Three Battlegrounds in China

China Game 3:
Hsiku Arsenal
(Boxer Rebellion 1900)

by Charley Elsden

Tientsin: July 9, 1900

This was one of the most complex games I ever produced, in terms of combined period weapons rules, variety of uniforms, and sheer number of figures (over 900, and if you're still not amazed, remember we're talking 54mm here). Three players ran the Europeans. I ran the Chinese assisted by a pal (arsenal garrison) and my cousin took on the vast relief force. The game ran two full day sessions. It was possible using my Rifles Trilogy of rules (Infantry Combat covering 1755-1859, 1860-1865, and 1866-1913 respectively) which uses the same basic rules for the Musket, Rifled Musket, and Repeating/Magazine Rifle periods. I even snatched rules from my medieval rules for the Mongol horse bows.

The historical situation, taken from The Boxer Rebellion (osprey, see bibliography) , is the turning point of the conflict, and is not the familiar Peking Legation scenario. Instead, having stood besieged in the major northern port Tientsin, the Western Powers have now with extremely limited forces to assault the Hsiku Arsenal, one of the few places where the Manchus can manufacture modern Western type weapons. Its thick wall, modern cannon with unlimited ammo supply, and western trained and equipped Imperial units provide a difficult objective. In addition, a huge Chinese relief column will enter at a certain time, and the Allies must take the arsenal wall and the magazine inside before it arrives-with its overwhelming numbers of Mongol Cavalry, more Imperial Regulars, and endless Boxer hordes. Included with the boxers is the is the Jow Ga school of martial arts, with whose inheritor I spent a year here in New York learning a the rudiments of the quick and dirty style developed at the time to allow huge masses of students to fight the foreign devils! Hi-yah!

Historically, the Chinese did poorly in the so called "Rebellion... because the Imperial Regulars held off during much of the fighting-in some areas they actually fought with the Europeans to suppress the Boxers! The general of each separate "army" (division-sized?) , like warlords of the next period, had their own ideas of what was best to do during the crisis, and even the Manchu Empress Dowager was playing a double game. So this is really a 'what if' scenario: What if enough of the regulars fought together, using the numerous "auxiliaries" such as Mongol Militia and Boxers to fight alongside them? At this turning point of the conflict, when the Europeans had held of the first series of attacks but not yet been massively reinforced from overseas, the battle could have gone either way, due to the smallness of European numbers.

Another factor is the unity of the Europeans. Ultimately China could hardly expect to hold off eight European powers with 1900 era technology. Yet one reads, during the storming of Peking especially, of one European nationality crossing operational boundaries to pinch another out and be the first over the wall, etc.! How easily such incidents could have lead to war between some of the Powers, especially Russia and Japan! Although this is not allowed in the scenario, since it is tough enough if the rival Europeans stick together, it was suggested that each European player be quite ready to ignore the orders of the British "commanding" general--should circumstances require it or honor demand it. Indeed I was sorry I could not get eight separate strong willed players to play the Europeans; in that case I was sure I could wipe them out. But as we will see, there was so disagreement among even the three European players as the action unfolded.

This game was set up as a "revenge of the locals against the foreign imperialists, in that the Chinese might actually win on t field. In other words, its anybody's game!

THE 54MM FIGURES

The major challenge in reproducing an era not covered by existing toy soldier lines was complicated here by the large number of type required for the scenario: eight major European Powers in late colonial period dress, and an Imperial Manchu army composed o regulars, Mongol militia, and Boxers in a bewildering array of dress and uniform.

For the Europeans I used existing units I own with a fairly close "look" to the historical subject, but I must admit with less accuracy than that achieved by some uniform fanatics. However, must say it worked well in recreating the feel of the period.

The Chinese army was the real task, since it required new figure prepared from the ground up. It was prepared over many months o painting, and even a bit of conversion. Here is what I used:

The European : British infantry a red coated white pith helmeted unit made from Cherilea hunters, and Call To Arms and Marlborough 24th Foot, wit a Plastic Warrior figure thrown in for good measure. Various Marx and German made jungle "white hunter" and "Doctarill sets including a doctor and nurse for HQ and four full dress Victorian staff officers in metal figures by Steadfast.

French Marines: Marx early WWII French troops cast in a rare horizon blue. The Adrian helmets are close to tropical issue. Apparently the marines were the first to wear the horizon (light) blue, the same "camouflage" color later adopted by the whole French army during WWI.

German Marines: 60mm Marx Rough Riders, Cherilea, Dulcop, and other mounties painted khaki to give a nice pose variation.

US Marines: BMC Custer figures with khaki pants. The close combat poses give a perfect "55 Days At Peking" look. Ready for your closeup, Mr. Heston!

Austrian Sailors: Gray Confederate ACW Zouaves by Marxman painted as ACW Naval with white web equipment.

Russian Sailors: Blue Union ACW Zouaves by Marxman painted as ACW Naval with black hats, white webbing, and naval rating anchor patches and white tops for the petty officer, gold braid for the officers.

Japanese Marines: Call To Arms 24th Foot painted blue with a few metal officers in blue patrol jacket.

