Battle Report: 5th September 1992 Crimean British  ~vs~  Crimean Russian (Robert Avery & Rupert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery & Nog Norgren)

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Crimean British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100 Guards Div. 2inC 1         50 1st Brigade Guards 40 10x4 RegA mlr   588   Highlanders 16 4x4 RegA mlr   232   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   Rifles 8 2x4 RegA mlr   124 Attached 17th Lancers 14 2x7 RegA s,l   258   Horse Artillery 3 3x1 RegB light mlsb HA   312   Ammo Wagon 1         50 2nd Division 2inC 1         50 1st Brigade 1st Bttn 40 10x4 RegB mlr   480   2nd Bttn 24 6x4 RegB mlr   300   3rd Bttn 24 6x4 RegB mlr   300 Attached Dragoons 14 2x7 RegB s,mlc   230   Artillery 3 3x1 RegB light mlsb FA   249   Rockets Btty 1 1x1 RegA rocket battery   98               3741

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Crimean Russian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100 Defence Force 2inC 1         50 24th 1st Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328 Dneprovski 2nd Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328 Regiment 3rd Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328   4th Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328 Attached Dragoons 16 2x8 RegC s,mlc   260   Artillery 2 2x1 RegC heavy mlsb FA in medium works   229   Ammo Wagon 1         50 Relief Force 2inC 1         50 Infantry 1st Bttn 48 4x12 RegC sbm   376   2nd Bttn 48 4x12 RegC sbm   376 Cavalry Uhlans 18 3x6 RegC s,l   300 Cossacks 15 1x15 IrregC s   180   Cossacks 15 1x15 IrregC s   180 Artillery 1st Btty 3 3x1 RegC light mlsb FA   237                 3700

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. Crimean British Crimean Russian Foot 3520 5760 Horse 560 1280 Guns 14 10

Report The British were attacking dug-in Russians on the outskirts of Sebastopol.  This battle demonstrates a superb exploitation of an enemy commander’s errors, and how to roll up a flank. The Russian initial set up comprised a line of infantry units, interspersed with artillery and with flanks defended by cavalry, on a ridge. The British weighted their force to the left: with the 2nd Division on the far left, and Guards Division on centre left. The British commander made a serious error on the right flank: leaving it unprotected apart from two sections of horse artillery and the Lancers, unsupported by infantry. The battle began with the main British force advancing strongly. The waiting Russians shot at them with artillery, but otherwise remained still. On the British right, however, action was joined immediately: with Russian Uhlans and British Lancers charging each other, with the Russians advancing Cossacks and infantry forward as well. After a fierce and bloody melee, the Russian Uhlans broke the British Lancers, but were routed in their turn as the horse artillery moved forward to almost point-blank range, canister blazing. On the right, the Russians then advanced their remaining infantry and cavalry forward against the now solitary horse artillery. Despite brave efforts, they were overrun and fled the field, leaving the whole of the British right flank completely open. Meanwhile, in the centre, the British had formed line and were in the process of driving the Russians off the crest of the ridge. Unfortunately, their exposed flank left them extremely exposed to artillery flank fire and, before they could actually get to the top of the ridge, they were broken. The second division main infantry force had not yet even got into place when the centre began to break, and thus played no part in the battle at all. Casualties The Russians lost 803 infantry and 117 Uhlans. The British lost 410 infantry, 68 lancers and the horse artillery: but would have taken much larger casualties as they retreated. Results The battle was declared a victory for the Russians. Analysis Although the British commander had crippled his attempts to win by leaving his right flank exposed, the battle could perhaps have been retrieved by a prompt and super-quick victory in the centre and on the left. Unfortunately, the British 2inC was too cautious on his wing and, although he suffered no units lost, contributed strongly to the British defeat through his hesitation and snail-like advance.  The British CinC spent much of the battle despatching "hurry-up" notes to his subordinate:  all to no effect! All credit, however, to the Russians: who exploited the British mistakes fully, and kept their nerve under a determined assault.

Battle Report: 6th June 1992 Crimean British  ~vs~  Crimean Russian (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery)

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Crimean British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 2         50 1st Brigade 95th Line 40 10x4 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   516   98th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegA mlr (2 Co's LI)   580   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   Rifles 8 2x4 LightsA mlr   132 Cavalry 17th Lancers 8 2x4 RegA s,l   156 Brigade Dragoons 8 2x4 RegB s, mlc   156 Artillery 30th Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB light mlsb FA   249   Ammo Wagon 1                         2293

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Crimean Russian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50 24th 1st Bttn 48 4x12 RegC sbm   376 Dneprovski 2nd Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328 Regiment 3rd Bttn 48 4x12 RegD sbm   328   Attached Cossacks 48 4x12 MilD sbm   280 Cavalry Dragoons 16 2x8 RegC s,mlc   260 Brigade Cossacks 15 1x15 IrregC s,l   180   Cossacks 15 1x15 IrregC s,l   180 Artillery 1st Btty 3 3x1 RegC light mlsb FA   237               2319

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. Crimean British Crimean Russian Foot 2240 3840 Horse 320 920 Guns 6 6

Report As battle commenced, both sides advanced quickly into the centre of the field: the Russians in mighty columns, the British doubling forward in line. On the right flank of the Russians, their Cossack regiments immediately charged the British Dragoons, who had disordered themselves by doubling too keenly. The first Cossack regiment was counter-charged by A Squadron, still in disorder, and bounced back to the Russian lines. Unfortunately, the British cavalry, too impetuous as usual, rushed after them into melee, and were swallowed up: outnumbered 8:1! The other Cossack regiment had also charged, but were received in line by Dragoon’s Squadron B, supported by a section of artillery. The Cossacks were unable even to make contact, and were routed by evil artillery fire from the flank. On the Russian left flank, both sides advanced strongly towards a walled manor house. Quickly the British threw out a screen of Rifles: who opened up on the advancing Russians safe in the knowledge that their Minie’s outranged the Russian smoothbores. However, Russian numbers paid off: they shrugged off their casualties and advanced into the walled gardens of the manor, dispersing the Rifles. In the centre, three Russian columns, supported by artillery, advanced towards the Highlanders and Naval Brigade. The Naval Brigade rushed forward excitedly, disordered themselves, and were then broken by heavy Russian artillery fire. The Highlanders, however, firing a great volley and then charging forward, broke the two Russian infantry columns facing them, and ended up far up the field threatening to roll up the Russian flanks. Meanwhile, the other British Dragoon squadron charged into the other Cossack regiment and, just like their colleagues, were swallowed up by superior number. They had, however, given their colleagues in the artillery time to get into position: who quickly sent the Cossacks fleeing from the field. Another cavalry clash took place far on the British right: with 160 Lancers facing 320 Russian Dragoons. Both sides charged and, incredibly, the British were utterly stuffed! Shame for the 17th Lancers as the Russians reformed: threatening the British flank. As the battle ended, the Russians were consolidating a defensive position around the North wall of the manor house, as the British regrouped preparatory to re-launching their attack. Casualties The British lost 131 Dragoons and 105 Lancers (some 74% casualties) before their cavalry was routed from the field. They also lost 100 rifles, 138 Highlanders and 179 sailors: a total of 417 infantry. The Russians lost 296 Cossacks, 60 Dragoons and 618 infantry. Their CinC was also seriously wounded as he led a Cossack charge. Results At the end of the battle, it was decided to award the British a winning draw. Tactically they were in need of regrouping, but should have won a continuation. In points terms, they had certainly won: losing 616 to the Russians’ 1068. Analysis The British commander did not play the battle well, and was saved by the excellent quality of his troops. The British cavalry were thrown away, and units disordered by doubling right in the face of the enemy. C-, could do better!

Battle Report: 12th April 1992 Late British Indian  ~vs~  Late Afghan & Russian (Nog Norgren & Robert Avery ~vs~ Rupert Avery & Richard Avery)

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Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1             2inC 2           1st Brigade 1st/24th Bttn 40 8x5 RegB blr       Sikh Bttn 32 8x4 RegC mlr       Sepoy Bttn 32 8x4 RegC mlr     2nd Brigade 98th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 40 8x5 LightsC mlr     Cavalry 17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l     Brigade Sikh Dragoons 16 4x4 RegC s, mlc     Bengal Lancers 20 4x5 RegC s,l,mlc   Camel Corps 8 2x4 RegB s,blr     Artillery 35th Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB light blrb HA     Brigade 30th Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB light blrb FA       Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegB hmg       Rocket Btty 1 1x1 RegB rocket launcher       Ammo Wagon 1                         4503

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Late Russian & Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Russian CinC 1           24th 1st Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*     Dneprovski 2nd Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*     Regiment 3rd Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*       4th Bttn 48 4x12 RegD mlr*       Attached Cossacks 30 6x5 RegC s,l       Attached Artillery 3 3x1 RegC light mlrb* FA                   2561 Afghan 2inC 1           Ghazis Ghazi Fanatics 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Tribal Foot Purple Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr       Blue Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr       Red Flag 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Yellow Flag 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Tribal Horse Camelry 6 1x6 IrregC sw,mlr       Purple Flag 10 1x10 FanA sw,sp,sh,mlr       No Flag 10 1x10 FanA sw,sp,sh,mlr     Tribal Guns Guns 3 1x3 IrregC light mlsb FA                   1949               4510

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. Late British Indian Late Afghan/Russian Foot 3680 5840 Horse 1200 1120 Guns 16 12

Report Both sides had evolved definite strategies for the battle. The British CinC and troops were to hold the Afghans on the right, whilst the two sub-Generals led the Indian troops, the cavalry, and horse artillery to smash the Russians off the board on the left. The allies, meanwhile, had decided that the Russians would advance up the middle of the field, slowly, whilst the Afghans, concentrated on their left, would advance at top speed towards the facing British, and then wheel into the flank of the Sepoys. The battle started well for the British 2inC’s on the left: with the Horse Artillery wiping out the Russians guns in a mere 45 minutes. The 17th Lancers attempted a charge against the Cossack horse but did surprisingly badly: losing two squadrons to the Cossack’s three. On the other flank, meanwhile, the Afghans launched a surprise charge with his fanatical horse against the British CinC’s force. Although they routed two squadrons of Bengal Lancers, they were soon wiped out: mown down by British infantry fire. The British continued with their plan: with the Sepoy infantry hurling themselves into the Russians. A tit for tat slogging match developed, with each side losing battalions in turn. The Russian 1st Bttn took the hill in the centre of the field: defeating the Sikhs because the Sikhs were committed piecemeal instead of all at once. As the battle ended, the British Sepoys on the left were halted facing a strong Russian advance, but about to be properly supported by the horse artillery. On the right, the Afghans were halted facing a seemingly invulnerable British line. Casualties The British lost about 17% of their force, by points. The allies lost about 29% of their force, by points. Results As the battle was not fully conclusive, it was declared a winning draw for the British. Analysis The British 2inC severely underestimated the Russians. Their huge units, all well supported, were much more difficult to break than expected. If battle had continued, the Sepoys would have been forced to fall back and regroup and, although probably winning in the end, it would have been a long hard slog for the British.

