Indian Mutiny - Siege of Delhi, 1857 - Assault on the Kashmir Gate

In this entertaining refight, representing the assault on the Kashmir Gate during the Siege of Delhi in 1857, the British had good fortune to blow the gate with barrels of gunpowder (killing one of the brave soldiers in the process). They were also able to create a breach in a nearby section of Delhi's walls. This enabled the two columns to rush forward into the breaches and fight their way through the narrow streets of Old Deli. 

There was a disgraceful episode when a regular regiment of British infantry - the 75th Foot - routed in the face of marauding Mutineers! Fortunately, the Mutiny hero, Brigadier Major Nicholson, was able to rally the regiment and bring them back into the fray. Other than that, the hordes of rebellious mutineers almost overcame the assaulting columns, but robust stances by the 1st Bengal Fusiliers, and the loyal Gurkhas, managed to hold their nerve and see off disorganised rabble to recapture the city.

This was a similar outcome to the historical battle. The charismatic Nicholson survived the refight, but unfortunately was mortally wounded in the actual battle.

Nicholson statue in Lisburn, Northern Ireland

The Relief of Lady Smith, North West Frontier, 1890s

In this fun scenario, using Osprey's Men Who Would Be Kings rules, the British player had to come to the relief of Lady Smith (not to be confused with the town of Ladysmith of Boer War fame!). Somehow her Ladyship had become stranded in territory swarming with wily, untrustworthy Pathans. Quite what Madam was thinking of by putting herself in such a vulnerable, dangerous position, is unknown. This unfortunate oversight necessitated the dispatch of a number of British infantry sections to her rescue.

Unfortunately for her Ladyship, not to mention the brave lads that sought to come to her aid, they were all slaughtered by the bloodthirsty, victorious Pathans. Lady Smith was certainly not relieved.