My booklet on the Battle of Dogali (1887) is gradually taking shape, alongside the other booklets I am preparing on the War of the Spanish Succession (WSS).
For the first time in my work on historical military cartography, I have used contemporary maps to reconstruct a detailed map of the city of Massawa (Massaua in Italian) and its various fortifications as they stood in 1885. To the best of my knowledge, no other maps of the area exist that are either as detailed or as extensive in their geographical coverage.
My next step will be to identify the landing sites and trace the occupation of the various forts and outposts, although the complete collection of maps will eventually be included in the booklet itself. I hope this work will be appreciated.
It is also interesting, particularly for my British friends, to understand how Italy's intervention in this region was, in effect, partly motivated by a desire to assist the British Empire, which was then facing serious difficulties in Sudan. In doing so, Italy acted in a spirit of European solidarity avant la lettre. Indeed, after some initial hesitation, the British themselves came to look favourably upon Italy's colonial venture in Abyssinia.
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| Map of Massawa/Massaua and Environs in 1885 Copyright Michele SAVASTA FIORE |
My intention is to publish a booklet: The Battle of Dogali 1887
ReplyDeleteFantastic map! This would be perfect for playing a 1/600 or 1/300 microarmor game on. Any chance you could provide a pdf or other file so it may be printed to play a game on? I would be happy to pay for it. Also, how do I purchase your booklet? I am also wanting to purchase the 3 WSS booklets you are creating. I hope you will create more maps like this and sell them, perhaps here or on RPG.com etc. Please create more Obscure campaign maps for Africa, the Baltic (Operation Albion), India, The Balkans etc. Best Wishes. BTW...I do not see an email on your website. How do we get in touch with you?
ReplyDeletethanks jason. I am very happy you liked the map. I am going to be able to prepare much more, thanks to an old book I am waiting to receive from a detailled survey of the Regio Esercito in 1900 with plenty of military maps. I am trying to keep up with my projects (i.e. the booklets); This one (Dogali 1887), the Spanish Infantry in Italy during the WSS, the Spanish Cavalry in Italy during WSS and the Modena Army. (I got also all the documentation for Parma Army of the Period); For the maps I have to think how to prepare a playable pdf (I did not think about it); I think you intend to wargame with naval wargames. I am trying to find the carachteristic of the Italian navies that partecipated (I have names, so I have to check details on an old book about marine I have somewhere. So at the moment I am preparing my booklets in a messy way (one day one, the other day another); but I want to do something really precise, with tons of details (for Dogali I have all) and it needs some time. Also the preparation of maps like this one needs time and researches. and meanwhile I have my job (real job) to attend and time-eating. For contacting me: I have an email that I do not check often irisbarbaresco@gmail.com (I cannot publish here my official/professional one); you write me here that you wrote on my email. I will contact you back through my official/professional email (that I check every 5 minutes). No idea for prices.. it is not in my mood to ask money for a map. So I can try to prepare a pdf and send you this way.
ReplyDeleteHello, Thank you for your response! I just contacted you via the irisbarbaresco@gmail.com email that you provided. I am wanting to do a 1935 British Amphibious Invasion using this map...a fictional but realistic game of Land Sea and Air units. The British would attack from the NorthEast and attempt to land a force of Royal Marines in Abdel Kader Bay after a bombardment of For Gherar.Perhaps a force of Rolls Royce Armoured acars will attack from the south from Arkico. An early aircraft carrier The Ark Royal or even a seaplane carrier like Engadine will provide aerial reconnaissance and attack support. Yes a bit fantastic but nonetheless a fairly realistic tactical game and an InterWar ("The Warm War") possibility. Please create other coastal maps for this area! I will now follow your website closely. Best Wishes and THANK YOU for your great wargaming contributions! Regards, Jason
ReplyDeletethanks Jason. I admit: what a military knowledge and fantasy. I imagine the amphibious invasion in support of Abissinian troops agaisnt Italians? or maybe instead of Italians? in any way a great tactical vision. Tomorrow I contact you. ciao
ReplyDeleteYes, The Brits send a Red Sea Task Force in support of Haile Selassie. Your map inspired me! I really feel that terrain on the table for tactical games and maps for operational level are the real key to wargaming success and fun. Ive been gaming now for 50 years...I will send you a photo of my British fleet to your emal.
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