Part III: The Andes Erupt!
3.4 Peru's Demise
While the civilian population celebrated their country's total victory over Bolivia, there was still the Campaign in Peru.
Peru, Bolivia's oldest ally, and Chile's greatest challenger for naval supremacy in the south pacific. When the war started and Bolivia had truly shown signs of possible victory and competence, Peru in an act of good faith join their side. But the moment Chile started thier big push into Bolivian territory, Peru was the first to fold. However, it was Bolivia that would be the first to actually be defeated. Peru was spared early defeat only because of their Geography.
Strangely though, despite Peru's failure to win
any battles on land. They had infact dealt several embarrassing blows to the Chilean Navy. And it was this fact that had most of the Chilean population and senate calling for Annexiation.
And so, Gen. Rabe drew up plans for a final victory in Peru. Leading to the capture of the Capital of Lima. He did not call the other commanders to meeting this time. He simply informed them by field telephone and radio. It would be simple and swift. Just like the taking of Bolivia.
Rabe's forces had already completed the first phase by routing the defenders of Arequipa. The first order of business was to secure the remaining bolivian territories under Peruvian control. This was an act more of principal rather than anything of strategic importance. Rabe was a careful planner. He didn't want to allow the Peruvians a chance to counter-attack. So taking the Frontier Territories of Cojiba and Rio Blanco seemed to be only logical. The force of choice for this matter was General Mujica's 5th Corps Mountain troops. Though unfortunately for them, they would be actually fighting in Jungle for the remainder of the campaign. Though Rabe had confidence in 5th Corps' resourcefulness.
From that initial strike by Mujica, the rest of the Chilean forces would proceed to link up in Cobija and spread out to take the remaining provinces.
As Gen. Rabe finished drawing out his plans, he looked up to notice a man in an unfamiliar uniform enter his command tent.
"General Carlos Fuentes Rabe?" the man asked with a mild portugese accent.
"Yes?" the General asked.
"I am a Liaisson Officer from the Brazilian Airforce, I have come to inform you on behalf of Brazilian High Command, that we are here to Assist the Armies of Chile in her war against the remaining forces of Peru." The man stood at attention waiting for the Chilean General's confirmation.
"What? Oh yes! I deeply sorry, i had forgotten that Brazil joined us. You will have to excuse me, we weren't expecting Brazilian support so quickly after the announcement." The two officer shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
"The Brazillian Airforce is willing to offer close air support and tactical bombing raids upon the Peruvian ground troops."
"What about ground support?" General Rabe asked.
"Unfortunately, we have not mobilized our forces fully. That and we would have to move a vast number of our troops through the amazon jungles, and we doubt they would reach the Peruvian border before this war is over. We have the fullest confidence in your Chilean Mountain fighters."
"Well I will accept your complement. And your airforce is most welcome to use our airfields."
"Thank you General. I think you will find our tactical bombers to be just the extra punch you need."
Following General Rabes final plans, and with Brazilian Air Support, the Chilean army was able to make rapid and successive gains.
The Brazilian Airforce made sure that Peru's forces would not be able to counter attack. The countinous bombing made life hell for the beaten Peruvians.
So much so that they once again tried for peace. And once again, the Chilean Senate turned it down.
The war was nearly over at any rate. General Rabe's forces supported by Lt. General Pena had finally had victory in Lima. Peru was as good as annexed.
Chilean forces led by Lt General Charpin Rival had also defeated Peruvian Militias in Rio Branco.