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Book III – Australia Impériale
“People will one-day look back and say: That was nice.” Arthur Napier, the Australian Prime Minister.
As the year 1840 gave way to 1841, Australia lay dormant, with little or no foreigner matters arising, and the home front remaining stable. One matter that did arise however was the new development of a new standard issue rifle, which was a fast improvement over the old models, and allowed greater firepower and greater accuracy. The Australian Cabinet went to visit the Imperial Australian Army Armoury (IAAA), where the new weapon was being tested, ready for issuing.
“These rifles are much lighter and simpler to operate than there predecessors. It uses modern black powder, and the bullet and fuse are in two parts. It is still rather cumbersome to reload, and it is still reloaded through the front of barrel, which means our lads will need to be standing to reload it.” The designer said as he loaded the rifle for Arthur Napier, the Australian Prime Minster to fire it on the firing range. He put the but of the rifle against his soldier, and pulled the firing the mechanism. A great cloud of smoke burst out from the barrel, and a small lead ball was hurled towards the target about 50 yards away. It snagged the edge of the target board.
“Not bad, certainly more accurate. Imaging if we had these when Byron and his mob were up North, could have shortened the war a bit eh?” Napier said, as he handed the rifle back to the designer, who stood there smiling, his moustache trim and proper. Napier enquired as to their next project, of which he promised the full support and funding by the government. As the party walked on, they were shown inside a laboratory, with numerous chemicals bubbling away in strange flasks, flames heating odd coloured liquids, and the strangest smell.
“What on earth are you doing in here?” Napier said as he held his handkerchief over his nose to stop the advancing stench.
“We are working on producing medicines that can prevent illness in people. These elixirs are coming along quite nicely. They were originally from Atjeh, and our team got some of these from the natives. They are still no where near ready for use, but within a year, we can expect some serious results.” The professor said, his white lab coat, grubby from the spills of various potions and chemicals. The parliamentary team departed in horse drawn carriages, that sped off back to Sydney, and ready for the next session of parliament.
In Atjeh, Winchester was enjoying his command of this new portion of the Australian Empire. There were rumblings though, as a few natives seemed to wish to see their king again, but alas it was only a few malcontents who were posing a small problem. Schools were being set up, and the natives were being taught to read and write in English, though it was a slow process. However, Australian influence had not been entirely complete, and illegal trading and smuggling was a real problem. Many goods were being smuggled around the coast, and after the sending of a terse message to Sydney asking for naval support to help stop the smuggling operations, the Commerce Raider Lion, formally the Sydney of the Australian Imperial Navy, was dispatched to Acheen, in order to intercept the supply of illegal cargo. The Lion was the most modern vessel in the Australian Imperial Navy, and her sister ship, Tiger, were powerful commerce raiders, very able and could easily challenge any wooden ship in the world.
Many ships that passed through the Straits of Malacca and along the coast were ships carrying Opium, grown in the rich fields of Siam, and the King of Siam grew fat off the wealth of this trade. The small, wooden sailing ship, long passed its prime, sailed serenely on along the coast. The Lion, on regular patrol along the coast intercepted the craft, and called for it to way anchor. The small boat ignored the shoutings of the Lion. Although the crew appeared to be from Asia, there was a glimpse of a white head just below the deck. As the Lion drew near, her powerful steam engines at full speed, she neared the small craft, with her various accompaniments of guns and cannon trained on the small craft. The Australian crew shouted again, and the men aboard the small watercraft continued sailing on. A warning shot from the Quick Firing 16 Pounder was fired into the air. The crew hosted up the rotted mast a flag of the kingdom of Holland. That defiant act did not stop the commander of the Lion boarding the vessel, and along with 5 tonnes of Opium there were a number of Dutch a national aboard. They were placed under armed guard in the Lion’s mess. Meanwhile, completely unaware of the potential situation, but determined to combat the land trade, Winchester choose a controversial decision. Rather than chew up Australian manpower, he formed up 3 Native battalions, which he hoped would be enough to expand them into three proper divisions, though whether Sydney would where the cost would be another factor. The events in Atjeh would once again draw Australia to a decision.
