Peru News 1912

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11 dec 1912
Cuzco
The wounded are welcomed to the hospital in Cuzco.
In the evening, the Military Commander and Governor of the region visit the wounded.

12 Dec 1912
Cuzco
Military Commander of Cuzco, Enrique Alvarez, decides to have a few fortins in strategic locations on the path to the mine with soldiers.
60 men, 2 sections of 30 soldiers will ensure the occupation of these fortins.
These soldiers will return with the column.
The commander sends 2 sections to clean the Canyon and bury the dead.
The Treasure of Cuzco, guarded military base, was presented by Professor Elmagar to the Governor and the authorities of Cuzco.

Ichu Mine
Documenting the gallery under the command of the engineer Cerbero

13 Dec 1912

Cuzco
Commandante Alvarez, personally at the head of a company went to Ichu mine.
He chooses the place to build the fortins. He arrived at mine camp. Lieutenant Olivera and members of the expedition are present.
All are affected by the news, Saetana wounded, death of men and the death of Captain Marcona.
It recommends that the lieutenant to well equip fortins.

Ichu Mine
A vein of precious metal is now in operation.
2 boxes of nuggets take the path of return.
Commandante inspects fortins under construction during the return.
Boxes arrived without incident at the military base of Cuzco.

14 Dec 1912

Cuzco
A military ceremony is held at the base of Cuzco in the presence of all authorities
in memory of soldiers fallen in combat.
Soldiers were decorated posthumously by medal of "Military Merit"
Then the solemn funerals are celebrated at the Cuzco Cathedral.

16 Dec 1912

Cuzco
A truck with a strong escort departure to Lima. It carries 11 boxes whose Treasure of Cuzco.

Ichu Mine
Commandante Alvarez name Captain Sebastiano responsible for the supply column.
The column contains 150 riders of whom 60 are placed in the fortins to go.
They return from the mine with 3 boxes of nuggets, without mishap.
Captain Sebastiano reported seeing a few armed gringos. They fled at the approach of the column...

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18 Dec 1912
Lima
The truck and its escorts arrived in Lima
The boxes are stored at the barracks of Independence.

Ichu Mine
During the night from 17 to 18, some banditos have attempted to enter the mine.
They were slaughtered by the men of the fortin located beside.
In the morning, 6 bodies were discovered.

19 Dec
Lima
El President Fernando Moreno and Parliament President Ricardo Mateito
come to see the Treasury of Cuzco.
Professor Elmagar presented the expedition report.

Ichu Mine
The column of Captain Sebastiano resupply the mine and take 2 boxes of nuggets to Cuzco.

22 Dec
10 boxes of nuggets are transported under escort to the treatment factory Cantera, near Lima.

23 Dec
Admiral Alesandro Baltazar 's Fleet arrived in Callao after 6 months cruising in the Pacific.
It is hosted by del Almirante Commander Armada - Fidel Salazar Vencedores.
The cruisers Inca Roca & Yahuar Huacac are in the Gran Colombian harbour of Cuidad Jorge -(Atlantic coast)...

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2 Jan 1913
Lima
Defence Minister signed a decree to change the name of the Destroyer "Chimbote".
It will be known as "Captain Marcona.

Ichu Mine
The mine is now operating under the command of the mining engineer Cerbero.
Security is provided by 3 sections under the command of Lieutenant Olivera
The supply company is provided by the Captain Sebastiano.
No banditos attack to report.

Callao
The fleet is preparing a cruise in Europe to deliver BB Lima & EC Cruiser Viracocha Inca to Greece.

BB Lima - 10400t - to Greece
EC Viracocha Inca - 4700t- to Greece
EC - Pachacutec - 4700t
They are going to go to the Gran Colombian harbour Cuidad Jorge (Atlantic coast) where they find the 2 EC - 4800t ; Inca Roca & Yahuar Huacac.

[The Rock Doctor]

The name change seems appropriate, under the circumstances.

If any further logistical assistance is required, just let GC know.

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To Greece...

4 janv 1913
After be refuelling, the Fleet is going to San Miguelito, harbour of  Gran Columbia Republic.
BB Lima & EC Viracocha Inca are overloaded with material to Greece.
Crews are reduce to 60%
They are going to Cuidad George in Atlantic via Darien Canal.

