It is now two years later, August 1878, much has happened in the intervening years. A capitol has been established, buildings constructed with loads more to come. Troops have been recruited (mostly Hinterland and Brigade Games) as well as civilians (Wargames Foundry, Knuckleduster, Dixon, and many others) to settle the land. The troops have spent time learning the drill for cavalry, infantry, and artillery. So instead of just a couple of units to field there are now eight infantry units, four cavalry, and two field batteries. Soon units will be designated with regimental flags and commanders, I am utilizing SYW Prussian army flags (not necessarily correctly).
Two small posts have been constructed: one to protect the Danish miners upriver, and another to protect the telegraph line and early warning about 50 miles west from the capitol.
The capitol city has had a long term mental think about design, construction materials, using Knuckleduster's "Cowtown Creator". Great stuff here, tons of detail forms to help me create the town, most everything I need. This will be like a western frontier town with the addition of colonial enemies of all sorts.
A special unit (Jaeger police??) has been authorized to maintain the peace (police) as well as secure the forests and wild animals for conservation purposes. Figures are mostly Northstar and Empress so there are both foot and mounted, hopefully soon they will be clothed and trained ready for action.
More to follow with photos as soon as the remaining four buildings that are constructed are painted (soon as the snow melts and it gets warm enough for the initial spray coat).
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Sunday, January 19, 2014
All Hands
August 1876
News has reached Princess Viktoria that Mittelland's first Army Division to begin occupying Dongolo and the Abba Territory has met with disaster. A typhoon hit southeastern Mafrica last week while the Mittelland transport fleet attempted to shelter in Mosul Bay, unfortunately, the ships were all dashed against the eastern cliffs by 30 foot waves. Once the typhoon blew itself out and turned into a monsoon across southeastern Mafrica, the Princess ordered all her craft to sea to attempt to rescue who they could.
The ships arrived back several days later to report the great disaster of the Mittelland army division.
The river craft and the dhows had rescued a large portion of a Uhlan Regiment, without their horses, and 302 other troops of all ranks and services, including 26 sailors. All soldiers were taken immediately into the Princesses service.
The Mittelland Army has lost upwards of ten thousand troops, an equal number of horses and all arms. This is to say nothing of the Naval loses of 75 ships of all descriptions and their crews, and has put Mittelland plans five years or more behind schedule.
With a brighter bit of news a section of Hussar Jaegars (scouting twenty miles or so ahead of the column building a road and laying telegraph lines toward El Shab; about 50 miles from our new capitol in the build stage tentatively named Neu Brandenburg by the Princesses) has reported finding an ancient city on a hillock (actually a limestone quarry) and surrounding area. P. Viktoria has ordered the Col. commanding the Hussar Jaegars to advance to the location and return with a full report.
The Col. is expected to report in a week or two.
News has reached Princess Viktoria that Mittelland's first Army Division to begin occupying Dongolo and the Abba Territory has met with disaster. A typhoon hit southeastern Mafrica last week while the Mittelland transport fleet attempted to shelter in Mosul Bay, unfortunately, the ships were all dashed against the eastern cliffs by 30 foot waves. Once the typhoon blew itself out and turned into a monsoon across southeastern Mafrica, the Princess ordered all her craft to sea to attempt to rescue who they could.
The ships arrived back several days later to report the great disaster of the Mittelland army division.
The river craft and the dhows had rescued a large portion of a Uhlan Regiment, without their horses, and 302 other troops of all ranks and services, including 26 sailors. All soldiers were taken immediately into the Princesses service.
The Mittelland Army has lost upwards of ten thousand troops, an equal number of horses and all arms. This is to say nothing of the Naval loses of 75 ships of all descriptions and their crews, and has put Mittelland plans five years or more behind schedule.
