The Battle of Chacabuco Chile, 12th February 1817

Brigadier Maroto attempted to block San Martin's advance on Santiago at Chacabuco Farm. San Martin was obliged to attack before Royalist reinforcements arrived. His main column under General Soler was sent around the Royalist left flank, but was delayed, and it was left to the holding force under O'Higgins to attack the Royalist position. The Royalist line was broken, and the flank march arrived to complete the victory. Republicans Commander: General de San Martin 1st Division (General Soler) - 2,000 men 11th Infantry Battalion Cazadores de Los Andes Amalgamated Battalion (Grenadier and Cazador companies of 7th and 8th Infantry Battalions) One Squadron of Horse Grenadiers Escort Squadron 7 guns 2nd Division (General Bernardo O'Higgins) - 1,300 men 7th Infantry Battalion (Centre companies only) 8th Infantry Battalion (Centre companies only) Three Squadrons of Horse Grenadiers 2 guns Total: 3,300 men with 9 guns Royalists Commander: Brigadier Maroto Battalion 'Valdivia' (c.600 men) Battalion 'Talavera' (c.600 men) Battalion 'Chiloe' (two companies only, c.200 men) Two squadrons 'Carabineros de Abascal' One company of Hussars de la Concordia (50 men) 2 guns (4pdr) (20 men) Total: 1,400 infantry, plus cavalry and 2 guns