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

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

Maori Wars - Empress Miniatures Review

These are the first completions for my Maori Wars Project. I've completed the forces for the First Maori War of the 1840s, which sees British infantry in red coats. I have about 50 Maoris, with similar numbers of British, comprising infantry, sailors and militia.

Empress Miniatures run a fantastic line, predominantly covering the earlier conflict. I really can't fault these figures. As with all Empress Miniatures, the attention to historic detail is impressive. They are extremely well detailed, full of character, perfectly proportioned, and come without anything in the way of flashing or excess prep work. They are also a joy to paint. 

I have started putting together some British for the second Maori Wars of the 1860s, in which the British all wore blue coats. Perry Miniatures run line of 1860s 'British Intervention force' (for a hypothetical involvement the ACW), which work perfectly, and are fully compatible with Empress.

I've also constructed a Maori defensive 'Pa' and have some bell tents for the British camp.

Unfortunately this lot hasn't seen action yet. Hopefully, as restrictions are gradually ended, they will see action as the club reconvenes in our usual venue.

Perry Miniatures artillery for the later wars