Battle of Calimete facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Calimete
Date December 29, 1895 Location Calimete, Matanzas Province, Cuba Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Máximo Gómez Antonio Maceo Serafín Sánchez	Emilio Perera
Strength
4,000 Infantry	850 Infantry
Casualties and losses
16 dead and 69 wounded	22 dead and 75 wounded

The Battle of Calimete was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on December 29, 1895. Brave Cuban leaders like Máximo Gómez, Antonio Maceo, and Serafín Sánchez led the Cuban forces. This battle was a big win for the Cubans. It helped them move their fight closer to the capital city.

Getting Ready for the Battle

On the night of December 28, Cuban troops set up camp. They were in the old ruins of the Triunfana sugar mill. This spot was about two kilometers northeast of Calimete.

Cuban Leaders Plan

Early the next morning, the main Cuban leaders met. Major General Serafín Sánchez was among them. They gave instructions to their officers. Antonio Maceo personally checked on the soldiers. He made sure they were ready for the upcoming fight.

Spanish Troops Arrive

A Cuban outpost was placed near the town. It was about 400 meters from Calimete. Spanish troops arrived by train between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. They came from Real Campiña. Their commander was Lieutenant Colonel Emilio Perera. He did not know the Cuban forces were there. His mission was to go east to Sabana Vieja.

The Battle Begins

In the Cuban camp, everyone quickly got ready. The Spanish column started marching at 6:30 AM. A thick fog still covered the area.

First Shots Fired

The Spanish front line had Captain Cabello's company. Lieutenant Colonel Perera marched with them. Their cavalry platoon was at the very front. This cavalry group received the first shots from the Cubans. The Cuban advance guard then fell back. The Spanish continued to move forward. They went about 1,200 meters. Then, Cuban infantry fire stopped them. The Cubans fired while slowly moving back. They fought along the road and in the nearby sugar cane fields.

Commanders in Action

Gómez and Maceo watched the battle unfold. Spanish bullets began to reach their position. The Spanish cavalry platoon pulled back. This allowed their infantry to fight. At this point, the Spanish commander's horse fell. He was badly hurt and had to give command to Captain Cabello.

Cuban Strategy

The Cuban advance guard had started moving. But they stopped to wait for orders. Gómez and Maceo wanted to keep moving west. They wanted to do this as soon as possible. The sugar mill offered a good defensive spot. However, they did not want to stay there. There was a risk that more Spanish troops would arrive. This could ruin their invasion plan.

Fierce Fighting

The Spanish left side tried to push the Cuban right side. They wanted to force the Cubans to move right. This would help the Spanish win. But the Cuban infantry took cover. They used the mill walls for protection. They fired effectively and stopped the Spanish attack.

Cuban Counter-Attack

The Cuban command ordered a charge. They attacked the enemy's right side. This was to relieve the pressure on their own forces. They had to charge several times. The Spanish infantry held their ground firmly. Major General Serafín Sánchez personally led these cavalry attacks. Finally, he achieved his goal. The Spanish troops kept their position. But their ability to attack was weakened. Their commander then ordered a retreat to Calimete. They relied on their reserve troops to cover them.

What Happened After the Battle

The battle ended with a Cuban victory. The Spanish had 22 soldiers killed and 75 wounded. The Cubans had 16 killed and 69 wounded.

Moving On

The Cuban column then reorganized. They continued their march. They were still under fire from the Spanish reserve. They carried 36 wounded soldiers with them. Some of these wounds were very serious. The Cubans were attacked two more times. Finally, they reached Mostacilla at 9:00 PM that day. This was about 12 kilometers northwest of Colón.

Importance of the Battle

This battle was a very important moment. It was key for the "Invasion" of Cuba. The Cuban forces had skillfully moved past Spanish troops. They left the Spanish behind in Cienfuegos Province. Then, they met a Spanish column near Calimete. The Cubans won a big victory. This allowed them to easily enter La Habana Province. It moved the war almost to the capital of Cuba.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Calimete para niños