The Battle Of Manila Bay
The Battle of Manila Bay
Megan Howard
On April 30, 1898, six American warships and three support vessels (the American Asiatic Squadron) entered Manila Bay in the Spanish Philippines. This would become the first major battle of the Spanish-American War. Leading the pack was Commodore George Dewey who was aboard the USS Olympia. The ships were made of steel and powered by coal-fired steam engines; also on board were electrical generators which ridding the need for lanterns to light the lower decks. Dewey was skeptical of the Spaniards ability to place mines in the deep water of the Boca Grande Channel and therefor chose to enter Manila Bay from there to keep further distance between the fleet and Spanish shore.
The Spaniards were led by Rear Admiral Don Patricio Montojo. From the beginning, Montojo was no optimistic that his fleet would win against the American ships. Symonds notes that losing was more of an honorable fleet, and Montojo was going to lose proudly serving his country. His biggest and strongest vessel was the Reina Cristina; none of his fleet compared in range and weaponry of the American vessels. Dewey’s plan was to circle the Spanish, as close to shore as possible without running aground. Dewey directed the men to not be wasteful with ammunition, especially since the Spanish had a much larger supply. Once Dewey felt like his ships were properly in place, he called out “You may fire when ready, Gridley.” Following soon after, all of the American ships opened fire.
Symonds points out that the Battle of Manila Bay was strictly a gun duel and that neither mines nor torpedoes were used. Dewey planned to have his fleet move closer and closer to the Spanish shore, in a figure eight formation. The Reina Christina boldly and honorable approached and was quickly run aground by American fire. Just like other historic naval battles, Symonds points out that American marksmanship during the Battle of Manila Bay was “terrible”. Dewey was growing concerned
Megan Howard
On April 30, 1898, six American warships and three support vessels (the American Asiatic Squadron) entered Manila Bay in the Spanish Philippines. This would become the first major battle of the Spanish-American War. Leading the pack was Commodore George Dewey who was aboard the USS Olympia. The ships were made of steel and powered by coal-fired steam engines; also on board were electrical generators which ridding the need for lanterns to light the lower decks. Dewey was skeptical of the Spaniards ability to place mines in the deep water of the Boca Grande Channel and therefor chose to enter Manila Bay from there to keep further distance between the fleet and Spanish shore.
The Spaniards were led by Rear Admiral Don Patricio Montojo. From the beginning, Montojo was no optimistic that his fleet would win against the American ships. Symonds notes that losing was more of an honorable fleet, and Montojo was going to lose proudly serving his country. His biggest and strongest vessel was the Reina Cristina; none of his fleet compared in range and weaponry of the American vessels. Dewey’s plan was to circle the Spanish, as close to shore as possible without running aground. Dewey directed the men to not be wasteful with ammunition, especially since the Spanish had a much larger supply. Once Dewey felt like his ships were properly in place, he called out “You may fire when ready, Gridley.” Following soon after, all of the American ships opened fire.
Symonds points out that the Battle of Manila Bay was strictly a gun duel and that neither mines nor torpedoes were used. Dewey planned to have his fleet move closer and closer to the Spanish shore, in a figure eight formation. The Reina Christina boldly and honorable approached and was quickly run aground by American fire. Just like other historic naval battles, Symonds points out that American marksmanship during the Battle of Manila Bay was “terrible”. Dewey was growing concerned