Happycat

This may be the most critical stage of the campaign. We have lost track of the majority of the German troops most recently seen near Morogoro. Since it is clear that von Lettow-Vorbeck is following a strategy of hit and run, and utilizing his mobility to the greatest extent possible, those units could now be almost anywhere. Smuts believes that they are heading west to help at Ujiji, but Tighe is convinced that they are coming north. And Northey has suggested that he may well be the recipient of the next visit by Kraut's very mobile soldiers. Who is right? Until something is known for certain, we need to prepare for all eventualities.

BELGIAN ARTILLERY BATTERY IN URUNDI, NORTH OF UJIJI FIRING FOR EFFECT

Today's London Times carried the headline "From Boer War to Bore War?" In the article, the writer wondered whether Smuts, who so brilliantly led his troops in hit and run tactics during the Boer War was now finding himself helpless when confronted with those same tactics being used by the German foe. With tongue in cheek, the Times even suggested that Smuts had transitioned from the "Boer War" to the "Bore War" and was perhaps under the illusion that he could defeat the Germans by boring them to death. Certainly, there has been a distinct lack of action on the part of the Entente forces in East Africa, but sources close to General Smuts have indicated that the long spell of seeming inactivity has in fact concealed the fact that the British and Belgian forces, now largely equipped with more effective weaponry than at the start of the war, have not been wasting their time. The troops are well rested, morale is increasing and soon the Germans will be presented with the problem of how to defend against a general offensive on ALL East African fronts. The Portuguese have increased their numbers greatly, and in fact have been pleading with their superiors to launch an attack. However, they have learned recently that De Castro is on his way to join them, and then, under his leadership, will launch an offensive northward. At the same time, the British and Belgian forces in Urundi will attack Ujiji. There will also be an attack on Neu Langenburg, and the British forces on the coast will push back against Kraut's forces. If successful, or even partially so, the Germans will have a real dilemma on their hands. While they can partially replace their losses, the Entente forces have a much more generous supply of men and material to draw upon, and ultimately they will prevail. So says General Smuts.

PATTERN 1914 LEE ENFIELD, WHICH IS REPLACING THE OLD LEE METFORD RIFLES.

The only action this week occurred at Neu Langenburg. Despite the loss of a regiment, the Entente forces launched a counter-attack on the town itself, using the very fresh and highly motivated South African Brigade. Having fired off most or all of its artillery shells, it remains to be seen if the Germans will try another attack, or simply replace their losses and dig in.

Dec 10, 1916 and while not much is happening with the Portuguese (who are, nevertheless, slowly bringing new regiments into being), some other fronts remain somewhat active, particularly Dodoma and Neu Langenburg.

Could somebody please pass the ointment and bandages? Ow!

Rankorian, you're quite right about the way this game models the historical reality. It's a very elegant system, and there is so much that goes on invisibly yet effectively, such as surprise. You will find that when you blunder into a superior force, it really hurts Happy to hear that you will be getting Breakthrough; it is a solid system and tons of fun. This is my third or fourth go-round with Bill in this scenario, and it is still enjoyable and surprising each time out. Each of our games (always me as the Entente) has been different than the one before, although I am sad to say that I have not yet vanquished the Germans in any of them. Perhaps this time, although I'd better start learning how to be patient and not rush into situations that get me into a mess such as I have at Dodoma.

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE GOETZEN AND ITS LATEST RIVAL ON LAKE TANGANGYIKA, BARON DHANIS! Now the Germans face St. George, Baron Dhanis, Toutou and Fifi when they next encounter the Entente.

October 31, 1916 While there is absolutely nothing going on with the Portuguese in the south, the other fronts in East Africa remain fairly active. The following reports have been filed:

Update for October 11, 1916:

I took a bit of literary license, just to make it sound more interesting. As Bill says, the truth of the matter is that one cannot move up, dislike the look of things and then move back in the same turn. But of course with the one extra tile sighting range of cavalry, it amounts to almost the same thing. Glad to hear that you're enjoying our efforts. This is a fascinating scenario to play.

September 1, 1916 Dispatch from Nairobi: Morale is a bit of an issue at the moment, and in most sectors British troops need a bit of a rest. General Smuts' idea of a good rest is digging entrenchments, and that's what the Empire's forces are doing right now, except in the area west of Neu Langenburg, where Northey's troops are a bit more active. The Belgians and Portuguese have no action reports to file at this time.

August 12, 1916 Action Reports: No action at Neu Langenburg, although British reinforcements have moved up to the line. Things are also quiet on the Portuguese front. At Bukoba, Belgian forces suffered another setback and have withdrawn several miles to the north, awaiting help from the British who have started to move west from Bukoba.

JULY 3, 1916 REPORTS FROM THE VARIOUS FRONTS IN EAST AFRICA:

JUNE 13, 1916 OTHER ACTIONS: All other sectors were quiet.

JUNE 13, 1916 NAVAL ENGAGEMENT ON LAKE TANGANYIKA. MIMI AND TOUTOU HOLD THEIR OWN AGAINST THE GERMAN GOLIATH "GOETZEN". HMS MIMI MAKING SEMAPHORE SIGNALS TO HMS TOUTOU (Image by permission of P. Baxter) ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN GRAF GOETZEN, MIM AND TOUTOU (Image by permission of P.Baxter) For those who would like more indepth information about the events leading up to this battle, and the battle itself, read the linked article at the end of this post. Anyone looking at the game map can well imagine how the Germans got the Goetzen, section by section, from Dar es Salaam up to the lake. A railway does help! But how did the Mim and Toutou arrive on station at Lake Tanganyika? Read on... http://peterbaxterafrica.com/index.php/2010/10/04/the-battle-of-lake-tanganyka-how-the-war-was-won-part-1/