Part I: Introduction

I can think of several ways to approach this, and I’m sure others will have their own ideas. The first is to have players on both sides involved in a map campaign, with the Steamers trying to reinforce/resupply Khartoum and the Mahadists trying to prevent this. The map in part 1 last issue will help an umpire plot moves for both sides and to decide where encounters occur.

A further option would be for all the players to be on the same side, against an umpire controlled enemy or one run by charts and die rolls. The Mahidists did not oppose the expedition very well so this may be more satisfying and realistic. The danger is that a modern day and better informed Mahadist player will block the river with massed guns or some stratagem and the campaign will be all over too quickly. If Mahadist players are used they could have different objectives, since commanders in the North drew off their forces to protect their own villages, despite the wishes of the Mahdi. It was also clear from local reports that the Mahadists who had faced the Desert Column and Camel Corps were much demoralised by their defeats, impressed by British firepower, and not anxious to repeat the experience.

Finally, particular incidents from the expedition could d be used to set up ‘one off’ games rather than a campaign. For a large game steamships can attempt the final run against massed fire to relieve the Khartoum garrison. Smaller games could involve running the gauntlet past a battery, or landing troops to clear a position. The recently released “Gunboat Diplomacy” rules may be just the thing here.

The biggest logistical problems faced by Wilson were lack of wood for fuel and lack of water under the hulls. The steamships had to stop constantly for fuel. Wood was scarce, difficult to cut up and difficult to load. An expedition scenario should include long delays caused by the fuel problem, and perhaps longer delays passing rapids, rocks and cataracts. The British commanders have to race against the falling level of the Nile, get to their destination and return quickly, or be stranded in enemy territory.

Food and ammunition did not seem to be a problem for Wilson’s force, since it carried large quantities to resupply Khartoum. Wilson only ran low on artillery ammunition at the end, when his steamships were gone and he was reliant on the nuggar for transport.

Stewart's Dash to Khartoum The Final Attempt to Relieve General Gordon Part II

January 28
January 29
January 30-31
February 1-3
February 4 and Bibliography
Orders of Battle
Gaming the Action
Models, Terrain, and Tactics

Part I

Stewart's Dash to Khartoum The Final Attempt to Relieve General Gordon

Introduction
January 24
January 25
January 26
January 27