"1880s British in Sudan Army design?" Topic
6 Posts
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Early morning writer | 30 Jan 2015 7:20 p.m. PST |
So, I have a whole lot of figures for this theater in my standard 15 mm but I'm trying to reduce it to a more reasonable size. Without pointing to Sword and The Flame (already have it available) and without pointing to the old WI Peter Gilder campaign articles (have that, too – and a few appropriate Osprey titles), can you give me a listing of the ideal SMALL army to build for the British in the Sudan in the early to mid 1800s for going up against a Mahdist foe? As in how many line foot, how many marine or naval units, how many this or that mounted units, non-British as in Egyptian, Sudanese, Indian, etc? That's what I'm after. I don't want an exhaustive list, just what would make a good, fun, and playable collection for about three players per side. Thanks to all those able to provide constructive input. Oh, and no need to list the Mahdists but no harm if you want to include that. |
Halifax49 | 30 Jan 2015 7:26 p.m. PST |
At one time I had lists for all the major battles, translated into Black Powder basing, I'm afraid I don't have that any longer. However, if you can get Go Strong Into the Desert link I found it to be immensely useful for gaming the Soudan; the lists contained therein are terrific! Unfortunately, I long ago sold my 28mm collection. |
Wolfshanza | 31 Jan 2015 12:10 a.m. PST |
The Mahdist wars source book by TVAG has all the TO&Es of all the battles along with uniform info. |
sjwalker38 | 31 Jan 2015 4:47 a.m. PST |
Wolfshanza beat me to it with his recommendation. I'd use the Suakin Field Force under Graham (1885) as the basis for a balanced British force: 2 battalions of highlanders, 2 of British Line infantry, plus the Royal Marine Light Infantry battalion, Gatling/Gardner guns manned by the Naval Brigade, 2 artillery batteries (one with mules, one with camels). Cavalry consists of 2 regiments of hussars and a company of Mounted Infantry. It divides neatly into 2 infantry and 1 cavalry brigade if you have 3 players. If you want something more 'challenging' take the role of Valentine Baker at El Teb in '84: 2 infantry brigades with 6 battalions (a mix of Egyptian gendarmes, 'Turks', Sudanese and Bazingers) of poor quality troops, with a cavalry brigade of Egyptians and Bashi Bazouks, plus Krupps field guns, Gatlings, Rocket tubes and even a company of Italian policemen! There were also additional troops available from the garrison of Suakin (and the chance to add Naval Brigade from the Red Sea Squadron) if you want to expand the latter. Go for the 1883-86 period rather than the Omdurman campaign – great period for small, very varied close-run battles and interesting armies/troop types. |
That Russian Chick | 31 Jan 2015 9:00 p.m. PST |
Per sjwalker38's suggestion, I'm starting my 28mm army based on the Suakin Field Force. 24 castings per for Royal Marines, KRRC, and the Royal Irish Fusileers so far, 12 castings per for 19th and 10th Hussars, and some mounted officers/Generals. It's helping me take it in manageable steps. |
Early morning writer | 02 Feb 2015 10:08 p.m. PST |
Thanks for the input so far. Here is a list of what I have – already reduced from previous size, I've organized them into 'mixed brigades' for playability. What I'd like to hear is which to do first, second, etc., to have the most playable groups soonest: 1. British Line, British Line, Highlander, Hussar 2. Egyptian, Egyptian, Sudanese, Egyptian Cavalry 3. British Line, British Line, Highlander, Lancers 4. Egyptian, Egyptian, Sudanese, Egyptian Cavalry 5. Marine, Royal Post Office, Mounted Infantry 6. Indian Unit, Indian Unit, Indian Unit (?), Bengal Lancers Right now I have them at 24 figures for the foot with a mounted officer and one on foot, cavalry at 18 figures (with dismounts). I am thinking of knocking them down to 18 and 12 respectively to have less to paint – and needing to paint fewer opponents. Again, this is circa 1885. I use 3 abreast on one stand basing for European units. Again, thanks for your input. |
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