What should happen with the Dutch? Be released, imprisoned, executed?
“People will one-day look back and say: That was nice.” Arthur Napier, the Australian Prime Minister.
As the year 1840 gave way to 1841, Australia lay dormant, with little or no foreigner matters arising, and the home front remaining stable. One matter that did arise however was the new development of a new standard issue rifle, which was a fast improvement over the old models, and allowed greater firepower and greater accuracy. The Australian Cabinet went to visit the Imperial Australian Army Armoury (IAAA), where the new weapon was being tested, ready for issuing.
“These rifles are much lighter and simpler to operate than there predecessors. It uses modern black powder, and the bullet and fuse are in two parts. It is still rather cumbersome to reload, and it is still reloaded through the front of barrel, which means our lads will need to be standing to reload it.” The designer said as he loaded the rifle for Arthur Napier, the Australian Prime Minster to fire it on the firing range. He put the but of the rifle against his soldier, and pulled the firing the mechanism. A great cloud of smoke burst out from the barrel, and a small lead ball was hurled towards the target about 50 yards away. It snagged the edge of the target board.
“Not bad, certainly more accurate. Imaging if we had these when Byron and his mob were up North, could have shortened the war a bit eh?” Napier said, as he handed the rifle back to the designer, who stood there smiling, his moustache trim and proper. Napier enquired as to their next project, of which he promised the full support and funding by the government. As the party walked on, they were shown inside a laboratory, with numerous chemicals bubbling away in strange flasks, flames heating odd coloured liquids, and the strangest smell.
“What on earth are you doing in here?” Napier said as he held his handkerchief over his nose to stop the advancing stench.
“We are working on producing medicines that can prevent illness in people. These elixirs are coming along quite nicely. They were originally from Atjeh, and our team got some of these from the natives. They are still no where near ready for use, but within a year, we can expect some serious results.” The professor said, his white lab coat, grubby from the spills of various potions and chemicals. The parliamentary team departed in horse drawn carriages, that sped off back to Sydney, and ready for the next session of parliament.
In Atjeh, Winchester was enjoying his command of this new portion of the Australian Empire. There were rumblings though, as a few natives seemed to wish to see their king again, but alas it was only a few malcontents who were posing a small problem. Schools were being set up, and the natives were being taught to read and write in English, though it was a slow process. However, Australian influence had not been entirely complete, and illegal trading and smuggling was a real problem. Many goods were being smuggled around the coast, and after the sending of a terse message to Sydney asking for naval support to help stop the smuggling operations, the Commerce Raider Lion, formally the Sydney of the Australian Imperial Navy, was dispatched to Acheen, in order to intercept the supply of illegal cargo. The Lion was the most modern vessel in the Australian Imperial Navy, and her sister ship, Tiger, were powerful commerce raiders, very able and could easily challenge any wooden ship in the world.
Many ships that passed through the Straits of Malacca and along the coast were ships carrying Opium, grown in the rich fields of Siam, and the King of Siam grew fat off the wealth of this trade. The small, wooden sailing ship, long passed its prime, sailed serenely on along the coast. The Lion, on regular patrol along the coast intercepted the craft, and called for it to way anchor. The small boat ignored the shoutings of the Lion. Although the crew appeared to be from Asia, there was a glimpse of a white head just below the deck. As the Lion drew near, her powerful steam engines at full speed, she neared the small craft, with her various accompaniments of guns and cannon trained on the small craft. The Australian crew shouted again, and the men aboard the small watercraft continued sailing on. A warning shot from the Quick Firing 16 Pounder was fired into the air. The crew hosted up the rotted mast a flag of the kingdom of Holland. That defiant act did not stop the commander of the Lion boarding the vessel, and along with 5 tonnes of Opium there were a number of Dutch a national aboard. They were placed under armed guard in the Lion’s mess. Meanwhile, completely unaware of the potential situation, but determined to combat the land trade, Winchester choose a controversial decision. Rather than chew up Australian manpower, he formed up 3 Native battalions, which he hoped would be enough to expand them into three proper divisions, though whether Sydney would where the cost would be another factor. The events in Atjeh would once again draw Australia to a decision.
