Tangiers - 1680

In 1660 Charles II was given the Moroccan port of Tangiers as part of his dowry by the Portuguese crown. Seeing the chance to expand British influence into North Africa he invested in the garrison.  Between 1664 and 1684 the British rebuilt the city and fought of a series of attacks by the local Moorish princes, before finally giving up the adventure and leaving. 

Our battle combines several of the engagements fought in that 20 year period. The British must sally forth and destroy 2 forts the Moors are rebuilding on a hill overlooking the town before getting back to Tangiers with at least half their force. The battle was a strategic trap and various Moorish forces will appear to ambush the British. The Moors are played by Ottomans for our game.  

British sally force

The British lined-up in columns with infatry in the centre and advanced cautiously at the waiting Ottoman infatry on the hills.

Forts defenders are ready

After some inconclusive musketry the British finally attacked, routing the centre Ottoman units. Those in the forts proved more resilient and saw-off the initial attacks.   

By this time the Ottoman reinforcements started to arrive and the British left was under pressure with its cavalry being pushed back.   

Ottoman reinforcements arrive and deploy

British Horse are trapped

Centrally further attacks were made on the forts but they still held out.   

Hill is partly captured but the forts fight on 

Eventually the Brits were able to attack from multiple directions and finally take the forts, allowing them to try and with draw. Luckily for them the bulk of the Ottoman reinforcements arrived on the British left, meaning the troops right had limited opposition. 

Forts finally fall

The Brits just managed to get half their units back and claim a victory.