Fidel Alonso de Santocildes

Fidel Alonso de Santocildes (1844 - July 13, 1895) was a Spanish Brigadier General and war hero of the Ten Years' War, the Little War and Cuban War of Independence. He was notable for his extensive service during the colonial period of Cuba and was a recipient of the Order of San Fernando. However, he was killed during the Battle of Peralejo, suffering a mortal wound during the battle.

Childhood Fidel was born on 1844 at Cubo de Bureba, Province of Burgos as the son of Don Fidel Alonso de Santocildes and Doña Demetria who were a farming family that produced cereals, vegetables, wine, cheese and wool. He spent his first ten years in Spain, learning the Latin Alphabet, attending school, engaging in childhood activities and helping his parents in the farm. During his teenage years, he studied at the high school at Medina de Pomar and began gaining Castilian nationalism around this time.

Ten Years' War Initially wanting to attend the San Jerónimo Seminary, he later attended the Toledo Military College where he entered at the age of 15. However, Santocildes would be killed at the Battle of Peralejo as he was mortally wounded as he received two bullets in the chest. Disregarding the urges of his soldiers as one said: "You are wounded, my General!", he responded undaunted: "It's nothing my children, two scratches", "Go ahead! Fire!"