What should happen with the Dutch? Be released, imprisoned, executed?
weychun said:
Lord, he's right! It's only 1841, you say? This will be longer than even my AAR when its finished!
Well thanks.
Book III – Australia Impériale
“Do you wish to pursue total war?.” Prime Minister Arthur Napier.
When news reached home of the impounding of the Dutch smuggling ship, the opium and her crew, the Australian government took the news lightly, and paid little attention to it, yet another news unimportant incident from the newest region of the Australian Empire. They were more concerned with the activities of Winchester, who had formed up three native Divisions without the permission from Sydney, but under his mandate, he was able to take such executive decisions, and they provided useful local security and released the proper Australian soldiers for proper duties. The native units, with Australian officers through the ranks, were not as high quality as the Queensland guards, but they had experience fighting in the jungles, and many, although never handling a gun before in their lives, were becoming quite skilled in firing their new weapons of war. The three divisions were made up of 5 battalions each, which constituted a total divisional strength of 10,000 men. It was however, a coincidence that the actions of the Lion were running almost in parallel with Winchester’s expansion. Winchester called this army, the 1st Java Rifles, and if the situation was called upon, he would lead them personally, confident that his experience and skills would bring them victory against any enemy they encountered.
The Dutch had no representation in Australia, and the nearest Dutch staffs were the colonial administration in Java, which had tenuous links with the Dutch government in Amsterdam, and it took many weeks for a message to reach the government back in Europe. In the steaming jungles, the Dutch only no regular or irregular army units in the area, and if tensions were brought to war, then it would have to be a lightening campaign that would have to take advantage of the poor communications. “Nobble the blighters before they get their act up.” As Lumsden put it when he was informed. Whether the Dutch had sanctioned this smuggling it was unclear, but there was a rift between the armed forces and the government. Strategically, the army had the upper hand, and if they struck now or within the next 2 weeks, they could occupy a number of regions, and put the Dutch at a major disadvantage. Diplomatically, Australia could not invade another nation without a declaration of war, even though Lumsden protested at this political dithering, he was silenced. However, against the orders of the President, he left on the first boat to Atjeh, ready to command the armies personally. No one could stop him, and the government ordered him back. However, it was catch twenty-two. Lumsden, the great general of the war against Britain and Atjeh, could not be let down, as the public looked towards him as the corner stone of Australian freedom. Two weeks later, Field Marshall Lumsden of the Australian Army landed in Atjeh, and took personal command of the Queensland Guards.
It was an odd sensation, when the Queensland Guards under Lumsden and the 1st Java rifles crossed into the Dutch East Indies.* Although the border was poorly defined, the natives of the region could not miss that the Australian Army was moving across the border. When the Australian units crossed the border, the natives greeted them with joy, largely because they saw their own people in Australian uniforms, carrying the new weapons of war. The native cheered their fellow Javanese, as they marched past along the tracks in the jungle. Many locals saw the 1st Java Rifles and aided them greatly, providing food and guidance through the thick jungle, that seemed endless in its extend, and almost impenetrable. Many locals acted as luggage and supply carriers for the Australian Army, and there was much fraternisation between the locals and the Australian soldiers. Lumden proceeded along the coast and after 2 weeks of marching and hacking their way through the jungle, they reached the largest town in the province Asahan. They met no resistance except from a few Dutch settlers who barricaded themselves in the local grain station. They were easily overcome in a short firefight that lasted no more than 30 minutes. To the South, advancing along the coast and through the jungle, Winchester met no Dutch resistance, expect from a few members of the Dutch colonial police. Rather than be killed, they surrendered to Winchester. He was hailed as a liberator and was given the toast of town by the local chieftain, who welcomed the Australians as liberators from the Dutch. They paused to regroup and rest and then carry out the rest of the plan.
