The journey was most unpleasant as the merciless Atlantic Ocean flex her muscles constantly. The choppy water was not the main cause of concern but rather more worrying for the sea captain is the sign of potential scurvy among the soldiers. “If we don’t make it to Paramibo but end of this week, we might as well never make it”.
Crates of lemon, the natural resistant fruit to scurvy were to been loaded at Rotterdam but five days into the voyage, it was discovered to the joy of the soldiers and despair of the captain, the crates are not loaded with lemons but have mistakenly being filled with red wines.
The Royal Dutch Navy 1st Transport Fleet has been given the honor of ferrying thousands of Royal Army finest soldiers to do combat in Northern Brazil. There is little doubt that their biggest enemy is not the Brazilian but the surrounding terrain. Fighting in unfamiliarity is half as bad as shooting with eyes blindfolded.
Five Weeks Later
For some, they might have wish they never arrived. The towering jungle and endless mosquitoes’ assault proves to be a living hell for some. Fortunately, the Dutch High Command has the foresight to send the Batavian Troops rather than the North African or Dutch Home Guard to this theatre.
Almost 85% of those who see action in Brazil are from Java or Sumatra. Being accustomed to similar terrain back home, they are able to perform far beyond their known capabilities. The other 15% comprises of white officers. Something never changed.
Wim de Kok is a happy man. Having missed the chance to cover the recently concluded Dutch-Belgian War, he was given a shot in the arm by his editor when he is being told that he will be sent to Brazil to cover the war. This could be the turning point of his journalist career and he would be right.
“ Bambang, do you think we can win this war?” the lanky reporter slices a piece of rabbit meat and place in his mouth.
Bambang loves the feeling of sleeping in the jungle. It reminds him of his childhood days spent in Rembang before he boards the Hr.MSV Vanguard to Amsterdam to further his studies when he was 16 years old. He never did go to any school; he went straight to the nearest Army enrollment center.
“ Why not? From what I heard from my boss, the Brits are all over those Brazilian on the west coast and the southern region while we are doing pretty well here.”
Wim scribble some words into his trusted notepad. He is unable to verify what Bambang just told him about the Brits’ progress but the Dutch have indeed repulsed the Brazilian attack on Wanari and are now on the march towards Obidos, further into the Amazon.
Slicing another piece of the rabbit meat, Wim asked, “ How do you feel about the formation of Germany?” Bambang shakes his head.
“ Somehow it doesn’t surprise me. From what I gather with you for the last few weeks, all you care to mentions or want to mention is the greatness of the Dutch empire. You make it sound as though we are the strongest nation in the world”.
“Aren’t we”?
“Full mark for your patriotism but no. Here take a look at this map”. Wim unfolded a map of Europe on the ground. “ Look, this is Germany and this is France. Do you know where is the Netherlands?”
Bambang points his finger at the Low Countries.
“Yeap. But look how tiny we are compare to our neighbours.”
A stern faced Bambang answered, “ Your view I cannot accept. This is not a complete map. The great Dutch Empire has colonies in Caribbean, America, Africa and Asia. Do you mean to tell me the Germans are better than us? Mr. Hendrix uses to tell me, the German are least of the civilized people, how can they claim supremacy over us? Here look, our ally United Kingdom is all but a tiny island in this map but they are as powerful as us, right?
“Right”, Wim shakes his head while trying to disguise his laugh.
“ Listen, Wim”, Bambang whispered.
“ What, I don’t hear anything”.
“ That’s it. Silence. Isn’t that great?”
Wim flash a smile at this new friend. Bambang looks older than his actual age which he refuses to revealed. Perhaps he himself doesn’t know his own age but he sure speak fluent Dutch. Bambang is a free spirit, friendly to everyone and always looking after his friends. He doesn’t talk a lot but when he does, half the time it have something to do with a Mr.Hendrix or his superior Captain van der Linn or as Bambang calls him, his boss.
“My boss told me this morning we are to drive straight into Obidos and then even deeper to Santarfem, wherever that is”.
“ Here, I have a map. Wow, that would lead us straight into the heart of the Amazon”, a very excited Wim blurred out like a child being handed a candy.
“Don’t be too happy, my friend, so far we have been blessed. The Brazilian may be tough but they are still no match for us but the real enemy has yet to turn up but which I suspect soon”.
“ I don’t get it, Bambang. What are you talking about?”
“ Speaking of the devil”, Bambang tilts his head up. The raining season has begun.
