quite so. Poor devils."

Major Trevelyan: "Time for inspection Sir."

General Pettygree to ADC Major James Mitchell: "I am confirmed in my decision Mitchell to return to Fort Grant. We carry too many wounded and the fort is without sufficient garrison for the long term. You may take that down Mr. Pearson for The Times readers, if you please. Now let's take a look at the men."

Mr. Pearson: "What of Col. Lawford Sir and his missing men?"

Major Mitchell: "They knew the risk sir."

General Pettygree: "Aye, but there just might be a chance, though slim to rescue them."

The First Indian Mountain Battery {left} and the Elephant Battery are the first to receive the General's gaze.
The former suffered five casualties. Of these one died, one recovered and three remain in hospital. One man fell amongst the elephant guns who remains too wounded to return to duty.

Next are the plucky Bombay Miners and Sappers who suffered ten casualties. Three recovered and seven remain under medical care.

The well-tested 1st Sikhs had twenty-one casualties. Only one died, two recovered and the rest are still being cared for.

Of twelve casualties among The 2nd Sikhs, two died, one recovered and nine remain under care.

Thirty-two Berkshires were wounded. Amazingly only two died, eight recovered leaving twenty-two under the care of the medicos. However, when the canpaign began, the battalion numbered 101 soldiers. Count what is left, if you please.

Col. Sinclair: "Good Morning General! I hay' the honor to report only ten wounded, one poor laddy succumbed, I scare believe not more and of the rest one is back to duty whilst eight remain with the Doctor."

General Pettygree: "I'm sorry to learn your Colonel is among the missing, perhaps a prisoner with two of the sowars. That leaves you as the sole British officer in the 9th Bengal Lancers."

Lieutenant Gill: "Aye Sir."

General Pettygree: "Due to your conspicuous duty helping to save the left flank, I promote you to a captaincy placing you in temporary command in Senior Captain Paget's absence."

Captain Gill: "Thank you General."

Casualties were fourteen. Three recovered, three are missing in action including Col. Lawford and eight remain in hospital.

The 10th Hussars guarded the rear of the Khyber Field Force two days ago suffering no losses. When the campaign commenced the regiment had 26 men. Twenty are pictured. Attrition.

The Khyber Field Force will return to Fort Grant ending the 1899 campaign year.
----------
CLOSING REMARKS

1. KHAN'S losses were 276 miniatures. In the course of the next few months 86 recovered; the rest lost.

2. Pettygree's losses were 105. Immediately after the engagement 21 recovered 9 were lost, 3 deemed captured, the rest remaining under care.

3. Two weeks later on 1 November 1899, 23 more recovered, 11 more were lost, 3 still deemed missing whilst the rest remained under care.

4. When campaign time reaches 1 December 1899, D6s will again be thrown for the Imperials still under care.

4. Dr. Watson's staff was thought to have better medical care than KHAN; a campaign convention (liberty?) to keep the Imperials in the field longer against a foe vastly outnumbering it.
----------
Your remarks are welcome below at the word "comments."
----------

Chapter 36: The Next Day

2010-05-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Date: 17 October 1899
Location: Two Miles From The Abandoned Escarpment Camp
Situation: Day After Yesterday's Two Battles
Click or Double Click Images Filling Your Screens With 'Em
------------------------------
Two battles were fought on 16 October, 1899. KHAN attacked The Escarpment Camp at dawn withdrawing to a fixed position behind a stream and ridge two miles away. General Pettygree gave chase fighting a second battle there in the mid-late afternoon holding the field at the end thanks to the arrival of a Relief Column appearing on KHAN's left rear flank. The next day, on 17 October....

The Imperial Army retired to the baggage forming a large three-sided square. One face remained open. From there....

General Pettygree observed....

The arrival of Lt. Col. Savory's Relief Column. His infantry will be posted along the open face of the square. Seen are: 2nd. Sikh Battalion, 3/9th Bengal Lancers and a 7" Howitzer belonging to our familiar 1st Indian Mountain Battery. To the right elephants are drinking at the creek.

Lt. Colonel Savory (2nd. Sikh Commanding Officer) leads The Relief Column in. Waiting from left to right are Times Correspondent Mr. H. Pearson taking notes for his readers and Major J. Mitchell, ADC to General Pettygree in the center.

