Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silvered bronze, the obverse bears the coat of arms of Tenerife, the reverse bears the inscription PRIMER CENTENARIO DE LA DEFENSA DE STA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 25 DE JULIO 1897

History

The Defence of Santa Cruz (Tenerife) Centennial Medal was established in 1897 to commemorate 100 years since the success of the Spanish Navy in the Defence of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife took place from July 22 to July 25, 1797. The British Royal Navy launched an assault on the Spanish port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Spanish Navy was led by Lieutenant General Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana. The British assault was led by Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson and was defeated the day it launched. By July 25, the remainder of the party retreated under a truce after losing many men. The Spanish suffered 30 fatalities and 40 wounded, which was minimal considered the British suffered 250 causalities and 128 wounded - including Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson who had his right arm amputated after being hit by a musketball. After the battle, Lieutenant General Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana allowed the British to leave with their arms intact and graciously lent Nelson two schooners to assist with the journey back to England. To thank him for his courtesy, Nelson wrote Lieutenant General Gutiérrez a letter and sent him British cheese and beer. Lieutenant General Gutiérrez responded to Nelson and sent him Spanish cheese and wine. The two would maintain contact despite serving for opposing militaries.

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