Battle of Las Palmas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Las Palmas
Part of Anglo–Spanish War (1585)
Date October, 1595 Location Off Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of England	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Francis Drake John Hawkins	Alonso Alvarado Antonio Pamochamoso
Strength
6 Royal galleons 21 men of war 14 pinnaces 2 flatboats	Coastal Forts and batteries
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Las Palmas was a naval fight in 1595 during the Anglo-Spanish War. An English fleet, led by famous sailors Francis Drake and John Hawkins, tried to attack the Spanish island of Gran Canaria. Their main goal was to reach Puerto Rico, but they made a stop at Las Palmas. They hoped for a quick win and to get supplies. However, the Spanish forces successfully defended the island. The English fleet had to leave the Canary Islands and continue towards the Spanish Caribbean. Later, Francis Drake sadly died from an illness during this journey.

Why the English Attacked Las Palmas

The English fleet had sailed from England about two months before. Their main mission was to take control of the Isthmus of Panama in the Spanish Main. This area was very important for Spain's trade routes.

A Change of Plans

Captain Drake suggested attacking the Canary Islands first. He wanted to get food and other supplies. He also hoped to take valuable items from the island. However, John Hawkins strongly disagreed with this idea. He believed that attacking Las Palmas would put their entire mission at risk. It would also delay their main goal in Panama.

The two leaders discussed the plan for a day. Captain Baskerville, another English commander, was confident. He thought they could capture Las Palmas in just four hours. He also believed they could make the people pay a ransom within four days.

Hawkins Changes His Mind

At first, Hawkins was very firm. He even threatened to sail straight to Puerto Rico without Drake and Baskerville. But eventually, he was persuaded to agree. The English fleet stayed together for this unplanned attack on Gran Canaria.

When they arrived, Drake sent a small ship to scout the coast. He also went in a boat to check the water depth. He placed buoys to guide his ships for landing. However, the Spanish lieutenant-governor, Antonio Pamochamoso, saw him. He quickly sent a boat to remove the buoys. But by then, the English were ready to anchor their ships and begin their attack.

The Fight at Las Palmas

On October 6, 1595, 21 English warships appeared off Las Palmas. Fifteen of these ships took positions in front of Santa Catalina Castle. The other ships fought against the Santa Ana fort. This fort was protecting the area where the English troops planned to land.

Spanish Defense

The Spanish governor, Alonso de Alvarado, and his soldiers were well-prepared. They quickly organized their defense. They used six small artillery cannons. These cannons caused a lot of damage to four of the English ships.

After several days of fighting, the English faced strong resistance. Drake realized they could not win easily. He was forced to pull his fleet back.

After the Battle

After this unexpected defeat, Drake left for Puerto Rico. He still intended to continue his original mission. This mission was to control the Isthmus of Panama and other parts of the Spanish Caribbean. However, he faced more challenges. He was pushed back at San Juan and during an attack on Panama. Sadly, Francis Drake died off Portobelo from an illness.