Italian Bersaalieri: I have a special unit of conversion figures customized by The Toy Soldier Company as the ACW Garibaldi Guard, which includes Dulcop Italians and Marx ACW with Dulcop heads; I painted 'em myself with gloss rather than flat for that classic "toy soldier look.,, These are romantic dark blue uniforms with black hats and green fluttering hat plumes, black equipment, and red pajama type trim, with gold bugles and trim for the officers. Some of my friends and I debate the effectiveness of the ACW unit, since I like to use them as Crack. In this game we see an American unit patterned on an older Italian unit, now serving as the descendants of the original Italian unit!

The Chinese: Chinese Regulars: I got a good deal on a mass of Timpo ACW figures, both of which I used by trimming the brims off kepis and round hats (or painting the round hats up in two cases) Paint schemes followed the Osprey volume on the Boxer Rebellion as noted above, and also their Men At-Arms #275 The Taiping Rebellion 1851-66 and even #307 Late Imperial Chinese Armies 1520-1840. (The next period in China I visit with these figures will be the Taiping conflict) . The Chinese used bold primary colors, white circle "targets" on chests for ID, and many other styles which could be faked by painting alone. For individual battalion uniforms see OB below.

Mongol Militia Jecsan of Spain made medieval Mongol cavalry and infantry which is hard to get hold of but wonderful. I also used, unusually for me, Russian made flats from the Mongol vs. Russian Battle of Kulikovo set available from various dealers. Now the Mongols may have been carrying firearms by 1900, but I used the bows they come with, which are much more deadly anyhow.

Boxers: These are the figures I miss the most. However, undeterred I've been collecting cheap Ninjas in various colors, most from Hong Kong from companies like Hing Fat. They can be painted up in mass with minimal touches to the eyes, hands, weapons, and bases. For my own school of martial arts, add yellow waist sashes to black figures. They carry a truly amazing variety of melee weapons from nunchuks to bows, pole arms, flails, swords, and throwing stars.

Chinese Artillery Using ACW figures, these must been seen to be believed; they are the wildest uniforms of all. These make them look like men from outer space, and are worth describing: dark blue shirts under yellow tunics with a broad red shoulder bar like an American football uniform, light blue pants over Chinese sandals, and of course the light green turban. These were the best trained of all the Westernized units at the time.

Chinese General and Bodyguard Again the Union ACW with a traditional Mandarin color scheme. And since I am playing the General myself, a courtesan in a rickshaw from the rare Oliver Mao political set. Hey, I saw her first--let Mao get his own!

THE FIELD OF BATTLE

One huge wall of the arsenal stretches from East to West a third of the way from the southern edge of the table in toward the center. To the south behind it are two giant gun platforms, each with a modern field gun the equal of what the Western Allies have, served by the best troops in the Imperial Manchu Army. Behind the guns are three buildings, the central one of which is the arsenal itself, main objective of the Allies. There are two giant gates in the wall. In front of each constructed outside the wall itself is a breastwork.

Close to the Northern edge of the field are three redoubts, the rectangular sandbagged European HQ compound in the middle and on each side, one artillery emplacement. The field between the European works and the arsenal is completely open.

Off board and out of sight to the east and/or west somewhere is the Chinese relief force (actually three columns to the east, composed of so many figures that they will have to be brought into the room on large trays).

The field is therefore extended far out for nine infantry moves to one side to allow modern artillery and later rifle fire to play upon the advance of the Chinese relief columns. Since the Europeans have no intention of counterattacking out in that direction, it is simply a matter of tracking the position of each unit in each column. This is done on paper, with the column set up one unit per plastic cafeteria type tray in order of march (see OB).

As the majestically huge columns slowly appear and advance during the game, each column ten figures abreast and 18 ranks deep, the pressure will be on the European players to assault the Arsenal successfully before these hundreds of troops can reach the battlefield! With our 1:20 scale, we are talking about representing approximately 3,600 real men per column! Egad!!!

ORDER OF BATTLE

All European units have magazine rifles. Chinese Imperial troops have single shot repeaters. Mongols have composite bows. Boxers have melee weapons, with one in five figures having muskets. The Chinese artillery is just as modern as the European guns! The Europeans also have one belt fed modern Maxim machine gun. "Whatever happens we have got the Maxim gun; and they have not." (nineteenth century British child's schoolbook verse).

EUROPEANS TOTAL: 229 FIGURES (I figure is 20 men): All European battalions are approximately 25 figures; all gun/MG crews use 4 figures. All European troops have Crack morale. Assault lines face south. Uniforms as described above.

1. British Infantry Battalion: Eastern Assault Line, Front (Left of center)
2. German Marine Battalion: Western Assault Line, Front (Right of center)
3. French Marine Battalion: Eastern Assault Line, Rear (Behind the British)
4. US Marine Battalion: Western Assault line, Rear (Behind the Germans)
5. Japanese Marine Battalion: Flank Guard facing East (90 degrees from front facing wall)
6. Austrian Naval Battalion: Flank Guard facing West (90 degrees from front facing wall)
7. Russian Naval Battalion plus artillery gun Eastern Gun Emplacement facing south (supporting British/French)
8. Italian Bersaglieri (Sharpshooter) Battalion plus artillery gun Western Gun Emplacement facing south (supporting Germans/Americans)
9. Allied HQ (British General Gasalee commanding): General staff; HQ mixed nationality battalion; Machine Gun

CHINESE ARSENAL GARRISON TOTAL: 150 FIGURES
Imperial battalions have 20 figures each; all regulars have Average morale. General Nieh Shih-chleng commanding.

