A Very British Civil War - the War Comes to Durham - The Battle at Ryton Grange

The North East is abuzz with rumours that the King's brother is visiting the area for a spot of shooting with the local nobility; indeed the local newspapers are even reporting these as fact, which is rather convenient since he is indeed in the area, lodging at Ryton Grange.

Lord Percy has provided Tenantry forces from his northern army to ensure the security of the king's brother.  However, such a valuable prize has attracted a great deal of attention from various factions and on the balmy morning of the first shooting party, trouble arrives at Ryton Grange in droves.

From the south, a large force of Chopwell Communists have mobilised, bringing as many assets to bear as they can, intent on capturing the royal person as a bargaining chip.

Unfortunately they won't have things all their own way.  From the road to Newcastle (north east), a BUF contingent is seen skulking through the woods towards the Grange.

To everyone's surprise, the marvellously liveried troops of Lord Lambton also arrive from the east.

The tense stand-off breaks into violence aplenty...

South of Ryton Grange, the Communist 'Red Hats' militia muster ready for the assault.

Pushing on across the fields from the south they make good progress towards the gatehouse of the Grange.  Georgie Boy would soon be enjoying the hospitality of the Soviet!

However, Percy's troops have other ideas and storm out of their billets to meet the damn Bolshies head on.

In a fierce exchange across the road, including a few lobbed Mills bombs, one or two Communists are mortally wounded but otherwise both sides are entrenched, hurling insults and trying to outdo each other with renditions of 'the Internationale' and 'God Save the King'.

The Communist armoured Lancia screams up the road, halts and sprays Percy's armoured car with Lewis gun fire.

With bullets pinging off the front of their car, the somewhat less than valiant crew of the Percy's armoured car bail out and flee up the road towards the safety of the Grange, sprinting past PC McGarrick who had already felt the need to find a pressing engagement anywhere but at the roadblock.

Meanwhile, over to the east, the Communist civil defence brigade (civilian levies for the most part) were holding the escape route to the south.

They even brought up a friendly contingent of coppers, mostly it has to be said, to stop the troops raiding the local pub when they got thirsty, bored or otherwise distracted.  

The determined 'Lambton's Hounds', troops of Lord Lambton's Estate Militia form an advancing gun line and giving display of well-disciplined fire into the Communists, start popping off a few comrades.  The red brigade returns wild and spirited fire without much effect and so to silence the dogs of the bourgeoisie the commissars order their assault section forwards.

Armed with SMGs and molotov cocktails, the Chopwell comrades given out great cheers as their brave heroes rush forwards spraying Lambton's Dog Soldiers with lead and lighting their firebombs ready for the big show.

However, the Lambton regulars had other ideas, and in a frankly beastly display of good tactics caught these mad Reds in a crossfire...

Vicious massed fire cut down the brave Reds and forced the survivors to the ground.  Vodka and petrol spilled everywhere, and the cheering stopped.

Just north of this action, the BUF armoured car's HMG ran low on ammunition as is sprayed the Communisit positions holding the crossroads without noticeable effect, while BUF attack troops skulked west towards the Grange.

Also coming from the east are the splendidly liveried forces of Lord Lambton. 

Having despatched the Communist assault force, Lambton's troops flood into the village looking for booty.

The communist militia try to resist; an effort not helped by their chaps with Molotov cocktails having a tendency to blow themselves up...

The pressure begins to tell, and despite some fearsome disapproving glares (and a healthy dose of SMG fire) from the matriarchal commissars forcing some of the more honourable estate militia out of the village...

...Lambton's caddish and all-round bad egg 'freebooters' get the jobe done in the lanes with some vicious and most unsporting competent assault work.

The Chopwell citizens, taking heavy losses, retreat from the horror unfolding in the lane, and seek cover as their morale fails in the terrifying close combat along the hedgerows.

Things look bad for the Chopwell forces over to the east, but their security force attack on Ryton Grange itself fairs a little better.  A Tennantry LMG team presents a problem, blocking the Reds advance, and so the Cossacks spur their horses on past the terrace to deal with these troublesome chaps.

This to the amazement of the waiting army HMG crew who quickly recovered from their astonishment to open fire on the mounted communists.

Fire discipline failed them however and not only did they spray the area with ineffectual fire, they also exhausted most of their ammunition doing it.  The nearby officers blared angrily at their incompetence.  Galloping through the hail of lead, the cavalry chopped down the LMG crew with their sabres, before retreating back to safety behind the terrace.

