The wind blows from the South Sea

Chapter 154 News worth £3000

After the order was issued, the Nanyang Army immediately took action resolutely.

The Port of Surabaya, which has already had a completely new look, is under full control of the heavily armed army. All sailing cargo ships and pedestrians are not allowed to enter and exit, and secrets are strictly prohibited.

The sail warships anchored in the port were busy loading supplies, loading a large amount of ammunition and supplies onto the ship, ending their vacation, and all sailors, officers and soldiers were recalled.

The next morning

All the warships and steam iron ships left the Surabaya Port one after another. One ship followed the other after entering the Surabaya Strait and began to form a formation, and then headed towards the southwest sea area.

A total of seventeen sail warships were organized into two fleets, seven or eight kilometers apart on the blue sea, sailing one after another towards the Strait of Malacca.

A few days later

british straits settlements

When the British Channel Governor's Office received specific news that a fleet from the Java Island rebels had sailed into the Strait of Malacca, this aroused strong interest in the British side and sent two sailing warships to follow them all the way.

The British even threatened the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies with force, but the Dutch also took a very tough stance, which made the British very unhappy.

The total number of white officers and soldiers who could see the Strait of Malacca with their own eyes was only a little more than 5,000, and most of them were in sub-healthy condition, and thin bodies were quite common.

Many officers and soldiers cursed angrily. This was simply a "moving cage on the sea", a memory of a voyage that was unbearable to look back on.

The excitement in his heart surged, and he couldn't help but get wet in his eyes. This long voyage was so torturous that he almost gave up.

This means that the unprecedentedly arduous and long journey is coming to an end, and the expedition fleet will usher in a long period of comfortable rest and recovery.

There were more than 140 white officers and soldiers who were too weak and had to stay at supply ports along the way, waiting for their bodies to gradually recover.

The environment on the small sailboat was harsh, and the lower floors were overcrowded. Due to the long-term lack of fresh water, the strong smell was simply nauseating.

Thank God! Finally we saw the outline of the East Indies colony.

After getting in touch with the Oriental fleet and making it clear that it would not interfere with the normal shipping of merchant ships from all over the world in Malacca, the British decided to watch a show.

A huge fleet of ships sailed in the East Indian Ocean. The fleet had already passed the Andaman Islands and saw the faint land and mountains at the western entrance of the Strait of Malacca in the distance.

If there is a chance to see dog eating dog, the British, as European shit-makers, are of course happy to watch.

When he looked through the monocular, he clearly saw the northwest entrance of the Strait of Malacca.

Although Lieutenant General Bergkamp Van Holstein, commander of the expedition fleet, is only in his early 40s, his blond hair on the temples has mostly turned white, and his face is full of vicissitudes of life.

The young men in the fleet have suffered too much and have been aggrieved for too long.

This caused the extremely tired white sailors to cheer loudly. They shouted and jumped excitedly. Many of them threw their hats into the air and even shed tears of excitement.

A few more days passed

The more than 770 white officers and soldiers who set off from the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands lost more than people due to severe seasickness, illness, severe diarrhea caused by unclean food and drinking water, etc. along the way.

Many skinny white soldiers could only grin while sitting on the deck of the ship. The rough sea voyage they had experienced for more than half a year was an unbearable nightmare for all the soldiers.

If not for the desperate urging of the Dutch Governor-General, Lieutenant General Bergkamp van Holstein intended to lead his powerful expedition fleet to attack and capture the ports at the northwest tip of Sumatra, including the Port of Medan. Take a break and have some fun.

As long as you are willing to use your brain, you will know why this Eastern fleet came to the Strait of Malacca?
British businessmen and the Dutch had constant conflicts in Sumatra over commercial interests, and the two sides had negotiated many times.

Vice Admiral Bergkamp van Holstein, commander of the expeditionary fleet, knew clearly;
The voyage fleet saw land in the distance, which belonged to the kingdom of the Sultan of Aceh at the northwest end of Sumatra Island. They had a hostile relationship with the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies.

This huge expedition fleet flying the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands sailed into the Strait of Malacca one after another in a long single file. The long fleet could not be seen at a glance.

The Dutch expedition fleet rested in the Port of Cochin at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula for more than ten days. Doctors treated two to three thousand officers and soldiers, most of whom suffered from diarrhea, eczema, and other tropical diseases.

