Miguel Grau
Miguel Grau Seminario | |
|---|---|
Seminario photographed by Eugenio Courret at the time of the War of the Pacific, c. 1879 | |
| Birth name | Miguel María Grau Seminario |
| Nickname | El Caballero de los Mares (The Gentleman of the Seas) |
| Born | 27 July 1834 Paita, Department of Piura, Peru |
| Died | 8 October 1879 (aged 45) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | Peru |
| Branch | Peruvian Navy |
| Service years | 1853-1862 1864-1879 |
| Rank | Rear admiral Grand admiral (posthumously) |
| Commands | Huáscar |
| Conflicts | |
| Signature | |
Miguel María Grau Seminario (27 July 1834 – 8 October 1879) was a Peruvian Navy officer and politician renowned for his role in the War of the Pacific. He earned the nickname "Gentleman of the Seas" for his kind and chivalrous treatment of defeated enemies and remains highly respected by both Peruvians and Chileans. Grau is an iconic figure for the Peruvian navy, and one of the most famous naval officers from the Americas. He commanded the Peruvian ironclad Huascar during the War of the Pacific. Known for his skillful naval tactics, Grau repeatedly evaded Chilean pursuers and harassed the Chilean coast.