Winds of Fury

by Peter Duysings

  “Depending on how quickly we can meet these requirements, we may have a long layover. There’s also the matter of our carpenters completing the work on the forward house. They’re having a hell of a time working in these rougher waters. I don’t see them finishing until we are in port.”

  “I agree. We will not sail until the house is completed and we are fully stocked,” Heinrich decided on the spot.

  “That sounds prudent to me. I’ve been concerned that you wanted to get to the Caribbean in haste without having all the supplies we need.”

  “I do want to get there as soon as possible, but I will not compromise being prepared. More important than having all the items we need, is having the crew fully prepared. They need to be competent enough to be a formidable opponent against an attack. I worry about that ability more than anything else, Otto. Reiner and Diego bluntly told me the crew would only have a layman’s knowledge of the weapons. Even if they continue training on the way to the Caribbean, it will take years of experience for them to master these weapons. All we can hope for in the short amount of time is for them to become adept enough to fight back. Reiner told me the most important aspect they learn is unit cohesiveness in combat; the timely and coordinated movement as a unit in support of each other. He says that alone would be a profitable element to take on a gang of cutthroats who seldom attack with orchestration. We have to take what he says seriously since he has the experience. According to him and Diego, these ruffians fight disorganized as they charge in disarray trying to board, believing their menacing ferocity is all that’s needed to strike enough fear against a merchant crew that is not adapted to battle back.”

  “I suppose that makes sense because I don’t think even pirates have a weapons school where they learn how to fight,” said Otto. “Thinking about our men waging battle makes me nervous, Heinrich. I wish we didn’t have to become combatants and sail the seas as a warship. Now, don’t get on your soapbox and start preaching about pirate scum. I realize well the importance of ship defense.”

  “I know, Otto, and agree with you. I wish things could be different, but we have to face facts. I am just hoping that Reiner and Diego come through for us and get the men to a certain level of competence. “

  “I just want to focus on our merchant business.”

  “Once we have the men trained to a reasonable degree, we can focus all our attention on business endeavors,” Heinrich said only hoping that was indeed true.

  Heinrich was no fool when it came to dealing with danger, nor was Otto. Besides having been through thick and thin over the years in foreign ports, both men remembered with serious regard the Spaniard pirate attack in the Baltic Sea.

  “I guess we have to take the good with the bad. Whatever comes, we will handle it the best we can.”

  “That we will, my friend,” Heinrich said with grave demeanor.

  * * *

  The See Wolf lazily drifted up the Savannah River; a light wind in her sails. The turbulent sea was left behind once they entered the peaceful river valley. Greeting them at the mouth of the river was marshland near Tybee Island. The unwelcome heat and humidity also greeted them as they sailed inland. As they continued, narrow islands punctuated the river for many miles. The riverbanks sloped upward coated with thick green foliage. For as far as one could see, there was virgin forest. The land was raw … and magnificent.

  The city of Savannah was about thirty miles inland from the Atlantic. If it weren’t for the broad river, the town would most likely have been located on the seashore. Instead, it was cozily nestled amid pine forests and rolling green hills overlooking the vast Savannah River basin. As the ship was docking, Günter Dietz, assisted the helmsman at the wheel. Together they maneuvered the vessel through the maze of ships as they sought a suitable berth. Shouts from section heads rang out across the decks directing the crews’ tasks. The boatswains were busy supervising all the activity. Otto and Heinrich were proud of their crew. They had seen firsthand the tremendous progress the crew had made in their ability to work together.

  * * *

  Besides the men on board with warfare experience, other sailors that had excelled and proven their worth as leaders had been chosen to lead units who were also trained to board opposing ships when and if needed. Each unit leader would command eleven men. There were seven of them; two Dutchmen, Dedrick Kaas and Caspar de Haan, and five Germans; Erwin Alder, Rolf Hirsch, Hans Vogel, Gerhard Sauer, and Paul Schmidt. Kaas’s, de Haan’s, Alder’s and Schmidt’s units were under the command of Reiner Mannheim. Diego Cordoba commanded Hirsch’s, Vogel’s, and Sauer’s.

  Otto scheduled these boarding units for shore leave as collective groups. His thinking was if they played together well, they would work together well. Two-thirds of the crew would be allowed into town at any one time; a total of two hundred and twenty men, while the remainder saw to the ship’s constant requirements to keep her in sailing condition.

  Hours before they reached the Savannah River mouth, Heinrich had told Otto he wanted to meet with the unit leaders and other section heads. Heinrich sat waiting for them to file into his cabin. He wanted to review various scenarios they may find themselves in while at sea and collectively begin to formulate a plan for the defense of the ship. One by one the appointed unit leaders entered the captain’s spacious cabin.

  When he saw all were present and accounted for, Heinrich started right in, “Men, we all have a personal stake in our business bid and that means if we lose this ship, we will be broke with no way to recover. You know we are talking about the pirate threat. None of us asked for this when we signed on, but it is a peril that gives us cause to be vigilant and prepared. We are not a naval vessel, yet obligated to our goal as merchant seamen to do what we can to protect ourselves and our product. None of this effort would be necessary if it weren’t for the piracy that has plagued these seas for the last two centuries. It has forced every ship to be prepared for unforeseen threats lurking out there. Most merchant ships have not taken the danger serious enough as we have done. In my opinion, most haven’t because they don’t have the financial means to do so; we however have. I decided to use as much formidable means available to thwart any such encroachment. We hope none of these measures will be necessary.”