1. Green Flag Provisionals (SW wall section). (Green tunics, black hats and equipment, light blue pants, red socks, black shoes)
2. Blue Imperials: (Blue European type uniforms, with yellow epaulets, black high boots and equipment belts, and odd square shaped chest "target" (Center wall section)
3. Kansu Braves (Moslems): (Swirled robes of red and yellow, red hats). (SE wall section)
4. Purple and Blacks: (Purple tunics with orange pajama trim and white circle "targets," black hats and pants, white socks, black shoes (outside breastwork)
5. Red and Blacks: (Red tunics with yellow pajama trim and white circle "targets, black hats and pants, white socks, black shoes (outside breastwork)
6. Blue Manchu Bannermen: (SW rear building and foot or artillery platforms) (Dark blue uniforms vests with white sleeves, blue caps with red devices, dark blue pants, white socks, black shoes)
7. White Coats--Imperial Rifles (SE rear building); (White tunics with red pajama trim, black hats, light blue pants, white socks, black shoes)

CHINESE RELIEF FORCE TOTAL: 560 FIGURES

Column A (Southern Column): 189 figures
1. Mongol Cavalry (28) Crack. 2.Mongol Infantry (34) Crack. 3. Imperial Gray Regiment (20) Average (Gray uniforms with red pajama trim, green hats, and brown leather equipment (the Ever Victorious Army of the earlier Taiping period). 4. White Robe Boxers (107) Fair

Column B (Central Column): 179 figures
1. Mongol Cavalry (28) Crack. 2. Mongol Infantry (34) Crack. 3. Imperial Blue Regiment (20) Average (Dark blue uniforms with white equipment, green hats, and red trim (EVA Artillery). 4. Gray Robe Boxers (97) Fair.

Column C (Northern Column): 192 figures
1. Mongol Cavalry (27) Crack. 2. Mongol Infantry (34) Crack. 3. Imperial Wide Hats (20) Average. Grey uniforms with tan straw hat, blue puttees, orange belt sashes, and white "targets" (patterned mostly after the British colonial First Chinese Regiment--the turncoats!) 4. Black Robe Boxers (111) Fair

VICTORY CONDITIONS AND STRATEGIC APPRECIATION

European Allies
Strategic Victory: Take and hold The Arsenal, including the center rear building (actual weapons stores). Substantive Victory: Take and hold Arsenal Wall. Minor Victory: Hold the 3 original breastwork positions (artillery and HQ starting areas).

Chinese
Strategic Victory: Take the entire field including the Arsenal, open field, and 3 enemy breastworks. Substantive Victory: Hold the Arsenal Wall. Minor Victory: Hold all 3 rear arsenal buildings, and cause 50% casualties to the European main force (100 figures).

The Europeans have better morale and rifles, but they are outnumbered 3: 1 and have to attack! To make matters worse, the Chinese have parity in artillery, and the Europeans have a limited artillery ammo supply, but the Chinese do not (they're in an arsenal, after all). A further time limit is the approach of the relieving Chinese column. If, for example, the wall is taken but the rear buildings in the arsenal compound are not, and there is still a resisting force inside, then the Europeans may have to hold out on the arsenal wall, and be split between the attack force and some reserve in the rear breastwork positions. A total retreat to the rear breastwork position will almost certainly spell defeat; but the European force is too small to be split up once the flank screen is forced back and the Chinese columns, attacking from offboard, push their way onto the field.

On a strategic level, if the arsenal is not taken, the second historical European relieving column will not be able to set out and rescue the Peking Legations, which will then be on their own. Strangely enough, it was this very arsenal which had earlier been the fall back position of British Admiral Seymour's first rescue column, after it was forced back from the north. This arsenal he later evacuated. Now it has been reoccupied by a modernizing Chinese General, Nieh Shih-chleng, who had formed the Tenacious Army, a Westernized Imperial Manchu force. The European Plan

After conferring, the Europeans decided that only an all out attack would suffice. With the Japanese and Austrian battalions as flankers, the international force would begin an immediate artillery duel and frontal infantry assault. The Chinese relief forces, made up mostly of Boxer rabble, could be dispersed by the artillery, which would hold back some ammo for this purpose.

First the outside breastworks must be carried. Since the arsenal wall itself is.so thick that it would take a significant amount of artillery ammo to breach them, this would not be practicable. In addition, the rubble created would only impose further delay. Artillery can easily blow open the gates, however. Some allied commanders suggested ladder escalade assault will be made, as medieval style walls tend to hide boiling cauldrons and other equipment which must be taken before the gate itself may be used in safety. Others waved off such suggestions as too paranoid.

The British (backed up by the French) would go for one gate, the Germans (backed up by the Americans) would go for the other. The Italians and Russians would form the reserve, as well as covering the artillery guns against unexpected reverses on the flanks.

The Chinese Plan Arsenal Garrison: The cream of the Chinese forces will defend the Arsenal Wall and breastworks, using the artillery platforms as reserve positions to mount and counterattack from over extendable ladders. If necessary, the rear 3 buildings will be used as a final resistance line. The artillery will duel with the enemy artillery, attempting to gain a superiority that can then be used against the enemy infantry. When the 3 relief columns, all arriving together from the East, come within striking range, all remaining forces will counterattack on the eastern section of wall to batter at the enemy flank and link up to destroy the Westerners on the Eastern flank (British and French assault lines, and Russian gun redoubt).

