The Battle of Yerbas Buenas was the first major engagement of the Chilean War of Independence, ending in a Royalist victory and roughly one-third Chilean casualties.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 April 1813
- Chilean commander
- Colonel Juan de Dios Puga
- Spanish commander
- Brigadier Antonio Pareja
- Chilean casualties
- Approximately one-third of the Chilean force killed
- Notable Chilean deaths
- Col. Juan de Dios Puga and Lt. Enrique Ross
- Survivors rallied at
- Talca, under Captain Santiago Bueras
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Chilean War of Independence, Royalist forces under Brigadier Antonio Pareja advanced northward, prompting Chilean Patriot forces under Colonel Juan de Dios Puga to attempt a surprise night assault on the Spanish camp near the village of Yerbas Buenas, close to Linares.
Chilean Patriots launched a nocturnal attack on the Spanish encampment, initially exploiting the darkness to sow confusion among the Royalists. However, at daybreak the Spanish recognized their numerical superiority, counter-attacked decisively, and killed roughly a third of the Patriot force, including Colonel Puga and Lieutenant Enrique Ross.
The surviving Chilean troops, led by Captain Santiago Bueras, withdrew with difficulty to Talca, where they alerted General Carrera that Royalist forces were advancing. The battle confirmed Royalist military strength early in the conflict and left the Patriot command scrambling to mount a defense.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel Juan de Dios Puga, Captain Santiago Bueras.
Side B
1 belligerent
Brigadier Antonio Pareja.