CHAPTER VI
SEPTEMBER 19, 1898/2026
AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN
THE BATTLE VS RAGNAR KHAN
A "BIG BATTALION" GAME
Click on images to enlarge them.
See previous Chapter V here:
HAPPY TABLETOP WARRIORS AT GAME END LEFT to RIGHT Seated: Jay O., Bob R., Chuck The Lucky and Bob B. Standing: Yours Truly Bill P., Michael M., Jim P. Der Alte Fritz, Todd P., Greg M. and Dave G.
IMPERIAL EXTREME RIGHT FLANK
The screened Seaforth Highlanders, 72nd Foot, cross the Semar River.
Whilst the Naval Brigade gatling and leading companies of the Lincolnshires (10th Foot) ford the river next.
Brigadier Archibald Sinclair (Jim P.) observes the situation.
The Lincolnshire Battalion and Gatling arrive behind the Seaforths. Meanwhile, Ragnar Khan's outpost line defiantly stands firm as warriors begin to appear in the upper left of the photo. The Seaforth's skirmishers push ahead to engage the enemy screen.
Those same warriors crash into the Seaforths without delay - upper left. Photo courtesy of Jim P.
Warrior numbers increase as the Naval Brigade stands ready in reserve. Photo courtesy of Todd P.
Photo courtesy of Jim P.
Photo courtesy of Jim P.
"This is 'orrid, but you're winning lads!," exclaimed Lincolnshire Colonel Dawes though the Seaforths to his right had suffered terrible casualties not only from sword and spear but....
Also, from uncanny accurate bombardment from the distant mountain stronghold of Ragnar Khan. (A scenario rule glitch by yours truly.) Dawes was glad the Naval Gatling protected his right. Then....
Rifled warriors assaulted the gatling. Jim P. photo.
The exhausted Seaforths fell back to the Naval Brigade
Warrior remnants fell back as well to the outpost occupied at start. Both sides remained in these positions. The Imperials did not thrust the Kahn's warriors off the Main Table. Nor did the warriors force the Imperials back across the river.
RIGHT FLANK
LEFT OF THE LINCOLNSHIRES
1st Egyptians ford the Semar River in column of companies.
Photo courtesy of Jim P.
To their right is the top deck of HM Gunboat Zanzibar scuttled and settled in the mud after the bombardment suffered eight months ago in Chapter V.
1st Egyptians and the 10th Hussars at their high-water mark. The Berskshires are marching to link up with the Extreme Right Flank as the enemy masses to charge.
Brigade Commander (Bill P.) sits high behind the Berkshires. Ammunition boxes are ready to be used for the "rapid fire bonus." Each box allows Imperial units a +5 on the Casualty Chart for those firing. Then it is discarded. We thank the late Peter Gilder for this inventive rule.
The long Imperial Right Flank. From Bottom to Top: Berkshires with the cannon, Lincolnshires and the Seaforths, the latter two involved in melee. The Naval Brigade is barely visible in the upper right in reserve.
The 1st Egyptians await a warrior onslaught as enemy horsemen appear in their rear.
They fall back disorganized after a melee prevented from further distress by a timely and successful charge by the 2nd Squadron 10th Hussars and protective Berkshire sections in the upper center of the photo. The Berkshires paid dearly as warriors continuously chipped away at its left flank.
The 1st Squadron 10th Hussars went back to its previous position behind the Berkshires poising themselves for a charge that would never occur. Still, as the song "Footsore Cavalry" in the movie Rio Grande goes, "A regiment of cavalry is a beautiful thing to see." You may notice the Egyptian cannon crew is hors du combat.
The Egyptians shake themselves back into order as the Berkshires shift right. Warriors continue to mass to their front including camelry.
The Berkshires refuse their right flank (bend it back into a dogleg) due to the Lincolns and Seaforths previously explained falling back.
At this point, after the next (8th.) turn, both sides paused and fell back exhausted. There was no army morale throw deciding this. It was quitting time at 3 pm and nothing further would determine the victor. Neither side won but we had a good time and that was and is the point.
IMPERIAL LEFT FLANK
LEFT OF THE 1ST EGYPTIANS
2nd. Sikhs supported by a train of guns hauled by Jumbos have crossed the Semar.
The foe comes closer. Photo courtesy of Todd P.
To their right the 1st Sikhs have formed a two-rank deep battle line with a reserve as the enemy rapidly approaches. The foe is a Brigade of well-trained Ottomans from the collection of Jay O. Ragnar Khan recruited to help.
You may remember the rocky redoubt at the extreme left of the battlefield from the perspective of the Imperials in Chapter I. The Hadendowah warriors pictured above were replaced by well-trained troops.
Imperial infantry from the collection of Greg M. commanded by Bob R. advanced resolutely to the attack eventually overcoming redoubt defenders. Photo courtesy of Todd P.
There was an exciting charge by mounted Ottoman armored Spahis at this time off the upper left. The 1st Sikhs were thrown back into the river. The pursuit came 1" short of eliminating the Sikhs. Routing troops touched by pursuers are always taken off the field. Another clever and important Peter Gilder innovation. (No photo unfortunately.)
Ragnar Khan won this sector of the battle.
CLOSING REMARKS
Thank you Everyone,
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for making this BAR Colonial game so much fun on 09/19/26 and for:
Game competence, being energized/engaged in the scenario, for fun/laughs and you are a pleasure with whom to game.
Let me also say thank you for bringing units, good stuff to eat, great attitudes and sharing your photos.
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Estimation:
1. Played 8 turns on the east end of the table. (7 in the west?)
2. Moved about 2,000 miniatures around.
3. Finished the game in about 4.5 hours.
4. Amazing. Well done everyone!
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I'm looking forward to throwing dice and moving units with you again.
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Warmest Regards,
Bill P.
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