Francisco de Borja Canella y Secades facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benemérita de la Patria
Francisco de Borja Canella y Secades
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | October 10, 1847 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain |
| Died | February 8, 1906 (aged 58) Córdoba, Province of Córdoba, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch |  Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1868–1906 |
| Rank |  General de División |
| Battles/wars | Glorious Revolution |
| Alma mater | University of Oviedo |
Francisco de Borja Canella y Secades was an important Spanish general in the 1800s. He was known as the "Hero of Sao del Indio." This was because of his brave actions during the Battle of Sao del Indio. This battle was part of the Cuban War of Independence. For his courage, he received a special award called the Laureate Cross of San Fernando.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Francisco was born on October 10, 1847, in Oviedo, Spain. His parents were Benito Canella Meana and Carlota Secades Fernández. His father was a lawyer and a professor at the University of Oviedo. He was also involved in politics.
Francisco had two brothers, César and Fermín. Francisco studied at the University of Oviedo. Later, he joined the Toledo Infantry College. This is where he began his military training.
Joining the Army
In 1868, Francisco became an Ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He fought in the Battle of Alcolea. In this battle, he supported Queen Isabel II. Even though his side lost, he was promoted to Lieutenant for his bravery.
Soon after, a big war started in Cuba. It was called the Ten Years' War. In August 1869, Francisco asked to go to Cuba. He arrived there in October.
Fighting in Cuba
During the Ten Years' War, Francisco fought in many battles. These included San Lorenzo, Guisa, and Candelaria. In July 1871, he became a Captain. He was put in charge of a mounted force.
He was promoted to Commander for his service in the battle of Potrero de Santa Clara. Later, he led a group of seven hundred men. They won battles like Cabeza de Toro and Cañada del Pez. For these victories, he became a Lieutenant Colonel in 1873.
In 1876, he worked as an aide-de-camp in Havana. He also wrote articles for a newspaper back in Spain.
Adventures Abroad
Francisco became ill and had to return to Spain. While recovering, he wrote for local newspapers.
In 1883, he traveled to the Philippines. He was in charge of the local government in Joló for a year. He returned to Spain in 1884.
Later, he went back to the Philippines. In 1888, he joined the Mindanao Regiment. There, he was promoted to Colonel. After two years, he moved to Manila. He even started his own newspaper called El Ejército de Filipinas.
Hero of Sao del Indio
In 1893, Francisco returned to Spain. He was in charge of different army groups. But in February 1895, the Cuban War of Independence began. He quickly asked to join the Spanish forces in Cuba again.
He arrived in Cuba in March. He led his troops to many victories. These included battles at Bijaru, Dos Bocas, and Río Mayari.
On August 31, 1895, he led 850 soldiers. They won a major victory at the Battle of Sao del Indio. The battle lasted eight hours. The Cuban forces had 3,500 men. They lost 36 soldiers and had 80 wounded. For this important win, Francisco was promoted to Brigadier General on October 6.
Later Life and Honors
Francisco's success continued. He destroyed a rebel camp in September. He also won the Battle of El Palmito in December. For this victory, he received the Laureate Cross of San Fernando. This is one of Spain's highest military honors.
In February 1896, he won battles at Candelaria and Pozo Hondo. These wins led to his promotion to Divisional General.
In March 1896, he returned to Spain for good. The city of Oviedo gave him a special sword. A poet even wrote a poem about his brave actions. Francisco de Borja Canella y Secades passed away in February 1906 in Córdoba, Andalusia.
Awards and Recognition
Francisco de Borja Canella y Secades received several important awards for his military service:
- Cross of Military Merit, Red and White Cross
- Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo, Cross and Plaque
- Cross of Military Merit
- Cuban Campaign Medal, Six Pins
- Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo, Grand Cross
See also
In Spanish: Francisco de Borja Canella Secades para niños
