Zulus vs the Queen's Own

Its 1879 and Major Willy Stroker, VC, of the Queens Own Minifigs, and his best chum Captain Drew Peacock have been detached for Operations in Natal.  Old Stroker was deemed "not suitable" for Colonel Durnford's column, and snubbed by Lord Clemsford, they don't get on after an infamous haircutting incident. 

The half battalion of the Queens Own are ordered to march on a northern Zulu outpost over the Antelope River via the Mission of Reverend Quincy.  They are then to follow up over the Simba River at Dork's Drift, past the Pride Kopje and onto the plains of Mandala.

The Zulu chief Shaka Khan has six Impis to deploy against the oncoming British.  His outpost at Mandala protects the Zulu kingdom from an attack from this direction

My dice roll was 3-3.  Seek and destroy.

Having crossed the Antelope River RSM Thrust comes down with a bad case of Natal Itch.  He takes command of the supply depot at the Mission outpost.  The first Zulu Kraal is near the outpost and the Queens Own attack is lead by Captain Peacock's Company, with Lieuteant Humphries, Second Lieuteant Lucas and Colour Sergeant Grainger.  A Commissary wagon with additional ammunition and stores will follow under the command of Commissary Officer Cuthbert Rumbold. 

Major Stroker commands the reserve and will only join the attack if Peacock messes it up. The Queens Own face Shaka Babbage and the MWWBK solo system.

Characters

Colonel Herbert Grace (Aboard ship off the coast with his ladies)

Major Willy Stroker

1st Coy Captain Drew Peacock

2nd Coy Captain Hugh Jeers

3rd Coy Captain Myles Schlong

4th Coy Captain Oliver Pink-Gin

5th Coy Captain Arthur Poundamince

RSM Richard Thrust

Adjutant Josiah Wedgewood Plinth

Queens Own

3 x 12 Regulars

1 x Gun with four crew.

2 x General service wagon.

Zulu

Shaka Khan

3 x Fierce Tribal foot

3 x Veteran Tribal foot

Mr Babbage 

What

1-2   no enemy

3      a single band of chargers at long range

4      a single band of chargers at short range

5      two bands of chargers at long range

6      a band of chargers at maximum charge range

Where

1-3  to your front

4      to the left

5      to the left

6      to the rear

Action

1      Slink away

2      Cautious

3-4  Advance!  With caution

5      Charge.  Double move advance

6      Charge!  Double move plus 6

What are they up to?

1-2   Bye by baby

3-4   Back off table 

5      Repositioned at full strength

6     Back for more, long range to front.

The Game

Stand to! Stand to!  The Queen's Own advance on table.

The vultures eye view

Zulu to the front

And the cannon whittles them down.  Pinned

Peacock in the centre goes for the Kraal.  Humphries to his right gives support, but Lucas on the left hangs back.

Humphries volleys off two Zulu attacks

Even Lucas gives some support.

Peacock must hold on for three turns, but they come at him from all sides.

Peacock clings on

The end game.

At less than half strength Peacock couldn't hold much longer, but this is his third turn in the Kraal and he waves his moustaches at the Zulu claiming victory. 
" I say Shaka, old boy, what on earth is that redcoat fellow doing?"
"Damn him, he's taunting us!"
"Your customer Miss Brahms."

Lieutenant Humphries, mentioned in despatches.