  Heinrich went on. “We will call this weekly meeting group our combat leader meeting. So far, we have focused on individual skills training, while only a token amount on ways to utilize these skills in organized units or groups. The goal of these meetings is to make certain we are of one mind as we ready ourselves for ship defense. That requires us to have well laid out action plans. The protection of this vessel is predicated on the successful execution of these action plans; if it is not smoothly orchestrated, we will likely lose the ability to counter an attack, no matter how good we are as individual fighters. It could mean the difference between success and defeat.”

  Looking at his first officer, “Otto, anything you want to add thus far before we address group orchestration?”

  Otto cleared his throat, “Ja, one priority is to find and purchase the remaining weapon items on our required list. That means Herr Geiger and Herr Rhine; you must make every effort to locate supplies for your cannons. Herr Walter and Herr Schroeder, your task is to find and purchase more firearms and their associated armaments. Herr Mannheim and Señor Cordoba will accompany you since they are in need of more bladed weapons and bows.

  “As Heinrich has said, to our knowledge, no merchant ship has been adequately armed and trained to confront these cutthroats successfully to the extent we have in mind. We will change that perception for those who try to assault us. That is all I have.”

  The men intently paid attention knowing they would be allowed their responses soon enough.

  Heinrich turned to Reiner, “Reiner, please explain each unit’s function and responsibility.”

  Mannheim stood and faced the group, “First and foremost, you as unit leaders, are the key to making sure your assignments are executed to the lett
er and that each man assigned to you follows your orders. Apart from proper training, it is paramount that your men follow your example. You are responsible for ensuring all the men in your unit are ready to respond if we are attacked. Therefore, we will continue to drill. Conrad’s and Manfred’s teams will continue cannon fire practice. Both boatswains will coordinate with Herr Dietz, our sailing master to find ways to best maneuver the ship during an attack.

  “When we are in a position to board an opponent’s vessel, Diego and I will command the armed assault. No matter how well our plan is executed, this phase will be the most intricate part of the battle. Besides the training, this will be the true test of our men’s courage and resolve. Make no mistake, men. Though we will do our best to simulate such an attack, we have not proven ourselves in actual combat. I will not mince words. The things we are addressing are not at all pleasant. None of us are anxious to find out what battle will be like; however, when the circumstance arises, each of you will be called upon to exact horrific affliction upon our opponents.”

  The room was deathly silent as the men reflected upon the reality of such a situation. Reiner paused for a moment to let what he said sink in before going on. Even though they all had been busy getting ready for that type of incident, for some it was the first time they realized that such an event could actually happen. The shedding of blood was so foreign to those without military service it was difficult to put in perspective. They were, after all, mere sailors. Now, right here, they were discussing armed combat, the planned taking of other men’s lives and perhaps losing one’s life in the process?

  Reiner continued reviewing their defense plan, calling upon each unit leader to explain in detail his responsibility and any contingency options depending on what the ship was specifically facing. Throughout the time allotted, they answered questions and accepted comments.

  Conrad Geiger and Manfred Rhine, the master gunners, explained their function; ensuring enough cannon fire was dealt to cause considerable damage to their opponent’s ship; thus, allowing the See Wolf to approach for boarding.

  Conrad started off, “Working with Gunter and his helmsmen; we’ve come up with what we believe is a strategy to get close enough to the enemy ship to board her. Our cannons are the latest models made, and unless the pirate ships also have the very latest in cannonry, we should have an advantage with respect to range and accuracy. It is up to Günter’s sailing skills to provide the best opportunity for the cannons to unleash hell on our opponent. We must avoid broadsiding, both ships firing cannons at each other at point-blank range.” He continued to explain the strategy using two wooden ship models.

  “… and as I said before, we will maneuver with caution not knowing the enemy’s fighting capabilities. As the attack situation progresses, we constantly assess his capabilities, and if or once we deem it tactically sound, we charge right in. Anything you want to add, Manfred,” Conrad asked his partner.

  The tall and lanky Manfred Rhine spoke up. “In any case, we will have to be cunning to gain the upper hand. One way we will achieve that is by utilizing our speed. We will also concentrate on facing their bow or stern to minimize their cannon fire. I prefer facing the stern so we can try to take out their rudder, affecting their ability to maneuver. That, of course, is not an easy target at longer distances on the open sea. Once we have caused damage to their ship and it is deemed necessary to attempt to board, we will continue to use cannon fire the entire distance to the enemy ship. Apart from the captain’s orders, it will be up to Reiner and Diego to lead the boarding units at this point of the battle.”

  Several men including Heinrich frowned at portions of their assessment, not wanting to get overconfident against a foe. After all, nothing was a sure thing.

