Chapter 28: Arrival Before The Secret Valley Or?

Date: 15 October 1899
General Location: Beyond The Khyber Pass
Specific Location: Entrance To The Secret Valley?
Situation: Khyber Field Force After Two Week March From Bebara
View: Mostly Panoramic Vistas Accentuating Vast Openness/Distance
Singular Clicking Of Images Expands Them. It's Elementary, My Dear Fellow. Press On. There's Not A Minute To Lose!
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ADVANCE GUARD -- KHYBER FIELD FORCE

After the march through The Khyber Pass, the 2/9th Bengal Lancers lead the way into a picturesque valley.

"Squadron! Wheel by the left. MAARCCHH!" Flankers follow to the sides.

The remainder of The Advance Guard arrives. The Seaforths are to the left and center whilst the Bombay Miners and Sappers screen the right. All is quiet. Peaceful sunny day too.

MAIN BODY -- KHYBER FIELD FORCE

The Main Body starts to arrive; 66th Foot Berkshires to the left. The Advance Guard and flankers press on.

The Berkshires march farther in followed by The First Indian Mountain Battery. Times correspondent Pearson writes notes regarding the procession.

We've gone forward to join the Seaforth flankers for a moment. They've encountered an abandoned tower.

Now turn round, if you please looking back. The Berkshires are in the middle followed by the First Indian Mountain Battery, 1/9th Bengal Lancers, The Rajah of Bebara (Polish crimson flag) and the magnificent jumbos of The Elephant Battery swaying into view. Flankers to the sides protect The Column from surprise.

The rear of The Main Body.

The Supply Column arrives. Nothing to be nervous about you lot - for now. This does not help their tormented thoughts.

Never mind them. We need a closer look at the jumbos, right?

Better still! Jumbos and 1/9th Bengal Lancers. The Sowar with the casualty ring is actually in hospital back at Bebara.

REAR GUARD -- KHYBER FIELD FORCE

The Rear Guard;  First Sikhs march behind the Supply Train as the Tenth Hussars cover the rear of The Column. 1/10th are in column whilst 2/10th screens the rear and slope top nearest you. On the left!

Another view of The Rear Guard with flankers out.

CLOSING UP TO THE FRONT -- KHYBER FIELD FORCE

The Column is closing to the front, Seaforths at the head.

Officers to the front! Something is brewing methinks, don't you? That's Colonel Archibald Sinclair of the Seaforths looking at you. Behind him in sequence: Cavalry Brigadier "Blacky" Blackiston with binoculars, his ADC Major Grant Forsythe III, ADC to the General Major James Mitchell, General Pettygree 'imself and Times correspondent Pearson.

The Seaforths see nothing but a prodigous bird from the abandoned tower they occupied earlier. But....

A Troop 2/9th Bengal Lancers have encountered an escarpment and....

A closer view. "TROO-OUOP! DISMOU-OUNT!"

They walk cautiously forward for a better look.

While an unseen member of the class of aves glides and circles overhead. Heights high above or descending the sheer drop to the river below do not bother it, but these walking creatures are disturbing --- perhaps edible though. It's flight is silent and unobserved because....

A Troop's total attention is fixed to the immediate front. Lieutenant Gill draws his service revolver and....
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CLOSING REMARKS

1. After the close-ups of Chapter 27, I thought to change to panoramic views to give a sense of the vastness of the terrain in which The Khyber Field Force is operating.
2. It is also a means to advance our story via a leisurely march into the unknown.
3. Some will remember the foe resides in The Secret or Hidden Valley beyond The Khyber Pass.
4. The Imperials do not know if they have reached the entrance to the enemy homeland but the report A Troop will soon send back to the officers collecting at the head of The Column will advance that idea.
5. Remember Sgt. Cutter's remark, "Is THIS bridge safe?" And Gunga Din's answer, "Oh, SAAFE S'ahib!"
6. Would you cross now or call the engineers forward?
7. What lies beyond the gate?
8. The Seaforths are kindly on loan from the collection of Der Alte Fritz.
9. The tower is currently for sale at "Michaels" where wooden bits and what nots are shelved for sale.
10. Terrain cloth and river sections are from The Terrain Guy, lengths designed to owner's personal specifications.
11. Miniature Building Authority built the gate, fence and rickety bridge.
12. Your remarks are welcome. Look down now.

