The Port of Iquique is one of the most important ports on the west coast of South America. It is located right in the center of the west coast and is known as the waistline of South America.
Controlling Iquique would not only provide an excellent Pacific port, but also control 80% of the production of saltpeter and struvite in the Atacama Desert. The focus of this war was concentrated here.
The moonlight shone like a wash on the earth, and the sound of the waves of the Pacific Ocean could be heard in the distance. The late night in Iquique had gradually become quiet, and only the sounds of people could still be heard from the fortresses surrounding the city.
"This city has no city walls? Instead, seven large fortresses were built around the city? What kind of trick is this? I've never seen it before..."
Tietoutuo, who was lying on the sand dune and covered in dark yellow camouflage clothes, was observing Iquique's defense at close range in the moonlight. Chen Yonglu and several Taiping soldiers were guarding him.
"It's not surprising. This is South America, not China. They don't have that many people to build large city walls. Moreover, there is a lot of yellow sand and stones around Iquique, and there is a lack of wood and sticky soil, so they can't build earthen walls and stone walls. They don’t have that much manpower for the city wall…”
"Don't underestimate these seven masonry fortresses. The cannons inside are very powerful. They support each other with cross fire. In addition, the soldiers are condescending and shoot with muskets. The firepower is fierce..."
"To the west of Iquique is the sea. The shore defense artillery on it controls the pier, and seven fortresses guard the three directions of north, south and east. The Chileans tried to attack once before, but they couldn't get through at all. Mingming City The area is right in front of us, but we can't survive the enemy's firepower..."
"Crossfire? If we attack from three directions on land, what else are we afraid of?" Tietoutuo asked.
"Hey...Brother Tie! You still don't understand this place. South America is different from China. The land here is vast and sparsely populated, and there are not so many expendable people. Moreover, the army here cannot bear to fight hard. To be honest, the indigenous people have no idea in their hearts. What is the concept of a country..."
"In the final analysis, this war is still wanted by the big white men. The soldiers below are ordinary people. They don't care who the desert belongs to. Anyway, the language is the same. That country controls this mining area, and workers from other countries can do the same." Go work and make money..."
"They are obviously regular troops, but they are actually a group of mercenaries! If you have milk, you will be a mother, and if you are paid, you will carry a gun! If we attack from three sides as you said, we will need to use at least 60,000 troops, and there will also be a fleet. Support the sea, attract the firepower of the forts, and block the enemy's warships..."
"Is it possible? Impossible. If Chile can invest 60,000 elites who dare to fight such a bloody battle, what else will we do? In this battle against Iquique, our Taiping Army sent 15,000 troops and Chile sent 30,000 troops , this can already be regarded as an army that overwhelms the country..."
Forty-five thousand people, even if they were an overwhelming force, Tietutuo could not calculate the battle. Those veterans who had just arrived from Southeast Asia were dumbfounded. Recall that during the Qing Dynasty, a bloody battle involving one hundred and eighty thousand people was strangled. Together, if that spectacular scene was moved here... no one would dare to think about it.
Chen Yonglu sighed, "Do you think you can invest 45,000 people? Chile will invest two-thirds of the total, which is 20,000 people. We have to leave 5,000 life-saving seeds for these 15,000, and those who go to the battlefield will not be able to invest in it." There are only 10,000 people left...only 30,000 people, I really don’t have any more!"
"How many enemies are there?" Tietoutuo asked.
"The average number of soldiers stationed in the seven bunkers is 2,000, for a total of 14,000 soldiers. There are also 2,000 emergency troops at the dock fort. The Peruvian garrison in Iquique has a total of 16,000 people... 16,000 soldiers occupying the favorable location The defenders, it’s hard for us thirty thousand people to eat!”
"Not only that, according to intelligence, Bolivia is receiving reinforcements of more than 25,000 people from the west. By then, the total strength of Iquique will reach 40,000 people... This battle will be difficult to fight!"
After observing the terrain of Iquique, Tietutuo looked at his pocket watch and found that it was already past four in the morning. He ordered everyone to retreat and quickly returned to the camp in the south.
For one day, the Taiping Army's camp was full of tension in preparation for war. The brown-coated troops were telling the reinforcements about the climate, products, language, and eating habits of this land. Veterans who have traveled long distances are jogging in the camp to restore various body functions. The blacksmiths accompanying the army are making more peace knives. The Chilean army’s logistics troops are continuously sending a large number of muskets, crossbows, ammunition, bows and arrows, food, and medical supplies. come over.
Tietoutuo did not leave the tent that day, and the other generals were also locked in by him, and they were in meetings all day long. When Sirapizzo walked into the camp in the evening and opened the headquarters tent, a strong smoke pushed him out like a wall.
"Ahem, cough...oh my god! Don't choke yourselves to death before the fight begins. Although Cuban cigars are good, they are not like this!"
Entering the smoke-filled tent, Sirapizzo was immediately attracted by a huge object in front of him. He put down the handkerchief blocking his mouth and nose and rushed over, "Oh my God! What is this? Did you do this? You guys Have you received the most advanced military school education?"
In front of Sirapizzo was a huge sand table of about four square meters, with the Port of Iquique in the center. Cork-carved blocks were placed on it, and all the streets were clearly displayed.
Seven forts firmly protect the city. The blue velvet represents the water of the Pacific Ocean. There are also black-painted wooden artillery on the shore defense forts.
Further away is a stretch of yellow sand, hills, mountains... amid the golden eyes are scattered oases and desert towns, with a small Bolivian flag among them.
"General, these small Bolivian flags represent Bolivian reinforcements, and the Peruvian garrison here in Iquique has been clearly marked... Now I need you to mark the naval intelligence as well!"
Tietutuo grabbed a handful of wooden battleships and stuffed them into Sirapizzo's hands.
Sirapizzo was very shocked. He once again raised his expectations for these Chinese people, especially when he saw a roll of military maps spread out on the desk in the corner of the room. The contours on it were drawn very finely.
"Can I see your map?" Sirapizzo said.
"Okay... We have re-surveyed and supplemented this based on the original map. We found about twelve errors. The previous map even missed three small towns in the desert. We have already marked them!"
"You...you are actually proficient in mathematics and geometry? God, is China's education level as high as this?" Sirapizo felt like he was struck by lightning. In the Chilean army, only company-level officers are proficient. Mathematics, and such advanced subjects as geometry can only be mastered by battalion-level officers and above.
Now these Chinese can actually draw military maps by themselves, which has completely subverted his previous concepts.
"Your Excellency General, now is not the time to talk about these topics. We now need you to show us the power comparison between the enemy and our navies. Our war game has reached the most critical moment..."
"What? Do you know how to play war games? There is no need to hit people like this!"