Better view of the square as The Relief Column's approaches. Within the square are:

Facing You:

2/10th Hussars. Seaforth Highlanders, Bombay Miners and Sappers and 2.5" Mountain Guns {Highlanders kindly on loan from the collection of Der Alte Fritz}

Facing To The Right:

1st Sikh Battalion

Facing Away (Top of image): Berkshires 66th Foot and 2/9th Bengal Lancers

Center of Square: Baggage

Approaching From The Left: The Relief Column previously identified.

Not Shown:

1/9th Bengal Lancers: Off screen upper right.

Lt. Gills Troop of 9th Bengal Lancers: Off screen lower left.

1/10th Hussars: Off screen lower right.

The General on the grey takes it all in. The enemy has vanished.

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Chuck's Remarks:

"My initial plan for this game was to keep most of my troops hidden beyond the river [and behind a long ridge] with a couple of units on the British side of the river to snipe and harass the British as they advanced. I left one unit of swordsmen the British left flank and a unit of rifle men in the center. My plan was to draw the British across the river then hit them with the bulk of my troops. As the British advanced, the hail of fire became too great and I pulled the advance troops back over to the native side of the river."

"About this time one of the special events occurred and 120+ allied fuzzy wuzzies appeared behind my lines. This was great boon to my force and as the game wore on they proved to be one of the best units of the game. They marched clear across the table, under a hail of rifle and cannon fire, saw off a unit of lancers, and assulted and nearly broke the main British [dog-leg line]. The Britsh managed to spot some of my hidden troops beyond the river and halted their advance. This forced me to deviate from my plan as I now didn't think the British would advance across the river. I sent a large portion of my troops across the river so they would have time to organize before the foe advanced any closer."

"I left a large cavalry unit and a unit of Household rifles hidden to the rear and I'm glad I did. The last special event card came up planting a large British force on my left flank behind my lines. If I hadn't had those hidden troops I would have been in real trouble. As it turned out the British relief force didn't advance much beyond its starting point and we just ended up trading pot shots at each other for the game."

"My advance across the river was a bit of a surprise and did quite a bit of damage to the British force. [Ed note: No kidding!!] The outcome of the game came down to a couple of close combat fights. The fuzzies on the British right side and some swordsmen in the center. The fuzzies fared well in combat but had suffered a lot of casualties on the way in and just couldn't break the British right flank. The swordsmen in the center managed to push the British back and were close to breaking them until General Pettygree himself intervened using his leadership to hold his troops in place."

"Bill and I agreed to call the game at this time as both sides had suffered a lot of casualties. The British had won the battle but due to the heavy losses they lost the campaign of 1899; at least for the time being. This was a lot of fun to play and Bill is an excellent opponent. I'm looking forward to the next instalment."

2. It is not possible to gather friends for weekend games as much as all of us would like; a natural thing. So the decision was made last year to have short session games on occasional weeknights. If a couple of evenings are needed, all the better. This battle was one of these between Chuck and myself who lives a short two town distance away; ten miles I suppose.

3. The game was played in three sessions on weeknights. The third session was only one turn wherein General Pettygree held the line as miraculously explained in the previous chapter. All three sessions were nail biters! A good thing for colonial gaming.

4. Viewers/readers, your remarks are always welcome. Click on the word "comments" below.

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Chapter 35: Pettygree In Extremis

2010-04-22T11:06:00.013-05:00

Date: 16 October 1899
Location: Two Miles From The Escarpment Camp
Situation: Imperial Battle Line Ten Hours After The Sunrise Battle Of The 16th
In Extremis: Grave circumstances
Sir!: Images expand amazingly if clicked once or even twice.
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Ferocious Tug counterattacks were described in Chapter 34. The Imperial left held, the foe dispatched. On a side table, the Imperial right, Blackiston's wing was forced backwards. Shocking numbers of his foe thereafter wheeled to cross to the main table to attack the flank of....

The Imperial Center

Before this we return to less turbulent moments there.

Imperial Center: 1st. Sikhs on the left. Berkshires on the right. The foe lightly holds the far bank. One might entertain thoughts of an easy crossing if not for the unknown of what might be hidden beyond the ridge at the top of the image. And so....

The square forms line with the Sikhs conforming. Berkshires look half right. A new foe approaches.

Berkshires! MAKE READY --- AIM --- FIRE!

At the image top is the side table and the attack approaching Blackiston's Right Wing described in the previous chapter. Blackiston was tumbled backwards by overwhelming numbers. In next minutes that foe wheeled directly toward you dear reader forcing the Berkshires....

