Zaragoza: The Service History of a Spanish Naval Workhorse
The Zaragoza was a pivotal vessel in the 19th-century Spanish Navy, serving as more than just a warship. From acting as a flagship during political upheavals to projecting power in the Caribbean, her career mirrored the turbulent political landscape of Spain during the mid-to-late 1800s.
Following her commissioning, the Zaragoza began her active service in July 1868. Her early voyages took her from Cartagena to Cádiz and later to the northern coast of Spain at Lequeitio. During this period, she hosted high-profile dignitaries, including Admiral Francisco de Paula Pavía and Queen Isabella II, along with her husband and the future King Alfonso XII.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Glorious Revolution and Political Turmoil
In September 1868, the Zaragoza found herself at the center of a national crisis. When Brigadier Juan Bautista Topete and General Juan Prim rebelled against Queen Isabella II, the Zaragoza—under the command of Capitán de navío José Malcampo y Monje—became the rebel flagship. It was from the decks of this ship that Topete announced the deposition of the Queen, sparking the Glorious Revolution.
The vessel played a critical role in promoting the revolution, transporting General Prim to key ports including Tarifa, Algeciras, Ceuta, and Málaga. Following the royalist defeat at the Battle of Alcolea and the subsequent abdication of Isabella II on September 30, 1868, the Zaragoza continued to support the newly proclaimed provisional government, facilitating Prim's journey to Madrid via Valencia and Tarragona.
Mediterranean Command and Caribbean Deployment
By December 1868, the Zaragoza had transitioned into the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron. This fleet, which included vessels like the Villa de Madrid and the armored frigate Tetuán, was deployed to Cádiz to suppress revolutionary insurgents, notably conducting bombardments in Málaga on New Year's Day, 1869.
In November 1869, the ship's mission shifted to the Caribbean. Based in Havana, Cuba, the Zaragoza supported Spanish Empire forces during the Ten Years War, a conflict against the Cuban Liberation Army. She operated in the Antilles until 1872, when she was relieved by the armored frigate Arapiles.
The Cantonal Rebellion and the Escape of the Numancia
The 1870s brought further instability with the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic and the subsequent Cantonal Rebellion. In October 1873, the Zaragoza was ordered to reinforce a blockade of Cartagena led by Contralmirante Miguel Lobo y Malagamba, and later Contralmirante Nicolás Chicarro.
The climax of this period occurred on January 12, 1874. As the Canton of Cartagena surrendered, the armored frigate Numancia attempted to flee Spain with approximately 2,000 people, including 1,635 rebels. The Zaragoza and the Vitoria opened fire on the Numancia, but the rebel ship managed to break through the line, passing between the Zaragoza and the Carmén to reach French Algeria.
Technical Upgrades and Final Years
Between 1874 and 1876, the Zaragoza underwent significant armament modifications to modernize her combat capabilities. Her updated battery included a mix of Armstrong and Palliser rifled guns, designed for both ship-to-ship combat and disembarkation operations.
| Gun Type | Caliber/Weight | Quantity | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong Rifled | 250-pounder (131 kg) | 4 | Main Battery |
| Palliser Rifled | 160-millimetre (6.3 in) | 10 | Main Battery |
| Palliser Rifled | 180-millimetre (7.1 in) | 2 | Armored Redoubt |
| Palliser Rifled | 180-millimetre (7.1 in) | 1 | Bow |
| Bronze Guns | 120mm & 80mm | 6 | Boat Disembarkation |
In her later years, the Zaragoza served in the Training Squadron, supporting royal visits by King Alfonso XII and Queen Maria Christina in 1881. She also visited the Eastern Mediterranean in 1882, including a mission to Egypt during the Anglo-Egyptian War to ensure Spanish access to the Suez Canal.
The end of her career is subject to conflicting historical records. Some sources state she was decommissioned shortly after 1890 and used as a floating jetty and seaman's depot before being scrapped in 1898. Other accounts suggest she served as a torpedo training ship until being stricken in 1896 and scuttled in 1899.
Key Facts
- Revolutionary Role: Served as the rebel flagship during the Glorious Revolution of 1868.
- Global Reach: Deployed to the Caribbean (Havana) for the Ten Years War and the Eastern Mediterranean for the Anglo-Egyptian War.
- Combat History: Participated in the blockade of Cartagena and the engagement with the Numancia.
- Modernization: Upgraded between 1874-1876 with Armstrong and Palliser rifled guns.
- Final Status: Either scrapped in 1898 or scuttled in 1899 after serving as a training vessel or depot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did the Zaragoza play in the Glorious Revolution?
The Zaragoza served as the flagship for the rebels. From its deck, Brigadier Juan Bautista Topete announced the deposition of Queen Isabella II, and the ship transported General Juan Prim to various ports to spread the revolution.
Where was the Zaragoza deployed during the Ten Years War?
The ship was assigned to the Caribbean, based in Havana, where it supported Spanish Empire forces against the Cuban Liberation Army from 1869 until 1872.
What happened during the encounter with the Numancia?
While blockading Cartagena in January 1874, the Zaragoza and Vitoria fired upon the Numancia. Despite the attack, the Numancia managed to break through the blockade and escape to Mers El Kébir in French Algeria.
Why did the Zaragoza visit Egypt in 1882?
The vessel visited several ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt, to protect Spanish access to the Suez Canal during the British occupation of Egypt during the Anglo-Egyptian War.
How did the Zaragoza's armament change over time?
Between 1874 and 1876, she was modified to carry four Armstrong 250-pounder guns, thirteen Palliser rifled guns (of 160mm and 180mm), and six bronze guns for use in boats.