In 1885 the British annexed the remaining areas of Burma and set up a colonial administration which lasted until 1941. The Land Revenue Act of 1876 which had been in effect in Lower Burma was enacted throughout Burma. The result was a large influx of foreign investment in land which the native Burmese struggled to keep up with. In effect, a Burmese family or village group had to clear virgin land, a difficult task in its own right, then pay tax on it for 12 years before they owned it. Money made on crops rarely paid off loans and labourers wages, and most sold up and moved on.

Consequently criminal gangs and corrupt officials often profited, and often rival gangs fought over desirable tracts of land, especially in the Irrawaddy delta. This scenario is a generic one, typical of some of the larger fights that were reported, ideal for a large skirmish in 15mm or 25mm scale.

The Terrain

The map represents an area in the Irrawaddy delta undergoing cultivation by two rival Burmese groups. A three foot high earth berm lined with trees (B6-A3) marks the boundary between the two groups. In the southwest corner (A4-A6) there are paddy fields. To the northwest is virgin jungle, with a narrow track passing through it. This area is under dispute between the rivals, both of whom would like to control it for future expansion. To the southeast is an area of burnt tree stumps, which will have to be dug out. To the northeast and east (H4) is virgin mangrove swamp. In C4 is the beginnings of a paddy field be'dug out. In D/E-2/3 is a crude village of thatch and bamboo huts and cabins on 18" stilts. Paddy fields are 12" deep in water with low earth surrounding and reduce movement by a quarter. The jungle and mangrove swamp areas are thick with tree roots and heavy brush, speed is reduced by threequarters except on tracks, and visibility is 20m maximum.

The area of tree stumps is littered with holes and the tangled roots of felled and burnt mangrove trees about 3' high. Movement is halved, but defenders count decent cover. The river is slow moving, deeE and wide with mangroves on the east and north-west banks. Several narrow canoes are pulled up on the west bank. The river is not normally swam in or forded due to the fear of leeches and other diseases. The bulk of the land around the huts is cleared uneven soil, with the odd log and rock scattered about. No impediment to movement, but anyone charging may stumble on the roll of 1 on a D10. The tents and huts of the temporary camp will easily burn and are not even proof against crossbow bolts. The stream is only a small ditch and easily stepped over. Chargers may stumble as above.

The Forces of Than Tun

These men are split into 1-3 groups under nominated leaders, and start anywhere in rows A and B. Orders are to attack east, clearing out the enemy gang before a British police force arrives.

The Forces of Sima Nawng

Sima Nwang is another Thugyi, intent on clearing land and cultivating it. Future plans include clearing jungle to the north, but another Thugyi to the west is challenging ownership, and seems to becoming very obstinate. Nwang's men are pre-deployed.

Nwang himself with ten retainers, all armed with knives and dahs, discussing plans in the temporary village (D3). In C4 are ten men armed with shovels and dahs, digging out a paddy field. Spread out amongst the burnt tree stumps are 30 men armed with axes and shovels, digging out tree stumps. A skirmish screen of 20 men armed with crossbow and dah are tleployetl around the perimeter, one per square.

Orders are to carry on working, but if attacked, counterattack and, if pressed, retire onto the camp and defend to the last.

Tactics

Neither side has military training, all being armed civilians, so no c lose order lines! Treat all except leaders as recruits/novices as per your skirmish rules. Morale should be average as land under cultivation is part of a 12 year investment, not to be given up lightly. If any Thugyi is killed, then the respective group will conduct a fighting retreat to the river if Nawng's men, or, to the paddy fields if Tun's men.

British Forces

From move 5 onwards, roll 3D6 each turn. If the sum of the dice is UNDER the move number, then a local garrison detachment arrives to investigate the noise (or has been tippted off). This force consists of an officer with sword and revolver, a local civilian official, and 20 infantry armed with single shot Martini-Henrys with bayonets. Roll a D6 for entry point: 1-2: D1; 3-4: D6; 5-6: A.5.

A British force in the 1900s may have bolt action rifles in which case reduce the number of soldiers to ten. The British will use necessary force to arrest any leaders and disarm bandits although the British cannot fire unless fired on or charged.

If both Thugyis still have half their men left and manage to meet for a turn, then the whole bandit force will combine to attack the British force.

Uniforms

British colonial figures in red hefore 1905, khaki after that, will do for the British. For the Burmese official irregular produce 15mm Burmese regular cavalry on a mule, which would suffice. For the rest, ancient Indians in baggy loin cloths and turbans are the only answer. Most bandits were naked apart from the lioncloth. See Osprey MAA224, figure C3.

Source

J.F. Cady, A History of Modern Burma, Cornwell University Press (1958).

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