Battle of Dolores River

Battle of Dolores River
Part of Philippine-American War
Date December 12, 1904 Location Samar, Philippines Result Pulajan victory
Belligerents
Pulajan	Philippine Constabulary USA
Commanders and leaders
Pedro de la Cruz	Lieutenant Stephen Hayt
Strength
1,000 Pulajan fighters	38 of the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts
Casualties and losses
300 killed, countless wounded	37 killed, 1 severely wounded 37 rifles and countless rounds of ammunition captured

The Battle of Dolores River was a battle fought during the Philippine-American War.

In December 1904, the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts, under Lieutenant Stephen Hayt, were on patrol along the Dolores River in an attempt to link up with the 37th Constabulary Scouts and another Constable Company led by Lieutenant Hendryx. The 38th was ambushed en route, by over 1,000 Pulajans. As the pulajans rushed, waving colorful banners, shouting "Tad-Tad!" (Cut To Pieces!). They were met with a volley of rifle-fire that stopped their advance. The Constables held their ground and repelled the attacks, inflicting countless losses with accurate and steady rifle fire.

The Pulajans were far greater in number, however, and they eventually enveloped and wiped out the entire scout force.

Of the 38 man contingent, all but one, Lieutenant Hayt, were killed. The Pulajans on the other hand, suffered much heavier losses. Estimates range as high as 300 dead before the Constabulary fell.

The pulajan fighters were able to capture 38 Krags rifles, along with a large amount of ammunition.