The Anglo-Russian War: The Russian Forces at the Battle of Malana

 

The area where the Battle of Malana was fought in the Princely State of Chaimbellistan. Note the natural rock formations near the branch of the Amu Darya River that look amazingly like giant white and red dice.

Though not officially declared, war has come to the disputed territory between the Russian Empire and the British Raj in the Princely State of Chaimbellistan. The advanced elements of the 2nd Siberian Corps, under the command of General Baron Georgii Karlovich Stackelberg are advancing on the town (village) of Malana which is lightly held. General Baron Stackelberg has given orders to seize the town, or failing that, to destroy it. That will teach the Britishers and their Indian puppets a lesson in military power.

General Baron Georgii Karlovich Stackelberg, Commander of the 2nd Siberian Corps. He loves a good cigar. Figure by Copplestone from the European advisors pack in the Back of Beyond Range.

The Brigade that will attack Malana consists of:

1. The Izmaylovsky Lifeguards Regiment.

2. The 21st Frontier Guard Company.

3. The Naval Brigade from the Battleship Sissoi Veliky.

4. Machine Gun Company Number 3.

Finally! We are ready for the first major battle of the Anglo-Russian War using the rules The Men Who Would be Kings. The scenario will be a combination of Scenario B Seek and Destroy and Scenario F Take the High Road. Both sides will have 24 points and the Russian Player (the attacker) can decide at any time during the game which Scenario is his mission. If the game ends and no declaration has been made, the scenario will automatically be Take the High Road. To add some more tension, the British player (the defender) must roll for their reinforcements as only 12 points of forces will be on the table at the beginning of the battle. Each unit will roll and When a 1or 2 will be Turn 2, a 3 or 4 will be Turn 3 and a 5 or 6 will be Turn 4.

"Are they here yet?"

The Russian Forces:

The Izmaylovsky Lifeguards Regiment is a Regular Infantry Unit (6 points) that are Poor Shots (-1 point) which makes their firing 6; but, however, they are an Elite unit (+1 point) and their discipline is now +2. Total Points: 6. Why Poor Shots? Russian tactical doctrine at the time emphasized Volley firing vice individual marksmanship except for specialty units. Now let's roll for the leader.

And a roll of the dice is a "6" making his Leadership Value 5+. A Russian Officer that inspires the men! And his leadership Trait is . . . Destined for Greatness. Yikes! Not good for the British at all. The leader's unit may make a free action (for Regular Infantry they are Form Close Order and Volley Fire) and then test for a second (different) action every turn. I wonder which unit will spearhead the assault?

The 21st Frontier Guard Company is a Regular Infantry Unit. A prerequisite in joining the Frontier Guard is that you have to have served as a soldier first and be honorably discharged. Not your run of the mill Russian soldiers. Total Points: 6.

Rolling for the Leadership Value the officer gets a "5" which is also a Leadership Value of 5+.  So far good officers for the Russians. And the Leadership Trait is . . . "He's the Major General's favorite nephew" which allows him to choose one additional upgrade for his unit for free. Uncle General Baron Stackelberg says so. The 21st Frontier Company are now Keen Shots which raises their firing to 4+. Not looking good for the British Raj.

The Naval Brigade from the Battleship Sissoi Veliky are Irregular Infantry (hey, we're sailors!) which is 4 points. They have modern rifles (Well-Armed +1 point) which increases range, etc. In addition, it is a Veteran unit (+1 point) that fought in the Boxer Rebellion and their discipline is now +1. Total: 6 points.

Now the officer. He rolls on the Irregular table a "3" for a leadership of +7 (not great). And his leadership trait is "What a fine moustache (which I'll change to haircut)" which changes his leadership value to +9 (gulp) making him an otherwise forgettable fellow. Maybe that's why he is in Central Asia instead of on a ship!

Machine Gun Company Number 3 is a well drilled machine gun crew. Not much else to say. Total: 6 points.

And the officer. He rolls a "3" giving him a leadership value of 6+. Not bad. And the Leadership Trait is . . . I don't believe it. He is also "Destined for Greatness". Well, this should be interesting.

"They will never know what hit them."

Up Next: The Forces of the Princely State of Chaimbellistan and the British Raj.