"Delhi Ridge 1857 - scenario inspiration?" Topic

Can anyone point me towards a suitable source of inspiration for scenarios set on the Delhi Ridge during the Indian Mutiny?

I'd particularly like to find accounts of the defence of Hindu Rao's house by the Simoor Gurkhas, for example, maybe written by officers who were there, rather than the excellent but more general histories that are out there.

Knowing that someone out there will know immediately where to look!

We've played several scenarios based on Delhi Ridge. Nothing much based on historical incident, though, just the general feel of the operation. There's an old biography of Hodgson deals with it in some detail: 'Hodgson of Hodgson's Horse'; can't remember the author. It's best played as 'large-scale' skirmish. Over time we've used rules such as: The Sword and the Flame; Brother Against Brother; Valor, Steel, Flesh; and a variation of LotR.

I read an account of the Indian Mutiny a while back. Each mutineer brigade would try their luck, one at a time due to inter-brigade rivalry.

One guy had the idea of constant action to keep the British from sleeping. As the British were being worn down he was over-ridden by others impatient with his lack of success.

Dando on Delhi Ridge by William Clive has a fictitious account of the 60th Rifles defending the Ridge against an all out Mutineer assault. Pretty stirring stuff. They are saved from disaster only my the just-in- time arrival of the Guides. Certainly makes me want to game it.

Just found this online:
link

Please share your scenario, when you come up with it, on the War Without Mercy Group site.

Nick: Of course I will!

I'll have to pick up the Dando book and start going through the various accounts I already have. Just ordered "Rifles & Kukris, Delhi 1857" (Wallace) and "Extracts From Letters And Notes Written During The Siege Of Delhi In 1857" (Reid).

I'm sure there's some mileage in Flashman's escapades – the death of 'Scud' East maybe, and I've got a few others in draft form, not least the "Bob the Nailer" incident from the Lucknow siege.

My gaming group did an Indian Mutiny campaign that included the defense of the Delhi Ridge just south of the Hindoo Rao house. You might find some ideas here link

Just thinking out loud here. Scenario-wise, since the British defenses on the Ridge were a series of strong points and not a continuous line, what is to prevent the Mutineers from infiltrating into the British rear? Especially given their massive numeric superiority. I guess you could set up a scenario whereby the Mutineers would gain victory points for each unit they can get off the British table edge. The British would have a small reserve which they would use to pug the gaps. Hmmmm. Could be a tense, fun game!