As true gentlemen, we diced to see who’d have which side. The result was Damien, stiff upper lip to the fore, served as commander of the Anglo-Egyptian Field Force, whilst I, the wily Khalifa, led the forces of the Mahdi.
(note the Mahdist Leadership & the Hand of God).
The battle was the largest we’ve ever gamed using ‘The Men Who Would Be Kings’ with 16 units a side. It was to be a simple encounter battle with the aim of destroying your foe. The only twist was the remote possibility of re-enforcements arriving from the Nile Squadron.
(they actually did arrive).
Damien decided to form a line across the table to ensure his rear & flanks were protected. The regular British infantry were arrayed in Close Order to maximise their fire. This took some turns:
(a lovely jaunt through the desrt)
Meanwhile, I awaited the (random) arrival of my hordes. The new Random Arrival Table works a treat in that no one (not even I) can tell what will arrive where & when.
(the A-Es Standing To whilst about 75% of my force is yet to arrive).
Despite some issues, I was able to marshal my army behind cover & in some strength, ready for a devastating charge.
This was where the wheels fell off (‘nother Top Gear reference)……..
(One of my brave Dervish units....brave but wilful ).
Key units failed to activate, charges fell short, a fairly accurate British fusillade caused units to be pinned etc. Indeed, as aggressive as I was, I could not mount a coherent attack & was largely shot up & let down.
After about 3 1/2 hours, the Mahdists conceded. Good fun was had by all. Great set of rules. The tweaks work a treat. But best of all......
A Reasonably Fast Wargame.
donald
Moderator