Relief Columns: Columns are constituted as noted in the OB above; Mongol cavalry and then Mongol infantry, one Westernized. Imperial battalion, and a huge Boxer horde. The Mongol militia cavalry are fast and can fire their bows ftom the saddle. The Mongol infantry also are all armed with bows and melee weapons. They will try to ride in between the enemy formations and isolate them, while causing initial casualties. The Imperial troops, which have the best chance of standing up to the Westerners, will follow up and attack. Then the Boxer hordes will wash over any small surviving parties like a wave, and overwhelm. the rear redoubts from all sides.

While the Boxers are normally of low morale and little usefulness, the Fanaticism rule boosts their performance for 1D6 turn, which for this game turns out to be for 2 or 3 turns per horde--which should be enough for them to make an impact, especially on a weakened enemy. This rules shifts them up temporarily to Average morale).

Although no direct contact may be made between the two Chinese commanders, the leader of the columns will carefully assess any enemy positions on the Arsenal Wall closest to his actual entrance on the field. He must consider how to surround any enemy lodgements on the walls, as a prelude to a link up with the arsenal garrison which will be either on the walls or inside.

While it is anticipated that some artillery fire will be taken, by the columns as they advance, each shot used up against the columns cannot be used against the arsenal garrison!

Column A: This is the most crucial position, as it is closest to the arsenal. The column will attempt to move around the far southern end of the Japanese holding the European flank and then pass between the British and French assault lines.

Column B: This central position will make a frontal assault on the Japanese battalion line, or whichever European formations are guarding their flank when the column comes up.

Column C: The northern column has two objectives. The first is to outflank the Japanese line to the north. A single battalion will not for long be able to hold off all three columns, and any reinforcements to the European flank will likely come from the rear European redoubts. Therefore the nearest to this column's front, the Russian gun redoubt facing south, may be taken from its flank. Even attacking it should pin any reinforcement to the Japanese, forcing them to withdraw.

Column Consolidation: Depending on casualties taken when still several turns away as trays of column units are still spread out across the living room couch and coffee table while advancing toward the field, we may have to mix units from various columns to make up a front when we finally reach the field such as one from Column A, two from Column D, etc. Practical, and also a very old joke... and now you can gong me off the stage, or order take out!

THE ACTUAL BATTLE DESCRIBED

After the players had been briefed on the rules and the scenario, their host turned their attention to the TV screen. "Here is some historical and visual background." The beginning of the film 55 Days At Peking began with a narration of the discontent against the foreigners in 1900. Each European nation was shown in turn as its small color guard of soldiers hoisted its national flag to the strains of its own national anthem. Then the anthems blur in an atonal mass of sound! We saw two Chinese men. One holds his ears and asks "What is that terrible noise?" His friend replies "Eight European powers all saying the same thing- 'We want China.' I Cut to the palace, where the Empress Dowager goes against the advice of one Chinese General to allow the proboxer Prince Tuan to have his way axe release the fury of the Boxer hordes against the foreigners.

The Artillery Duel:

Since both sides had two modern artillery guns dug in Hard Cover, the crucial duel could easily go either way. The European guns were in curved breastworks; the Chinese guns protected by the Arsenal Wall. Would they neutralize each other, or would one side gain superiority? This was purely a matter of die rolling, and luck was with the Europeans. Although they lost a gunner or two, they destroyed both Chinese pieces, totally negating the Asian advantage in having unlimited artillery ammo! Clearly the Chinese players needed to send more prayers and incense to the gods of the dice! The Chinese screamed defiance from the walls above, but a few looked back in awe at the ruined gun positions behind them.

Advance To The Breast works:

The European artillery now began to cause casualties to the units behind the two outer breastworks, and cause breaches in them. Then the British in their red coats advanced on the left, followed by the French in horizon blue. The khaki clad Germans moved up on the right, supported by the US marines in blue and khaki.

The Chinese Red-and-Blacks took serious casualties from the artillery, but stood their ground. They exchanged fire with the Germans, and then retreated. The titanic door in the wall behind them opened to receive them. As they disappeared inside, the Italian gun blasted first the outside and next the inside doors off their hinges. That passage now stood open.

But as the Germans advanced they took fire from the Kansu. Braves in their red and yellow robes above them on the parapet of the great ancient arsenal wall. These Imperial Muslim troops shot the Germans to pieces. Only a few reached the safety of the breastworks. Finally the Italian gun played upon the Kansu Braves above on the ramparts, and they were driven to the relative safety of the corner guard tower. On came the US marines, past the bleeding Germans!

On the left, the British moved forward against the Red-and-Blacks, who had taken artillery casualties, retreated, and then bravely returned to their breastworks. The superior British musketry and rifles took a greater toll of their opponents than they received, even though the enemy was behind cover, and the British in the open! Then the massive drawbridge in the wall behind came down to admit the Chinese survivors. The Red Coats, in much better shape than the Germans, moved up to the breastworks and exchanged fire with the Green Flags above them, once again causing more casualties than they took. Forcing constant morale checks through causing even minimal casualties proved a good tactic, as the Chinese could not stand the fire as well as the Europeans, even when behind cover.

Over the Top, Marines!

