Everything about Battle Of Manila Bay 1898 totally explained
The
Battle of Manila Bay took place on
1 May 1898, during the
Spanish-American War. The
American Asiatic Squadron under
Commodore George Dewey engaged the
Spanish Pacific Squadron under
Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón and destroyed the Spanish squadron.
The
engagement took place in
Manila Bay, the
Philippines, and was the first major engagement of the
Spanish-American War.
Prelude
Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón, who had been dispatched rapidly to the Philippines, was equipped with a variety of
obsolete vessels. Efforts to
fortify his position amounted to little. The
corrupt Spanish
colonial bureaucracy may have worked against the effort, sending
explosives meant for
mines to friendly
construction companies. Reinforcements promised from Madrid resulted in only two poorly
armored scout
cruisers. Montojo compounded his difficulties by retreating from the range of Spanish fortress guns—guns that might have evened the
odds—and choosing to
anchor in a relatively shallow anchorage. His intent seems to have been to preserve the families of the Spanish
sailors in
Manila from bombardment, and to allow survivors of his fleet to swim to safety. The harbor was protected by four batteries.
Battle
At daybreak on
Sunday 1 May, George Dewey aboard the protected cruiser
USS Olympia led a small squadron of ships into Manila Bay. Two mines were exploded but were ineffective. Shortly after five A.M., the Spanish shore batteries and the Spanish fleet opened fire. At 5:40 with the now famous phrase, "You may fire when ready, Gridley," the
Olympia's captain was instructed to begin the
barrage that resulted in the destruction of the Spanish
flotilla.
The U.S. squadron swung in front of the Spanish ships and forts in single file, firing their port guns. They then turned and passed back, firing their starboard guns. This was repeated five times, each time at closer range. The Spanish forces had been alerted, and most were ready for action, but they were outgunned. The eleven Spanish ships and five land batteries fought back for two and a half hours. The American ships withdrew at 7:45 a.m. to redistribute ammunition, then attacked again at 10:40. Most of the Spanish ships were either destroyed or
surrendered. The Spanish colors were struck in surrender at 12:40 p.m. The results were decisive; Dewey won the battle with only a single fatality among his crew: Francis B. Randall, Chief Engineer on the
McCulloch, from heart attack.
Dispatches Between Dewey and the Secretary of the Navy
Dewey sent multiple dispatches to John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, immediately prior to, and following, the Naval Battle of Manila Bay. These dispatches included George Dewey's promotion from the rank of commodore to rear-admiral.
HONGKONG, May 7, 1898. (Manila, May 1.)
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
The squadron arrived a Manila at daybreak this morning. Immediately engaged enemy and destroyed the following Spanish vessels: Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio de Biloa, Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marquis del Duaro, El Curreo, Velasco, one transport, Isla de Mandano, water battery at Cavite. I'll destroy Cavite arsenal dispensatory. The squadron is uninjured. Few men were slightly wounded. I request the Department will send immediately from San Francisco fast steamer with ammunition. The only means of telegraphing is to the American consul at Hongkong.
DEWEY.
HONGKONG, May 7, 1898. (Cavite, May 4.)
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
I have taken possession of the naval station at Cavite, Philippine Islands, and destroyed its fortifications. Have destroyed fortifications bay entrance, paroling garrison. Have cut cable to main land. I control bay completely and can take city at any time, but I've not sufficient men to hold. The squadron excellent health and spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known; very heavy; 150 killed, including captain, on Reina Cristina, alone. I'm assisting and protecting Spanish sick and wounded, 250 in number, in this hospital, within our lines. Will ammunition be sent? I request answer without delay. I can supply squadron coal and provisions for a long period. Much excitement at Manila. Scarcity of provisions on account of not having economized stores. Will protect foreign residents.
DEWEY.
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