Andrés Pérez de Herrasti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrés Pérez de Herrasti
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| Born | 5 March 1750 Granada, Andalusia |
| Died | 24 January 1818 (aged 67) Barcelona |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
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Andrés Pérez de Herrasti y Pérez del Pulgar (1750–1818) was an important Spanish military leader. He fought in several major wars, including the American Revolutionary War and the Peninsular War. He is especially known for defending the city of Ciudad Rodrigo during a long siege.
Early Life and Military Start
Andrés Pérez de Herrasti began his military career early. In 1762, when he was just 12 years old, he joined the Provincial Regiment of Granada. Two years later, in 1764, he moved to the Royal Guards Corps, a special group of soldiers.
He first saw action in Algeria in 1775. In 1779, he became a second lieutenant and helped with the Great Siege of Gibraltar, a long blockade that lasted until 1783.
After being promoted to lieutenant in 1785, he fought in the siege of Oran in 1791. From 1793, he took part in the War of the Pyrenees, fighting in battles like Masdeu, Perpignan, and Trouillas. During this time, he was promoted to captain. In 1794, he was captured by the enemy.
In 1795, he became a brigadier. He also fought in the War of the Oranges, a short war between Spain and Portugal.
By 1807, Pérez de Herrasti was in charge of a battalion of his regiment. He was sent to Portugal and returned to Spain in March 1808. That same month, he was involved in the Tumult of Aranjuez, a big event that changed Spain's government.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
When the Dos de Mayo Uprising (a rebellion against French rule) happened in Madrid, Pérez de Herrasti was stationed nearby. He was ordered to join General Castaños's troops.
In November, he fought in the Battle of Tudela. The next month, at the combat of Tarancón, he led 200 men and successfully fought off two attacks from 800 French cavalry (soldiers on horseback). Because of his bravery, he was promoted to field marshal, a very high military rank.
In March 1809, Pérez de Herrasti joined the Army of Galicia. In October, he was given command of the city of Ciudad Rodrigo. He had about 5,500 soldiers and 240 cavalry led by Lieutenant Colonel Julián Sánchez. Sánchez's cavalry would often ride out to attack the enemy.
In February 1810, a French general named Marshal Ney demanded that Ciudad Rodrigo surrender. Pérez de Herrasti refused. The brave actions of Sánchez's cavalry also made the French general retreat.
However, on April 25, Ney returned to lay siege to the city. This meant the French army surrounded the city to try and force it to surrender. The Spanish garrison (the soldiers defending the city) had grown to 6,000 troops, including 400 artillerymen, and Sánchez's cavalry now had 340 men.
At the end of the long siege, Pérez de Herrasti was captured. He was taken to Bayonne, France, and remained a prisoner until the war ended.
After the War
When Pérez de Herrasti returned to Spain in July 1814, he was promoted again to lieutenant general. In the same month, he was made the military governor of Barcelona. He held this important position until his death. In 1815, he also briefly served as the interim captain general of Catalonia.
See Also
In Spanish: Andrés Pérez de Herrasti para niños
