The paperback edition of Dominion of the Blue and the Grey has been published

He's done it yet again! Only a month after he published DOMINION OF OTTO VON BISMARCK, Steve Parker has published yet another book in the 'Dominion of ...' series. This latest book is aimed at the American Civil War, and is entitled DOMINION OF THE BLUE AND GREY.

It follows the same format as the previous books in the series, so I will not repeat myself other than to state that is has American Civil War-appropriate rule changes. These are:

• Revised rally rules.
• Amended activation rules.
• Rules for generals influencing the battle.

As in previous books, there are scenarios for 24 historical battles. These include a brief background to the battle, relevant army lists, deployment details, and brief account of the actual battle. The battles covered are:

• First Bull Run (First Manassas) (1861)
• Wilson’s Creek (Oak Hills) (1861)
• Fort Donelson (1862)
• Pea Ridge (Elkhorn Tavern) (1862)
• Shiloh (1862)
• Seven Pines (Fair Oaks) (1862)
• Gaines’s Mill (1862)
• Second Bull Run (Manassas) (1862)
• Antietam (Sharpsburg) (1862)
• Perryville (1862)
• Fredericksburg (1862)
• Stones River (Murfreesboro) (1863)
• Chancellorsville (1863)
• Vicksburg (1863)
• Brandy Station (1863)
• Gettysburg (1863)
• Chickamauga (1863)
• Missionary Ridge (Chattanooga) (1863)
• The Wilderness (1864)
• Kennesaw Mountain (1864)
• Atlanta (1864)
• Franklin (1864)
• Nashville (1864)
• Bentonville (1865).

I have already ordered my copy of the paperback from Lulu and hope to receive it within the next ten days.

Recent reading material

During my 'break' from wargaming, I have been doing some reading. I have already mentioned that I intended to read 1864: THE FORGOTTEN WAR THAT SHAPED MODERN EUROPE by Tom Buk-Swienty.

Well, I have now read it ... and thoroughly enjoyed it, just as I did when I read it back in 2015. I might not yet be ready to refight the Battles of Dybbøl or Als ... but I hope to do so in the not too distant future.

I have also been reading two books about the Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War. Both were written by Charles D Winchester, who is a military historian and wargamer with whom I am very well acquainted. 

The first is OSTFRONT: HITLER'S WAR ON RUSSIA 1941-45 ...

... and the second is HITLER's WAR IN RUSSIA.

The second book is actually a very heavily revised edition of the first book and does not include the extensive illustrations and maps in OSTFRONT: HITLER'S WAR IN RUSSIA 1941-45. In fact, it is almost a complete rewrite, and I did not notice that the text of both books were at all similar.

I read these last two books because I have been sorting out and cataloguing my Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War collection and it seemed rather appropriate. In fact, they gave me lots to think about whilst I was doing this 'sorting the button box' exercise, and I am already developing plans in my mind to add some more vehicles, artillery, and figures to the collection. Perhaps my wargaming mojo is beginning to return ... which is no bad thing!

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1864: THE FORGOTTEN WAR THAT SHAPED MODERN EUROPE was written by Tom Buk-Swienty, translated into English by Annette Buk-Swienty, and published in English by Profile Books in April 2015 (ISBN 978 1 781 25276 5). (It was originally published in Denmark in 2008 by Gyldendal, entitled 1864: SLAGTEBÆNK DYBBØL [which can be translated as ‘The Dybbøl Slaughterhouse’].)

OSTFRONT: HITLER'S WAR ON RUSSIA 1941-45 was written by Charles D Winchester and published by Osprey Publishing in 1998 (ISBN 978 1 8553 2711 5).

HITLER'S WAR IN RUSSIA was written by Charles D Winchester and published by Osprey Publishing in 2007 (ISBN 978 1 8460 3195 3).

Preparing to refight the Battles of Dybbøl and Als

The recent publication of Steve Parker's DOMINION OF OTTO VON BISMARK has provided me with an excuse to do some background research before I refight the Battles of Dybbøl and Als.