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Chapter 27: Officer's Call

Date: 29 September 1899
Location: Rajah's Palace, Bebara Village
Situation: Officer's Call
Oblige Yourselves With Larger Images By Clicking Them

When last we met, The Khyber Field Force had retaken Bebara Village, the Thugee Army retreated in the direction of "The Pass" and the Imperials entered Bebara. We return now for Officer's Call within General Pettygree's private room ....

Officer Of The Day Major Trevelyan, 10th Hussars (left) and General Pettygree (right).

Trevelyan: "Good morning General."
Pettygree: "Yes it is Trev. How IS the arm?
Trevelyan: "Still works General, though a bit stiff at times. Back to duty the Doctor says. Best thing."
Pettygree: "Aye."
[Major Trevelyan was wounded at the Battle of Bebara.]

Trevelyan: "Sir, I came in ahead of the doctor for Officer's Call."
Pettygree: "Very good. Let's start, shall we?"

Dr. James Watson, Khyber Field Force Chief Medical Officer, Berkshire Regiment enters the room.

Trevelyan/Pettygree: "Welcome Doctor."
Dr. Watson: "Thank you Sirs."
Trevelyan: "Your report Doctor, if you please."

Dr. Watson: "Yes Sir. From the battle two weeks ago, we've made less progress than hoped for regarding the wounded. Still, there is singular good news and I am hopeful for more in the days ahead.
Trevelyan: "Quite so. Pray continue."

Dr. Watson: "Specifically Sir, my report shows...General Pettygree has the report in hand...there General..., the following remaining in hospital. Ninth Bengal Lancers 1, Tenth Hussars 4, First Sikhs 6, Seaforths 7 and the Berkshires 16. Died of wounds: First Sikhs 7, Seaforths 1, Berkshires 4, Royal Artillery 1, First Indian Mountain Battery 1.

Pettygree: "And returning to duty?"
Dr. Watson: "First Sikhs 6, Seaforths 2 and Berkshires 12. Twenty all told."
Pettygree: "Well done Doctor, considering.... Give my compliments to your staff and do let me know if there is more we can do for the wounded."
Dr. Watson: "Thank you Sir."
Trevelyan: "That will be all Jim."
 

Sergeant Cutter, Royal Engineers, Khyber Field Force is next.

Pettygree: "A souvenir Sergeant?"

Cutter: "Yes Sirh, one of them Tug pickaxes for digging graves an' such."

Trevelyan: "Deadly too I imagine.

Pettygree: "Actually not if we observe Major Sleeman's writings. The 'kusee' was used solely for digging the graves of their unsuspecting victims.

Trevelyan: "Sleeman knocked the Thugee Movement badly on the head more than a half century ago. I thought they were eradicated."

Pettygree: "The Court hanged a great many,  others were transported, some turned informant on the cult, a few died awaiting trial, all these years later a few remain jailed and some, the youngest and not deeply trained were rehabilitated.

Cutter: " Beggn' yer pardon Sir but I'd guess dem Tug youngn's went back to the ways of their fathers."

Trevelyan: "And the sons of sons have restored the cult in a newer way forming a mass army."

Pettygree: "Aye and that's their mistake. We can find an army and defeat it in one or two campaigns. Since the Thuggee operated secretly in near invisible gangs across most of India., it took Sleeman years to produce informants, catch cult members and bring them to trial. Thank you Sergeant. That will be all." 

Senior Captain Khambatta, First Sikhs, Khyber Field Force.

Trevelyan: "Captain Khambatta. Report.

Khambatta: "Sahib Trevelyan, General, I beg to report a new devil up ment. The villagers are disturbing the men with troubling stories.

Trevelyan: "Stories? What stories?"

