20 September 1890 - Leaving Shalkani Village

 A strong reconnaissance heads NW from Shalkani village towards the Lowari Pass.

The intel that LT Lowell and Naik Gurung #4864 gleaned from their new Pathan ally Abdali Rahimi Khan is priceless and will save valuable time on their movements north towards Chitral.

The unmapped pass leaving the valley was wide enough for 4 riders abreast, or even a service wagon! Naik Gurung #4864’s hand drawn map, based on Abdali Rahimi Khan’s description is assisting the column out of the valley. The Pashtun escort  leading the Reconnaissance party though very ruffian in appearance is greatly appreciated.

This encounter was played out in Kansas by my buddy Bob as part of our ongoing campaign being chronicled on the excellent Lead Adventure Forum's colonial page, topic thread: Page 1 or 49 Link:

Never Trust Anyone on the Frontier, an Epic NWF Campaign....

                                                  

This AAR comes from my buddy Rhingyll: 20 September 1890 - Leaving Shalkani Village

             Lt Lowell has returned to the camp of the 1st Brigade of the Chitral Field Force. He along with Naik Gurung #4864 have briefed the commanding officer of the brigade, General McGuinness, on the information gathered. One of the village Elders encountered, gave them information about a secret pass that would save them significant time on their march to relieve Chitral. Naik Gurung #4864 did not entirely trust the information that was given to them regarding the pass and wasn’t sure that it existed at all. General McGuinness is well aware of the fact that nobody can be trusted on the Northwest Frontier. A decision was made to further investigate the possibility of this pass and a larger reconnaissance force under the command of Captain Aylmer Cameron (72nd Highlanders) would be sent out. This force would include a heliograph team that would be able to signal back information to the main force as it continued to slog its way northward, to and through, Lowari Pass. After traversing the Lowari Pass, which wasn’t an easy task by any means, the patrol sets up camp.

                                               Captain Aylmer Cameron

1 unit of Pashtun guides (platoon sized)
1 squadron of the 77th Lancers (Lt Howell)
1 company of the 2nd Gurkhas (Naik Gurung #4864)
1 platoon of the 23rd Sikh Pioneers
1 platoon of 72nd Highlanders (Capt Aylmer Cameron)
1 signal corps heliograph team
Baggage train

Meanwhile, A Russian Brigade commanded by General Vasily Perovsky has successfully crossed the Dora Pass into the Chitral. Progress is slow and Perovsky has sent out a re-con patrol to see if there is any easier and faster path towards Chitral. The patrol, commanded by Major Petrov Stepanovich, has lost its bearings, ventured off course, and is now heading south of Chitral towards the northwestern side Lowari Pass.

Major Petrov Stepanovich

1 company of the Kuban Cossack Regiment
1 company of the Smolenski Line Regiment
1 company of the Kharkiv Line Regiment
1 squadron of Pavlogradski Hussars
Baggage Train

Upon spotting the British encampment, Major Stepanovich has been lost for several days now, and his baggage train has slowly been reduced to literally nothing. He has lost most of his animals and supplies to thieving Chitralis who make off with the animals during the cover of darkness. His men are now hungry and growing restless and he fears he may soon have a mutiny on his hands. But their hunger and desperation could serve to boost their fighting spirit. For Stepanovich, his only option for attack was a full-on frontal attack. He positioned himself and the Kuban Cossacks in the middle, flanked by the Smolenksi Line on the left and the Kharkiv Line to his right. The Hussars were directly behind his infantry in the center.

As the Russians advanced, the Pashtun Guides bolted for the hills, but the Martinis and Sniders of the 72nd Highlanders and 23 Sikh Pioneers opened up a deadly fire from their positions behind the carts of the baggage train. The Kuban Cossacks took the brunt of the fire on their center position. Their advance was halted but the Hussars skirted out from behind them and made a headlong charge towards the 77th Lancers. The two cavalry units made contact and engaged in a rolling melee. The advantage was with the 77th Lancers initially as their lances created a mismatch. It looked as though all for lost for the Pavlogradski Hussars, then fate stepped in. A lot of dust was kicked up during the melee, and the 72nd Highlanders for some reason fired into the melee, causing heavy casualties among the Lancers. The Lancers became demoralized and as the Hussars pressed the attack, the Indian lancers routed and disappeared back into the Lowari Pass.

Meanwhile the Kuban Cossacks were decimated by the continued fire from behind the British baggage train wagons and Major Stepanovich was nowhere in sight. The best chance of success for the Russians at this point was for the Smolenski Line to keep the 2nd Gurkhas busy by engaging them in a long-range firefight while the remnants of the Hussars along with the still at full strength Kharkiv Line Regiment tried to flank the 72nd Highlanders and 23rd Sikhs behind the baggage train carts.
Naik Gurung #4864 was severely wounded during the exchange of fire between the Gurkhas and the Smolenski line.  A sense of panic spread amongst the usually steadfast and brave Gurkhas as their casualties grew. They eventually broke ranks, and like the 77th Lancers, headed back through the Lowari pass, deserting the wounded Naik Gurung #4864. Seeing the Gurkhas flee emboldened the Smolenskis and they pressed on toward the British encampment on the opposite flank of the Hussars and Kharkiv regiment.

