Rise of the 1630s South America

Chapter 203 South African Garrison

Zamparini, wearing brand-new army spring and autumn uniform, stood on the deck and waved to the shore.The dark blue khaki military uniform, white canvas armed belt, black brim cap, tall cowhide military boots, bright red epaulets, and dazzling brass five-pointed star collar emblem set off his slender figure and his heroic presence.

Zamparini, who has shaved and cut his hair, no longer has the downcast look of a few months ago. On the contrary, he is already handsome and attracts attention like a male model after wearing a well-fitting military uniform.With slightly curly black hair, a strong Mediterranean style face, and a tall figure, many older girls and daughters-in-law who came to see him off on the pier all peeped at him.

But his wife is very vicious. This Tatan woman from the Crimean peninsula glanced at the big girls and daughters-in-law around with fierce eyes, and then took the little Malati by the hand and walked quickly to the pier. Beside the railing, he shouted loudly to Zamparini: "Go over there and be honest with me. Don't waste the money, save it for me. Malati will go to school in the Fortress of the Army in the second half of the year, and our children will also go to school at the end of the year." It's about to be born, remember, don't die outside! If you die without my permission, do you believe that I won't shed a tear?"

Hearing his wife's tough words, Zamparini, who was still scratching his head, patted his head in embarrassment.There was a burst of laughter around, and there was a faint sound of whistles. It was his comrades who were recruited to South Africa with him.

An Dahai crossed his arms and giggled, this Zamparini was in the same platoon as him, and both were first-year privates.For the establishment of the South African Garrison this time, Ping'an County selected and sent more than 70 recruits, including An Dahai and Zamparini.In order to compete for this precious enlistment quota, hundreds of young people of the right age competed fiercely, and finally 72 winners were selected.An Dahai and Zamparini were both selected because of their "exquisite saber chopping skills" and "queue training standards", and became enviable soldiers on the east coast.

I heard that the size of the newly established South African Garrison is one company, which belongs to the standing army establishment.In other words, they are also full-time professional soldiers at present, which is a great thing.You know, there are not many full-time professional soldiers on the east coast at present.

After the war with the British ended, the Joint Chiefs of Staff once formed an organization committee to make some innovations to the current chaotic military system in the country.Under the strong promotion of the military leaders, the merger of the existing troops, the split of the split, and the abolition of the abolition, after some rectification, the establishment committee announced the rectified army system last month.

Based on the current situation on the east coast, in the new military system, the basic combat unit of the army is stipulated as "company".Taking infantry as an example, each company has 10 platoons of 160 people (9 platoons of riflemen, 1 platoon of grenadiers), plus gunsmiths, military doctors, drummers, standard bearers, messengers, cooks, and company officers. 180 people.There is no standing superior unit above the company. During the war, superior units are temporarily established according to the theater and campaign objectives, and each company is allocated to these units to accept command operations.

In late May, the establishment committee issued the designations of the four infantry companies of the reorganized Army.Among them, the first company (full number), company commander Chang Kaisheng, deputy company Changjiang Zhiqing, stationed in Beicheng Barracks, Dongfang County; second company (four platoons missing), company commander Zhu Liang, deputy company commander Wei Aiwen, stationed It is the fortress of the Zhenhaibao Naval Base; the third company (temporarily organized into four platoons, integrating the two newly built platoons in Meihe Township), the company commander Liao Meng, and the deputy company commander Baishui (also the head of the Ping'an Coal Mine), are stationed at the coal mine. Riverside barracks in Hexiang; the fourth company (full staff), company commander Xie Hansan, and deputy company commander Lan Guo, are temporarily stationed at River Fort in South Africa.

In addition to the infantry company, there is also a cavalry company (70 people), an artillery company (33 people), and an experimental engineering company (35 people). The above are all the current possessions of the army. , with a total strength of about 700 people.Among these units, the first company, the second company, the third company, and technical troops such as cavalry, artillery, and engineering are all part of the local East Coast Army; the fourth company is part of the newly formed South African Garrison.

The army has 700 troops, and after the navy has demobilized some gunners, its total strength remains at more than 500, and the two armies combined exceed 1.Taking the East Coast Republic's current male population of more than [-] (mostly young and middle-aged men), the ratio of [-] out of [-] can definitely not be said to be low, and it can even be said to be very high.But who made the East Coast Republic of China have been in a precarious state since its establishment? Everyone has a strong sense of urgency. Only by retaining a strong army can everyone feel safe.Moreover, with successive victories in foreign wars, the prestige and power of the military department are also rising day by day, which makes any reduction in the size of the army difficult.

