CHAPTER I: THE ARMY AND NAVY REFORMS.
The last war against the United States of America had opened the eyes of the Spanish military leaders, it was very important to acquire modern material and reform the
Ejército Real (Royal Army) and the
Armada Real (Royal Navy).
One of the main lessons was the use of artillery on the battlefield, the queen of all weapons in these modern times. Several military missions were sent to Great Britain, France and Russia to analyze different models to obtain a license for their domestic production. After many demonstrations, analysis and discussions, it was decided to adopt a 76mm model 1902 infantry support cannon and a 152mm model 1910 siege artillery from the Imperial Russian Army.
152mm Siege Artillery.
76mm Cannon.
The
Ejército Real opted for the formation of independent units that could operate by themself, having all the elements at their disposal to face any situation, therefore, the
"division model" was adopted, this "model" consisted in 5 battalions of infantry supported by an artillery regiment of 76mm cannons and a cavalry regiment for reconnaissance. 2 divisions would form an army corps to which would be assigned a regiment of 152mm siege artillery and 2 battalions of engineers. An Army would be conformed by 2 Army Corps.
Therefore, a Spanish army would consist of 20 infantry battalions supported by 4 regiments of 76mm cannons, 2 regiments of 152mm siege artillery, 4 cavalry regiments and 4 engineer battalions.
The new Ejército Real "Division model."
The
Armada Real was not at its best, although it had a considerable number of coastal ships and torpedo boats, it lacked of a modern combat fleet. The actual fleet that could operate overseas consisted of 8 capital ships and 5 escort ships, all of which were outdated except for one Battleship, the
Santísima Trinidad (Holy Trinity), which could be considered a modern, efficient and powerful Capital Ship, without a doubt it was the pride of Navy.
The Armada Real surface fleet.
The plans of reform for the
Armada Real implied the production of modern vessels. Although there was national technology for the construction of the modern Battleships of the "Spain Class", it was necessary to look for a foreign design to begin the production of escort ships. The perfect model was found in Great Britain and it was chosen for being considered the best of its kind, the gunboats of "Admiral Lynch Class" would be produced under license in the Spanish Kingdom Shipyards.
The plans of modernization and expansion of the
Armada Real consisted in the creation of 2 combat fleets, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, which would be composed of 3 capital ships of the "Spain Class" and 4 escort ships of the "Admiral Lynch Class."
The Santisima Trinidad Battleship. The pride of the Armada Real.
The "Admiral Lynch Class" Gunboats. The future escort ships of the Armada Real.