Massacre at Dolores
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Battle of Dolores | |||||||
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Part of the Philippine-American War | |||||||
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Combatants | |||||||
Pulajan | Philippine Constabulary | ||||||
Commanders | |||||||
Pedro de la Cruz | Lieutenant Stephen Hayt | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
1,000 Pulajan Fighters | 38 of the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts | ||||||
Casualties | |||||||
300 killed, countless wounded | 37 killed, 1 severely wounded
37 rifles and countless rounds of ammunition captured |
In December 1904, the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts, under Lieutenant Stephen Hayt, were on patrol along the Dolores River in an attempt to link up with the 37th Constabulary Scouts and another Constable Company led by Lieutenant Hendryx.
The 38th was ambushed en route, by over 1,000 pulajans. As the pulajans rushed, waving colorful banners, shouting "Tad-Tad!" (Cut To Pieces!). They were met with a volley of rifle-fire that stopped their advance. The Constables held their ground and repelled attack after attack, inflicting countless losses with accurate and steady rifle fire.
The Pulajans were far greater in number, however, eventually enveloping and wiping out the entire Scout force.
Of the 38 man contingent, all but one, including Lieutenant Hayt was killed. The Pulajans on the other hand, suffered much heavier losses. Estimates range as high as 300 dead before the Constabulary fell.
The pulajan fighters were able to capture 38 Krags rifles, along with a large amount of ammunition.