The white Dutch officers and soldiers who disembarked from the ship to rest fully replenished their food and recovered some of their physical strength. They also replenished the expedition fleet with fresh water, vegetables, food and other daily necessities to prepare for their continued voyage across the East Indian Ocean.

Count on your fingers

After setting sail from the Port of Cochin, the Dutch expedition fleet lasted twenty-three days and finally crossed the vast East Indian Ocean and successfully entered the Strait of Malacca.

From here to the final destination of Batavia Port, it takes about 7 to 8 days of sailing.

Although the journey is still far away, the light has already been seen. No wonder the white sailors and soldiers in the expedition fleet are so excited.

After entering the Strait of Malacca
It can be seen that the number of sailing cargo ships seen along the way has increased rapidly. Many sailing cargo ships that did not understand what they were seeing were frightened by the menacing sailing fleet approaching and hurriedly left the channel and hid on the other side of the strait.

Some captains were immediately confused when they saw the Dutch flag flying on the sailing fleet.

Foreign captains who frequent the South Sea waterways all know that the Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese colonists entrenched in the Goa territory of the Indian subcontinent do not have a strong maritime presence in the region.

There are not even as many U.S. merchant ships that frequently come and go, let alone the great powers such as Britain and France, which are considered regional maritime hegemons.

Does this amazingly large sailing fleet herald changes in the regional situation?
Many captains with a sensitive sense of smell have made up their mind to understand the secrets contained in the ship after it docks, so as not to accidentally hit a big thunder.

After entering the Strait of Malacca
The interest of the officers and soldiers of the Dutch Expeditionary Fleet was obviously much higher. Specifically, there were more sailors and white officers and soldiers staying on the deck, and the coming and going was quite lively.

Due to the tight space of the troop carrier, Lieutenant General Bergkamp Van Holstein, commander of the Expeditionary Fleet, allowed the sailing warship to carry some personnel after careful consideration.

Each sailing warship carries more than 100 to 200 people, which greatly reduces the pressure on the troop transport ship and also reduces the mortality rate of white officers and soldiers in harsh environments.

The consequence is that both battleships and sailing troop carriers are overcrowded everywhere.

When resting, whether it is above the gun emplacement, in the gaps, or on the deck, there are densely packed hammocks everywhere, looking like strings of ripe fruits.

There is no way, the cabin environment on the ship is too narrow, and a large amount of supplies and weapons and equipment have to be transported, so the space provided for personnel is extremely limited.

By about 3 p.m.
A British cargo ship heading straight towards the enemy attracted the attention of the Grand Fleet, and a warning was issued by semaphore;
It is ordered to quickly leave the sea areas where the Grand Fleet passes, otherwise it will be regarded as a hostile act and be attacked.

At this time, the British cargo ship also flew a flag, requesting to meet the commander-in-chief of the Dutch fleet to report important military information.

After receiving the report, Lieutenant General Bergkamp van Holstein frowned and said;
"To be honest, I don't like those damn British guys. Their merchant ships and trade lines across Europe are based on attacking the interests of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are a group of despicable bandits."

"Your Excellency, Commander, considering that this is the territory of the British, if it is convenient, I suggest that you listen to what the British have to say?" "I am not leisurely to understand what a British speculator with black fingernails means. Military information, dear Gallagher, if you want, I won't stop you."

"Yes, my dear Commander, let me go and listen to what this British speculator wants to say?"

"Okay then, I'm going to rest. You can take over the fleet now."

"Everything is as you wish, Your Excellency Commander." Brigadier General Gallagher bowed to show respect and watched the Commander return to the large and gorgeous cabin.

In the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet, officers have their own independent cabins, which may not be spacious, but they can comfortably stretch out their limbs and sleep on soft beds.

The captain of each battleship has a spacious stern cabin, and the commander even has two servants to take care of his daily life and enjoy a separate and sumptuous meal supply.

This creates a clear difference in treatment from the sailors who are crowded like sardines in the large cabin.

This is in line with the traditional European concept of hierarchy. The officers of the Royal Navy are generally held by nobles, while the sailors are from urban civilians and untouchables. How can they expect equal treatment?

not long after
The British sailing merchant ship had already docked on the flagship. A British businessman in a tuxedo got off the ship and was brought to Commodore Gallagher by his officers.

