By 1898, support for Cuban independence from Spanish rule ran high in the United States, fuelled by extensive press coverage. After an explosion sank the USS Maine in Havana harbour, war was declared and an expeditionary force of over 16,000 US regulars and volunteers set out from Florida to Santiago – the second largest city in Cuba and a shelter for the Spanish navy.
At 13.00 hrs on 1st July, the US 1st Division and Cavalry Division moved to attack the San Juan Heights, which formed the main Spanish defence line of trenches and barbed wire around Santiago. American cavalrymen were able to capture the forward position at Kettle Hill in a single charge, but the assault on San Juan Hill was pinned down by heavy Spanish fire.
The turning point came at around 13.15 hrs, when a battery of four Gatling guns under Lieutenant John Parker opened fire at a range of less than 700 yards.
Here we see the guns in action during the battle. They have been elevated to fire uphill, allowing the bullets to ‘drop’ into the Spanish trenches at the crest of San Juan Hill. While the gun is fired by one soldier, another stands by to replenish the Bruce Feed magazine. In the background can be seen the blockhouse, partly hidden by smoke, which formed the linchpin of the Spanish position. US infantry of General Hawkins’ brigade can also be seen renewing the assault on the hill.
After eight minutes, the Gatling battery ceased fire as the infantry reached the top of the hill, allowing them to quickly capture the Spanish positions around the blockhouse.
By Ibrahim Zamir
Empire of History 