Battle of Avay

Battle of Avay
Part of the Paraguayan War

Battle of Avay, oil on canvas, Pedro Américo over the last few episodes of war with Paraguay, which occurred on December 11, 1868. (National Museum of Fine Arts Rio de Janeiro.)
DateDecember 11, 1868
LocationAvay stream, Paraguay
Result Decisive Brazilian victory
Belligerents
Commanders and leaders
 Paraguay Bernardino Caballero
Strength
18,963 and 26 guns[1]:93 5,000 – 18 guns[1]:93
Casualties and losses
297 dead, 1,366 wounded[1]:94 3,000 dead, 600 wounded[1]:94

The Battle of Avaí was fought by the stream of the same name in Paraguayan territory in December 1868 during the Paraguayan War, between the forces the Triple Alliance and the Paraguay. Considered to be the bloodiest battle in South America.[1]:94 Advancing after the Battle of Ytororó, the Allied force made for Villeta.

The Battle

The Allied advance stopped where the road crossed the stream Avay. For the Allied army, the vanguard consisted of the 3rd Corps, commanded by Gen. Osorio, the 2nd Corps under Gen. Jose Luis Mena Barreto formed the center, and the 1st Corps under Gen. Jacinto Machado Bittencourt formed the rearguard. Caxias also had available the Cavalry Divisions, including the 1st under Gen. Joao Manuel Mena Barreto, the 5th under Col. Jose Antonio Correa da Camara, and the 2nd and 3rd under Gen. Andrade Neves. The battle began at noon and lasted for five hours. The flanking attacks by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Cavalry Divisions into the Paraguayan rear made escape impossible. With the total defeat of Gen. Caballero's force, Marshal Caxias reached Villeta. The Paraguayan survivors, less than 50, retreated for Lomas Valentinas. There President Lopez has assembled 3,000 troops, plus another 2,000 at Pikysyry and 700 at Angostura.[1]:93-95

General Osório, although wounded in the left lower jaw by a rifle bullet, continues to fight.

Aftermath

President Lopez ordered the evacuation of Asuncion to the provisional capital of Piribebuy.[1]:95

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Hooker, T.D., 2008, The Paraguayan War, Nottingham: Foundry Books, ISBN 1901543153

Additional Reading