Into the L-shaped line here. Unfortunately for the Berkshires this reduced frontal firepower. The foe to their front along the stream seeing an opportunity, charged home. The time of close action was upon them and the adjacent Sikhs. Will they hold? And what about the Berkshires firing in the lower right of the image. Pressure mounts. We turn around....

Viewing things from KHAN's perspective and see why. The Berkshires and Sikhs are engaged in hand-to-hand close action to their front; (image middle right). The portion of the Berkshires forming the L atop a ridge are blazing away in rapid fire mode trying to stop an oncoming mass, the mass that pushed back Blackiston's Right Wing. However, we see his 15 Pdrs. and Bombay Miners and Sappers giving fire into their aggressive opponents rushing onwards - unstoppable. Blackiston's 9th Bengal Lancers (top left) arrive onto the main table.

The climax of the battle is near.

As KHAN and the traitorous Rajah of Beberra watch it all unfold. And now....

Correspondent Mr. H. Pearson calmly takes notes behind the Berkshire firing line. Coming toward him through the smoke of Martini Henry rapid fire volleys, he observes....

The victors over Blackiston's command charging straight for him. A ferocious melee will occur atop the ridge. From there the Berskshires poured out a last volley and then engaged the foe in melee. It was touch and go with the foe charging uphill through a brush line. And....

KHAN's allies have finally had enough. Unable to break the Berkshires they routed away to the side table. Count them if you wish. The original number was 126. Meanwhile we return to the front of the Berkshire line where....

We see the Berskshires have been pushed back! (They lost the first round of melee and are forced back 6")

Losses are rising as....

General Pettygree rides forward to encourage the fighting Berkshires. The melee round just lost required a morale test with a modified result of 6 to continue. A failure will mean rout with a likely pursuit by the foe. If a pursuing foe touches routers, the routers are all cut down. Let's throw for morale.

Two dice are cast into the air, spinning, descending and finally crashing onto the tabletop. After modifiers are applied the result = 5. ROUT!

My heart sinks. My eyes close. I can't look. This means utter disaster. Pettygree is in extremis. He might even be lost. Chuck is politely expectant and kindly sympathetic. There is one last desperate measure to apply. We do not yet know what the general's charisma value is. Throwing a 1D6 will determine this. 1 = -1 (no good!), 2-3-4 = 0 (unhelpful), 5 = +1 (oh pah lees!) and 6 = +2 (yes!)

Searching for the right die, I hold it, look at it silently telling it what to do, pausing twice to throw it. I breathe deeply and cast. It soars into the air several feet. The familiar arching apogee is attained and it begins a tumbling descent to the ground. It hits, bounces and comes to a stop. A 6 shows for a +2!

I'm saved. Chuck groans.The Berkshires can continue where they are. Huzzah!

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However, given losses to both sides Chuck and I decided this third game session should end. Another round of melee would prove nothing and with KHAN's allies in flight there seemed no point to continue. The game was stopped with the Imperials holding the field whilst KHAN withdrew with the satisfaction he has probably ended the campaign of 1899. Imperial losses are severe.

Contributing to the decision for KHAN to withdraw was the sudden appearance of an Imperial Relief Column on his left rear flank. You may remember seeing them in the previous chapter.

Here they are again; 2nd Sikhs in square, 3/9th Bengal Lancers and a 7" Mountain Howitzer.

KHAN committed his reserve to oppose them. The Imperials formed line to fire. Your view is from the main table looking onto the side table. The gap between the two means nothing. It is solely a convenience so Chuck and I can walk around without needing to climb onto tables to move miniatures.

Had the Imperial flanking force not arrived, KHAN's reserve of Red Sash Horsemen (48) and Household Rifles (36) and Swordsmen (36) would have been used against Pettygree in the center most likely with very unhappy consequences for the General.

No serious fighting happened here because the end of the battle was near and KHAN needed his reserve to cover the orderly withdrawal General Pettygree was content not to dispute.

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. While all the above was going on, a last stand was being formed around the baggage way back in the rear of the Imperial Center. A company of 1st Sikhs was already there. Soon to arrive would have been:

Seaforth Highlanders, Lt. Gill's 9th Bengal Lancer Troop, the 10th Hussars already nearby guarding the rear and the 9th Bengal Lancer remnant retreated from the side table. You can see this eight and ten photos back.

2. There were three random events enclosed in as many envelopes given to Chuck. He only knew one was good for him, one was good for me and one was neutral. He had the option to fully determine when to use them. His method was to pick an envelope one at a time and dice for when to open each envelope. Luckily for him the first was the arrival of KHAN's Allied Host of 126 warriors, the ones who tumbled Blackiston's Right Flank. These arrived in Session #1. The second envelope message selected said "Nothing" early in Session #2. The third allowed the Imperial Flanking Force to arrive late in the game mid-point in Session #2.