Ignoring the inviting opening, the US troops placed ladders and scaled the empty walls. Then it was up and over, and the marines exchanged fire with the Kansus in the corner guard tower to their right, the Imperial Blues in the center on their left, and some Manchu bannermen on the artillery platform ahead. The wisdomof their aerial assault lay before them: a cauldron of boiling oil lay ready to char anyone crossing the open gateway below! The Americans shot the crew and disabled the mechanism. Now reinforcements peered through the gate to locate Chinese positions inside the Armory itself.

A company of Americans charged across a ladder onto the artillery platform, where the huge Chinese gun lay, useful only now for the cover it provided. The marines shot their way forward to take the platform, and fire down the ramp at their retreating enemies. But by now the marines were at 50% casualties, and could no longer advance. They had taken their objective, but just barely! They stood ready for counterattacks, until reinforcements could reach them. Discussion broke out among the European powers about their relative isolation. Should they be left where they were or pulled back?

A Wall of Burning Human Flesh:

On the European left, a few British climbed up ladders to engage with the Green Flag Provisionals. After exchanging some close fire, two companies of the Chinese unit fled the walls. Luckily, they also abandoned the comer tower, a very formidable strongpoint, from which they had been sniping continually at the Europeans below. Unfortunately, there were not enough Brits to occupy it. Now the remaining Purple-and-Blacks charged up the walls in counterattack. The British were too few to hold, and pulled back down their ladders, which they left up for the supporting French, who were marching up.

The French advanced past the British. They attacked over the open drawbridge and up the ladders simultaneously. They it was revenge for the Purple-and-blacks! The English had not been able to smash the cauldron on the wall, and the French did not stop to ask their allies what was ahead. A cauldron of boiling oil poured down upon the French marines crossing the drawbridge, and they lost nine figures (180 men) in the deluge of black liquid swirling down upon them. SacreBleu! C'est horrible!

Demons On The Horizon:

On the European left flank looking East, a Japanese marine officer peered through his field glasses. Where the empty plain before him had been quiet a moment ago, here were huge clouds of dust! Video clip: Yul Brynner leads thousands of charging Cossacks in the most famous cavalry scene ever put on film from Taras Bulb . Pounding hooves as the bizarrely clad semi-nomads brandished their swords and called the war cry to each other as they gathered in ever increasing strength! The Japanese could see they now with unaided vision as they swept forward in three endless columns. Behind them were similarly clad men on foot. The Japanese obeyed the shouted orders and prepared to take aim like automatons in one neat single rank. No one could stand before their modern fire, especially not vulnerable cavalry. Yet there certainly were a lot of them out there! There was a flurry of activity at the white HQ tent with the British flag. Behind it, the doctor and nurse were setting up to receive casualties in the central compound. A miscellany of service troops from the various European nations including oddly uniformed men from all nations began to take up defensive all around positions. A messenger arrived for General Gasalee.

"Pardon, sah! Report from the Japanese flank guard. Enemy advancing in three columns. Mostly mounted Mongols so far." "Very well, sergeant. Notify the Russian gun crew to fire at will. And... hmmm. Tell our machine gun crew to move over in support of our Japanese friends, as well. We'll see how they like modern gunfire at long range, eh?" "Right, sah! Very good, sah! "

The Eastern Killing Ground: The Italian and Russian guns, having used up half of their ammunition on the Arsenal, now switched targets to the flood of enemies approaching to the East. The British General had left the specific targeting to their own judgement. The Russians naturally chose Column C, which was making the closest approach to their own gun position. That being the case, the Italians turned to the central column, Column B. Since the enemy Mongol cavalry was closest and approaching the fastest, they decided to disperse it. In fact, a gap had already appeared behind the Mongol cavalry and its infantry supports, as the ferocious mounted warriors increased their speed. Baroom!!! Balam!!!

Gaps were torn in the mounted ranks, but the Mongols swept forward. Carump!!! Kapow!!! For several turns in a row, they continued charging. Whiz!!! Bang!!! Finally the Center Column Cavalry slowed. Having taken almost 50 percent casualties, they swerved and turned tail. The cavalry regiment to the North, leading Column C, lay dead in heaps easily five horses deep. The carnage was tremendous to the point of nightmare. There were almost enough corpses to delay the subsequent movement of the support troops across the field! Wounded men and animals, trapped in the piles of dead and dying, cried piteously for help. But the European pair of field guns fell ominously silent.

Slowly, slowly, the Mongol infantrymen came up. Passing their fallen dead, they grimly unstrung their bows and moved into the mass of shattered bodies. Behind them now appeared in each column a Chinese Regular regiment.

The Spearhead:

The Mongol cavalry of Column A, nearest to the Arsenal, had not been fired upon at all. Now it trotted closer to the field, foiled by its own supporting Mongol infantry. Ahead they could see the British and French, reeling back from the walls to gather around the breastworks. The Europeans saw them come, and swung around to face them. 'Me Japanese could cover the other two columns, but this enemy was free to advance onto the field. The decisive crescendo of battle was approaching!

The Shield:

The Japanese Major of Marines looked through his binoculars again. Behind the Mongol infantry and Imperial Regulars were still more dust clouds! Was there no end to the enemy reinforcements? He licked his lips and looked back over his shoulder. Of course, he had to keep up a brave front, representing his Emperor among these Westerners. But was he the only man wondering how long his single battalion was going to hold off this enormous mass of the advancing Chinese? What if the enemy had more men than the International Expeditionary Force had bullets? He turned to his single rank of men on either side. "Battalion! Make ready!" Ah, here were reinforcements at last ...