The way across the road was now open and as the army infantry also retreated back to the Grange the communist infantry flooded forwards desperate to capture the King's brother!

This seemes to have been a dastardly ruse though and as the Chopwell Cossacks moved up to support their infantry, Lord Percy's cavalry counter-attacked!

In a swirling melee, the brave but inexperienced Cossacks were cut apart by the experienced soldiery and the survivors fled...

...hotly pursued by the army mounted troops.

Rather unfortunate for them, the Chopwell infantry nearby, freed from facing the retreating Tennantry infantry turned their rifles on these khaki horsemen, felling man and beast alike; and with that both side's cavalry were spent.

As the battle dragged on, a sneaky British Union of Fascists flying column to the north threaded its way over to the Grange, largely unmolested by any of the squabbling forces.

Elsewhere, losses were mounting.  the Chopwell communists had lost a lot of good people, and the bitter fighting had also taken a toll on Lambton's irregulars.  Percy's Tennantry were taking a few losses but their position remained secure, and when the crew of their armoured car finally pulled themselves together and started pouring HMG fire into the attacking Reds.  Things began to look very bleak for the attackers and very good for the army.

Then over the airwaves of the various wireless sets in the hands of the faction commands, the following BBC broadcast crackled through.

+++...rep..ts of heavy fig..ing underway right now in ... area of Ryton Grange.  A gover..ent spokesman has assured us that the king's brother, the Earl of Inverness, currently residing at Ryton Hall one mile to the west of Ryton Grange, is in no danger...  +++

As the news filtered through to the various factions, the fighting ceased and the troops left the area to lick their wounds.

The communists would not have their prize today.

Lambton's Hounds would not recover the money own to their lord by the king's brother and his gambling debts.

The BUF and Lord Percy's Tennantry were successful in their actions.  

The civilian toffs who'd assembled at Ryton Grange for a jolly bit of grouse shooting were suitably bemused at the whole blessed show...



In the days following, rumours and unconfirmed news reports flood the airwaves and local papers...

+++ 
The Kings Brother has been captured by the Newcastle Anglican League!  Sources have stated that they are planning to crown him King within the week.  Just as soon as the Bishop of Durham can be found, rumoured to be at his hunting lodge in Weardale, and together with the Bishop of Newcastle they believe they have the right to crown him king.   To counter this, the King has prepared a writ of Habeas Corpus which has been served on the Anglican League to force them to hand over his brother.  
+++

These statements are highly disputed.

+++Durham Chronicle+++

Following the news yesterday concerning the Anglican League in Newcastle, most areas of the north east have reported unrest.

Unconfirmed rumours have emerged from Chopwell that at least seven local vicars have been heinously murdered.  At Langley Park for example, Father Martin Allen and his rector are rumoured to have been killed by an angry Communist mob whilst bravely defending the lych-gate of their  church yard.

Banner-bearing Communists disgracefully rioted through Barnard Castle, causing damage to many high street shop fronts.

John Harding, the self-appointed ‘leader’ of the Chopwell Duma has refused to make a statement concerning this anti-church violence within his territory.

+++BBC outside radio broadcast+++

*crackle*…I’m here at t.......in Tow Law, and speaking with a local lady who… I’ll simpl…all Edna.  So Mrs Br..haw can you tell me what happened here y…erday?

Aye, it were terrible.  Them Reds came up here just after m…ing service and had a go at the ..urch over there.  They was shoutin’ and carryin’ on, and one of them thrown a fire bomb.  It b..nced off the stained glass though and nearly hit poor Mrs Hartley.  Then they dr…ed Father Westerby out into the stree….ver there and set about him with sticks.

They beat him in the street?

Yes.  It were terri… to see and some of the local lads tried to stop ..em.  the big fellow with the red scarf and the bright green coat pointed a pistol at them though so there weren’t mu….ey could do.

Is Father Westerby alright?

Not really I heard.  …over in the rectory with Dr Gar…. Maisy in the bakers said they broke both his legs.  I mean it’s terrible isn’t it?

So there you ha…….oof that the rum……ar….*crackle*

+++Press release+++

John Harding, Chopwell Duma.

Following the recent rumours concerning civil unrest and violence towards local Anglican priest and congregations within the borders of the Chopwell collective, I can categorically deny any official involvement in this trouble.

The outrageous actions of the Newcastle Anglican League will obviously cause tension, but we do not condone violence against unarmed citizens.  Our security forces, in liaison with the local independent police are investigating every allegation of violence and we give our assurances that anyone found to have perpetrated such a crime will be prosecuted to the extent of the law.

