Friday Night Games - Formosan Campaign, the Relief of Ke Lang

Photos by Steve, Words by Mat, with additioanl material from Mike W.

Friday 9th May saw the playing out of a battle in Mat Toy's ongoing Formosa Campaign. An Imperial Japanese force of combined infantry & cavalry were marching on Ke Lang to relieve a seige that was being enforced by a largely mounted rebel Formosan force.

The Japanese relief force marching to Ke Lang engaged with a major Formosan cavalry army on the relatively open undulating land to the west of the besieged City.

Marching in column the three battalions of Japanese Imperial Guard foot were guarded professionally by 7 squadrons of cavalry to the front, flanks and rear. As the column advanced towards a small town nestled between low hills two of the lead cavalry squadrons dismounted to provide fire cover to flanks as lead squadron advanced on the town, this revealed Formosan Heavy horse in large numbers on both flanks obscured by the topography.

The Formosan commander ordered a full attack and 2000 mixed heavy and light horse converged on the lead Japanese elements who were caught mainly on foot. Luckily for the Japanese the bulk of the Formosan horse was cautious to advance too quickly and stout musketry by dismounted squadron on the left flank kept the chargers at bay. However more bold elements of the Chinese horse caught the advanced squadron of Jap horse in the rear as they tried to retreat back to the protection of the infantry. A rolling melee developed to the front and right flank where Formosan numbers started to tell and the Japanese were pushed back.

On the left, where good carbine fire had held off the initial charge, the Japanese mounted up just in time to be hit by a second charge. Stiff fighting held the line for a few minutes before again the Japanese horse were outnumbered and collapsed.

The delay caused to the Formosans by the outnumbered Jap cavalry and the Chinese initial caution allowed the Jap infantry to form lines and start a steady rifle fire on the sweeping ranks of Formosan horse. Japanese reserve squadrons were thrown into the melees as Formosan militia foot appeared on high ground to the right flank and exchanged long range fire with the Japanese .

By now the Japanese horse was in full flight. Two squadrons annihilated and three others routing. Seeing a well formed infantry defence the Formosans disengaged, taking steady rifle fire as they rode from the scene.

The Chinese undoubtedly had the better of the cavalry fight and left many dead Japanese on the field. But, the Japanese relief column remained in the field and can continue its advance to Ke Lang.

Overall, enough for both sides to claim some sort of victory!