European Redeployment:

In the middle of the Japanese line the Maxim machine gun crew appeared, and set up their stubby black death dealer. Hup! Hup! Hup! Blue and white clad Russian sailors marched up from behind their gun redoubt. The fell into line on the extreme flank. The Japanese Major of Marines signed in relief. Then he extended his line out across the open field until he contacted the French out ahead. "General, sir. The Russkys and Eyeties report that they are down to cannister only." "Very well, Leftenant. Send the Italians my compliments, and order them out onto the field. Tell them to place their gun at the far end of the new Japanese line. Infantry to wait in reserve equidistant behind the Japanese and our position with the French."

"Veddy good, sir." The Austrian Naval Lieutenant entered the tent as the British subaltern left. "Time to let us go and rescue the Americans, General. one more push should finish it inside the Arsenal. Despite the failure of the troops on the left." I would General Gaselee stared at the Austrian with an icy glare. "I hardly say anyone has failed here." There was an awkward silence. "Do you still observe nothing on your own flank to the West?" "Nothing, Mein Herr. We are ready to go forward now. Now, sir..." ("Bloody impudent swine," thought the General. "I'll have to give him permission if he's so keen. otherwise he'll get permission from his own general, and go anyway. No discipline, these foreigners; no respect"). "Very well, Rudolph. You may enter the fray, . But I wouldn't talk of rescue to the Americans. They're not as tolerant as us."

"Excellent. We depart. I'm certain even the Yankees will cheer us as we come up- -'to save their bacon, I as they would put it. They've discovered very little between them and the supply buildings. Too bad they've shot their bolt." "Be careful. The Imperial troops are really fighting quite well. No surprise, really... we trained them. Well, best of luck, young man. Go to it." "Jawhol, Mein General." And he saluted, spun on his heels, and left.

Into The Bloody Tower:

The Austrian naval battalion abandoned their original position as flank guard. They were the only Europeans able to march up to the Arsenal without taking any damage. A ragged cheer did in fact rise up from the walls, where the Americans had been realizing the there were still more Chinese inside the compound than they had counted on with the fight still in them. Inside the Arsenal, in fact, General Nieh was rallying most of the remnants of seven different regular battalions, carefully husbanding them for the local counterattacks he had made which had blunted the attacks of the enemy. He still had a solid line all across the three buildings inside and along an ornamental wall to the base of the tower opposite the British and French position. This would be a key place for the final counterattack if the relieving Column A came to the wall. He would reoccupy the tower and fire down on the enemy as the relief columns drove in against the Allies. The other tower, next to the wall captured by the Americans, was still garrisoned by Kansu. Braves. Below it were other various Chinese regulars, ready to fight bitterly or reoccupy the tower.

The first Austrians planted their ladders next to those of the Americans, scrambling up both to the wall. Leaping over the parapet to the ramparts, they took fire from the comer tower. Shouting in low voiced growls, they shot their way into the tower. Stepping over dead enemy bodies, they were just inside when the booby trapped floor fell away, and several dozen plunged to the ground floor below. Most died, but a few survived by failing on the bodies of their comrades. Looking up, they say bars all around them. Trapped! Suddenly a door opened, and Chinese Regulars entered, shooting and bayonetting the survivors. Soon all who had dared enter the tower were dead.

A company of Austrians stalked in through the open gate. There they saw dead of all nations and units lying sprawled on the parapets, on the artillery platform, and half hidden between them. Ahead was a ruined ornamental wall with more Chinese behind it. As they entered, surviving Chinese opened fire from the staircase which let up to the American positions on the parapet, from the base of the artillery platform, and from the buildings ahead. Caught in the open in a crossfire, they took casualties. Chinese plunged forward from the staircase as the Americans opened up in support. But the Austrians could only fall back, as the second half of their battalion came up to the gate from outside to meet them.

An Jneau Truci Is Proclaime : Then a Chinese officer with a white flag bravely advanced between the lines. "My general says: We have come to a stalemate. You cannot take the buildings. We cannot retake our wall. Why do we not stand on our arms honorably, and wait for the battle at the other end of the field to determine our fate? Either our relieving columns will break through there or not. We have done all we can here."

The Americans were all for it. But the Austrians argued. "This truce favors the enemy. We might win a victory while our allies hold off their reinforcements!" The tired Americans replied: "If you take the buildings, you'll have to do it yourselves. All we can do is give cover fire. They outnumber us, I think."

So the Allies asked for the conditions of the proposed truce. The Chinese replied: "Everyone stays in place. No one moves forward." You can reinforce any positions you hold if you wish." So some Austrians moved up ladder on the wall. Some Americans moved from the parapets to the gun bastion. But when the Austrians attempted to enter through the gate, supposedly to reinforce the Americans by going up the stairs, the Chinese refused to allow it. "If you come in, we fire."

There was a tense moment when anything could happen. Then the Austrians fell back. An uncomfortable peace settled over the lines. The Europeans were in possession of two thirds of the wall, but were unable to take their final objective. Outside the Arsenal, the Austrian lieutenant hopped up and down in frustration.

