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Author Topic: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign  (Read 95957 times)

Offline CPT Shanks

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #120 on: July 20, 2021, 06:50:35 AM »
Despatches Abbottabad:
Dispatch political officers forward to Darband and the villages of the Agror valley to establish a jirga in Oghi and to impress upon them their promises of peaceful alignment at the risk of losing their khanates.
"welcome to the world of cascading failure"


Offline Umra Khan

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #121 on: July 20, 2021, 10:54:15 AM »
With the entry into play of CPT SHANKS we have expanded the number of players and scenarios. CPT SHANKS will run the Black Mountain tribes (Tor Ghar or Kala Dhaka), he  has 2 Khans, Ali Hasim Khan of Darband (main khan) he is an old and peaceful man, his younger brother Sikander khan (deputy khan ) of Thakot is a rude and warrior man with warlike intentions.
The base of operations of Raj troops in the Hazara region is Abbottabad with the outpost of Oghi.
The region it is a remote area and the only roads passable by military columns are the Abbottabad-Oghi via Mansehra, Oghi-Darband the old Camel Road and Oghi-Thakot .
More news later.



Offline Umra Khan

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #122 on: July 20, 2021, 01:07:01 PM »
Gene. Simmons re-crosses Jandol's pass and finds only corpses in front of him,
they are all dead .
his escort of Gordon Highlanders with the help of the Medical Corps arranges the recovery of the bodies.
In front of him passes the litter where the body of Lt. Hastings is lying ... "What will I tell  to his Father Gen. Hastings?" Simmons thinks ... this little drunkard and woman-wasteer always ready for a fight, a fiery head was looking for it, he had to protect and warn the column under the pass, instead he charge  with his Guides thinking only of his honor .... and this is the result.
I will propose him for the Vittoria Cross or for a DSO so the father will be happy and when I see him again he will offer me a strawberry cake of which I am greedy.
I also have to make a complaint to the HQ and even higher up, the absence of my personal umpire (he was on vacation at the Marine Yatch Club 😡) damaged me significantly,
the umpire  that I was assigned a certain George Tete de Mule  of french origins was strongly disliked to me, then when I saw him with that 4-penny regulation with illustrations suitable for the illiterate I understood everything ... lastly, this squirry umpire also had the courage to want to see the screen of the roll of my dice, not trusting the word of a General of Her British Sovereign.....I was trying in every way to get the best dice and this French sly put me in a hurry ... lol lol
Well let's go back to Tank and lock ourselves in,  waiting for reinforcements, let's hope to be quick I don't want to miss tea time with biscuits.

The body of Lieutenant Hastings of The Guides , may he Rest in Peace with his Gin and women.





« Last Edit: July 20, 2021, 01:16:53 PM by Umra Khan »

Offline Umra Khan

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #123 on: July 21, 2021, 07:42:19 AM »
Kotkai, Black Mountain 15th July 1890
A British delegation meets in Kotkai the elders and the chiefs of the Black Mountain tribes. The British delegation consists of Political Officer Mr. Christohpor Cullingame and Advisor Sir Archibald Cumberpatch, accompanied by a mysterious character named Ashmany Sheen Raj.
The Jirga is attended by several Khans and Maliks from the villages of Kotkai, Shingri, Towara, Kanar, and Darband.

Ali Hashim Khan, Supreme Chief of the Black Mountain Tribes, speaks: "welcome Hosoor , that peace is always with you, and  the True Book can guide your actions, as you see in this Jirga there are many Elders and Khans  respectful of the agreements made with your Government, unfortunately my young brother Sikander Khan of Thakot did not want to participate.He refused to come and sent back my gifts and messengers. I am old and I know, as you too will have understood, that often the tiger must be hunted in its territories, you should loose your dogs and start the game . I'm no longer ready for wars. "
Christohpor Cullingame take the speech: "that you may never be tired Great Khan, the Raj  Government cares a lot about your person and renews the friendship that binds you for years to the Raj. I had received news about your brother but I was hoping that there was still room for treat. Sikander Khan is following the new fashion and has become a follower of the New False Verb preached by a Malicious Southern Wazir.
I will return to Oghi and telegraph the news in Abbottabad, surely the Generals will take the hand, you Great Khan must be careful of betrayals and watch your back."
Ali Hashim Khan replay "may fate be with you my friend".


The British delegation left Kotkai to return to Oghi in the heads of Cullingame and Cumberpatch is clear the message of the old Khan, my brother is a great danger and I am afraid for my person. From Abbottabad they must quickly send a punitive expedition to Thakot to bring Sikander Khan to milder attitudes.