Battle Report: 23rd March 1992 Late British Indian  ~vs~  Late Afghan & Russian (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery & Richard Avery)

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Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1             2inC 1           1st Brigade 1st/24th Bttn 40 8x5 RegB blr       Sikh Bttn 32 8x4 RegC mlr       Sepoy Bttn 32 8x4 RegC mlr     2nd Brigade 98th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 40 8x5 LightsC mlr     Cavalry 17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l     Brigade Sikh Dragoons 16 4x4 RegC s, mlc     Bengal Lancers 20 4x5 RegC s,l,mlc   Camel Corps 8 2x4 RegB s,blr     Artillery 35th Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB light blrb HA     Brigade Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegB hmg       Rocket Btty 1 1x1 RegB rocket launcher       Ammo Wagon 1                         4104

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Late Russian & Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Russian CinC 1           24th 1st Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*     Dneprovski 2nd Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*     Regiment 3rd Bttn 48 4x12 RegC mlr*       Attached Cossacks 30 6x5 RegC s,l       Attached Artillery 3 3x1 RegC light mlrb* FA                   2137 Afghan 2inC 1           Ghazis Ghazi Fanatics 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Tribal Foot Purple Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr       Blue Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr       Red Flag 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Yellow Flag 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Tribal Horse Camelry 6 1x6 IrregC sw,mlr       Purple Flag 10 1x10 FanA sw,sp,sh,mlr       No Flag 10 1x10 FanA sw,sp,sh,mlr     Tribal Guns Guns 3 1x3 IrregC light mlsb FA                   1949               4086

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. Late British Indian Late Afghan/Russian Foot 3680 4880 Horse 1200 1120 Guns 10 12