On the seas, the Australian Imperial Navy was tasked with intercepting any Dutch shipping that entered into the war zone. Lion was tasked with patrolling the North Indian Ocean, whilst Tiger was set the task of patrolling along the Javan Seas. On the third day of patrol, Lion intercepted the Dutch ship ‘Flower of Huage’, and she as a tea clipper that contained much valuable cargo. The crew of the Lion boarded her and the Dutch crews told at gunpoint to load some of the cargo onto the Lion, and after doing so, were set adrift in the lifeboats. The Dutch boat was then set alight and she burnt into the sea. This was a new kind of warfare, one of not only battles, but one of deceit, lies, intrigue and interdiction.
*In reality I declared war, but for the AAR, there was no declaration of war yet.
Book III – Australia Impériale
“Do you wish to pursue total war?.” Prime Minister Arthur Napier.
When news reached home of the impounding of the Dutch smuggling ship, the opium and her crew, the Australian government took the news lightly, and paid little attention to it, yet another news unimportant incident from the newest region of the Australian Empire. They were more concerned with the activities of Winchester, who had formed up three native Divisions without the permission from Sydney, but under his mandate, he was able to take such executive decisions, and they provided useful local security and released the proper Australian soldiers for proper duties. The native units, with Australian officers through the ranks, were not as high quality as the Queensland guards, but they had experience fighting in the jungles, and many, although never handling a gun before in their lives, were becoming quite skilled in firing their new weapons of war. The three divisions were made up of 5 battalions each, which constituted a total divisional strength of 10,000 men. It was however, a coincidence that the actions of the Lion were running almost in parallel with Winchester’s expansion. Winchester called this army, the 1st Java Rifles, and if the situation was called upon, he would lead them personally, confident that his experience and skills would bring them victory against any enemy they encountered.
The Dutch had no representation in Australia, and the nearest Dutch staffs were the colonial administration in Java, which had tenuous links with the Dutch government in Amsterdam, and it took many weeks for a message to reach the government back in Europe. In the steaming jungles, the Dutch only no regular or irregular army units in the area, and if tensions were brought to war, then it would have to be a lightening campaign that would have to take advantage of the poor communications. “Nobble the blighters before they get their act up.” As Lumsden put it when he was informed. Whether the Dutch had sanctioned this smuggling it was unclear, but there was a rift between the armed forces and the government. Strategically, the army had the upper hand, and if they struck now or within the next 2 weeks, they could occupy a number of regions, and put the Dutch at a major disadvantage. Diplomatically, Australia could not invade another nation without a declaration of war, even though Lumsden protested at this political dithering, he was silenced. However, against the orders of the President, he left on the first boat to Atjeh, ready to command the armies personally. No one could stop him, and the government ordered him back. However, it was catch twenty-two. Lumsden, the great general of the war against Britain and Atjeh, could not be let down, as the public looked towards him as the corner stone of Australian freedom. Two weeks later, Field Marshall Lumsden of the Australian Army landed in Atjeh, and took personal command of the Queensland Guards.
