The Peruvian Guard Legion (Spanish: Legión Peruana de la Guardia) is a traditional military unit of Peru. It has participated in several conflicts since the country's independence and the unit's formation by José de San Martín in 1821.[1] Its headquarters are located in the Real Felipe Fortress located in Callao.

Peruvian Guard Legion
Legión Peruana de la Guardia
Members marching in Ayacucho
Active1821–present
Country Peru
AllegiancePresident of Peru
BranchPeruvian Army
TypeHistorical Unit
Part of2nd Army Division
Garrison/HQReal Felipe Fortress
Motto(s)Origin of our army[a]
ColoursLight blue, maroon and red
March"El Ataque de Uchumayo"[b]
"Sesquicentenario"
Anniversaries18 August
EngagementsPeruvian War of Independence

Gran Colombia–Peru War

Salaverry-Santa Cruz War

War of the Confederation

1841 Bolivian–Peruvian War

Peruvian Civil War of 1856–1858

Chincha Islands War

War of the Pacific

1941 Ecuadorian–Peruvian War

Commanders
Current
commander
Col. Jaime Sánchez Polo
Notable
commanders
José Bernardo de Tagle
William Miller

History edit

The unit was established by José de San Martín with a decree published on August 18, 1821.[2] It was the first military unit of the new self-proclaimed Peruvian state, and thus, the origin of the Peruvian Army.[1] Its purpose was to uphold the independence proclaimed against the Viceroyalty of Peru, with its first commander being José Bernardo de Tagle. Englishman Guillermo Miller was responsible for organizing the unit and also served as a commander.

The unit participated in the Peruvian War of Independence, including the decisive battles of Junín and Ayacucho, where it fought under the United Liberating Army of Peru. Later on it would see action in the War of the Confederation, the Chincha Islands War and the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War.[3][4] The unit is currently part of the 2nd Army Division of the Peruvian Army.[5]

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Spanish: Origen de nuestro ejército
  2. ^ Also known as "La Salaverrina"

References edit

  1. ^ a b Ayma Ayma, Diego (2021-08-18). "Legión Peruana de la Guardia, la unidad militar que dio origen al Ejército del Perú". RPP Noticias (in Spanish).
  2. ^ "Historia de los 21 cañonazos por la Independencia del Perú". Congress of Peru. 2015-07-28.
  3. ^ "200° Aniversario De La Independencia Del Perú". Municipalidad de Tumbes.
  4. ^ "ACTA COMISION SALUD EDUCACION CULTURA Nº 007-2005(29-09-2005)" (PDF). Gobierno Regional del Callao. 2005-09-29.
  5. ^ "II División de Ejército". Mil.pe. Archived from the original on 2018-07-14.