A Sharpe Action in Wiggiam Valley

A Sharpe Action in Wiggiam Valley

The game was played using Sharpes Practice Indian Mutiny Variant called War without Mercy. None of the players had played Sharpes Practice but have played IABSM(I aint been shot mum) produced by TwoFatLardies.

 On with the story. Word has come from Indostan Civil Service that a abandoned border station at the entrance to Wiggiam Valley on the Northwest Frontier might have become a way station for raiders. Clearly this cannot stand so a request is made for a small detactment of HEIC troops to investigate. The orders are to determine if there is truth to these rumors and if so establish a military presence at the station if not practicable, fire any remaining building to denie usage to hostile raiders. 

Captain Blysabe was tasked with the mission he requested SGT Peachy to assist as Peachy had knowledge of the area. Medical Officer Dr. Watson was sent along to tend to natives encountered in route. HEIC doctors carry large medical kits to assist natives while in the field and Watson is know as an avid hunter who would enjoy some sport along the way. He also possesses an excellent eye for detail and a keen mind.

In terms of the game we had Blysabe a lvl 3 Big Man (BM), Peachy a lvl 2 (BM) with a spotting bonus and Dr. Watson lvl 1 (BM), 3 groups of 12 Sepoys with each group including a Chosen Man with a Baker Rifle, who may be called forth to make any special shots requested. 

The Ango-Indian player is unaware that the site he is heading to has been in use for sometime by a local raider and neer do-weller named Sha Sugun and one of the remaining builds at the border station has become a vault for some of his misbegotten booty. 

Sha Sugun had become aware the HEIC advance towards the valley and has gathered what forces he could to drive them off. He needed time to gather camels and bullocks to empty his loot. 

5ft by 7ft table played length wise. The pictures below show the lay out. Hills are rough ground and provide cover.

The Raiders force set up in Blinds and the HEIC moved on to the field of battle and was wary of ambuscades. After action reports will show they deployed along to much of an extended front.While not keeping in standard spacing.

 

 As you can see in the above picture the center group lead by Peachy pushed far ahead of the flanking groups. This turned out to be a poor choice as it left them exposed to a light cannon and incessant musket fire. As the flanking groups made contact the center group was exposed to cannon fire and not positioned to support either flank. 

Cannon cover central approach

Left flank lead by Blysabe himself is ambushed to little effect, 

Dr. Watson encouters troops led by the Great Raider, Sha Sugun with his banner.

We played it that the edge of the hill provided cover and allowed firing over the hill. Without being against the edge the models troops would be in the open. 

The spotting attempts by Peachy in the center to see the flank forces were terrible, however the flank leaders did well and cleared a few blinds cause a little early commitment for the Raiders. 

Blysabe at the charge.

2 to 1 fighting but a Hero of the Empire Blysabe keeps the Sepoys in it and prevails

The battle line.

Dr. Watson holding the hillok above is in to deep. He only came to treat wounded and provide assisant to natives. Clearly holding a battle line is beyond his mandate and his Sepoy group is clearly made of stern stuff. 

If you look closely at the battle line picture you will see the center group of Sepoys is without Peachy. Cannon shrapnel put him out and combine with musktry from Sha Sugun's group drove his group of Sepoy out of the fight. 

On the far end of the table Blyasbe pushes his group hard and breaks to two groups facing him, in the Melee the mounted raider commander (Nana Mohamed) is dismounted. Mohamed's horse barrels through the Sepoys and throws him but he is able to recover his wits, dust himself off and make it around Blysabe's troops and back to his troops, sans his mount. Also with much hooting and cheering for all in attendance.

Blysabe and his Sepoys frustrated their efforts where for not

Broken raiders falling back from Blysabes fury

Dr.Watson orders his troops back and sprints to the building to set it ablaze

Dr.Watson see's the end is near and orders a retreat for the men. he then heroically rushes one of the buildings and attempts to light it ablze giving the men time to fall back and some cover in the smoke.

 In the end all had fun and it was agreed that the HEIC troops did not form up as needed to over come the force arrayed against them. Blysabe will step up his patrols along the border and has assured Dr. Watson his bravery and cool head will have a prominent place in the dispatch regarding the hot action at Wiggims Valley.