 

Offline JBaumal

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #124 on: July 21, 2021, 12:34:13 PM »
14 July 1890

General BBlood, yes indeed sir, the warnings are certainly dire. We have mustered our forces and are moving post haste to the disturbances in the Chitral district. As ordered we have formed (2) Brigades with the required attached auxiliary troops. Our troops morale is high, they are certainly itching for a fight!  Cavalry scouts have already been sent out along our proposed march route. The dreaded Ali Razah Kahn, defender of the faithful text must be stopped at all costs, captured dead or alive, for Queen and country. His lands and village will be scorched. Huzzah!!!!

With upmost respect,
General McGuinness

Foot note: We have attached a most experienced and skillful Political Officer, LT Reginald Lowell. His extensive service and experience on the Grim will most certainly tip the advantage in our favor sir.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2021, 02:14:25 PM by JBaumal »

Offline Umra Khan

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #125 on: July 21, 2021, 01:47:01 PM »
July the 14th 1890 Chitral outpost,
from Colonel Dano McGurule , Commander of the Chitral garrison.
to Gen. McGuinness in Nowshera:
"we reinforced the guards and a wall that was unsafe. The Chitralis fire a few shots every now and then at our sentinels. Morale is high but I think we will be attacked soon, we plan to resist as much as possible, food and water are not a problem at the moment.
Our spies inform us that the Chitralis are looking for allies in Kohistan and in the lands of the Chilasis, one of their emissary has reached the tribes of the Mamunds in the Bajaur in an attempt to convince them to enter the war, so the road between Chakdara and the Lowarai pass could be dangerous, unfortunately it is the only possible way  to get here."



Inside Chitral Outpost



Offline CPT Shanks

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #126 on: July 21, 2021, 02:11:55 PM »
DESPATCHES ABBOTTABAD 15 July 1890
Information from the jirga has revealed that Sikander Khan is gathering an army of hill tribesman under the banner of TMWWBK in the vicinity of Takot. Sikander Khan failed to attend the jirga so his full intentions are unknown, though his brother feels he will do something rash. We have dispatched one troop of Bengal Lancers to scout the passes enroute to Takot. These northern tribes must be brought to heel if we are ensure the security of the North West Frontier.
Sending a two brigade column forward to stage at Oghi Fort consisting of the following regiments.
1st Brigade:
2nd Fusiliers
3rd Sikhs
1 Battery No 4 Hazara
3rd Coy Sappers and Miners

2nd Brigade:
1st/5th Gurkhas
40th Bengal Infantry

Oghi Fort Garrison:
2nd Highlanders
5th Gurkha
1 Battery Royal Artillery
Respectfully
BG Channers

Of note the intelligence gathered from our political officer Mr C. Cumberbatch and his mysterious guide Asmani Raj

Offline CPT Shanks

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #127 on: July 22, 2021, 12:31:54 AM »
My humble respect to the Mighty Mulehead, Light of Waziris, true Khan of all the lands between Delhi and Kabul, protector of widows and orphans, Defender of the one True Rule, Light of Disix, Mighty among the Mightiest, Defender of True Book, Torch in the darkness of heresy, mullah of El Osprey. My brother Hashim Ali Khan has turned from the way of jihad and makes peace with the Feringhis of Orgor Valley and Abbottabad. I have sent emissaries to the Allai and Nandihar to join us in jihad and drive the Feringhis from TorGhar. The Hassanzai and Akazai ride under the true flag of TMWWBK.  May your dice roll true. Your humblest of servants Sikander Khan

Offline giorgio

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #128 on: July 22, 2021, 08:27:07 AM »
Wana July 14th1890
 Sir I respectfully send to you the summary of the jirga  that the bandit Mulehead had with his Khans ,The relevant speech was about the victory stolen at Jandola pass by the ruthless Zarin and nextdisorders and risks of tribes raising in the North.
Hereafter some sketches and the speech of the bandit obtained by our spy activities, although still hidden in the roof of Mulehead’s  tower. The relevant speech deals also  about a skirmish happened at Jandola and a new emerging bandit in the Black Mountain;  for your due information and necessary actions.
Humble servant   Tanas Singh, Subedar 2 Sikh company of Guides PFF.

Mi dear sons, blessed by the True Rule, faithful to Justice, devotees of the Almighty Book, followers of me, Mulehead, torch of Light, dread of ferenghees, revenger on the heretics, nightmare of kafiris, I can bring to you great wonderful news.