It was an odd sensation, when the Queensland Guards under Lumsden and the 1st Java rifles crossed into the Dutch East Indies.* Although the border was poorly defined, the natives of the region could not miss that the Australian Army was moving across the border. When the Australian units crossed the border, the natives greeted them with joy, largely because they saw their own people in Australian uniforms, carrying the new weapons of war. The native cheered their fellow Javanese, as they marched past along the tracks in the jungle. Many locals saw the 1st Java Rifles and aided them greatly, providing food and guidance through the thick jungle, that seemed endless in its extend, and almost impenetrable. Many locals acted as luggage and supply carriers for the Australian Army, and there was much fraternisation between the locals and the Australian soldiers. Lumden proceeded along the coast and after 2 weeks of marching and hacking their way through the jungle, they reached the largest town in the province Asahan. They met no resistance except from a few Dutch settlers who barricaded themselves in the local grain station. They were easily overcome in a short firefight that lasted no more than 30 minutes. To the South, advancing along the coast and through the jungle, Winchester met no Dutch resistance, expect from a few members of the Dutch colonial police. Rather than be killed, they surrendered to Winchester. He was hailed as a liberator and was given the toast of town by the local chieftain, who welcomed the Australians as liberators from the Dutch. They paused to regroup and rest and then carry out the rest of the plan.
On the seas, the Australian Imperial Navy was tasked with intercepting any Dutch shipping that entered into the war zone. Lion was tasked with patrolling the North Indian Ocean, whilst Tiger was set the task of patrolling along the Javan Seas. On the third day of patrol, Lion intercepted the Dutch ship ‘Flower of Huage’, and she as a tea clipper that contained much valuable cargo. The crew of the Lion boarded her and the Dutch crews told at gunpoint to load some of the cargo onto the Lion, and after doing so, were set adrift in the lifeboats. The Dutch boat was then set alight and she burnt into the sea. This was a new kind of warfare, one of not only battles, but one of deceit, lies, intrigue and interdiction.
*In reality I declared war, but for the AAR, there was no declaration of war yet.
Yeah, stuff been a republic.
I say the Aussie Empire - "g'day mate, join us or die. And grab a coopers paley from the esky while your there"
Sir Humphrey said:I can assure everyone that an update will be posted within the next few days.
Come on Humphrey, it's been a few days already! Where's the update?
Nope, just not updated regulary, and I apologize most humbley for not keeping up with it.
Your wish is my command. If I have said it once, I'll say it again, this old lion still has some teeth.
Book III – Australia Impériale
President: John Grimes
Prime Minister: Arthur Napier
Foreign Minister: Clive Woods
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Bernard Clipton
Chief of the Army: Field Marshall Lumsden
Chief of the Navy: Admiral Sommers
Colonial Governors: Colonel Edward Winchester
"We must learn from the past, in order to preserve our very destiny."
The war on the sea continued unabated by the tidal wave of death and destruction. The Lion, the most modern commercial raider that was ever fielded by any navy in the world at that time was patrolling the sea-lanes of the east cost of Sumartra, where she intercepted a Dutch troop convoy. Complete unescorted by any warship, the Lion spared nothing, and an entire army was destroyed, the ships scattering and being slowly destroyed one by one. So far Imperial Australia had maintained control of the seas, and the Dutch East Indies, or what was left of them were slowly being starved into submission.
Winchester, leading the almost torturous advance through the sometimes impenetrable jungle was facing stiff opposition, and it would be now that he would face the first real opposition during the campaign. 3 Brigades of Javan infantry, commanded by the Dutch Leader Dervantage had dug in around the provincial capital. This would be a straight battle, head on between the two men. The Dutch were outnumbered three to one, yet the Australian Sumatran divisions were still not fully worked up, but were continuing to reorganise quickly, under Australian officers. It would be a battle familiar to historians and students of military tactics alike, but not to Winchester. Three entire divisions against a single dug in enemy.
