Blas de Lezo

Blas de Lezo was a Spanish admiral and one of the greatest naval commanders in history. He is best remembered for his heroic defense of Cartagena de Indias in 1741, where he repelled a massive British attack with a much smaller and weaker force. Blas de Lezo was born in Pasajes, a Basque town in the province of Guipúzcoa, Spain, on February 3, 1689. He joined the Spanish navy at the age of 15 and fought in several battles during the War of the Spanish Succession. He lost his left leg below the knee at the Battle of Vélez-Málaga in 1704, his left eye at the defense of Toulon in 1707, and the use of his right arm at the Siege of Barcelona in 1714. Despite these severe injuries, he continued his naval career and earned the nicknames of "Patapalo" (Pegleg) and "Mediohombre" (Half-man). He served in the Pacific from 1720 to 1728, where he captured two French ships and raided British settlements. He also fought against pirates and smugglers in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1734 and became the commander of the Spanish fleet in America. In 1739, Spain and Britain declared war over trade disputes in the colonies. This conflict is known as the War of Jenkins' Ear. In 1741, a British expedition led by Admiral Edward Vernon attempted to capture Cartagena de Indias, a strategic port city in present-day Colombia. Vernon had a fleet of 186 ships and 23,600 men, while Lezo had only six ships and 3,600 men to defend the city. Lezo resisted the British siege for 67 days, using his superior tactics and knowledge of the terrain to inflict heavy losses on the enemy. He also received reinforcements from the local militia and nearby towns. The British finally gave up and withdrew on May 20, 1741. Lezo's victory was a major blow to British prestige and power in the Americas. It also preserved Spanish sovereignty over its colonies and secured its trade routes. Lezo was hailed as a national hero in Spain and a legend in Latin America. However, Lezo did not live to enjoy his fame. He died on September 7, 1741, from typhoid fever contracted during the siege. He was buried in Cartagena de Indias, but his grave was never properly marked or preserved. His legacy was also overshadowed by political intrigues and propaganda from both sides. The Spanish government downplayed his role and achievements, while the British tried to erase their defeat from history. It was not until the 20th century that Lezo's reputation was restored and recognized by historians and admirers. Several monuments, streets, schools, ships, and books have been dedicated to his memory. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest naval strategists and commanders of all time.