The first Argentine naval victory, the taking of Martín García Island, was the initial step prior to the decisive Battle of Montevideo. The Island, fortified with artillery, dominated the mouth of the Uruguay River, a great affluent of the River Plate.
It was down on 15 March 1814, when Admiral William Brown disembarked commanding land and sea troops, and attacked the Spaniards under the orders of Commander Jacinto de Romarete. The assault was made to the sound of this march, performed by the fife and drum players (both Irish, like Brown and a good number of the attack forces) of the flagship, the Hércules frigate.
By sunrise the Republicans were in control of the batteries whose cannons had fired on the Hércules two days before, and the blue and white flag was raised for the first time.
In 1977, on the occasion of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Admiral William Brown, the Argentine Navy added this march to its repertoire. This version includes the addition of a bagpipe solo, performed by Mr. Brian Barthe, with a percussion background.