From the deep ravines in the North, further than Black Mountain, up to Chinese borders, with Hu Rhu and Sharpe52,  coming down to Baluchistan all the Frontier is boiling and ready to Holy Jihad.
Really the Book is true.
At Jandola pass the army of ferenghees has been destroyed by the holy pilgrims, faithful to TMWWBK words. The Wise Ruler wanted to test our faith, many times he left our brothers biting the dust but not this time! Such as a wooden spoon they throw me hither and thither, but I was never hurt. And now the network of my hidden designed actions is sprung out: Zarin Khan, beloved son, pure like spring water, attacked the ferenghees crying that we have only One Rule, death to kafiris. 
East of Indus river in the Black Mountain we have  two devoted brothers:  Hashim Alì Khan is a beloved friend but his brother Sikander khan  is a  tiger under sheep semblance (I said him that I strongly hope that his brother doesn’t have any incident such as getting a tulwar in his back while walking in front of Sikander) and soon the latter destroys all feringhees and will size all the Swat replacing the inept Malak Mansur Khan as khan of all Ysufzai.
El Quartah, devoted since the beginning, will size and take Umra’s fort in Tirah.
Then we’ll get the head of Alì Razah Khan scum of Pashtuns, servant and puppet of the Mad Malak, and also Chitral will be colonized and converted to True Rule, all glory and honour always to It.

« Last Edit: July 22, 2021, 09:02:07 AM by giorgio »

Offline Umra Khan

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #129 on: July 22, 2021, 11:03:47 AM »
At Rawalpindi at Bindon Blood Headquarters, a confidential meeting is taking place between Bindon and General Sir Archibald Simonds de Brett and Aide-de-Camp Colonel Mortimer Jonathan Bunny on the current situation on the Frontier , as there is a risk of a general uprising .
Bindon speech:
" Gentlemen , we'll have to suppress this uprising with the utmost tact and diplomacy...we'll string up 'alf a dozen of 'em for a start ,
.....that's all for now ".



 from left to right :Sir Archibald Simonds de Brett , Lt. General Bindon Blood , Colonel Mortimer Jonathan Bunny 



the speech is inside the bungalow to avoid spies  given the reservateness of the topics touched on.....but a spy is hidden somewhere...






« Last Edit: July 22, 2021, 11:28:33 AM by Umra Khan »

Offline giorgio

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #130 on: July 23, 2021, 12:06:31 PM »
From the July 14th, 1890 issue of the Peshawar Tribune our correspondent Reginal Winkie:
 
Dear Reader, I’m arrived in this pacified  region of North West Frontier since two days and I already find myself completely overcome by so many news. 

The bandit Zarin has completed a raid close to Jandola steeling some mules and killing few guides and british regulars, including three officers. Among these Lt Hastings, son of the famous General, was killed leading his guides in an heroic attack which caused many victims among the bandits. More details in the special insert.


In the Black Mountain a jirga has been conducted and  Hashim Ali Khan devoted to TMWWWBK assured his alliance and help to control his fanatic brother Sikander Khan.
In Chitral Ali Razza Khan is preparing troubles rallying fanatics of TS&TF and a drastic action by our forces will be driven by Br Gen Mc Guinness
In Swat Yusufzais led by Malak Mansur Khan are ready to establish the faith in TS&TF all over Pashtuns and Malak is the spiritual leader reference for all his devotees, first of all Umra Khan and his afridis controlling Tirah and wavering between alley with us and banditism.

In the South the Waziris under Mulehead remain a center of riot and troubles, confirmed by last fighting in Jandola pass. Mulehead proclaiming himself the predestined by the Book is the mullah reference for all TMWWBK devotees.

Now everything stopped in the valleys, no sounds, no rumors, not even birds singing; what is the Mighty treacherous Umra plotting? What his next step? Which instructions has provided to Omar? Which heretic Khan’s bed is going to drag under its slumbering owner to take a nap on it?What is Fullerton saying to  Gen Davenport to convince him to send Fullerton back to Spinwam to revenge his defeat with some good charges uphill  while they’re  trenched in Bannu?

Jezails locks are well oiled, tulwars are sharpened, new battle smell is in the air, a brother is going to kill his elder one, a devote Khan is going to set up an ambush, Mulehead…who knows his terrible bloodlust dreams?

