The Battle of Purutue Bank (also called Redemption Island, Itapiru Bank, Caraya Island, Carvalho Island, Cabrita Island or Vitoria Island) took place on 10 April 1866, during the Paraguayan War.
Almost in the middle of the Parana River, bordering the Itapiru fort [es], there was an island - in fact a sand bank - covered by vast grassland, which would later be called Ilha da Redencao, Ilha de Carvalho or Ilha do Cabrita. The Imperial Brazilian Army decided to occupy the island, important for its position in relation to the fort and the enemy camp, to serve as a point of support against the Paraguayans. On 5 April 1866, lieutenant colonel of engineers Jose Carlos de Carvalho was ordered to ship a 12-inch La Hitte battery and a 4-inch mortar, in addition to the corresponding material to cover them. The garrison of the island, composed of the aforementioned batteries, 100 soldiers of the Battalion of Engineers, the 7th infantry battalion of Fatherland Volunteers and the 14th Battalion of the National Guard, was commanded by lieutenant colonel Joao Carlos de Villagran Cabrita.
At 4 am on 10 April 1866, a Paraguayan force landed on the island trying to dislodge the Brazilian troops from their position. They were repelled with great losses and withdrew under the fire of the Brazilian fleet, which, in turn, was forced to withdraw before the fire of the Itapiru fort.
Colonel Villagran Cabrita was killed by a bomb fired from the Itapiru fort when, aboard a boat that contained ammunition for the island's garrison, he dictated the victory report. His name was given to the island.
Combat of Ilha da Redencao, on the Parana River (April 10, 1866): the 19th Brazilian Brigade repels the Paraguayan assault.
Paraguayan attack on Caraya Island.
Attack on Carvalho Island.
Episode of the combat on the Carvalho Island (Semana Ilustrada, nº 283, 13/05/1866).