A Very British Civil War - the War Comes to Durham - The war is mapped!

And so here is the war in Durham and the North East.  The various faction's territories are somewhat unstable of course.  This Google Map is a community effort by the various disparate groups engaged in gaming the war across Britain.  there are several groups in the north east, and we've bumped along together to try and sort out something not too contradictory!

https://maps.google.com/maps/mm?hl=en

A Very British Civil War - the War Comes to Durham - The Battle of Hartford Bridge

Briefing to the British Union of Fascist forces:

Fellow BUF friends,

After much negotiation you have been given the honour and responsibility of transporting a high value prisoner, one Kenneth Kirkup, a Communist rebel from Chopwell. You must deliver this prisoner to Morpeth Gaol in person. At your disposal are the following assets; transport charabanc and a van and 20 men.
  
Terrance Atheridge, Local Chief, BUF Gateshead Branch.

Briefing to the forces of the Army of the Northern Marches:

Tomorrow a valuable prisoner is being transported to Morpeth to stand before the beak. His escort will be members of the BUF. However the Duke doesn't want them thugs parading through the streets of Morpeth. You are to erect a checkpoint at Hartford Bridge, stop the convoy and negotiate with them to hand over their prisoner. You are then to convey the prisoner to Morpeth yourself.

Captain Robson, Adjutant Warden, Northern Marches.

Briefing to the forces of the Chopwell Communists:

Comrade,

That damn fool Kirkup has gotten himself arrested again. However this time the authorities are linking him with the dreadful mess at Cartington.  He is to be transported to Morpeth gaol tomorrow where I'm sure they will loosen his tongue.  You are to ride cross county to the ambush point, a place called Hartford Bridge, free Kirkup and make your escape.  This point has been chosen for three reasons.  No-one will expect an attack this far north.  The bridge is a natural defile which is vulnerable to attack.  You can make your escape along the river upstream to the west without the risk of being followed.

Kirkup must not be allowed to reach Morpeth. If necessary you have my authorisation to eliminate him. Take your best shooter and a spotter to support him.

Head of Duma Security


Following the arrest of Kenneth Kirkup, John Harding issues orders to free him from custody.  Although troublesome, Kirkup represents a vital agent in the Soviet's plans, given his skill at propaganda.  The Chopwell Cossacks are assigned duties to rescue Kirkup at minimum cost.

After the briefing session Comrade-Commissar Ivan Eardley approaches Richard Lambert quietly.  He explains that Kirkup must not be allowed to remain in enemy hands.  If he cannot be rescued, ‘Red Ken’ was to be killed.  Grimly Lambert agrees and makes sure he rounds up one or two keen marksmen.

Richard Lambert, Master of the Cossacks, takes his 35 riders out to Hartford Bridge the location identified by the Communist informants as the best ambush point on the expected route of Kirkup's transport. 

Leaving their horses tethered to the rear (with 5 holders/guards) along the river, Lambert sets up an ambush along the road west of the bridge and sends another ambush team forwards to the bridge itself.  He also sends an assault team (armed with some freshly acquired Suomi SMGs, pistols and shotguns) south across the river tasked with blocking off any enemy retreat.  They're also the ones who'll actually go in and rescue Kirkup.

As the morning mists clear, a small van accompanied by a clattering charabanc trundles up the road from the south.  The assault team watch from the woods as it rolls by, shocked to see a large number of BUF troops on the vehicle.  The Communists had been expecting police and perhaps some auxiliaries in support, not these hated Fascist fanatics!

The forward ambush had an even nastier shock as they approached their ambush point.  Loitering at the farmhouse gate was a small squad of regular army soldiers!   The Communists back off slightly and begin arguing about what to do.  Police are one thing, but taking on the army is altogether another game.  Tangling with those chaps will get you killed.

The Communists watch as the charabanc halts south of the bridge and the smaller van approaches the military roadblock.  Although they can't hear exactly what is being said, they can see BUF uniforms in the van and watch transfixed as the black shirts and the soldiers began an apparently heated argument with each other.

Lambert strained through his binoculars to make out what was going on, but seeing that the van which he assumed was carrying Kirkup had been blocked, he ordered his comrades forwards to the bridge.  They move swift and unseen through the dense woodland.