3. From a design perspective, this turned out perfectly for the scenario though other results might have been almost as good. Imagine the above in reverse order. What might have happened?

4. Chuck plays his KHAN aggressively making for fun and unexpected tension and surprises, the kind so vital in Colonial tabletop gaming! He runs rings around me!

5. In a way, one die throw, the one for General Pettygree's charisma, decided the game. Well done General. Lucky fellow!

6. Post battle topics will appear soon; casualty reports, what nots and a few more photos. Your comments are welcome below. Thank you for looking in.

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Chapter 34: Khan's Counterattack!

2010-04-20T00:13:00.001-05:00

Date: 16 October 1899
Location: Two Miles From The Escarpment Camp
Situation: Imperial Battle Line Formed Nine Hours After The Sunrise Battle Of The 16th
BTW: Images expand amazingly if clicked 1-2 times
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In Chapter 33 The Imperial Army saw the Tugs forward of the stream remove themselves to the other side. In Chapter 34 below read about their shocking counterattacks.

The Imperial Left Flank

Seaforth Highlanders guard the Imperial Left Flank supported by Lt. Gill's Troop of 9th Bengal Lancers. Lt. Col Archibald Sinclair, " Laddies! They're com'n ag'in. BATTALION MAKE READY!"

Sixty Red Sash Swordsmen cross the stream, pause to reorganize and move toward the Imperials.

They were unstoppable. (Hard to stop a unit of 60) They crashed into the Scots. Turbulent hand-to-hand combat ensued. The Scots lost more men, were shoved back six inches but held morale. In the next turn....

A second round of melee was fought. Lt. Gill worked around onto a flank with his lancers whilst previously unengaged Seaforths closed open gaps in the line. The foe lost heavily and routed. Seeing his moment....

Lt. Gill threw 1D6 to pursue. He pursued! But at what speed Gill? He threw 1D6 and was able to gallop. He therefore contacted the fleeing swordsmen - enough to remove them from the game.

Afterwards Sinclair ordered everyone to retire. He had a good reason. For that story we fly from The Imperial Left Flank crossing The Main Table to a side table whereupon was The Imperial Right Flank.

The Imperial Right Flank

Here Brigadier Blackiston commanded most of The 9th Bengal Lancers, a two-gun 15 Pdr. Elephant Battery with a guard of Bombay Miners and Sappers. Their immediate foe previously withdrew behind a hill because of grueling fire from the aforementioned guns. But now....

The foe reappeared, descended the hill and started crossing the stream. Face those guns properly, will you! Here they come!

FIRE!

The foe continues forward. Blackiston ordered the guns to retire and continue to fire.

Blackiston orders the guns back even more. They've now retired and fired twice. The foe's numbers are enormous. It's KHAN's major counterattack! There is only one thing to do.

Blackiston: "Col. Lawford. You must charge the enemy. If they get 'round us, it will be...."
Lawford: "Aye Blacky. --- LANCERS! --- Forward at the TROT!"
Blackiston: "I will join you James."
Lawford: "Our honour Sir!."
Blackiston's ADC Forsythe: "I'm in as well."

What Blackiston and Lawford do not know, you, the Tugs and their Allies do know. Go back to the prior image. At the top left you will see an Imperial Relief Column arriving. Above is a close-up. Will they arrive in time to matter. For now they do not matter because....

The lancers charge home and....

Lose! Lose?! Yes lose! --- The lancers are forced back, Lawford is lost, survivors somehow make morale and choose to abandon the field to reform farther back.

Leaving the enemy far behind. This saved the survivors for later eventualities. But....

The foe reorganized and turned right. Why? To cross to the Main Table to attack General Pettygree's Main Body in the flank. Clever KHAN! Will it be curtains for The Imperials? Will KHAN triumph? Return soon to read and see the exciting and desperate conclusion.
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Closing Remarks:
1. Chuck's (KHAN) counterattack was well done and quite a shock.
2. Unbeknownst to anyone General Pettygree's plan called for a surprise flanking force to assist in the destruction of The Tug Army. Like Crassus waiting for Pompey in the final battle with the slave army of Spartacus, Pettygree hoped to end the campaign before the century ended.
3. Your remarks are very welcome below at the word Comments.
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