Tío Camuñas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tío Camuñas
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Bust of El Tío Camuñas in his hometown
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| Born |
Francisco Sánchez Fernández
11 September 1762 Camuñas, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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| Died | 13 November 1811 (aged 49) Belmonte, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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| Nationality | Spanish |
| Known for | Guerrilla fighter |
Francisco Sánchez Fernández (born September 11, 1762 – died November 13, 1811) was a famous Spanish fighter. People knew him as Tío Camuñas (which means Uncle Camuñas) or Francisquete. He was one of the most well-known guerrilla fighters in the La Mancha region during the Peninsular War. Guerrillas are small groups of fighters who use surprise attacks and quick movements against a larger, more traditional army.
Contents
Early Life and Why He Fought
Francisco Sánchez Fernández was born in Camuñas, a town in Spain, on September 11, 1762. His parents were Pedro Sánchez Sierra and María Fernández Cano.
When he was 23, in 1785, he married Águeda María Martín de Consuegra. They had six children together. It's thought that Francisco worked as a mail carrier. This job helped him later as a guerrilla, making him good at riding horses and knowing the local area very well.
His brother, Juan Pedro Sánchez, was an important person in Camuñas. In 1809, during the time when Napoleon's French army controlled Spain, a local official who supported the French killed Juan Pedro.
A month later, French soldiers attacked Francisco's house. Francisco managed to escape by jumping over walls. But his brother was shot and later executed by the French. They hung his body at the Old Windmill.
The death of his brother, along with the harsh rule of the French in Camuñas, and the death of his 10-year-old son, made Francisco very angry. He decided to fight back. He gathered about thirty friends, who were all good at shooting and riding. This was the start of his fight against the French. Soon, people would say, "¡Que viene el tío Camuñas!" ("Uncle Camuñas is coming!"), because he became known as a fierce fighter.
Fighting the French
Tío Camuñas became a very important guerrilla leader in La Mancha. He often attacked French soldiers on the main road between Madridejos and Despeñaperros.
In October 1809, he and his 40 guerrillas attacked 80 French soldiers in La Guardia. They killed eleven French soldiers and wounded seven, making the rest run away. Later that month, his group attacked a French group in Puerto Lápice, taking many prisoners.
In December 1809, Tío Camuñas helped protect Juan Antonio Miranda. Miranda was traveling from Madrid to Seville to warn about Napoleon's plan to invade southern Spain.
More Victories
In April 1810, Tío Camuñas surprised 120 French soldiers in Lillo. He threatened to burn the houses they were hiding in if they didn't give up. All the French soldiers surrendered and were taken prisoner.
A month later, on May 10, he captured a large group of sixty carts. These carts were full of important supplies like tobacco and gunpowder. On May 17, his fighters captured mailbags from French messengers. The French soldiers guarding them ran away when Tío Camuñas arrived.
On May 24, Tío Camuñas and his group fought a large French group of 400 soldiers and 90 horses. He caused them many problems. In the following days, other French groups were also forced to retreat.
Tío Camuñas was then asked to go to Cuenca to help fight the French army. His lieutenant, Martín Almarza, attacked the French in Santa Cruz de la Zarza. He captured a shipment of salt and took prisoners.
On July 20, Tío Camuñas attacked 80 French soldiers guarding thirty bulls near Toledo. These bulls were for a bullfight. Tío Camuñas and his team captured the bulls and took the soldiers prisoner. A few days later, he challenged a French army group in Tomelloso, causing them 50 injuries.
He also learned that a big group of 70 carts with cartridges and other supplies was passing through Consuegra. He attacked them by surprise on a winding road. After a tough fight, he captured the carts and caused 60 injuries to the French.
During this time, his first wife, Águeda, passed away. He later married Josefa Romero.
Death and How He's Remembered
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On November 12, 1811, Tío Camuñas was in the town of Belmonte with his group. French soldiers, led by General d'Armagnac, surprised and surrounded them. Tío Camuñas and his remaining men fought bravely, but he was wounded and captured.
Tío Camuñas was shot and killed on November 13, 1811. He was 49 years old and had been fighting for three years. The French general ordered him to be buried with respect in the church of Belmonte.
Tío Camuñas is still a hero in his hometown of Camuñas. Every year, on the first weekend of August, they celebrate the Fiestas de Francisquete to remember him. There's a street named "Calle de Francisquete" and a bronze statue of him in the town square. In Belmonte, where he died, there's also a street named "Calle Tío Camuñas" and a plaque with one of his famous quotes: "I haven't studied anything, but I know that a people who are oppressed are a people who suffer violence."
A Legend for Kids
Tío Camuñas has also become part of popular stories in some parts of Spain. Sometimes, his name is used to playfully scare children.
- In Asturias, people say he lives on roofs or in attics and comes down to take children.
- In some parts of León, if someone looks messy or moves very quietly, people might say, "You look like Tío Camuñas."
- In other parts of Castilla y León, it's said that Tío Camuñas lives in wells. If children play too close to a well, he might pull them in.
- In Extremadura, parents might say, "Camuñas will take you!" to get children to behave.
- In the Pyrenees mountains near Huesca, "Camuñas" is sometimes used as a nickname for the devil to frighten children.
See also
In Spanish: Tío Camuñas para niños
- Guerrilla warfare in the Peninsular War
- Agustina de Aragón
- Francisco Abad Moreno, "Chaleco"
- Francisco de Longa
- Francisco Espoz y Mina
- Jerónimo Merino, "el Cura Merino"
- Juan Martin Díez "el Empecinado"
- Martin Xavier Mina
