Sunday the 29th August witnessed a hard-fought SP2 game with the British trying to relieve the garrison besieged in the Residency of Cawnpore. A mixed force of regulars and Honourable East India Company troops were attacking a village aiming to seize a ford and thus allow heavier artillery to pass through. The defenders were the usual Sepoy rabble albeit some better Sepoy troops plus cavalry were known to be en route from Gwalior.
The British pushed their light troops forward on one flank, with cavalry and line infantry advancing steadily through the centre.
The Indians had mainly poor troops in the centre, with the Gwalior contingent coming on to contest the walled garden against the Sikhs and British lights. The sight of cavalry trying to jump multiple walls was most amusing.
The British cavalry attacked through the centre but took cannon and musket fire, and were forced to retreat in some disorder.
The British line formation gave fire but the Indians stood relatively firm.
Even when finally forced back there were more units to take their place.
The cavalry and lights fought to an impasse, with neither side having the strength or will to carry the day.
When a second HEIC unit was forced back it was decided to award the day to the Mutineers. The residency would fall soon after.
A game that I think everyone enjoyed. I noted that the Indians are universally very cheap, and seem excellent value. I’m not sure their cost reflects their actual “combat power and resilience”. One to muse on….!
Simon
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