Resistance in the Desert
Part II: Wargaming the Period

Scenario 2: Battle of In Salah

by Ian Croxall

The French advance on In Salah. If playing the campaign game the French must dice to see if the Kasarians put up an initial resistance to their advance. Roll a D6. On a score of one, In Salah resists and Pein is forced to execute the hostages. Although this causes the kasars to submit to the French, the behavior costs them 20% credibility.

In Salah is occupied. A Berber harka from morocco is advancing on the Kasars of In Salah, but their approach has been spotted. The harka is approaching on the southern casbah. Each commander throws a D6. If the French win, they set up in position B, otherwise set up in position A.

Order of Battle

French Forces

If playing the campaign, the French set up with the forces remaining from the first battle. The mounted unit that was with Pein is dismounted and divided between the two smaller goums. One of the foot goums is left at the northern casbah with one of the Spahis units and the Maharista unit under Germain. The remaining Spahis and goums are with Pein at the southern casbah. If playing as a stand alone games, set up the same but unit strength for the French is as per the Ingosten battle (except Pein’s Horse unit - as described above)

Moroccan Harka

Mounted Sheik, 3 mounted musician, 2 standard bearers (all rifle armed)
14 mounted warriors, rifles and sword. 1 Leader
14 mounted warriors, rifles and swords. 1 Leader
10 foot rifle warriors. 10 foot sword warriors, 1 Leader
12 pack animals, 15 haratin/slaves, muskets (ML +1), 1 Leader

Flank Attack

Caid. 3 mtd musicians, 2 std. bearers all rifle armed
14 mounted warriors, rifles and swords. 1 leader
19 foot warriors, rifle and sword, 1 leader
19 foot warriors, rifle and sword, 1 leader

All harka foot warriors can re generate twice from the baggage animal’s position.

Assaulting the Casbah

The low walls of the casbah and be climbed at an undefended spot (no enemy within 2 inches of assault position) by warrior lifted into place by two others. Takes entire turn, must start turn at base of wall.

French Objective

Drive the kasarians from from the area (game table).

French Credibility Factors
Each Foot Goum killed -3%
Each Mounted Killed -4%
Each Frenchman killed -5%
Ea. Pack animal captured +5%
Pein killed -15%
Germain killed -10%.

Re-Fight Conditions (Campaign Game)

If the French are unable to drive the French from the map, they withdraw to the northern casbah. The harka occupies the southern end of the table from the central dunes south. The game is re-fought but the Berbers have no regeneration.

If it is clear from the first game that the harka occupies the northern casbah, the game is played the same, but the northern casbah is now the central casbah of the chain of five. If the harka are not driven from the map in the second game, they withdraw happy with the damage inflicted to French credibility. Reduce French Credibility another 10%

Start Conditions

No special conditions, just as noted in the scenario instructions.

Resistance in the Desert: Part II by Ian Croxall

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