A Delaying Action

 A short report follows regarding one of the ongoing actions on the fictional continent of Uqbal during Albionia's Colonial Wars.

General Gallagher has been instructed to lead a force to relieve the beleaguered garrison at Wundah-Wahl. The shortest route involves crossing an area of desert with a single Oasis situated two-thirds of the way. This water hole is essential for the mission as Gallagher's men are marching fast with no supporting transport. Unfortunately they arrive to find the Oasis held against them.

The objective for the Albionian force is to defeat the smaller force of tribesmen in 10 turns. The tribesmen need to delay the enemy and do as much damage as possible. The rifle armed regular troops have better range but are out of water and cannot afford to wait too long. The less well equipped tribesmen benefit from some cover but cannot exchange fire until the soldiers get relatively close.

Gallagher risked casualties and advanced on the left and in the centre, whilst his right fired at the tribesmen hiding in the thorn bushes, from a safe distance.

The Naval Brigade got in close and took hits and were eventually withdrawn in favour of regular infantry, though not before they had inflicted casualties on the enemy.

On the right the tribesmen were slowly being picked off leading to a mad rush to close quarters by many of their number who were only armed with swords. The Indran Colonial Regiment met them with fixed bayonets.

On turn 9, General Gallagher led the Guards towards the surviving tribesmen. At this point the locals had had enough and they began to break and run.

A success for the Colonists who are now able to recuperate and move on.