War_of_the_Pacific Miguel_Grau_Seminario

the peruvian warship huascar.

when war of pacific between chile against bolivia , peru began on 5 april 1879, miguel grau aboard huáscar, captain , commander of navy. in impressive display of naval mastery, capitán grau played important role interdicting chilean lines of communication , supply, damaging, capturing or destroying several enemy vessels, , bombarding port installations. grau s huáscar became famed moving stealthily, striking surprise , disappearing. these actions put off chilean invasion sea 6 months, , result promoted rear admiral.

the gentleman of seas

battle of iquique

at battle of iquique, after huáscar sank chilean corvette esmeralda ramming her, grau ordered rescue of surviving crew waters. grau wrote condolences widow of opponent arturo prat, returning sword , personal effects.

letter carmela carvajal de prat (prat s widow)

dear madam:


i have sacred duty authorizes me write you, despite knowing letter deepen profound pain, reminding of recent battles.


during naval combat took place in waters of iquique, between chilean , peruvian ships, on 21st day of last month, worthy , valiant husband captain mr. arturo prat, commander of esmeralda, was, not ignore longer, victim of reckless valor in defense , glory of country’s flag.


while sincerely deploring unfortunate event , sharing sorrow, comply sad duty of sending of belongings, invaluable you, list @ end of letter. undoubtedly, serve of small consolation in middle of misfortune, , have hurried in remitting them you.


reiterating feelings of condolence, take opportunity of offering services, considerations , respects , render myself @ disposal.


(signed) cpt. miguel grau

at port of antofagasta, after sneaking on enemy ship matias cousiño, courteously asked crew abandon ship before opening fire. captain castleton abandoning ship, chileans capital ships blanco encalada , almirante cochrane showed up, forcing grau abandon prey and, after disabling matias cousiño, escape passing in between chilean ironclads rendering them in unfavourable position pursue. these , other gestures earned him nickname of el caballero de los mares ( gentleman of seas ) chilean opponents, acknowledging extraordinary sense of chivalry , gentlemanly behaviour, combined highly efficient , brave combat career.

grau determining factor in capturing steamer rimac. rimac being chased wooden corvette union under command of garcia y garcia. when huascar appeared , fired twin cannons, rimac lowered flag. cavalry regiment carabineros de yungay, including commander, captured ship. major blow chilean government, , commander of chilean navy resigned position.

death @ battle of angamos

almirante grau killed armor-piercing shell fired ironclad almirante cochrane in 4 against 1 duel during naval battle of angamos on 8 october 1879. huáscar captured chileans after incurring severe casualties in close-range artillery duel. although of grau s body not recovered, remains, buried military honours in chile, returned peru in 1958. many years after death, name called in ceremonial roll-call of peruvian navy , peruvian congress continues so.

his final resting place lies @ escuela militar naval del peru, in el callao in underground mausoleum. posthumously received rank of gran almirante del perú (grand admiral of peru) in 1967 order of peruvian congress. portrait of almirante grau on display in museum ship huáscar.