Battle of Sao del Indio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Sao del Indio
Part of Cuban War of Independence
Date August 31, 1895 Location Sao del Indio, Oriente Province, Cuba Result Cuban rebel victory
Belligerents
Cuban Rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antonio Maceo José Maceo Pedro Agustín Pérez Agustín Cebreco	Francisco Borja Canellas
Strength
650 mambises	900 soldiers, 200 guerrillas and a cannon
Casualties and losses
89 Casualties	200+ Casualties

The Battle of El Indio Sao was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on August 31, 1895, in a place called Sao del Indio, in the Oriente Province of Cuba. This battle was a big win for the Cuban rebels.

What Happened at El Indio Sao?

In Guantánamo, about 650 Cuban rebels, known as mambises, faced off against a Spanish army. The Cuban forces were led by Generals Antonio Maceo and his brother José Maceo. The Spanish army had about 900 soldiers.

The Spanish Plan

The Spanish soldiers wanted to capture or kill General José Maceo. They knew he was not well and had only a small group of 50 guards with him. Even though he was sick, General José rode his horse into battle. He had already sent a warning to his brother, Antonio.

Antonio Maceo's Swift March

General Antonio Maceo quickly began a difficult journey in the dark night. He traveled along rough roads to reach his brother by three in the morning.

The Fight Begins

At dawn, the Spanish army started marching. But they soon ran into a Cuban ambush set by General José. Cuban Brigadier Agustín Cebreco attacked the Spanish from the side. He reached the Baconao River, where José was already fighting from the top of Loma del Trucutú.

After nine hours of intense fighting, the Cuban rebels took control of the high ground at Sao del Indio. They forced the Spanish soldiers to retreat, and the Spanish suffered many losses.

A Clever Trap

General Antonio Maceo ordered Brigadier "Periquito" Pérez to let the Spanish pass freely. This was a trick to lead them into a trap filled with explosives. The explosives blew up the front part of the Spanish group. However, the Spanish leader ordered his troops to keep moving forward, ignoring their dead and wounded.

By dawn on September 2, the Spanish forces began to march towards a nearby city. The Cuban rebels could only attack the very back of the Spanish army as they left.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Cuban rebels won this battle, which helped them greatly in the war. This victory quickly made the Cuban forces stronger. They also gained important military successes. Many new fighters joined the Cuban rebel ranks. They also got new weapons and ammunition.

This successful battle marked the end of the First Eastern Campaign. This campaign was led by Lieutenant General Antonio Maceo and was a big success for the Cubans.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Sao del Indio para niños