28mm Ottoman Heavy Cavalry

Just off the workbench today are a unit of 6 x 28mm Ottoman Heavy Cavalry...

The metal figures are Redoubt Miniatures whilst the plastic horses are from the HaT El Cid range, the HaT figures were really poor so I've had the horses painted and kicking around for months now.

A useful lot on eBay with these Redoubt figures going at a snip completes the unit. Happy Days!

The Battle of Kadesh, ‎late May 1274 BC

A map of the battle from the time!

The Battle of Kadesh took place between the forces of the New Kingdom of Egypt under Ramesses II and the Hittite Empire under Muwatalli II at the city of Kadesh on the Orontes River, just upstream of Lake Homs near the modern Lebanon–Syria border.

Hittite Heavy Infantry Command

 Our recreation of the battle took place at Rupert's place and the Hittites were played by Steve and Dave, whilst the Egyptians were run by Mike W and Phil. Rupert provided his usual excellent and insightful umpiring service!

The rules used were a variation of Rupert's standard ancients rules, the game was played in 15mm using figures from Rupert's collection - which were painted and previously owned by Alan Martin.

The Eygptians started with four commands, each with two chariot units and then typically a couple of Infantry units plus archers, some of the commands had Light Infantry Archers, some commands were accompanied by a baggage train. 

One command, with the Ramesses with them were camped just outside Kadesh, Kadesh its-self stood on a hill and was not occupied by either side's military. Two Egyptian commands were marching the length of the table to join Ramesses in Camp whilst the fourth command was off table,  not at all far from the camp area.

The rear of Mike W's Egyptian command, with baggage
train, just before being hit by Hittite Chariots

The Hitites were across the rive from the Egyptians, with two strong Chariot commands, poised to hit the Egyptian columns as they marched across the table. A single large Infantry command of about six Heavy Infantry units were also marching into position from the Kadesh end of the table.

Phil's Egyptian command starting to try and
march the length of the table

The action started with a lightening attack by the first Hittite Chariot command, supported by a second command in a rear line, this caught the Egyptian column as it was turning and managed to push back then rout several of the Egyptian units. The only saving grace for the Egyptians was that the Heavy Infantry inflicted high casualties on the attackers and held the line, whilst archers, chariots and Light Infantry fled.

The Egyptians pushed up their second command that was marching onto the field and this had the desired effect of distracting the second Chariot command, who turned to oppose this new threat. In the meantime the Hittites continued to press their advantage in the centre as the routing Egyptians were further punished, Ramesses started to move units from his command out f the camp to oppose the large Hittite infantry column that was snaking its way towards Kadeh.

Ramesses Camp, with units awaiting orders
Kadesh can be seen in the background

Phil commanding the second Egyptian command marching across the table - was able to form up and start hitting out at the opposing chariots with some punishing fire form his archers. meanwhile the Egyptian units that survived the initial onslaught were able to turn and face and start dishing out some punishment of their own.

Suddenly the tables turned again as a number of Hittite Chariot units broke, disrupting their organisation and allowing a number of piecemeal melees to break out, melees that saw the Egyptians gradually gain the upper hand and push away the pesky chariot foes.

Kadesh, the city on the hill.

As the main Hittite Infantry command crossed the river, it was hit by one of Ramesses Heavy Infantry units, supported by a unit of archers. Melee ensued and after several turns of fighting the Hitties broke, with that the morale of the Hittite commanders also broke and they elected to quit the field.

A good game had by all - great to get out the Biblical figures so beautifully painted by Alan.