8 Janv 1913
BB Lima,  EC Viracocha Inca & EC Pachacutec ,
arrive at San Miguelito.
They are going to pass in the Darien Canal & then be refuelling at Cartagena

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To Greece...

8 janv 1913
Passage in the Darien Canal to Atlantic

10 janv 1913
Call in Cartagena military harbour for refuelling.

11 janv 1913
En route to Cuidad Jorge.

17 janv 1913
Peruvian Fleet arrive at Cuidad Jorge where they find the 2 EC - 4800t ; Inca Roca (flag for Contra-Admiral Jose Luis Deganio
) & Yahuar Huacac.


To Rome

10 Janv 1913  morning
The Cardinal Cesar Natanjo hope to participate to the conclave in feb .
The fast long range cruiser Tarapaca is going to made the travel to Rome.

After passing the Darien Canal, she 'll take in board the NUS Cardinal Mariano Antonio Espinosa, Archbishop of Buenos Aires at Cuidad Jorge (refuelling harbour).

4 central 90mm guns are remove & light special superstructure for the Cardinals travel installed.

Departure from Callao 10 janv 23h30.
Speed 20kts - (range 2625nm @20kts)

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To Rome

12 Janv 1913
Cruiser Tarapaca arrive in San Miguelito & take Darien Canal

14 Janv 1913
After refuelling in Cartagena, Tarapaca goes to Cuidad Jorge.
The sea is quiet & 18 kts could be maintain during the cruise.

18 janv 1913
In the afternoon, Tarapaca enter in the Harbour of Cuidad Jorge.
Refuelling begin.
NUS Cardinal Mariano Antonio Espinosa is receive in board with the honours.
NUS & Peruvian Cardinals & Governor of Giudad Jorge are guests of the Tarapaca Captain for the dinner.
Late in the evening, the cruiser leave Cuidad Jorge to Canaries Islands.
Atlantic is not too quiet & the speed is reduce to 12kts...

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To Rome

20 Janv 1913
Late in the afternoon, Tarapaca, at about 16kts, with the 2 cardinals could see the Peruvian fleet of Admiral Deganio.
Signals are exchanged between the Cruisers.
Tarapaca increase the speed & disappear in the night

24 janv 1913
Santo Antao (Cape Verde Island) is seen on starboard at about 15 miles

28 Janv 1913
After a hard cruise, Tarapaca enter in Las Palmas harbour (Canarias Islands) for refuelling.

29 janv 1913
Departure for Malaga in a heavy sea. speed is 10kts.

31 Janv 1913
In the evening, with passing Gibraltar, Tarapaca enter in Mediterranée

1st Fev 1913
Early in the morning, call in Malaga harbour.
In the afternoon, departure to Naple
930nm in a soft weather with a calm sea...
The speed is always sup to 24kts

3 Fev 1913
Tarapaca enter in Napoli Bay at slow speed.
NUS Cardinal Mariano Antonio Espinosa & Cardinal Cesar Natanjo thanked the commander of the cruiser for the reception and the good navigation of his ship.


Tarapaca made the cruise Callao to Napoli in 24 days
6683nm @ 11.6kts

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To Greece
20 janv 1913
Middle of Atlantic
The sea is bad and rain reduced visibility
Last of the Peruvian line, Cruiser Yahuar Huacac, Captain Marioso.

4.12pm
Lieutenant Marciano in the aft mast top blockaus - to the bridge.
- Captain, we could see in the rain a smoke at about 6.000m behind the fleet.
Apparently, the ship is faster than us.

4.16pm
- Confirmation Captain, the ship is faster & probably a cruiser. Distance is now in the rangefinder 5400m.
- Could you identify the cruiser, Lieutenant?
- Difficult in the rain & the smoke Capitain, but she is probably a 4000t cruiser.
- The aft searchlight begins to ask what identity is that ship Lieutenant.

4.18pm
- Lieutenant, the cruiser behind us is probably Tarapaca but signals are not clear.
- Tarapaca was in Callao & we have no message from Admiralty about the departure of the cruiser. Captain
- That's right Lieutenant, I am going to inform the Admiral.

