Capture of Montevideo and 2nd Battle of Buenos Aires

Unit/ Formation: Royal Marines

Location: Argentina

Period/ Conflict: Napoleonic Wars

Year: 1807

Date/s: 5th July 1807

Britain made two unsanctioned attempts to lessen the grip of France's ally Spain on South America with two ill-prepared missions. The first was in 1806, the second attempt was in 1807 when reinforcements belatedly sent to assist Beresford finally arrived and set out to capture Montevideo.

After a fierce fight, General Sir Samuel Auchmuty's 8,000 men took the city on 3 February, but then a new British commander entered the stage.

The Glorious Conquest of Buenos Ayres by the British Forces, 27th June 1806’ Coloured woodcut, published by G Thompson, 1806. National Army Museum

General John Whitelocke was not a talented soldier and upon receiving new reinforcements - including General Robert Craufurd's Light Brigade - he decided to march on Buenos Aires.

Whitelocke's hare-brained plan was to move on Buenos Aires without transport or a strong cavalry force and he greatly weakened his troops by leaving behind his most effective soldiers as a garrison in Montevideo.

Arriving at Buenos Aires in a shocking state, the British found many of their weapons unuseable but, despite the obstacles, performed very well. Unfortunately, Whitelocke divided his force into small units and many were overpowered by greater numbers.

With some 3000 casualties, the British leader requested a truce and in return for leaving Buenos Aires was granted a peace treaty.

Both Popham and Whitelocke faced inquiries for their parts in the operation. The former received an official reprimand and Whitelocke was sacked. [1]

2nd Battle of Buenos Aires 1807

10th May 1807, Lieutenant-General John Whitelocke arrived at Montevideo. He took overall command of the British forces for the Buenos Aires Campaign.

1st July 1807, Santiago de Liniers Spainish troops became overwhelmed by a larger attacking British force. Lieutenant-General Whitelock demanded the citys surrender. The mayor of Buenos Aires Martín de Alzaga had prepared defences.

4th July 1807, Lieutenant-General Whitelock ordered the second attack of Buenos Aires. The British troops advanced in 12 columns without any protection from artillery. Fighting broke out on the streets against a defending force of mixed-race militia. Including 686 African slaves, supported by 1st Naval Infantry Battalion and 1st Los Patricios Infantry Regiment.

5th July 1807, the fighting continued in the city. The British 88th Regiment of Foot had cooking pots filled with boiling water and burning oil thrown at them from rooftops. As a result, the British troops had finally became overwhelmed. The areas of Retiro and Residencia became taken at the cost of around 70 British officers and 1,000 troops. However, the city centre was still under the control by the defending Spainish.

Second Battle of Buenos Aires

The Spainish militia and colonial troops gave a counter-attack, known as the Battle of Plaza del Mercado. Consequently, small parties of British troops became cut off and annihilated in the streets of the city. Brigadier-General Robert Craufurd, Colonel Denis Pack and their 2,000 troops had become forced to retreat to the Convent of Saint Domingo. They became surrounded by 5,000 Spainish soldiers, and surrendered at 4pm.

Aftermath

12th August 1807, Lieutenant-General Whitelock undertook negotiations with Santiago de Liniers, that led to the signing of an armistice. As a result, the Buenos Aires Campaign had come to an end.

Lieutenant-General Whitelock left the River Plate along with the British forces from Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Colonia. 400 British men seriously wounded became left behind.

However, later in the year when Lieutenant-General Whitelock arrived back to Great Britain, he became court-martialled. He became stripped of his rank as a result of surrendering Montevideo. [2]

Read More/ Web Link:

[1] Wikipedia

[2] British History.co.uk - Buenos Aires Campaign 1806-1807