I set up the terrain at random and the French force of - a Company of the Foreign Legion , a unit of Algerian Tirailleurs and a squadron of Chasseurs D' Africa were picked at random from the first box file I came across . I have a list of twenty different Arab forces which I diced for and came up with four units of cavalry . Ammunition for units in TSATF is decided by dice throws and the Arab force only got two rounds each !? - I thought ' Ah ! '- that must be the reason for them attacking the French column - to get more ammo ! - I quickly added a couple of camels for the French to escort .
I diced for the location of the Arab forces and unfortunately they appeared very close to the French .
The Arabs charged in to the French before they had properly deployed- and the Foreign Legion hadn't even arrived on the table ! .
The unit of Tuareg Camel charged home into the Tirailleurs killing all the French command figures but were wiped out by the resolute Algerians .
The Legion Company escorting the camels were caught still in column when the initiative cards allowed the Arab cavalry a second movement and cut them down ! . On the other flank a fierce cavalry melee resulted in the Chasseurs fleeing ! - not a good day for the French .
Next move the Arabs captured the camels and drove them off the board - thus ending the game ! . Over in four moves!, the poor French - what a disaster !
The loser - Capt. Jaq Cousteau , what a disgrace ! . If word gets back to Sidi Bel Abbes about this fiasco he's finished - another force must be gathered quickly , those natives punished and the ammunition recovered .
The winner Mussa Ag Amastane , he parades the captured camels through his followers , rather pleased that he has got one up on the French and more importantly his rival -
Attici Ag Amellal - who because the game ended so quickly never appeared on the table - due to repairs to his weaponry (see previous post) , he's annoyed ! and as the true leader of his people the prestige and the ammunition belong to him ! - people don't believe that his prayers brought victory ! . So the scene is set for the next game - the table has been cleared , the terrain reset and forces decided on . Too be continued .........
Oh my. No wonder the war lasted as long as it did!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyable read though and looking forward to the next.
Yes this game didnt go as planned, Tony
DeleteAn interesting scenario- it appears the poor French didn't stand a chance- hope the outcome for the Foreign Legion is better in the next Battle. KEV.
ReplyDeleteThey had a run of bad luck and neber really got started, Tony
DeleteGreat game...reminded me I have a box of Airfix legionaries in the garage that need looking at.
ReplyDeleteAh! Airfix Legionaries, last lot I had became ACW Zouaves, TSATF always delivers, Tony
DeleteSuper game - one up for the arabs
ReplyDeleteThey are on a roll at the moment , Tony
DeleteGreat game! Beau Geste went West
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DeleteHope they do better in the next game , Tony
Quelle catastrophe! You've reminded me - I still have to play a memorial game.
ReplyDeleteSometimes everything goes wrong ! , Tony
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