Battle of Paso de Cuevas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Paso de Cuevas
Part of the Paraguayan War
The Battle of Cuevas after the Battle of Riachuelo, August 12, 1865 (José Murature).
Date August 12, 1865 Location Corrientes Province, Argentina Result Allied victory. Warships successfully pass.
Belligerents
Empire of Brazil Brazilian Navy  Argentina Argentine Navy	Paraguay Paraguayan Army
Commanders and leaders
Francisco M. Barroso José Murature	José María Bruguez
Strength
12 ships with 60 cannons: 3 frigates 3 corvettes 5 gunboats 1 transport 1 gunboat	3,000 soldiers 34 cannons
Casualties and losses
24 killed 42 wounded	Unknown

The Battle of Paso de Cuevas was an important naval battle during the Paraguayan War. It took place on August 12, 1865, in the Corrientes Province of Argentina. This battle was a key moment as the Allied fleet (Brazil and Argentina) tried to move their ships past strong Paraguayan defenses.

What Happened Before the Battle?

Before this battle, the Allied fleet had faced some tough times. They had suffered losses in the Battle of Riachuelo. The day before the Battle of Paso de Cuevas, they also had to pass through another dangerous area called Bella Vista during the Battle of Paso de Mercedes. Here, Paraguayan forces led by José María Bruguez had set up a trap.

The Allied fleet needed to keep moving down the River Paraná. They did not want to be cut off from their supplies. So, they continued their journey, even though it was risky.

The Battle at Cuevas

As the Allied ships reached a place called Cuevas, they found more Paraguayan defenses. About 3,000 Paraguayan soldiers, led by Bruguez, were waiting. They had 34 cannons ready to fire at the passing ships.

The Allied fleet, commanded by Admiral Francisco M. Barroso, had to sail past these cannons. It was a very dangerous mission. The ships faced heavy gunfire from the shore.

What Was the Outcome?

The Allied fleet managed to get through the pass at Cuevas. This was a victory for them because their warships successfully passed the Paraguayan defenses. However, it was not without cost. Admiral Barroso's forces had 24 sailors killed and 42 wounded during the battle. The number of Paraguayan casualties is not known.

This battle was the last time the Argentine Navy fought a naval battle against another country until the Falklands War many years later.

Gallery

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  A. L. von Hoonholtz, commander of the Brazilian gunboat Araguary, passing the battery of Cuevas and drawing it.

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  First Lieutenant Fortunato Foster Vidal repairing the helm of the corvette Beberibe under fire.

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  Map showing the Brazilian Squadron passing the ravines of Turupi and Guabijú on August 12, 1865.

See also

In Spanish: Combate de Paso de Cuevas para niños