Episode 5 - It ain't alf sharp mum !

The Missionary expedition had some trouble locating the village it was supposed to. It took several days of search to locate the village and this was done so on the 5th of June. However, despite the obvious glee of the missionaries finding their "flock", their excitement needed to be stemmed as Sgt Maj Hooke was still cautious of dangers in the jungle in the last journey to that village. And he was proven right...............

Sgt Mosse's skirmish line soon outdistanced the main party, which slowed by the missionaries and the stretcher parties carrying wounded me. Despite Hooke's firm instructions to Mosse to always be in sight of the main body he was soon no where to be seen and in the trees, in the shadows something was watching this occur, waiting for that right moment.

Mosse's men were only a short distance from the village when they began to let down their guard, and this would be quite a serious lapse of concentration as the skirmish line was being shadowed by the 8 rogue  Mabutu warriors, whom were very interested in procuring some firearms !. Close the the village was some thick jungle, perfect ambush vegetation and Mosse blundered straight into it.


 And then with a sharp cry all sorts of pointy things were in front of the surprised Jaxonians, who didn't even have a chance to move, surrounded in a second and far from support. This one was going to be decided by cold steel or bronze spearhead.



Private Kapp screamed in fright at this sudden onslaught, but is sudden jolt of fear made him fire his musket prematurely but it turned out to be fantastic luck as he brought down the Mabutu warrior charging straight at him. The remaining Mabutu soon closed to poking stick range and an frantic fight ensued.

In this span of several moments 3 Jaxonians lay wounded, whilst poor Pte Ruengeler fell with a spear through his throat, whilst Sgt Mosse was forced back by the onslaught of the Mabutu leader.



As the melee ensued the Mabutu ignored the wounded men and pressed home the attack on the 3 infantry men they could reach. Knowing it was high time for a bit of splendid bayonet work, the remaining men fought back to back with the surge of Mabutu warriors.


 And in a flash it was over. The taste of cold steel from the cornered men soon killed or wounded the remaining Mabutu, whilst one teenage survivor actually surrendered. But the price was a heavy one, 1 man killed and 3 seriously wounded, the missionary party was soon become bogged down in wounded men.

 However, the main body rejoined the wounded advance guard and made their way to the village, much to the welcome relief of all involved. After seeing to the men's wounds, Sgt Major Hooke ordered the party to rest at the village for the night (safe under the friendly Mabutu warriors watch) and then they would start the return journey to the garrison in the morning (3 days march away). The expedition had been a success, but with 4 dead, 6 wounded it would be an unfortunate blow the garrison strength. What would the future hold ?