Chapter 661 Deployment and Mobilization

Although the level of development of the Natuna Islands is far less than that of Taiyuan Port, its geographical location is no less important than Taiyuan Port. On the waterway between Taiyuan Port and Batavia, the Natuna Islands is a very important place.

Important supply points, whether Dutch merchant ships heading south or north, will almost always choose this port as a must-stop port. This is the main reason why after Natuna Island changed hands, Dutch merchant ships frequently threw themselves into the trap there.

Taking a step back, even if the Dutch merchant ships now know that this place is occupied by pirates of unknown origin and choose to circumvent cautiously when passing through the surrounding waters, they actually cannot go very far. It is more than 100 nautical miles east of Natuna Island

It's Borneo, where the natives are also very hostile to the Dutch. Dutch sailing ships can't even supply supplies there. Under normal circumstances, they won't choose to sail close to the coastline of Borneo to avoid being treated "unfriendly" by the natives.

.The Anambas Islands, nearly a hundred nautical miles to the west, are also waters with frequent pirate activities. There is no safety in going there.

Natuna Island's presence in peacetime was extremely thin, and even the crew and sailors who traveled here didn't think there was anything special about this place. However, after the change of ownership, everyone suddenly noticed the strategic position of this place, and it completely became

The pirates on the island had the ability to compete with the East India Company by force. Of course, their threat could not be ignored by the company's board of directors. The armed fleet suffered a defeat on Natuna Island.

Its nature is even more serious than Fujian's failure - at least Fujian's failure will not immediately affect the safety of the waterway between Damuan Port and various parts of Northeast Asia.

"I think the company's board of directors will be more inclined to solve the troubles on Natuna Island first." Van Longen said very straightforwardly, without any detours: "If Mr. Hans wants to request assistance from the company, I estimate that it will be possible within the year.

Very little sex.”

Hans also immediately realized his negligence. The failure in Fujian did not have a great direct impact on the company. If the hidden dangers in Natuna Island could not be properly resolved, the company's layout in the entire Northeast Asia region would be affected.

Everyone will be affected. Which is more serious or more serious? Anyone who understands the truth can clearly distinguish it. If he were in the position of Governor Cohen, he would probably consider Natuna Island as the priority solution at the moment.

However, this situation is not necessarily bad news for the person in charge of Taiyuan Port. The more important the company's board of directors takes the role of Natuna Island, the smaller the impact of the failure on the Fujian side will be, and the relevant personnel will be needed

The responsibilities they bear will naturally be reduced a lot. Imagine that the elite sent by the headquarters suffered a big loss at the hands of a group of unknown pirates, then the loss to the Haihan people in Fujian, which is not weak in strength, seems to be considered.

It's nothing more than a shameful record.

Hans was silent for a while before responding: "I will write a personal letter and ask you to deliver it to Governor Cohen for me. My servant will send the letter to you later."

"I'm willing to serve you." After the conversation came to an end, Van Longen stood up and left knowingly. He could see that the uncle and nephew probably still had some personal topics to talk about.

The reason why he gave the autographed letter to Van Loungen instead of Van der Wegen to take it back was not because Hans couldn't trust his nephew, but because Van Der Wegen's social level was not high enough to complete the mission. And Van Loungen was under Governor Cohen.

One of the most capable men, he will definitely meet with Cohen when he returns to Batavia. It will also be very convenient to submit the personal letter of the chief executive at that time. Of course, Hans will not let him go in vain.

When I send a letter to Van Longen next time, I will also send a favor along the way.

"If it weren't for Van Longen's reminder, I would have almost forgotten about Natuna Island." After Van Longen left, Hans's face looked much better and his tone became lighter: "I will tell the Governor in his letter

Explain the reasons for the failure of this battle and help you reduce your responsibility as much as possible."

Seeing that Van der Wegen still looked uncomprehensive, Hans could only continue to explain: "The reason I didn't use this method before was because I was worried that it would be counterproductive. The company would think it was a shirk of responsibility, and it would increase the punishment for you.