With a brighter bit of news a section of Hussar Jaegars (scouting twenty miles or so ahead of the column building a road and laying telegraph lines toward El Shab; about 50 miles from our new capitol in the build stage tentatively named Neu Brandenburg by the Princesses) has reported finding an ancient city on a hillock (actually a limestone quarry) and surrounding area. P. Viktoria has ordered the Col. commanding the Hussar Jaegars to advance to the location and return with a full report.
The Col. is expected to report in a week or two.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Through the Dakla Gap
"Ma'am, scouts report a caravan about 3 miles out and closing."
" Major, Please take your command and advance to the caravan and determine whether or not they are the source of that dust cloud on the horizon."
"Yes, Ma'am."
As reported in the last episode the regiment forms into two lines and moves forward. Reaching the column Major Heinz, in temporatary command of the regiment along with Princess Louisa Marie question the caravan leader about the dust cloud behind the caravan.
"Abu Said, do you know what is causing the dust cloud on the horizon to the north."
"Yes, Miss, the cloud is from a tribal mass from the hills east of El Shab. They travel fast and light on foot, we are escaping from our village with our wealth and families. We left a week ago once we had word that the tribes were rampaging toward us demanding tribute."
"We have soldiers coming along the trail behind us and we will attempt to stop them from destroying you and your families."
"God is great, we will not forget this help."
"Major, send a runner back to the column to move forward with all speed to that low mound just west of us. We will hold them back there."
"I want your wagon drivers and surveyors to arm yourselves and stay with the wagons, our regular troops will reinforce you if we get surrounded."
"Princess, we did not sign on as gunmen."
"I understand that Watkins, but we might need your help if we are to survive the coming battle."
"Officers, this hill will form our forward defense and set the wagons behind us to form a square of sorts. Captain Moab, you will take your company and refusing our left flank, Major Suliemen you will take your two companies and form the right flank, refusing one company. Majors Hesse and Sewald you will place your regiments in the center.
Majors Heinz and Berg you will take your regiments and the animal a mile or so to the rear out of sight and detail troopers to hold them there, then you will divide to each flank about two miles out and advance when the tribe is about 1000 meters from us. Charging or firing when close enough to the enemy."
The tribe crossed the horizon about 2000 meters away and quickly spread out to encompass the hill.
The rubs on either flank moved faster than the center and came on to attack the flanks. The Right flank under Major Suliemen fought valiantly with some help from the drivers on that flank. Firing began at about 400 meters, two rubs were demoralized before they got to within 200 meters.
Two other rubs advanced and charged the line reaching it to melee the troops. Outnumbered, Suliemen's troops acquitted themselves well, killing or wounding nearly twice their number, while taking 2 KIA and 4 WIA.
Gunfire from the advancing natives caused only one casualty, most bullets going high over head.
Several rubs lost high numbers of natives to gunfire and dropped out of the fight in the center. Captain Moab's company did great damage to the charging natives causing massive casualties to two rubs. While the center rubs were in their final charge to contact the cavalry arrived. A final volley from the center regiments caused three native rubs to route before contact.
Major Berg's Dragoon regiment fired a volley disrupting the final charge on the right flank; while Major Heinz' lancers charged into the flank of the native attack on the left flank disrupting and scattering the rubs.
The natives scattered back the way they came with barely five rubs left of the nine that began the attack. More would die before the day was out as the cavalry followed their retreat closely.
The Princesses survey column to El Shab suffered 3 KIA and 4 WIA.
The column would continue several days later after caring for the wounded and burying the dead. A messenger was sent back to Princess Viktoria requesting more ammunition be sent forward to the village just ahead where the column would rest a further four days while the survey crew began mapping the plain. Another messanger was sent to Abu Said caravan that it was safe to return to their village where the column would be waiting for them.
NOTES:
1) The Sudanese and Egyptian troops (Essex) were recruited in Aswan to bolster the few infantry available to Viktoria. Also a battery of artillery has been added.
2) Three infantry regiments of Hussars will soon grace the available forces as well as soon as their uniforms are completed. A battery will soon be added as well.
