Wargaming Miscellany

The contents of the fifth REALLY USEFUL BOX I brought home from the storage unit included:

Three sailing vessels:

Two river/coastal passenger vessels:

A Turkish coastal gunboat and a German colonial cruiser:

NB. All of the above were made from FIMO coloured polymer clay for my British Dammallia, German Mankanika, and Sultan of Marzibar project. One vessel is currently 'missing' ... the British flatiron gunboat HMS Indolent.

A 1/1200th-scale model of the unbuilt Lion-class battleship:

It was scratchbuilt using parts from Revell models of a King George V-class battleship and a Missouri-class battleship.

The contents of the fourth REALLY USEFUL BOX I brought home from the storage unit included:

The senior commanders of the German Mankanikan armed forces.

A unit of German Schutztruppen and two units of locally-recruited native Schutztruppen.

German Schutztruppen gunners and two units of armed Native Police. In time of war, these two police units would be incorporated into the Schutztruppen.

German Navy figures.

The senior commanders of British Dammallia's armed forces.

Two units of British infantry.

Two units of British Dammallian African infantry.

A unit of British Dammallian Police and a unit of British Dammallian Native Police. In time of war, these two police units would be placed under military command.

Locally-recruited reserve troops of the Port Albert Infantry and Port Albert Artillery.

Royal Navy figures.

All of the figures shown above were manufactured by Essex Miniatures.

The contents of these four storage boxes have given me pause for though, and in particular the contents of this and the previously featured storage box. I could rebase all the British Dammallia, German Mankanika, and Sultanate of Marzibar figures and incorporate them into my Belle Époque project ... or I could keep them as a separate project that is to all intents and purposes ready to use.

It is something that I seriously need to think about.

The contents of the third REALLY USEFUL BOX I brought home from the storage unit included:

Minifig American World War I infantry figures painted by Nick Huband.

Four Arab warbands and five Arab gunners. The figures were manufactured by Essex Miniatures and were painted for a currently-defunct Colonial imagi-nation project.

The senior commanders of the Marzibarian armed forces and two units of the Sultan of Marizibar's Guard.. These are all Essex Miniatures figures.

Two units of the Marzibarian Zouaves and some members of the Marzibarain Artillery and Navy. These are all Essex Miniatures figures

I started work on the nineteenth century colonial imagi-nations project that involved British Dammallia, German Mankanika, and the Sultanate of Marzibar over ten years ago, but over time it got relegated to storage ... which – on reflection – might have been a rather silly decision.

The latest issue of the Victorian Military Society's SOTQ (Soldiers of the Queen) was delivered last Friday, and I spent a very interesting time reading it over the weekend.

The articles included in this issue are:

• La Trobe, Redcoats and Mounted Police, 1839-1846 by Dr Andrew Kisby
• The Diehards at Detling: Military Odyssey 2025 by Tim Rose
• Kolhapur 1844 by David Howell
• Obituary: Professor John Laband (1947-2025) by Ian Knight
• Officers of the Victorian Military Society
• Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria Tuesday 1st July 2025 to Sunday 1st November 2026 at the National Army Museum (In my last review, I used the wrong end date for this exhibition! Mea culpa!)

Another excellent collection of articles ... as usual! I must admit that if I had taken up re-enactment, I’d have liked to have joined the ranks of the Diehards … but I am now of an age when the only military group I could honestly re-enact would have to be the Chelsea Pensioners!

The annual cost of membership of the Victorian Military Society is:

• UK: £30.00
• Overseas: £40.00 [except for Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore: £43.00])

My opinion still remains that this magazine is well worth the cost of the annual subscription.

There were several very interesting comments made about my very recent blog post entitled 'More experiments with ChatGPT' ... and they set me thinking about what other experiments I could try using ChatGPT.

To date, I have asked ChatGPT to:

• Create images of people (including myself) in various historical garb
• Create maps for several of my imagi-nations
• Design ironclads and early pre-dreadnought battleships
• Write portable Wargame rules for Colonial & early 20th Century Warfare and the Chaco War
• Create Victorian-style line drawings based on photographs of people and wargames

My latest experiment was to take a Victorian-era illustration and ask ChatGPT to create photographs of wargame figures based on them. The results were as follows:

A line drawing of the Union American Civil War unit, the Garibaldi Guard.

A ChatGPT generated photograph of the Garibaldi Guard as a unit of wargame figures.

I was impressed by the results produced by ChatGPT and decided to repeat the experiment using the image that was on the cover of the latest issue of the Victorian Military Society's publication, SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN.

The original coloured illustration used on the cover of latest issue of SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN.

ChatGPT's rendition of the above cover illustration as wargame figures.

Frankly, I think that the final illustration is extremely good ... and I also think that many people would not be able to tell the difference between it and a real photograph of a group of painted wargame figures.

These recent experiments have certainly given me pause for thought ... and show just how sophisticated AI software that anyone can use has become.

The latest issue of the Victorian Military Society's SOTQ (Soldiers of the Queen) was delivered last week, and I have had a very interesting time reading it.

