Turn 7 started with all the original attacks within 15”.
Two large infantry groups attacked immediately against the Desert column.
The machine gun crews, their guns jammed, ran for the square!
After volleys they hit the square.
As with all other attacks the cold steel repelled the enemy.
The Mahdists withdrew!
The Bengal Lancers saw their chance and charged.
It was during this second attack that the local camel drivers ran off into the desert fearing a disaster!
The surviving machine gun crews took charge of the camels.
With night falling the column had to slow its movement and make camp due to the high casualties and the unusual high afternoon temperatures.
The River Column spent the rest of the day slowly reforming the square.
Luckily all the Mahdists withdrew, although they grew in strength!
There was still time for a small disaster!
The Gendarmerie saw an opportunity for glory.
Seeing a small group of Mahdist Riflemen, they decided to charge!
Unfortunately the Mahdists won the first round! And out of the Wadi charged a couple of hundred more Dervish warriors!
The melee was over with swiftly with a whole squadron of Gendarmes cutdown!
As this melee finished,and night fell a sandstorm swept over the Column.
This ended the forth day.
Another hot day in the desert getting shadowed by the Mahdists but after an early attack they held their distance as they increased in numbers. Tomorrow could be interesting but have confidence in my troops
Lt Gen Freddie Stephenson