Dar al Salaam
The 1880 British Invasion
of the Land of Peace

Turn 3-19-00 and 3-23-00

by Chris Engle

3-19-00 turn results

General Wosley arrives shortly before night fall to Ali Baba's homeland. He is disgusted with the slow pace of the less than enthusiatic Turks, and Salamites rate of progress (Ali Baba's agents spread rumors saying the bullets they are carrying are coated with pig fat).

Wanting both a quick end to the damned bandit chase, he believes his guides when they tell him Ali Baba's main force is camped nearby. He orders his European troops to force march in the direction the guides show him. He leaves behind a few Welsh regulars, the Salamites and Turks to guard the baggage. When Wolsley arrive he finds pennants tied to poles, some horses dragging shrubs around, and a lot of shouting and banging of drums by some old men. "Effendi, it is our custom to celebrate in this way". When they return they find dead Welshmen, some covering Turks, a destroyed baggage train and no Salamites, they ran off when Ali Baba's forces overran the position. They dropped their guns and decided farming wasn't a bad life.

Schliemann's party of three armed boats, carrying all expedition members and the treasure, makes good time and arrives at Dar As Salaam without incident. Dorpfeld has sent word through appropriate channels that the quantity of supplies left behind should be considered a charitable donation to the poor, respectfully made at the proper time of the year.

3-23-00 Turn Results

Colonel Abdullah Ibn-Almanni convinces Wosley that they only way to win against the bandits is by pursuing a slow campaign that will demonstrate British logistical superiority over the primitive re-supply methods of Ali Baba. This requires the British to use their naval strength to convoy supplies in from overseas and up the river, and then using their ground forces to build roads and establish fortified posts that will 'protect' the native villages from the ravages of Ali Bab's bandits. Without prospect of material success, and without food, the bandit army will disperse and Ali Baba's own men will betray him for gold.

Mujhaddin ranks swell to a vast sea of warriors (All the village Sheiks declare for Ali) the Fellahin rise up against the Bey and the Europeans. They see the first great victory as a sign from Allah that Ali Baba as the Sword of Allah and the chosen one. They see their traditions, Islam and courage are sufficient to defeat the European where it counts-- in battle. The Salaamite officers are shaping them into a real army.

Schliemann succeeds in docking and unloading at Dar as Salaam. He successfully arranges for the artifacts to be shipped out of Dar as Salaam under German diplomatic seal. They are transported by boat to the coast, under protection of German Marines from SMS Schwarzschwein, and they are picked up by German mail packet. After two weeks they arrive at the Berlin Museum.

Dar as Salaam: 1880 British Invasion Matrix Game

Started in MG #11.

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© Copyright 2000 by Chris Engle.
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