Khartoum - Turn 8

We're very much in the home straight now with both Columns approaching Khartoum, the Desert Column is one turn in the lead. This week the Nile Column had to cross its main forces over the river whilst the Desert Column was attacking the outer defences, having made the crossing in last week's games.

Nile Column - crossing at Metemmeh

The British begin with half their forces across the river and the remainder making their way across on boats. The aim is to hold the bridgehead and see off the Mahdist attacks. The British deployed themselves on the far bank the Egyptians moving up in support in the boats.  

Bridgehead across the Nile

The Mahdists opted to surround the bridgehead and attack it from all sides - a risky strategy as they could be hit in piecemeal attack.  However their moral was high and they shrugged-off British fire and charged straight into the square.     

Mahdists attack the square

Before you could  say "Isandlwana" two units of British had been reduced to a single corporal holding the line. Things were perilous with half the bridgehead gone when the Egyptians  landed and went straight into action. 

Corporal Jones holds the line

Luckily the luck turned and Mahdists became bogged-down under Egyptian fire, eventually falling back. Remarkably the British held on but with heavy losses for an 8-8 Draw.  

 

Desert Column  - the outer defences

The outer defences of Khartoum included a small fort/blockhouse and some rifle positions on steep slopes with good fields of fire. The defenders strung some riflemen across the ridge and occupied the blockhouse in the centre of their position.

The British chose to attack the western end of the ridge with most of their forces whilst using a unit of Camel Corps to screen their flank. 

British advance

   

After a hard struggle the British were able to push the Mahdists rifles off the ridge and take the position. Most of the Mahdist strength lay beyond the ridge and so there was a fierce counter attack against the Camel Corps. They clung on but were unable to fully take the position leading to a Mahdist Win.   

The ridge falls

The ridge is retaken

Campaign Position. 

So a major struggle for the British on both fronts but they press on despite the losses. In the next game the Desert Column will lead the assault on Khartoum.