Battle of the Retiro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Retiro
Part of Anglo-Spanish War (1796–1808)
Date July 5, 1807 Location Retiro, Buenos Aires Result British victory
Belligerents
Spain	United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Santiago de Liniers Juan Antonio Gutiérrez de la Concha Juan Ángel Michelena José de Córdoba y Rojas Jacobo Adrián Varela	John Whitelocke Samuel Auchmuty George Murray Robert Craufurd William Lumley Denis Pack
Units involved
Armada Española Tercio de Gallegos Regimiento de Patricios	3rd Regiment of Foot 36th Regiment of Foot 38th Regiment of Foot 87th Regiment of Foot.
Strength
600	2,500
Casualties and losses
567	62 dead

The Battle of the Retiro (also known as Combate del Retiro in Spanish) was an important fight during the second British invasion of the Río de la Plata. It happened on July 5, 1807. This battle was between Spanish soldiers, led by Santiago de Liniers, and British forces, led by John Whitelocke. It took place in a city called Retiro, which is part of Buenos Aires today.

The Battle of Retiro

The fighting happened on July 5, 1807. It took place at the Plaza de Toros (a bullring) in Retiro. This area is now known as Plaza San Martín (Buenos Aires).

Who Fought?

The Spanish forces included soldiers from the Spanish Navy. These naval forces were led by Captain Juan Gutiérrez de la Concha and Lieutenant Juan Ángel Michelena.

Spanish forces also had local groups called Creole militias. These included the famous Regiment of Patricians and the Grenadier Corps from the Third of Galicia. Jacobo Adrián Varela commanded some of these groups.

The British troops were led by Generals Samuel Auchmuty and William Lumley. They began moving towards the Plaza de Toros on July 4, 1807.

Battle Outcome

The Battle of the Retiro was a very intense and difficult fight during the British invasions. It lasted for about three hours.

The Spanish side had many losses. About 400 Spanish soldiers were captured. Around 80 were killed, 144 were wounded, and 21 went missing.

The British Army also had casualties, with about 60 soldiers lost. In the end, the British forces won this battle.