Khartoum - week 1

The campaign got under this week with both columns fighting their first actions.

Nile Column - the Cataract

The column's first act was to navigate a rocky weir (cataract) near the start point. This is a place of danger as the Gunboat would not be usable and troops were busy handling boats. So it was that the Mahdists ambushed them bent on destruction of the column and its vital supplies.

Nile Column stands too

The first few turns went well for the British as they pinned a few units and routed another. Buoyed by their success they sent the Egyptian cavalry on the attack but they soon became surrounded and wiped out.  

 

Egyptian Gendarmes sally out 

The Mahdists counter attacked strongly and at a crucial point the British were unable to pin the enemy, allowing them to launch a series of charges into the square. The defenders soon became weakened and suffered heavy losses as well their supplies being destroyed. British Loss and 4 additional supplies destroyed.     

The square collapses

Desert Column

The column's commander decided to send a mounted sweep through the local areas to check for supplies and Mahdist spies. Six areas were designated to be searched, but the the Mahdists had got their first and were in ambush. 

The British opted for a cautious approach given the risk of ambush. They were able to reconnoitre 3 of the 6 areas and when they came under attack they fell back to the start line where a well-placed Gatling could fire. The British Hussars roved behind the Mahdist position but suffered heavy loses.   

 

Camel Corps take an objective

Things were pretty close but the British came out winners due to their Gatling inflicting late game damage on the Mahdists.  British Win. 

Camel Corps resist an attack

Campaign Situation

Both sides now advance to their next battle, but with the Nile Column already short on supplies. They must win the next two games and capture the Mahdist supply dump not to be forced to resupply and allow the Desert Column to gain a lead.