Suddenly, to the south, the dull chatter of gunshots echoes across the scene.  The Communist assault troops can’t believe their luck!  A whole bus full of BUF chaps just sitting yards away, waiting to be given what for.  They open fire with a fierce volley of shots that pepper and ding through the charabanc.  

They did little however but surprise the BUF who proceeded  to pile out of the doors and shattered windows of the bus in a panic as it jolted forwards up onto the bridge.  Sheltering on the bridge they returned accurate fire inflicting injuries on the Communists sheltering behind trees.  The Red's leader i seriously injured and the dismounted Chopwell Cossacks begin to waver.

Meanwhile to the north the BUF tumble off the bridge and into the forest only to find themselves in a lethal close ranged Communist cross fire.  

Desperately sheltering behind trees or in ground depressions the BUF and the Communists exchange panicked shots.  Weight of numbers and the cross fire tells however, and soon most of the BUF were seriously injured or killed.  Finally their unit leader, scanning in panic for a route away took a bullet through the neck and the remaining BUF scrabbled back to the bridge, dragging their wounded with them as best they could.

Meanwhile, at the bridge the Army and BUF continued to squabble over the prisoner.  The army privates finally give up the debate and smash open the back of the motor van.  They take the prisoner, bundle him into their car and speed away north.

Things look hopeless for the Communists and it seems Kirkup is being snatached away!  However, Lambert quickly shouts at his comrades to shoot out the tyres on the car.  He wasn’t willing to give up on Ken Kirkup just yet.  A sporadic volley of poorly aimed shots tears through the car which promptly explodes!  All present watch helplessly as the soldiers and Kirkup trapped inside the burning vehicle thrash about, desperately trying to escape the flames.  One solder manages to stumble out and stagger to his knees in a desperate attempt to put himself out but its too late for everyone in the car.  

The whole action is over in less that 10 minutes and Lambert and the Cossacks retreat from the scene and make their escape west, leaving only one or two dead, but carrying many wounded.

The badly mauled BUF tend their wounded and the remaining solders emerge from the farm house to survey a scene of devastation.  The Communists, it seems, have made a very powerful new enemy.

A Very British Civil War - the War Comes to Durham - The Battle of Cartington

On the 16th May 1938 following the ambush at the Rothbury roadblock by the Free Northumberlanders, the Rothbury section retreated to their safehouse just to the north at Cartington Farm.  With them was the smuggler and gun runner contact, Arthur Pike.  He needed a safehouse to hole up in and let the trouble blow over.

Unfortunately with the arms shipment captured by the peelers, the Northumberlanders are now forced to look around for other supplies.  Recent skirmishes in the north with Scottish raiders have seriously drained their limited ammunition stores and their bid for a free Northumberland was looking tenuous at best.

Well supplied with cash and trade goods from the wealthy hill farms they have contacted the Communist Soviet at Chopwell who, they are aware, have a good supply of arms.  The Northumberlanders have the intention of forming an alliance (or at least an accord) and purchasing a supply of weapons and ammunition.  

The Chopwell Soviet has recently received a shipment of supplies, veteran advisors and specialist from the Free City of Liverpool (including uniforms, ammunition and support weapons such as machine guns and mortars).  John Harding, the leader of the emergent Chopwell authority, is keen to sell on their surplus of outmoded weapons as the Soviet is currently very short of cash needed to buy the support of the local populace through food and aid programmes.  They are also happy to discuss an alliance and therefore send a delegation to Cartington to investigate the possibilities with the NFF.

The local police have not been idle however, and with a tip off or two from local informants have identified the NFF Rothbury section’s base at Cartington.

The regular police, together with an auxiliary section (and some local defence volunteers) have planned a raid on the farm to arrest the Northumberlanders for the killing of 4 police officers at the Rothbury roadblock.

So in the bright moonlight of a chilly May evening, the Northumberlanders and Chopwell Communists mill about outside as their leaders discuss terms in the farmhouse.

Meanwhile, the sneaky Police creep up under cover of darkness.  They've come to arrest but are armed to fight if needed.  They certainly aren't expecting to find armed militia from Chopwell so things are likely to get out of hand.

While the regulars go in, the auxiliary police (who are frankly a bit of a rabble) set up their Lewis gun to cover any 'murderous NFF criminals' trying to flee the scene across the fields to the north.

Spotted, the police charge before the criminals can raise the alarm and mount a defence!  They're unaware that they're facing Communist militia out of Chopwell.

Unprepared for a fight, and not wishing to tangle with the law just yet the Communists up stumps and flee south before the blue coats can capture them.

with their blood up, the police then turn their attentions to the Northumberlanders.  These hill folk let off a few panicked shots to little effect.

