The Battle of Junin

Peru, 6th August 1824

Whilst his infantry and artillery moved to protect his base at Jauja from an advance by Bolivar, General Canterac led his Royalist cavalry to contain the Republicans. They attacked as the Republican cavalry emerged from a narrow defile, but were defeated after a 45 minute battle. It is claimed that this all-cavalry battle was fought without a shot being fired.

Note: Although only the cavalry was engaged in this battle, the other forces present are listed as well for completeness.

Patriot Forces

Commander: General Miller

1st Division Colombian (General Lara)

Infantry Battalion Vargas
Infantry Battalion Vencedor
Infantry Battalion Rifles

2nd Division Colombian (General Cordova)

Infantry Battalion Bogota
Infantry Battalion Voltigeros
Infantry Battalion Pichincha
Infantry Battalion Caracas

Peruvian Division (Grand Marshal de la Mar)

Infantry Battalion Legion Peruana
Infantry Battalion No 1
Infantry Battalion No 2
Infantry Battalion No 3

Cavalry Division (General Necochea)

Andean Mounted Grenadiers (one squadron)
Colombian Mounted Grenadiers (two squadrons)
Hussars of Peru (three squadrons)
Hussars of Colombia (three squadrons)

Artillery Peruvian (Major Fuentes)

6 Guns

Royalist Forces

Commander: General Canterac

Division Maroto (General Maroto)

Infantry Battalion Infante
Infantry Battalion Imperial
Infantry Battalion Burgos
Infantry Battalion Cantabria

Division Monet (General Monet)

Infantry Battalion del Primer Regimento
Infantry Battalion Victoria
Infantry Battalion Guias
Infantry Battalion Centro
Infantry Battalion Castro

Cavalry Division (General Gomez)

Dragoons of the Union Regiment (four squadrons)
Hussars of Ferdinand VII (one squadron)
1st Squadron Dragoons of Peru

Artillery: 9 guns

Total: 1,300 cavalry

Thanks to Chris Johnson for some of this information.

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