I have several books that deal with the Second Schleswig War, including:

• THE SECOND SCHLESWIG WAR 1864: PRELUDE, EVENTS AND CONSEQUENCES which was written by Inge Adriansen and Jens Ole Christensen and published by the Tøjhusmuseet (now the Danish War Museum) in 2013 (ISBN 978 8787 37527 6) ... and I bought my copy from the museum when I visited it in December 2014.

• 1864: THE FORGOTTEN WAR THAT SHAPED MODERN EUROPE was written by Tom Buk-Swienty, translated into English by Annette Buk-Swienty, and published in English by Profile Books in April 2015 (ISBN 978 1 781 25276 5). (It was originally published in Denmark in 2008 by Gyldendal, entitled 1864: SLAGTEBÆNK DYBBØL [which can be translated as ‘The Dybbøl Slaughterhouse’].)

The latter formed the basis of the Danish TV/film series 1864. This was produced to mark to 150th anniversary of the war between Denmark and Prussia which ended with Denmark losing control of the Duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg.

When I visited the Tøjhusmuseet in 20214, the museum was staging a special exhibition about the war, and I was able to take several photographs of the displays.

As one would expect, there are numerous paintings ...

The Danish trenches during the siege of Dybbøl. (by Jørgen Valentin Sonne)

The counter-attack of the Danish 8th Brigade during the Battle of Dybbøl. (by Vilhelm Rosenstand))

... and line illustrations that cover the war.

The Danish ironclad, Rolf Krake, which took part in the Battle of Als.

Prussian soldiers storming the Danish positions during the Battle of Dybbøl.

All very inspiring!

Dominion of Otto von Bismarck has been published

He’s done it again! It is less than a month since the DOMINION OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE was published and now Steve Parker has published another 'Dominion of ...' set of rules, this time the DOMINION OF OTTO VON BISMARCK.

The rules have a similar structure and game mechanisms to those in the previous editions in this series but include some period-specific rules to make them suitable for solo wargamers who want to refight mid to late nineteenth century European battles.

As usual, the armies 'cost' 12 points and most units 'cost' 2 points each.

Units fall into one of the following categories:

• Line Infantry: Infantry that fight in a linear formation and rely on firepower to defeat their opponents.
• Column Infantry: Infantry that fight in assault columns and rely on numbers to overpower their opponents.
• Cavalry: Cavalry were used to scout ahead of their main force, to harass a defeated opponent, and to mount well-timed charges that was intended to break an opponent's resistance.
• Artillery: Includes all types artillery.

Units can be given attributes that reflect particular tactical advantages and/or unit quality. These are:

• Defence advantage (D): Troops in fortifications, behind a river, uphill of their opponents, or who are particularly difficult to defeat have a defensive advantage. This advantage adds 1 point to the 'cost' of a unit.
• Attack advantage (E): Elite or veteran units or units armed with superior weapons may have an attack advantage. This advantage adds 1 point to the 'cost' of a unit.
• Unreliable disadvantage (UR): Troops who are poorly trained, inexperienced, or understrength, may be regarded as unreliable. This disadvantage reduces the 'cost' of a unit by 1 point.

Examples of typical units include:

• Infantry reinforcements – unreliable Column Infantry (cost 1 point)
• French infantry armed with Chassepot rifles – Line Infantry (cost 2 points)
• Prussian infantry armed with needle guns fighting the above French – Column Infantry (cost 2 points)
• Prussian infantry armed with needle guns fighting the Austrians – elite Line Infantry (cost 3 points)
• Prussian massed artillery – elite Artillery (cost 3 points)

A typical pair of armies (in this case for the Battle of the Alma, which is the battle used in the rules as an exemplar) are:

• Russian:
• 2 x Cavalry (mainly Hussars) (2 points each = 4 points)
• 3 x Column Infantry (2 points each = 6 points)
• 1 x Artillery (2 points)
• Total – 12 points
• Allies (Turks and British):
• 2 x Cavalry (British Light and Heavy Brigades) (2 points each = 4 points)
• 3 x unreliable fortified Column Infantry (Turkish infantry in defences) (2 points each = 6 points)
• 1 x Line Infantry (93rd Highlanders) (2 points)
• Total = 12 points

The combat rules include specific sections that cover unreliable units, infantry vs. infantry, cavalry vs. cavalry, cavalry vs. infantry, fighting artillery, outflanking attacks, rallying, and terrain.

