Resistance in the Desert
Part II: Wargaming the Period

Scenario 1: Battle of Ingotsen

by Ian Croxall

Pein and Flamand are arguing whether to advance on Ingotsen.

It is necessary to what effect Pein and Flamand’s argument has on the commencement of the battle. The initial disposition is as noted but the Spahis do not start on the table. They are a potential reserve.

Before commencement of the battle, the leader of each side throws a D6. The sum of the two dice is compared to the start conditions.

Order of Battle

French Forces

Modifiers when given are to morale die rolls, - good, +bad

C in C Captain Pein
Goum, 18 Arabs, Fr.. Sgt., Fr.. Lieutenant
Goum, 14 Arabs, Fr.. Sgt., Fr.. Corporal
Goum, 14 Arabs, Fr.. Sgt., Fr.. Bureau Officer
Meharistas (ML -1), 12 camels, Fr.. Bureau Off, Fr. Sgt.
Horse, 10 Arabs, Fr.. Lt., Fr. Sgt.

Baggage Guard, Flamand, 10 Arab handlers (morale rated as kasarians). 8 pack animals.

Germain’s Spahis Reserve
These arrive on turn 16
Germain
Spahis, 10 Horse, Fr. Lt., Fr. Sgt.
Spahis, 10 Horse, Fr. Lt., Fr. Cpl.

Kasarians

Oasis
Shereef of Ingosten
Marabout Warrior Mounted Guard, Marabout leader. Morale as warriors, armed with Arab rifles.
Ahrar kasarians, 10 muskets, 10 spear or sword, Marabout leader. Morale +1
Haratin kasarians, 10 muskets, 10 spear or sword, Marabout leader, Morale +1
Haratin kasarians, 10 muskets, 10 spear or sword, Marabout leader, Morale +1

Ambush
Ahrar kasarians, 10 muskets, 10 spear or sword, Marabout leader. Normal kasarian morale
Ahrar kasarians, 10 muskets, 10 spear or sword, Marabout leader. Normal kasarian morale

All Kasarian foot have regeneration of one. These must start within 24 inches of the Kasar base line (left side of map) but no closer than 18 inches to any French forces.

Regeneration of Native Forces

Native units may have regeneration ratings. Lack of coordination and tactical ability prevented the native troops from applying all of their troops simultaneously. This conveniently removes the need to have vast numbers of castings for the Arab and Berber forces. The number of times a native force can be regenerated is given for each scenario. A native commander can re generate his unit at any time. The original unit must be entirely removed to accomplish this.

French Objective

Drive the Kasarians from Ingotsen.

French Credibility Factors
Each Foot Goum killed -3%
Each Mounted Killed -4%
Each Frenchman killed -5%
Each Pack animal lost -5%
Pein killed -15%
Germain killed -10%
Flamand killed -5%
Special- see start conditions

Re-Fight Conditions

There is no re-fight, the French must win or withdraw from the Tidikelt.

Start Conditions

Each player rolls a D6. On a score of 10,11 or 12 the ambush is sprung, the whole French force starts closer to the oasis, the mounted units between the ambushing kasarians. The two ambushing units are placed on top of the dunes and the two French mounted units must immediately take a critical morale test and follow the result. If fail they are not routed, but retreat 4D6 shaken. They must rally on their turn. The kasarians then get first move for each ambushing unit, then move as normal.

On a score of 4 through 9, the ambush collapses, the hidden units are placed on top of the dunes, the French begin from the indicated positions. On a score of 1,2 or 3, the ambush collapses, as above, but Pein tires of Flamand. Pein and Flamand immediately conduct a duel. Two shots each with a pistol, the Arab player throws for Flamand. Any kill, wound or incapacitated card is valid. If a kill results, follow credibility result as above, in addition remove another 5% credibility. If a both miss, just remove 5% for the scandal. The battle then commences.

Resistance in the Desert: Part II by Ian Croxall

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