Mariano Necochea facts for kids
Mariano Necochea (born September 7, 1790, in Buenos Aires, Argentina – died 1849 in Miraflores, near Lima, Peru) was an important soldier from Argentina and Peru. He played a big part in the wars that helped countries in South America become independent from Spain.
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Early Life and Military Beginnings
In 1802, Mariano Necochea was sent to Spain to study. However, he had to return to Argentina in 1811 because his father passed away. When he came back, he quickly joined the fight for independence. He was involved in military campaigns in a region called Upper Peru from 1811 to 1814.
Joining General San Martín
Mariano Necochea fought in the Battle of San Lorenzo on February 3, 1813. He served under the famous General José de San Martín. In 1817, he joined San Martín's Army of the Andes and went to Chile. There, he led a group of soldiers called a regiment of mounted grenadiers. He took part in all the battles in Chile with San Martín.
Campaigns in Peru
Necochea then went with General San Martín to Peru. He showed great bravery during the siege of Callao and was promoted to brigadier. A brigadier is a high-ranking officer in the army. Later, as a commander of cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback), he helped in the campaign in Peru. He was part of the Battle of Junín on August 6, 1824. During this battle, he was badly wounded. A Spanish soldier, who had once served under Necochea, saved his life. After this, he was promoted again to general of division.
Later Military Service
After Peru gained its independence, Mariano Necochea returned to Buenos Aires. He joined the war against Brazil from 1826 to 1827, leading a group of volunteer cavalry. In 1827, he went back to Peru and fought in the war against Colombia. In 1828, he was the commander of Guayaquil.
A Difficult Time and Return
Later, there was a military problem in Lima. Necochea and other officers were told to leave the country without a chance to explain themselves. He returned his general's commission, saying he only wanted to take his honorable wounds from Peru. However, his innocence was later proven. He returned to Peru and was given the high rank of grand marshal. Even though he had this important title, he did not serve actively in the military again. He chose to live a private life.
Mariano Necochea is buried in the Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro in Lima, Peru.
Family Connections
Mariano Necochea's brother, Eugenio Necochea, was also a well-known soldier for Chile. They even fought together in some battles.
See also
In Spanish: Mariano Necochea para niños
