| Robert Souper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
September 9, 1818 Harwich, England |
| Died |
January 13, 1881 (aged 62) Tacna, Peru |
Colonel Robert Souper Howard (September 9, 1818 - January 13, 1881) was a Chilean soldier, although born in England, who served in the Chilean Army during most of the War of the Pacific. Not to be confused with Roberto Souper, a putschist officer in 1973.
Early life[]
Born in Harwich, England, son of Colonel William Souper and Emily Howard. His father, concerned about the education of his sons and looking for a better future for the family, decided to leave England and seek better fortune in France. They established themselves in Calais.
Role in the War of the Pacific[]
During the War of the Pacific, he joined the Chilean Army a few days before the official declaration of war, on April 3, 1879 as a Captain. He was then selected by Minister Rafael Sotomayor, and was present in the Naval Battle of Angamos.
He became a member of the Army General Staff, and participated in the Battle of Pisagua (November 2, 1879) and the Battle of Dolores (November 19, 1879); helping capture the Peruvian province of Tarapacá, which was effectively separated from the rest of the country.
During the Chilean offensive against Tarapacá, he served under General Manuel Baquedano as his Aide de Camp. Under his command, he fought on the Battle of Los Ángeles, the Battle of Alto de la Alianza and the assault of Arica
He was killed during the aftermath of the Battle of San Juan and Chorrillos in 1881.
Further reading[]
- Collier, Simon (2003). Chile, the Making of a Republic, 1830-1865: Politics and Ideas. Cambridge University Press. p. 218. ISBN 0-521-82610-1.
The original article can be found at Robert Souper Howard and the edit history here.