Warsaw Pact forces were gradually advancing through the rural areas of northern Germany. However, they soon fell into a trap set by a British infantry unit. Initially, NATO forces struggled to halt the invaders and experienced some losses. Polish and Soviet vehicles continued to push forward, but this situation was about to change.

In our game, I was in command of the entire Pact forces along with a platoon of two T-55 tanks. Jimmy had an additional squad in a BTR-40, while Alasdair led an infantry platoon in a BMP-1. Facing us was a British infantry platoon commanded by Tim and David.

The situation quickly intensified for the Warsaw Pact soldiers. The British deployed their anti-tank weapons, and although the initial shells missed their targets, they forced the Soviets to abandon their first combat vehicle. What followed was a systematic destruction of the enemy. The British first targeted and destroyed the leading BMP, subsequently eliminating all its crew. Despite Alasdair's efforts to support the infantry with the remaining vehicles, he could not prevent the destruction of the first squad.

My first mistake in this game became clear when I realised I had spread our forces too thin. I should have concentrated my BMPs and tanks in one area and used the BTRs as a distraction. To rectify this mistake, I decided to regroup my forces. However, I encountered some problems along the way. I discovered an enemy infantry squad on my flank, but I had already collected a Chain of Command (CoC) die, which allowed me to interrupt the enemy's phase and activate one of my units.

First, I moved one of my tanks into position, deliberately exposing its rear to the enemy to act as bait. When David's unit activated, I chose to activate Jimmy's vehicle next. Unfortunately, Jimmy's shot at David's unit was ineffective. In retaliation, David fired a missile at the rear of my vehicle, and that was the end of my clever plan. The T-55 exploded!

Alasdair was struggling to regain his bearings and manage the chaos caused by British gunfire targeting his troops. An attempt to rescue the first squad failed, resulting in the death of the third officer. While he was able to force the British to retreat briefly, they soon mounted a renewed attack, inflicting even more casualties on Alasdair's platoon. I endeavoured to salvage the situation on the right flank, where Jimmy was trying to capture the British jump-off point. However, Alasdair's losses were affecting morale, which in turn led to a reduction in our command dice. Eventually, our morale dropped to zero, and we were forced to withdraw.

Regarding the rules, it's difficult for me to provide a detailed opinion at this point. However, my initial impression is that the game has become smoother overall, and the QRS (Quick Reference Sheet) is clearer. We'll play a few more games, and then I'll be able to share my thoughts more comprehensively.

During our game, a British journalist covering an archaeological expedition deep in Sudan accompanied a shipment of artefacts intended for the British Museum. This expedition was besieged by unknown Mahdi rebel forces. British troops were assigned to protect the expedition, but they were unaware of the enemy's strength, which led the team to take refuge in an oasis in the desert. They remained there for an extended period, and news of their situation ceased to reach the British public. As a result, the British command decided to send a force to locate the expedition and ensure its safe return. Meanwhile, a significant insurgent group in the area believed that this isolated British expedition would make an easy target. Both the British forces and the insurgents began searching for the expedition.

Each side had its forces set up on the main table, while the rest moved to the auxiliary table, where the search was taking place. Each side had its own deck of cards to track the movement of its brigades. Each commander needed to outline their search route first. Then, similar to the rules of Black Powder, they could move their units after passing a command check. If they failed the check, their units could not advance; in the case of a blunder, the brigade would not be activated in the following turn. Cavalry units moved two spaces, while infantry units moved one space. The Mahdists were the first to find the oasis. Mike discovered it first, followed by Alasdair and Jimmy on the third turn, Michael and Andy on the fourth, Peter on the fifth, and Tim on the sixth.

Mike positioned his troops around the oasis, placing himself between it and the anticipated arrival of the main British forces. Meanwhile, my brigade attempted to attack the enemy for the first time but was forced to retreat under intense British rifle fire. They never fully recovered from this initial shock and played no further role in the battle. When Tim arrived, he decimated them with his rifle fire. This development allowed me to focus on umpiring the game.

Behind Mike, the main Mahdist forces began to arrive. Things started with some issues. Alasdair was able to advance despite rolling Blunder, but Jimmy failed his command check, which delayed his entry. As a result, Alasdair entered the fray first, later receiving support from Michael.

The initial attack was unsuccessful, and as time passed, the first British troops began to arrive on the battlefield. Andy was the first to appear; he quickly established a square formation and started firing at the Mahdists. Peter also joined the fighting, but after some initial success, his unit was routed. Meanwhile, Alasdair and Michael launched a renewed assault on the oasis, achieving notable success this time. Alasdair managed to rout the Camel Corps unit and hijacked their caravan, while Michael captured the journalist.

