Khartoum - Turn 6

This week saw grave news as communication was lost with Khartoum as the siege tightened around the city. Both columns were in action as they look to break through to relieve them.

Nile Column - night attack

With the column encamped for the night the Mahdists launched a sneak attack under cover of darkness. The scenario involves some hidden movement through the use of "blinds" until the attackers are spotted. 

British camp

The early action saw the Egyptian cavalry on picket duty decide to try and clear-out the Mahdist rifles they had detected approaching the camp. They charged boldly but became cut-off and were wiped out.  

Egyptian horse attack

Mahdists reach the zareba

Around the Nile the Mahdists managed to get to the zareba but were pinned down by rifle fire and pushed back. With loses mounting they decide to withdraw leaving a British Win.   

Desert Column - the wells at Abu Kru

This game was based on the real action at Abu Kru - once again the Desert Column are in need of water and are trying to get to the wells. Dug-in Mahdists oppose them and have prepared some rifle pits on high ground.   

Camel Corps move forward

The British advanced as quickly as possible with the gatling being position to give covering fire. With speed needed they attacked with the camel corps, which damaged the Mahdists but at some cost. 

Struggle around the wells

The British made a series of assaults against the defenders and forced them back from the wells and captured the Mahdists supplies there. The Mahdists counterattacked and in turned pushed the British back. It was a Mahdist Win the British had captured enough supplies to keep advancing.    

Impressive British mounded forces.

Campaign situation

Despite their loss this week the Desert Columns capture of the Mahdists supplies enables them to keep lead over the Nile Column. Next week the Desert Column must cross the Nile while the Nile Column must force passage past a fortified town on the river banks.