Crossing the Limpopo,part two.

As the Zulus approached, Lord Elpus ordered one coy. of the NNC to move and protect the left of the gun on the northern hill,and one coy. to protect the right flank of the Marines,whilst the remaining coy. was to stand and guard the cattle . Some long range shooting did very little damage to the right and centre of the Zulus,but caused a few casualties to the left horn

Damage to the left horn(red pom-poms) and all round shooting from the British troops,NNc have not received their order to move yet!.

They're getting closer,Zulu casualties mounting but not too serious yet!

Because of terrain restrictions the centre and right horn have merged-the centre regiments took precedence,forcing the right to stand and look on for a move!-look at the red pom-poms now.

The left horn is taking a bit of a battering,but still they come!!-the right horn is within charge distance now-oh dear!!

A general view of the table-too close for comfort??

USUTHU!!-the charge took the troops out in the open by storm,but they fought back although at a real disadvantage!!

The centre is now within charge range,and the British position looks perilous,but what of the Zulu right??

Well,it too has charged into the wagon line and the stout defenders,but they are taking alot of casualties-a coy. of NNC(in foreground) is sent to bolster the flank.-The Zulus have extended their lines to attack the British in the flank and rear-hmmmm.

The gun on the north hill has taken off,at a rate of knots-this is not looking good!

Break through!-the Zulus are just about to take the British troops in the flank,and extend to the rear.

No hope now,it is to be hoped that the left horn is not doing as well.....................

NOPE!!!-flank has gone. It was at this point that Lord Elpus and ADC Harris decided to do the right thing-and save the colours!!!!!

There they go-well they are the only ones with horses(I'm sure Queen Victoria will pardon them!!!)

This was a great game to play,thoroughly enjoyable,roll on the next one-possibly playing over the same terrain,but not the same period.

Crossing the Limpopo river,part one.

Heading up North,a re-supply column,consisting of 11 coys. British infantry,3 coys. of NNC,2 artillery pieces and numerous wagons and cattle,must cross the Limpopo river,as part of its route.Minor attacks have occurred over the past few months,resulting in most column commanders taking extra precautions to protect their wagons and troops. 

On this particular day,Lord Elpus(Column Commander) places  his two guns on the low hills over-looking the ford/drift,and sends his NNC forward to scout for possible Zulus(as if!!)

All is going well and Lord Elpus is contemplating a "spot of lunch",when,through his binoculars,he spots the NNC,on a distant hill,running around and looking agitated-could this be trouble?? He sends his ADC.Lt. Harris to investigate and report back ASAP! the column is halted until Harris returns and "Stand to" is called,and the Coys. take up defensive positions-"Another bloody false alarm" grumble the squaddies!!

The column,Lord Elpus on the hill,overlooking the crossing,NNC on far hill looking "agitated"

Lt. Harris rides out to see what is going on!

"Stand to" is called-Infantry take up defensive positions.

Harris returns,leading the "agitated" NNC!

Harris reports-ZULUS,thousands of 'em!!

It is assumed that the Zulus which the NNC have encountered is the right horn of the Zulu Impi,and that the centre/chest will attack down the Limpopo valley,leaving the left horn to attack and envelop the rear of the column.

Orders are issued and the wagons are "laagered" as best they can given the short time they have.The artillery is sited and everyone holds their breath!!-The NNC(having already had a shock) and the cattle,take up a position beside the CinC and await orders.

The British coys. adopt their fighting positions-but where are the Zulus?

Zulu right horn,blocking the track.

Zulu chest/centre coming down the valley.

Zulu left horn,tasked with attacking the rear of the column and preventing any retirement(it's good being retired!)

FIRE!!!!

Part two will be how the game played out-I hope you have enjoyed the scenario so far.

Reminder!

Just a quick reminder-in three month's time it will be the first of January 2025!! Place your Christmas orders now!!! 

What a Wargaming Week!

I've had quite a week this week-on Friday I enjoyed two hours in the company of my old friend and fellow wargamer,Charlie Wesencraft,who,at the age of 96, has invented a Board/Wargame which we played-and of course he won!! Also through the week I finished my Persian army(Lancashire Games) and have had a game today with them against my Spartan army-thrilling to the end,using Elephants and Scythed Chariots is not for the faint hearted!!-We also played a fast and furious Sudanese colonial game on Sunday!!

