Miguel Grau
Rear Admiral, Peruvian Navy
"It is not the ship that is defeated, but fortune that abandons it."
Biography
The 'Gentleman of the Seas' was Peru's — and arguably the war's — greatest hero. Commanding the ironclad Huáscar, Grau single-handedly dominated the Pacific for five months after Iquique, raiding Chilean ports, capturing troopships, and evading whole squadrons in a campaign that pinned Chile's invasion in place. His chivalry became as famous as his seamanship: after sinking the Esmeralda he rescued her survivors and sent Arturo Prat's sword and letters home to Prat's widow with a note of condolence. At Angamos in October 1879 a Chilean squadron finally trapped the Huáscar, and a shell struck the conning tower, killing Grau instantly. His death and the loss of his ship handed Chile command of the sea. Revered in Peru as the 'Peruvian of the Millennium,' Grau is honoured on both sides of the old conflict as a model of gallantry.
Did you know?
He was voted the 'Peruvian of the Millennium' by his countrymen, and the day of his death, October 8, is Peru's Navy Day.
Key Battles
Naval Battle of Iquique
Peru & Bolivia victoryMay 21, 1879 · 200 total casualties
Though a Peruvian tactical victory, Iquique gave Chile its supreme national hero in Prat, whose sacrifice electrified the country and became a rallying cry. Meanwhile the escape of the Peruvian ships bought Chile time to hunt the Huáscar.
Naval Battle of Angamos
Chile victoryOctober 8, 1879 · 100 total casualties
The capture of the Huáscar and death of Grau gave Chile undisputed command of the sea — the decisive strategic turning point of the war. With the coast now open to Chilean troop landings, the land campaigns of conquest could begin.
Life Journey
Timeline
July 27, 1834
🌅 Birth
Born in Piura, Peru
May 21, 1879
⚔️ Battle
Sinks the Esmeralda at Iquique
October 8, 1879
✝️ Death
Killed aboard the Huáscar at Angamos