3) The Naval brigade will be adding two quick fire guns soon to operate along the rivers and coast.
4) The first regiment has been named an historical unit (Eureka, Pricess Sofia SYW figs) and will be used for ceremonial and guard duties in the capitol. A battery will be included.
5) A unit of Zouaves (in fez, brigade Games figs) has been recruited locally and will soon join up. Increase to regimental size will occur this fall to both zouave units with the addition of at least three batteries of mountain guns (Tiger) for regimental use.
The next installment will be in late Sept. or early October.
" Major, Please take your command and advance to the caravan and determine whether or not they are the source of that dust cloud on the horizon."
"Yes, Ma'am."
As reported in the last episode the regiment forms into two lines and moves forward. Reaching the column Major Heinz, in temporatary command of the regiment along with Princess Louisa Marie question the caravan leader about the dust cloud behind the caravan.
"Yes, Miss, the cloud is from a tribal mass from the hills east of El Shab. They travel fast and light on foot, we are escaping from our village with our wealth and families. We left a week ago once we had word that the tribes were rampaging toward us demanding tribute."
"We have soldiers coming along the trail behind us and we will attempt to stop them from destroying you and your families."
"God is great, we will not forget this help."
"Major, send a runner back to the column to move forward with all speed to that low mound just west of us. We will hold them back there."
"I want your wagon drivers and surveyors to arm yourselves and stay with the wagons, our regular troops will reinforce you if we get surrounded."
"Princess, we did not sign on as gunmen."
"I understand that Watkins, but we might need your help if we are to survive the coming battle."
"Officers, this hill will form our forward defense and set the wagons behind us to form a square of sorts. Captain Moab, you will take your company and refusing our left flank, Major Suliemen you will take your two companies and form the right flank, refusing one company. Majors Hesse and Sewald you will place your regiments in the center.
Majors Heinz and Berg you will take your regiments and the animal a mile or so to the rear out of sight and detail troopers to hold them there, then you will divide to each flank about two miles out and advance when the tribe is about 1000 meters from us. Charging or firing when close enough to the enemy."
The tribe crossed the horizon about 2000 meters away and quickly spread out to encompass the hill.
The rubs on either flank moved faster than the center and came on to attack the flanks. The Right flank under Major Suliemen fought valiantly with some help from the drivers on that flank. Firing began at about 400 meters, two rubs were demoralized before they got to within 200 meters.
Two other rubs advanced and charged the line reaching it to melee the troops. Outnumbered, Suliemen's troops acquitted themselves well, killing or wounding nearly twice their number, while taking 2 KIA and 4 WIA.
Gunfire from the advancing natives caused only one casualty, most bullets going high over head.
Several rubs lost high numbers of natives to gunfire and dropped out of the fight in the center. Captain Moab's company did great damage to the charging natives causing massive casualties to two rubs. While the center rubs were in their final charge to contact the cavalry arrived. A final volley from the center regiments caused three native rubs to route before contact.
Major Berg's Dragoon regiment fired a volley disrupting the final charge on the right flank; while Major Heinz' lancers charged into the flank of the native attack on the left flank disrupting and scattering the rubs.
The natives scattered back the way they came with barely five rubs left of the nine that began the attack. More would die before the day was out as the cavalry followed their retreat closely.
The Princesses survey column to El Shab suffered 3 KIA and 4 WIA.
The column would continue several days later after caring for the wounded and burying the dead. A messenger was sent back to Princess Viktoria requesting more ammunition be sent forward to the village just ahead where the column would rest a further four days while the survey crew began mapping the plain. Another messanger was sent to Abu Said caravan that it was safe to return to their village where the column would be waiting for them.
NOTES:
1) The Sudanese and Egyptian troops (Essex) were recruited in Aswan to bolster the few infantry available to Viktoria. Also a battery of artillery has been added.
