Action at Tikkabad







A General view from Tikkabad towards the Bykla Pass

In the best traditions of Empire, the RFF , for once ably lead by Brig 'Tubby' Bykleigh, confronted the hostile incursion from the forces of the S.P.I.F.F., lead by Comrade General Robinski, as they exited the Bykla Pass and closed on the defenceless village of Tikkabad. First into action for the Red Hordes were two units of Bolshevik cavalry. Outstripping their slower comrades they recklessly closed on the undefended village, or so they thought...

First clash at Tikkabad

As they neared the village the suddenly found themselves engaged by the Shropshire Yeomanry, under their dashing leader, Major Whyte. Supported by an element of the Armoured Car section, the Yeomanry steadily drove back the Reds!

Major Whyte leads his men to Glory and Everlasting Fame!

Meanwhile, the second Red cavalry unit attempted to close with the Bhurpa tribesman who gallantly, if somewhat reluctantly, were supporting the cavalry's dashing charge. Failing to contact the Bhurpas, the Reds were badly shot up and soon sent crashing back towards their infantry supports.

Loyal Bhurpa Tribesmen repulse a Red Cavalry Charge

The Reds had had their noses bloodied, but still the hordes pressed remorselessly onward.

The Main Red Force advances steadily

Enjoying some success, the Red armoured car section forced the Gurkhas to seek cover amongst the ruins of a once extensive home, while the Sikh Mountain Battery fruitlessly engaged the vehicle in their support.

The Second Gurkhas and a Mountain Gun Battery in support

However, whithering fire from machine guns located in a solid building, supported on either flank by the South Staffords amongst the shrines and the Royal Surreys in the village itself, finally first halted and then drove back the foe.

At the height of the Battle of Tikkabad the RFF advances!

Their morale finally shattered the forces of S.P.I.F.F. headed first for the nearby town of Jonhut and from there towards the safety of the Pass and Mother Russia...

Brig Bykleigh and his Staff take stock as darkness falls over Tikkabad

...leaving Bykleigh and the RFF in possession of the field of victory!

For those of you who like to know these things, the RFF are from my collection, the forces of S.P.I.F.F. from Phil's. Phil made the terrain boards and the buildings of Jakzi, while Tikkabad is comprised of Mutineer Miniatures resin buildings odds and ends from Tiger Miniatures and Grand Manner. I made the two small shrines, utilizing domes from Coritani and statues/reliefs from Tiger and Pulp Figures respectively. The mountain gun is 'on loan' from Darkest Africa/Foundry until I can paint up my new Ironclad one which arrived today! The rules employed were Setting the East Ablaze from Caliver Books.
No doubt that the Reds suffered a significant reverse, but already they are licking their wounds, seeing to their equipment and planning their next move. Rhanzlistan is not safe, yet...