Report This was a very large battle that took about six hours to fight. The Afghans occupied the allies’ left flank, faced by the British CinC with the Ghurkas and Highlanders supported by the Bengal Lancers and rocket battery. The Russians occupied the allies’ right flank, faced by the rest of the British force. On the left, the Afghans advanced strongly and, despite strong resistance from the Ghurkas, Highlanders and Sikhs (who had been sent to reinforce), eventually forced a general rout. The Ghurkas managed to defeat a charge on their square from the Ghazi fanatics, led by the Afghan CinC: but succumbed eventually to skirmisher fire. The Highlanders repulsed a charge by the fanatical cavalry, but were battered for the whole battle by skirmishers and artillery fire, eventually routing from the field. The reinforcing Sikhs were faced by the Ghazis right at the end of the battle, but fired far too soon, leaving them at the mercy of their hawk-like foes. On the Russian side of the battlefield, the British advanced slowly against a solid defence maintained by the Russians. The Cossacks attempted to clear the British skirmish line, but were repulsed time and time again. The British replied by throwing their Lancers and Sikh cavalry against the Russian main body, but these were repulsed in turn. The far right of the battlefield became a slogging match that was unresolved by the end of the battle: the British unable to make any headway. Slightly further in to the centre an incident occurred that really was the final nail in the British coffin. The Cossack infantry had formed a skirmish line to oppose the advancing Sepoy regiment. On being charged by the Sepoys, the Cossack skirmish line disengaged, running back towards the cover of their main body of infantry. The Sepoys, however, had timed their charge just right: and ended up forcing the Cossacks to turn and fight. This proved to be a mistake: as the Cossacks, outnumbered and charged in the rear, somehow managed to win the melee! The Sepoys never recovered...they crumbled, and so did this half of the British force. Casualties The British lost a total of 1225 men: 20% of their force. Nine of their units were routed: only the 1st/24th managing to perform a fighting retreat, covering their fleeing comrades. The Russians lost 388 men, the Afghans 462 men: for a total of 850 casualties. Results An extremely bloody battle ended with a win for the combined Russian/Afghan side. Analysis The luck was unusual: in that General Norgren had extraordinary good die rolls at the beginning of the battle, and vice-versa at the end. General Norgren did, however, accept that he could have deployed his forces better initially - especially as he out-scouted the allies - and that it was probably this initial deployment that sealed his fate! November 20, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 20, 2018 November 20, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 5th January 1992 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Indian Mutineer (Robert Avery & Richard Avery ~vs~ Rupert Avery & Nog Norgren) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points    Commander-in-Chief 1         100    2inC 1         50 CinC 66th Foot 40 RegB 10x4 mlr (2 Co's LI)   516   Naval Brigade 24 RegB 8x3 mlr   320   17th Lancers 16 RegB 4x4 s, mlc, l   296   1st Battery RHA 3 RegB 3x1 medium mlsb HA   372 2inC 90th Foot 16 RegB 4x4 mlr   200   Highlanders 20 RegB 5x4 mlr   250   Rifles 8 LightsB 2x4 mlr   116   Dragoons 16 RegB 4x4 s, mlc   280   1st Battery RA 3 RegB 3x1 medium mlsb FA   297   Ammo Wagon 1          50                2850 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436 (CinC) 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436   Lancers 10 2x5 MilC s,l   130   Dragoons 12 2x6 MilD s,mlc 164   Artillery 1 2 2x1 MilC medium mlsb FA 159 Artillery 2 1 1x1 MilC mountain gun   68 Tribal Tribesmen 1 36 1x36 FanC sp/sw,sh   231 Support Tribesmen 2 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 175 (2inC) Tribesmen 3 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm   175   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanC sp/sw,sh, armour   135   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanC sp/sw,sh   115   Horse 3 10 1x10 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm   105   Guns 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA  + elephant teams   291   Ammo Wagon 1          50                2850 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 2160 3600 Horse 640 1040 Guns 12 10   Report The British were out-scouted by the Indians, so were caught on the hop: dividing their force to stand on either side of a main road just before a crossroads sheltered by light woods and low hills. The Mutineers put their ex-Sepoys on the right flank, and their tribal support on the left. On the tribal left flank the British moved steadily forward with their infantry but sent the Dragoons rapidly towards the road parallel to their position. The Dragoons then charged: the very sight of them causing their tribal cavalry targets to rout off the field. Two squadrons of Dragoons were hit by artillery fire and forced to retreat, but the other two flank charged the fanatical tribesmen, causing them to rout, before having to retreat in turn themselves. On the other flank, the British infantry, behind a screen of Riflemen, advanced rapidly towards the Mutineer guns and, as the battle ended, were about to charge their shaken crews. In the centre of the battlefield, the British CinC placed himself at the head of the Lancers, and charged down the road cutting the field in half. The Lancers smashed the Mutineer Lancers from the field, and ended up behind the main Mutineer army. The danger that he and the Lancers presented caused the Sepoy battalion nearest them to form square, and the Sepoy CinC to retreat his guns. Once re-positioned, these wiped out two squadrons of Lancers, although the other two squadrons routed the Mutineer light infantry and mountain guns, before also being routed. As the British were now advancing across the whole front - the Sepoy square being routed by artillery, and a unit of tribesmen broken with the bayonet - the Mutineers realised that the day was lost...and ran for it! Casualties The British lost 3 squadrons of Lancers; 168 infantry; 118 Dragoons and 19 artillerymen: a total of 550 deaths. The 2inC died in a spectacular fashion. The Mutineers lost 142 sepoy cavalry; 215 sepoy infantry; 67 tribal horse; 183 tribal foot; and 50 artillerymen. This made a total of 650 casualties: although another 2300 were routing from the field! The Mutineer CinC was seriously wounded. Results A resounding victory for the British! Analysis An excellent battle lasting about four hours: the highlight of which was the death ride of the British Lancers through the centre of the Mutineer lines - sowing disorder and confusion throughout! November 20, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 18th August 1991 1879 British  ~vs~  1879 Zulu (Nog Norgren & Rupert Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery & Richard Avery) . 1879 British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1             24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegC blr   280   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l   328   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA   405   2nd Btty RA 1 1x1 RegA hmg   102               2305 . 1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1         100   Induna 1         50 Fanatical Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235 Veterans Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235 Fanatics Impi 5 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 6 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205   Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205   Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205 Shooters Impi 10 8 1x8 FanA sp,sh,blr   120               2304 . . 1879 British 1879 Zulu Foot 2080 5560 Horse 320 0 Guns 8 0   Report The set-up formations were fairly standard: a long line of infantry and artillery for the British, the “horns of the bull” for the Zulu. The Zulus attacked strongly on each flank. On the left, the Zulus were repulsed with heavy casualties, only managing to rout one section of British artillery. On the right flank, the Zulus charged the British square with three regiments - unluckily being routed before they came into contact. Two more Zulu regiments crashed into the square, broke one side, but ran out of impetus before being able to finish the job. With 8 regiments routing, the Zulus retreated - leaving the British masters of the field. Casualties The Zulus took 1880 casualties; the British 75 men and one gun. Results A victory for the British. Analysis If you’re going to come up with all these ideas on how to use the Zulus...use them! November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 11th August 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr   480   94th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr   480   54th Foot 40 10x4 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)    416   35th Bengal Foot 32 8x4 RegC sbm   288   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 LightsC mlr   520   Sikh Dragoons 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA 294   1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   369   Ammo Wagon 1                         3328 . Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155   Horse 3 9 1x10 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr   142 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,mlr 133 Ghilzai Foot 1 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr   169   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   314     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               3331 . . Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3040 6080 Horse 320 580 Guns 12 6   Report The Afghans commenced battle by advancing their flanks very strongly, whilst keeping their centre firm behind their works. On the right flank, they succeeded in routing two squadrons of Sikh Dragoons, and getting their infantry into good skirmishing positions. The British, however, recovering quickly, were able to deploy their Highlanders into line, ready to clear this enemy skirmish line, with Ghurkas and the CinC present in support. On the other flank, the British replied very strongly to the Afghan thrust: routing the Pathan horse with horse artillery and their light troops, and then outflanking the remaining Afghans with artillery, skirmishers and other troops. Things looked bad for the Afghans on this flank. In the centre, the British also advanced strongly, just preparing themselves to charge the disordered Afghans (over eager attempts at doubling) as the battle ended. Casualties The British lost 2 squadrons of Sikh Dragoons; 38 sepoys and 129 Ghurkas: a total of 327. Their 2inC was seriously wounded. The Afghans lost 360 Pathan horse, 196 marksmen and about 30 fanatics: total 586. Results A draw, but with the British enjoying an advantage. Analysis A battle that had to be halted for time reasons just as it was getting going. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 4th August 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   94th Foot 16 4x4 RegB mlr   240   54th Foot 32 8x4 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   416   24th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 LightsC mlr   520   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,l   280   3rd Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc   280   14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB light mlsb FA 249   1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   369   Ammo Wagon 1                            3328 . Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr   169   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregC sp/sw,sh,mlr   133   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155   Horse 3 10 1x10 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr   142 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143    Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   314     1     light mlsb FA       Ammo Wagon 1          50   Works        40" medium works   40                   3331 . . Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 2560 6080 Horse 960 600 Guns 12 6   Report The battle opened with both sides advancing at top speed towards a crooked ridge that dominated the centre of the battlefield. With their CinC spurring them on, the Afghan skirmishers and fanatics shot forward: surprising the British commander with the speed of their advance and, as was later revealed, preventing the British getting their horse artillery onto the ridge-top. This left the British largely bottled up behind the ridge. To break out, the 17th Lancers charged a unit of Pathan Marksmen: who opened fire at them for the first time and under the direct control of their leader. The Lancers were utterly destroyed by devastating jezzail fire! Encouraged by their success, the Afghans moved forward slightly, and generally engaged the enemy line, also further bottling them up behind the ridge. Meanwhile, the rest of the Afghan force began, on the right, to outflank the British, and begin enfilade fire. For about an hour, the British commander suffered losses all along his line and then, realising that he would soon be softened up enough to allow the fanatical Pathans easy charge targets, ordered a general retreat. Casualties The Afghans lost 106 men. The British lost the whole Lancer regiment (320 cornets); about 100 native infantry; 86 British infantry and 40 Dragoons. Results A complete victory for the Afghans. Analysis The British commander played straight to the Afghan strengths - fighting in close terrain instead of out in the open. His artillery were hardly used at all, he threw away his Lancers, and he was unable to think his way out of a dangerous but not impossible situation. One tactic that might have been employed was to move the horse artillery to cover his exposed left flank, formed square with his infantry, and dared the Afghans to charge! The Afghan commander took full advantage of the terrain and his enemy’s mistakes. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 14th May 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Indian Mutineer (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc,l   296   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA   297   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2113 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers Personality 1         25 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436   3rd Bttn 40 8x5 MilD mlr (2 co's LI)   390 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Support Artillery 1 2 1x2 IrregC medium mlsb FA + elephant teams 245 Artillery 2 1 1x1 IrregC heavy mlsb FA   142 Ammo Wagon 1         50 2090 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 2080 2400 Horse 320 320 Guns 6 6   Report Both commanders deployed their infantry in columns protected by skirmishers; their cavalry behind either hills or skirmish lines, and their guns on one flank. At the start of the battle, the British advances strongly up the centre of the field: so strongly, in fact, that they soon moved out of range of their guns, and right into the hands of the more cautiously advancing Mutineers. For most of the battle, the British held a position in the centre of the table, under fire from the Mutineer artillery, unable to shoot back, and unable to decide whether or how to advance against the stationary Mutineer line. Eventually, the British, frustrated, charged the Mutineer artillery with the Lancers: and were recoiled with very heavy casualties. As half the British infantry was either shaken or routed due to artillery fire, their cavalry destroyed, and their commander still unable to decide how to attack, they retreated: leaving the jeering Mutineer in possession of the field. Casualties The Mutineers lost their heavy artillery and 19 sepoys. The British lost 83 Highlanders; 118 other infantry; 200-odd Lancers and a few artillery crewmen. Results An unexciting victory for the Mutineers. Analysis The British commander spent so much time dithering about, unable to decide how to attack, that he fell victim to steady Mutineer artillery fire. Neither the British Lancers nor the Naval Brigade played a serious part in the battle, and the British artillery were constantly preventing from firing at the enemy by their own men being in the way. Lesson to be learnt:  don’t dither! November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 2nd May 1991 Late British Indian  ~vs~  Late Afghan (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points . CinC 1 . .. . . . . 2inC 1 . . . . . . 72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 32nd Punjab Foot 32 8x4 RegC blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l . . . 14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,blc . .  . 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium mlrb FA  .  . . 2nd Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA . . . 3rd Btty RA 1 1x1 RegA hmg . . . Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegA hmg . . . Ammo Wagon 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3032 . Late Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Sher Abu Alibi 1   2inC 1   Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh   Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh     Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr     Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr   Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr      Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA         1     light mlsb FA        Works       40" medium works                     3050 . . British Indian Afghan Foot 2240 6120 Horse 640 400 Guns 14 6   Report The two generals positioned their men under cover of darkness. As day broke, it was seen that the British had concentrated their artillery in one spot, and split the rest of their force evenly into two groups: one on either flank. The Afghans, on the other hand, had anchored their left flank on their fortifications, and formed a force of Pathan fanatics on their right in an attempt to roll up the British left, which consisted of the Highlanders and Ghurkas.. As the battle started, the Afghans pushed forward on their right, and their artillery began to exchange fire with one British battery. The other British battery opened up on the Afghan skirmishers, eventually demoralising them enough to send them off the field. The Afghan fanatics slammed into the British and, incredibly, managed to break both the Highlanders and the Ghurkas. These troops, however, despite having many of their companies routed, maintained some order:  and began to retreat across the board towards the rest of the British force. The fanatics followed up, charging now in disorder. Unfortunately, the rest of the Afghan force moved too slowly, and failed to support the fanatics properly. As the fanatical charge petered out, the men exhausted, they were hit and recoiled by Sikh cavalry:  giving the British time to consolidate their position around a hill. Now the Afghan main body advanced and prepared to charge. As they gathered themselves, however, the British artillery, which up to now had been knocking huge holes in the Afghan works and destroying two of the three Afghan gun sections, opened fire at nigh on point blank range. The Afghan centre wavered, and then fell apart: morale destroyed by the cumulative losses of units throughout the battle and the sheer firepower of the British. Casualties Afghan losses, not including the many that would have been massacred by Lancers who charged the broken centre at the end of the battle, were 947 Pathans and 187 Waziri. British losses were: 64 Highlanders; 51 Ghurkas; 98 artillerymen; 1 gun and the gatling gun; and 165 Sikh cavalry. This may seem quite light: but most of the British units that were broken fled the field before they could be massacred by Afghans who, as they lost the battle, would not have been able to follow up. The British CinC was also wounded. Results A hard-won victory for the British. Analysis The Afghan commander failed to properly follow up his successes on the right flank. The British commander kept his head in the face of massive disadvantage. Lessons learnt in previous battles were applied here with some success. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 23rd April 1991 British Indian  ~vs~  Afghan (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery & Richard Avery) . British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1             2inC 1             78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 Co's LI)       32nd Punjab Foot 32 8x4 RegC blr (2 Co's LI)       3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC blr (2 Co's LI)       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l       14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,blc     1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB blr       Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegA hmg       Ammo Wagon 1                         3052 . Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Sher Abu Alibi 1   2inC 1   Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh   Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh     Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr     Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr   Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA         1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works                   3050 . . British Indian Afghan Foot 2720 6120 Horse 640 400 Guns 8 6   Report Once the battle had started, the Afghans advanced their right flank very quickly: with two units of Fanatics shielded by skirmishers and supported by cavalry. To counter this, the British commander moved his artillery and the Naval Brigade, Ghurkas and Sepoys to face them. The Afghan artillery, meanwhile, safe behind their works, opened up: scoring a lucky hit on the Naval Brigade gatling gun, and nigh on obliterating a squadron of Lancers. As the rest of the field remained static, the British artillery came under heavy fire from the Afghan skirmishers: led by Sher Abu Alibi, the Afghan CinC, himself. With their opening volley, the breechloader-armed Marksmen shot fully 1/5th of the artillery crews down! The British artillery and light infantry skirmishers returned fire: but the Afghans, being a large unit of prone skirmishers headed by the CinC, seemed unaffected. The duel between the Afghan Marksmen and their opponents continued for some 45 minutes (3 turns) until finally the British artillery had had enough (over 50% casualties) and routed off the field, taking some of the infantry with them. Meanwhile, the Afghan artillery was knocking off British cavalry squadrons at a rate of one per turn, and also beginning to fire at the flanks of the British infantry. With the guns off the board, more Afghan skirmishers moved up, and the Afghan fanatical cavalry charged the sepoy battalion as it formed square. Although one unit of cavalry was stopped, the other smashed the Punjabi infantry from the board, massacring the fleeing troops. The Afghans began a general advance as the trickle of routing sepoys became a flood. The British Naval Brigade were next to rout, and the battle ended as the Highlanders ended up as the only unbroken British unit present! Casualties The Afghans lost 177 skirmishers, 70 fanatics, 74 cavalry and 60 waziri: a total of 381 men. The British lost huge amounts: about 350 Lancers, 200 Naval Brigade plus the gatling gun, about 160 artillery crew, most of the Punjabi battalion, about 100 Sikh cavalry and 30 ghurkas. In all, about 1300 men. Most of the casualties were caused by skirmisher and artillery fire, apart from the Punjabis, who were massacred by fanatical cavalry. Results A complete and total victory for the Afghans. Analysis The main British mistake was in tying up his guns and infantry fighting against skirmishers rather than advancing them strongly at the Afghans. The British should have tried to clear the marksmen away with company strength charges, risking losing one company to rout the skirmishers. The other mistake was to expose his cavalry to fire from the Afghan artillery. Horse, while vital to exploit gaps in the enemy line, are very vulnerable to both smallarms and artillery fire. Also, the Afghan works, whilst seeming strong, are very vulnerable to artillery fire. As the British artillery is immensely superior in knocking out enemy artillery, one should KO the Afghan works the first round, then KO their guns, one by one. