The Sandino Rebellion, 1927-1934

1. After consideration has been given the facts in this letter, instructions are requested as to whether further operations in and around Chipote are deemed advisable at the present time.

2. As to the fate of Lieut. Thomas and Sergeant Dowdell; the undersigned and all officers at Jicaro and in Gould's column, feel certain that Thomas and Dowdell are dead. At the Orosi Ranch between Jicaro and Ocotal, Gould was informed by the owner, who is very friendly and where our troops invariably spend the night enroute to and from Jicaro and Ocotal, that after the crash, the aviators removed one machine gun from the plane and attacked the bandits nearest to the, killing four. When the machine gun ammunition was exhausted, they fled north-west along the valley of the Jicaro River, with only their pistols. They succeeded in escaping from the bandits temporarily. Two natives were met whom they forced to guide them in the direction of Jicaro. One of these guides cut the aviator badly with a machete along the neck, and the other aviator shot and killed this guide. Then the other guide escaped and informed Sandino where the aviators were. Which one was wounded could not be found out, the other one, however, was able to support the wounded aviator to a cave, where they made their last stand and after killing two more bandits, were in turn, killed by a detachment of twenty-five bandits sent out by Sandino for this purpose.

3. The above story came from Presentacion Ortez, owner of this Orosi Ranch, and he stated he had this story from the brother of a bandit who was present at the time. He assured our troops that the story was true, or at least that he believed it, as it was told to him frankly with no idea that he was going to repeat it to the Americans.

4. Now it is extremely doubtful if a new patrol would be able to get a further and more definite information than the above.

5. Gould and all the officers with him, state as their opinion that no less than one hundred and fifty combat troops will be required to capture Chipote, which is on top of the highest mountain in that area; furthermore, that trench mortars and 37 mm. guns will be necessary. That Sandino has sent out a call to all his people stating that Chipote is being threatened by the Americans. This will result in our next patrol meeting his combined forces, and bitter resistance.

6. Since the fate of the aviators seems to be fairly well established, it appears to me that very possible further operations in that area, with forces now available here, and under our present ration situation, at this time, may be premature, and that surer and better results might be expected in about three months, after Quilali, Jalapa and San Albino have been garrisoned. [ p. 2 ]

7. This matter is of such importance, that I do not feel justified in making a decision without first putting the matter plainly before your office.

R. W. PEARD

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NA127/212/1

Summary & Notes:

• Capt. Peard assesses situation re downed aviators — everybody thinks they're dead.
• Anticipated upcoming fight with Sandino at Chipote.

P C - D O C S : P A T R O L & C O M B A T R E P O R T S

thru 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 +

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