With the first card drawn the drums stopped!
The Mahdists to the front of the Column charged forward.
To the Columns rear a small group of riflemen moved forward into range.
The Column dressed it’s ranks, the Naval machine guns wheeled into position and all units fired.
At long range very little we achieved!
One of the machine guns jammed after only four rounds fired!
The Mahdists moved into medium range the column Rapid fired!
The Bengal Lancers now charged. To the front against some Mahdist spear men and to the rear against the Riflemen.
Both winning their melees but taking heavy casualties!
The volleys were a mixed bag!
The West Kent’s caused many casualties.
The Naval infantry were obviously distracted somewhat and two companies missed, the other machine gun jammed and only the third company supporting the Black Watch hit.
The Black Watch hit and reduced the horsemen charging them by two thirds!
The Egyptian artillery now engaged a Mahdist gun that had crept on to the high ground.
First shots and it was destroyed.
The remaining Mahdists closed for melee but took devastating fire.
The Black Watch blew the Horsemen away.
The West Kent’s and Naval infantry finally
Made their volleys tell, but not enough to stop the fuzzy horde hitting the Kent’s.
The melee was a messy affair with many casualties on both sides, but with the added casualties from the closing fire the Kent’s won!
The Fuzzy Wuzzies held firm and it was looking bad for the Kent’s.
Out of nowhere two companies of Bombay infantry and one company of Naval infantry charged into the melee.
The Fuzzies were defeated and withdrew into the night leaving a very busy night for the field hospital!
“Stretcher bearers”
A Hard days fighting gentlemen, particular praise to the Bombay Infantry and the Marines for their collaboration and intervention to help the West Kents who fought hard. Our priority is to get Gattling guns fixed and consolidate our position. Draw water from the Nile and keep extra water for cooling the barrels on hand. I have given orders for overnight consolidation and the eventual formation of a column square using the Nile as one side for our continued fighting and advance.
Maj. Gen Grenfell
Absolutely brilliant as always gentlemen. This has been a thrilling read and an endeavor to make General Graham proud!
Absolutely brilliant as always gentlemen. This has been a thrilling read and an endeavor to make General Graham proud! The table and figures are looking tremendous.