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 9th April 1991 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer (Robert Avery & Andy Purcell ~vs~ Rupert Avery & Richard Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Sir Henry Havelock 1             2inC 1             72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)       3rd Ghurkas 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)       Naval Brigade 15 5x3 RegC mlr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc,l       Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc       1st Battery RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA       Ammo Wagon 1                         2900 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1   2inC 1   Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr (2 Co's LI)   2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr (2 Co's LI)   Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s/mlc     Artillery 2 2x1 MilD medium mlsb FA     Tribal Red Flag 38 1x38 IrregC sp/sw,sh   Support Blue Flag 38 1x38 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Purple Flag 18 1x18 FanC sp/sw,sh,sbm     Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh     Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh       Camelry 8 1x8 FanC sp,sw,sh     Artillery 1 1x1 IrregC heavy mlsb FA   + elephant teams   2900 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1900 3480 Horse 640 880 Guns 6 6   Report The battle started well for the Mutineers, with very heavy casualties being inflicted by artillery on a squadron of enemy lancers (65%). Incredibly, these survived all morale checks, and merely moved into cover behind the Ghurkas. On the Mutineers left flank, the infantry units advanced slowly towards the Highlanders, but no shots were exchanged throughout the game: the plan being to destroy the enemy artillery and Naval Brigade with the Tribesmen, and then concentrate everyone left on these difficult-to-kill infantry. Thus the Tribal units advanced quickly behind a huge skirmish screen. As they got nearer to the enemy line, they took a few casualties, and were almost in a position to charge when an unexpected piece of good fortune occurred. The Naval Brigade, largely shaken from the attentions of the ancient Tribal heavy cannon, panic fired so rashly that they ran out of ammo. Despite the fact that the infantry were not quite ready, the Tribal cavalry charged. The first unit swept the Naval Brigade aside, routing every company bar one, and then thundered down on the British cavalry sheltering behind a nearby hill. Incredibly, the British Lancers, receiving their charge shaken and at the halt, won the impact and bounced the tribal cavalry back! The second unit of tribal horse charged the guns, but were nigh on annihilated before impact. Seeing their comrades rout, the final unit of tribal camelry couldn’t even summon up the courage to begin their charge. Meanwhile, in the centre of the field, the Mutineer cavalry had charged Ghurka skirmishers attempting to flank fire the Tribesmen. Ending up in the middle of the battlefield in disorder, they were then charged in turn by the remainder of the Lancers, who had suffered so grievously earlier in the battle, and the Dragoon Guards. Once again proving the excellence of the British cavalry, the Lancers routed two squadrons of the Mutineer cavalry, although the Dragoons had their charge halted by heavy smallarms fire. On the Mutineer right flank, however, the routing cavalry had infected their comrades: and the whole Tribal contingent turned tail and fled! The Mutineer commander ordered a general retreat. Casualties Surprisingly light on both sides. The Mutineers lost about 150 infantry, mostly skirmishers, and about 200 cavalry. Their force routed before serious damage could be done! The British lost about 60 Lancers and 50 Dragoons, all from artillery fire. The Ghurkas lost some 50 men, mostly to skirmisher fire. The Naval Brigade lost about 75 men: all to cavalry fire and cavalry hacking. The British CinC was also lightly wounded.  Results A victory for the British. Analysis An excellent battle. The use of the domino effect rule produced a fast and realistic result with, once again, the clever use of artillery greatly affecting the outcome. Had the Mahdist Tribal infantry been ready to charge at the same time as the Tribal cavalry...well, who knows? November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 17th February 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Richard Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery & Nog Norgren) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   500   30th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   460   35th Bengal Foot 16 4x4 RegC mlr   184   17th Lancers 8 2x4 RegB s,mlc,l   148   12th Bengal Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA elephant teams   357   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2893 . Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh   87   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   289     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               2899 .   Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3200 5720 Horse 480 400 Guns 6 6   Report Unfortunately, due to the length of the terrain used, the battle never reached the stage of main assaults be either side. The battle had three phases. During the first, the Afghans advanced into skirmishing range, and began to exchange fire with the British Light Infantry. Few casualties resulted. In the second phase, the British brought up their artillery, still out of range of the Afghan guns positioned in their works, and pounded away at the Afghans until they retreated back to the line of their works. In the third phase, the British advanced into range of the Afghan artillery and began taking casualties. The Afghans advanced again but, apart from two charges by Pathan fanatics, the battle ended before much was done. Casualties The Afghans lost about 900 men, mainly from artillery fire. The British lost about 140 men, mainly from skirmisher fire. Results A draw. Analysis Although the battle never really got started, it was once again proved that he who got the artillery right, won the day. The British commander here used it excellently: chipping away constantly at the Afghan units. One other notable event was that one unit of fanatical foot managed to win an impact after charging line infantry and receiving flank fire from artillery:  roll on the Ghazi’s! November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 10th February 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Gen. Sir H. Flashman 1         100   2inC 1         50   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   500   30th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   460   35th Bengal Foot 16 4x4 RegC mlr   184   17th Lancers 8 2x4 RegB s,mlc,l   148   12th Bengal Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA with elephant teams   357   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2893 . Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh   87   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   289     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               2899 . . Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3200 5720 Horse 480 400 Guns 6 6   Report The British were on a punitive expedition, and battle was joined as they emerged from a pass through the mountains. Initially things went well for the British, with the elephants dragging their artillery onto the lower heights of the pass and bombarding the forward Afghan units. The Afghans fell back slightly, and the British advanced, screened by skirmishers. The British infantry, however, advanced so rapidly that it quickly left the artillery behind: so that much of the rest of the battle was, on the British side, fought without artillery support. To the north, initial successes involved wiping out one Pathan cavalry unit, and routing the Afghan skirmish screen by judicious use of the Bengal cavalry. However, the Ghurkas, ever keen to get where the action is, advanced into this combat in column and took such heavy casualties from infantry and artillery fire that they were effectively destroyed as a fighting force. As the battle ended, the Punjab infantry and four companies of the Naval Brigade had deployed into line and were beginning volley fire. To the south, the British were slow to deploy, but successful. One charge from Ghazi fanatics was repulsed by the rest of the Naval Brigade, although it cleared the Highlander skirmish line. As battle ended, the Highlander main body was preparing to charge. Casualties The Pathan horse lost 270 out of 400, largely due to having one unit wiped out. The Pathan fanatics lost 524 men, with the Pathan Marksmen losing about 125. The Waziri lost about 100 men. The British lost the 3rd Ghurka Foot: the regiment being largely wiped out. Otherwise casualties were light: although the British 2inC was lightly wounded. Results The battle ended before conclusion and was declared a draw. Both players thought that the British might well have won eventually, but at the moment the battle ended, the Afghans were in a tactically better position. Analysis The British commander severely underestimated the firepower of the Waziri tribesmen. By the time this had been revealed, the Ghurkas had been lost. On a brighter note, the cavalry were for once used successfully: both to clear skirmishers and to draw out the more dangerous Afghan cavalry so that it could be mowed down by infantry volley fire. The British did, however, make two elementary errors: advancing too fast with their foot, so outpacing the artillery support; and advancing too close to the enemy whilst still in column. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 18th January 1991 Late British  ~vs~  Mahdist (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery & Nog Norgren) . Late British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Gen. Sir H. Flashman 1         100   2inC 1         50 Army 90th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l   328   Camel Corps 8 2x4 RegCMI blr   124   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium blrb FA   390 Naval Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegC blr   320 Brigade NB Support 1 1x1 RegA hmg   102   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2504 . Mahdist Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Henandoah White 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Brown 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Ansar Red Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,sbm 207 Tribal Blue Flag 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 286 Support Green Flag 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 286 Horse 20 1x20 FanA l,sw,sh,blr,armour 395 Artillery 3 1x3 IrregB medium blrb FA 495 2504 . . Late British Mahdist Foot 1600 3360 Horse 480 400 Guns 8 6   Report The two forces quickly deployed: with the British forming a long firing line opposite the Mahdists, who were screened by skirmishers. The Mahdist General put his Henandoah tribesmen on the right flank, supported by the Horse; and his  Ansar tribesmen on the left, supported by the guns. The Mahdist skirmishers quickly moved up and began exchanging fire with the British line. After two volleys, five companies of the 90th Foot ran out of ammo, and dropped out of line in order to replenish supplies. The reserve of three companies of Naval Brigade took their place. On the British left flank, half the Lancers charged the Mahdist fanatical tribal horse: both sides effectively ruling themselves out of any further action. The rest of the Lancers and the Camel Corps began moving to their right:  trying to outflank the Mahdist left flank. Meanwhile, an artillery duel had developed and, horror of horrors, the British guns were put out of action by the Mahdist artillery! With their artillery destroyed, one third of their infantry out of ammo, and having survived one Henandoah assault, the British had to advance: or face gradual annihilation from the enemy guns. The situation was exasperated when the Lancers and the Camel Corps were thrown into confusion by the Mahdist artillery during their outflanking manoveur, and had to retreat from the field. So the British infantry line went forward. On their left and centre, the Naval Brigade and 90th Foot were halted by skirmisher and artillery fire, and the renewed threat of another Henandoah assault. On the right, however, with skirling pipes and swirling kilts, the Highlanders inexorably on: closing with the tribal infantry and routing them off the field. As the Highlanders began to swing round and roll up the Mahdist battle line, the Mahdists realised that the day was lost, and broke and fled. Casualties The Mahdist force had most of its units shaken or routed at the end of the battle. Total Mahdist casualties were about 1800. The Highlanders lost 139 men. The 90th Foot took 40% casualties to companies A, D and E, but were otherwise relatively unscathed. The Lancers took 240 casualties out of 320 men. The Camel Corps was largely wiped out. The Naval Brigade lost about 60 men from companies A, B and C. Results A victory, hard fought, for the British. Analysis The British were most unlucky to lose their artillery, and thus be forced to advance rather than volley fire a charging enemy. However, once the two Henandoah units had made their charges and been recoiled, it was merely a matter of time before the British won. It should be noted that the Mahdist player complained that the British had been too cautious throughout...damn right! November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 29th December 1990 A re-fight of FATEPUR, 12th July 1857 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert & Richard Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Sir Henry Havelock 1         100   2inC 1         50 Queen's 64th Foot 10 2x5 RegB mlr (1 co's LI)   130 Troops 84th Foot 10 2x5 RegB mlr   120   78th Highlanders 20 4x5 LightsB mlr   280 Company Madras Fusiliers 10 2x5 RegB mlr   120 Troops Naval Brigade 6 2x3 RegC mlr   74 Cavalry Dragoon Guards 2 1x2 RegB s,mlc   40   Civilian Volunteers 2 1x2 RegC s,p   36 Train Capt. Maude, RA 1   Pers.     25   1st Btty RA 2 2x1 RegB medium mlsb FA   188   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1213 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Nana Sahib 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 8x5 MilD sbm 280 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilD sbm 300 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilD s 184   Artillery 3 1x3 MilD light mlsb FA   225 Tribal Red Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143 Support Blue Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143   Purple Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143 Horse 9 1x9 IrregD sp,sw,sh,sbm 87 1655 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1120 3520 Horse 80 500 Guns 4 6   Report This battle was a historical re-fight of the Battle of Fatepur, 12th July 1857.  The battle followed its historical path almost exactly, with the exception that the British did not try to outflank the Mutineers with their artillery. As the battle opened, both sides headed off the road into the narrow streets of Fatepur. In the second turn, an artillery duel led to the artillery crews of both the British and Mutineers running from the field. The Mutineer guns were quickly manned by their infantry, but ownership of the British guns was hotly contested for the rest of the battle, changing hands at least twice! Otherwise, the battle degenerated into an infantry slogging match, with skirmishers and the brave leadership of commanders swinging the advantage between the British and the Mutineers. The fact that the fighting took place within the streets of Fatepur and its gardens meant that casualties, and therefore routs, were kept to a minimum. Eventually the Mutineer infantry managed to wheel their cannon up the road into a position from which it could fire into the flanks of the British infantry. Two stunning blasts wiped out a whole British company in one turn, turning the battle into the Mutineer’s favour. As night fell, and both sides retreated to lick their wounds, the battle ended: but with the advantage with the Mutineers. Casualties Casualties were very high on both sides. The British 2inC was seriously wounded. The Highlanders lost two companies; the 64th Foot, one company; with all other infantry companies suffering casualties. The Naval Brigade contingent was routed, and all the British cavalry wiped out. The artillery had one section destroyed, and the other captured. In all, the British lost 46% of their force! On the Mutineer’s side, Nana Sahib was seriously wounded. All Sepoy companies suffered minor casualties, with three being routed. One unit of Tribesmen and all the cavalry and artillery also routed. Results A winning draw for the Mutineers. Analysis A terrific battle that developed into an exciting slogging match. The range of the British muskets and their Light Infantry proved more than a match for far superior numbers of Mutineers. Note that no-one tried to outflank: a tactical mistake that, if avoided, the British could have exploited most effectively. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 5th December 1990 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc,l   200   Dragoon Guards 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc   212   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   372   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1984 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr 380 2nd Bttn 40 8x5 MilC mlr 400 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Warband 1 32 1x32 FanC sp/sw,sh 207 Support Warband 2 40 1x40 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 215 Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh,armour 125 Artillery 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA 291 + elephant teams 1984 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1600 3040 Horse 480 520 Guns 6 4   Report Within seconds of the battle being joined, the fanatical Tribal horse had been routed off the board by the British artillery, who scored a couple of extremely lucky hits. On the Mutineer left flank, the Dragoons and Mutineer cavalry clashed.  The Dragoons routed, but left the way clear for the British artillery to rout the Mutineer horse with close range blasts of double canister. The guns were also supported by the Light companies of the British battalions. On the other flank, a battalion of Mutineer infantry were allowed to advance unmolested into a position where they could charge, through a wood and up a hill to take a section of British artillery positioned there. They then held off an attempt by the British Lancers to recapture the guns and, seeing the British infantry preparing a charge, formed line around the guns, and turning them on their erstwhile owners. As battle ended, the British infantry advancing towards the enemy had had a company routed by the Mutineer artillery. At this point both sides saw fit to retreat: time for tiffin in the British camp; bad omens in the Mutineer! Casualties No information. Results A draw, due to failure to finish. Analysis After an incredibly unlucky start, the Mutineer army really got going when it took the top of the hill. Whether the hill could have been held, and whether the rest of the Mutineer army could have come up in support in time is a matter that could only have been decided through play: but the referee did declare the battle to be slightly in the favour of the Mutineers. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 26th November 1990 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Richard Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc,l   200   Dragoon Guards 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc   212   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   372   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1984 . Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr 380 2nd Bttn 40 8x5 MilC mlr 400 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Warband 1 32 1x32 FanC sp/sw,sh 207 Support Warband 2 40 1x40 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 215 Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh,armour 125 Artillery 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA 291 + elephant teams 1984 . . Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1600 3040 Horse 480 520 Guns 6 4   Report After an initial clumsy disposition, the British formed two lines with their infantry and charged forward with their cavalry. On the British right, the Lancers smashed two squadrons of Mutineer cavalry right off the field, and bounced the other two back, but were forced to retire due to casualties from smallarms fire. On the British left, the Dragoons were smashed by the fanatical noble Tribal cavalry, but were managing to reform as the battle ended. In the centre, the Mutineer infantry advanced until it came under serious artillery and skirmisher fire, with companies of Mutineers refusing to advance and even fleeing the field under the fire of the British 9lb-ers. At this point both sides saw fit to retreat: time for tiffin in the British camp; bad omens in the Mutineer! Casualties The Mutineer infantry sustained minor casualties across all companies, with the Mutineer cavalry routed but not damaged - as they ran away before impact. The noble Tribal cavalry also had slight casualties. The British infantry were largely untouched, although the British cavalry had fairly heavy casualties. Results A draw, due to failure to finish. Analysis The Mutineers made the serious mistake of advancing: they should have waited for the British to come to them. They also failed to capitalise properly on the success of their cavalry and, in the end, were like targets in a shooting gallery. Had the battle continued, they would have had to drastically change tactics (i.e. occupy cover) to win. It seems that unless one side has no ranged firepower, the advantage is with the defender or he who has the better artillery. Future scenarios may have to specify an attacker or defender in order to avoid endless artillery duels. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery Battle Report: 28th October 1990 Late British Indian ~vs~ 1879 Zulu (Richard Avery & Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery) . Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1           1st 78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB blc/l/s/p       Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB blc/s       1st Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegB light blrb FA       Ammo Wagon 1           2nd 1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 35 7x5 RegC blr       Sikh Cavalry 8 2x4 RegC mlc       2nd Btty Royal Artillery 1 1x1 RegA hmg       3rd Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegA light blrb FA       Ammo Wagon 1           . 1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1             Induna 1             Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 5 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 6 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 10 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh     Impi 11 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh     Impi 12 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh     . . Late British Indian 1879 Zulu Foot 2300 7200 Horse 800 0 Guns 12 0   Report An identical scenario to the last battle, with the British splitting their forces to force the Zulus to battle. This time, however, the Zulus concentrated every regiment against the British CinC’s force, leaving only two regiments to delay the British 2inC. The British immediately formed two squares: each of four companies of infantry and one artillery battery. In came the Zulu's and, despite having three impact points with six impi's, out they went again: hurled back by the weight of British firepower. However, the Zulu Induna now brought in a tactical innovation: moving a regiment up through their repulsed comrades not to charge to contact, but to hurl their assegai's at point blank range onto the British troops who had already fired and were now frantically reloading. Most un-Zulu-like behaviour! The Zulu's hurled their spears, and masses of Highlanders fell. Five companies of Highlanders routed, and the British CinC was seriously wounded. Encouraged by this success, the Zulu commander charged with all his remaining regiments. Despite their losses, the British blew them back again, so in went the spear throwers again: this time routing all but one Highlander company. Again the Zulu's charged: but were held off by this one Highlander company with its artillery support. At this point, although there were only about 100 British troops still fighting in the British CinC's force, there was not a single Zulu impi with good morale. To make matters worse, British Lancers now appeared on the Zulu flank and threatened a charge. The Zulu Induna ordered a general retreat. Casualties The Zulus lost a total of 1500 killed or wounded, plus whatever horrific casualties the Lancers would have inflicted. The British lost seven companies of Highlanders. Results A win for the British. Analysis It now seems clear that the Zulu's cannot break British troops, supported by artillery, when they are in square, by charges alone. Six charges hit a square and failed to break its ranks. One charge hit a partially formed square and was repulsed! November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery November 15, 2018 November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery   Battle Report: 27th October 1990 Late British Indian ~vs~ 1879 Zulu (Robert & Richard Avery ~vs~ Nog Norgren) . Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1           1st 78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       Sikh Bttn 24 6x4 RegC blr       Dragoon Guards 8 2x4 RegB blc,s,p       1st Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegB light blrb FA       2nd Btty Royal Artillery 1 1x1 RegA hmg     2nd 1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 25 5x5 RegC blr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB blc,l,s       3rd Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB light blrb FA                 3000 . 1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1             Induna 1             Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 5 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 6 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 10 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh     Impi 11 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh     Impi 12 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh                 3001 . . Late British Indian 1879 Zulu Foot 2580 7200 Horse 480 0 Guns 12 0   Report The British had divided into two columns in order to force the Zulu's into a battle. On the right, the Zulu Induna attempted to overwhelm the British 2inC’s force with the majority of his command, whilst sending 4 impi's to the left in order to delay the other British force. The Zulus tried a new tactic: which was for regiments to attack in waves, if necessary charging through already routing back or fleeing comrades. On the left, where the four impi's attacked the British CinC’s line, this worked quite well:  a hole being punched in the first line. Unfortunately, the charge was stopped by the second line and, after heavy fighting, repulsed. On the right, the Zulus had successfully halted the British but, once they saw that their delaying force had been defeated, had to attack, and were mown down.  Casualties The British lost 6 companies of infantry, 3 squadrons of lancers and a section of artillery, all from the 2inC’s force. At the end of the battle, the Zulus had only 2 unbroken impi's remaining.  Results A hard-won victory for the British.  Analysis The Zulu Commander admitted after the battle that he had split his force unwisely: two regiments would have sufficed to delay the CinC’s force, leaving him ten rather than eight with which to overwhelm the rest of the British. Nevertheless, although defeated, the new tactic of wave assault looks promising for the Zulus in future encounters.  It also became clear that a British line without artillery support is not a good enough formation to stop a Zulu charge. November 15, 2018/ Robert Avery/ Comment Robert Avery Previous Next