'Now then young miss...put that rifle down, there's a good lass...'

With surprise on their side the police drive off the rest of the Communists and begin rounding up the Northumberlanders, making numerous arrests.

As the Rothbury cell of the Northumberlan Freedom Fighters is pretty much arrested, the wily Communists slink away into the night.  They do however have to leave their precious motor vehicle in the hands of the police.

With many of his men in shackles and the rest fleeing north out into the dark fields the leader of the Northumberland cell, Alfred Garrett, gathers up the £200 cash  from his stores and attempts to make his escape in a motor vehicle.

The hapless chap can't get the dashed contraption going however and he's soon surrounded by coppers.  Seeing Alf fumble for his revolver police Sergeant Henry Penhaligan has other ideas and with his men drags Alfred Garrett out of the vehicle and beat him senseless.

The police raid ends successfully with many of the Northumberlanders in custody, only a few having been shot dead in the fracas, mostly by the overeager Auxiliares.  The farmhouse is firmly in police hands and the goods and monies within captured.  

The Communists escape and flee back to Chopwell as fast as possible.  They tell exciting tales of the fierce, brutal and highly efficient nature of the Rothwell police.  John Harding convenes the Soviet to determine what's to be done next.

Hopefully the authorities will not learn of their involvement with the Freedom Fighters...

A Very British Civil War Comes to Durham - The Battle of Rothbury Roadblock

Something we've been running for a couple of years has been the excellent 'A Very British Civil War', the genius setting developed by the chaps over at Solway Crafts and Miniatures.  Here's the Concept.  

These are the tales of our own little conflict in and around the great City of Durham...

THE BATTLE OF ROTHBURY ROADBLOCK

++ BBC Press Release ++

After a long period of relative calm, Durham and Northumberland has finally seen the spectre of conflict.  At a remote roadblock near Rothbury in Coquetdale, four policemen were slightly injured in a skirmish with a band of brigands and thugs.  These desperados have been erroneously reported as members of the illegal 'Northumberland Freedom Association', but they were actually simple criminals probably related to the traitorous Chopwell Communists.  Eight of the brigands were killed at the scene, and the remaining four were arrested quickly thereafter.

Local councillor David Thubron said, 'this was a localised incident of brigandage, probably Communist inspired, and the police quickly quelled the trouble.  I can assure the public that the criminals have been brought to swift justice'.

A small police unit led by constable Alan Taylor were acting on a tip off that a smuggler was running guns up to the Northumbrian Freedom Fighters.

The police were supported by a group of Auxiliaries led by James MacAvoy.  MacAvoy and Taylor hate each other however, and trouble between them has been brewing for weeks.

Sneaking in from the north come the Northumbrian Freedom Fighters, ready to ambush the Police roadblock and let their smuggler contact through...

They set up a lethal firing line from cover, and open fire, cutting down the roadblock officers in short order.

As the bullets start flying, Harry East (an innocent civilian) panics and races away from the roadblock...Only to run into the Auxiliaries as they race to the aid of the roadblock.  They open fire, causing Harry to crash.

They pull him from the wreckage where he's arrested and handcuffed.  A terribly rough and caddish way to treat the shocked old gent.

Meanwhile Constable Taylor stops the smuggler and pulls him from the van amid fierce Northumbrian gunfire.

He cuffs and drags the smuggler into cover to prevent him escaping or being injured in the chaos.  Interrogating the criminal will be vital to find out about these criminal Northumberlanders.

Meanwhile MacAvoy sneaks up behind the hated Constable Taylor, and seeing his moment in the midst of the gunfight, empties his revolver at the peeler.  Nerves and adrenalin got the better of him though and he missed with every shot!  A tussle breaks out and the two wrestle in the muddy gloom.  MacAvoy pistol-whips Taylor unconscious.

Meanwhile, the Northumberlanders approach and beat MacAvoy unconscious.  They kidnap the dastardly Auxiliary Policeman and leave him tied to a telegraph pole in Rothbury, with a sign round his neck reading 'attacked a policeman'.

Freed by his friends, the smuggler escapes with the auxiliaries shooting in vain to try and stop the escape.

The Northumbrian Freedom Fighters get away with their smuggler friend but unfortunately have to leave the weapons shipment behind.

This incident turns out to be the spark that lights the powder keg in the North East and would soon bring into the fight, the government Fascists and rebel Communists...