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Convention Theme – July 26-29, 2007
Colonialism: The British Campaigns – Victoria’s “Small Wars”
“The records of small wars show unmistakably how great is the impression made…
by a bold and resolute procedure.
The military history of our Indian Empire affords proof of this on every page.
From the days of Clive down to the present time victory has been achieved
by vigour and by dash rather than by force of numbers.”
– C. E. Callwell in Small Wars: their Principles and Practice, 1906 |
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The Wars of South Asia theme includes military operations of the British Empire, which was the largest imperial system in world history in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The theme mainly encompasses the reign of Queen Victoria and the “Small Wars” that were fought during that period.
There was not a single year in Queen Victoria’s long reign to which somewhere in the world her soldiers were not fighting for the Empire and engaged in combat. It was the price of Empire, of world leadership, and of national pride – and it was paid, usually without qualms or regrets or very much thought. The majority of the military actions were – by today’s standards – small affairs, hence the term “Small Wars” (sometimes called Little Wars). Continual warfare became an accepted way of the Victorian era, and during that time Britain’s Empire quadrupled. |
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The formula that brought British success in all these small wars – resolute, breathtakingly courageous, all-out infantry attacks, in which cold steel prevailed, despite incredible numerical inferiority – is the stuff that legends are made of. These small wars in South Asia during the Victorian Era have captured the enthusiasm of numerous historical miniature gamers for many years, as they are some of the most exciting and colorful games for the tabletop.
A notable feature of the colonial period in South Asia was the extraordinary collection of commanders that came to the forefront, some perhaps whose charisma veiled perceptible tactical failings, but who, without exception, possessed in abundance that greatest of all virtues: courage. This, together with unquestioning patriotism, was a large aspect of the period and how warfare was conducted: “The spirit of attack inspiring leaders and subordinates alike has won the day for us.” These men – such as Sir Charles Napier, Sir Hugh Gough, Sir Harry Smith, Sir Henry Lawrence, Sir John Lawrence, Colonel William Hodson, John Nicholson, Sir Herbert Edwardes, Sir Henry Havelock, Sir James Outram, Sir Colin Campbell, Sir Hugh Rose, and Lord Roberts, Sir Bindon Blood, Sir William Lockhart, to name just a few – acted in a manner of their age. |
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 The Victorian soldiers displayed the timeless courage against superior numbers of trained and disciplined native soldiers (themselves equally brave), sometimes to the point of fanaticism. The exploits of these commanders and the soldiers under their command allow wargamers a chance to step into their boots for a few hours as they recreate the colonial actions that made these men and their units famous! The following quote helps to illustrate this point:
The story of English power and progress in India, and the wars waged with Persia, China, and other contiguous countries, is probably the most romantic and curious ever unfolded. What deeds of heroism! What unforeseen and unexpected conquests! What striking and singular providences! Over what variety and extent of realm the flag of Britain has been unfurled! Through what remote glens, and passes, and defiles, here sound of bugle and tap of drum have echoed! On what historic, and yet far-off, fields and mountains the sheen of her bayonets has gleamed in the blazing light of the Eastern sun!
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| While there are many decisive battles of the period that played a major part in establishing British rule in India, there are hundreds…no, thousands of minor actions and punitive expeditions , from Afghanistan and the North-West Frontier through India and the North-East Frontier, and in Burma that were the archetypal Victorian colonial conflicts that wargamers enjoy re-fighting on the tabletop. The terrain over which the theme covers varied as were the tactics to achieve their success, all of which leads to interesting theme games, both visually stunning and strategically challenging! |
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For a complete list of many of the battles, campaigns and wars that encompass this year’s theme, click on the following link: The Wars of South Asia, 1800-2007.
To briefly highlight the different parts of the theme, the following links are presented. These periods lend themselves to many fresh possibilities: big battles and expeditions of the British colonial era, World War II, as well as the modern years. Let’s see what various Gamemasters come up with this year for the tabletop to game the Wars of South Asia (1800-2007). Click on the following links for some brief background.
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