Operation Juniper as it was christened would take place on the morning of the 9th of September 1841 (I think that’s the date), with the first wave launching its attack at fist dawn, with the attackers having the sun on their backs, they would appear and surprise the Dutch, and in a battle of attrition, the Australian numbers would prevail. The 1st and 2nd Sumatran rifles prepared for the attack with the Queensland guard in reserve. Drums began to beat, banners began to fly and the men, native and Australian, shoulder to shoulder began to advance. The native divisions had their own standards flying in the early morning breeze, whilst the drums beat a steady rhythm. Advancing in steady rows, the great army reached the brink. The Australian service muskets slightly outranged the Dutch, and in one volley, many Dutch native troops had been killed, however there remaining returned, felling many in the first row. Steady advance, met by heavy casualties on both sides, saw the Dutch being forced back. Lumsden, who was in overall command of the battle, rode down from the field tent on his magnificent white horse, urging his men forward. When the Sumatrans reached the Dutch lines, a charge insured that routed the Dutch, and the provincial capital had been captured. Lumsden accepted the surrender of the Dutch commander, the Dutchman handing over the divisional colours to Lumsden, who accepted them most graciously.
Operation Juniper had been a great success, but the campaign was far from over, and their were growing pressures from both Parliament and the people for the death and destruction to end, but of course, the people and Parliament would not object to a bit of naked empire building...
Book III – Australia Impériale
President: John Grimes
Prime Minister: Arthur Napier
Foreign Minister: Clive Woods
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Bernard Clipton
Chief of the Army: Field Marshall Lumsden
Chief of the Navy: Admiral Sommers
Colonial Governors: Colonel Edward Winchester
"We must learn from the past, in order to preserve our very destiny."
The war on the sea continued unabated by the tidal wave of death and destruction. The Lion, the most modern commercial raider that was ever fielded by any navy in the world at that time was patrolling the sea-lanes of the east cost of Sumartra, where she intercepted a Dutch troop convoy. Complete unescorted by any warship, the Lion spared nothing, and an entire army was destroyed, the ships scattering and being slowly destroyed one by one. So far Imperial Australia had maintained control of the seas, and the Dutch East Indies, or what was left of them were slowly being starved into submission.
Winchester, leading the almost torturous advance through the sometimes impenetrable jungle was facing stiff opposition, and it would be now that he would face the first real opposition during the campaign. 3 Brigades of Javan infantry, commanded by the Dutch Leader Dervantage had dug in around the provincial capital. This would be a straight battle, head on between the two men. The Dutch were outnumbered three to one, yet the Australian Sumatran divisions were still not fully worked up, but were continuing to reorganise quickly, under Australian officers. It would be a battle familiar to historians and students of military tactics alike, but not to Winchester. Three entire divisions against a single dug in enemy.
Operation Juniper as it was christened would take place on the morning of the 9th of September 1841 (I think that’s the date), with the first wave launching its attack at fist dawn, with the attackers having the sun on their backs, they would appear and surprise the Dutch, and in a battle of attrition, the Australian numbers would prevail. The 1st and 2nd Sumatran rifles prepared for the attack with the Queensland guard in reserve. Drums began to beat, banners began to fly and the men, native and Australian, shoulder to shoulder began to advance. The native divisions had their own standards flying in the early morning breeze, whilst the drums beat a steady rhythm. Advancing in steady rows, the great army reached the brink. The Australian service muskets slightly outranged the Dutch, and in one volley, many Dutch native troops had been killed, however there remaining returned, felling many in the first row. Steady advance, met by heavy casualties on both sides, saw the Dutch being forced back. Lumsden, who was in overall command of the battle, rode down from the field tent on his magnificent white horse, urging his men forward. When the Sumatrans reached the Dutch lines, a charge insured that routed the Dutch, and the provincial capital had been captured. Lumsden accepted the surrender of the Dutch commander, the Dutchman handing over the divisional colours to Lumsden, who accepted them most graciously.
Operation Juniper had been a great success, but the campaign was far from over, and their were growing pressures from both Parliament and the people for the death and destruction to end, but of course, the people and Parliament would not object to a bit of naked empire building...
Is it so? An update!
Great to see this AAR going again Humpers. Nice update, I hope more will be forthcoming.
Great to see this AAR going again Humpers. Nice update, I hope more will be forthcoming.