Martín García-Loygorri facts for kids
Martín García Loygorri (born June 5, 1759, in Corella, Spain – died January 30, 1824, in Madrid, Spain) was an important Spanish soldier. He was also known for making big changes to the Spanish Artillery, which is the part of the army that uses large guns and cannons.
Early Military Life
Martín García Loygorri came from a noble family. When he was just 13 years old, he joined the Royal School of Artillery in Segovia. He was a very bright student and graduated in December 1776 as a second lieutenant, at the top of his class.
His first experience in battle was in Melilla in 1777. Then, in July 1779, he went to fight in the Great Siege of Gibraltar, a long battle where he stayed for two years.
Loygorri also took part in the Invasion of Minorca (1781). Because of his bravery, he was promoted to Lieutenant of Infantry. He returned to the siege at Gibraltar in 1782. By 1790, he had become a Captain in the Artillery.
Important Battles and Promotions
In 1795, Loygorri was promoted to lieutenant-general. Two years later, in 1797, he joined the army in Extremadura. With this army, he fought in the War of the Oranges in 1801, which was an invasion of Portugal. He saw action in several places, including Campo Maior and Portoalegre.
By May 1802, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the Royal Artillery Corps. The very next year, he became a colonel. From 1806 to 1807, Loygorri was in charge of the Artillery in Cádiz.
In 1807, he became the commander of the Castilla Division. That same year, he took part in another invasion of Portugal. During this time, he was captured in Lisbon.
Just before the Peninsular War began, Loygorri was moved to Barcelona. In September 1808, he was promoted to brigadier.
Peninsular War Hero
In 1808, Martín García Loygorri became the commander-in-chief of Artillery for the Army of Catalonia. He helped in the Blockade of Barcelona in November 1808. The next year, he took charge of the Artillery for the Army of Aragón and Valencia.
Loygorri played a very important role in the Battle of Alcañiz in 1809. His 19 artillery cannons were key in stopping the French attack. Because of his brave and effective actions, he received the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand. This was a very high honor. He was also promoted to field marshal just eight months after becoming a brigadier.
In 1812, he was officially named the General Director of Artillery. He had been serving as the acting director general since 1809.
Later Career
Loygorri continued to serve and was promoted to field marshal again in 1815. He passed away in Madrid in 1824.