Battle Report: 5th January 1992 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Indian Mutineer (Robert Avery & Richard Avery ~vs~ Rupert Avery & Nog Norgren)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points    Commander-in-Chief 1         100    2inC 1         50 CinC 66th Foot 40 RegB 10x4 mlr (2 Co's LI)   516   Naval Brigade 24 RegB 8x3 mlr   320   17th Lancers 16 RegB 4x4 s, mlc, l   296   1st Battery RHA 3 RegB 3x1 medium mlsb HA   372 2inC 90th Foot 16 RegB 4x4 mlr   200   Highlanders 20 RegB 5x4 mlr   250   Rifles 8 LightsB 2x4 mlr   116   Dragoons 16 RegB 4x4 s, mlc   280   1st Battery RA 3 RegB 3x1 medium mlsb FA   297   Ammo Wagon 1          50                2850

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436 (CinC) 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436   Lancers 10 2x5 MilC s,l   130   Dragoons 12 2x6 MilD s,mlc 164   Artillery 1 2 2x1 MilC medium mlsb FA 159 Artillery 2 1 1x1 MilC mountain gun   68 Tribal Tribesmen 1 36 1x36 FanC sp/sw,sh   231 Support Tribesmen 2 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 175 (2inC) Tribesmen 3 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm   175   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanC sp/sw,sh, armour   135   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanC sp/sw,sh   115   Horse 3 10 1x10 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm   105   Guns 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA  + elephant teams   291   Ammo Wagon 1          50                2850

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 2160 3600 Horse 640 1040 Guns 12 10

Report The British were out-scouted by the Indians, so were caught on the hop: dividing their force to stand on either side of a main road just before a crossroads sheltered by light woods and low hills. The Mutineers put their ex-Sepoys on the right flank, and their tribal support on the left. On the tribal left flank the British moved steadily forward with their infantry but sent the Dragoons rapidly towards the road parallel to their position. The Dragoons then charged: the very sight of them causing their tribal cavalry targets to rout off the field. Two squadrons of Dragoons were hit by artillery fire and forced to retreat, but the other two flank charged the fanatical tribesmen, causing them to rout, before having to retreat in turn themselves. On the other flank, the British infantry, behind a screen of Riflemen, advanced rapidly towards the Mutineer guns and, as the battle ended, were about to charge their shaken crews. In the centre of the battlefield, the British CinC placed himself at the head of the Lancers, and charged down the road cutting the field in half. The Lancers smashed the Mutineer Lancers from the field, and ended up behind the main Mutineer army. The danger that he and the Lancers presented caused the Sepoy battalion nearest them to form square, and the Sepoy CinC to retreat his guns. Once re-positioned, these wiped out two squadrons of Lancers, although the other two squadrons routed the Mutineer light infantry and mountain guns, before also being routed. As the British were now advancing across the whole front - the Sepoy square being routed by artillery, and a unit of tribesmen broken with the bayonet - the Mutineers realised that the day was lost...and ran for it! Casualties The British lost 3 squadrons of Lancers; 168 infantry; 118 Dragoons and 19 artillerymen: a total of 550 deaths. The 2inC died in a spectacular fashion. The Mutineers lost 142 sepoy cavalry; 215 sepoy infantry; 67 tribal horse; 183 tribal foot; and 50 artillerymen. This made a total of 650 casualties: although another 2300 were routing from the field! The Mutineer CinC was seriously wounded. Results A resounding victory for the British! Analysis An excellent battle lasting about four hours: the highlight of which was the death ride of the British Lancers through the centre of the Mutineer lines - sowing disorder and confusion throughout!

Battle Report: 18th August 1991 1879 British  ~vs~  1879 Zulu (Nog Norgren & Rupert Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery & Richard Avery)

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1879 British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1             24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegC blr   280   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l   328   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA   405   2nd Btty RA 1 1x1 RegA hmg   102               2305

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1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1         100   Induna 1         50 Fanatical Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235 Veterans Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235 Fanatics Impi 5 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 6 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh   235   Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205   Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205   Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh   205 Shooters Impi 10 8 1x8 FanA sp,sh,blr   120               2304

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. 1879 British 1879 Zulu Foot 2080 5560 Horse 320 0 Guns 8 0

Report The set-up formations were fairly standard: a long line of infantry and artillery for the British, the “horns of the bull” for the Zulu. The Zulus attacked strongly on each flank. On the left, the Zulus were repulsed with heavy casualties, only managing to rout one section of British artillery. On the right flank, the Zulus charged the British square with three regiments - unluckily being routed before they came into contact. Two more Zulu regiments crashed into the square, broke one side, but ran out of impetus before being able to finish the job. With 8 regiments routing, the Zulus retreated - leaving the British masters of the field. Casualties The Zulus took 1880 casualties; the British 75 men and one gun. Results A victory for the British. Analysis If you’re going to come up with all these ideas on how to use the Zulus...use them!

