Friday, February 22, 2019

19 February 1899: Morning Battle At Bulawao Kraal


Date: 19 February 1899/2019
Location: Bulawao Kraal, Mafrica
Situation: Morning Battle
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MORNING BATTLE

"Mr. Pearson, I trust you will record today's events accurately for The Times?"

"You may rely on me to record the truth without doubt Colonel Blakeney."

Route of March: Port of Rulundi to The King's Kraal.
Jack Scruby's Mafrica Map accented by Cartographer David G.


The Royal Kraal.

The Zulu King was surprised by our arrival from the Jungle Trail upon the plain before his Kraal. However, he swiftly commanded that portion of the Impi still in residence to mobilize to counter our advance. Obedience was immediate.

These fellows appeared to our left.

Whilst these warriors appeared to our right.

The 66th Regiment of Foot straddled the King's Road at shoulder arms.

Our right flank was protected by The Naval Detachment's Gatling
opening fire early in the battle.

The immediate left flank was secured by two Royal Artillery Screw Guns
and sections of the 24th Foot arriving adjacent to the 66th.

Farther to our left, 24th Foot Flankers soon came to grips with the Zulu.

Hand to hand combat ensued.

In the center, the Impi surged forward independently without time
to mass into its traditional horns, loins and chest formation known as
 Impondo Zenkomo in the Zulu language.

We waited for them to come closer.

In the rear from left to right are Correspondent Pearson myself, Sergeant Major Crisp, Colonel Blakeney, Lieutenant Caddy Royal Engineers and Miss Margaretha van Deers.

The Screw Guns opened fire at long range,

Causing alarming results whilst the 66th waited.

Blakeney called out to the men,
"Steady my boys. You will give them hot stuff soon enough."
"One lad nearby grumbled, You ain't Wolfe and these ain't Frenchies at Quebec!"
Sergeant Major Crisp shouted back, "Mark a target soldier!"
Then the order came!

 FIRE!
Our front erupted in an ear-splitting volley.

After two volleys, Blakeney ordered, "Cease Fire."
The Zulus were in full retreat.
Surely to rally, reorganize and hope for reinforcements to stop us.

And our grumbler said, "We ain't done with 'em yet."

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CLOSING REMARKS
Good Morning Saturday Readers! 

1. In fact we plan to resume and conclude The Battle of Bulawao in early March.

2. Prodigious thanks to our keen players, Dave G., Chuck The Lucky, John The Formidable, Bill K. and yours truly Bill P. --- All provided inspiration, terrain, soldiers and the scenario; especially Dave G. for the latter.

3. And posthumous thanks to...Larry Brom who wrote the rules used.


4. Thank you for looking in. See you again soon!

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Monday, February 18, 2019

18 February 1899: March To Bulawao Kraal


Date: 18 February 1899/2019
Location: One Day East of Bulawao Kraal, Mafrica
Situation: Imperial Column Preparing To March
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THE IMPERIAL CAMP

18 February 1899 --- Imperial Camp
Foreground: Naval Detachment --- Background 66th Foot

"Colonel Blakeney. Riders com'n in fast. Looks like Lt. Hawkings and the van Deers girl."

"Right you are Sergeant Major Crisp. We'll wait for them here."

"Very good Sah!"

"Lt. Hawkings and Miss Margaretha, welcome back."
"Glad to be back Colonel."
"What did you discover?"

"Mixed news. Half the Impi is gone. The rest is at Bulawao."
"Ja. We saw the track of the Impi. It is three to four days old."

"Very well then. Time to march fast and strike."
"My family and our destroyed farm will be avenged."
"Yes. Now both of you get food and rest. Catch up with us later."

"Miss Margaretha. I have some tolerable brandy."
"Thank you. However, a change of clothes and breakfast would serve best." 
"Naturally. I only thought...."

"Captain Robbyns. The 66th will step off at the half hour."
"Aye Colonel. I'll break camp and bring up the wagons directly."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1) This is the prelude to Game #2 of our Mafrica Campaign. Scroll down just a little to Game #1 played on 10 October 2018/1898. 

2) Rules: The Sword and The Flame 20th edition.

3) Thank you for looking in. Comments, remarks, etc. welcome.


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