Monday 20 September 2021

Zulus-thousands of 'em!

Last night,Brian,Graham,Paul and I had a "classic" Zulu game,based on Chelmsford leaving his camp at Isandlwana,and moving into the Mangeni Valley looking for the main Zulu army!-Brian and Graham were British commanders,whilst Paul and I took the role of Zulu commanders.

I seem to have "lost" a couple of photo's,but the British had stopped for an early morning break,out-spanned their wagons and have off-loaded a bit of good quality barricade type items-just in case!!-The photo above shows a bit of panic as the first wave of Zulus appeared-in fact both "horns" -Graham grabbed all the barricade items to protect his troops,leaving Brian in a bit of a predicament.



Both "horns" forming up in classic Zulu style-the centre regiments also appeared at this time,sending both British commanders into "meltdown"-instead of forming a typical defensive formation(ie a square) they opted to fight the Zulus in the open-that is apart from most of Graham's troops who were now safely(?) behind the wagons and ammo boxes etc.etc.


Two shots of the Zulu Left Horn(commanded by me) and the very vulnerable British line-haven't they spotted the mass of warriors advancing from the Zulu Centre? In the background Paul's Right Horn is making contact with Graham's troops-and doing very well too!!



Top photo shows the British right about to be "eaten" by the Zulus,bottom photo shows the advance of the Zulu Centre-has the British commander gone blind?-look to your flank,sir!!!!



Top photo shows the "trap" being sprung-bottom shows the sad state of Graham's troops!

The end!-even Melville and Coghill couldn't wriggle their way out of this one!!-even though we both took horrendous casualties getting into the British lines,correct Zulu tactics(and some horrible dice throws from Brian and Graham!) won the day for Paul and I-and yes,Brian did ask for a draw!!!!





































 

6 comments:

  1. Cracking stuff. I love to see your colonial figures getting an airing. Tricky one for the Brits. Not sure I’d have faired any better. Much washing of spears :-)

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    1. Chris,you would!-cracking games though-enjoy Carronade.
      johnc

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  2. Marvellous spectacle, a delight to view. A great victory for the locals over the Imperialists too—plus *you* were on the winning side, John. Makes a nice change.
    Regards, James

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    1. Cheers James-it's about time I took part in a win!!-hope you're ok,
      johnc

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