The Spearhead Strikes:

The last of the Mongol cavalry enters the field, and the British and French open fire. Many of the horsemen fall, but they continue to advance. A few Europeans actually are hit by arrows, which rain down now upon them in profusion--only the skillful Mongols can fire from the saddle as they charge. The last go down only feet from the Europeans, who take cover behind the dying enemy horsemen.

Inside the Arsenal, with the pressure of on the far flank due to the truce, General Nieh makes his last gamble. His last reserves not needed to garrison the buildings enter the tower, and open fire on the British and French down below, striking some down with this surprise volley. Now the Italian gun unlimbers, to fire cannister into the Mongol infantry. They Asians falter under the storm of steel. But then the Italian gun is totally out of ammo, and must leave the field. The British and French begin to fall back, in conformity with the Japanese and Russians. For things have become hot down the line as the other two columns finally approach as well.

Wooden Shafts and Iron Men:

The thin Japanese line stands against the enemy who come against them in endless ranks. The Japanese fire their first precision volley, but the Mongols are too tough to break, and advance within bowshot, loosing a volley. The Japanese, choking down their pain, fall silently, dying without a cry. "Dress the line," cries their Major. The shrinking blue formation consolidates, closing in on itself.

The Maxim gun swivels left, aiming at the Mongols on the far flank instead. As the Russians move slightly forward to come into line with the Japanese, the Maxim begins stuttering, throwing a fountain of spent shells out, firing as per contemporary doctrine at long range, decimating the Mongol ranks of Column C. The Russian gun fires its few cannister rounds, completing their destruction. Never has the power of modern weaponry been more in evidence! For a moment, it seems as though the Chinese columns must break. Then the machine gun stops. The ammo is gone. The crew, using towels, picks up the steaming gun and heads back toward HQ. "Good luck now fellows," they call to the Japanese. Few understand their words, but all catch the intent. Once more the Japanese stand alone against the sea of enemies.

A dozen times they have stood when they might have fled. But there are so few of them left now, so few. A band of Japanese guards follows the Maxim crew with sixty or so Mongol mounted prisoners, whose exotic appearance causes a sensation back at the headquarters compound. Up comes the last line of Chinese Regulars to exchange fire, and the Russians too begin to die. They fall back to the gun position, and the Japanese begin a phased withdraw to conform. The Chinese take greater casualties, but do not run. The Russians split some men off to cover the space between their redoubt and HQ. A company of Japanese are now needed to hold the extreme flank. only small groups of under 200 men no the Japanese position. They are the only iron men who never run back, who never break, despite gunshot and arrow. In the international force of such pride and tradition, the legend of the Japanese Marines is established for all time as the best of the best, in the position of greatest honor and danger.

The Imperialists Humbled:

Even though the Chinese have lost so many more men, the European losses have now reached 50% ensuring the Chinese at least a minor victory, The Europeans realize that they must now retreat from their high water mark. If they are to survive at all, they must come down off the wall, giving up all thought of taking the Arsenal. As the line retreats the Italians, the last reserve, come onto the field to cover the great retreat of the Austrians, Americans, British and French. The General sends a desperate and embarrassing message back to the Allied Council at Tientsin. "I regret to inform you of the reverses encountered by this force. Although I cannot hold my position, retreat may be possible if I am reinforced. Can you spare anyone at all?"

The messenger returns swiftly. "French Colonial battalion coming to occupy old Italian redoubt. Key your retreat on this unit. Save all you can. We are with you."

Enter The Dragons:

The People have been waiting. For a hundred years, they have endured the opium, the loss of territory, the racism, the arrogant alien military presence, and even the sacking of the Imperial Summer Palace. Now they are ready to strike. Through the humble peasants, trained quickly by martial arts masters, The Middle Kingdom will have its revenge. They have been forged into the mystic and the fanatic. Bullets, they now believe, cannot harm them. They are now the Fists of Harmonious Righteousness. The Boxers. The first group of white robed fanatics from Column A are shot down easily. But the Boxer leaders learn quickly. They spread out into a skirmish order; harder to hit. A few with firearms shoot down a Japanese or a Russians here and there. The new tactic preserves them to come closer. Closer. The numberless hordes close in from all three columns, rolling over the battlefield like a wave of robed death.

The Horror! The Horror!

At this point the game was ended. Clearly the Chinese forces had triumphed. A massacre was shaping up to rival the great British disasters like the annihilation of the Army of the Indus in Afghanistan in 1841, scenes of total destruction during the Indian Mutiny, the slaughter at Isandlwana. in 1879, or the loss of Gordon at Khartoum. We can well imagine the ending: Small parties of Japanese and Russians cut off and surrounded; some in the Russian horseshoe redoubt. The newly arrived French Colonial battalion (not originally even in the scenario), forbidden to take offensive action, ironically acting like marines in standing on the defensive in the Italian redoubt--to cover the evacuation of the HQ troops and the rest. The Italian infantry covering the departure of the two artillery pieces. Waves of Boxers, attacking for two or three turns, actually coming into hand to hand combat, and pulling down a small number of the Europeans before failing back and practically dispersing for all intents and purposes, as they discover that they, like American Indian Ghost Dancers and African tribesmen who destroyed their own villages and wealth to give themselves protection against the dreaded European firearms, were not immune to the invadees bullets.

Finally, the chastened European force, harassed during the brief retreat, pulling back into the deeper Tientsin defenses to await the massive reinforcement coming from the home countries in Europe.