I hope to bring very soon news from the fourth scenarios: Bannu, Tank, Chitral and Black Mountain.
I will update you soon from the very first line, including also last whist Peshawar Royal Club tournament results
yours faithfully
Reginald Winkie
« Last Edit: July 24, 2021, 01:38:09 PM by giorgio »

Offline JBaumal

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #131 on: July 23, 2021, 07:35:43 PM »
Dispatches Nowshera 15 July 1890
 
Good day my dear General Blood,

We have departed Nowshera with the 1st Brigade and are well enroute to Chitral. We are currently on the move with patrols of the 77th Bengal Lancers scouting to the flanks and front of our column. Close behind them the 2nd Gurkhas have taken to the heights and scrub to flush out any possible ambushers. Our Political Officer LT Reginald Ethan has ridden ahead with a detachment of the 77th Bengal Lancers to make contact with friendly tribes on our route of march in order secure safe passage and possible allies. The Queens Shilling is still worth it's weight in gold on the Grim, to some....

Your humble servant,
General McGuinness

1st Brigade
Col. Robert Hall
Capt. "no boats for me" Lucas
Sgt Major Lawrence Brom
(1) Batt 2nd Gurkhas
(1) Batt Corp of Guides
(1) Batt 66th KRRC
(1) Batt 72nd Highlanders
(1) Squadron 77th Bengal Lancers
(1) Battery Bengal Artillery Mountain Guns - mule born

Attached Political Officer:
LT Reginald Ethan

Offline Mad Guru

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #132 on: July 24, 2021, 01:17:43 AM »
FROM: Maj. Gnl. Basil "Smokey" Whitsend, CO Peshawar
TO:     Lt. Gnl. Sir Bindon Blood, CO Rawalpindi & the Whole Bloody Frontier
RE:     Commencement of Operations in Peshawar Region
DATE: 16 July 1890

My Dear General Blood,

In accord with instructions from your HQ, I have dispatched my 1st Brigade North-East to Dargai, in order to better ascertain the temperature of the Yusufzais RE: recent aggression perpetrated by their Waziri and Afridi neighbors.

Dargai will put 1st Brigade within reach of the outpost at Chakdara, which guards the key bridge over the River Swat, across which we have good access to Dir to the North -- which as you know is a vital seat of power here in Swat.  The seat of Dir and the surrounding region is currently ruled by Malar Mansur Khan, who fancies himself "Wali of Swat" and "Nawab of Dir," and is generally friendly to the Raj.  No doubt the presence of a full Brigade on his southern veranda will remind Malar Mansur Khan which side his naan is buttered on.

Meanwhile my Political Officer, Captain Alexander "Sikander" Crane, is trying to ascertain the current whereabouts of Mala Mansur Khan's deputy, Sarban Khan, known to be of more disputatious disposition.  Captain Crane informs me that this Sarban Khan rascal is said to carry a Martini-Henry rifle he claims to have taken off the body of a dead soldier of the 66th Berkshires a decade ago at the Battle of Maiwand.  No doubt this is empty bombast, but at the very least it points to a very bad attitude indeed.  I will keep you posted if and when we learn more on the current whereabouts of this rogue, and how many Yusufzai Tribesmen seem currently inclined to share his perspective.

I am keeping my 2nd Brigade here at Peshawar, together with my Divisional Troops, ready to respond to further developments.

I have doubled the guard at all sentry posts, given orders to halt musketry instruction so to conserve ammunition stocks, and evicted all local native servants & camp-followers from my post in order to preserve the security of our troops, weapons & supplies -- as well as information.  Captain Crane the Political was against this last move, predicting it will do more to antagonize the locals than improve our security, but I overruled him, declaring better safe than sorry!

Below you will find current rosters for both of my mixed Brigades, as well my Divisional troops and the aforementioned garrison of the Chakdara Outpost...

PESHAWAR FIELD FORCE

Commanding Officer:   Major General Basil “Smokey” Whitsend
Political Officer:   Captain Alexander “Teetotaler” Crane

DIVISIONAL TROOPS

Major Carey’s Signalers                           ... 3 x Heliographs w/4 crew EA
Aide de camp couriers                           ... 3 x detached Cav. figs.
No. 7 Company Bengal Sappers & Miners     ... 10 figs.
E/B Battery RHA                                   ... 3 x 9pdr Field Guns w/4 crew EA
Army Hospital Corps detachment                ... Dhoolie Teams, Bearers, Attendants & Medical Officers

1st BRIGADE   (CO: Brigadier Stewart Ruff-Husband)

