Bala Hissar or Bust! 1879 Fictional Scenario, Second Afghan War

Here are a few images of a Second Afghan War era game using "The Sword and the Flame" rules. The beautiful "set" was designed and built by Ethan "Mad Guru" Reiff. The figures are mostly Ethan's with a few units of Pathans and Bengal Lancers from my own collection.

The scenario called for the Anglo-Indian contingent to break out of their camp, together with a large hoard of camp followers, to try to gain the protection of the British-held fortress of Bala Hissar.

Despite some audacious cavalry attacks by Will and Jeff, pursued in true death or glory style, the overwhelming number of angry Pathans was too much for the column and it suffered the same fate as the British column at Gandamak in 1842.

Ethan's amazing "set" for the battle

The Civilian Camp Followers: quite a burden

Kabul 

The Citadel of Bala Hissar

Which road to use for the march?

The Anglo-Indian Imperial Army Deploys

Pathans appear on the Right flank

Jeff flushes more Pathans on the Right

Will's Bengal Lancers take the Center bridge

The fight on the Right and Center develops

Jeff presses home his cavalry charge

Sikh Infantry supporting the cavalry

Supporting fire on the right from the Encampment

The terrified civilians surge out of the camp gate

Will's cavalry continue the pursuit to the mountain pass

British Infantry follow up over the Bridge

Sikh firing line to the left of the Bridge

Large reserves of Pathan's are everywhere, including in Kabul

Disaster! Painting by Lady Elizabeth Butler: "Remnants of an Army".
What actually happened in 1842.

The Battle of Charasiab, 6th October, 1879, refought 2015

The Battle of Charasiab took place on October 6th, 1879 during the Second Afghan War. British and Indian troops under Sir Frederick Roberts (Bobs) fought Afghan troops under Nek Mohammed Khan in an attempt to slow down the advance of Robert's Kabul Field Force from advancing on Kabul.

On June 13, 2015, my friend Ethan (Mad Guru) Reiff invited my son William and I to playtest this battle at his home. Ethan built the amazing battlefield in preparation for the annual Sword and the Flame convention in New Orleans. Ethan subsequently packed up the battle, took it to the convention and won First Place.

I was happy to lend Ethan some of my own Colonial Forces both at the playtest and for the Convention itself.

As you will see, Ethan's battlefield sets are beautiful and it was a pleasure to play on such an amazing "set". Ethan is an expert at mountain terrain and water features, both of which feature large in the Charasiab battlefield. He has also commissioned some amazing Afghan buildings which can be seen in the villages.