The articles included in this issue are:

• Major-General T. E Hickman: Lessons for creating a successful indigenous army from the Sudan Campaign 1884-1899 by Professor Richard M Crowell
• The Anglo-Transvaal War and the Politics of Command by Professor Ian F. W. Beckett
• 'Treacherously and cruelly slain': Captain William John Gill, RE (1843-1882): by David Howell
• Commemorating John William VC: The Victorian Association recreates Rorke's Drift hero's medal ceremony in Gibraltar by Haydon Reed
• Tragic events in the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment after landing in the Crimea, November 1854-February 1955 by Dr Mike Hinton
• Book Reviews by Rodney Attwood and Roger T. Stearn
• Officers of the Victorian Military Society
• Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria Tuesday 1st July 2025 to Sunday 1st November 2025 at the National Army Museum

An excellent collection of articles ... as usual! My particular favourite is David Howell's article about the murder of Captain Gill and the subsequent investigation by Lieutenant Colonel (later General Sir) Charles Warren of the Royal Engineers. Some years ago I wrote a and delivered a talk about the life of Sir Charles Warren (who was a very prominent Freemason as well as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police during the hunt for Jack the Ripper) and this incident formed part of my talk.

The annual cost of membership of the Victorian Military Society is:

• UK: £30.00
• Overseas: £40.00 [except for Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore: £43.00])

My opinion remains that it is still well worth the cost of the annual subscription.

I have been playing around again with ChatGPT. This time I asked it to take the following photographs (which were taken of a wargame I and Tony Hawkins staged at SALUTE2002) ...

... and render them into the style of line drawing that was featured in Victorian magazine like the Illustrated London News. The results looked like this:

I must admit that I am rather impressed and can see myself using this facility to illustrate blog posts ... and even future books that I might write.

Background to the battle

Following the fall of Khartoum in 1885, the British and Egyptians withdrew from the Sudan. Under British leadership, the Egyptian Army was reformed, better trained, and expanded, and by 1896 the Khedival forces - led by General Herbert Kitchener, the Sirdar (or Commander) of the Egyptian Army - were ready to return to the Sudan and destroy the Mahdists.

The offensive was a relatively slow but very deliberate one, with each stage planned to prepare for the next. On 21st September 1896, Dongola was captured, and Abu Hamed followed on 7th August 1897. At the Battle of the Atbara River on 7th April 1898, Mahdist forces - led by Osman Digna and Khalifa Abdullah - were decisively beaten and the line of march along the River Nile to Khartoum was open. On 1st September 1898, the Anglo-Egyptian army - with the support of a powerful flotilla of gunboats - arrived at Karary, some seven miles from Omdurman - the capital of the Mahdist state - where the Mahdist army was encamped.

The British force comprised:

• Attached British troops
• 21st Lancers
• 32nd Field Battery, Royal Artillery
• 37th Howitzer Battery, Royal Artillery
• Two 40-pounder guns, Royal Artillery
• First Infantry Division (commanded by Major General Gatacre)
• 1st Brigade (commanded by Brigadier General Wauchope)
• 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
• 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
• 6 Maxim guns
• Detachment, Royal Engineers
• 2nd Brigade (commanded by Brigadier General Lyttelton)
• 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards
• 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
• 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
• 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade
• 4 Maxim guns
• Detachment, Royal Engineers
• Attached Egyptian troops
• 9 Squadrons, Egyptian Cavalry
• 1 Battery, Egyptian Horse Artillery
• 4 Field Batteries, Egyptian Artillery
• 10 Maxim guns
• 8 Companies, Camel Corps
• Second Division (commanded by Major General Hunter)
• 1st Brigade (commanded by Colonel Macdonald)
• 2nd Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• IX Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• X Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XI Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• 2nd Brigade (commanded by Colonel Maxwell)
• 8th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• XII Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XIII Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XIV Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• 3rd Brigade (commanded by Colonel Lewis)
• 3rd Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 4th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 7th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 15th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 4th Brigade (commanded by Colonel Collinson)
• 1st Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 5th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 17th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 18th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• Camel Transport

It is estimated that the Mahdist force numbered approximately 50,000.

The course of the battle

The battle began around 6.00am. Some 8,000 men under Osman Azrak advanced straight at the waiting Anglo-Egyptian force. These were followed by a similar number of troops who had been waiting to the northwest. The Anglo-Egyptian artillery opened fire when the advancing Mahdists were just under two miles away from the leading Anglo-Egyptian troops, and inflicted severe casualties on the Mahdists. The latter continued their advance until they came into range of the Anglo-Egyptian Maxim guns and infantry. This frontal attack faltered in the face of this firepower and none of the attackers got closer than 50 yards from the Anglo-Egyptian frontline units. A flanking move on the right was also checked, and there were bloody clashes on the opposite flank that scattered the Mahdist forces there.

