Battle of Peralejo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Peralejo
Part of Cuban War of Independence
Phase 1 of the Main Battle
Date July 13, 1895 Location Peralejo, Oriente Province, Cuba Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban Rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antonio Maceo Alfonso Goulet  † Bartolomé Masó Jesús Rabí	Arsenio Martínez Campos Fidel Santocildes  †
Units involved
1st Corps 2nd Corps	1st and 2nd battalions of the Isabel La Católica Regiment
Strength
More than 1050 men Unknown General Staff 600 Infantry men from the 1st and 2nd Corps 200 Cavalry from the 2nd Corps 250 men from the 2nd Corps reinforcement	Total approx: 1540 men Approx. 1460 Infantry men Approx. 80 guerrilla men
Casualties and losses
118 dead and wounded	20 dead and 98 wounded

The Battle of Peralejo was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on July 13, 1895. Cuban rebels, led by Major General Antonio Maceo, fought against Spanish forces. The Spanish army was commanded by Captain General Arsenio Martínez Campos. This battle was a key part of Maceo's First Eastern Campaign. The Cubans won this battle.

What Led to the Battle?

Cuban Plans and Movements

During his Eastern Campaign, Major General Antonio Maceo headed towards Bayamo. He wanted to stop the Spanish troops in that area. These Spanish troops supplied their outposts, especially in Bayamo.

On July 5, 1895, Brigadier Jesús Rabí joined Maceo's forces. They set up camp near the Buey River on July 7. This area was southwest of Bayamo.

Spanish Plans and Movements

General Arsenio Martínez Campos and Brigadier Fidel A. Santocildes worked together. They organized Spanish supply convoys. These convoys traveled from Manzanillo and Cauto Embarcadero to Bayamo.

On July 11, Santocildes left Manzanillo with about 400 soldiers. They headed towards Veguitas. The next day, Martínez Campos also left Manzanillo with about 450 men. He joined Santocildes in Veguitas. More Spanish soldiers then joined them. In total, about 1,500 Spanish troops were in Veguitas. Major General Maceo was told about the Spanish forces by Rafael Silveira.

How the Battle Unfolded

Cuban Ambush Plan

On July 12, Maceo planned to attack the Spanish convoy from Manzanillo. Major General Bartolomé Masó joined Maceo's camp. He left some cavalry soldiers with Maceo.

Maceo moved his army to a new position at midnight. By dawn on July 13, Maceo set up his main camp. He placed his cavalry in a spot that overlooked two roads. His infantry troops were positioned on a lower road. Other Cuban forces were placed in the rear. They were waiting for more Cuban reinforcements.

Spanish Surprise and Attack

The Spanish generals, Martínez Campos and Santocildes, had about 1,540 men. They left Barrancas and took a lower road. They split up, with Campos taking one path and Santocildes another. The Spanish learned about the Cuban positions. This allowed them to avoid the planned ambush.

Santocildes's forces attacked the Cuban rear guard. This part of the Cuban army was led by Brigadier Alfonso Goulet. The battle started around ten in the morning. Brigadier Goulet was killed during this fight.

Cuban Counterattack

Maceo quickly moved forward to see the enemy's positions. He ordered his infantry to move around the Spanish forces. This would place them between the Spanish and the Cuban rear. Maceo and his cavalry stopped the Spanish advance.

The column led by Campos joined the fight. Maceo ordered a small group to attack Campos's column. This stopped the two Spanish columns from joining together easily. The Spanish columns then moved towards the Peralejo savanna. The Cuban infantry took positions in the mountains nearby. The Cuban cavalry positioned themselves on the left flank.

Cuban Reinforcements Arrive

More Cuban soldiers arrived from Manzanillo. These reinforcements added 250 men to Maceo's army. They joined the battle as Maceo had planned.

Spanish Retreat

Maceo sent more cavalry to join the fight. Under the strong Cuban attack, the Spanish forces began to retreat. They managed to reach the Mabay River. The Cubans quickly took control of the river pass.

The Spanish army fled, but the Cuban infantry ran out of ammunition. Maceo ordered his cavalry to attack the retreating enemy. The Spanish were chased for a long time. Campos and his column finally escaped towards Bayamo.

In this battle, the Spanish army had 20 soldiers killed and 98 wounded. Brigadier Santocildes was among those killed. The Cuban rebel army had 118 soldiers killed or wounded. Brigadier Alfonso Goulet was one of the Cuban leaders who died.

After the battle, Maceo set up his headquarters near Bayamo. He then continued his First Eastern Campaign towards Santiago de Cuba.

Images for kids

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  Second Phase of the Attack

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  Third Phase of the Attack

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  Fourth Phase of the Attack

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  Fifth Phase of the Attack

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Peralejo para niños