What follows is one of the many upcoming Colonial scenarios you will see in the new British magazine devoted solely to historical minuature scenarios, BATTLEFIELDS, as well as the British magazine devoted solely to the Colonial period, Colonial Conquest (both are available from On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ. 08525; Phone: 609-466-2329).

Permission has been given by the publishers of BATTLEFIELDS and Colonial Conquest (Partizan Press) for this scenario to be printed for Heliograph readers to enjoy. Although, I strongly urge those interested in the historical miniatures gaming to subscribe to BATTLEFIELDS and Colonial Conquest (you'll be glad you did!).

The other reason that I am finally writing for The Heliograph, is firstly it is now much better under the guidance of its current editor, and secondly, Richard bugged the hell out of me at Cold Wars!

Rules Used and Set-up Required

The scenario is designed for Soldier's Companion rules by GDW are (I feel) the best set of colonial rules that give both easy of play, are realistic and most importantly, give the best "feel" of the period (and MUCH better then TSATF!!!). If you do not have access to a copy of these rules, then the scenario can easily be adapted to the set that you use.

The scenario was designed for a 6'x12' game table, but could be played on a smaller table (5'x8') if movement rates and ranges are reduced accordingly, else the Zulus would be on top of the British in no time. Figure scale is 1 figure equals 5 men, with officer and NCO figures at 1 figure equals 1 man scale (Soldier's Companion rules have figure scale of 1:10, but using 1:5 works fine, even without changing ranges, movement, etc.). While the scenario was designed for 25mm scale, 15mm will work equally as well, but will not look as visually appealing for this type of scenario and period on the tabletop. Ground scale is 1 " = 20 yards, with 1 turn = 5 minutes.

Terrain

Terrain required is relatively simple, as the area in which the scenario takes place has a hil1 on each side of the board and the kraal in the middle with areas of thick bush and a ravine (donga) to one side. There is a small umizi (1 hut with a small cattle kraal) on another hill about 500 yards (25") from where the British enter. Dabulamanzi's own umuzi (1 large hut, 3 smaller huts and a cattle kraal) lies between the donga and the base of eNtumeni Hill.

A small wide hill, covered with long wet grass (mealie), lies about 300 yards (15") from the hill on which the British forces first deploy and about 800 yards (40") from the kraal. About 300 yards (15") from one end of this hill is the bush covered donga. There are a couple of rocky outcroppings as well, especially on eNtumeni Hill, whicll Zulus can take cover in.

There is a listing for each side's total forces available in the scenario, as well as a breakdown for each player per side. The scenario is disigned to handle up to 4-8 players (2-4 Zulu players, and 2-4 British players).

Soldier's Companion rules rates units according to Unit Value. If another set of rules is used then these can easily be adapted. Unit values are as follows in decending order: E = Elite, V = Veteran, X = Experienced, T = Trained, G = Green. Note that Irr = Irregulars, which under Soldier's Companion have certain restrictions.

Likewise, Soldier's Companion uses a Fieldcraft Rating, which translates to a saving throw if the unit is in Open Order (i.e. skirmishing) and in cover. A unit's Fieldcraft Rating is given in ( ) next to Unit Value in the rosters.

All Zulu units, no matter what the Unit Value, are to be considered rated as 'Green' when using firearms (i.e. -1 To Hit under Soldier's Companion rules). This reflects the Zulus' untrained ability with firearms as well as their method of firing, which was usually done by holding the rifle away from their shoulder due to the recoil.

Scenario

Rules and Set Up
GM Background and Notes
British Background and Notes
Zulu Background and Notes
Scenario Map

Raid Addendums and Clarifications (in issue 98)

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