In the autumn, the land of East Africa is dry and rainless, and it looks so decayed and yellow.
However, in this dry land, two waves of officers and soldiers are fighting hard. If you look carefully, you will find that except for the difference in military uniforms, the weapons and equipment of the two waves of officers and soldiers are basically the same.
That's right, it was at Carlo's suggestion that the Italian Army's autumn exercises were moved to East Africa.
Currently conducting exercises are the Eighth Army Division and the First Guards Division. The Eighth Division is a very combat-effective unit among the Army's standard divisions, and the First Guards Division, not to mention, are two division-level units.
The confrontation is very interesting to watch.
It is precisely for this reason that in addition to attracting the attention of the Italian military itself, this exercise also attracted other guests.
For example, the Abyssinian generals and the emperor Menelik II watched. Of course, it is unknown how much they could understand.
As the top general who watched this exercise, the experienced General Simeone did not finish watching it, but he put down the high-power telescope after watching it for a while.
"The result of this battle is obvious. The First Guards Division performed very well, but the Eighth Division will not be able to hold it anymore."
Simeone's words made the commander of the Eighth Division, Major General Pascal, look shameless. Faced with the accusations from his old superiors, what could he say? The next step was to increase training and learn from failures.
As for the praised 1st Guards Division, Major General Pulev, as the division commander, was not overjoyed. He also saw the shortcomings of the 1st Guards Division in this high-quality exercise.
As for the Abyssinians who were watching, many of them looked at it with blank faces. They only knew that both sides of the exercise were well-trained, and both the offensive and defensive sides fought brilliantly. Change to the Abyssinian army
, whether defensive or offensive, they are far from opponents.
Many Abyssinian generals privately estimate that if they want to prevent the attacks of these two Italian armies, at least 60,000 people will be needed, and the number of artillery, machine guns and other equipment must reach the same number as the other side. As for the attack, less than ten
It is simply impossible for tens of thousands of people to do so.
Of course, this is just a guess. Whether it will work or not can only be known through actual competition. Of course, with the strength of Abyssinia, it is impossible to have this strength, let alone the idea.
Simeone's prediction was very accurate. After a while, cheers came from the exercise ground. The 1st Guards Division broke through the defensive position of the 8th Division, announcing that the result of the exercise was the victory of the 1st Guards Division.
Faced with this result, Major General Pascal, the commander of the Eighth Division, became even darker.
This exercise is divided into two parts. The Eighth Division attacks, and the Guards Division defends. Then the two divisions change identities and do it again. Of course, acting as the offensive side will get some beneficial supplements, such as increasing some support firepower. But the Eighth Division
This time, no matter whether they were attacking or defending, they failed to defeat the 1st Guards Division. This made him, the division commander, feel discouraged.
Of course, he would not show it in front of everyone. Major General Pascal walked up to Major General Pulev with a forced smile.
"Our Eighth Division is heartily convinced that we lost in this exercise. We hope we can get another chance to compete with your division next time."
Faced with Major General Pascal's unwillingness to admit defeat, Major General Pulev replied with a smile. "Your teacher also performed very well, but this time it was just bad luck. I hope we can continue to meet in the next competition."
After the two teachers had a brief exchange, the next step was the summary meeting.
The group left the observation platform and came to a simple conference room. As the commander-in-chief of this exercise, General Simeone was the first to speak, pointing out the shortcomings of the two participating units. However, in general, the victorious 1st Guards Division
There were fewer shortcomings, but the Eighth Division had more pointed out.
The generals who were observing the scene took out their notebooks and kept writing down Simeone's words.
These people are basically the chief officers of each army, even if they are not the first-in-command, they are the second-in-command. Everyone knows the military, and naturally they can know the gap between their own army and the two units in the exercise. It can be said that except for the current Italian army
Except for the only three standing divisions, no other force can be said to be stronger than the two units in the exercise. Perhaps the three standing divisions are not as good as the two exercise units in some aspects.
Now that you know your shortcomings, why are you waiting if you don't learn with an open mind?
Should I wait until the army assessment, give myself an unqualified evaluation, and then leave the army in despair?
That's right, the Army now needs to conduct assessments for each unit, just to prevent the emergence of unprogressive army officers. Although you can't pass the assessment once and then retire, if you fail three times in a row, you will really be dismissed.
Compulsory retirement. This is specifically marked in red letters on the assessment standards issued by the Army.
The summary meeting hosted by General Simeone lasted for half an afternoon, and he also gave a lot of suggestions based on practical problems. When he saw these generals who kept taking notes, a smile appeared on his face. Because
This Army Department assessment regulation was issued at his suggestion.
The reason why he did this is that the Italian generals are too idle. Yes, they are too idle. The chief of staff is responsible for daily training, and the division commanders basically do not care about the troops except asking about the situation of the troops.
not enough.
Of course, there are only a few like him who spend most of their time in the army. Simeone believes that the reason why many factions were formed in the army before was because the generals were too idle and troubled. When you are idle, you will easily have random thoughts.
This makes it easy to make mistakes. Only by keeping him busy will the possibility of making mistakes be reduced.
Of course, in this era of rapid technological advancement, there is so much to learn. Even he, the chief of general staff, thinks there is not enough time, and the generals should learn more.
When the lights were almost on, Simeone ended the summary meeting.
When he was about to leave, his secretary suddenly came over.
"Admiral, Menelik II, Emperor of Abyssinia, would like to entertain you."
