Battle of San Juan (1797)

The Fortín de San Gerónimo was key to the defense of San Juan.

Date	17 April – 2 May 1797
Location	San Juan, Puerto Rico
Result	Spanish victory

Belligerents

Great Britain

Spain

Commanders and leaders

Ralph Abercromby

Ramón de Castro

Strength

Estimated 6,000-13,000 men
68 warships

6,000- 7,000 men

Casualties and losses

37 killed,
70 wounded,
124 captured or missing,
400 surrender

47 killed,
28 wounded,
56 captured or missing,
18 surrender

The Battle of San Juan was a 1797 British attack on the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan in Puerto Rico. The attack was carried out facing the historic town of Miramar.

On 17 April 1797, Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby invaded the island of Puerto Rico with a force of 6,000-13,000 men, which included German soldiers and Royal Marines and a 60 to 64 ship armada.

The Spanish spotted an enemy convoy off the coastline on the morning of April 17. Upon this sighting, the Governor, Brigadier General Ramón de Castro, summoned his military Chiefs to immediately put a defense plan into action. Along strategic points throughout the coastline, garrison troops were placed into position. While attempting to maneuver ships into the inlet, the British fleet encountered a problem. There was an underwater reef that was very narrow so that only frigates and smaller transport ships could enter. The British placed two frigates at the opening of the port to deny entrance to other ships. On April 18, anchored British ships began bombarding points where the Spanish had taken defensive positions to protect the beach.

After some minor battles, the British sent a ship flying diplomatic colors to the entrance of the port and was met by an aide-de-camp who was given a message for the Commanding Officer of the city. In the message, they demanded the immediate surrender of Spanish forces. The British ship did not wait for a response, and in some confusion later in the night, a Spanish ship carrying a reply message came under fire.

Controlling the port became a chess match as the Spanish fleet mimicked every move by the British armada. The British were able to land many small groups of soldiers along the beach, some of which were German soldiers who were fighting alongside the British. During the day on April 19, two German soldiers were captured. One of the soldiers had in his possession a hand-written paper containing a name of a city resident. The Spanish, fearing a traitor in their ranks, had this man arrested.

The order was given on Friday, April 21 by the Spanish to destroy San Antonio bridge to eliminate an opportunity of the British forces to take cover and advance their position.

On Saturday April 22, the Spanish began taking up defensive positions after noticing large regiments of British flying their colours just out of range of the Spanish cannons. Trenches were dug and spiked boards were emplaced to slow the impending attack.

...
Wikipedia