Khambatta: "A night creature S'hib. People disappear without a trace."

Trevelyan: "But Captain, surely this is the method of The Thugee Sect! Disappearances I mean."

Khambatta: "No S'hib."

Pettygree: "Alright Captain. We'll bring in some villagers for questioning."

Captain Harcourt, Berkshires, Khyber Field Force.

Harcourt: "Please to report Sirs, the regiment is doing well and with the men being released from hospital today by the MO, our marching strength will be as shown on my report there Sir."

Alone now, the general has decided the next move. Return next time to learn his decision.  

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Closing Remarks:

1.George Bruce's. The Stranglers, The Cult of Thuggee and Its Overthrow in British India proved to be of value in understanding the gruesome historical nature of Thuggee and its suppression.

2. The "Miniature Oriental Carpet" was woven in Istanbul. Truly! I found it on a rack in a grocery store. There were several sizes, patterns and color variations. See http://www.orientalcarpetcreations.com/ for information.

3. Some of the furniture comes from model railroading, O Scale. See Walther's Catalog, product 653 1452 Living Room set. There is also a bedroom and kitchen set. The lamp is product code 164 539. Each item is in the $4.00-$5.00 range.

4. From November till now the blog was essentially in hiatus. An intermission one might say. There were Seven Years' War historical miniatures battles to organize and game along with a few forays with 15mm Flames of War. Naturally there was Thanksgiving, Christmas and the turn of the year as well. Finally we are undergoing a satisfying learning curve with the new Blitzkrieg Commander II tabletop rules. We are gaming 1941 Libya and I've been painting trucks, trucks and more trucks for our collection of the 7th Armoured and 21st Panzer Division battle groups.

5. Your remarks are welcome below. We are back!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Dear Viewers,
You may find this hepful.
Blessings to you all,
Bill

-----
From CBS Sunday Morning
Remarks from CBS Sunday Morning

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened.. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto.. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

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The following was not written by Ben Stein but it ,makes sense to me.
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In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
-----

Chapter 26: March Into Bebara And....

THE NEXT DAY
Date: 15 September 1899/2009
Location: Bebara.
Situation: Entering Bebara

The battle ended yesterday. And now....


Next day's march into Bebara.


10th. Hussars lead the way.


Followed by the Rajah of Bebara.


Very few Bebarians remained in the village.


Honours to enter next were given to the 72nd. Seaforth Highlanders for winning the battle. Colonel Archibald Sinclair (riding brown horse) and General Pettygree lead them in.


The Berkshires, 66th Foot, are next.


Followed by the 1st. Sikhs.


And the train of artillery. The 1st. Mountain battery leads the heavy elephant battery.


Not much ammunition is left. The 9th. Bengal Lancers guard the rear of the procession.


Tomorrow tents will be set-up in the plain to the left. Meanwhile we temporarily leave Bebara to allow the army to rest and recover.
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IMPERIAL FIELD FORCE SUMMARIES

