Yes, another one.  Function of lassitude (February) as well as South American cruise (March).

The cruise started in Valparaiso, Chile, then along the coast of Chile, around Cape Horn, ending in Buenos Aires.  It was a lot of fun.  The only exception was the badly executed tour of the Falkland battlefields.

The itinerary included cruising the fiords of Patagonia as well as the Beagle Channel and Straits of Magellan.

Our on-land adventures left me with the impression that there is no love lost between Argentina and Chile.

This got me thinking about the South American naval rivalries/races of the late 19th and early 20th century.

Right after returning home, I dug out my copy of Avalanche Press’ “Cone of Fire” module for their Great War At Sea series.  A quick glance at the scenario booklet seemed to indicate there were no scenarios covering a turn-of-the-twentieth century hypothetical encounter.

So, I consulted some sources I have here at home, as well as searching on-line.  Lots of information to process.  This article provided  a helpful summary.  This article provides a wider perspective.

I decided to build a scenario using “Operation Soberania” as a guide.  This is the 1978 Argentinian plan to occupy contested islands in Patagonia.  Same operational situation, just later in the 20th century.

Of course, after all of this,  a second reading of the booklet revealed specific scenarios including  force compositions.  My excuse for missing these is the scenarios are not presented in chronological sequence.  Weak.

Still, the “unnecessary” research was time well spent.  I have a better overall knowledge of the topic.

I’m tempted to link the naval action with  ground combat on the contested islands using the old “Rifle and Sabre” rules for late 19th century.  Counters represent 100+/- soldiers and artillery batteries. Might be fun.

Well, as always,  the trick is to get it on the table.