Battle of Curapalihue

Battle of Curapalihue
Part of the Chilean War of Independence and the Argentine War of Independence
Date April 4, 1817 Location Near Concepción, Chile Result Patriot victory
Belligerents
Army of the Andes	Royalists
Commanders and leaders
Juan Gregorio de Las Heras	Juan José Campillo
Strength
600	600
Casualties and losses
Minimal	c. 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

• (Spanish) Historia de Chile
• (Spanish) Chillán Viejo, Chile