At Start Combatants = 371
Casualties: 102 = 27.5%
KIA = 10
In Hospital = 67
Returned to duty = 25
New Effective Strength = 294
Those in hospital will have a chance to recover - or not - later on.
~~
4 General Staff (no casualties)
~~
3 Royal Engineers (no casualties)
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101 Berkshires: (45 casualties)
5 KIA, 30 Hospital, 10 incl. Cpt. Nightingale return to duty
Effective Strength = 66
~~
87 First Sikhs: (29 casualties)
1 KIA, 19 Hospital, 9 return to duty
Effective Strength = 67
~~
55 Seaforths: (15 casualties)
2 KIA, 11 Hospital, 2 return to duty
Effective Strength = 42
~~
33 Ninth Bengal Lancers: (1 casualty)
1 Hospital
Effective Strength = 32
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26 Tenth Hussars: (9 casualties incl. Maj. Trevelyan, Sgt. Bourne)
2 KIA, 4 Hospital, 3 return to duty incl. Trevelian and Bourne
Effective Strength = 22
~~
13 First Mtn. Battery: (1 casualty)
1 Hospital
Effective Strength = 12 crew, 2x2.5" Screw Guns
~~
12 Elephant Battery: (2 casualties)
1 Hospital, 1 return to duty
Effective Strength = 11, 2x15 Pdrs., 1xOld 12 Pdr. Smoothbore
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8 Heliographers: (no losses)
~~
Guarding The Camp (no losses)
29 Bombay Miners/Sappers
Baggage/Animal Handlers
Medical Services
~~
BACK AT FORT GRANT --- NOT COUNTED ABOVE
99 Second Sikhs
6 Seaforths (recovered from wounds)
5 Bombay Miners/Sappers (recovered from wounds)
2x7 Pdr. Mountain Guns
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KHAN'S LOSSES
01 Leader (no casualty)
46 Green Sash Swords: (17 casualties)
53 Green Sash Muskets: (15 casualties)
05 Arty. Crew: (4 casualties, 2xCannons destroyed)
40 Grey Sash Jezails: (31 casualties)
5 Bebarian Arquibusiers (5 casualties)
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THE GURU'S LOSSES
06 Leaders: (1 casualty "Chota, The Guru's son)
~~
36 Household Rifles: (26 casualties)
36 Household Swords: (19 casualties)
24 Household Horsemen: (15 casualties)
09 Household Arty. Crew: (2 casualties)
~~
60 Red Sash Rifles (30 casualties)
72 Red Sash Swords (67 casualties)
48 Red Sash Horsemen (5 casualties)
~~
30 Allied Spears: (no casualties)
60 Allied Swords (no casualties)
11 Allied Rifles (no casualties)
~~
SUMMARIES
At Start Combatants = (542)
Casualties = 237 or 43.7% and -2 cannons
D6s were thrown for KIAs, those remaining wounded and for those recovering.
This will remain shrouded in mystery.
Suffice to say, Muljadhe has a substantial force left back in The Secret Valley.
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Click on the word comments immediately below here. Your remarks are welcome.

Chapter 25: Battle Of Bebara Ends

Date: 14 September 1899/2009
Location: Bebara.
Situation: The Battle Ends
If Needed: See Chapters 22-24, for earlier viewing.
"Clicked" Images Agreeably Fill Viewing Screens

When last you were here, the crisis of the battle was at hand. Did the furious charge of the Red Sash Sword Infantry and Horsemen overwhelm the Seaforths? Let's find out.


Rapid fire volleys and shelling from artillery tore through the ranks of the Red Sash Swordsmen. They started with 72. Even with devastating losses, they bravely carried on into the bayonets of the Seaforths. A little farther away Red Sash Horsemen also carried through a wall of bullets into the Highlanders.


The Red Sash Swordsmen lost more men and fell back 6" However, the Red sash cavalry won their combat. (The Seaforths lost more miniatures.) However the Scots morale test was good. The rules allow the horsemen to remain in place, return to a melee next turn or leave right now at the trot or canter.


Realizing the moment for victory passed, the horsemen immediately withdrew (top of photo). This was not a rout or morale failure. Twas simply the age old cavalry device of leaving if the infantry does not break.


General Pettygree rode forward to speak with Seaforth Colonel Archibald Sinclair (foreground).


Pettygree: "Sinclair! That was well done. If not for your initiative and timing we'd have been overwhelmed by the Guru's ruse de l'guerre."

Sinclair: "Routine Sir. Thank you General."

Pettygree: "Give my utmost compliments and thanks to your men.

Sinclair: "Aye General. I will."


Concurrently Lt. Col. James Lawford spurs the 9th Bengal Lancers forward. Lawford: "BUGLERS! --- SOUND THE PURSUIT!"


They quickly increase from a trot to a canter.


And will soon be at the gallop pursuing the remnant of the Red Sash Swordsmen. If the latter make it off the table, they gain safety. The table edge was only inches away. Next turn they drew a card to move before the lancers and got away. Imperial infantry moved forward too.


