Battle of Dolores River

The Battle of Dolores River was a battle fought during the Philippine–American War.

Battle of Dolores River
Part of Philippine–American War
DateDecember 12, 1904
Location
South eastern Samar, Philippines
Result Pulahan pyrrhic victory
Belligerents
Pulahan  United States
~Philippine Constabulary
Commanders and leaders
Pedro de la Cruz Lieutenant Stephen Hayt
Strength
1,000 Pulahan fighters 43 troops of the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts[1]:551
Casualties and losses
around~ 300 killed, countless wounded

37 killed[1]:551

38 rifles and countless rounds of ammunition captured

Background

The Pulahanes in July 1904 slaughtered the people of Taviran and then burned the town of Santa Elena.[1]:551 In December, over a thousand Pulahanes besieged a detachment of native scouts in the town of Taft.[1]:551

Battle

In December 1904, the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts, under Lieutenant Stephen Hayt, were on patrol along the Dolores River in an attempt to link up with the 37th Constabulary Scouts and another Constable Company led by Lieutenant Hendryx.

The 38th was ambushed en route, by over 1,000 Pulahanes. As the Pulahanes rushed, waving colorful banners and shouting "Tad-Tad!" (Cut To Pieces!) they were met with a volley of rifle-fire that stopped their advance. The Constables held their ground and repelled the attacks, inflicting heavy losses with accurate and steady rifle fire.

The Pulahanes were far greater in number, however, and they eventually enveloped and wiped out the entire scout force.

Aftermath

Of the 43 man contingent, the officer and 37 of his men were killed.[1]:551 The Pulajans on the other hand, suffered much heavier losses. Estimates range as high as 300 dead before the Constabulary fell.

The pulajan fighters were able to capture 38 Krags rifles, along with a large amount of ammunition.

References
  1. Foreman, J., 1906, The Philippine Islands, A Political, Geographical, Ethnographical, Social and Commercial History of the Philippine Archipelago, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons

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