Chapter 418: Apprentices
The final design for the field kitchen cart featured two stove units in a nearly square configuration. It could be pulled by a single horse, or pushed and pulled by two people. While it resembled Prussia's field kitchens in concept, it had several important differences.
Ernst's modified version was significantly lighter and, thanks to its two-wheel design, better adapted to East Africa's poor roads and wild terrain. However, due to the two-wheel setup, the cart required two retractable supports to remain stable when stationary.
There was no built-in oven or coffee kettle—though even Prussia's early field kitchens didn't have those either. On the battlefield, speed and efficiency mattered most, and baking was too time-consuming and dependent on clean water, which wasn't always available. Baked goods required kneading, after all.
As for the food rations from World War I field tests—those were more of a joke. Soldiers didn't eat fancy meals like that every day. In reality, hot food was essential for sustaining combat effectiveness. Soldiers stuck in trenches gnawing on cold bread couldn't maintain morale.
Ernst's stove design featured various attachments: a cylindrical rice steamer, a curved iron wok, two flat griddles, and two large kettles for boiling water. This setup covered most army needs.
Of course, one major drawback was the smoke. Cooking fumes could reveal their position—so the field kitchen was better suited for marching rather than combat. During the 2,000 km trek of the 111th and 123rd divisions from East Africa to South Africa, such kitchens would have been invaluable. In those peaceful zones, hiding the smoke wasn't necessary.
Future versions might solve the smoke problem, but for now, this was acceptable. Ernst was pleased with his design, inspired by the humble street food carts from his previous life.
Ernst: "In military matters, details decide victory. We must think beyond combat and consider daily life. Sometimes non-combat casualties can outnumber combat ones."
This was particularly true for the East African Army. They hadn't yet faced a strong enemy, so battlefield casualties were light. Non-combat attrition—due to disease, poor logistics, or exhaustion—was actually higher.
Ernst: "Of course, I'm not promoting a life of comfort. The military exists to fight, to defend our nation. Discipline and training must not slacken. Simulating harsh wartime conditions is still necessary. But improving the troops' quality of life isn't incompatible with that—it's essential."
January 17, 1873
While Ernst worked on improving army logistics, the East African Armaments Factory received new equipment. The Mauser brothers themselves came from Germany to supervise the installation of the Mauser rifle production line.
Wilhelm Mauser: "The Mauser Model 1873—known in Germany as the 1871 model—has vastly improved range and accuracy over the Dreyse needle gun. The German army has adopted our design, but most production contracts went to larger, established arsenals. We just didn't have the capacity."
In East Africa, the rifle was called the 1873 model because of the time delay in its introduction.
Ernst: "Yes, I'm aware. Our factory in Germany was just a small operation—one the Prussians were phasing out anyway. It's already a win that we got any orders at all."
The Hechingen Consortium was a minor supplier to the German military, focused mostly on food, clothing, and daily supplies. In terms of weapons, giants like Krupp dominated the field. For political reasons, it was already generous of the Prussian army to let Hechingen in at all. Family ties helped—Constantino had served in the Prussian army, and the name Hohenzollern opened doors.
Ernst: "Since you've come all the way to East Africa, I actually have a favor to ask. I hope you won't refuse."
The Mauser brothers hurried to reassure him.
Wilhelm Mauser: "Your Highness, you've done more for us than we could ever repay. Whatever you need, just say the word."
Ernst: "It's nothing difficult. I just hope you'll take on some apprentices. Not company staff—but students from the Hechingen school system. Let them work under you and learn the trade."
It was a simple request—just a traditional apprenticeship. Wilhelm had come up the same way, learning from his father.
Wilhelm: "Of course, Your Highness. We won't hold back anything."
Ernst: "Good. These kids are still young. Some don't speak German well, so I hope you'll be patient with them."
Only five students were assigned—two of them from the Far East. Most of Ernst's students hadn't yet reached the level to enter German universities. The few who did were exceptional talents. Even middle schools in Germany were now hard to enter without hefty bribes—and Ernst wasn't willing to throw money away.
The Hechingen secondary school wasn't on par with German institutions yet, and still leaned toward elite education. So this apprenticeship program was vital. With guidance from the Mausers, these students could gain experience and learn the logic behind weapons design. Even if they didn't become inventors, they'd still be valuable technicians at East Africa's armament factories.
Ernst: "Germany has better infrastructure, but East Africa isn't a bad place to work—especially with our military. We can provide first-hand data on how weapons perform in tropical and subtropical climates. It's great for research. You should visit more often."
Wilhelm Mauser: "You can count on us, Your Highness. We'll definitely factor East Africa into our designs."
Both sides tactfully avoided discussing permanent relocation. East Africa's living conditions—especially in the tropical coastal zones—weren't appealing to high-end talent. While inland East Africa had better climate, it lacked infrastructure. Ernst knew better than to push his luck.
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