TREACHERY! REBELS BREAK THE TRUCE!
The Dominion government blames Origawn Rebels for renewed fighting in the Sloy Lake District and denounces a treacherous attempt to assassinate Major MacEachern during talks.
Our correspondent Russell Williams has filed this report from Fort MacDuff in the Lake Sloy District.
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Upon hearing word of a cache of arms at Goose Lake, Brigadier Ross was dispatched to investigate and deal with the situation. Under his command were a squadron of the newly raised NorthWest Mounted Rifles, 4 companies of infantry and a field gun. Upon arrival at the local trading post, Major MacEachern was sent forward to discuss the situation with Father Black while the column deployed in case of trouble.
The Brigadier was content to let the artillery and rifle fire soften the enemy so that his men could follow up and seize the settlement with minimal losses. Suddenly, rifles cracked from behind the Column's flank! The Kree had joined the fight.
There was no time to waste, the Brigadier ordered the Rifles to take the settlement at the point of their bayonets. The Victoria's rushed forward and drove the rebels from their barricades. The rebels spirits were high however and counter attacking from two directions, drove the Rifles back out of the town with heavy losses. The Mounted Rifles were ordered in to retake the ground.
It was no good, having suffered heavy casualties, the Dominion troops did not have the strength to take the settlement while fending off a flank attack.
With half his companies retreating in great disorder, slowly rallying to their officers calls and incapable of further fighting, Brigadier Ross reluctantly ordered a general retreat while he still had a viable rearguard to prevent a massacre. The danger was less than anticipated though as the rebels had also suffered heavy casualties, and Father Black discouraged all talk of a pursuit or massacre.
It seems that the Dominion must again wage this war on two fronts.
The Dominion (and therefore the civilised world) in peril!
ReplyDeleteThis means a lot of upset civilians at breakfast tomorrow. Honour must be restored!
Ooh, that'll please people, not many consider the Dominion to be part of the civilized world yet. Still a bit too rustic and wild in spots and unpolished all around despite their best efforts.
DeleteHi Ross -
ReplyDeleteA fine generating circumstance for a new civil war. But what has so disaffected the Kree that they should throw their lot with the rebels?
Cheers,
Ion
Well, they didn't their lot in with the rebels, the rebels, including many of whom have mixed blood, took inspiration of their fight to retain their lands and way of life.
DeleteGreat battle report and enjoyable visuals. Terrific toy soldier look. Great action with minimal number of troops on the table.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions for where to get information about Canadian uniforms of the 1880s?
of the 1889's? Hmm, there is some stuff on the net.
DeleteWe followed the British fashions fairly closely, maybe a year or two behind. The only campaign in between 1870 and 1899 was the Riel campaign in 1885 and there are a few photos and paintings which pop up easily if you google Riel Rebellion looking for images.
Standard British infantry or rifle full dress but being militia they usually wore white metal bits and silver lace for officers, rather than the brass and gold of Imperial regulars. The field service cap (wedgie type) was usually worn on campaign rather than dress spiked helmets, bearskins etc (no tropical helmets) but away from the main army things were more relaxed and some slouch hats could be seen. Irregular mounted scouts weren't uniformed. No Highland units sent West alas but same rules apply.
Splendid stuff! Sadly the Mounties don't always get their man - at least not at the first attempt, it seems?
ReplyDeleteBut they did splendid work covering the retreat.
DeleteRoss Mac,
ReplyDeleteA cracking little battle that certainly sets the scene for further action!
I’m sure that the Mounties will be back ... and will do their utmost to apprehend the leaders of this rebellion.
All the best,
Bob
Often easiest and best to start with an historical event as the basis for a scenario...
DeleteSounds like a fun story you're telling.
ReplyDeleteand hopefully high school covered the subject well enough for you to recognize the basis of the scenario?
DeleteThose dastardly Kree !
ReplyDeleteThey just don't know when to give up and find a new home.
DeleteIt's inspiring to see what can be done with a small number of figures on a grid. Looking forward to seeing where these events take us. Will the rebels be emboldened by their relative success?
ReplyDeleteI foresee their numbers growing in the near future.....
DeleteNice one Ross. I think it is about time I got my 1885 figures out of their boxes.
ReplyDeleteSimon
and now that you've dealt with the Duke, maybe you can look at an Osprey on some aspect of Canadian military history? There's not a LOT of competition on the market....
ReplyDeleteWell yes indeed
DeleteGreat game Ross
ReplyDeleteLovely looking game, and a fun read too.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Of all the dastardly tricks! Something must be done, what!
ReplyDeleteThe mounties did not get their man/men?! Great fortitude shown by those rebs!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Of all the dastardly tricks! And using a man of the cloth too. Something must be done!
ReplyDelete