With the drums still beating the Mahdist hordes grew stronger.
The Desert Column formed a long firing line over turns 9-11.
On turn 11 the Egyptian Battery opened fire with devastating effect on the Mahdist Camels.
Turn 12 the drums stopped and with a terrifying yell the Mahdists hurled themselves at the Column.
The first shots from Artillery and infantry were ineffective and hordes charged home!
The West Kent’s took aim, waited and when they could smell the camels breath let loose a devastating volley.
Out of 280 camelry only 40 contacted the West Kents! After one round of melee the Marists were routed!
The Bombay infantry gave the Fuzzys to their front a fine volley and they too ran!
With darkness falling all other Mahdists melted away into the gloom.
The River column formed itself into a firing line. By turn 11 the Camel Regiment was in position.
The Cameron Highlanders and Egyptian infantry were slowly approaching the high ground to their front.
With the ceasing of the drums on turn 12 the Mahdists charges forward.
The 19th Hussars lost patience and charged the Mahdists to there front.
The Artillery poured fire on these Mahdists and caused many casualties.
First round of this melee goes narrowly to the Mahdists!
But the Hussars put things right in the second round and rout the enemy.
The Cameron Highlanders and Egyptians
Were engaged in a firefight with Mahdist Riflemen in the rocks in front of them.
The Cameron’s were also being changed by a small body of Dervishes.
The Riflemen’s cover means the infantry Volleys are next to useless. Luckily Captain Barrington-Smythe’s Steamer poured fire from her 9pdr and caused significant casualties.
The charging Dervish charged home but a well timed close range volley a swift prod from their bayonets ( ‘they don’t like it up em‘) routs the enemy.
As darkness fell all Mahdist forces disappeared into the night.
So both columns held of the enemy.
Good volleys and the gathering gloom
Saved the day.
Final positions of both columns at the days end.
A glorius and victorious day, with the West Kents to the fore! Just as I expect from my lads. A ration of Arak is authorised with the camel steaks for supper. All ammunition to be replenished, sentries posted and the battalion wil get some sleep before reforming in accordance with brigade orders. A great day! The next best thing to being able to be present. I can hardly wait to be there in person when we can.
A glorious day for the River column holding off the Mahdist hordes although not without the Hussars losing a number of casualties. The Camerons and Egyptians held firm and routed the Ansar and Fuzzies to their front and the artillery certainly had their game head on and their aim true. Now for a few G & T’s on the steamer and get ready for the next day and whatever that may bring. Feeling quite jealous of the Desert column as Maj. I M A Ardmann commander of my Egyptian force is renowned for his Camel curry and they have suddenly come into a large supply. Well looks like it will be horse again
From Maj I M A Ardmann.
To Lt Gen Stepenson.
To celebrate our glorious victory my brave Egyptians will be tucking in to a celebratory curry.
My Curry Wallah Handi Baggkarria has been teaching the how to make them.
He would be honoured to make a special Camel curry for you this evening aboard the HMS Titanic.
Your obedient servant.
Maj I M A Ardmann.
.
A quiet first day for the Black Watch as we took the lead on the left flank but were ordered to let the Marines take the lead. They have since moved off to the right and the Black Watch now hold the the left flank position. To our right is a depression and to our front are some dwellings in the distance. Probably held by the enemy. To our front are some squadrons of Bengal cavalry and our left flank is protected by the River Nile. The right flank has been engaged and has come through more or less unscathed. Tomorrow will see more challenges and probably the enemy will show up in greater numbers. For now, we rest and recover from marching and the dreadful heat, preparing ourselves for what may come. The pickets are out on all sides to warn us of any mischievous actions by the enemy.
Regimental Historian – Oor Willie.
Tally Ho the 19th!! By the way, do we have carbines Sgt-Major?
You had best hope so 😉
Looks completely amazing, Legendary Wargamers and social distancing virtual chums. I’m blown away by the collection and look forward to seeing what the Mahdists can do better 😉
Thanks Chris. More to come!
As for the Dervishes, tomorrow will tell!?!
C in C Desert Column: Maj’ Gen’ Grenfell:
Well done everyone. The West Kents especially have covered themselves in glory.
Please proceed with the advance, form line and use fire power as the threat from the dastardly Dervish’s dictates.
so far so good – but wait for the mass demonstrations with no social distancing arrives……
Great fun!