In Peking, the legations run out of ammunition and are forced to surrender. The battered survivors are paraded through the streets, running a gauntlet of slaughter, until the few survivors are thrown kneeling before the Empress Dowager! Will she be wise enough to negotiate from strength and make peace with the Europeans? Probably not. Will the Powers treat with her before their reinforcements allow a favorable military solution? Probably not. Neither side was known for restraint or moderation in victory. The failure to come to terms with the West spelled the end of the Manchu Dynasty.

Years later, missionaries from progressive Beloit College in Wisconsin ("The Yale of the Midwest") will help persuade American President Theodore Roosevelt to use part of the huge "Boxer Indemnity" assessed by the victorious Allies to fund the education of Chinese students studying in the USA. One day Charles Elsden, history student and Beloit Class of 1973, will hear about this generous practice, and think back on the days of China's distress.

CHINA BIBLIOGRAPHY

GENERAL

Baichang, Shen (ed.) The Great Wall, (Cultural Relics Publishing House, 1987).
Chamberlain, Jonathan Chinese - Gods, (Long Island Publishers, 1983).
Chan, Wing-Tsit (tr.) The Way of Lao Tzu (Tao-te ching)-, (Bobbs-Merrill Company Inc. 1963).
Clayre, Alasdair The Heart of the Dragon, (Houghton Mifflin, 1984).
Fieldhouse, D. K. The Colonial Empires: From The Eighteenth Century, (Dell, 1966).
Hearn, Maxwell K. Splendors of Imperial China: Treasures o Imperial China from the National Palace Museum. Taipei, Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. 1996).
Heath, Ian Armies of the Nineteenth Century: Asia Vol. 2 China (Foundry Books, 1998).
Kane, Thomas M. GURPS China: Magic and Adventure in the Ern ire of the Dragon (Steve Jackson Games, 1991).
Nafziger, Geroge The Growth and Organization of the Chinese A= (1895-1945). (The Nafziger Collection, 1999).
Ribner, S. and Chin, R. The Martial Arts, Harper & Row, 1978.
Sawyer, Ralph D. One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies: Battle and Tactics of Chinese Warfare (Westview Press, 1996).
Shi Nai I an and Luo Guanzhong Outlaws of the Marsh (The Water Margin vol 1), Foreign Language Press, Bejing, 1980).
Summerfield, John Fodor's People's Republic o China, (Fodor's Travel Guides, 1987).
Sun T'zu The Art of W (various editions and translations).
Tianwei, Yu Hil, Hills and Rivers of Guil . China Travel and Tourism Press.
Werner, E. T. C. MZhs and Legends of China. (Graham Brash (PTE) Ltd. 1984, orig. 1922).
Wu Chenlen Journey to the West (3 vols.) Foreign Language Press, Bejing, 1984).
Wu Ching-Tzu The Scholars, (Foreign Language Press, Bejing 1983).
Yuan Zhongyi Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses At The Tomb of Oin Shi Huang, (China International Book Trading Corporation, 1983).

2. THE TAIPING REBELLION 1845-1864

Carr, Caleb The Devil Soldier: The Story of Frederick Townsend Ward, (Random House, 1992).
Heath and Perry The Taiping Rebellion 1851-66 (Osprey Men-At-Arms #275).
Peers and Hook Late Imperial Chinese Armies 152 )-1840 (Osprey Men-At-Arms #307).
Spence, Jonathan God's Chinese Son: The Taping Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuq (W. W. Norton & Co, 1996).
Wilson, Andrew The'Ever-Victorious Army' Greenhill Books, 1991 (original 1868).

3. THE BOXER REBELLION

Bodin and Warner, The Boxer Rebellion (Osprey, Men-At-Arms #95).
Bronstein, Samuel 55 Days at Peking film- (Samuel Bronstein Productions, Inc. 1963).
Warner, Marina The Dragon Empress: The Life and Times of Tz I u-hsi, 1835-1908 Empress Dowager of China, (Hamish Hamilton, 1972).

4. WARLORDS AND WORLD WAR II

Caniff, Milton Terry and the Pirates, Daily strips reprinted (Flying Buttress Classics Library, black and white vols. 1-25 1986-1992)
Chang, Iris The Rave of Nankin, (Basic Books, 1997)
Haythornthwaith Phillip The Colonial Wars Sourcebook. (Arms and Armour, 1995).
Hsu Long-hsuen and Chang, Ming-kai Histojy of the Sino-Japanese War 1937-1945, Chung Wu Publishing Co. Taipei, 1971
Jowett and Andrew, Chinese Civil War Armies 1911-49 Osprey At-Arms #306).
Mishler, Clayton SamTan Sailor: A Navy Man's Adventures in WWII China Brassey's (US), 1994.
Mollo, Andrew The Armed Forces of World War II; Uniforms. Insignia. and Organization. Crown Publishers Incorporated, 1981).
Seagrave, Sterling The Soong Dynasty, (Harper & Row, 1985).
Toland, John The Rising Sun: The Decline and Fall of the Japanese Empire 1936-45 (2 vols.), (Random House, 1970).
Wilson, Dick When Tigers Fight: The Story of the Sino-Japanese War 1937 -1945, (The Viking Press, 1982).
Wunder, George Terry and the Pirates. reprint of the 19534 adventure "The Night- Fighter Deception" (Dragon Lady Press, #8, 1988).

More China

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