Battle Report: 11th August 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr   480   94th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr   480   54th Foot 40 10x4 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)    416   35th Bengal Foot 32 8x4 RegC sbm   288   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 LightsC mlr   520   Sikh Dragoons 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA 294   1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   369   Ammo Wagon 1                         3328

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Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155   Horse 3 9 1x10 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr   142 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,mlr 133 Ghilzai Foot 1 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr   169   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   314     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               3331

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. Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3040 6080 Horse 320 580 Guns 12 6

Report The Afghans commenced battle by advancing their flanks very strongly, whilst keeping their centre firm behind their works. On the right flank, they succeeded in routing two squadrons of Sikh Dragoons, and getting their infantry into good skirmishing positions. The British, however, recovering quickly, were able to deploy their Highlanders into line, ready to clear this enemy skirmish line, with Ghurkas and the CinC present in support. On the other flank, the British replied very strongly to the Afghan thrust: routing the Pathan horse with horse artillery and their light troops, and then outflanking the remaining Afghans with artillery, skirmishers and other troops. Things looked bad for the Afghans on this flank. In the centre, the British also advanced strongly, just preparing themselves to charge the disordered Afghans (over eager attempts at doubling) as the battle ended. Casualties The British lost 2 squadrons of Sikh Dragoons; 38 sepoys and 129 Ghurkas: a total of 327. Their 2inC was seriously wounded. The Afghans lost 360 Pathan horse, 196 marksmen and about 30 fanatics: total 586. Results A draw, but with the British enjoying an advantage. Analysis A battle that had to be halted for time reasons just as it was getting going.

Battle Report: 4th August 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   94th Foot 16 4x4 RegB mlr   240   54th Foot 32 8x4 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   416   24th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 LightsC mlr   520   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,l   280   3rd Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc   280   14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB light mlsb FA 249   1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   369   Ammo Wagon 1                            3328

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Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr   169   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregC sp/sw,sh,mlr   133   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155   Horse 3 10 1x10 FanB sp/sw,sh,mlr   142 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143    Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   314     1     light mlsb FA       Ammo Wagon 1          50   Works        40" medium works   40                   3331

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. Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 2560 6080 Horse 960 600 Guns 12 6

Report The battle opened with both sides advancing at top speed towards a crooked ridge that dominated the centre of the battlefield. With their CinC spurring them on, the Afghan skirmishers and fanatics shot forward: surprising the British commander with the speed of their advance and, as was later revealed, preventing the British getting their horse artillery onto the ridge-top. This left the British largely bottled up behind the ridge. To break out, the 17th Lancers charged a unit of Pathan Marksmen: who opened fire at them for the first time and under the direct control of their leader. The Lancers were utterly destroyed by devastating jezzail fire! Encouraged by their success, the Afghans moved forward slightly, and generally engaged the enemy line, also further bottling them up behind the ridge. Meanwhile, the rest of the Afghan force began, on the right, to outflank the British, and begin enfilade fire. For about an hour, the British commander suffered losses all along his line and then, realising that he would soon be softened up enough to allow the fanatical Pathans easy charge targets, ordered a general retreat. Casualties The Afghans lost 106 men. The British lost the whole Lancer regiment (320 cornets); about 100 native infantry; 86 British infantry and 40 Dragoons. Results A complete victory for the Afghans. Analysis The British commander played straight to the Afghan strengths - fighting in close terrain instead of out in the open. His artillery were hardly used at all, he threw away his Lancers, and he was unable to think his way out of a dangerous but not impossible situation. One tactic that might have been employed was to move the horse artillery to cover his exposed left flank, formed square with his infantry, and dared the Afghans to charge! The Afghan commander took full advantage of the terrain and his enemy’s mistakes.

Battle Report: 14th May 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Indian Mutineer (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc,l   296   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA   297   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2113

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers Personality 1         25 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilC mlr (2 co's LI) 436   3rd Bttn 40 8x5 MilD mlr (2 co's LI)   390 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Support Artillery 1 2 1x2 IrregC medium mlsb FA + elephant teams 245 Artillery 2 1 1x1 IrregC heavy mlsb FA   142 Ammo Wagon 1         50 2090

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 2080 2400 Horse 320 320 Guns 6 6

Report Both commanders deployed their infantry in columns protected by skirmishers; their cavalry behind either hills or skirmish lines, and their guns on one flank. At the start of the battle, the British advances strongly up the centre of the field: so strongly, in fact, that they soon moved out of range of their guns, and right into the hands of the more cautiously advancing Mutineers. For most of the battle, the British held a position in the centre of the table, under fire from the Mutineer artillery, unable to shoot back, and unable to decide whether or how to advance against the stationary Mutineer line. Eventually, the British, frustrated, charged the Mutineer artillery with the Lancers: and were recoiled with very heavy casualties. As half the British infantry was either shaken or routed due to artillery fire, their cavalry destroyed, and their commander still unable to decide how to attack, they retreated: leaving the jeering Mutineer in possession of the field. Casualties The Mutineers lost their heavy artillery and 19 sepoys. The British lost 83 Highlanders; 118 other infantry; 200-odd Lancers and a few artillery crewmen. Results An unexciting victory for the Mutineers. Analysis The British commander spent so much time dithering about, unable to decide how to attack, that he fell victim to steady Mutineer artillery fire. Neither the British Lancers nor the Naval Brigade played a serious part in the battle, and the British artillery were constantly preventing from firing at the enemy by their own men being in the way. Lesson to be learnt:  don’t dither!

Battle Report: 2nd May 1991 Late British Indian  ~vs~  Late Afghan (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points . CinC 1 . .. . . . . 2inC 1 . . . . . . 72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 32nd Punjab Foot 32 8x4 RegC blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC blr (2 Co's LI) . . . 17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l . . . 14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,blc . .  . 1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium mlrb FA  .  . . 2nd Btty RA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA . . . 3rd Btty RA 1 1x1 RegA hmg . . . Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegA hmg . . . Ammo Wagon 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3032

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Late Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Sher Abu Alibi 1   2inC 1   Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh   Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh     Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr     Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr   Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr      Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA         1     light mlsb FA        Works       40" medium works                     3050

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. British Indian Afghan Foot 2240 6120 Horse 640 400 Guns 14 6

Report The two generals positioned their men under cover of darkness. As day broke, it was seen that the British had concentrated their artillery in one spot, and split the rest of their force evenly into two groups: one on either flank. The Afghans, on the other hand, had anchored their left flank on their fortifications, and formed a force of Pathan fanatics on their right in an attempt to roll up the British left, which consisted of the Highlanders and Ghurkas.. As the battle started, the Afghans pushed forward on their right, and their artillery began to exchange fire with one British battery. The other British battery opened up on the Afghan skirmishers, eventually demoralising them enough to send them off the field. The Afghan fanatics slammed into the British and, incredibly, managed to break both the Highlanders and the Ghurkas. These troops, however, despite having many of their companies routed, maintained some order:  and began to retreat across the board towards the rest of the British force. The fanatics followed up, charging now in disorder. Unfortunately, the rest of the Afghan force moved too slowly, and failed to support the fanatics properly. As the fanatical charge petered out, the men exhausted, they were hit and recoiled by Sikh cavalry:  giving the British time to consolidate their position around a hill. Now the Afghan main body advanced and prepared to charge. As they gathered themselves, however, the British artillery, which up to now had been knocking huge holes in the Afghan works and destroying two of the three Afghan gun sections, opened fire at nigh on point blank range. The Afghan centre wavered, and then fell apart: morale destroyed by the cumulative losses of units throughout the battle and the sheer firepower of the British. Casualties Afghan losses, not including the many that would have been massacred by Lancers who charged the broken centre at the end of the battle, were 947 Pathans and 187 Waziri. British losses were: 64 Highlanders; 51 Ghurkas; 98 artillerymen; 1 gun and the gatling gun; and 165 Sikh cavalry. This may seem quite light: but most of the British units that were broken fled the field before they could be massacred by Afghans who, as they lost the battle, would not have been able to follow up. The British CinC was also wounded. Results A hard-won victory for the British. Analysis The Afghan commander failed to properly follow up his successes on the right flank. The British commander kept his head in the face of massive disadvantage. Lessons learnt in previous battles were applied here with some success.

Battle Report: 23rd April 1991 British Indian  ~vs~  Afghan (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery & Richard Avery)

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British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1             2inC 1             78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr (2 Co's LI)       32nd Punjab Foot 32 8x4 RegC blr (2 Co's LI)       3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC blr (2 Co's LI)       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l       14th Sikh Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,blc     1st Btty RHA 3 3x1 RegA medium blrb FA   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB blr       Gatling Gun 1 1x1 RegA hmg       Ammo Wagon 1                         3052

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Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Sher Abu Alibi 1   2inC 1   Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh   Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh     Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,blr     Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh,mlr       Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr   Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr   Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr     Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA         1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works                   3050

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. British Indian Afghan Foot 2720 6120 Horse 640 400 Guns 8 6

Report Once the battle had started, the Afghans advanced their right flank very quickly: with two units of Fanatics shielded by skirmishers and supported by cavalry. To counter this, the British commander moved his artillery and the Naval Brigade, Ghurkas and Sepoys to face them. The Afghan artillery, meanwhile, safe behind their works, opened up: scoring a lucky hit on the Naval Brigade gatling gun, and nigh on obliterating a squadron of Lancers. As the rest of the field remained static, the British artillery came under heavy fire from the Afghan skirmishers: led by Sher Abu Alibi, the Afghan CinC, himself. With their opening volley, the breechloader-armed Marksmen shot fully 1/5th of the artillery crews down! The British artillery and light infantry skirmishers returned fire: but the Afghans, being a large unit of prone skirmishers headed by the CinC, seemed unaffected. The duel between the Afghan Marksmen and their opponents continued for some 45 minutes (3 turns) until finally the British artillery had had enough (over 50% casualties) and routed off the field, taking some of the infantry with them. Meanwhile, the Afghan artillery was knocking off British cavalry squadrons at a rate of one per turn, and also beginning to fire at the flanks of the British infantry. With the guns off the board, more Afghan skirmishers moved up, and the Afghan fanatical cavalry charged the sepoy battalion as it formed square. Although one unit of cavalry was stopped, the other smashed the Punjabi infantry from the board, massacring the fleeing troops. The Afghans began a general advance as the trickle of routing sepoys became a flood. The British Naval Brigade were next to rout, and the battle ended as the Highlanders ended up as the only unbroken British unit present! Casualties The Afghans lost 177 skirmishers, 70 fanatics, 74 cavalry and 60 waziri: a total of 381 men. The British lost huge amounts: about 350 Lancers, 200 Naval Brigade plus the gatling gun, about 160 artillery crew, most of the Punjabi battalion, about 100 Sikh cavalry and 30 ghurkas. In all, about 1300 men. Most of the casualties were caused by skirmisher and artillery fire, apart from the Punjabis, who were massacred by fanatical cavalry. Results A complete and total victory for the Afghans. Analysis The main British mistake was in tying up his guns and infantry fighting against skirmishers rather than advancing them strongly at the Afghans. The British should have tried to clear the marksmen away with company strength charges, risking losing one company to rout the skirmishers. The other mistake was to expose his cavalry to fire from the Afghan artillery. Horse, while vital to exploit gaps in the enemy line, are very vulnerable to both smallarms and artillery fire. Also, the Afghan works, whilst seeming strong, are very vulnerable to artillery fire. As the British artillery is immensely superior in knocking out enemy artillery, one should KO the Afghan works the first round, then KO their guns, one by one.

