Ana María de Soto facts for kids
Ana María de Soto (born around 1777 – died after 1798) was a brave sailor in the Spanish military. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve in the Marine Battalions.
Ana María de Soto's Life and Service
Ana María de Soto was born in Aguilar de la Frontera, a town in Córdoba, Spain. In 1793, when she was just sixteen years old, she had a big dream. She wanted to join the Navy, but women were not allowed to serve back then. So, she came up with a clever plan. She pretended to be a man and used the name Antonio María de Soto. Then, she successfully joined the Navy Battalions.
On January 4, 1794, Ana María started her journey at sea. She boarded a ship called the Mercedes. During her time in the military, she worked as a soldier. She was part of the 6th Company of the 11th Marine Battalion. She bravely took part in several important events. These included an attack on a town called Bañuls in Catalonia. She also helped defend and then leave Roses, Girona.
Ana María also fought in a major sea battle known as the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797. Later, she helped defend Cádiz using small gunboats during the Cádiz defense in 1797. She served with courage and dedication, just like any other soldier.
Her secret was finally discovered on July 7, 1798. She was on a ship called the Matilde when a routine medical check-up revealed she was a woman. On July 24, 1798, the King decided to honor her heroic actions. He gave Ana María de Soto a special salary and the rank of a sergeant. This was so she could take care of her parents. She was also allowed to wear the colors of the naval battalions and sergeant badges on her women's clothes. She officially left the military on August 1, 1798.
See also
In Spanish: Ana María de Soto para niños