This is not to mention later.Right now, An Dahai and Zamparini are joining the fourth company of the South African Garrison Army. Their group of recruits will take a boat to Dongfang Port, where they will join the company headquarters and hundreds of other recruits, and then take a transport ship to the South African River Fort together. station.

The officer receiving the recruits, Sergeant Hans, looked at the soldiers who were still saying goodbye to their relatives, shook his head and smiled: "A group of happy young men. I was forced into the army by the Swedes back then. When I say goodbye to my loved ones, alas, that unforgettable gray life in Germany really seems like yesterday."

"Sergeant Hans, please pay attention to your words and deeds." Fabian Klingemann approached him and said with a joking smile: "If you openly miss your homeland, you will be fined one yuan."

Hans laughed, lightly tapped Fabian's chest with his right fist, and cursed, "None of your business, you're not those damn police officers! But to be honest, you've been transferred to the Fort in the River this time." Aren't you depressed? How could you be willing to leave Hannah and your lovely little daughter? Why didn't you find a relationship and stay here?"

"Look for a fart relationship!" Fabian also laughed and cursed, and he had nothing to hide from his friends: "I decided to retire after another year or two."

"Are you crazy?" Hans was a little surprised. "You are a sergeant now. Although the chance of becoming a full-fledged officer is not high, it is not impossible. Once the army expands in the future, you will most likely be promoted to the rank of commander." Sergeant or even second lieutenant, why give up at this time? Why, I don't understand!"

"Well, it's like this..." Fabian coughed, and then said softly: "My old officer, Lieutenant Chang Kaisheng, had a private conversation with me a few days ago, and he asked me if I would like to serve in the local government. Minister of Armed Forces. He told me that the directors of the local militia and the Minister of Armed Forces are now under the dual leadership of the government and the military. In order to better preside over the militia training of the five production teams of the brigade, I agreed."

"You are right in your promise!" Hans said happily for his friend, "We soldiers should actively participate in local affairs. Many of the village army chiefs and brigade chiefs of arms are incompetent, and their training levels vary. It's time to rectify it long ago. But since you are going to be the Minister of Armed Forces, why were you transferred to the Fourth Company to be stationed in Hezhong Fort?"

"The Chief of Armed Forces of the brigade is a cadre at the rank of officer, corresponding to the rank of sergeant." Fabian sighed and said, "I'm still one level short..."

"Oh, I see." Hans finally came to his senses, and said, "You are going to South Africa's River Fort to do meritorious service! I have heard that the situation there is not very peaceful, and the natives are relatively You are fierce, and it is estimated that you will inevitably fight against the natives. At that time, as long as you make a little contribution, the military department will be able to promote your rank by one level, so that others will be blameless, and then you can return to your hometown to serve as the Minister of Armed Forces. Fuck, why are you so lucky? Why is no one looking at me? Daoist Sanqing, this is not fair! Haha! No, you have to buy me a drink!"

"No problem!" Fabian snapped his fingers and said in a very happy mood: "The Daqu in the River in South Africa, haha, you must have never heard of it. I was lucky enough to drink a little bit of it at Mr. Chang's mansion, um, The taste is not bad. How should I put it, it tastes a little different from the brandy we usually drink, but it has a different flavor, and I think you will love it."

"South Africa has actually started to make wine? Don't they have enough food? I have only been away for a long time, and the food problem has been solved all at once?" Hans said incredulously, "Daqu in the River, the name is Hezhong Fort The brewed wine should be made from sorghum.”

"Of course it's brewed with sorghum." Fabian said, "They only brewed a small amount for their own use. I heard that Chief Mo is going to open up farmland in South Africa, raise livestock, and focus on animal husbandry, leather processing, and winemaking. economic pillar, and strive to develop the economy of Hezhongbao.”

"It's so bold." Hans said, "It seems that the location of the Fort in the River is only a supply port for the African route. It is obvious that Chief Mo is going to do something big, but it seems to go against the original intention of the central government."

"Keep your mouth shut, there are some things you can't talk nonsense." Fabian patted Hans on the neck, and then said: "Okay, the time is up. It's time for us to set off, and we can't let those recruits go on endlessly." Come on, let's go and drive them all into the cabin."

On June 6, 3 officers and soldiers of the fourth company gathered at the military dock of Dongfang Port, and then slowly boarded the armed merchant ship "Galicia Flying Fish" that was ready.Accompanying them were two merchant ships "Yingzhou" and "Abbot" of the South China Sea Transportation Company loaded with various supplies, and the Navy's "Eagle of the East Coast" and the frigate "Red Trout" accompanied them.

(End of this chapter)