Battle Report: 9th April 1991 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer (Robert Avery & Andy Purcell ~vs~ Rupert Avery & Richard Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Sir Henry Havelock 1             2inC 1             72nd Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)       3rd Ghurkas 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)       Naval Brigade 15 5x3 RegC mlr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc,l       Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB s,mlc       1st Battery RHA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA       Ammo Wagon 1                         2900

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1   2inC 1   Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr (2 Co's LI)   2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr (2 Co's LI)   Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s/mlc     Artillery 2 2x1 MilD medium mlsb FA     Tribal Red Flag 38 1x38 IrregC sp/sw,sh   Support Blue Flag 38 1x38 IrregC sp/sw,sh     Purple Flag 18 1x18 FanC sp/sw,sh,sbm     Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh     Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh       Camelry 8 1x8 FanC sp,sw,sh     Artillery 1 1x1 IrregC heavy mlsb FA   + elephant teams   2900

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1900 3480 Horse 640 880 Guns 6 6

Report The battle started well for the Mutineers, with very heavy casualties being inflicted by artillery on a squadron of enemy lancers (65%). Incredibly, these survived all morale checks, and merely moved into cover behind the Ghurkas. On the Mutineers left flank, the infantry units advanced slowly towards the Highlanders, but no shots were exchanged throughout the game: the plan being to destroy the enemy artillery and Naval Brigade with the Tribesmen, and then concentrate everyone left on these difficult-to-kill infantry. Thus the Tribal units advanced quickly behind a huge skirmish screen. As they got nearer to the enemy line, they took a few casualties, and were almost in a position to charge when an unexpected piece of good fortune occurred. The Naval Brigade, largely shaken from the attentions of the ancient Tribal heavy cannon, panic fired so rashly that they ran out of ammo. Despite the fact that the infantry were not quite ready, the Tribal cavalry charged. The first unit swept the Naval Brigade aside, routing every company bar one, and then thundered down on the British cavalry sheltering behind a nearby hill. Incredibly, the British Lancers, receiving their charge shaken and at the halt, won the impact and bounced the tribal cavalry back! The second unit of tribal horse charged the guns, but were nigh on annihilated before impact. Seeing their comrades rout, the final unit of tribal camelry couldn’t even summon up the courage to begin their charge. Meanwhile, in the centre of the field, the Mutineer cavalry had charged Ghurka skirmishers attempting to flank fire the Tribesmen. Ending up in the middle of the battlefield in disorder, they were then charged in turn by the remainder of the Lancers, who had suffered so grievously earlier in the battle, and the Dragoon Guards. Once again proving the excellence of the British cavalry, the Lancers routed two squadrons of the Mutineer cavalry, although the Dragoons had their charge halted by heavy smallarms fire. On the Mutineer right flank, however, the routing cavalry had infected their comrades: and the whole Tribal contingent turned tail and fled! The Mutineer commander ordered a general retreat. Casualties Surprisingly light on both sides. The Mutineers lost about 150 infantry, mostly skirmishers, and about 200 cavalry. Their force routed before serious damage could be done! The British lost about 60 Lancers and 50 Dragoons, all from artillery fire. The Ghurkas lost some 50 men, mostly to skirmisher fire. The Naval Brigade lost about 75 men: all to cavalry fire and cavalry hacking. The British CinC was also lightly wounded.  Results A victory for the British. Analysis An excellent battle. The use of the domino effect rule produced a fast and realistic result with, once again, the clever use of artillery greatly affecting the outcome. Had the Mahdist Tribal infantry been ready to charge at the same time as the Tribal cavalry...well, who knows?

Battle Report: 17th February 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Richard Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery & Nog Norgren)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   CinC 1         100   2inC 1         50   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   500   30th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   460   35th Bengal Foot 16 4x4 RegC mlr   184   17th Lancers 8 2x4 RegB s,mlc,l   148   12th Bengal Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA elephant teams   357   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2893

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Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh   87   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   289     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               2899

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Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3200 5720 Horse 480 400 Guns 6 6

Report Unfortunately, due to the length of the terrain used, the battle never reached the stage of main assaults be either side. The battle had three phases. During the first, the Afghans advanced into skirmishing range, and began to exchange fire with the British Light Infantry. Few casualties resulted. In the second phase, the British brought up their artillery, still out of range of the Afghan guns positioned in their works, and pounded away at the Afghans until they retreated back to the line of their works. In the third phase, the British advanced into range of the Afghan artillery and began taking casualties. The Afghans advanced again but, apart from two charges by Pathan fanatics, the battle ended before much was done. Casualties The Afghans lost about 900 men, mainly from artillery fire. The British lost about 140 men, mainly from skirmisher fire. Results A draw. Analysis Although the battle never really got started, it was once again proved that he who got the artillery right, won the day. The British commander here used it excellently: chipping away constantly at the Afghan units. One other notable event was that one unit of fanatical foot managed to win an impact after charging line infantry and receiving flank fire from artillery:  roll on the Ghazi’s!

Battle Report: 10th February 1991 Early British Indian  ~vs~  Early Afghan (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Gen. Sir H. Flashman 1         100   2inC 1         50   Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegB mlr   320   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 Co's LI)   500   30th Punjab Foot 40 10x4 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   476   3rd Ghurka Foot 40 8x5 RegC mlr (2 Co's LI)   460   35th Bengal Foot 16 4x4 RegC mlr   184   17th Lancers 8 2x4 RegB s,mlc,l   148   12th Bengal Horse 16 4x4 RegC s,mlc   248   1st Btty RA 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb FA with elephant teams   357   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2893

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Early Afghan Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Pathans Foot 1 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Foot 2 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267   Foot 3 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Foot 4 18 1x18 MksA sp/sw,sh,mlr 195   Horse 1 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Horse 2 10 1x10 FanA sp/sw,sh,mlr 155 Waziri Foot 1 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239 Foot 2 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 3 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 4 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,mlr 239   Foot 5 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh 143   Foot 6 18 1x18 IrregA sp/sw,sh   87   Guns 2 1x3 IrregB medium mlsb FA   289     1     light mlsb FA       Works       40" medium works   40               2899

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. Early British Indian Early Afghan Foot 3200 5720 Horse 480 400 Guns 6 6

Report The British were on a punitive expedition, and battle was joined as they emerged from a pass through the mountains. Initially things went well for the British, with the elephants dragging their artillery onto the lower heights of the pass and bombarding the forward Afghan units. The Afghans fell back slightly, and the British advanced, screened by skirmishers. The British infantry, however, advanced so rapidly that it quickly left the artillery behind: so that much of the rest of the battle was, on the British side, fought without artillery support. To the north, initial successes involved wiping out one Pathan cavalry unit, and routing the Afghan skirmish screen by judicious use of the Bengal cavalry. However, the Ghurkas, ever keen to get where the action is, advanced into this combat in column and took such heavy casualties from infantry and artillery fire that they were effectively destroyed as a fighting force. As the battle ended, the Punjab infantry and four companies of the Naval Brigade had deployed into line and were beginning volley fire. To the south, the British were slow to deploy, but successful. One charge from Ghazi fanatics was repulsed by the rest of the Naval Brigade, although it cleared the Highlander skirmish line. As battle ended, the Highlander main body was preparing to charge. Casualties The Pathan horse lost 270 out of 400, largely due to having one unit wiped out. The Pathan fanatics lost 524 men, with the Pathan Marksmen losing about 125. The Waziri lost about 100 men. The British lost the 3rd Ghurka Foot: the regiment being largely wiped out. Otherwise casualties were light: although the British 2inC was lightly wounded. Results The battle ended before conclusion and was declared a draw. Both players thought that the British might well have won eventually, but at the moment the battle ended, the Afghans were in a tactically better position. Analysis The British commander severely underestimated the firepower of the Waziri tribesmen. By the time this had been revealed, the Ghurkas had been lost. On a brighter note, the cavalry were for once used successfully: both to clear skirmishers and to draw out the more dangerous Afghan cavalry so that it could be mowed down by infantry volley fire. The British did, however, make two elementary errors: advancing too fast with their foot, so outpacing the artillery support; and advancing too close to the enemy whilst still in column.

Battle Report: 18th January 1991 Late British  ~vs~  Mahdist (Robert Avery ~vs~ Richard Avery & Nog Norgren)

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Late British Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Gen. Sir H. Flashman 1         100   2inC 1         50 Army 90th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr   520   17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB s,blc,p,l   328   Camel Corps 8 2x4 RegCMI blr   124   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium blrb FA   390 Naval Naval Brigade 24 8x3 RegC blr   320 Brigade NB Support 1 1x1 RegA hmg   102   Ammo Wagon 1         50               2504

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Mahdist Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Henandoah White 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Brown 36 1x36 FanB sp/sw,sh 267 Ansar Red Flag 32 1x32 IrregB sp/sw,sh,sbm 207 Tribal Blue Flag 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 286 Support Green Flag 32 1x32 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 286 Horse 20 1x20 FanA l,sw,sh,blr,armour 395 Artillery 3 1x3 IrregB medium blrb FA 495 2504

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. Late British Mahdist Foot 1600 3360 Horse 480 400 Guns 8 6

Report The two forces quickly deployed: with the British forming a long firing line opposite the Mahdists, who were screened by skirmishers. The Mahdist General put his Henandoah tribesmen on the right flank, supported by the Horse; and his  Ansar tribesmen on the left, supported by the guns. The Mahdist skirmishers quickly moved up and began exchanging fire with the British line. After two volleys, five companies of the 90th Foot ran out of ammo, and dropped out of line in order to replenish supplies. The reserve of three companies of Naval Brigade took their place. On the British left flank, half the Lancers charged the Mahdist fanatical tribal horse: both sides effectively ruling themselves out of any further action. The rest of the Lancers and the Camel Corps began moving to their right:  trying to outflank the Mahdist left flank. Meanwhile, an artillery duel had developed and, horror of horrors, the British guns were put out of action by the Mahdist artillery! With their artillery destroyed, one third of their infantry out of ammo, and having survived one Henandoah assault, the British had to advance: or face gradual annihilation from the enemy guns. The situation was exasperated when the Lancers and the Camel Corps were thrown into confusion by the Mahdist artillery during their outflanking manoveur, and had to retreat from the field. So the British infantry line went forward. On their left and centre, the Naval Brigade and 90th Foot were halted by skirmisher and artillery fire, and the renewed threat of another Henandoah assault. On the right, however, with skirling pipes and swirling kilts, the Highlanders inexorably on: closing with the tribal infantry and routing them off the field. As the Highlanders began to swing round and roll up the Mahdist battle line, the Mahdists realised that the day was lost, and broke and fled. Casualties The Mahdist force had most of its units shaken or routed at the end of the battle. Total Mahdist casualties were about 1800. The Highlanders lost 139 men. The 90th Foot took 40% casualties to companies A, D and E, but were otherwise relatively unscathed. The Lancers took 240 casualties out of 320 men. The Camel Corps was largely wiped out. The Naval Brigade lost about 60 men from companies A, B and C. Results A victory, hard fought, for the British. Analysis The British were most unlucky to lose their artillery, and thus be forced to advance rather than volley fire a charging enemy. However, once the two Henandoah units had made their charges and been recoiled, it was merely a matter of time before the British won. It should be noted that the Mahdist player complained that the British had been too cautious throughout...damn right!