The remnants of the Pavlogradski Hussars charged the 72nd Highlanders but were easily repulsed due to their lack of numbers and the bravery of the Highlanders. However, the cavalry charge diverted the attention of the Highlanders and the Kharkiv unit was able to advance within shortrange of the 72nd.

On the other flank, the steady fire of the Snider rifles of the 23rd Pioneers drove back the Smolenski line and they eventually gave up and left the field of battle.
Captain Aylmer Cameron of the Highlanders raised a flag of truce and met with the commander of the last remaining Russians; the Kharkiv Regiment. Cameron had in tow, Major Petrov Stepanovich, who had been captured during the action. Both agreed that further conflict would just result in more lives lost for both sides. Cameron agreed to give the Russians one cart load of food and Stepanovich in exchange for them leaving and ceasing the attack. The Russians were all to happy to hear this and gladly accepted the offer.

The British now broke camp and headed back towards the pass to eventually link up with General McGuinness’ column once again. The Russians, who were lost already, wandered off into the hills with their much needed food. And what became of the severely wounded Naik Gurung #4864?

18 September 1890 - Lieutenant Lowell & Naik Majendra Bahadur Gurung #4864, Billy Fish

 

Lieutenant Lowell and Naik Gurung # 4864 are moving through the foothills looking for good ground for the 1st Brigade to advance upon. 

As the Russians move south across the Chitral Territory border …..

….the British move north towards Chitral to relieve the beleaguered garrison of Chitral Fort. 

The Anglo-Indian 1st Brigade of the Chitral Field Force is probing north towards the Chitral territory. The attached political officer Lieutenant Reginald Lowell scouts ahead with a patrol of the 77th Bengal Lancers and is accompanied by his adjutant Naik Majendra Bahadur Gurung, aka, Billy Fish. 

 

                          

Political Officer Lieutenant Reginald Lowell (left) and General Sir Leighton McGuinness (right)

                            

Naik Majendra Bahadur Gurung, aka, Billy Fish, Naik Gurung # 4864 of the 2nd Gurkhas. 

They have come across many villages and tribes of various Pashtun peoples. Some encounters have been productive, others have not.

On the approach to Shalkani village Jemadar Singh of the 77th Bengal Lancers dismounts with one section and advances on foot, lead by LT Lowell and Naik Gurung #4864, while the remaining section maintains a perimeter security picket. 

Naik Gurung #4864 makes contact with a shepherd who takes him to the village head man’s house where LT Lowell and Billy Fish make introductions. 

                            

They are invited to tea and discuss the world. As LT Lowell questions the village elder he sees an old British cavalry saber by the fire, he moves towards it, noticing the Ishapore India 1840 manufacturing stamp. As he attempts to pick it up Tulwars are drawn and jezzails are pointed towards the ferenghi. LT Lowell draws his saber as well. 

Billy Fish does not draw his weapon, instead he laughs loudly. They all look at each other and a riotous laughter breaks out amongst them all. 

“I see you like my saber Lieutenant!” says Abdali Rahimi Khan. 

“Yes indeed Khan” LT Lowell responds. “I noticed a barracks and date stamp, Ishapore India, 1840!”

“You have good eyes and even better perception for a foreigner.” Abdali says with squinting eyes. “My father served in the 3rd Bengal Native Infantry Regiment  during the Indian War for Independence, this saber belonged to his officer who died protecting his men! No one touches this saber. “

“Understood Khan, my apologies for any disrespect and my gratitude for your family’s service to the crown!”

With many stories being told and the sun beginning to set LT Lowell and Naik Gurung #4864 bid farewell. 

LT Lowell and Naik Gurung #4864 discuss the meeting as they head back to their cavalry escort. 

“That was a very productive meeting. Cooler heads prevailed thanks to you old boy! The general is going to be very pleased with the information we gained about the surrounding tribes and the hidden pass through the mountains.”

“Yes sahib, what do you think 

Abdali Rahimi Khan will do with the rupees and rifle you gave him. I have a feeling we will see him again sah.” Billy Fish exclaimed. 

That night LT Lowell briefs General McGuinness and his staff.

This action was fought out using a deck of playing cards and TSATF to determine the characters actions. 

20 August 1890 - Bulgur Pass

Chitral Field Force, heading north through the Bulgur Pass towards the Chitral Territory to relieve Chitral Fort. 

We pick up where we left off in the last blog post, link to part I.

LAF - NWF Campaign - 1st Brigade approaching Bulgur Pass

Link to the main Epic NWF Campaign on the LAF, Lead Adventure Forum:

An Epic NWF Campaign    

The column is halted as the General reads the message. Sergeant Major Brom calls a halt, orders the men to drink water, and sends out scouts from each unit to the surrounding ominous looking mountains.  

General McGuninness confers with his officers and orders the column forwards. Sergeant Major Brom orders the scouts to push further out. The Anglo-Indian force must reach Chitral Fort with all possible haste. 

The scouts move further out to protect the mule train.

