Battle of Curapalihue explained

Conflict:Battle of Curapalihue
Partof:the Chilean War of Independence and the Argentine War of Independence
Date:April 4, 1817
Place:Near Concepción, Chile
Result:Patriot victory
Combatant1: Chile
United Provinces
Combatant2: Spanish Monarchy
Commander1: Juan de Las Heras
Commander2: Juan José Campillo
Strength1:600
Strength2:500 infantry
100 cavalry
Casualties1:Minimal
Casualties2:10 killed
7 captured

The Battle of Curapalihue (4 April 1817) fought in Chile, was a minor encounter between South American rebels and Spanish royalists, during the South American wars of independence. The result was a defeat for the royalists.

Background

After the defeat of Chacabuco and the capture of Santiago by the Army of the Andes, the royalist forces concentrated around Concepción under Colonel José Ordóñez. General José de San Martín ordered Colonel Juan Gregorio de Las Heras to take command of a division and move south. When Colonel Ordóñez heard of the approach of the patriot army, he decided to stage a surprise night attack against them.

The battle

The Spanish forces, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Juan José Campillo, were composed of 500 infantry and 100 cavalry. They attacked at 1:30 AM, but their surprise was foiled and they had to retreat very soon leaving behind 10 soldiers dead and 7 prisoners, while the patriot forces suffered almost no casualties.

External links

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