The rules also include army lists and dispositions for twenty-four battles:

• Crimean War:
• The Alma (1854)
• Balaclava (1854)
• Inkerman (1854)
• Eupatoria (1855)
• Chernaya River (1855)
• Sevastopol (1855)
• Second Italian War of Independence:
• Palestro (1859)
• Magenta (1859)
• Solferino (1859)
• Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand:
• Calatafimi (1860)
• Volturno (1860)
• Second Schleswig War:
• Dybbøl (1864)
• Als (1864)
• Third Italian War of Independence:
• Custoza (1866)
• Austro-Prussian War:
• Langensalza (1866)
• Trautenau (1866)
• Königgrätz (Sadowa) (1866)
• Franco-Prussian War:
• Wissembourg (1870)
• Wörth (1870)
• Spicheren (1870)
• Mars-la-Tour (1870)
• Gravelotte (1870)
• Sedan (1870)
• Coulmiers (1870)

These rules will allow me to use my collection of Belle Époque figures and I hope to refight some of the battles featured on this list … particularly the Battles of Dybbøl and Als.

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The DOMINION OF OTTO VON BISMARCK rules were written by Steve Parker and published in 2025 by Orc Publishing. They can be bought in PDF format from Wargame Vault for $5.90/£4.40.

Soldiers of the Queen (SOTQ) Issue 192

The latest issue of the Victorian Military Society's SOTQ (Soldiers of the Queen) was delivered last week, and I have had a very interesting time reading it.

The articles included in this issue are:

• Major-General T. E Hickman: Lessons for creating a successful indigenous army from the Sudan Campaign 1884-1899 by Professor Richard M Crowell
• The Anglo-Transvaal War and the Politics of Command by Professor Ian F. W. Beckett
• 'Treacherously and cruelly slain': Captain William John Gill, RE (1843-1882): by David Howell
• Commemorating John William VC: The Victorian Association recreates Rorke's Drift hero's medal ceremony in Gibraltar by Haydon Reed
• Tragic events in the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment after landing in the Crimea, November 1854-February 1955 by Dr Mike Hinton
• Book Reviews by Rodney Attwood and Roger T. Stearn
• Officers of the Victorian Military Society
• Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria Tuesday 1st July 2025 to Sunday 1st November 2025 at the National Army Museum

An excellent collection of articles ... as usual! My particular favourite is David Howell's article about the murder of Captain Gill and the subsequent investigation by Lieutenant Colonel (later General Sir) Charles Warren of the Royal Engineers. Some years ago I wrote a and delivered a talk about the life of Sir Charles Warren (who was a very prominent Freemason as well as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police during the hunt for Jack the Ripper) and this incident formed part of my talk.

The annual cost of membership of the Victorian Military Society is:

• UK: £30.00
• Overseas: £40.00 [except for Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore: £43.00])

My opinion remains that it is still well worth the cost of the annual subscription.

A new YouTube video: The War of the Triple Alliance and the Imperial Brazilian Ironclads

I have just uploaded a new YouTube video to the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.

It lasts approximately thirteen minutes.

The video can be found here on the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.

The Battle of Omdurman refought using Dominion of the Spear and Bayonet

Background to the battle

Following the fall of Khartoum in 1885, the British and Egyptians withdrew from the Sudan. Under British leadership, the Egyptian Army was reformed, better trained, and expanded, and by 1896 the Khedival forces - led by General Herbert Kitchener, the Sirdar (or Commander) of the Egyptian Army - were ready to return to the Sudan and destroy the Mahdists.

The offensive was a relatively slow but very deliberate one, with each stage planned to prepare for the next. On 21st September 1896, Dongola was captured, and Abu Hamed followed on 7th August 1897. At the Battle of the Atbara River on 7th April 1898, Mahdist forces - led by Osman Digna and Khalifa Abdullah - were decisively beaten and the line of march along the River Nile to Khartoum was open. On 1st September 1898, the Anglo-Egyptian army - with the support of a powerful flotilla of gunboats - arrived at Karary, some seven miles from Omdurman - the capital of the Mahdist state - where the Mahdist army was encamped.

