The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 27/07/1797. Nelson defeated

[Dercius]

Two hundred and thirteen years ago, The small garrison of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the local militias defended their island and defeated Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson and its fleet.

"Nelson would later remark that Tenerife had been the most horrible Hell he had ever endured—and not only for the loss of his arm"

Lets remember and honour the heroes who fought and died under the Spanish and British flags.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Santa_Cruz_de_Tenerife_(1797)

[miguelencanarias]

This gun, named "Tigre" is reputed to have fired the shot that took Nelson's right arm.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Ca%C3%B1onTigre.JPG


The flag is that of the Emerald, captured during the battle.

[rgjbloke]

Fascinating history. Rest in Peace to all those who were killed in this battle.

[AMRAAM]

Just as curiosity, the 127 mm canon of the Spanish frigate "Almirante Juan de Borbón"(F-102) is named "Tigre" in honour of the canon which did to admiral Nelson lose his arm...

In the pic we can see a tiger with the Nelson's arm..p-)

132452

Pic from:
http://abroadexperience.wordpress.com/category/curiosidades/

[miguelencanarias]

In the pic we can see a tiger with Nelson's arm..

Yeeeah... about that... well... this is Spain... we never said we had good taste at picking logos... We just thought it would be hilarious....

Here are a few other samples of our taste when it comes to art:

http://www.retrofootball.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/naranjito.jpg

http://roberbodegas.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/cobi.jpg?w=400

[john@staustell]

Miguel - is there a decent museum on this in Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Must pass by there sometime now Ryanair have discovered the Canary Islands! Guide books both English and Spanish are pretty useless on these little gems, more concerned with promoting certain 'where to eats'!

We visited A Coruña on a visit to Galicia a few years ago to take in the tomb of Sir John Moore, described as in a 'small and evocative garden' in one book and rather unkempt in another (not true). (Jardin de San Carlos). However no mention of the excellent military history museum right next door, which not only covered the battle of La Coruna (Elvira) but much, much more besides.

[miguelencanarias]

John, actually there is a whole museum dedicated to the events of 1797. It is called "Museo Militar Regional de Canarias", located at the Almeida barracks. When in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just board a taxi and tell the driver "Al cuartel de Almeida, por favor".

Some of the items have been sent to other places, like the underground museum at the original site of the San Cristobal Castle (main fortification defending Santa Cruz during Nelson's incursion), built recently when a working crew discovered the remains of the castle under the modern plaza. I believe the gun Tigre is there now.

[tluassa]

Visited the place like 7 or 8 years ago. Tenerife actually has some very interesting Museums, the "Guanches" People museums was fascinating as well ...

[john@staustell]

John, actually there is a whole museum dedicated to the events of 1797. It is called "Museo Militar Regional de Canarias", located at the Almeida barracks. When in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just board a taxi and tell the driver "Al cuartel de Almeida, por favor".

Some of the items have been sent to other places, like the underground museum at the original site of the San Cristobal Castle (main fortification defending Santa Cruz during Nelson's incursion), built recently when a working crew discovered the remains of the castle under the modern plaza. I believe the gun Tigre is there now.

Many thanks