But I forgot about the Natuna Island incident. Spikes and Broward went out together and suffered a defeat. They lost to the pirates, and we lost to a regular fleet with a full lineup. The company will be facing

The punishment you impose can never exceed theirs. The purpose of my writing this letter is to remind Governor Cohen to be fair and not to end a young man's future just because of such an accidental defeat."

"So that's it! I will always be grateful for everything you have done for me!" Van der Wegen finally understood the real reason why Hans suddenly asked to write a personal letter.

Hans waved his hand and said: "There is not much I can do for you. After returning to Batavia, you will have to do everything by yourself. Also, build a good relationship with Mr. Van Longen during this voyage."

, don’t think he is just a maritime businessman, maybe he can’t help you much, but it’s easy to do bad things!”

"I will remember your teachings, dear Uncle Hans." Van der Wegen responded respectfully. In terms of how to behave in the world, he indeed still has a lot to learn from his uncle.

While the Dutch on Taiwan Island are still racking their brains on how to deal with the accountability of the company headquarters, Haihan has already begun preparations for the defense change and development of the Ambrosia Islands.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs plans to immigrate about 3,000 immigrants to the local area in the second half of the year. This number is basically the same as the indigenous people left there. On the one hand, it is to increase the labor force on the island and provide manpower guarantee for the subsequent development and construction. On the other hand,

The large-scale immigration of naturalized people will also help Haihan implement its own unique social system locally. After completing this stage of immigration, the number of permanent civilians on the island will reach 5,000 to 6,000. This number does not include the island.

The garrison is inside.

Due to the transfer of power, the Annan militia troops acting as pirates are no longer suitable to be stationed in the Ambuna Islands. This unit will be transferred to the Qiongzhou Fucheng area in northern Qiongzhou, and even their families and relatives will be stationed there.

They will move there from Annan on a voluntary basis - this is also one of the post-war benefits promised to this unit by the Executive Committee.

The commander of this force, Mu Xiabai, did not choose to return to Sanya, but planned to garrison at Cam Ranh Bay. After all, that will be Haihan's largest military base in the South China Sea in the next few years. The size of the garrison force may even be

It will surpass Sanya. However, there are unreliable rumors among the top military officials. Mu Xiabai already has a partner in Annan, but he has not yet got married. This is one of the important reasons why he chose to settle in Annan. But Mu Xiabai has a partner in Annan.

Xia Bai didn't mention it himself, and his colleagues were not very willing to take the initiative to support him. Yan Chujie could only tacitly approve a one-month long vacation for Mu Xiabot. The destination could be chosen at will within the Haihan control area, and all expenses were paid.

The newspaper should be regarded as a congratulatory gift from the official.

The senior officer who will represent Haihan to Abuna Island to replace Mu Xiabai is Roger from the North American Gang. He had been transferred out of the Tiandu Industrial Zone together with Shi Diwen before and officially entered the military establishment to serve.

When Shi Diwen led the Haihan Mission fleet north to Fujian, Roger also took over the military control of Qiongzhou City and parts of the Qiongzhou Strait.

Because Haihan had made preparations in advance, after the Ming Dynasty candidate officials arrived on Hainan Island at the beginning of the year, they basically failed to cause any waves. Qiongbei Fucheng has always been firmly under Haihan's control. And the local administration

Chief Qiu Yuan's methods are much more ruthless than his colleague Zhang Xin in Danzhou. There has never been anything like the riots between Yan Mingjun, Li Jin and Danzhou. Here in Fucheng, everyone who took the lead in openly opposing Haihan

They will be killed, arrested and arrested. Even if they just make such remarks, they will be warned or even forcibly relocated from the local area.

The iron-fisted measures implemented by Qiu Yuan in Qiongzhou Fucheng made Roger very relaxed after he was stationed there. There was almost no pressure at all. He did not even conduct any large-scale military operations during his short tenure. But there is also a problem in such an environment.

The disadvantage is that there is no military merit at all. Shi Diwen followed the mission to Fujian, and by chance, he assisted the Ming army in capturing Nanri Island occupied by Shibazhi, and he had already earned a good job

Of course, Roger was also enthused about the achievements of the army. He sent a war report to the Military Commission almost once a week. He hoped to lead troops in the war zone instead of enjoying peace in the Haihan-controlled area.