The British force comprised:

• Attached British troops
• 21st Lancers
• 32nd Field Battery, Royal Artillery
• 37th Howitzer Battery, Royal Artillery
• Two 40-pounder guns, Royal Artillery
• First Infantry Division (commanded by Major General Gatacre)
• 1st Brigade (commanded by Brigadier General Wauchope)
• 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
• 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
• 6 Maxim guns
• Detachment, Royal Engineers
• 2nd Brigade (commanded by Brigadier General Lyttelton)
• 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards
• 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers
• 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
• 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade
• 4 Maxim guns
• Detachment, Royal Engineers
• Attached Egyptian troops
• 9 Squadrons, Egyptian Cavalry
• 1 Battery, Egyptian Horse Artillery
• 4 Field Batteries, Egyptian Artillery
• 10 Maxim guns
• 8 Companies, Camel Corps
• Second Division (commanded by Major General Hunter)
• 1st Brigade (commanded by Colonel Macdonald)
• 2nd Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• IX Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• X Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XI Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• 2nd Brigade (commanded by Colonel Maxwell)
• 8th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• XII Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XIII Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• XIV Sudanese Infantry Battalion
• 3rd Brigade (commanded by Colonel Lewis)
• 3rd Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 4th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 7th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 15th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 4th Brigade (commanded by Colonel Collinson)
• 1st Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 5th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 17th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• 18th Egyptian Infantry Battalion
• Camel Transport

It is estimated that the Mahdist force numbered approximately 50,000.

The course of the battle

The battle began around 6.00am. Some 8,000 men under Osman Azrak advanced straight at the waiting Anglo-Egyptian force. These were followed by a similar number of troops who had been waiting to the northwest. The Anglo-Egyptian artillery opened fire when the advancing Mahdists were just under two miles away from the leading Anglo-Egyptian troops, and inflicted severe casualties on the Mahdists. The latter continued their advance until they came into range of the Anglo-Egyptian Maxim guns and infantry. This frontal attack faltered in the face of this firepower and none of the attackers got closer than 50 yards from the Anglo-Egyptian frontline units. A flanking move on the right was also checked, and there were bloody clashes on the opposite flank that scattered the Mahdist forces there.

Whilst the Anglo–Egyptian infantry were causing significant casualties on the Mahdists, the cavalry and camel corps that were deployed to north of the main force were threatened by about 15,000 Mahdists. The commander of the Anglo-Egyptian mounted troops attempted to use his cavalry to draw away some of the advancing Mahdists whilst the camelry moved towards the infantry’s zariba. Two gunboats moved so they could use their guns to support the cavalry and prevent a Mahdist attack on the zariba’s flank.

Kitchener then ordered his army to advance on Omdurman in several columns. The 21st Lancers were sent ahead to clear the route to Omdurman. Unfortunately, they were attacked by 2,500 Mahdists who were hidden in a depression. After a short but bloody skirmish clash, the Lancers drove the Mahdists off.

The Anglo-Egyptian force moved left in echelon towards the Surkab ridge and then towards the south. During the advance, the rear was a brigade of 3,000 mainly Sudanese troops was at the rear, and this force was unexpectedly threatened by 15,000 enemy troops who came from behind the ridge. The brigade turned to face the oncoming Mahdists, and despite intense pressure, they held their position and caused considerable casualties. Further infantry and the Maxim guns were diverted to support the Sudanese, and the Mahdist forces were forced to retreat in considerable disorder.

Now that this threat was eliminated, the advance continued and Omdurman was occupied.

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THE REFIGHT

The forces involved

Mahdists

• 1 x Cavalry
• 5 x Spearmen

British

• 1 x Cavalry
• 1 x Dismounted Cavalry (Skirmishers)
• 2 x Elite Disciplined Infantry

Opening positions

Turn 1

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 3 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 4 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Spearmen into the left sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their remaining unit of Spearmen into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

Turn 2

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 2 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 1 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their Cavalry into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

Turn 3

The Mahdist Cavalry attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist cavalry threw a 1 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 5 (pus 1 for being Elite) ..

... and destroyed the Mahdist Cavalry.