Do you remember the cunning arrival of one hundred allies of Muljadhe? Some can be seen in the corner of the village. Their leader "El Gep Fer" threw 1D6 to decide to stay or retire. The die chose wisely; departure. As a result, the Guru's Army could not hope to hold Bebara and force a siege. All began to withdraw. The village was evacuated and distance significantly gained away from the battered Imperial Field Force.

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CLOSING REMARKS:

Chuck: "Let me start off by saying this game was a blast. I've had an interest in Colonial gaming for some time but have actually only played a couple of games. I have played in Bills SYW games using the same rules [modified for colonials] so I was pretty familiar with them. Overall my goal was to blunt the British attack while still preserving as much of my force as possible for the next campaign game.
~~
Things looked pretty rough for me at the end of the first session with most of the British gun line within spitting distance of the village with only a hand full of [natives] defending. Things got better once my reserves showed up at the beginning of the second session. Bill had to do a bit of reorganizing to account for the mass of Tugs that appeared on his flank.
~~
By the end of the second session, the British had begun to pull back [in] disorder. The game was still very much in the balance. Then things went to pot for the natives [in session 3]. Some dithering on my part along with the British getting eight move/fire cards in a row, allowed the British to reorder and form a solid line of firepower that I just couldn't crack. Had I not been so tentative, I possibly could have charged a turn or two sooner before the Brits. had a chance to form up.
~~
Oh well, there's always next time. In the end, the natives pulled out ... and fled to The Secret Valley to lick their wounds. I did manage to bloody up the [Imperials] though. I'm looking forward to the next game ."
~~
Bill: "Thank YOU Chuck! You're a formidable opponent. The Imperials were "on the ropes" as the saying goes, until almost the very end of session #3. Very well done!"
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Please return in a few days for the march into Bebara including casualty summaries, etc. Your comments are welcome -- below.
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Chapter 24: Crisis Of Battle!

Date: 14 September 1899/2009
Location: Bebara.
Situation: Crisis Of The Battle
By The By: See Chapters 22-23, for earlier viewing, if needed.
Images Fill Screens If "Clicked"

Viewers will recall the cunning Guru launched a surprise attack against the weak Imperial right flank. And now...let us return there from the native perspective.


Left to Right: Red Sash Rifles fire at the 1st Sikhs screening the Seaforth Highlanders. The Seaforths spent the turn forming an L-shaped line to maximize firepower in the next turn. That is, if the Seaforths are able to remove disorder from clambering over obstacles without restoring order and racing here for the last few turns to shore up the Imperial right flank!


Left to Right: The same Red Sash Rifles (left) plus Red Sash Swordsmen to their right; 72 of 'em! (Mostly unseen: there are 60 Red Sash Riflemen to the left and right of the Red Sash Swordsmen)


Farther to the right: Red Sash Horsemen (48) walk forward supported by Household Rifles in white.


Right To Left: Red Sash Horsemen increase speed from a walk to a canter. The Imperials realize a massive charge is coming in! A diminished body of Household Horsemen add their numbers too but they have suffered grievous 2/3 losses.


Right to Left: Another body of Red Sash Rifles fire on the Imperials whilst the Red Sash Swordsmen creep closer for a charge next turn.


View from the Imperial side.

Upper Left: Native horsemen mentioned earlier.
Upper Right: Red Sash Rifles and Swordsmen
Imperial Line Left to Right: Berkshires, Seaforths and Mountain Guns.

Imperial Reserve: 10th Hussars (left) 9th Bengal Lancers (right).
General Pettygree is centered between the two bodies of cavalry.


THE CHARGE IS NOT STOPPED. Red Sash Swordsmen and Cavalry breached the hail of rapid fire volleys and mountain gun salvos to melee the Seaforths. It is now up to each Highlander and his mates to beat back the furious charge with muscle and a bayonet. It is the crisis of the battle! Will the line hold or break?
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CLOSING REMARKS
1. Return soon for the conclusion.
2. Sorry to keep you in suspense, but that is the nature of a serialized presentation like this.
3. Comments welcome just below - here.
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