"Echoes of Amazonia>>The Untold saga of the Colombia-Peru War">>Part 2

Colombia faced a formidable challenge. At the helm of this audacious endeavor was General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo, who, against prevailing skepticism, orchestrated a daring response to the Peruvian invasion.

Colombia's predicament stemmed from the aftermath of the Thousand Days War, leaving the nation financially strained and seemingly defenseless due to a lack of infrastructure in the Amazon and a beleaguered navy. However, a turning point arrived in December 1932 when General Vásquez Cobo arrived at the mouth of the Amazon River with a fleet that included century-old Colombian gunboats and newly acquired British destroyers.

The narrative unfolds with a cast of characters, including German aviators from SCADTA (later Avianca), transforming their commercial planes into a makeshift Colombian Air Force. President Enrique Olaya Herrera, torn between diplomatic resolutions and military actions, added layers of complexity to the unfolding drama.

The conflict escalated with a series of strategic moves, from the initial attack on Tarapacá to the intense Battle of Puerto Hilario, where Colombian forces faced formidable Peruvian resistance. The vivid accounts of the Battle of Buenos Aires and the occupation of Gueppi on March 26, 1933, further highlight the unwavering determination of Colombian troops.

In the ensuing Battle of Calderón on April 16, Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Sevilla's Peruvian unit clashed with a Colombian infantry company, marking another chapter in this riveting saga. Despite casualties on both sides, the conflict persisted, revealing the resilience and fortitude of those involved.