Here They Come!

Afternoon - Day 1
The Defence of Wilson's Wadi

The Taliban, without good intelligence on the strength of the British unit attempt to surround and overwhelm them with a decisive enveloping movement. If they can take control of three important landmarks they will be able to dominate the area entirely.

The British position is under threat

The British fireteam on the ridge is hit hard


Second fireteam advances to the tomb


All-round fire on the team in the tomb


Dog Team runs across to check on casualties. The Taliban react to this movement, but somehow the dog handler and pooch survive, even returning effective fire!


Taliban hit by mortar fire


Medic shows up alongside the Dog Handler to help out


Overwatch fire catches advance moving through field


Tomb is a very dangerous place


Taliban advance falters


Sniper appears in building just behind British, but his fire is less than impressive (1, 2, 3, and 4!)


Mass assault is planned


Sniper team taken out by lone British squaddie


Close assault goes in. The fight continues for several rounds but eventually the British finish it


*****

A close-run thing. 17-15 to the Taliban, but a draw is agreed as the Taliban hold none of their objectives.
My feeling was that it was a mistake by the British to try to hold the compound, tomb and hill-top position from the start - this exposed them to all-round fire and prevented them from concentrating their efforts.

The toll on the British is high, as three are killed and 8 seriously wounded.