| The Spanish War 1898 Inc. Member of the U.S.A.W.S. |
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The Spanish Army in Cuba consisted of over 150,000 men. They
had been fighting the Cubans since 1895 and had gained much combat
experience. In action against U.S. forces they proved to be a brave and
well disciplined enemy. At El Caney, Las Guasimas and San Juan Hill
the Spanish inflicted many casualties and withdrew only at the last
possible moment. An honorable opponent as well as brave one all
matters of military courtesy were observed. Prisoners were treated well
and after the armistice U.S. and Spanish soldiers openly fraternized. The
Spanish garrison of Santiago surrendered with the honors of war and
were returned to Spain with their arms and colors.
The Spanish tropical uniform was a pin-striped cotton sack-coat and
trousers. A fatigue uniform of light blue denim was also used as was
unbleached cotton and a white drill service coat N.C.O.s and officers
wore similar uniforms but with standing collars and hidden buttons.
Straw hats were worn by enlisted men while N.C.O.s wore a large
"sombrero". Officers preferred a finely made Panama hat or the standard
army shako. Spanish soldiers are often seen with military boots but
many wear leather sandals.
Infantry equipment generally consisted of Mauser clip-pouches, Y-
straps, leather wine-bag and canvas haversack with sling. The standard
Spanish rifle was the 7mm 1893 Mauser. U.S. Army records show that
captured weapons included 7.65mm Argentine 1891 Mausers,.43
Remington rifles and 7mm Remington and Mauser carbines.
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