More New Science Arrives in The Colony

A new piece of technology arrived in the colony recently.

Oberlt Welte with his Arc Generator

Here we  see Oberleutenant Hans Welte with his experimental self propelled Arc Generator.

Trials so far have been hampered by the harsh jungle environment causing breakdowns, but it is anticipated that these will soon be overcome.

Developed in the Imperial Science Research Facility in Esslingen-am-Neckar this cutting edge development promises to significantly increase the effectiveness of troops equipped with Arc weapons. There are even suggestions that an Imperial Infantry Platoon all of whom are equipped with Arc weapons may soon be sent to the Colony.

No Post Over Easter

No update this week, too busy prepping for a trip to Dublin for Easter.

If you see anything about Vikings and the battle of Clontarf on the TV over the weekend, that's where I am.

Wissmans Company

I finished my second company. Wissmans Company - German East Africa 1896.
 

Hermann von Wissmann was a noted explorer of Central Africa in the 1880s and was appointed as the first Imperial commissioner to the Tanganika colony in February 1888. In 1889 he created the ‘Wissmanntruppe’ of about 700 local troops in 7 companies (6 Sudanese and 1 Zulu) commanded by German officers.

By March 1891 this force was 1700 strong organised into 10 companies, and it had been formally integrated into the Imperial German Armed Forces. In the spring of 1891 the HeHe revolted and massacred a German force of three companies of the Schutztruppe with 13 German officers and NCO's, 320 Askaris, 170 porters, and several machine guns and field guns. Only three Germans, sixty-four Askaris and seventy four porters escaped the debacle. Wissmann was blamed for the debacle and recalled to Germany.

In December 1893, Wissmann returned with a new commission. His mission was to establish a new Spezialbefehlafrika to harrass the British in Kenya and Uganda and to undertake other operations on behalf of the Empire. Here is Wissman with his fellow officers, Doktor Dreis, Askaris and a group of Zulu Scouts.

This company also has some of the first new science weapons in Africa. Wissman carries an Arc Pistol and Doktor Dreis an Arc rifle. Note also that the Arc generator is carried by a Zulu porter.

This tactical innovation allows the Generator to remain slightly to the rear of combat, and thus preserve this vital piece of equipment

I expect this company to action soon


Hurah for the Tars !

Following complaints from villagers about mercenary looters attacking their settlements, Lt Phillips lead his men into the bush to try and flush out the miscreants involved. Native intelligence and guides helped him set an ambush for the gang, led by a certain Richard D'astardlee.

As the villains emerged from the bush to ransack another village, Lt Phillips and his men entered from the other side and engaged them in a fierce fire fight. D'asterdlee and his men were taken by surprise and with men wounded on both sides decided to try close combat as a way to settle the matter.

This proved a mistake as they picked on a man who had something of a reputation as a sabre fencer while at Dartmouth. He cut down three of D'asterdlee's men who unwisely came within reach and at that point the villains beat a hasty retreat.

A sound victory for the Tars, but with Africa seemingly overrun by mercenaries hungry for loot, I think we will see lots more of D'asterdlee's and his men in the future.

Sadly the automatic recording device used on this mission malfunctioned, so there are currently no images of the action. If we are able to recover any, they will be posted here.

First Company - RN Landing Party

I paint quite fast but I won't ever win any competitions. I can however turn out decent tabletop armies in fairly quick time and here is my first Company for IHMN - the Royal Navy Landing Party.

Lt Phillips and Assistant surgeon Ffont-Bittocks lead a party of a Chief Petty Officer (Pertwee) and 9 ratings armed with Martini-Henry rifles and boarding cutlasses. As my first company - and reflecting the traditional conservative approach taken by the RN in all things - this company has no 'new' weapons.

These landing parties were quite common in the 1890's as the Royal Navy worked tirelessly to stamp out the East African slave trade. Ships like HMS Sparrow provided detachments for land raids, as well as long patrols in the ships boats.

In the world of IHMN they also skirmish with illegal treasure seekers, hostile natives and of course the Imperial German Army.

Sometimes several ships would combine their on board Marines an armed ratings to form a Naval Brigade, and these took part in some large actions including the great battle of Omdurman.

As a gamer of a certain age, I take my gaming lightly and love taking inspiration from other genres, and this Company is no different from others. No prizes for spotting the source.

They fight for the first time tomorrow night ....