Maori Wars - Well Done the 58th!

 The scenario involved the British player being tasked with relieving some settlers who are being troubled by some unhappy, rebellious Maoris. The British had to move through some broken ground, identify the Maori positions and defeat them in detail, in order to save the settlers. To this end, they have 2 companies of the 58^th Regiment, a contingent of sailors and marines, a group of Auckland Volunteer militia and a 32pdr gun. The Maori player has to fight off the Crown Forces, defend their Pas and keep the spirit of freedom alive with a number of warbands, supported by an antique deck cannon.

The Maoris fought bravely, engaging in hand-to-hand combat several times, but the resolve of the 58^th couldn’t be broken and it was they that managed to root the warriors out of their positions with more accurate musketry and the cold hard steel of the bayonet!

The big disappointment of the day was the performance of the Militia. The Auckland Volunteers ran away twice at the rasp of the Maori antique deck cannon! They weren’t of any use and should have really just stayed in the camp, leaving the real fighting to the experts.

All figures by Empress Miniatures. Rules were heavily amended Muskets and Tomahawks.

Maori Wars Wargame

Maori Wars Wargame

Carry on Up The Khyber - A ridiculous romp set on North West Frontier

The 3rd Foot and Mouth managed to be overrun in both plays at this scenario. An officer of the Raj, being held by the great Khazi of Khalabar, had to be freed from captivity. Nevertheless the 'stiff upper lip', along with good old fashioned British pluck, weren't enough to save them from the devious Afghan tribesmen who were not going to be 'taken up the Khyber'!

Maori Wars - Based on Ruapekapeka 1846

In this first game, set in the 1840s, the British, spearheaded by the 58th Foot, assaulted the well constructed and expertly defended Pa. The attack met stubborn Maori resistance and failed to break into the sophisticated Pa fortifications. Maori placed in ambush also proved to be a menace on the flanks. 

Rules used were amended Muskets and Tomahawks. The figures are all Empress Miniatures.

Maori Chiefs issue blood curdling battle cries

32pdr and Congreve Rocket Tubes

Advancing towards the Pa

Sailors and Marines

Maoris take up firing positions

British officers discuss battle plans with allied Maori

Inside the Pa

The British camp

Militia

58th Foot

Heart of Darkness - 19th Century African Adventure

In this game, a force of Arab slavers are victorious against the good guys, who were trying to stop them From conducting their evil trade.

The great looking scenery is all purpose built and homemade. The rules used are Osprey’s ‘The Men Who Would be King‘. The figures are mostly Wargames Foundry and North Star.