The column advances in a cloud of dust, the baking sun already causing discomfort for both men and beasts alike. With a loud war cry of “Allah Akbar!!!!” fanatical Ghazi warriors burst from the tree line and charge the front of the column. After a brief moment of surprise the crack of independent rifle fire starts at the front of the column. 

Two tribes of fanatical Ghazis attack the front of the column 

stopping the entire column in their tracks. Despite the Pashtun casualties from rifle fire the Ghazis charge home and close with the feringhee. (They easily made their die role to close as I rated the Ghazis as Zulu for morale based on my friend’s recommendations, the Mad Guru himself. In addition they do not roll for stragglers!)

The Gurkhas are the first hit and loose several men in the first melee but manage to overcome the initial surprise and defeat one tribe. The 2nd charging tribe didn’t have enough movement to make contact with the column and had to wait until the following turn to charge again. 

General McGuinness orders his Battalion commanders to form combined unit squares around the precious pack mules. The officers gain control of their men, commands of “Form Square!” rings out. With parade ground precision these veterans of The Grim do just that and deftly form three separate squares.

The Ghazis charge again, and again, relentless and blood thirsty! More Pathan tribes move to the edge of the tree line and unleashe ambush fire into the tightly packed column as the Ghazis melee with the front square. 

Several Gurkha and Indian soldiers fall to the accurate Pathan fire from their flank. 

The square returns fire killing many a faithful Pashtun. 

The Bulgar Pass is filled with the crack of rifles and the fanatical screams of Ghazi & Pathan tribesmen. 

          A steadfast square guarding the rear of the column. 

From atop the pass Umra Khan’s Afridi tribesmen fire into the column taking care to not hit the precious mules since they are the main reason for this multi tribe raid. 

To the front of the column and across the valley can be seen more Pashtun warriors emerging from the hills heading towards the column intent on teaching the feringhee a lesson and stealing their mules. 

With the column halted by a melee at its front, and receiving musketry from both flanks, more Pashtun fighters see the opportunity to finish off what appears to be a struggling foe. 

From the southeastern pass emerges Mohameden warriors lead by Osamadouga Khan. With loyalty to none in this valley on this day they move into position like jackals moving in to strike at a wounded beast while the rest of the pack does the same. 

The squares advance, albeit slowly. The Ghazis charge again but are repulsed, forced back, and finally route from the table. None of the Anglo-Indian units falter despite the mounting casualties. 

Waziri warriors led by Muletail Khan, nephew of Mulehead Khan the Fakir of the frontier, the false prophet of Waziristan, the purveyor of the false book, rush forth from the southwestern pass. 

Fort Bulgur awakens with the mountain Gun battery of the 5th Bengal Artillery ranging in on the Afridi tribesmen on the crest of the mountain.

The Helipgraph crew get orders to send the signal of the attack to the nearest outpost. 

Returning from patrol B troop of the 77th Bengal Lancers comes to lend a hand. Alas the cards favor the Pashtuns of Osamadouga’s clans and bequeathed him first movement to allow him to gain the cover of Bulgur village and the surrounding rough ground to negate the Lancers charge!

Allah appears to be pulling the cards as the Pashtuns also get first fire this turn. The 77th Lancers ride through a hail of lead. 

As the Waziris advance the British square sets their sights on them, killing several, slowing them down. 

The jezzails go silent on the mountain as the musketry from the Afridi tribesmen suddenly stops. A Subadar Major of the Corp of Guides can be seen on the mountain top conversing with Buda Khan, leader of the Afridi tribesmen present. Several mules are being led into the positions of Buda Khans men by men of Corp of Guides.

The artillery shells from the 5th Bengal Artillery seem to be falling way wide of the Afridi tribesmen. Is this an error or by intent?

The Afridi tribesmen gather their mules, dismount the mountain and move towards the Waziris. 

The column continues to advance towards Fort Bulgur. With the arrival of the 77th Bengal Lancers combined with the decimation of the Ghazis and Pashtuns in the woods the resistance has slackened considerably. 

Muletail Khan orders an all out combined attack on the column. The Waziri warriors surge forward but Osamadouga’s Mohammedans stay in cover and Umra Khan’s nephew Buda Khan attacks the tribes of Muletails Waziri! The Afridi warriors fire into the Waziris killing the lashkar leader of the lead Waziri tribe. Muletail himself is only saved because he lacks the bravery to lead from the front!

The Highlanders muster and sortie forth from the fort to assist their newfound allies. 

With the death of his cousin, the treachery of the Afridis, and the indecision of the Mohammedans, Muletail Khan orders an immediate jirga to be held. As his uncle’s sway is strong in this valley the tribesmen melt back into the Grim leaving the feringhee to recover their casualties and make it safely to Fort Bulgur.

The fort resupplied, the casualties attended to, the beasts and men rested, 1st Brigade then mounts up and moves north to the Uch pass defended by the Yusufzais. 

Buda Khan is the victor this day as he secured himself 5 mules for aiding the English, or should we say outwitting the British. Will this lead to more cooperation with the feringhee invaders, a temporary alliance, or a total banishment from the Pashtun communities. 

A wise old mullah once told me…. “Never trust anyone on the Frontier!”