Menelik II was also an old acquaintance. When he heard that the other party wanted to entertain him, Simone decided to go and have a look. The other party was the monarch of an Italian vassal country, and it was impossible to instigate rebellion against him anyway.
"I understand, tell him I'll be there in a minute."
"Okay, I'll reply to the other party right away."
Located three kilometers away from the exercise site, Menelik II built his palace here. The palace was just a few tents connected together. However, considering that there were many nomadic Abyssinians, it was
Don't pay too much attention to it.
Of course today, the big account has been prepared by the servants, and the exquisite food and shiny silver tableware are placed in front of the dining table, waiting for the arrival of the guests. There are only two guests of honor at this banquet, except
Besides the host Menelik II, there is also the guest Simone.
Simone did not keep Menelik II waiting any longer, and Simone quickly arrived on horseback without changing his clothes.
"Long time no see, my friend."
"Long time no see, Menelik II."
After a brief greeting between the two, the guest of honor took his seat, and with the sound of beautiful music, the dinner party officially began.
After a while of drinking and drinking, Menelik II waved his servants to leave, and then revealed the purpose of the banquet.
"General Simeone, let me tell you the truth. I have something to ask for at this banquet."
Upon hearing Menelik II's words, Simone raised the corner of his mouth slightly. He knew that there must be something wrong with the emperor. Of course, he would need to hear what happened before he could help him.
"Your Majesty, please tell me if you have anything. If I have the ability to help, I will not refuse."
"The thing is like this. Our country is facing the invasion of Sudan and has fought with it several times. Although Sudan has not been able to seize our land, the successive wars have made our people miserable, so our country hopes to get help from your country."
As a senior member of the Italian military, Simeone certainly knew about the dispute between Abyssinia and Sudan over Lake Tana. And not only did he know about it, he also knew about Italy's response. That was to let Abyssinia and Sudan fight.
Continue and give both parties an opportunity to continue bleeding.
Yes, Italy's strategy for this battle between the two parties was to let them continue to bleed. Even though Abyssinia was a vassal state of Italy, Menelik II had always been respectful to Italy.
The reason is very simple. Abyssinia’s current situation cannot reassure Italy. The cost of comprehensive control is too high, and Italy is unwilling to let go, which is a bit tasteless. Therefore, the weapons Italy has sold to Abyssinia in recent years are basically
It is guaranteed that he can get a small advantage in the fight with the Sudan, but he cannot hurt the Sudanese if he wants to.
Some people may say that since Italy does not sell it, it can be purchased from other countries. This is obviously a layman's statement. As a vassal country, it would be taboo to find ways to purchase weapons by yourself. If it is known, don't forget to
There are so many Italian consultants in Abyssinia. And who can guarantee that no one among them will inform.
Things like arms need to be used, and there is no way to keep them secret. Therefore, the Abyssinians have no intention of buying them from other places.
In fact, the shrewd Menelik II also made some guesses about Italy's approach. But what is the use of just guessing? What is more important between countries is interests. Italy's benefits in Abyssinia are limited.
, then how can you fully support yourself?
This time Menelik II also spent a lot of money and must get Italy's full help.
"This time, our country hopes that Italy can get help from your country in legal and government affairs. At the same time, our country is also willing to go further with your country in trade, such as reducing tariffs each, and the exploration rights of minerals are also within the scope of negotiation."
Of course, Menelik II was able to offer such a generous reward only under certain conditions. He continued: "Our country hopes to get help from Italy to purchase 20,000 M88 Carcano rifles and 60,000 Vitelli rifles."
M1870 rifles, 120 Maxim heavy machine guns, sixty 57 and 75 mm artillery pieces. In addition..."
In the narration of Menelik II, Simone immediately calculated that this was the size of the army that needed to be equipped with 100,000 people. Plus some of the weapons that were originally retained, the Abyssinians needed to equip 100,000, 400,000 to 50,000 people.
The army. Although the 60,000 Vitry M1870 rifles are obsolete in Europe, this is Africa and they are still powerful equipment.
Hearing this, Simeone couldn't help but point out. "Your Majesty Menelik, I made a rough calculation of the equipment you mentioned. It's basically worth about 20 million lire. I wonder if your country can afford that much money."
?”
Yes, Simeone seriously doubts Abyssinia's financial resources. If you want Italy to give away free gifts, it may require Abyssinians to pray to God that all Italian high-level officials have negative IQs. Of course, in the belief of Abyssinians
For Orthodox Christians, this may be a bit difficult.
Faced with Simone's question, Menelik II did not care. He only replied. "Thank you General Simone for your concern. Our country has raised tens of millions of lire for this purpose. Of course, if your country is willing to accept installment payment,
If so, there will be no problem at all. If not, our country hopes to obtain a loan from your country. I believe that based on our financial resources, your bank will also be willing to lend to our country."
At this time, Simeone finally understood what the man in front of him meant. He wanted to use the entire Abyssinia as a mortgage to seek help from Italy. Of course, after obtaining a huge amount of arms, the Abyssinian emperor would definitely
He will slash his sword at the Sudanese people. Even, no, he will definitely gain land and population from the Sudanese people.
Now, Simeone had to admit that Menelik II was making a huge gamble. If he won the gamble, he would become the hero of Abyssinia, but if he lost, he would be ruined.
To this, Simeone could only reply. "This matter is of great importance and I must report back to Roma."