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the left sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

... and won the battle!

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A video version of this battle report can be found here on the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.

The Battle of Tamai refought using Dominion of the Spear and Bayonet

Background to the battle

During the campaign to relieve the besieged Egyptian forces in Khartoum, an expedition – led by Major-General Sir Gerald Graham – was sent to Suakin on the Red Sea coast of the Sudan to destroy the Mahdist forces led by Osman Digna. The British defeated Digna's army at the Second Battle of El Teb on 29th February 1884 but were unable to destroy it. A second attempt was made a fortnight later on 13th March 1884 and the resulting battle is known as the Battle of Tamai.

The British force comprised:

• Squadron from 10th Hussars
• Squadron from 19th Hussars
• 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
• 3rd Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps
• 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment
• 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
• 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Fusiliers
• Royal Marine Light Infantry
• Royal Navy Naval Brigade
• 6th Battery, 1st Brigade, Scottish Division, Royal Artillery
• M Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

It is estimated that the Mahdist force numbered approximately 10,000.

The course of the battle

During the night of 12th March 1884, the British camped close to the position occupied by the Mahdists. During the night several Mahdist riflemen kept up a desultory fire on the British camp and inflicted a few casualties.

At daybreak the artillery open fired on the Mahdist skirmishers who were driven off. General Graham ordered the infantry to form up into two brigade-sized infantry squares and to advance. One square was commanded by Colonel Davis and the other by Colonel Buller. General Graham accompanied Colonel Davis' square.

The main Mahdist force was discovered hidden in a ravine by a scouting party, and General Graham ordered the Black Watch to advance and clear the enemy from the ravine. This left a gap in the square ... and a sudden Mahdist attack exploited this. As a result, the remaining troops in the square found themselves fighting a brutal hand-to-hand battle against the Mahdists.

The Black Watch fell back on the square, and after intense fighting and volley fire from Colonel Buller's square and dismounted cavalry, the square was able to reform. The British then resumed their advance, drove the remaining enemy troops out of the ravine, and caused the surviving Mahdists (including Osman Digna) to flee.

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THE REFIGHT

The forces involved

British

• 1 x Cavalry
• 1 x Dismounted Cavalry (Skirmishers)
• 2 x Elite Disciplined Infantry

Mahdists

• 1 x Cavalry
• 2 x Ambushers (armed with swords)
• 3 x Spearmen

Opening positions

Turn 1

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Cavalry in the left sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and in reply the Mahdist Cavalry threw a 1.

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Skirmishers in the right sector. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 2 ...

... and in reply the British Skirmishers threw a 2.

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 2

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Cavalry in the left sector for a second time. The British Line Infantry threw a 6 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Cavalry.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Ambushers into the left sector to replaced the destroyed Mahdist Cavalry.

The Mahdist Spearmen attacked the British Skirmishers in the right sector for a second time. The Mahdist Spearmen threw a 6 ...

... and destroyed the British Skirmishers.

The British moved their Cavalry into the right sector to replaced the destroyed British Skirmishers.

Turn 3

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the centre sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 5 (plus 1 for being Elite) ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved a unit of Ambushers into the centre sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the left sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 4 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 4

The British Cavalry attacked the Mahdist Spearmen in the right sector. The British Cavalry threw a 5 ...

... and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdists moved their last unit of Spearmen into the right sector to replace the destroyed Mahdist Spearmen.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 3 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 3 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

Turn 5

The British Line Infantry attacked the Mahdist Ambushers in the left sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw first, and threw a 1 ...

...and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 2 (plus 1 for being Elite).

Neither side suffered any casualties.

The Mahdist Ambushers attacked the British Line Infantry in the centre sector. The Mahdist Ambushers threw a 1 ...

... and in reply the British Line Infantry threw a 4 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Ambushers.

The Mahdists were now reduced to two units.

Turn 6

The British Line Infantry in the centre sector outflanked the Mahdist Spearmen in the right sector. The British Line Infantry threw a 5 (plus 1 for being Elite) and destroyed the Mahdist Spearmen ...

... and won the battle!

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A video version of this battle report can be found here on the Wargaming Miscellany YouTube channel.