Picking up those brushes again.

Hi and welcome to the occasional mutterings of Dave Doc, a military modeller and some time gamer. Gaming and model making has given me a real education, History & Geography(obvious really), Artistry, Politics, Economics, Logistics, Project Management -you try building miniature armies without the last 3.

I will use the blog to record my creations & the odd occasion I actually do some gaming.

I have always been inspired by the aesthetic side of gaming. Playing on well constructed terrain using excellently painted units is always a joy.

Sunday 12 February 2017

Gaming - Sudan - 3rd Battle of El Teb 29th Feb 1884


A fine days gaming was had with the lads from the Old Guard Wargame club today. I set up a Black Powder rules game to re fight the battle of 3rd El Teb. This battle was the initial driver for doing my Sudan collection so its great to see it played out.


The table we had was 12x6 with plenty of troops for both sides - as per the scenario in the Black Powder rules book . We stuck to this as it was the first BP game for us all and we were all learning. 4 Brits - Roy - CinC , Martin 1st Brigade, James 2nd brigade, John - Cavalry Brigade, and 3 Mahdist players - Pete Cinc, Steve - 1st Rhub- lots of Beja infantry, and Stuart 2nd Rhub - the mounted stuff and myself umpiring to try and learn the rules and how to run a BP game.

it turned into a real duff up. It was played with a great spirit by all - a great game...  so on with the action!

The British struggled to get themselves in order with various failed command roles in the first few turns. The mahdists marksmen and captured gunners were also unerringly finding their mark at long range too. 


all quiet 
The visible mahdist defenders are deployed 
The imperial column advances
its a large distance to cover to take the village
The brigades start to expand to check for mahdists on their flank
Scouts lead the way forward
Excellent long range shooting from the mahdist guns and skirmishers cause problems
Mahdist rifleman appear from the wadi 
The Black Watch deploy to chase off pesky marksman
just as 4 Beja warbands turn up. The Hussars join the fray cutting one down completely 

The right deploys into line , but the centre is a bit thin....
The gatling deploys to provide more support
The mahdist mounted troops bound across the wadi to press 1st Brigade
Terrifying charge are held .. but only just , casualties are taken.
Maximum firepower deployed....
Volley fire!!! sees of the cavalry ..
it wasn't a good time for the gatling to jam boys!! the gunners are cut down!
The RMLI find themselves under pressure - with screaming Beja all around..
it gets worse as the Yorks & Lance retire leaving the RMLI surrounded - and  massacred!
The British pressure on both flanks finally breaks both mahdist brigades and the army  flees!

Brits - Martin, James, John... CinC Roy is hiding!
Mahdists - Steve, Pete Stuart  

It was touch and go for the Brits , the initial poor command roles left them problems to resolve. Their  rolls finally came good in combination with some fragile mahdist break tests . It could easily have been two British brigades breaking with a few different rolls . 

Overall for a first play of the rules we felt they went well, and were being picked up well. Certainly we will want to play more with the scenario and stats etc ..we will play them again.

We had enough time left just to stick some ancients on the table for a knock about Impetus game - more of that another time. 

Not sure whats up for the next days game , but looking forward to it. 



30 comments:

  1. cracking day. What next for a big battle? NWF, WW2, VBCW, Ancients. Think the big battle works well for approx 1st half of day then some smaller ones for last couple of hours

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    1. Yeah big battle , and then a few simple quick uns .

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  2. Fantastic and impressive looking game Dave worth all the effort 😀 Not sure about that hat Martin is wearing !

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    1. Cheers, yes makes the effort all worth while ....yes I should have taken my pith helmet for him to wear ...

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  3. A bad day for the gatling but a wonderful one for our eyes!

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    1. Yep, they did indeed pick their moment!

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  4. What a wonderful sight and looks lie a tremendous game.

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  5. Makes all that hard work seem worth it doesn't it? great stuff.

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    1. Indeed it does.. really enjoyable day too.

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  6. Ha! Hiding indeed. No idea where I was when you took those photos, as I can't recall hearing or seeing the call for line ups.

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  7. Superb table...lovely figs...great game! Lucky to have such fine fellows to game with!

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  8. Stonking stuff Dave! It's great to see you and The Collection on tour. :)

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    1. Indeed it was... it will be getting some use alright this year

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  9. Very impressive looking game and it sounds like fun was had by all to boot!

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    1. Cheers, yes I think we had a number of happy Gamers

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  10. Wonderful looking game mate - glad to see so many fantastic figures on the table.

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    1. Now I just need to tweak it to get more toys on the table . Thanks Carlo

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  11. It does look good and I'm pleased to hear that you all had a good game. I can only dream about a table that large...

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    1. Cheers. I think we could easily do another 9 feet on it in that room .. it's lucky we now have access to it at reasonable price for the day

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  12. Stunning. All some big battle goodness with plenty to spare.

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    1. cheers Clint.. wait till you see it with Zulus!

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