Miguel Grau Seminario
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| Miguel Grau Seminario | |
 Peruvian Admiral during the War of the Pacific
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| Born | July 27, 1834 Piura, Piura, Peru |
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| Died | October 8, 1879 (aged 45) Near Punta Angamos, Bolivia |
Grand Admiral Miguel María Grau Seminario (b. Piura, Peru, July 27, 1834 - d. Punta Angamos, Bolivia, October 8, 1879) was a renowned Peruvian naval officer and hero of the Naval Battle of Angamos during the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). He was known as the "el Caballero de los Mares" (Spanish for "Knight of the Seas") for his chivalry and is held in high esteem by both colleagues and opponents.
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[edit] Early life
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Miguel Grau was born in Paita on July 27, 1834 in the house of Dr. Alexander Diamont Newel with the assistance of the midwife Tadea Castillo, also known as "The Morito," both prominent figures in Paita. There he lived in Junín Street N°20. His father was Don Michael Grau Berrío a former lieutenant colonel in the Colombian army who came to Peru with Bolivar in the fight for independence from Spain. Bought property in Paita and worked an employee of the Customs Office of Paita. His mother was also living in the community, and motivated Grau to familiarize himself with the sea from very early age. He chose a sailor's life and entered The Paita Nautical School. From there he went on to serve his first naval practice alone when he was nine years old, going to Fortune, Colombia, aboard a merchant schooner. The voyage was ironically ill-fated and the schooner sank and had to return to Paita. However, Grau did not lose his desire to become a sailor and journeyed with various merchant ships to ports in Oceania, Asia, America and Europe. These voyages gave Grau a strong base of seagoing experience for his brilliant career as a naval officer during future Peruvian conflicts in which he was involved.
In 1853, at the age of 19 years he left the merchant marines and applied to be an officer candidate of the Peruvian Navy, wherein he developed an outstanding professional reputation in several units of the Peruvian Navy. In 1854 he initiated his services in the Navy as Midshipman of the steam "Rimac". His career was rapid and brilliant. In 1863 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. In 1864, as a First Lieutenant he was commissioned to Europe to oversee the construction of ships for the Peruvian fleet. Upon his return, Chile and Peru forces joined together in a binational fleet against Spain who tried reclaim their American colonies. In 1865 he was promoted to Frigate Captain. In 1868 he was promoted Warship Captain in command of the monitor Huáscar. After a brief intermission in which he would become a member of parliament representing Paita, he returned to command the ship he would stay with for the rest of his career, and life. In 1868 he was recalled to rejoin to the Navy and was nominated to command the Huáscar, a position he retained until 1876. In 1876 he was elected a congressman for Paita.
[edit] War of the Pacific
When the war against Chile began on April 5, 1879, Miguel Grau held the rank of Captain in the Peruvian Navy and was in command of the ironclad Huáscar. Captain Grau played an important role in the sea campaign by interdicting Chilean lines of communication and supply, damaging, capturing or destroying several enemy vessels, and bombarding port installations. Commanded by Captain Grau, Huáscar became famed for moving stealthily, striking by surprise and then disappearing. These actions put off a Chilean invasion by sea for six months and resulted in his promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral.
[edit] The Knight of the Seas
The manner in which he conducted these actions won him different honors. At the Battle of Iquique, Captain Grau rescued the crew of a ship just sunk by Huáscar and then wrote condolences to the widow of his opponent Arturo Prat, returning his sword and personal effects.
Letter to Carmela Carvajal de Prat (Prat's widow)
- Dear Madam:
- I have a sacred duty that authorizes me to write you, despite knowing that this letter will deepen your profound pain, by reminding you of recent battles.
- During the naval combat that took place in the waters of Iquique, between the Chilean and Peruvian ships, on the 21st day of the last month, your worthy and valiant husband Captain Mr. Arturo Prat, Commander of the Esmeralda, was, like you would not ignore any longer, victim of his reckless valor in defense and glory of his country’s flag.
- While sincerely deploring this unfortunate event and sharing your sorrow, I comply with the sad duty of sending you some of his belongings, invaluable for you, which I list at the end of this letter. Undoubtedly, they will serve of small consolation in the middle of your misfortune, and I have hurried in remitting them to you.
- Reiterating my feelings of condolence, I take the opportunity of offering you my services, considerations and respects and I render myself at your disposal.
At the port of Antofagasta, after sneaking upon an enemy ship, he courteously asked the crew to abandon ship before opening fire. These and other gestures earned him the nickname of "el Caballero de los Mares" (Spanish for "Knight of the Seas" or "Gentleman of the Seas") from his Chilean opponents, acknowledging an extraordinary sense of chivalry and his gentlemanly behaviour, combined with his highly-efficient and brave combat career.
[edit] Death at Battle of Angamos
Admiral Grau was killed by an armour-piercing shell fired upon Huáscar during the Naval Battle of Angamos on October 8, 1879. Although most of his body was not recovered, his remains were buried with honours in Chile and in 1958 brought back to Peru. A portrait of Admiral Grau is on display at the museum ship "Huáscar".
[edit] Legacy
In the year 2000, Miguel Grau was recognized as the "Peruvian of the Millennium" by popular vote.
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