Battle of Vuelta de Obligado

20 November 1845, Vuelta de Obligado, Paraná River

Anglo-French victory; the Paraná forced

To stop the allies opening the Paraná, General Lucio Mansilla stretched three chains across the river on some two dozen boats and hulks, where it narrowed at a bend, covered by four batteries on the high bank and the schooner Republicano. The British and French ships attacked in two divisions and were held under heavy fire for hours, until Captain Hope of Firebrand took boats in and cut the chains. Steamers then broke through, the batteries ran out of ammunition, and allied landing parties took them. About 250 Argentines were killed; the allies lost 26 killed. The river was open, but the fight became a symbol of national resistance and 20 November is now Argentina's Day of National Sovereignty.