Chapter 34: Khan's Counterattack!

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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