Juan Bautista Cambiaso | |
|---|---|
 Juan Bautista Cambiaso | |
| Birth name | Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Cambiaso |
| Born | September 12, 1820 Genoa, Savoyard State |
| Died | June 21, 1886 (aged 65) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Allegiance |  Dominican Republic |
| Service/ | Dominican Navy
Dominican Army |
| Years of service | 1844 - 1856 |
| Rank |  Admiral Divisional general |
| Battles/wars | |
Juan Bautista Cambiaso (September 12, 1820 – June 21, 1886), né Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Cambiaso, was a Genoese-born sailor and soldier, best known for helping establish the naval forces of the nascent Dominican Republic during its war of emancipation.[1][2][3] He was the first admiral of the Dominican Navy and is considered its founder.[4]
Juan Bautista Cambiaso was born Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Cambiaso on 12 September 1820 in Genoa, then part of the duchy of the same name.[1]
At some point in his youth he left Europe and established himself in Santo Domingo during the later stages of the period of Haitian rule over Hispaniola, where he made a living through commerce and came to sympathize with the Trinitarios' cause for secession.[5]
After independence was declared on 27 February 1844 and after learning that a Haitian flotilla was bombarding towns along the southwestern coast, the Junta Central Gubernativa (revolutionary government committee) ordered the seizing of the port of Santo Domingo and all vessels flying the Haitian colors therein. Cambiaso, who had learned seamanship in his homeland, was given command of the schooner Separación Dominicana.[1]
On 15 April 1844, a flotilla with Separación Dominicana as flagship, comprising schooners San José and María Chica, engaged the Haitian vessels and sank two schooners and a brigantine on waters outside the town of Puerto Tortuguero. On 23 April, the Junta proclaimed Cambiaso Admiral of the newly formed naval force (Marina de Guerra de la República).[5]
The Navy's assistance would prove vital to the patriot Army during the 1849 campaign, and thanks to it victory was achieved at Las Carreras and El Número. By repelling enemy vessels and providing logistic support and transportation for troops, the patriots were able to liberate the southern region of the island as far as the frontier with Haiti proper.[1]
On 6 January 1856, he helped rout a Haitian host at El Can, Barahona, and for this deed he was promoted to Divisional general of the Army.[5][1]
After retiring from the military, Cambiaso returned to Santo Domingo and dedicated the rest of his life to his mercantile business. He died there on 21 June 1886, aged 66.[5][1]