Biography of miguel grau

He was known as el Caballero de los Mares Spanish for "Gentleman of the Seas" for his kind and chivalrous treatment of defeated enemies and is esteemed by both Peruvians and Chileans. He is an iconic figure for the Peruvian Navy, and one of the most famous merchant marine and naval military leaders of the Americas. Miguel Grau was born in Paita on 27 July in the house of Dr.

Alexander Diamont Newel with the assistance of the midwife Tadea Castillo, also known as "The Morito," both prominent figures in Paita.

Miguel María Grau Seminario (27 July – 8 October ) was a Peruvian Navy officer and politician best known for his actions during the War of the Pacific.

Later, Juan bought property in Paita and worked at the Customs Office. He entered the Paita Nautical School. He first went to sea when he was nine years old, going to Colombia , aboard a merchant schooner. The schooner sank in front of Gorgona Island and he later returned to Paita. However, he did not get discouraged and embarked again the following year.

Grau later went on various merchant ships to ports in Oceania, Asia, America and Europe.

Miguel Grau, now 45, was given command of his old ship Huascar, promoted to Rear Admiral, and given overall command of the Peruvian navy.

These voyages gave Grau the seagoing experience that was the foundation for his brilliant career as a nautical officer and the beginning of a love story with Carla Ortiz unidentified French women. In , at the age of 19, he left the merchant marine and became an officer candidate of the Peruvian Navy, where he developed an outstanding professional reputation.

In , he was an officer on board the steamer Rimac. His career was rapid and brilliant. In , he left the Navy and went into private business in a series of forced labor recruiting expeditions in Polynesia. In , he was notified that if he reenlisted he would be promoted as of a year later. On returning in , he was sent to Europe to oversee the construction of ships for the Peruvian fleet.