Battle of Helpmakaar,1879.

I like the Colonial games we have,and last night's game was the most "absorbing" we've had for a while!
Paul was put on the spot,by me giving him command of the Helpmakaar defences,and the British and Boers.Dave and Brian took command of the Zulu army,whilst I did a grand job of refereeing the game!

This is the scenario,Paul was given mealie bag sections and wagons,and told to put them where he wanted to defend the "town"-he had so many options,that,after about half an hour,to hoots of derision and howls of laughter,he eventually placed all of the items........................

Top photo shows the completed defences,bottom photo shows the Zulu army creeping nearer and nearer-neither sides look too stressed-yet!!!

Brian launched a tremendous attack on the Boer farm(top photo) whilst Paul pinned the Zulu centre regiments to his front(bottom photo)

On Dave's flank,Paul has charged his regiments with his lancers(I know,I know!) and dragoons-this resulted in Dave being held up,and the cavalry being wiped out!!!!-thrilling stuff.

As things were hotting up in the Boer farm(poor women and children!) the bloody gas ran out in both heaters,plunging the garage into sub-Arctic temperatures,resulting in the most "wimpish" antics from a certain member.....................................

Good God,man,pull yourself together!!!!

Top photo shows the demise of the Boer farm,and now with both flanks secure,the Zulu centre sprang into action(bottom photo)-Paul responded magnificently,firing and retiring(it's good being retired!) bringing as many units as he could into the safety(??) of the town-now was the chance for the Zulu commanders to launch an all-out attack!!

The Zulu centre attacking the mealie bag wall,whilst both "horns" are now starting to attack!

Top photo shows Brian's left horn attack,bottom photo shows Dave's right horn attack-all is lost for the British,time for Lord Chelmsford to draft his memo to "Vicky" telling her that he has lost the army,battles and lands( a minor set-back,I'm sure she'll forgive him!!)

One last shot that Paul probably won't want to see!!!
This was a great game,played in great spirit-long may it continue,so roll on next Sunday when we will be running through the game we are putting on at Stockton.