The British businessman took the lead in taking off the black top hat on his head, bowed and said;

"Henderson, a cotton merchant from Liverpool, pays tribute to the noble Lord! I have important news that interests you. It is related to the future fate of your country's expeditionary fleet and is worth tens of thousands of pounds."

As expected, the British people are unwilling to do anything for nothing. Although they appear to be respectful and courteous on the surface, their words reveal the philistine, which makes people feel sincerely bored.

I really dare to ask for 1 pounds.

Brigadier General Gallagher regretted it at this time. He frowned and looked at the other party, his face so gloomy that it could drip water. The next sentence might tell the other party to get out.

Seeing that the situation was not good, British businessman Henderson quickly revealed some information. He said;
"'as far as I know

The expedition fleet of the Kingdom of the Netherlands came all the way to eradicate the Oriental rebels on Java Island. While you were traveling long distances, the Orientals had already won successive victories on Java Island, knocking out the Dutch Governor's Palace. Don't get angry.

Your country's Royal Navy fleet stationed in the East Indies has been wiped out in the naval battle, leaving only the big cat and one or two kittens.

This important military information I want to disclose is crucial to your country’s expeditionary fleet. It is about the latest trends of the Eastern Sea Fleet.

Distinguished General, don’t you want to know? "

Oh...this...

Henderson's words made Commodore Gallagher hesitate. Of course, he wanted to know the latest movements of the Eastern naval fleet.

But the British businessman was waiting for a price, and his philistine look made him feel very unhappy and bored.

Brigadier General Gallagher thought about it and said;
"You have successfully aroused my interest, but as a senior officer of the Royal Netherlands Navy and a true Dutch aristocrat, business negotiation is not my strong point.

For this news, I personally would pay £500 to get him.

Stop haggling, that is an insult to a nobleman, now you can say it. "

This price made British businessman Henderson very dissatisfied. He curled his lips and shrugged and said;

“This tough attitude of yours makes me very embarrassed, your distinguished general.

You must know that this important information I provided is related to the vital interests of your country's expeditionary fleet. It will allow you to predict your opponent's movements and make military arrangements in a timely manner.

Such important information was worth at least three thousand pounds. Any penny less was contempt for this important military information and deeply hurt an enthusiastic British businessman.

When you love the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Royal Fleet, you won't be stingy with the money.

I insist that this important military information must be paid for at a price of 3000 pounds. It is definitely worth that much, and I have full confidence.

If you hear this important military information and feel that it is not worth so much, God is my witness, you can counterattack. "

Brigadier General Gallagher couldn't help but be shaken after hearing the vows made by British businessman Henderson.

He turned around and told the officers beside him, "Now go and ask the Commander-in-Chief to come down. This decision must be made by your Excellency."

"As you command, General."

The officer quickly invited the commander, Lieutenant General Bergkamp van Holstein, who had taken off his military uniform and was wearing a white shirt, to lead the way and soon arrived in front of the British businessman.

"Is that you?"

"Yes, dear Commander, I am Henderson, a cloth merchant from Liverpool, England. I have important military information to report to you."

"Three thousand pounds, you're crazy."

"Your Excellency, Commander, please listen to this important military information of mine, and then see if it is worth 3000 pounds." Henderson straightened up calmly, glanced at the officers surrounding him, and said calmly;
"Just a few days ago
A large fleet of 21 sailboats arrived at the southeast entrance of the Strait of Malacca. Four sailboats in the fleet docked at the Port of Singapore. They were responsible for transporting coal, grain and other supplies.

The remaining 17 sail warships, including two 560-ton steamships, are all equipped with a large number of artillery, well-equipped, and with high morale. They are the maritime fleet from the Eastern Army of Java Island.

Its purpose is self-evident, it is to target your expedition fleet.

Recently

This maritime fleet has been hovering in the central waters of the Malacca Strait, not far from the port of Medan.

When my sailing cargo ship passed by, I saw them divided into two fleets, moving forward along the southern channel and northern channel of the Strait of Malacca, not very fast.

Even a fool knows that this Eastern fleet is not here to enjoy the scenery.

the only possibility

That is to meet your country's expeditionary fleet halfway and catch your country's expeditionary fleet by surprise.

I wonder if this news of mine will satisfy the Commander-in-Chief? "

(End of this chapter)