The mutilated Basque soldier who humiliated the entire British empire when he wanted to invade Spanish lands

During the 17th century, the Caribbean became a scene of constant attacks by corsairs and pirateswho attacked Spanish vessels to steal their cargoes and trade them illegally. To counter this threat, the Spanish Crown deployed maritime patrols throughout the region, in order to protect its trade routes and stop the flow of contraband.

One of these ships was the coast guard La Isabella, commanded by Captain Julio León Fandiño. During a patrol near the coasts of Florida, Fandiño intercepted the English brig Rebecca, commanded by smuggler Robert Jenkins. In an act that would determine the destiny of both empires, Jenkins was captured and punished by the Spanish captain amputating his ear.

The English smuggler took advantage of the incident to turn his mutilation into a pretext that fueled the anti-Spanish campaign in the British Parliament, and in 1739, King George II formally declared war. The English mission was clear: secure strategic points in the Caribbean and South America to expand their commercial interests and consolidate their control in the area.

The “middle man” and defender of Spain

In the 18th century, a man known as “Halfman” successfully challenged the imposing British army that attempted to seize Spain’s territories in the Caribbean. His name was Blas de Lezo, and his feat in Cartagena de Indias marked one of the most impressive chapters in military history.

Born in Pasajes, Guipúzcoa, in 1687, he was an experienced and mutilated military man who had lost a leg, an arm and an eye in multiple previous combats. His nickname, “Halfman,” reflected his physical appearance, but also highlighted his tenacity.

From a young age, Lezo had shown notable talent in naval combat, participating in important battles and, later, leading the defense of the Spanish colonies in the Caribbean. By the time the British turned their sights on Cartagena de Indias, Lezo was already a respected and feared veteran, whose strategies had earned the respect of his superiors and the fear of his enemies.

The arrival of the British fleet

Admiral Edward Vernon, with an army of more than 30,000 men and a fleet of 186 ships, He arrived in Cartagena de Indias in 1741 with the aim of taking over the city and continuing towards Peru. In the first phase of the offensive, the British bombarded the port of Portobelo, Panama, which quickly fell. This generated a wave of enthusiasm in London, where prematurely celebrated Vernon’s victory. However, his next objective, Cartagena de Indias, did not have the same result.

Upon arrival, Vernon ran into a great defensive strategy directed by Blas de Lezo. The city had two entrances: Bocagrande and Bocachica, which Lezo fortified and sank several ships in the canal, thus slowing down the British advance.

The castle of San Felipe de Barajas

Vernon managed to weaken the defenses of Bocachica and enter the bay. However, his greatest challenge awaited him at the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, where Blas de Lezo and his troops took refuge and continued their defense. With less than 3,000 men and scarce resources, Lezo employed guerrilla tactics and ingenious use of fortification.

One of the smartest and most key moves was that Lezo sent dig a pit around the wall, which prevented the English ladders from reaching the defenses. This disconcerted the English troops, who lost hundreds of men when attempting the assault and found themselves forced to retreat.

The British withdrawal

Vernon, after weeks of combat, faced reality: the weather, disease and Spanish resistance had sapped his forces, leaving him with no option but to order a retreat on May 8, 1741. The English retreat was a humiliating defeat. More than 10,000 men died on the battlefield, and thousands more fell victims to malaria and wounds, while the fleet suffered enormous casualties and material losses.

The news of this defeat was received with disbelief in England, where the victory in Cartagena had been celebrated. ahead of time. The English even minted commemorative medals with the image of Blas de Lezo kneeling before Vernon; However, the English admiral had failed in one of the most costly attacks in British naval history.

The legacy of Blas de Lezo

Blas de Lezo was an example of ingenuity and bravery who defended his country despite adversity. Although he died a few months later, his great work in Cartagena de Indias continues to be remembered as a resistance symbol. The English defeat at Cartagena put an end to their ambitions in the Caribbean and demonstrated that Spain I still had the power to defend his position in America.