Battle Along the Tigris (WWI Mesopotamia)

Introduction

As British Allied forces advance up the Tigris, a large Turkish outpost controlling a key section of the river must be destroyed. The gunboat Firefly moves steadily up the Tigris, covering the left flank of the assault with long-range gunfire. British forces attack in waves, with reconnaissance patrols probing for a path to bypass or break through the Turkish lines.

We used modified rules from The Men Who Would Be King (TMWWBK) to fit this conflict. The game was played on a 6x8 table with up to 7 or 8 players and has already been played at our club in Colorado Springs (CSGA), Colorado Military Historians (CMH) in Denver and at Hurricon 2024 in Orlando. 

I'm already developing the next battle in this Mesopotamian campaign for 2025, where several British gunboats will attempt to navigate past heavy Turkish shore batteries—a scenario that promises some exciting challenges ahead.

The Battle

Reading Churchill’s War in the Garden of Eden inspired me to build out this scenario, reflecting typical engagements during the British reconquest up the Tigris in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq).

The Turkish forces were largely entrenched on the board, positioned in trenches, atop buildings, and with hidden reserves inside structures. As British firepower took its toll, these reserves reinforced the trench line. The Turks had three main guns, three heavy machine guns, and a 1-pounder "Pom Pom" for anti-aircraft defense. When aircraft made attack runs, all units, along with the Pom Pom, had a chance to counter, adding a die to try and damage the aircraft. In both games, the aircraft was ultimately downed, crashing into the trench line and adding to Turkish casualties—an entertaining highlight!

The British brought Indian and Gurkha allies, along with armored cars, aircraft, and a Fly-class gunboat. Both games featured intense action, with the Turkish forces initially inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing Allies. However, as gaps formed in the Turkish lines, the British began to penetrate and overrun the defenses. Players on both sides had a fantastic time, with hard-fought victories adding to the excitement.

The Terrain

For the first battle, I used a Home Depot drop cloth as the terrain mat. By the second battle, a few months later, I created a new mat with caulking, sand, and paint to make it both mobile and quick to set up—ideal for transporting to various venues.

Most of the terrain features, like trenches, palm trees, and barbed wire, were crafted by Bill Daniel from Bill’s Gamer Garage, known for his high-quality terrain pieces. The lighted blast markers were provided by my cousin, Bud Vidales of Bud’s Blast Markers. Look out for more updates on his new releases, available now at budsblastmarkers.com.

Fly Class Gunboat

Regarding the gunboat model, several gamers have expressed interest in purchasing it. I'll be building three hulls at my Last Stand Boatyard, and they’ll soon be available on my website for anyone interested. Keep an eye out for updates if you’re looking to add this piece to your own collection!

Thanks!

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who follows my blogs—I truly appreciate your support! Enjoy the pictures, and if you have any questions about rules modifications, figures, terrain, or anything else, feel free to reach out. Happy gaming!

The scenario setup. A strip of the Tigris on the left flank.

The heavily defended Turkish outpost along the river bank.

The British/Indian left flank. In the first games I used a Sopwith Camel but later changed to a proper Bristol F.2. 

The Turks had three HMGs between the trenches which in both battles played laid down some vicious fire.

A good view of the layout. The British force consisted of Sikhs, Gurkhas, Australians and of course Brits. 

The British attack on the Turkish trenches. Notice the removal of the barbed wire by heavy fire from the Firefly Gunboat and aerial bombardment.

The aircraft support rained down some very effective bomb and strafing runs.

The Gurkhas made it the trench line and with some heavy melee took the trenches with what troops they had left.

The cavalry breakthrough supported by Rolls Royce Armored cars.

Airplane taking Anti-Aircraft fire before its attack run.

Always try and have everyone engaged. Heavy fighting all along the trench line. The Turks had a full unit in the town that were allowed to replace fallen Turks in the trenches. This made them pretty tough.

The Firefly, a Fly Class Gunboat slowly made its way up in support of the ground troops. There were two Turkish guns engaging the Gunboat every turn. 

The Fly Class Gunboat scratch built by Last Stand Dan Boatyard.

Nice view of the combined arms attack, armored car, cavalry, aircraft and a gunboat!

Battle in full swing!

Left Flank

Another view from the Firefly!

Another strafing run.