2) Three infantry regiments of Hussars will soon grace the available forces as well as soon as their uniforms are completed. A battery will soon be added as well.
3) The Naval brigade will be adding two quick fire guns soon to operate along the rivers and coast.
4) The first regiment has been named an historical unit (Eureka, Pricess Sofia SYW figs) and will be used for ceremonial and guard duties in the capitol. A battery will be included.
5) A unit of Zouaves (in fez, brigade Games figs) has been recruited locally and will soon join up. Increase to regimental size will occur this fall to both zouave units with the addition of at least three batteries of mountain guns (Tiger) for regimental use.
The next installment will be in late Sept. or early October.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Advance to El Sheb
As soon as the troops are ready to play I will post the results of the Advance to El Sheb. I expect to game this next segment on 3-4 August. So expect the write-up on the 4th or 5th.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
25 miles west of Senegal - May, 1876
After the arrival of several new regiments to Senegal (located across the bay from Dakla). The Princess' decide that they need intelligence of the country further away from Senegal than now available. Toward that end the Princess' send Louise Marie with a strong force of cavalry, infantry and surveyors to map a roadway to El Shab somewhere over 100 miles into the interior. The column consists of an advance section of either infantry or cavalry, a cavalry regiment of hussar rifles, infantry, supply wagons, a lancer regiment, and finally an infantry rearguard. Vedettes are posted on the flanks to worn on danger.
At sunset of the third day out a jaeger section scouts ahead, nothing seems amiss.
The Princess sends a galloper to the Lancers' commander to move to the head of the column.
The 1st Lancers move forward and begin the evolution into two lines.
At sunset of the third day out a jaeger section scouts ahead, nothing seems amiss.
At dawn a Hussar troop on a nearby ridge spots a dust cloud in the far distance. A galloper is sent back to report and Princess Louise Marie halts the column.
The Princess sends a galloper to the Lancers' commander to move to the head of the column.
The 1st Lancers move forward and begin the evolution into two lines.
As the lancers move forward at the trot Princess Louise Marie orders the column forward to higher ground a a more defensible position to await the lancers' report.
Notes:
1. The Zouave dressed Jaegers are from Brigade Games.
2. The Lancers and rifle armed Hussars are Hinterland.
3. The wagons are a mix of 4Ground and Old Glory.
4. Soon the the column will discover what made the dust cloud.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Hinterland sends more troops
Hinterlands latest as well as some older casts are in the process of obtaining their uniforms and weapons. Soon to arrive in Mafrica for their campaigning are three Hussar Regiments. Two of two troops of 6 plus a squadron (3 figs) of command. Two of these are mounted, lancers and rifles, and one dismounted of two troops of five, two command figs (Officer and standard) and one representative horse holder (made from a Hinterland zombie but painted like a live person, with maybe another horseholder later).
Coming soon after will be at least two infantry regiments of 24 troops plus 4 command. Already uniformed and armed is a Regiment of Jaegers (Brigade Games' female Zouaves) and a Naval Brigade of 11 with 3 command.
Over Christmas I am planning two scenarios for Mafrica, hoping I can get some troops painted to use beyond the Jaegers and Navy. Although the natives have long been painted and are ready to deploy. Of course, I will be using Sword and the Flame.
I am hoping Santa will bring some new buildings as well as a new Regiment of infantry, we'll see soon enough.
Coming soon after will be at least two infantry regiments of 24 troops plus 4 command. Already uniformed and armed is a Regiment of Jaegers (Brigade Games' female Zouaves) and a Naval Brigade of 11 with 3 command.
Over Christmas I am planning two scenarios for Mafrica, hoping I can get some troops painted to use beyond the Jaegers and Navy. Although the natives have long been painted and are ready to deploy. Of course, I will be using Sword and the Flame.
I am hoping Santa will bring some new buildings as well as a new Regiment of infantry, we'll see soon enough.
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