Whilst the Anglo–Egyptian infantry were causing significant casualties on the Mahdists, the cavalry and camel corps that were deployed to north of the main force were threatened by about 15,000 Mahdists. The commander of the Anglo-Egyptian mounted troops attempted to use his cavalry to draw away some of the advancing Mahdists whilst the camelry moved towards the infantry’s zariba. Two gunboats moved so they could use their guns to support the cavalry and prevent a Mahdist attack on the zariba’s flank.

Kitchener then ordered his army to advance on Omdurman in several columns. The 21st Lancers were sent ahead to clear the route to Omdurman. Unfortunately, they were attacked by 2,500 Mahdists who were hidden in a depression. After a short but bloody skirmish clash, the Lancers drove the Mahdists off.

The Anglo-Egyptian force moved left in echelon towards the Surkab ridge and then towards the south. During the advance, the rear was a brigade of 3,000 mainly Sudanese troops was at the rear, and this force was unexpectedly threatened by 15,000 enemy troops who came from behind the ridge. The brigade turned to face the oncoming Mahdists, and despite intense pressure, they held their position and caused considerable casualties. Further infantry and the Maxim guns were diverted to support the Sudanese, and the Mahdist forces were forced to retreat in considerable disorder.

Now that this threat was eliminated, the advance continued and Omdurman was occupied.

THE REFIGHT

The forces involved

Mahdists

• 1 x Cavalry
• 5 x Spearmen

British

• 1 x Cavalry
• 1 x Dismounted Cavalry (Skirmishers)
• 2 x Elite Disciplined Infantry

Opening positions

Turn 1

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 3 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 4 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Spearmen into the left sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their remaining unit of Spearmen into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

Turn 2

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 2 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 1 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their Cavalry into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

Turn 3

The Mahdist Cavalry attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist cavalry threw a 1 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 5 (pus 1 for being Elite) ..

... and destroyed the Mahdist Cavalry.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the left sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

... and won the battle!

A video version of this battle report can be found here on the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.

Background to the battle

During the campaign to relieve the besieged Egyptian forces in Khartoum, an expedition – led by Major-General Sir Gerald Graham – was sent to Suakin on the Red Sea coast of the Sudan to destroy the Mahdist forces led by Osman Digna. The British defeated Digna's army at the Second Battle of El Teb on 29th February 1884 but were unable to destroy it. A second attempt was made a fortnight later on 13th March 1884 and the resulting battle is known as the Battle of Tamai.

The British force comprised:

• Squadron from 10th Hussars
• Squadron from 19th Hussars
• 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
• 3rd Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps
• 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
• 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Fusiliers
• Royal Marine Light Infantry
• Royal Navy Naval Brigade
• 6th Battery, 1st Brigade, Scottish Division, Royal Artillery
• M Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

It is estimated that the Mahdist force numbered approximately 10,000.

The course of the battle

During the night of 12th March 1884, the British camped close to the position occupied by the Mahdists. During the night several Mahdist riflemen kept up a desultory fire on the British camp and inflicted a few casualties.

At daybreak the artillery open fired on the Mahdist skirmishers who were driven off. General Graham ordered the infantry to form up into two brigade-sized infantry squares and to advance. One square was commanded by Colonel Davis and the other by Colonel Buller. General Graham accompanied Colonel Davis' square.

The main Mahdist force was discovered hidden in a ravine by a scouting party, and General Graham ordered the Black Watch to advance and clear the enemy from the ravine. This left a gap in the square ... and a sudden Mahdist attack exploited this. As a result, the remaining troops in the square found themselves fighting a brutal hand-to-hand battle against the Mahdists.

The Black Watch fell back on the square, and after intense fighting and volley fire from Colonel Buller's square and dismounted cavalry, the square was able to reform. The British then resumed their advance, drove the remaining enemy troops out of the ravine, and caused the surviving Mahdists (including Osman Digna) to flee.

THE REFIGHT

The forces involved

British

• 1 x Cavalry
• 1 x Dismounted Cavalry (Skirmishers)
• 2 x Elite Disciplined Infantry

Mahdists

• 1 x Cavalry
• 2 x Ambushers (armed with swords)
• 3 x Spearmen

Opening positions

Turn 1

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Cavalry in the left sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and in reply the Mahdist Cavalry threw a 1.

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Skirmishers in the right sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 2 ...

... and in reply the British Skirmishers threw a 2.

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 2

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Cavalry in the left sector for a second time. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Cavalry.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Ambushers into the left sector to replaced the destroyed Mahdist Cavalry.

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Skirmishers in the right sector for a second time. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 6 ...

... and destroyed the British Skirmishers.

The British moved their Cavalry into the right sector to replaced the destroyed British Skirmishers.

Turn 3

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 5 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Ambushers into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 4 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 4

The British Cavalry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the right sector. The British Cavalry threw a 5 ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their last unit of Spearmen into the right sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 3 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 3 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 5

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Ambushers in the left sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw first, and threw a 1 ...

...and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 1 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 4 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Ambushers.

The Mahdists were now reduced to two units.

Turn 6

The British Line Infantry in the centre sector outflanked the Mahdist Spearmen in the right sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 5 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen ...

... and won the battle!

A video version of this battle report can be found here on the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.