The Ride - Introduction and Opening Scene

I'm currently at my Dad's place near Ocala, Florida, and 99 percent of my gaming stuff is up in Athens, Georgia, so my gaming has been nearly non-existent.  I did bring my French Foreign Legion and Berbers with me, and found some spare time.

I've been fascinated with the USMC legend of Billy Port's Ride ever since reading Warning of War by James Brady nearly twenty years ago, so that's the inspiration for this little campaign.  USMC legend has it that back in 1941, Captain William Port was tasked with retrieving Marines scattered across much of China because the 4th Marine Regiment was pulling out of the Shanghai legation before the Japanese got there.

Due to the minis and terrain I have with me, this campaign will be the story of Lieutenant Christophe of the Legion Etrange retrieving Legionnaires scattered across French West Africa because the Berbers are being encouraged by Deutsch Afrika Corps and the Vichy French to kill or capture them.  This is entirely fictional, so real world geography, especially distance, will be gleefully ignored, as will historical troop types and strength.  This is all about the story.

Because this is a solo campaign, I'm going to use the combat system from Two Hour Wargames' Colonial Adventures 2e and the campaign system from Larger than Life 2e, because that seems to tell the story the best way.  Both games are now owned / sold by Rebel Miniatures. 

Leiutenant Christophe, Sergent Josué, a Corporel bugler and a Legionnaire, in front of an "in process" terrain project.

My starting troops:

Leiutenant Christophe, Rep 5, Logical
Sergent Josué, Rep 4, Nerves of Steel
Private Oliver, Rep 4, Unlucky
Private Stanley, Rep 4, Resilient

Opening Scene

The afternoon was hot, just like every other day in Dakar.  The sea breeze was mostly blocked by the garrison walls; tiny eddies of air stirred dust as Christophe purposefully crossed the sandy courtyard filled with Legionnaires packing gear and supplies for the sea journey north, away from Vichy territory.  Pausing briefly to ensure his uniform was correct and free of dust, he entered Colonel Donall's office.

"Leiutenant Christophe reporting as ordered Mon Colonel!"

Colonel Donall returned the Leiutenant's crisp salute while thinking to himself, "yes, Christophe is both precise and a patriot.  He's the right man for this dirty, difficult job", then he spoke aloud.

"As you know Leuitenant, the armistice with the Hun has divided France.  We of Free France are but islands in the midst of a sea of Vichy, and to survive we must consolidate ourselves for mutual support.  To that end, our purpose as officers is to bring together Legionnaires scattered across the continent, and you're the best I have at such a task.

Your mission is to gather those Legionnaires scattered across the desert and deliver a cohesive fighting force to the Free French garrison at Tangier.  Do so by speed and stealth; avoid contact as much as possible and keep careful note of enemy activities.  With a bit of luck, I'll be waiting there for your arrival.

I've instructed Sergent Josué to accompany you along with two Privates.  He's chosen Stanley and Oliver.  You need to leave tonight under the cover of darkness, avoiding Vichy observation.  Your first destination is the trade mission at Nouakchott.  From there, travel north via the caravan route to the legation at Marrakesh and then quietly seek out any Legionnaires near Fes who've avoided the Vichy and the Raisouli.  After that, report to Tangier with your force."

Scene 2 - Leaving Town >>