1st Batt. 9th Gurkha Rifles.     …   … 20 figs.
1st Batt. 17th Punjabis   …   …   … 20 figs.
2nd Batt. 23rd Sikh Pioneers   …   … 20 figs.
1st Batt. 92nd Gordon Highlanders   … 20 figs.
Sq. 12th Bengal Cav.      …   …   … 12 figs.
No. 2 (Dejarat) Mt. Battery    …   … 3 x guns w/4 crew EA
Brigade Supply Train           …      …    … assorted pack mules, camels & baggage wallahs

2nd BRIGADE    (CO: Brigadier Padraic “Magpie” McGilligan)

1st Batt 2nd Gurkha Rifles   …   … 20 figs.
1st Batt 2nd Sikhs (PFF)   ...   … 20 figs.
1st Batt York & Lancaster Regt.   … 20 figs.
Corps of Guides (PFF) Inf.   …   … 20 figs.
Sq. 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers   … 12 figs.
No. 3 (Peshawar) Mt. Battery   … 3 x guns w/4 crew EA
Brigade Supply Train   …   …   … assorted pack mules, camels & baggage wallahs

GARRISON OF THE OUTPOST GUARDING BRIDGE AT CHAKDARA

Right Wing of the York & Lancs   … 10 figs. (CO Lt. Fitzroy, NCO Sgt. Crood)

With Kind Regards from Your Humble Servant,

B.S. Whitsend


PS. I regret to inform the General that I have just received the following dispatch from the garrison at Chakdara:

To Higher Echelons Concerned,

Sorry to say that I, Sergeant Oliver Crood, senior NCO presently accounted for, had to take charge of the Chakdara garrison on the occasion of young Subaltern Fitzroy having eaten some olives straight off the tree and falling into a convulsive stupor immediately thereafter, turned green and what's been puking his guts out since.  To the best of my 'umble abilities I will endeavor to maintain this post and keep watch over the bridge until the Lt. regains his bearings or -- as seems more likely -- a new officer arrives to replace him.

Yours Truly,

Sgt. O. Crood Regt. # 201
« Last Edit: August 01, 2021, 10:26:02 AM by Mad Guru »
"We shall see what wisdom lies beneath my madness!"

Offline Mad Guru

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #133 on: July 24, 2021, 04:59:03 AM »
FROM: Brig. Gnl. Ruff-Husband, 1st Brigade, Peshawar Field Force
TO:     Lt. Gnl. Bindon Blood, HQ Rawalpindi
RE:     Non-combatants in tow
DATE: 17 July, 1890

General, Sir:

While en route from Peshawar to our destination at Dargai, I have come across a pair of British civilian females traveling with a small escort of Frontier Scouts and a guide from -- appropriately enough -- the Queen's Own Corps of Guides.  Their names are Lorelai and Christine Brom, a pair of sisters on their way to visit their father, Sgt. Major Lawrence Brom, who is currently serving as Senior NCO in Colonel Hall's 1st Brigade of Gnl. McGuinness's Division.  I advised the sisters that in light of recent developments on the frontier, it would be most unwise for them to continue on their proposed route accompanied by a handful of Pathan Militia types and one Sepoy of the Guides, and instructed them to immediately turn around and head back to Attock, and thence to Rawalpindi.  Unfortunately they did not see the wisdom of my advice and told me in no uncertain terms that they would either continue along their proposed route with their present escort, or accompany me to Dargai, from whence they plan to head further North until they reach their father, whose own Brigade is currently en route to Chitral.  I told them this was an insane idea which would most certainly lead to their ruin or death, possibly both.  However, as I did not feel it appropriate to lay hands on them or order the troops under my command to do so, as of now they are traveling North with us.  It is my hope that tonight while they sleep, a handful of my men will manage to lash them to their camp beds so I can send them back with their own escort reinforced with a section of 92nd Highlanders for safe-keeping.  Please advise your sentries on the road to Rawalpindi to be on the lookout for this strange convoy, which with some luck should reach your area in the next 8 to 10 days.

Apologies for the drawn-out nature of this despatch, but women were never my forte!

Most Dutifully Yours,

S.R.H.

PS For your edification I have attached a sketch of the Brom Sisters made by ace correspondent and illustrator for the Peshawar Tribune, Reginald Winkie:



PPS. Unfortunately last night they took the precaution of sleeping in individual shifts, whilst the other sister stayed awake to stand guard, so my well-laid plan has come to nought.  It seems they will be accompanying my Brigade to Dargai, and who knows what after that.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2021, 11:42:14 AM by Mad Guru »

Offline JBaumal

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Re: "Never trust anyone on the Frontier" an ...epic NWF Campaign
« Reply #134 on: July 24, 2021, 05:04:25 AM »

 

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