In 1879 war was declared between Chile and the allied Peru and Bolivia. The struggle saw big battles both on land and sea, and this article deals with the Chilean Army Uniforms of those days. The first part will include INFANTRY and CAVALRY, and the second ENGINEERS, ARTILLERY and GENERAL STAFF.

THE WAR

When nitrate was discovered on the empty desert near Antofagasta, on the Chilean northern border, a legal discussion was aroused, as Bolivia also claimed dominion over it. The problem, one of many produced by not having clear frontiers delimitation after independence from Spain, was solved through diplomatic treaties in 1866 and 1874, when Chile granted better rights to Bolivia in exchange of better financial assurances for its private enterprises that exploited the nitrate.

When in 1876 a military coup changed the Bolivian government and the new president, General Daza broke the treaties by imposing new taxes, that the Chilean enterprises refused to pay, problems arouse on Antofagasta. Faced with government confiscation of their property, the Chilean owners appealed to their government, which backed them and a Chilean force occupied Antofagasta on February 1879. Frantic diplomatic efforts were made to avoid war, but Bolivia, with the support of Peru, linked by a Secret Treaty since 1873, continued and forced Chile to declare war in April. It lasted till 1884 and ended with a complete victory by Chile.

ARMY UNIFORMS

The Chilean Army used French models, based on the II Empire ones. All ranks were dressed in dark blue with crimson (garance) trousers. For parades, a dark blue shako with crimson pipings was used, replaced for service and campaign, by a red/blue kepi. Infantry and Engineers used the tunique with double row of brass buttons, while Artillery and Cavalry used the dolman with frogging. Rank insignia for Infantry and Engineers were gold epaulettes or shoulder lace beside gold braid stripes over the cuffs, accordingly the French pattern. One for Sub-lieutenants, two for Lieutenants, three for Captains, four for Major, five in Lieutenant Colonel and six for Colonels. This same device was repeated on the kepi band. Cavalry and Artillery used the same system, but as Austrian knot on the sleeves, maintaining the same device on the kepi as the model in service for Infantry and Engineers. On campaign, all officers used only as rank insignia the gold braid epaulette retaining loop on a dark blue tunique with double row of brass buttons, while other ranks used a jacket with a single row of buttons.

INFANTRY UNIFORMS

Basically as depicted, with blue shako with crimson piping and blue pompon and loops. Brass unit number on shako, kepi and collar. Dark blue tunique with double row of 7 brass buttons each, crimson piping and crimson trousers. The kepi had a red crown with a blue band and piping. Infantry equipment included black leather belt and cartridge pouches, later replaced by a canvas/leather broad belt that could carry up to 200 cartridges. Over the left side a white metal water canteen, 2lts. capacity, and on the right a white cloth haversack. All ranks used a blue-grey blanket over the shoulder instead of the greatcoat. During campaign operations, other blanket colors became available, including grey-brown or brown in different shades.

Each infantryman carried a rifle, 11mm. calibre mainly French Comblains. Also popular was the Belgian Grass model in the same calibre. The sabre-bayonet, 50 cm. long, was carried slung over the left hip. Officer equipment included sword and revolver, specially French Lefacheux or USA repetition models. Infantry units were basically Regiments, with two battalions each (4 companies per battalion) with a full complement of 1.200 all ranks in Line units, or at battalion strength for National Guard mobilised for war, each with 600 men. For the decisive battles in 1881, the army gathered 16 infantry regiments and 8 infantry battalions with over 24.000 men.

CAVALRY UNIFORMS

Basically as depicted, with dolman frogged in silk for officers and wool for other ranks, with brass buttons and crimson trousers. Distinction were dark green for the CAZADORES regiment and red for the GRANADEROS one. Over the trousers, a dark green (Cazadores) or blue (Granaderos) stripe, being repeated the same colors over the kepi band. As distinctive badge, CAZADORES used a brass bugle and a brass grenade was used by the GRANADEROS. On campaign, all ranks used a plain blue uniform, with crimson trousers, in the same pattern as infantry. Rank distinctions also followed the same model. At the beginning of the war, a third cavalry regiment was raised, the CARABINEROS DE YUNGAY, with light blue distinctions on kepi band, veste collar and cuffs and trousers stripe. Equipment for all regiments was white leather waist belt and shoulder belt, black ammunition pouch and brown boots of natural leather. Weapons were the USA Winchester 44mm. carbine, 1877 model and French cavalry sabres with steel scabbard and gilded hilt. Each regiment comprised of two squadrons formed by two companies each. Total strength was about 400 officers and men. Saddle cloth was plain blue for all ranks. Commanding officers used dark blue edged in gold braid.

Chilean Army Uniforms 1879-1884

Part 1: Infantry and Cavalry
Chilean Army: Infantry Uniform Plate
Chilean Army: Cavalry Uniform Plate