 Charlie in his wargaming room,studying his next move of his game(ACW) I hope I'm as sharp as he is when(if?) I reach 96!

Persians(on the right) arrayed against the Spartans-I deliberately painted the Persians in what I call "bonnie" colours-Brian said they look like a Unicorn has vomitted on them!!

Scythed chariots- I have yet to think of a way to use them,in a realistic way for my solo rules!

Elephant unit getting stuck into some mercenary Greeks-they didn't like it!!

Before the first clash.

First clash-Spartans knocked the first Persian line about a bit!-second Persian line(Apple Bearers) put up a stiffer fight,but Spartans are Spartans,and they prevailed!!-great stuff.

Sunday night's game now-my Egyptians are being put under a bit of pressure by Graham's Haddendowah-will the hold??

NO!!! on the otherr flank,Dave commanded the Naval Brigade,against the Dervish hordes-would he prevail???

NO!!!-these colonial games are great fun-we haven't played a one for a while and forgot some of the rules,but nevertheless we enjoyed it-roll on next week.

Games galore,and "new" member!

I am still playing my solo games,and on Sunday we had a "riveting" ancients game,but the real plus was the return of BRIAN!!!-very slimmed down but still the same old vulgarity,anecdotes etc.etc.-it was a real tonic to us all that he has made a comeback(his dice throwing was still crap!!)

A couple of photo's from my recent solo game featuring Spartans against Athenians-the Athenians have cheated by employing Elephants!!-they caused a spot of bother with the Spartan Allies,but not with the Spartans!!

Classic stuff! I can really take my time and enjoy the order writing side of these games-I may even get back to having a "tot" of rum soon!!

Now back to Sunday's game-Gauls against Romans(who else?)-Paul and Graham were Romans whilst Brian and I were the Gauls.

Graham and Brian-Brian is the slim one!!!

Scenario and troop dispositions-what the Romans didn't know was that the woods on each flank had Stakes in them hampering movement!!-sneaky.-The Romans moved forward in Testudo formation,against the barrier,negating the javelins from the Gauls-this proved to be too much for the Gauls in the ensuing melees!

The Roman advance("testudos made from bent card painted with shields!)

At first it looked good for the Gauls,with the advantage of the barrier,but pila and good dice throwing from the Romans saw the barrier quickly knocked down,and the slaughter began!!

Barrier down-Gauls stood no chance,however both flanks were hotly contested,and it turned into a near run thing-but even Brian couldn't ask for a draw!-Good game,roll on next Sunday!

A final shot of half of my Persian 15mm army(from Lancashire Games)

I have gone "beserk" with the colours-they stand out!-I also have twenty(yes twenty!) Elephants to add to the army-how I arrived at twenty is a story on its own,which will be told later!!

 

Border Reiver Show,Gateshead.

Today we gathered our passports and survival gear and headed to Gateshead Stadium.We were putting on a demo game using Paul's beautiful 7YW figures.The game and the show were great,and as usual we talked and talked and talked to everyone who showed interest about the figures,terrain,rules etc.etc.The catering facilities were next to none-a coffee van outside and a veritable feast of pies,sarnies cakes etc inside run by two charming ladies-all was set for a good day.

I didn't take many photo's,but I'm sure other more talented folk will post on their blogs!

Setting the game up-Dave had organised a simple attack/ defence scenario to showcase the figures and it worked a treat.

The hall before any "punters" arrived-there were a good smattering of traders,and of course a bring and buy stall,plus(a very good idea) a sitting area!

Doors have opened and eager folk,ladened with wads of cash descended on the trade stands-I was lead to understand that the "footfall" was about the same as last year.There was an entrance fee,but ,of course,...................................

This is Robbie Roddis,who tried to sneak in without paying,thinking that his "Invisibility Suit" would do the trick-he needs help!!!!!

Paul is talking to a half naked man-one of hundreds(not half naked!) who stopped to admire our table.

Graham,taking advantage of the huge cake portions on offer at the catering stand!

The game starts with a huge artillery duel across the table-the hall is filling up!

Catering ladies-the array of food was enormous and the portions were too!!

The Prussians,commanded by myself and Paul,start their advance-great stuff.

These have to be the cutest photo's ever taken at a wargames show(I did ask permission first)-The day ended far to soon,and it was packed away and back home for a couple of glugs of wine/beer until the next show(Battleground at Middlesbrough in November)