Chilean battleship Almirante Latorre

Almirante Latorre: A Tale of Naval History

Imagine a grand battleship, its hull gleaming under the sun, ready to face any challenge that comes its way. This is Almirante Latorre, named after Juan José Latorre and built for the Chilean Navy in 1911. But this ship’s journey was far from straightforward; it was bought by the Royal Navy during World War I and later repurchased by Chile to serve as their flagship.

From Canada to Almirante Latorre

The story of Almirante Latorre begins in 1915 when she was commissioned into the Royal Navy under the name HMS Canada. Serving with the Grand Fleet, she saw action during the Battle of Jutland, firing rounds at German destroyers and a disabled cruiser. After the war, Chile bought her back and renamed her Almirante Latorre, designating it as their flagship.

Flagship of the Chilean Navy

Almirante Latorre played a crucial role in Chile’s naval history. She served as the presidential transport during the Vallenar earthquake and hosted state visits for visiting dignitaries, including Prince Edward. In 1925, President Alessandri even gave a speech on board after returning to power following the fall of the January Junta.

The Mutiny of 1931

However, Almirante Latorre’s journey was not without its challenges. In September 1931, economic cuts triggered a severe reaction among sailors who had already suffered salary and bonus cuts. Junior crew members mutinied, demanding their full salaries to be restored and punishment for those responsible for the Great Depression.

The government attempted to negotiate a peaceful resolution but was rebuffed. In response, Acting Vice President Manuel Trucco sent naval admiral Edgardo von Schroeders to negotiate with the mutineers, trying to divide them along economic lines. A turning point came when the southern fleet arrived on September 4th, forcing the rebels to regroup and prepare for an air strike by government forces.

The submarine H4 was damaged during an attack on Almirante Latorre, breaking the mutineers’ spirits and leading to their surrender. The ship was deactivated in 1933 but underwent a refit in 1937. It was used for neutrality patrols during World War II and was decommissioned in 1958.

Final Days and Legacy

The Almirante Latorre’s final days were spent being sold for scrap in Japan, where it was broken up to restore the Japanese battleship Mikasa. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of Chilean naval history and resilience.

Almirante Latorre’s journey is a testament to the complexities of naval history, reflecting both the glory and challenges faced by nations during times of war and peace. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong navies and the critical role they play in national security and diplomacy.

As we look back at Almirante Latorre’s legacy, it is clear that her impact on Chilean history cannot be overstated. From serving as a symbol of strength to facing mutiny and eventual decommissioning, she stands as a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of naval power in the 20th century.