Prior
to the German Unification and the Franco-Prussian War, Germany (or rather
Prussia at that time) had shown very little interest in Afriboria and
took only in name care of its protectorate Heligoland, mainly in order
to belong to the "club of 3" (major European powers) that signed
the Treaty of Lisboa in 1820. No wonder, since
the isle of Heligoland had little to offer to a colonising power apart
from green plains, a barren mountain range and a few natural harbours.
It was in the northernmost bay of the island that -
in the 1820's - the
Prussians (rather reluctantly) founded the town of Kaisersheim. Kaisersheim
was in those days - and up to very recently - more an earthenwork fortress
with wooden barracks than a proper town and, apart from the troops, the
only civilians who lived there were those one usually finds in and around
garisson towns. Very little attempts were made to control the whole of
the island, and thus the southern bays continued to serve as slavers'
and pirate's nests. However - after defeating France - the new Germany
decided it was time to become a true colonial power and a flotilla of
warships arrived in Kaisersheim to deal with the wolves of the sea. A
few regular infantry units and a battery of heavy guns (under command
of Major Markus Mintz) were brought ashore. The rest of the force sailed
south to confront the enemy. The freebooters had anticipated the attack
and the German flotilla was barely out of sight or the piratefleet attacked
Kaisersheim, bombarding the town and landing in force. One of the first
broadsides of their flagship hit the town's ammo depot, destroying it
completely, killing half the German garrison and the commanding Oberst
(Colonel) in the process. The pirates (under a flag of truce) then urged
Major Markus Mintz (now the highest ranking officer, but out of
ammo for his guns) to surrender the town. His (very short) answer was:
" Nüsse! " ("nuts!"), followed by a salvo
of coconuts (serving as shell) from his battery. For 5 days the pirates
fiercely
besieged Kaisersheim.
The town held out heroicly under the inspiring leadership of Major
Mintz and Hauptman Ken von Hafer of the Seebatallion and
thanks to the coconut ammo.
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Hauptman
Ken von Hafer of the Seebatallion
during the siege of Kaisersheim.
(28mm figure by West Wind, gun: toy conversion)
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On
the fifth day, the German vessels returned and the pirate ships were
blown out of the water. The
German Admiral promptly promoted Mintz to Oberst and Governor
General of Heligoland. The
Admiral and his fleet returned to Germany, leaving two cruisers
and some smaller craft to patrol the waters around the island. From
that day on no foreigners were allowed within 5 miles of Heligoland's
shores, so very little is known about the island. However,
it is said that Kaisersheim meanwhile
has grown into a
modern fortress and that (by now General ) Markus Mintz commands
a full division (half "regular" German units, half Schutztruppen).
The regulars are commanded by Oberst Leonard von Kriser, whilst
the growing number of Schutztruppen are the responsability of
Oberst Ken von Hafer. Now, we all know about German organisation
and punctuality, but isn't this build-up of forces an over-reaction
to a possible threath of a mere band of pirates? Or... is there more
behind the splendid German forces in Heligoland? Time will learn...
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General
Wilhelm Ohnewürstchen, commanding officer of the regular line &
guard units in Heligoland.
(28mm
figure by Warrior)
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Military
Governor Markus Mintz (left) and Ohnewürtschen's secretary, Major
Grosslaweitt (right).
(28mm
figures by Renegade)
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Heligoland:
German line batallion (private & officer)
with covered pickelhaube.
(28mm
figures by Renegade)
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Heligoland:
Württemberger line batallion
(officer & private).
(28mm
figures by West Wind)
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THE
LEGENDARY "IRON MASKS".
The
German Guards are the only units to always carry "full kit"
with them on campaign. When called on parade, they might be ordered
to wear any possible outfit. When the first Guards arrived in Kaisersheim,
they were told to carry their steel trenchmasks on parading for the
Governor General. The crowd of natives witnessing their arrival panicked
by the sight of the "Iron Masks" (evil Afriborian spirits).
Leonard von Kriser, the Guards' commander, quickly realised the psychological
value of the outfit and ordered Guard units always to wear their trench
masks on campaign in Afriboria, thus often demoralising the superstitious
native opponents on sight.
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Heligoland:
German Guard batallion (private & officer)
(28mm
figures by Warrior - Over the Wire)
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