"Indian Mutiny Scenario Book Review" Topic

Colonial Conflicts: The Indian Mutiny 1857, Ten Colonial Wargaming Scenarios by Roxanne Patton. Published by On Military Matters
I have a personal connection to this book as I was originally going to be the author until I had to drop out due to pressures from work and real life. So, I was surprised and pleased to find that the book had been completed and was available from On Military Matters just in time for the 160th anniversary of the revolt next year. I have gamed the Mutiny for almost thirty years and I have found that the conflict is a challenging one to find balanced scenarios for. This book's scenarios are all historically based, which I consider a plus. By contrast, John Company by TVAG has one Indian Mutiny scenario and it is fictional. The book covers two campaigns: The battles for Delhi and the Oudh Campaign, leading up to, but not including, the relief of Lucknow. I like the way the scenarios are presented in chronological order and so could be played as a campaign or individually. The scenarios use the Sword and the Flame half size units, usually seven or eight infantry figures, three artillerymen and four to six cavalry figures and so require a low barrier to entry, which is an admirable goal. It does mean that each of the four British columns in the assault on Delhi is represented by only eighteen figures which will look less than impressive on the game table. On the other hand, it means that I can try out some of the scenarios using my 54mm Mutiny collection which is much smaller than my 25mm one. The book suffers from some errata and omissions, but then so does TWWWBK, so it is in good company. For example, the Hindu Rao's House scenario refers to a Reinforcement Table which does not exist in the text. Overall, I think this book is a fine addition to the existing TSATF scenario books which already cover the Boxer Rebellion, Maximilian Adventure, Zulu War and the Sikh Wars and I look forward to playing the scenarios during the 160th anniversary year.

Very interested in this! I won't be playing the scenarios with TSATF but probably Sharpe Practice.
Could you possibly provide a link as to where I could buy this book? I searched the OMM site but couldn't find it .
Thanks very much!

I searched under Colonial Conflicts and found it:
link

Thanks very much Nick

Hi Nick, I hope all is well. I'm very pleased to hear about the scenario book you've been contributing to actually being completed. I remember pestering you over the years to complete the work as the scenarios I play tested with my group many years ago were fantastic!!! Historically accurate, challenging for both sides, and big fun. If the remainder of the scenario book is half as good as the ones we played it will be a an awesome addition to the existing scenario books out there for The Sword And The Flame. Though I'm sure they can and will be adapted for other rules sets as well, we however will play them with our favorite set, TSATF. I will be picking up this scenario book ASAP. I also want to get the Sword In The Savannah TSATF rules variant by Gerry Webb also.

Cheers,
JB
sgtguinness.blogspot.com

JB,

Thanks for the kind words! If anyone is interested in trying out my two TSATF scenarios: Meerut and Chinhut, please sent me a PM. They are in no way associated with the final published book.

Nick, definitely interested in your scenarios – unable to PM, how best to contact you?

AAArrrgh! I was this close to obtaining the book!
Apparently Caliver had it available at Crisis!
I visited Dave's stand before the show opened and he got me some Practical Wargamers issues I was still missing from my collection. Happy as a lark with those!

However after that I had little browsing time, so it wasn't after we started the clean up that one of our club-members, Sam, told me he had bought the scenario book. Sam will be bringing the book to our club night on Friday, but I think I won't be able to wait until Salute to get it.