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, son-in-law of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil. The town refused two peace envoys, calling for surrender, sent by the Conde d'Eu. At 0400, the Brazilian batteries surrounding the town started a bombardment which lasted until 0800, when the infantry charged. Gen. João Manuel Mena Barreto was mortally wounded leading a cavalry charge.[1]:103

Battle of Piribebuy
Part of the Paraguayan War

Sketch of the town of Piribebuy.
DateAugust 12, 1869
Location
Piribebuy, Cordillera Department, Paraguay
Result Brazilian victory
Belligerents

 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 5 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]

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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