SYW Colonial Game in The Indian Sub-Continent

Date: March 28 175?/2014

Location: Bungdras, India (SYW Assn. Weekend, South Bend, Indiana USA

Situation: Battle of Bungdras - 4 to 8 players - The East India Company seeks revenge for last year’s ignominious defeat at the hands of those colorful Indian troops. The locals are just as determined as ever to drive the Infidels from their lands. Jüergen Olk hosts using “Currycorne” rules, the India variant of Ken B's. “Tricorne” and 25mm figures. Jüergen urged players to bring their own Indian troops.

Shabash!: The game won BEST OF THE SHOW. Congratulations Jüergen!
     **********          **********          **********          **********

Glossary Gathered From A Flashman Book I Once Read
Bahai: Brother
Barra Sahib: Great lord or important man
Binky-nabob: Artillery commander
Charpai: Cot
Cunchunee: Dancing girl
Jawan: Soldier
Khitmagar: Bearer or waiter
Malik: Headman
Pard: Friend
Rissaldar: Native officer commanding a cavalry troop or more perhaps?
Shabash: Hurrah, bravo
Sherab: Strong drink
Vakeel: Legal representative

A week or so before our gathering, Ken B. telephoned saying the Barra Sahib Jüergen suffered an injury to one of his legs making it impossible for him to attend. Scuppered he was. An elephant stepped on his leg d'ye see. However, in the spirit of the Hollywood expression, "The Show Must Go On", Ken would bring Jüergen's lovely Jawan collection and terrain. The other expression hoping a performer will do well by "breaking a leg" did not apply so much! Ken wondered if I would be agreeable to help out. Yes - naturally for a pard!

Ken set up the terrain, sorted the Jawans and as vakeel answered rules questions whilst I acted as malik setting up a scenario, players per side, dividing units, calling the turns and issuing an enjoyable array of chance cards cleverly and amusingly designed by Jüergen.

So as Jüergen lay upon his charpai with a khitmagar pouring sherab and a striking cunchunee danced about, we played the Battle of Bungdras. 

Jawans allied with the French on Turn 1. Each side was allowed to deploy one foot onto the table. The entire French force is seen from one end of the table to the other. The French attacked. En avant!

A close-up of the previous image showing just some of the colorful soldiers. Do you see white rocks someplace? Look hard bhais. 

Here is the stunning force fielded for His Britannic Majesty King George II. The plan was to advance onto a line of low hills, defend them and win the day. 

A close-up of the previous image. I regret to say these were my only photos. If someone else has some, send them to me and I'll add them to this AAR. Meanwhile....

Did you find the white rocks somewhat hidden by shrubbery beneath a palm tree? No? Okay go back and look again. We'll wait!

One of Jürgen's chance cards said, a stray bullet has hit a hive of killer bees near white rocks. All units within 8" immediately withdraw away from it for a turn - as best as I remember the words. It affected 2-3 French native units. Before the beginning of the game I mentioned chance cards would be amusing, very different, fun and that we should accept results cheerfully. Our players did exactly that. Shabash you guys!

Who won?
Well the British did a marvelous job holding the line until the last turn when dear ol' Rissaldar George R. cracked their center with a massive cavalry charge. The French won!
     **********          **********          **********          **********

This Indus Miniatures cannon and crew from my collection were not in the game. I placed this image here because I was inspired to buy this product, paint it colorfully as Jüergen painted his and so you can think about having your very own Lion Cannon! You too could then be a binky-nabob.

Jüergen, would you please explain how you made your palm trees and shrubbery, etc?
Jüergen said: 
"The Palm trees I make out of dried Flower Stems ,you can make them any length,and replace the tops w/plastic Palms from Birthday cake decoration supply stores. glue on the tops paint the bases and flock,also spray the palms to dull them.Its cheap easy and looks good.I also want to thank Ken Bunger for all his efforts and rules,India Syw is a riot,looks like Disney went to war. The dried flower is called "Golden Yarrow",if you leave the tops on spray them green and use as high canopy trees,and if they break off after 12yrs or so ,replace w/ palm tops.For elephant grass I use plastic aquarium plants paint and base. The bottle palms I procured on E-bay thru some Hong Kong company cheap and quick delivery. Again thanx to all who played and Ken and Bill for putting it on, and thanx Bill for the delightful narrative…..you should of been in pictures."

And he added about the BIG cannons:
"They are lousy gunners, they shoot every other turn.They would mix the powder charges per shot.The rulers loved big guns though.The camp followers all had to carry powder or shot w/ them.The guns were all show no go, but they are cool looking."

Finis
Nahin, sahib Jürgen, khabadar. Take care Jüergen.
Reader remarks are sought and are very welcome. 
     **********          **********          **********          **********