Battle of Piribebuy

The Battle of Piribebuy was fought on August 12, 1869 in the Paraguayan town of Piribebuy, which was then serving as a temporary capital of the Paraguayan government. The Paraguayan defenders, who were poorly armed and included children, fought the attacks of the Allied forces, led by French-born Brazilian general prince Gaston of Orleans, the Count of Eu, son-in-law of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil. The town refused two peace envoys calling for surrender, sent by the Count of Eu. At 0400, the Brazilian batteries surrounding the town started a bombardment which lasted until 0800, when the infantry charged. General João Manuel Mena Barreto was mortally wounded leading a cavalry charge against the Paraguayans.[1]: 103 

Battle of Piribebuy
Part of the Paraguayan War
DateAugust 12, 1869
Location
Piribebuy, Cordillera Department, Paraguay
Result Brazilian victory
Belligerents
 Paraguay
 Empire of Brazil
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Pedro Pablo Caballero Count of Eu
Strength
1,600 men
12 guns[1]: 103 		 20,090 men
47 guns[1]: 103 
Casualties and losses
730 killed, 700 wounded, 170 captured[1]: 103  68 killed, 542 wounded[1]: 103 

The battle lasted for five hours, with the Allies, who had overwhelming numerical advantage, capturing the town. The town's hospital was burned and official documents were lost in the resulting fire.[2]

Galery
  • Sketch of the battle of Piribebuy.

References
  1. Hooker, T.D., 2008, The Paraguayan War, Nottingham: Foundry Books, ISBN 1901543153
  2. Margaret Hebblethwaite (2010). Paraguay. Guilford: Bradt Travel Guides, pp. 138. ISBN 978-1-84162-315-3.

Bibliography

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