The Mahdists successfully achieved both objectives of the game. Alasdair completed his task and led the caravan off the table, while Michael failed to kill the journalist. Just as he was about to make the kill, his unit was attacked by David's infantry. Mike then launched an attack on David from behind, while also being targeted by Andy's  Bengal Lancers. This resulted in a stalemate. Although the Mahdists initially prevailed and the British lost their Bengal Lancers, Tim's arrival changed the entire situation.

The entry of the new British forces onto the battlefield was not without significant challenges. Tim's arrival was delayed due to a blunder, and as a result, Andy had to withdraw his entire brigade, also because of a blunder. Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy decided to launch an attack and chase after Andy as fast as he could. Unfortunately for him, this was where the Mahdists' luck ran out. Andy returned to the battlefield and greeted Jimmy with rifle fire, severely diminishing his troops. Meanwhile, Tim charged the oasis with his cavalry, managing to rout the Mahdist forces and rescue the captured journalist. This success was made possible by a mistake from one of the Mahdist commanders, who chose to launch a solitary attack on David's last unit instead of supporting his comrades in battle.

After this, the Mahdist forces retreated, leading the caravan into the unknown. The British forces, having suffered heavy losses—particularly among their cavalry—were unable to pursue them. Both sides achieved one game objective: the Mahdists captured the caravan, while the British secured the journalist. As a result, the game ended in a draw. I, however, was able to enjoy my entire collection displayed on the table, which I hope brought you some cheer as well.

This year, I can proudly say that I have been consistent in decluttering my shame drawer. I completed several projects, which meant I didn’t have any miniatures left to paint for those projects. This year, my primary focus was on painting 28mm miniatures and 1/1200-scale ships. I didn’t work on anything else or in other scales. Here’s a more detailed list:

28mm:

Foot figures: 247

Mounted Figures: 60

Artillery: 2

1/1200:

Ships: 33

Accesories: 42

Terrains: 7

Altogether: 391 elements (487 in 2024)

1.3 Games.

Last year, I played a total of 55 games (57 games in 2024). I would have played more, but health issues temporarily sidelined me. I competed in 51, winning 35 and drawing 3. I also umpired 15 games, 11 of which were based on my own scenario. In 18 of the games, I used my own miniatures and models, and in 13 of them, I used my own scenery.

Games by scale:

54mm: 3 games,

28mm: 19 games,

15mm: 4 games,

10mm: 1 game,

6mm: 4 games,

naval: 8 games,

air: 11 games,

board: 5 games.

Last year, I used 27 different rules of the game. The most popular ones were:

1. Blood Red Skies: 6 games.

2. Black Powder: 5 games.

3. Gods of War: Togo: 4 games.

 

The most popular periods were:

1. 2nd World War: 12 games.

2. 1815-1914: 10 games.

3. 1st World War: 7 games.

It is also important to note the return of several previously popular systems, such as Guns of August and Bolt Action, which I believe will continue to be played in the new year.

1.4. Events, museums and shows.

This chapter of my adventure was quite eventful. Firstly, I participated in both of Scotland's biggest wargaming shows. I helped run our game at Caronade and served as a judge at Claymore once again. Additionally, I joined the judging panel for the painting competition on the Polish wargaming forum, Strategie. The most significant event, however, was my joining the committee that manages our SESWC club. 

As for trips, last year, we returned to Italy, where I had the opportunity to explore what Florence has to offer and experience a little of Pisa. I will definitely return to both cities, as there is still so much left to see.

2. 2026.
2.1. Blog.

There have been no significant changes in this area. You can expect weekly game reports, updates on my newly painted models, event summaries, and more.

2.2. Figures and models.

I’m continuing the battle against the shame drawer. Currently, I'm painting Soviet figures and tanks in 28mm scale, and after that, I plan to return to working on my Napoleonic infantry. I need to reach the infantry limit in relation to the artillery pieces I have. I also want to finally paint the Duchy of Warsaw figures, but I intend to use a 54mm scale for those. I have the figures ready, but I just lack the motivation. Additionally, I have German troops in 20mm scale and a few small units in 15mm scale. At the moment, I don’t plan on making any purchases, but we all know how easily that can change.

2.3. Games.

This topic will cover familiar games, unfamiliar games, and those we haven't played in a while.

2.4. Events, museums and shows.

I'm planning to visit both Scottish shows and possibly a few others as well. I'm considering finally checking out Partisan, at least one of them. I might also return for Salute since the famous tapestry is coming to London. It would be great to combine both trips. 

As for my holiday plans, one of them will be the fulfilment of a childhood dream. I hope nothing interferes with that. I’ll be sure to write about all my experiences on my blog to share my impressions with you.