Overview

• Peruvians honor the 1879 engagement in which the monitor Huáscar was captured by Chilean forces and Miguel Grau was killed in action.
• Commemorations revisit Grau’s rescue of 57 Chilean survivors at Iquique and his return of Arturo Prat’s personal effects to the widow with a letter.
• Accounts emphasize how Grau’s six-month campaign disrupted Chilean operations by raiding ports, capturing ships, and repeatedly evading the opposing squadron.
• Later recognitions include a 1946 congressional promotion awarding Grau the rank of admiral and widely used titles such as “Caballero de los Mares” and “Peruano del Milenio.”
• The Navy also celebrates its founding on this date, tracing its origins to 1821 under José de San Martín.