If the Mahdist had only stayed in their prepared positions, the British would have had one hell a fight on their hands.
The battle clearly shows the varied military tactics that Osman Digna was capable of adopting. Contrary to most beliefs, it is more likely that he entrenched his men, to counter the British superiority in fire power.
It was unfortunate that those men, probably charged the square without orders to do so, on the spur of the moment, unused as they were to defensive actions.
The use of artillery against the British also shows Osman's willingness to make use of new weapons that fell into his hands, to oppose the British. It is regrettable for the Mahdist that the tactic of using captured artillery was not adopted wholesale, as they had dozens of such artillery pieces as well as several Gardner and Gatling guns, all captured from the Egyptians. Knowing how to operate such weapons was the problem.
For the British Infantry the battle was a rather standard affair, with the square formation proving its worth. The Mahdist rushes on the square appear to have been piecemeal, allowing sufficient firepower to have been directed against each attack.
As for the cavalry, it was somewhat of a bloody baptism of fire. Like most cavalry the sight 0I withdrawing bodies of the enemy is a gift for them to engage. So true to form the two regiments did just that, with Brigadier Stewart ordering the charge. But due to the thick scrub the regiments became disordered and the fuzzies were then able to take advantage of this. Despite several charges, the cavalry did not gain the upper hand until some squadrons dismounted and used their carbines to force the enemy to withdraw.
There is one further point to note. During the battle, after the initial Mahdist charges had been broken and the advance to capture the fort and enemy entrenchments was on. Maj-Gen Davis, ordered the Black Watch to charge to their front. To their front lay the enemy entrenchments and some very rocky and rugged terrain, manned by the enemy. The Black Watch officers saw the order as futile and ordered their men to stand firm, whilst they waited for the own commander Col-Green to clarify it.
Because of this Davis gave a bad report to Gen Graham about the battalion. Graham informed the battalion of his disappointment in them and stated he would put the Black Watch at the forefront of the next battle, so they could redeem themselves.
This was to lead indirectly to the confusion at the battle of Tamia.
The advance of the square was not hindered by a large amount of transport animals, as they were left behind at Fort Baker. Only some mules carrying the ammunition were used.
Wargaming El-Teb
POINTS TO NOTE
The important factor is to dice to see if the Mahdist leave their prepared positions. You could start to roll, once the British are within charge distance of the first entrenchments. Diceing for several Mahdist sections, so as to stop a tidal wave attacking the British square.
The British Cavalry should also dice to see if they charge, again without the commander-in-chief s consent. If they come within charge distance of unit of Mahdist, they should test.
You could introduce a rule, for any Dervish unit engaged in thick scrub against Cavalry. The total strength can be increased by figures equal to the roll of a D-6. This gives you the unit's unseen full strength, adding to the surprise for the Cavalry, once they have attacked it. Any Cavalry fighting in thick scrub should have their melee factor drastically reduced.
Terrain
A simple way of recreating the entrenchments, without to much trouble is to wet some sand and build up the trenches etc. The fort can be made the usual hardboard way. As for the Mahdist huts, these can be purchased from Hovels in 25mm and 15mm or can be made with cardboard cylinder and modelling clay.
TERRAIN TIP
Well if you live next a beach - you're laughing!! A bucket and spade is all you need. Get that 'Oh so tatty' table cloth and cover it with sand - 'Instant Sudan'. For something a little more substantial and little less gritty (we all know how sand can get everywhere!) you require the following:
1. 1/4" plywood as baseboard or hardboard if using the commercial polystyrene square blocks.
2. Polystyrene squares 2'x 2', or use what you can scrounge. This is a good time to persuade the wife to buy that huge TV or stereo because you need the packing. (it might just work) (unlikely).
3.Glue your polystyrene to your baseboard. 2x 2' sections are best, as they allow for the standard 6' x 4' layout to be set up and they are easy to move around.
4. Cut out your Knors, using any bits to create rocky outcrops etc. If you do not require any Knors, just wanting a flat surface, use the 1/4" plywood base to work on as below.
5. Wash over with Tetrion plaster. Scattering a layer of sand whilst the plaster is still wet.
6. When dry, remove excess sand, then paint with Sandtex paints. Dark Mushroom first, then dry brush Orpiment which is a sandy colour, then lastly lightly drybrush in Midstone. These paints are gritty masonry paints, buy the sample pots for around 70p. One pot will do 3' x 2' section.
7. For large rocks, any quarry or your DIY store should supply. Dry brush in Sand or Midstone.
8. Scrub - as previously mentioned in this mag, you can make it easily using the bristles of a broom. Cut lumps of and stick into a Tetrion base. This time paint a dark green colour. An easier method is to purchase an Astro Turf doormat from your DIY store. This is extremely easy to cut up, and comes already green.
9. Palm trees - various sorts available. Gallia do a large and small size, as do K.M. Trees. My own are unavailable for sale any more.
10. Buildings - hardboard, with ready mixed Tetrion coat. Painted in Sand colour then dried brushed white.
11. Sand - from beach or from DIY store, ready dried variety.
12. Figure painting guide - Osprey range of books gives the best guide. For the Mahdist use Queen Victoria's Enemies (2), by Ian Knight, and not the Sudan book which is rubbish for their uniforms.
The march was over barren and sandy soil,
More El Teb
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