Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant general
Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana
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| Born | 8 May 1729 Aranda de Duero, Burgos, Spain |
| Died | 15 May 1799 (aged 70) Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |   Spain |
| Years of service | 1736-1799 |
| Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Unit | 1st King's Immemorial Infantry Regiment of AHQ |
| Battles/wars | Falklands Crisis (1770) Invasion of Algiers (1775) Great Siege of Gibraltar Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797) |
| Memorials | Busts and streets in Aranda de Duero and Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana (born May 8, 1729 – died May 15, 1799) was a Spanish military leader. He is most famous for stopping a big attack by the British, led by the famous Admiral Nelson, on the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Antonio Gutiérrez was born in Aranda de Duero, a town in Spain. His father was a soldier, and Antonio decided to follow in his footsteps. He joined the Spanish army when he was very young, at just seven years old.
Serving Spain
Gutiérrez took part in many important military actions for Spain. He fought in places like Italy and the Falklands. He also helped in the attack on Algiers. Later, he was part of the blockade of Gibraltar from 1779 to 1783. This was a long effort to surround and cut off the British forces there. He also served as the military leader of the island of Menorca.
In 1791, Antonio Gutiérrez was given a very important job. He became the Commander-General of the Canary Islands. This meant he was in charge of all the military forces on these islands. He started this role on January 31, 1791.
The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
One of Gutiérrez's most famous moments happened during the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797. At this time, he was not feeling well and was suffering from asthma. Even so, he led the Spanish forces against the British. The British attack was led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, a very well-known British naval hero.
Despite his illness, Gutiérrez successfully defended Santa Cruz de Tenerife. His forces defeated the British, and Admiral Nelson even lost an arm during the battle. After the Spanish victory, Gutiérrez showed great respect to the defeated British soldiers. He allowed them to leave with their weapons and military honors.
After the Victory
Because of his great victory against Nelson, King Charles IV of Spain honored Gutiérrez. He was given the Encomienda of Esparragal. This was a special award from the Order of Alcántara, which recognized his bravery and service.
Gutiérrez's health continued to get worse. He had a serious illness called paralysis in April 1799. He passed away on May 15, 1799, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He was buried in a chapel there, called Saint James the Great.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero para niños
