(Reprinted from TABLE TOP TALK, March 1967 with the kind permission of Jack Scruby)

One of the more interesting "side-show" campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars began in early July of 1798 when General Bonaparte disembarked a goodly portion of his famed Army of Italy near Alexandria, Egypt.

Three years and one month later the remnants of this French force surrendered to a combined British and Turkish Empire army, and the campaign was over. During this time were fought some interesting battles and campaigns, and in fact it might be called the first "colonial expansion" action in the history of Africa where white men attempted to take over a native empire. Actually, Napoleon originally felt the conquest of Egypt might lead to the ultimate conquest of India (after surrender of the Turkish empire), which in turn would upset England so badly that she would leave Revolutionary France to settle affairs with the European powers.

Strangely enough after Nelson destroyed the French fleet in August, 1798, and marooned the" French army in Egypt, the British government did not bother or worry about the French army, until early 1801. So it is doubtful if Napoleon's strategy had any effect whatsoever on the European conflict.

Notwithstanding this, the Egyptian campaign lends itself to the war game table, for during this period the French fought against Mamelukes. Egyptians, Turks, Syrians, Albanians, Arabs and British and Indian troops, in one of the most colorful and exciting stories of "forgotten" campaigns It is with this in mind that Scruby Miniatures decided to portray these soldiers in 25mm scale, so tha. many of our other castings of the African wars could be used.

The HISTORY of this campaign has been well reported, and any wargamer reading it will gel some idea of how great this could be played out on the war game table. I feel one can use historical background, organization of troops, and types of armies and soldiers, as they actually were, but that the war game itself is best to be on the "mythical" side to make for more interesting actions. For example, although the British did not actually get into the campaign until late- and after the disgusted French troops were ready to surrender anyway it makes for better wargaming to have the British form the "hard core" of a combined British-Turkish force, trying to throw the French out of Egypt. And, when one considers that the French actually penetrated up the Nile beyond Aswan in their quest to destroy the remnants of the Mameluke army, one can have battles of French versus natives, French versus British, French versus British and Turks, in endless variety. And, although the French did not set up any "native" (askari) units, in war gaming this can be done, and a most fascinating "war., can be fought with the many varied types of troops available.

It is with this idea in mind that we designed the 25mm figures that are listed. In the following pages, we'll give you some background history and information that can get you started in this interesting war game series of figures.

THE FRENCH ARMY

At this period the French forces were organized in "DemiBrigades" which originally consisted of companies of Fusiliers and I company of Grenadiers, totaling about 1000 men. (Later in the campaign, a Demi-Brigade consisted of 4 companies of Fusiliers, and I of Grenadiers). Some of the colors of these troops in their "Egyptian Unifonn' were as follows:

4th Light Lt. Green jacket, crimson collar, crimson "pouffe"on cap, crimson cuffs and coat turnbacks.

9th Scarlet jacket, green collar, cuffs, turnbacks, red "pouffe".

13th Crimson jacket, blue collar, maroon cuffs, turnbacks, Blue "pouffe"

18th Scarlet coat, maroon collar, yellow cuffs, turnbacks, black "pouffe"

25th Crimson jacket, Medium blue collar, cuffs, turnbacks, red and white "pouffe",

32nd Crimson jacket, Prussian blue collar, cuffs, turnbacks, blue and white "pouffe"

61st Brown jacket, yellow collar, cuffs, turnbacks, black and white "pouffe"

69th Brown jacket, scarlet collar, cuffs, turnbacks, yellow and white "pouffe"

88th Violet jacket (later changed to scarlet), blue collar, green cuffs and facings, yellow and blue 'pouffe"

The pants for all troops was white, belts were white, overcoat roll (on top of knapsack) white, gray leggings and black or brown shoes. Cap was black, probably cut out from their old bicorns. The "pouffe"-was a group of feathers sewed onto the top of the cap.

After the sinking of the French fleet by Nelson, Napoleon organized the sailors and Marines from (e fleet into the Legion Nautique. These were organized into 9 company demibrigades exactly as were the infantry. They were dressed as the infantry, with the exception of their hats. Their jackets were scarlet. with white collar, blue cuffs and tumbacks. Besides these, Napoleon also organized several "Legions", including the Maltese Legion, the Cophte Legion and the Greek Legion. These troops were used mostly for policing the conquered areas under French control.

FRENCH CAVALRY consisted mainly of Dragoons, dressed in green coats exact y as were all French Dragoons of the Napoleonic wars. The 22nd Chasseurs a Cheval were along, and these too wore the green Chasseur uniform. Unique was Napoleon's Guides, which he took to Egypt as his 'Guard', and eventually the survivors of the Egyptian unit became members of the Consular, then the lo Imperial Guards as Guides. In Egypt these men (some 300 in number) wore a black bicorn, Green coat with red collar and cuffs, and with lapels and turnbacks being green piped with red. They wore Bred vest with gold frogging (which could be seen under the coat), and green pants-overalls with a side red stripe down the leg, and yellow buttons.

FRENCH ARTILLERYMEN wore the Egyptian Uniform, but it was their traditional dark blue (jacket and pants), with red facings. (The Scruby castings of all artillerymen are made so that the anns may be positioned in different poses, and rammers, etc. can be added easily to them).

THE BRITISH ARMY

In the Syrian campaign, British marines fought at the Siege of Acre and were used extensively throughout the entire war.

From India, another group under General Baird eventually arrived in the Red Sea, marched against Cairo and took part the cleanup of the French. Most notable among these troops were some 3000 Indian troops whose uniforms impressed the Egyptian population immensely". At this time these troops part of the East India Company's army and were dressed in a unusual blue cap with yellow trim and pom-pom; short red jackets with no tails, with button lace as the British uniform was, and with facing colors on collar, cuff and shoulderboards. They wore white "shorts" with blue edging on the bottom, bar legs, and sandals. Facings for some of these units (and I am not sure which units took part in the Egyptian campaign) are Madras Native Infantry- 2nd regt., deep green; 4th, orange; 5th, black; 8th green. Bombay infantry - I st, orange; 3rd, black; 6th light yellow, etc. (Take your pick, they will make colorful troops for our wargarnes army!

THE NATIVE ARMIES

Fighting both with--and against- the Mamelukes (and the French) were the many Arab tribes, who took whichever side they could get the most from.

Joining with the British- and of course defending Syria against Napoleon- were the regular Turkish troops. Some of these were excellent fighters, but were poorly led. These troops in the main dressed in red vests (some units wore green with fancy embroidery down the front, bottom and back. Their shirts and pants were usually white, as were their belts. Their waist sashes were many colored, while their turbans were usually white cloth wound around a red fez. Boots were black. Weapons were usually of European manufacture. Cavalry were generally of the Janissary type, fighting with scimitar and spear, and the Scruby castings listed can be used as Turkish cavalry . (as well as the Mameluke castings)

A WAR GAME OF THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN

In war games, where your opponent will have British and Turkish regulars, the Square formation may be no good, so it will be up to each war game commander to decide how best to use his men.

And considering that with the many varied troops available, you can have "point values" depending on the type of troops you have in your army, you'll find that this- like all African war Gaines- will be exciting and interesting - and yet still be different from the later period African Colonial actions.