German Troops in China (Part II)
Edwardian Armies
Establishment of a Battalion of Marine Infantry
Battalion staff:
1 lieutenant colonel or major entitled to 1 servant, 2 grooms and 3 horses.
1 adjutant (lieutenant) entitled to 1 servant, 1 groom, and 3 horses.
1 battalion surgeon ... entitled to 1 servant.
1 assistant surgeon, entitled to 1 servant
1 chief paymaster with 1 servant.
37 musicians (10 rank as NCOs)
1 chief clerk (sergeant)
1 clerk (NCO)
1 orderly sergeant
2 orderlies
1 drummer sergeant
5 servants
1 armorer
3 grooms
4 Rifle Companies, each:
1 captain with one servant & one horse.
1 first lieutenant with 1 servant.
3 second lieutenants with 3 servants.
1 first sergeant
13 other NCOs
4 field musicians
20 corporals
1 sanitary mate
206 privates
5 servants
Uniform and Equipment
The uniform of the German marine infantry is as follows: The blouse (Litewka) is of dark-blue woolen material, made full, the sleeves taken in at the wrists like those of our blue shirts. It has a turn down collar, rather wide, with two white patches, about 2 by 3 inches at the ends. Two yellow stripes about 1/2 inch wide divide the white field into three equal parts longitudinally. The shoulder flaps are of the same color as the blouse. Crossed anchors and a miter at the upper end, and the number of the battalion at the outer end are embroidered in yellow silk. Loose blue trousers same color as the blouse. Short heavy-soled and hob-nailed boots. Small round cap without visor; color blue, piped with white around the crown; bulging top; white band 1 1/4 inches wide; circular button showing concentric rings of the national colors is fastened on the band. ...
The arm is the Mauser rifle, calibre 7.9 millimeters. The bayonet is very long, almost a sword. The ammunition is carried in two pouches, attached to a black leather belt... The pouches contain 45 rounds each; 30 rounds are carried in the knapsack.
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