- 4.22pm
- Captain, the distance is now 4500m & I could see that the cruiser had just 1 fore gun, no superfiring turrets.
I could 'nt confirms the identity...
The men in the rangefinder signal that the gun is protected...
- Lieutenant, Admiral Deganio asks "Is the cruiser alone?"
- Afirmativ Captain
- Could you confirm the identity Lieutenant?
- In front view I couldn't see the red strips on the funnels.
- Lieutenant, I sound the alarm. I do not want to take any risks!
Signal to Admiral.
A Few second latter, the alarm klaxon sounded throughout the ship.
Men run down ladders and rushed to their posts.

4.25pm
- Distance Lieutenant 4000m, she probably increases the speed...
From the bridge;
- She confirm her identity "Cruiser Tarapaca en route to Iberia"
Could you confirm visually Lieutenant?...
- Distance 3500m....
- Lieutenant, could you confirm the identity?...
- Not easy in the rain, Captain, but I couldn't infirm...
- I am waiting your confirmation Lieutenant...

4.33pm
- Distance 2600m...
- I believe to distinguish the red stripes on the fore funnel, Captain...
- She changes the course, she runs slightly to port!
- She is the Tarapaca Captain, I recognize perfectly!

End of the alert but men remain at their posts said the Captain Marioso.

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To Greece

29 Janv 1913
After a hard cruise, Admiral Deganio 's Fleet enter in Las Palmas harbour (Canarias Islands) for refuelling.

30 janv 1913
Departure for Malaga in a heavy sea. speed is 10kts.

2 Fev1913
Call in Malaga harbour (Iberia) for refuelling

3 Fev 1913
Departure from Malaga to Athen Le Piré

9 Fev 1913
After 1432nm in a calm see, Peruvian fleet arrive in Le Piré harbour.

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Greece to Callao
12 may 1913

After 3 months with Greeck sailors, training with the military material,
Peruvian Fleet of Admiral Deganio (EC - Inca Roca) is going to came back to Peru.
All the Crew (519 men) of BB Lima & Viracocha Inca are transfered on the the EC Yahuar Huacac &  Pachacutec.

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14 may 1913
Greece to Callao

Greek authorities made a great ceremony for the official transfer of the BB Lima & the cruiser Viracocha Inca in the Helene Fleet.
Admiral Deganio, Peruvian officers & engineers were honoured.

15 may 1913
Admiral Deganio's Fleet leave Salamine Bay to Malaga
3 Peruvian engineers stay in Greece for 6 months technical assistance.
-   1 for armament.
-   1 for general equipments.
-   1 for Warships building.

16 may 1913
Napoli Bay to Callao

NUS Cardinal Mariano Antonio Espinosa & Cardinal Cesar Natanjo after work in Vatican had visited some Roman sites.
It's now time to return. In the afternoon, The Cardinals were receiving on Tarapaca & then, the cruiser leave Napoli Bay at slow speed, to Malaga.

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Malaga to Callao

20 May 1913
Almirante Deganio Cruisers arrive in Malaga
Tarapaca with the Cardinals was in the harbour since the 18 may.
120 men are transferred to Inca Roca & 40 on Tarapaca
The percentage of men is as follows:
- Inca Roca – 120
- Tarapaca – 40 + 20 for the Cardinals
- Yahuar Huacac - 180
- Pachactutec - 179

21 May
Peruvian Fleet, after refuelling, leaves Malaga to Las Palmas

28 May
In Las Palmas for refuelling

29 May
The fleet leaves Canaries Islands & cross Atlantic to Cuidad Jorge.

5 June
They arrive in this harbour.
NUS Cardinal Mariano Antonio Espinosa thanked the commander of the cruiser for good navigation of his ship.

6 June
Peruvian Fleet leaves Cuidad Jorge to Darien Canal.

14 June
They cross Darien Canal & refueled at San Miguelito on the Pacific coast.

16 June
They leaves San Miguelito & they arrive in Callao the 21 June.
Almirante Commandante Del Armada - Fidel Salazar Vencedores & "La Música de la Armada" were in Callao for the return of the cruiser.

