Description
Cross for Callao, 2nd May 1866, 27.5 mm, ‘CALLAO 2 DE MAYO 1866′, ’50 CANONES CONTRA 300’ reverse, chips to to enamel on three arms tips,
For the artillery defence of the coastal fortifications of El Callao against the Spanish fleet.
Part of the decorations issued during the Islands of Chincha War between Spain vs Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
This conflict represented Spain’s last military incursions in South America and is thus highly significant historically despite obviously not as bloody as the War of Independence which took place between 1810-1826. Interestingly, this battle ended inconclusively and Spain also issued a “victorious” medal for the occasion.
This was an important part of Peru’s history, as this battle finally put an end to Spain’s incursions in the Pacific and attempts to recapture their old colonies, Peru along side Chile and Bolivia showed solidarity and all fought together against Spain in naval battles in the Pacific Ocean, with both sides deploying early examples of Ironclad warships.
