Uniforms

Acá Verá

Cavalry escort: the dragoons of the “shining heads”.

Name: Acá Verá, “shining head” in Guaraní
Type: Dragoon escort regiment of the Marshal
Helmet: Tall square-topped shako with a broad brass band at the top
Today: 5th Cavalry Regiment “Acá Verá”

Its name comes from the shine of the helmet: a tall square-topped shako ringed at the top by a broad brass band that gleamed in the sun. They were the dragoons of López’s personal escort in the field.

In December 1868, when the Lomas Valentinas line fell, the Marshal escaped with his Acá Verá escort. According to the regiment’s tradition, it stayed with him to Cerro Corá. It fought again in the Chaco War, and the 5th Cavalry Regiment bears its name today.

‡ Disputed.The date of creation, 16 November 1855, and its first battle at Tuyutí come from the official history of today’s regiment; they were not found in the period sources consulted.

Sources: Nancy Pérez, “Los oficiales”, Portal Guaraní; research for the December 1868 booklet (López’s escape with his escort); history of the 5th Cavalry Regiment “Acá Verá”.

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