Wonderful looking tabletop, Martin! 

(Photo 9) The company commander of the 1/8th had led his men in extended line up through Fisher's Orchard. Nearing its far end, men started whispering that they could see shadowy figures up ahead. How many were there? He took a good look but couldn't see a damned thing.  He had orders to attack and staying in the orchard all night spotting, wasn't the done thing. "Company will charge and clear the orchard! Company.... charge!" There were Turks alright, but not many, a small standing patrol perhaps, who scarpered.
Hearing shouts from the orchard, Leggett ordered his MGs to engage any Turks seen. Having ordered the 1/7th to commence their attack, he was aware that they would be well out in No Man's Land by now. He instructed the trench mortars to shift fire on to the hilltop.
(Photo10) Neither MGs or mortars had chance to fire. For those remaining within the British trenches suddenly saw the dim sun-helmeted silhouettes of men ascending the hilltop after their strenuous rush across the dunes. The Turkish 3rd Company had received so much excessive suppression from the bombardment that they only needed an opportunity to think and run. They didn't get the chance. The leading Cameronians were upon them and the shouts and screams of a brief bayonet fight carried across the night air.
To be continued.

Oh heck, someone's ears are going to be ringing!

(Photo 11) Despite their known Turkish tenacity for defending trenches, the 3rd Company was in no fit state to resist. Those that survived, broke and ran down the back of the hill. Battalion HQ and the MG withdrew down the communication trench, prepared to fight. They appeared to be on their own, for the remainder of the battalion was doing nothing. The Cameronians had broken into the redoubt for no loss.
(Photo 12) The 1/8th company had observed their sister battalion's attack. Elated at their own orchard survival, they wanted a share of the honours. They decided to carry the fight past their rivals in the 1/7th ..........
To be continued.

This appears to be a middle order collapse, will the Turkish tail end fight back?

More like the both openers getting golden ducks

It looks like it is going to be a very bad night for the Ottomans

Cracking layout and write up.

(Photo 13) ......... and charged down the right-hand side of the redoubt to attack the MG. The close combat was a draw, the Scots winning by default, killing the crew, but for equal loss. The Turkish battalion officers survived and re-joined the 3rd Company at the rear.
(Photo 14) Hearing a chorus of distinctive Scottish cheering and quite a few shouted anti-Turk obscenities, Leggett correctly deduced that Umbrella Hill had fallen. Mindful of the need to consolidate and organise at defence, he ordered the Bde MG Officer to take his fellows up on to the hill.
To be continued.

Looks like it's going a little too well

(Photo 15) Although the Turks remained surprisingly quiet, the CO of the 1/7th expected a counter-attack and having taken his objective, automatically went on to Hold orders. He organised an all-round defence in the redoubt, incorporating the 1/8th company and holding a company in reserve on the British side of the hill.
(Photo 16) Leggett was smugly pleased with the turn of events. The attack had gone better than anyone could have expected! He had no intention of losing his grip on Umbrella Hill now. Confidently, he ordered the trench mortars forward.
To be continued.

Dumdumdum!

 

Cheers - Phil

 

A really fantastic looking set up!

(Photo 17) Karparc Bey awoke slowly through the fog of pain in his head.

Finally! The Turkish Blinds card!

Becoming aware of the presence of his senior staff officer, he asked "What happened?"
"You were hit on the head Sir....... and I'm sorry to report that the enemy have taken Ahmettepe."
"What! Where's 3rd Company?"
"They ran from the redoubt Sir. The battalion CO is trying to rally them now."
"And 1st and 2nd? You've ordered a counter-attack, haven't you?"
"Still holding their positions Sir."
Karparc Bey struggled to control his anger. "You've called for artillery then?"
"The line's dead. Must have been cut by shell fire. I've sent linesmen out. But the telephone isn't working yet."
"And these enemy..... are they English troops?"
"I'm just not sure Sir. I know a little English and I've heard their shouting, but I can't understand them."
"No matter Lieutenant. I don't care if they're English, Australians, or those little bastards with the long knives, we've got to shift them! Right! Send runners back to the battery. I want at least 5 minutes of fire on that hill before I send 1st and 2nd Companies back up there! Get it done!"
Karparc Bey staggered painfully out of his HQ dugout. He had to get 2nd Battalion into action.
(Photo 18) Outside he learned that the battalion CO had failed to control 3rd Company who had routed, heading for Gaza. 1st and 2nd Companies were firing uphill at the enemy in the redoubt, with some suppressive effect.
To be continued.