This opportunity did not take long to appear. The war in Fujian made the Executive Committee realize that the time had come to openly seize control of Ambrosia Island, and it was logical to add more troops to the island to control the East India Company.

South China Sea route. Originally, the Executive Committee preferred to dispatch officers from Guangdong to carry out this task. However, after Wang Tom's persuasion, the final candidate decided by the Military Commission was Roger.

Of course, the reasons given by Tom Wang are also very good. Roger, like Shi Diwen, is a professional in engineering machinery. In a place like Ambrosia Island that lacks supplies, he can complete some ordnance repair and maintenance work locally and reduce

Dependence on the base camp. In addition, the professional skills of the North American gang members in navigation are also an important reason that the top brass of the Military Commission cannot ignore. Roger's presence there will help disrupt the Dutch routes at sea, and several senior officers stationed in Guangdong

The officers were all from the army, and obviously did not have Roger's obvious advantage in naval warfare.

In addition, there is another reason why it is not open to the public, that is, except for two doctors in the North American Gang who cannot be entrusted with the important task of leading troops due to their special professional nature, several other members of the North American Gang have been reused one after another - Tom Wang

After becoming the commander of the navy, Qiao Zhiya is responsible for the construction of the coal-iron composite industrial base in Changhua. Shi Diwen has recently made military exploits on behalf of the Haihan Militia in Fujian. Only Roger has not done much. Even if he is released

For the sake of fairness, he should be given a chance to perform. What's more, his personal ability is not bad, and he also performed very well in the special operations he participated in in the early stages of time travel. In addition, Roger himself has a very strong desire to fight.

Strong, emotional and rational, the Military Commission should give him a chance to show off.

The second battalion of the Haihan Militia that will accompany Roger south was established at the end of 1628. It is the same as the Annan Militia currently stationed on Ambuna Island. This is also a strengthened battalion with a 44th formation. Since Operation Prairie Fire last year,

It has been stationed in the Qiongbei area. The entire battalion has a full strength of more than 800 people. For this deployment south, the Military Commission also arranged for an additional engineering company and an artillery company to go south together.

In the earlier confrontation on Ambona Island, the Annan militia led by Mu Xiabai was inexperienced in artillery warfare, which directly led to an unfavorable situation in the engagement stage. More than a dozen forts failed to block the opponent's attack.

The landing operation also caused reflection among the top military officials after the war. Although the General Staff also had to bear certain responsibilities in the relevant tactical design, through this battle, the Annan militia indeed exposed their skills in positional warfare.

Shortcomings - after all, this unit is trained based on surprise attacks and special operations in mountainous environments. Even heavy weapons are not its standard configuration. The way of fighting on the frontal battlefield is indeed not what they are good at.

In order to make up for this shortcoming, the Military Commission made this special deployment. Although the artillery company is equipped with only eight army guns, the power that the professional artillery unit can exert on the battlefield is not what the temporary infantry can do.

Comparable.

The engineering company will be mainly responsible for building fortifications in the port area of ​​​​Ambuna Island. The last sudden attack by the Dutch has made the Military Commission realize that the previous idea was too simple. Perhaps the Dutch attach great importance to Ambuna Island.

It will be beyond imagination, and there will definitely be an island seizing operation against Ambona Island in the future. The temporary fort has proved to be extremely limited in the last battle. If you want to firmly defend the port, you still have to

Just copy the existing successful experience and build strong and large-scale defenses on the coast.

Of course, just sending an engineering company to the local area is not enough. For this purpose, the Ministry of Construction will also mobilize a batch of construction materials and transport them to the local area by fleet. In view of the amount of construction of coastal defenses, this will undoubtedly be another

A huge amount of military expenditure. However, this money really cannot be saved. Even Gu Kai, who has always questioned the military budget, did not express any objection this time - after all, the Dutch had landed ashore last time, and the forts were not built again.

It may be too late to regret it.

Therefore, even though the executive committee did not plan to invest too many resources in the local area to build Haihan-style coastal defenses when planning to occupy the Ambuna Islands, after going back and forth, everyone found that this step could not be skipped at all.

However, the money that should have been spent cannot be saved.
Chapter completed!