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Introduction

In the latter part of the 18^th Century, the Archbishop of Hoegaarden became keep to expand trade beyond the narrow limits of Europe and reduce the reliance of the country on local trade which was increasing effected by war.

As Hoegaarden’s main export was of course Bier this limited the resources to trade with somewhat, but the Archbishop was a man of singular vision and insight. Having heard of the trade in Pale Ale to India and Russia, it was decided that Hoegaarden would enter the trade, supplying an export version of its famous brew which would be perfectly suited to refreshing European throats in the subcontinent.

The Hoegaarden Staat Bedrijf Corporatie (Hoegaarden State Business Corporation) was subsequently founded.

Within months barrels of witte bier were on their way to thirsty colonies in the Caribbean, Americas and Indies.  Due to the popular it of the product it became necessary to protect the precious cargo until such time as it was fully delivered to its end location and the HSBC were granted the right to form small forces of marines to serve aboard ships carrying their wares. Indeed it soon found that when served in its traditional style with a slice of lemon, that cases of scurvy began to reduce on long voyages.

HSBC Maritime Forces.

Each of the ships commissioned to carry HSBC products was given a contingent of 60 Marines to protect it and its valuable cargo. Further companies were formed to guard the barges and warehouses of the Corporatie around the globe.  At its peak the HSBC had several thousand European soldiers and twice that number of native soldiers serving under its colours.

 Hoegarden Staat Bedrif Corporatie Flag

Maan’s Blaus.

The Marines were given uniforms in State colours of Blue and Yellow rather than the white of the infantry because it was felt the Blue was more appropriate for a naval force.  The first Colonel of the HSBC Marines was Jacob Maan and the troops were affectionately known as Maan’s Blaus. Maan, would become famous for after his retirement from service when he opened a brewery in the the American colonies which took the name of his men.

Native Troops

It quickly became clear that European Troops served best at sea and that Native soldiers would be best deployed to guard warehouses in country where their natural immunity to disease and ability to reside in the tropical climate made them better suited to their post.  In the Americas the native men were known as Peons, borrowing form the Spanish, whilst in the East they were known as Sepoys. Native troops not only guarded the depots but occasionally travelled with deliveries of Bier to inland locations and in India where distances were longer some men were given mounts. On the subcontinent bandits were a concern. Over time these groups became more numerous and better organised prompting some concern that another hand was directing them, a local prince or disaffected ruler seeking to stir up the population against the foreigner.