14 September 2017

Sudan Campaign - the first returns look very interesting indeed!

Local civilian contractors oversee the collection and distribution of supplies
for the Imperial Columns campaigning in the coming months.


In the next instalment of the Sudan Campaign fought sometime ago we have a series of returns from the umpire, this humble writer in fact, to the four column commanders pulling all the strings in the Imperial Headquarters.


You will see that I endeavoured to respond to all the players in a narrative form rather than in a static, bullet point style which in my opinion lacked the scope to have the colour and flavour of an nineteenth century campaign


It also allows a bit of poetic license to create story lines within the columns which would be enable me to write in a few interesting scenario rules and requirements whenever troops made their way to the table.


I have also included the initial orders of Major General Redvers Buller.  These allowed me the right amount of substance to create a few interesting sub plots.



Buller sent out this missive to all Officers within the Nile Column

Continuation of standing orders - very important.  I wonder what the QM will be up to?

The remaining forces within the command.


The importance of the standing orders was certainly laid out to all the players prior to the campaign commencing and it was gratifying to see that some of them paid some attention to them.  It was even more satisfactory that two of them didn't!  Oh what fun we will have...


Mmm...a bit of an oversight!




Movement at Wadi Halfa - the gunboat leaves whilst the Egyptian Garrison practises
formation changes and battlefield drill and deployment on the outskirts

Sir Herbert Stewart has his hands full in more ways than one.




Just a quick aside in terms of language and terms used within the campaign.  The attempt was made to capture the terminology of a British Colonial force on campaign in the 19th century in trying conditions trying to conquer and subjugate the known world.  The feeling of superiority in every sense from our Oxford and Cambridge educated lads as well as the career soldiers promoted through the ranks was always to be one which was colourful to say the least when describing the locals.  Absolutely no offence is meant in anyway.


 
General Graham has a few interesting matters to be dealt with very early on.

General Davis cannot believe his luck...action from the get-go!




As you can see the lads have a bit to consider in their coming campaign week.