Battle Report: 29th December 1990 A re-fight of FATEPUR, 12th July 1857 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert & Richard Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Sir Henry Havelock 1         100   2inC 1         50 Queen's 64th Foot 10 2x5 RegB mlr (1 co's LI)   130 Troops 84th Foot 10 2x5 RegB mlr   120   78th Highlanders 20 4x5 LightsB mlr   280 Company Madras Fusiliers 10 2x5 RegB mlr   120 Troops Naval Brigade 6 2x3 RegC mlr   74 Cavalry Dragoon Guards 2 1x2 RegB s,mlc   40   Civilian Volunteers 2 1x2 RegC s,p   36 Train Capt. Maude, RA 1   Pers.     25   1st Btty RA 2 2x1 RegB medium mlsb FA   188   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1213

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points Nana Sahib 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 8x5 MilD sbm 280 2nd Bttn 40 10x4 MilD sbm 300 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilD s 184   Artillery 3 1x3 MilD light mlsb FA   225 Tribal Red Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143 Support Blue Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143   Purple Flags 32 1x32 IrregD sp/sw,sh,sbm 143 Horse 9 1x9 IrregD sp,sw,sh,sbm 87 1655

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1120 3520 Horse 80 500 Guns 4 6

Report This battle was a historical re-fight of the Battle of Fatepur, 12th July 1857.  The battle followed its historical path almost exactly, with the exception that the British did not try to outflank the Mutineers with their artillery. As the battle opened, both sides headed off the road into the narrow streets of Fatepur. In the second turn, an artillery duel led to the artillery crews of both the British and Mutineers running from the field. The Mutineer guns were quickly manned by their infantry, but ownership of the British guns was hotly contested for the rest of the battle, changing hands at least twice! Otherwise, the battle degenerated into an infantry slogging match, with skirmishers and the brave leadership of commanders swinging the advantage between the British and the Mutineers. The fact that the fighting took place within the streets of Fatepur and its gardens meant that casualties, and therefore routs, were kept to a minimum. Eventually the Mutineer infantry managed to wheel their cannon up the road into a position from which it could fire into the flanks of the British infantry. Two stunning blasts wiped out a whole British company in one turn, turning the battle into the Mutineer’s favour. As night fell, and both sides retreated to lick their wounds, the battle ended: but with the advantage with the Mutineers. Casualties Casualties were very high on both sides. The British 2inC was seriously wounded. The Highlanders lost two companies; the 64th Foot, one company; with all other infantry companies suffering casualties. The Naval Brigade contingent was routed, and all the British cavalry wiped out. The artillery had one section destroyed, and the other captured. In all, the British lost 46% of their force! On the Mutineer’s side, Nana Sahib was seriously wounded. All Sepoy companies suffered minor casualties, with three being routed. One unit of Tribesmen and all the cavalry and artillery also routed. Results A winning draw for the Mutineers. Analysis A terrific battle that developed into an exciting slogging match. The range of the British muskets and their Light Infantry proved more than a match for far superior numbers of Mutineers. Note that no-one tried to outflank: a tactical mistake that, if avoided, the British could have exploited most effectively.

Battle Report: 5th December 1990 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Andy Purcell ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc,l   200   Dragoon Guards 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc   212   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   372   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1984

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr 380 2nd Bttn 40 8x5 MilC mlr 400 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Warband 1 32 1x32 FanC sp/sw,sh 207 Support Warband 2 40 1x40 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 215 Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh,armour 125 Artillery 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA 291 + elephant teams 1984

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1600 3040 Horse 480 520 Guns 6 4

Report Within seconds of the battle being joined, the fanatical Tribal horse had been routed off the board by the British artillery, who scored a couple of extremely lucky hits. On the Mutineer left flank, the Dragoons and Mutineer cavalry clashed.  The Dragoons routed, but left the way clear for the British artillery to rout the Mutineer horse with close range blasts of double canister. The guns were also supported by the Light companies of the British battalions. On the other flank, a battalion of Mutineer infantry were allowed to advance unmolested into a position where they could charge, through a wood and up a hill to take a section of British artillery positioned there. They then held off an attempt by the British Lancers to recapture the guns and, seeing the British infantry preparing a charge, formed line around the guns, and turning them on their erstwhile owners. As battle ended, the British infantry advancing towards the enemy had had a company routed by the Mutineer artillery. At this point both sides saw fit to retreat: time for tiffin in the British camp; bad omens in the Mutineer! Casualties No information. Results A draw, due to failure to finish. Analysis After an incredibly unlucky start, the Mutineer army really got going when it took the top of the hill. Whether the hill could have been held, and whether the rest of the Mutineer army could have come up in support in time is a matter that could only have been decided through play: but the referee did declare the battle to be slightly in the favour of the Mutineers.

Battle Report: 26th November 1990 Early British Indian ~vs~ Indian Mutineer     (Richard Avery ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Early British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1         100   2inC 1         50   1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB mlr (2 co's LI)   500   17th Lancers 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc,l   200   Dragoon Guards 12 2x6 RegB s,mlc   212   1st Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB medium mlsb HA   372   Ammo Wagon 1         50               1984

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Indian Mutineer Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points CinC 1 100 2inC 1 50 Mutineers 1st Bttn 40 10x4 MilD mlr 380 2nd Bttn 40 8x5 MilC mlr 400 Cavalry 16 4x4 MilC s,mlc 216 Tribal Warband 1 32 1x32 FanC sp/sw,sh 207 Support Warband 2 40 1x40 IrregC sp/sw,sh,sbm 215 Horse 10 1x10 FanC sp,sw,sh,armour 125 Artillery 2 1x2 IrregC heavy mlsb FA 291 + elephant teams 1984

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. Early British Indian Indian Mutineer Foot 1600 3040 Horse 480 520 Guns 6 4

Report After an initial clumsy disposition, the British formed two lines with their infantry and charged forward with their cavalry. On the British right, the Lancers smashed two squadrons of Mutineer cavalry right off the field, and bounced the other two back, but were forced to retire due to casualties from smallarms fire. On the British left, the Dragoons were smashed by the fanatical noble Tribal cavalry, but were managing to reform as the battle ended. In the centre, the Mutineer infantry advanced until it came under serious artillery and skirmisher fire, with companies of Mutineers refusing to advance and even fleeing the field under the fire of the British 9lb-ers. At this point both sides saw fit to retreat: time for tiffin in the British camp; bad omens in the Mutineer! Casualties The Mutineer infantry sustained minor casualties across all companies, with the Mutineer cavalry routed but not damaged - as they ran away before impact. The noble Tribal cavalry also had slight casualties. The British infantry were largely untouched, although the British cavalry had fairly heavy casualties. Results A draw, due to failure to finish. Analysis The Mutineers made the serious mistake of advancing: they should have waited for the British to come to them. They also failed to capitalise properly on the success of their cavalry and, in the end, were like targets in a shooting gallery. Had the battle continued, they would have had to drastically change tactics (i.e. occupy cover) to win. It seems that unless one side has no ranged firepower, the advantage is with the defender or he who has the better artillery. Future scenarios may have to specify an attacker or defender in order to avoid endless artillery duels.

Battle Report: 28th October 1990 Late British Indian ~vs~ 1879 Zulu (Richard Avery & Nog Norgren ~vs~ Robert Avery)

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Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1           1st 78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB blc/l/s/p       Dragoon Guards 16 4x4 RegB blc/s       1st Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegB light blrb FA       Ammo Wagon 1           2nd 1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 35 7x5 RegC blr       Sikh Cavalry 8 2x4 RegC mlc       2nd Btty Royal Artillery 1 1x1 RegA hmg       3rd Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegA light blrb FA       Ammo Wagon 1

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1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1             Induna 1             Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp/sh       Impi 5 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 6 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp/sh       Impi 10 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh     Impi 11 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh     Impi 12 30 1x30 FanC sp/sh

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. Late British Indian 1879 Zulu Foot 2300 7200 Horse 800 0 Guns 12 0

Report An identical scenario to the last battle, with the British splitting their forces to force the Zulus to battle. This time, however, the Zulus concentrated every regiment against the British CinC’s force, leaving only two regiments to delay the British 2inC. The British immediately formed two squares: each of four companies of infantry and one artillery battery. In came the Zulu's and, despite having three impact points with six impi's, out they went again: hurled back by the weight of British firepower. However, the Zulu Induna now brought in a tactical innovation: moving a regiment up through their repulsed comrades not to charge to contact, but to hurl their assegai's at point blank range onto the British troops who had already fired and were now frantically reloading. Most un-Zulu-like behaviour! The Zulu's hurled their spears, and masses of Highlanders fell. Five companies of Highlanders routed, and the British CinC was seriously wounded. Encouraged by this success, the Zulu commander charged with all his remaining regiments. Despite their losses, the British blew them back again, so in went the spear throwers again: this time routing all but one Highlander company. Again the Zulu's charged: but were held off by this one Highlander company with its artillery support. At this point, although there were only about 100 British troops still fighting in the British CinC's force, there was not a single Zulu impi with good morale. To make matters worse, British Lancers now appeared on the Zulu flank and threatened a charge. The Zulu Induna ordered a general retreat. Casualties The Zulus lost a total of 1500 killed or wounded, plus whatever horrific casualties the Lancers would have inflicted. The British lost seven companies of Highlanders. Results A win for the British. Analysis It now seems clear that the Zulu's cannot break British troops, supported by artillery, when they are in square, by charges alone. Six charges hit a square and failed to break its ranks. One charge hit a partially formed square and was repulsed!

Battle Report: 27th October 1990 Late British Indian ~vs~ 1879 Zulu (Robert & Richard Avery ~vs~ Nog Norgren)

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Late British Indian Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Commander-in-Chief 1             2inC 1           1st 78th Highlanders 40 8x5 RegB blr       Sikh Bttn 24 6x4 RegC blr       Dragoon Guards 8 2x4 RegB blc,s,p       1st Btty Royal Artillery 2 2x1 RegB light blrb FA       2nd Btty Royal Artillery 1 1x1 RegA hmg     2nd 1st Bttn 24th Foot 40 8x5 RegB blr       Ghurka Bttn 25 5x5 RegC blr       17th Lancers 16 4x4 RegB blc,l,s       3rd Btty Royal Artillery 3 3x1 RegB light blrb FA                 3000

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1879 Zulu Brigade Unit Fig.'s Org. Class Weapons Pts/Fig Points   Induna Enkulu 1             Induna 1             Impi 1 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 2 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 3 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 4 30 1x30 FanA sp,sh       Impi 5 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 6 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 7 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 8 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 9 30 1x30 FanB sp,sh       Impi 10 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh     Impi 11 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh     Impi 12 30 1x30 FanC sp,sh                 3001

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. Late British Indian 1879 Zulu Foot 2580 7200 Horse 480 0 Guns 12 0

Report The British had divided into two columns in order to force the Zulu's into a battle. On the right, the Zulu Induna attempted to overwhelm the British 2inC’s force with the majority of his command, whilst sending 4 impi's to the left in order to delay the other British force. The Zulus tried a new tactic: which was for regiments to attack in waves, if necessary charging through already routing back or fleeing comrades. On the left, where the four impi's attacked the British CinC’s line, this worked quite well:  a hole being punched in the first line. Unfortunately, the charge was stopped by the second line and, after heavy fighting, repulsed. On the right, the Zulus had successfully halted the British but, once they saw that their delaying force had been defeated, had to attack, and were mown down.  Casualties The British lost 6 companies of infantry, 3 squadrons of lancers and a section of artillery, all from the 2inC’s force. At the end of the battle, the Zulus had only 2 unbroken impi's remaining.  Results A hard-won victory for the British.  Analysis The Zulu Commander admitted after the battle that he had split his force unwisely: two regiments would have sufficed to delay the CinC’s force, leaving him ten rather than eight with which to overwhelm the rest of the British. Nevertheless, although defeated, the new tactic of wave assault looks promising for the Zulus in future encounters.  It also became clear that a British line without artillery support is not a good enough formation to stop a Zulu charge.