| Battle of Rio Nuevo | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of theAnglo-Spanish wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spain |  England | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi | Edward D'Oyley | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 560 soldiers, 50 Spanish guerrillas 4 transports[1] | 700 soldiers and militias 10 ships | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 300 killed or wounded 150 prisoners 4 ships captured | 60 casualties[1] | ||||||
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TheBattle of Rio Nuevo took place between 25 and 27 June 1658[a] on the island ofJamaica between Spanish forces underCristóbal Arnaldo Isasi and English forces under governorEdward D'Oyley. In the battle lasting over two days the invading Spanish were routed. It is the largest battle to be fought in Jamaica.[3]
In 1655, an English force led by Admiral SirWilliam Penn and GeneralRobert Venablesseized the island, and successfully held it against two Spanish attempts to retake it. The former Spanish governor of Jamaica, Don Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi, attempted to recapture the island with forces fromCuba in mid-1657, but the attack was repulsed at theBattle of Ocho Rios by acting governor Colonel Edward D'Oyley.[4]
On 20 May 1658, Isasi attempted another invasion with more men recruited fromNew Spain; theTercios Mexicano (known as Mexican Regiment). Isasi also had at his disposal four troop transports and armed ships. In total, the invasion force consisted of 31 captains, 31 ensigns, 28 sergeants and 467 soldiers. While this force anchored for two days near the mouth ofRio Nuevo, three English coast guard vessels chanced upon the Spanish but were chased away by gunfire.[1] The English scouts reported back to D'Oyley, who mustered all available militia and soldiers who were fit to fight. The Spanish in the meantime fortified their camp and were joined by around 50 tattered Spanish guerrillas.[4]
On 25 June, D'Oyley mustered a total of 700 soldiers and militia and ten ships to transport them. The English troops disembarked near the Rio Nuevo. The English then captured the Spanish transports, sealing off any escape for the invaders. The Spanish, seeing this, attempted to make a stand behind their newly fortified redoubt.[3] The English declined to come to grips and fired on the Spanish position with cannon andmuskets for two days.[4] Their superior firepower had a devastating effect, and when the surviving Spanish attempted to break out, most were killed or captured. What was left of the invasion force fled into the hills and jungle. They had lost over 300 dead and wounded, mostly killed, and 150 prisoners, as well as eleven flags, six guns, and most of their arms and ammunition. English casualties numbered around sixty. Most of the wounded on both sides died of tropical diseases.[1]
The victorious English conveyed the Spanish artillery back to 'The Point' and toFort Cromwell, installing it into their defences. Isasi tried to keep up the struggle until he was defeated in 1660, escaping from what is now the area of the Tower Isle resort and fleeing to Cuba by canoe with his remaining supporters.[1] To dissuade further Spanish attempts to retake Jamaica, the English underChristopher Myngs launched attacks on Spanish ports such asSanta Marta andTolu, forcing the Spanish on to the defensive.[4]Buccaneers such asHenry Morgan were also invited to base themselves atPort Royal, to help defend against Spanish attacks.
The battle of Rio Nuevo was the last Spanish attempt to recapture Jamaica. Spain ceded the island to England in 1670 under theTreaty of Madrid.[3]
The Rio Nuevo Battle Site Heritage Park and Museum was opened in August 2009.[5]
Battles in Jamaica | ||
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