  Reiner cut in saying, “As I said before, and I am sure you are sick of hearing me say it, but the toughest part will be the close quarter engagement of the enemy. I cannot stress enough how critical this aspect is. The orchestration of all phases of our means to do battle is won or lost at that phase. It doesn’t matter if we have the most skilled fighters in the world, if we cannot maneuver in step with each other at the right time, all is lost. We must rehearse until it becomes second nature; well enough that we can pull it off while asleep.”

  “Well said, Reiner,” Heinrich commented. “All of us here deem what you say in serious regard, and our expectations will be the same. We will apply ourselves to this goal, and it must pass your approval.”

  “Danke, captain,” said Reiner. “I do not doubt the leadership ability in this room. We must, however, have that same confidence in the rest of the crew. Good leadership breeds confidence in the men, but so does fighting cohesively.”

  Affirmative nods and words came from the rest of the men present.

  “What about hearing from our Hessian sharpshooters?” Heinrich asked.

  “Captain, as you know the crew has had limited firing practice due to the short supply of arms. Arnold and I hope to purchase more weapons, powder, and lead in Savannah,” stated Bruno Walter. “We are currently training as much as we can with what we do have and will have a better idea how accomplished the shooters are once we are armed better.”

  “Ja, I understand. As much as I hate to say it, you two have very little time for firearm training with any newly acquired weapons before we end up in the Caribbean. I trust you will use the time as diligently as possible. Das ist gute strategie, Herren – That is good strategy, men. Very well done,” Heinrich said; impressed with most of the reporting.

  With this last subject concluded, Heinrich went to the next item on his list.

  “By the way, the carpenters are almost finished installing hooks, fasteners, and bins on the inner bulwarks for storing weapons. It is an efficient way to have weapons easily at hand for the boarders when we are in threatening situations.

  The men acknowledged the fact for they had seen Bauer’s men at work. A lively discussion was held amongst them tossing about ways to make the best use of the weapons at the bulwarks.

  “If I may, capitán,” Diego cut in at one point.

  “Please do,” Heinrich said.

  “I have been thinking of ways to provide the boarding men a measure of protection. They will be fighting in very close combat, and the idea is to equip them with body armor. Armor will give them an advantage over those who do not. It may very well be the difference in overcoming an adversary in close quarter combat. I have in mind a thickly layered leather outfit that covers the upper body and arms. Similar usage as metal armor protection, but wearing such an outfit affects their mobility. Metal armor is not only cumbersome and adds pounds, but also time-consuming to put on. The better option would be layers of leather. This method has been proven to enhance protection in battle for centuries. It wouldn’t stand up as well as metal, but it would be added protection. Leather hides should be available in Savannah. Of course, it would take some time to outfit the men, even if we could get our hands on the right type and thickness. It’s just a thought, capitán. I wore chain-mail under leather armor into battle and together that combination was light and provided good protection. We lack the chain-mail but the layered leather with metal rivets in the right places may do well against blade strikes.”

  “Hmm, an interesting recommendation, Diego. Let’s discuss it with Reiner after this meeting. I am all for improving the protection of our men. We want every advantage against an opponent. The very thought of committing a third of the crew over the sides to board and engage an enemy ship is worrisome. No one relishes the idea of our crewmen succumbing in a fight.”

  “Not to understate what we have accomplished so far, overall, I must say the men have thrown themselves willingly into the training,” Reiner remarked with a positive tone. “In a short time, they have come a long way and have learned much. Diego and I are quite impressed by all six boarding leaders in their ability to command. We believe they will do an outstanding job.”

  “Very well, then, men. Unless there is other new busine
ss to report, I want to call an end to this meeting.”

  “Sehr gut, captain, I was wondering when we would begin our shore leave?” remarked Fritz Huber.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  REINER’S STORY

  The group filed out of the captain’s cabin, leaving Heinrich, Otto, Reiner, and Diego to continue the discussion.

  Heinrich addressed Diego, “Fritz will search for leather merchants, but you must brief them on exactly what you’re looking for.”

  “Si capitán, I will explain the type, thickness, and size needed. I must also talk with Señor Bauer about the rivets we need. Once we have the layers, it will be time-consuming to make the leather folds, but they will protect the wearer without interfering with their freedom of movement.”

  Reiner interjected, “We cannot emphasize how essential it is to take out as much of the opposition before boarding. That includes their swivel guns, which could do a lot of damage to us when we close the gap. Firing grapeshot at close range at our boarding units and also our gun crews is murderous. We must try to spot these swivel guns before the two ships close with each other and attempt to put them out of commission with cannon fire. If that does not take them out, then when we come to the maximum effective range, my suggestion is to utilize our best riflemen to target these weapons. That would be Arnold and Bruno. Shooters perched high within the rigging would allow better angles of fire. Once the cannons are taken out, have them shoot at any target of opportunity.

  “When our boarders cross over to the other side, our shooters must cease fire for fear of hitting our own men. Only shooters high in the riggings may continue their fire at targets away from the boarding attack. Eventually, the ensuing battle will spread to all decks. It is crucial that our boarding units stay intact and not break up for fear of separating from each other. Separation can be deadly.”