The entire return cruise was made in soft weather without problem.

17 to 20 june,
Crews were placed in free times for 6 weeks.
Cruisers Inca Roca – Tarapaca – Yahuar Huacac - Pachactutec were taken in maintenance for a few weeks.

At the end of August 1913 , all cruiser returns to their respective Squadron.

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9 January 1914

Meeting of Armada Staff - Department of Defense - Lima

Almirante Commandante del Armada  - Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Almirante Enrico de Chunchoa commandante del 1st BS
Almirante Alesandro Baltazar commandante del 2nd BS
Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo commandante del 3rd BS
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Almirante Commandante del Armada  - Fidel Salazar Vencedores
- Gentlemen, after the remarks of our President Exellence Fernando Moreno & the Defensa Minister, Julio Sorena,
I have decided to organize this meeting about the evolution of Armada & particulary the 1915-1920 building plan.
Remarks from our President & Minister are about the poor quantity of modern big guns BB in the Armada.
Don't forget the Allianza & the possibility for the Armada to work in an Allianza Squadron now.
As you know, our building possibilities are limited nevertheless; we could certainly study another building plan.
To be clear, Our Defensa Minister hopes to build 2 modern dreadnoughts rapidly in the next building plan.
Oh, the Submarines 1915 -1916 building plan is maintain with probably the assistance of Gran Colombia Techno.
We could delay the building plan for the Torpedo Boats. End 1914, we'll have 14 modern Torpedo Boats & we are going to receive eight fast 400t Torpedo Boats from Gran Colombian.
Delay the Torpedo Boats building plan is a minor disadvantage because; other members of Allianza had an honorable quantity of Torpedo Boats.
I agree, that's a short-way but the only possibility.
 
- Almirante Enrico de Chunchoa
The new 18000t BB Atahualpa is going to be finish mid 1914 & we have now a new 220m dry dock in Callao.

- Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo
This dry dock is reserved for the new 28500t BB Huascar. She must be laid down in January 1915.
We have just one 170m slipway free at this period.

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar
Build another Atahualpa? ...

- Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo
Some countries had now a kind of fast Battleships with light armour. They call them Battlecruisers or Frigates.

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar.
Hmmm, I don't like very much this new type, a kind of Cruiser with Battleships guns. They certainly don't like to receive 1200lb shells.
They are paper tigers

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Some of them had nearly Battleships armor.

- Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo
We could certainly build a kind of faster Atahualpa in the free slipway.

- Almirante Enrico de Chunchoa
With 170m, the ship couldn't be very fast, I think 24 to 25kts maximum.

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Our 305mm gun is too old now, we must use our 340mm. or ask to Allianza Members to use their new 305mm.

- Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo
I like the Luchador class & specially the Warrior class from The Gran Colombia.
What do you think to use the 305 from Gran Colombia?

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
A powerful gun but the maintenance & supply of the turrets are problem in the future. We could use 6x340 on a 169m hull for the new ship.
8x305 or 6x340, the broadside is nearly identical.

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar.
Armor Gentlemen, what armor for the new ship?

- Almirante Enrico de Chunchoa
Personnally I propose a protection from the 305shells – 240mm min for the belt & 60 for the deck.

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
169m – 24 to 25kts - 6x340- belt 240
Hmmm...About 15500t I think...

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar
I disagree Gentlemen; Another Atahualpa is for me the best adversary for the Battlecruiser.
Yes, the battle cruiser catch Atahualpa but Atahualpa with her artillery & heavy protection sink her.

- Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo
I have studying the tactical of that ship Alessandro & the advantage of a higher speed is to concentrate rapidly heavy fire where you want on the enemy line.
Neutralize an enemy Admiral Battleship, help a troubled BB in our line, screen at short distance the battleline. Help the Cruisers or Torpedo Boat in action.
A few more knots in battle are a tactical advantage.

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar
You are right Augusto this kind of ship is more useful than the classic Armored Cruiser.

