"French in Indochina 1872-1900+" Topic

I'm planning to game this period using TSATF and Blackpowder. I'm using 15mm figs based individually on 15mm square bases. I've written a TSATF variant (L'Epee dans Tonquin) using cm instead of inches, and I'm going to use Blackpowder more or less as written but also with 1 inch=1 cm. Just about everything is in place, and I'll be posting AAR's and suchlike with pictures once it's up and running (1 unit of French is all I've got painted so far!). There're still some gaps in my knowledge however, so I'm asking everyone for some help filling in the blanks. I want to know about the following topics:

The Tonkin flotilla – I've got some basic info but any details of when which ships were where would be helpful. Also any info on the speed, armour, and armament of the boats.

Machine guns – was it just the hotchkiss canons-revolvers? Did these ever get taken off the ships? Any suggestions on how to represent them in TSATF?

Any info on the gallieni/lyautey counterinsurgency techniques and their application in this theatre/period

Info on the Chinese army and Vietnamese 'Rebels' – specifically armaments (I know the Chinese had decent rifles but are they all armed that way? Should there still be swords and spears in Chinese regular forces?) any info on Chinese organization would be great as well

Info on French company-level organization (I'm not sure about the info I've got, I'm sure someone will know better)

Info about the red river and its tributaries, and rice farming in north Vietnam (deep or shallow?)

How big is the average Vietnamese village of the period?

Any info, ideas, suggestions, or resources would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

This is one of the first Colonial adventures I gamed 40 + years ago. Back then I was using the lovely Scruby 25mm pieces, I had hundreds of them. Rules were home brewed and fun.

Sergeants 3 sell a TSATF variant specifically for the period called "Black Flags and Bayonettes". I have the rules and the figures to play a game but have not had the opportunity to play as of yet. The units for the French are based on a 12 figure squad. 2 squads = a section, 2 sections = a platoon, 2 platoons = a company of 106 figures. The Black Flags basic units are randomly generated, but should total around 120 figures for the entire force. According to the rules they are well armed with a combination of Remingtons, Martini-Henrys, Winchester and Spencer repeaters. There are also several scenarios listed. I recommend ordering the book whether you intend on using TSATF or Black Powder.

Hi Bc,

Have look to this,
link
link
Lot of inspiring stuff. Maybe it can help you a bit.

Cheers

Alberto

Another one

link

Great links Pelo! Lots of useful stuff there, thanks a lot. I love Dr. Hocquard's photos, they've been extremely helpful.

Nick I had no idea there was such a variant from the TSATF guys! I'll definitely have to pick up a copy, that would be a great resource, much appreciated.

The unit sizes you mentioned seem close to the company structure I've been looking at, which has
15 man groups led by an NCO,
2 such groups led by a sergeant (half section),
2 of the 30 man half sections led by some sort of lieutenant (section),
and 4 of the 60 man sections forming the company. 12 man units suggests some (light) attrition but maybe that company structure is correct for the period, can anyone confirm this?