My British Empire

  Chapter 216 Spanish Phalanx

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  As soon as they heard about the reform, everyone suddenly realized that we were not here to be criticized by the king, but were summoned to carry out reform.

  After this understanding, everyone can relax, as long as they don't get criticized.

  Afterwards, their eyes focused on Edward's thin body, and they bent slightly, waiting for His Majesty the King to speak.

   "My gentlemen knights, Knight Alexander is right. We really need a reform, military reform, so that we can regain the glory that belongs to England!"

   "The failed Hundred Years' War, the group of Frenchmen who relied on women to win, are still talking about that victory! This is our shame!"

  Edward said in a sad and indignant tone, full of words to the many knights.

   When it comes to the Hundred Years' War, the British were aggrieved. They were about to occupy France. A village girl named Joan of Arc appeared and defeated them. This became a shame that the British could not wash away.

  Next, with the strength of the knights, Edward announced the reforms he wanted to carry out.

  Of course, the content of this military system reform, Edward learned from Spain under the pretext.

   The knights have nothing to say about this. Although the strength of the Spanish army is not fully understood, it has been able to compete with France for so many years, and its strength is actually good.

  Next, Edward moved out the Spanish phalanx. Of course, this is different from the current Spanish phalanx. To be precise, this is the Spanish phalanx in 1578.

  The Spanish phalanx actually started in 1505 and has been evolving and improving until 1705. And Edward chose the 1578 version, which is not too unrealistic.

  The Spanish phalanx was actually improved from the Roman phalanx, except that it eliminated sword and shield soldiers, halberd soldiers, etc., and only kept spearmen and musketeers.

  Of course, the Spaniards call it a phalanx, and you can't be the same, so Edward changed the phalanx to a regiment.

  Edward made the following reforms: two regiments under the Guards and a special company of cavalry.

  Each regiment has a total of about 2,600 people. There are 10 spearman companies and 2 musketeer companies, each with 250 people. The reason why there are only two musketeers is because the current matchlock guns are not powerful enough.

  The cavalry company has 500 people, with a company commander. Other same as below.

   Among them is the head of the regiment, whose function is to command the infantry phalanx and have a personal guard of 8 people. The phalanx leader is also the captain of the 1st Company. Usually the infantry phalanx will be named after him, such as Mendoza, Zuniga, Velasco, Mendragon...

  A sergeant major, function: second-level commander of the infantry phalanx. He was responsible for the tactical organization of the infantry phalanx and served as the captain of the second company.

   Quartermaster Department: The leader is the quartermaster, responsible for the financial work of the infantry phalanx, as well as the management of food and weapons, with 3 assistants.

   Gendarmerie: The leader is the Chief Gendarmerie, responsible for maintaining military discipline, with 6 assistants. Edward also stipulated that the chief of the gendarmerie could kill officers who did not obey military orders during wartime, including regimental commanders.

   There is also a must-have for the army - priests, and the establishment of the priests with the army: one chief priest and two ordinary priests with the army.

  Establish supervisors: Responsible for supervising military affairs, and recording military incidents, returning to the headquarters to check whether the military has violated regulations.

  Establish a medical department: a chief medical officer, several doctors, responsible for treating wounded soldiers.

  Set up the drummer office: in charge of all the musicians in the infantry phalanx and responsible for passing military orders.

  These, including the head of the regiment, are all permanent members of the Spanish phalanx. They are the core of the phalanx, with a total of 29 people. With them, a phalanx can be re-established.

  The companies at the grassroots level all have the same rank of officers, organized as follows:

  1 company commander and his followers

  1 flag bearer

  3 musicians

  1 document

  1 chaplain and 1 barber, 11 people in total

  Each company is subdivided into squads with a maximum number of 25 people, led by a squad leader.

   This is organized according to the Spanish phalanx, a new model of the Guards, which only adds a cavalry company of 500 people.

   That is to say, the 5,000-man guards are still not enough, so Edward decided to call another 700 people from the Orphan Army and the Dukedom.

  Under Edward’s detailed explanation, the knights also nodded one after another, expressing their understanding that this organization has many similarities with the current English army and can be adapted.

  Looking at the knights who expressed their approval, Edward coughed and continued: "As the saying goes, every flock must have a head sheep, so the two newly formed regiments must have a head sheep."

  Seeing His Majesty the King's obvious hint, the crowd couldn't be indifferent. They looked at His Majesty the King longingly, their eyes almost melting.

   Regarding this, Edward did not look sideways, and said in a steady tone: "Since Knight Alexander usually manages the Guards in an orderly manner, I am very satisfied. Hereby, I announce that Knight Alexander is the commander of the First Regiment of the Guards."

  Edward then looked at the handsome Alexander knight, and asked softly: "Alexander knight, are you willing to accept this glorious mission?"

   "It's my honor, Your Majesty!" Knight Alexander was stunned for a while, then immediately reacted, half kneeling on the ground, and said peacefully.

   Regarding this, Edward is very clear, this knight really has no desires and desires! There are not many things in the world that can move him.

  Edward nodded, and after Knight Alexander stood up, he approached more than 30 high-ranking guards in front of him, including 18 court knights.

  Looking at the people who were about to move, Edward looked carefully again, and almost drew out everyone's hearts.

   "The commander of the second regiment of the Guards is—Knight Alvin!" Edward announced loudly.

Immediately, a handsome middle-aged man who looked upright among the crowd came out, knelt down on one knee in front of Edward, raised his head, and said excitedly: "Thank you for your appointment, Your Majesty, it is my duty to serve you. An honor!"

  Alvin Knight had a look of emotion on his face, making Edward nod in satisfaction.

  Before everyone arrived, Edward discussed with Knight Alexander about the position of head of the second regiment, and Alexander recommended this upright knight, that is, the old-fashioned knight.

   Said that he usually strictly abides by the knight's code of conduct, which can be said to be rigid. People like to be friends with him, and he is very popular. After all, honest people are trustworthy.

  Edward likes this kind of person, he is not easy to be bought, and his loyalty is guaranteed.

   "Mr. Knight, I hope you don't let me down!"

  After Knight Alvin got up, Edward glanced at the crowd again, and then announced loudly: "The company commander of the Guards Cavalry Company is...

  (end of this chapter)