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

Turn 3-30-00 and 4-2-00

by Chris Engle

3-30-00 Turn results

Ali Baba's war has not only made him friends but also enemies. One of the delta tribes is angered by the loss of their village in the recent battle. Mustapha, son of the Sheik, cuts a deal with the Bey for guns and horses. The intrepid Arab then leads a daring raid on Ali's camp! A great debate breaks out in the camp of Ali Baba. Should the Jihad attack Dar as Salaam city or wait for the British to leave the country? Many favor caution but the mystic of the "Mahdi" spurs the peasants into an early attack. The large, ill-disciplined ansar moves North to the coast. The bulk of the British/Turk forces are to the south. Colonel Najr and the Young Salaam Brigade (and a unit of French Algerians) meet the Muhajidin in battle. It's a test of science versus pluck!

4-2-00 Turn results

The tribesman come upon Ali Baba's baggage camp and find it virtually unguarded, as the Jihad is streaming to attack Dar As Salaam city. There is a veritable orgy of looting and burning and the tribesman head back to their villages laden with goods, rejoicing at the name of the Bey…"

"The Ansar mobs approach the city and begin a fanatical attack on it's gates. They press on, carrying ladders, with phenomenal courage but are cut down in droves by rifle, machine gun and cannon fire from the Young Salaam and French defenders. As the attack develops the warships of the allied flotilla come sailing into view and commence a furious bombardment on the closely packed Ansar hordes.

Massive casualties are caused by the heavy calibre high explosive shells. As the Ansar buckle and break red coats are sighted to their rear – the British have force marched to join the battle following an urgent despatch from M DuPrey. This attack seals Ali Baba's complete defeat! The few pitiful survivors flee into the desert with long range artillery shells exploding in their rear…

This happens because:

    1) The Young Salaam defenders of the city are dug in behind fixed defenses, have copious supplies of ammo, and are well armed with both modern rifles and cannon. They are also backed up by French regulars. The Ansar, lacking heavy guns and siege weapons cannot even get close.

    2) The Ansar operate in dense masses and have never faced a barrage by modern heavy European naval guns before. The carnage is dreadful…

    3) The British are still itching for revenge from the last battle. Once the message arrives they force march at all speed and attack from the march."

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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