Battle of Parral

Part of the Border War, Pancho Villa Expedition

Men of the 13th Cavalry, in March of 1916, waiting to embark
a train in Columbus, New Mexico for operations during
the Pancho Villa Expedition.

Date

April 12, 1916

Location

near Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico

Result

Withdrawal of forces from both sides.

Mexican attacks repulsed

Belligerents

United States

Mexico

Commanders and leaders

Frank Tompkins (WIA)

Ismael Lozano

Strength

~150 cavalry

~70-120 cavalry

Casualties and losses

5 killed
6 wounded

7 killed or wounded

Withdrawal of forces from both sides.

The Battle of Parral, on April 12, 1916, was the first battle between soldiers of Venustiano Carranza, known as Carrancistas, and the United States military during the Mexican Expedition. When a small force of American cavalry was leaving the city of Parral, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, a superior force of Carrancista soldiers attacked which resulted in a bloody running engagement. Using a strategy of organized withdrawal, the Americans were able to repulse the Mexican attacks and safely escape to the fortified village of Santa Cruz de Villegas.

In early April 1916, Major Frank Tompkins, who fought in the Battle of Columbus, persuaded the expedition commander, General John J. Pershing, to allow him to lead eight officers and 120 men of Troops K and M, 13th Cavalry, on a raid deep into Mexican territory. Tompkins' intentions were to chase and eventually engage the elusive rebels of Pancho Villa. After preparations were completed, Major Tompkins left camp on or about April 5. The Americans made a quick ride across the Mexican desert, traveling eighty-five miles in fifty hours. Following several days in the wilderness, Tompkins wrote; "We were ragged, shoes were gone and nearly everyone had a beard. We certainly presented a hard-boiled, savage appearance." The Americans were hoping to rest at Parral for a day, and they were told they'd be welcome by a Carrancista officer along the way. However, when the column arrived at Parral in the early morning of April 12, the Constitutionalist commander of the city, General Ismael Lozano, informed Major Tompkins that coming to the city was a bad idea and that he must leave immediately. Tompkins agreed so the Americans left Parral not long after getting there.

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Wikipedia