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Well Gentlemen, we are nearly all right
The 1915-1920 building plan'll be
-Battleship Huascar with 28500t – laid down in January 1915
-New Battlecruiser 169m – 24 to 25kts - 6x340- belt 240. More if possible he said with a little smile to Alessandro Baltazar.
- About 15000t to 16000t.
- Laid down as soon as possible.
Delay for the Torpedo Boats.
I am waiting your studies & building plan programs proposals for the 1st February.

Thank you very much

End of the meeting

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1 february 1914

Meeting of Armada Staff at the Department of Defense
Almirante Commandante del Armada  - Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Almirante Enrico de Chunchoa, Commandante del 1st BS
Almirante Alesandro Baltazar, Commandante del 2nd BS
Almirante Cesar Augusto Peludo, Commandante del 3rd BS



- Almirante Commandante del Armada  - Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Well, Almirantes, Did you have suggest about the 1915-1920 Armada Building Plan?

- Almirante Alesandro Baltazar commandante del 2nd BS ?

-I propose a plan with 8000t per year reserved for battleships.
For 6 years, 48000t in all.
I propose to build 2 x 24.000t Battleships in the plan.
Commissioned in 1918 & 1921
With a speed of 21.2 kts, classic armour protection & each one with 12x340
A bigger Atahualpa with triple turrets. The turrets are in the same disposition, A-P-Q-Y-
I have not chosen the superfiring turrets to economize the weight.
The 2 superfiring barbettes are about 1000t & in a battle line, superfiring are not useful, they are just useful in frontal engagement.
If I have choosed superfiring I reduced to 10x340.
Imagine the squadron with 24x340. The total broadside is superior to 30.0000 lb, about 15 tons of shells every 30 seconds.
Impressive broadsides Baltazar; said Enrico de Chunchoa
The other part of the plan is cutting in 750t parts
You have 4 parts per year – 24 parts in the plan in all.
With 750t parts, you could built what you want & made adjustements
For exemple:
4x750t for the submarines
6x2x750t for 6 x1500t for Torpedo Boats.
8x750t for a 6000t cruiser

- Almirante Fidel Salazar Vencedores
Thank you Baltazar,
Always battleships Baltazar he said with a large smile
Your Battleships plan is very interesting & your battleline is as strong as the entire Fleet today.
Cutting the plan in 24x750t parts is original & it's very easy to made adaptation.

Enrico said Fidel Salazar Vencedores
I propose to built the big 28000t Battleship & the 18000t Battlecruiser in the same time
Like Baltazar, I use 8000t per year to built the battle line
4000t for the Battleship & 4000t for the Battlecruiser
That mean that the Battlecruiser'll commissioned in 1917 & the battleship in 1919.
After 1917-1918, the building program for Torpedo Boats & Cruisers begin
6 to 8 Torpedo Boats & 1x 4000t Scout Cruiser.


Augusto Peludo, Commandante del 3rd BS; said Almirante Vencedores
I built the Battleship first & the Battlecruiser in second
The 28000t Battleship from 1915 to 1918 & the Battlecruiser from 1918 to 1920.
The advantage to build later the Battlecruiser is, with the technical progress in the turbines & boilers, than I hope that in 1918, the Battlecruiser could made 30kts.
A serious tactical advantage in the battle...

For a great Fleet; said Baltazar
Peru is a small power & your battle cruiser, "tiger in paper", couldn't repulse a Battleship.
If enemy Battlecruisers or Battleships want to made raid on our coast, your Battle Cruiser could'nt protect our harbors. She is not strong enough.
Gran Colombia, France or other big countries could use Battlecruisers to screen the Battleships line or in tactical reinforcement of the line but, Peru could'nt use 18.000t Battlecruiser to defend the coasts.

Excuse me Augusto. I really don't think that Battlecruisers could defend Peru coasts.

Enrico de Chunchoa
Our engineers had just tested with success the new 21" torpedo.
Protect our harbors with small fast 200t Torpedo Boats is interesting & economical.

I agree, said Almirante Vencedores

Well Gentlemen,
Personally, I prefer Baltazar plan:
2x24.000t Battleships
& the 3000t free per year.
We don't need fast runners we need powerfull boxers.

Any comments Almirantes?

Thank you for your work

Tomorrow I'll rendez-vous with the Defensa Minister, Sir Julio Sorena,

End of the meeting