When he was ten years old, Arturo Prat joined the Naval Academy. Due to the paralysis suffered by his father, it was his uncle, Mr. Jacinto Chacón who became his guardian. Mr. Chacón was Luis Uribe' stepfather, a child two years older than Prat.

Both boys joined the Naval Academy the 28 August 1858. In charge of the Academy was a French Officer, Juan Julio Feillet, and the Executive Officer was another Frenchman, Mr. Anatolio Desmadryl.

These two Frenchmen had the honor to direct, and contribute to, the instruction of a selected group of young Navy Officers, who were later identified, in fair justice, as the "Course of Heros." Among those in the course were Constantino Bannen, Carlos Condell, Wenceslao Frías, Miguel Gaona, Juan José Latorre, Francisco Javier Molinas, Carlos Moraga, Jorge Montt, Guillermo Peña, Arturo Prat, Luis Uribe, Emilio Valverde, and others.

His first year at the Naval Academy was not an easy one. Prat was not precocious, nor had he the fruitful intelligence one might expect from a future hero, he was rather, a lively and energetic normal boy. He easily grasped a system, but did not so easily penetrate the details. He was genuinely tenacious, and would not give up once his mind was set in attaining an objective, but on the other hand he took his time to do so. He had to fight against his age and the difficulties of certain disciplines like mathematics, which required reasoning and an ample and deep intellectual development. Nevertheless, his perseverance helped him to overcome all the obstacles, even the physical ones.

During his second year it was his chance to put into practice the theoretical knowledge already acquired. He was embarked on board the steamship "Independencia", under the command of Lieutenant Commander Nicolás Saavedra, for his first cruise of instruction.

Around December 1859, he sailed to Caldera and in his return trip they headed south carrying supplies for the steamship "Maipú", stationed off the coast of Arauco. During these first maritime activities, the cadet visited the ports along the coast and became well acquainted with them.

On January 1860, the cadets were embarked on board the corvette "Esmeralda", under Commander José Anacleto Goñi, a very energetic and stern man, but a sound and well prepared professional. Prat stayed on board till March of that same year, returning to the Academy afterwards.

The young cadet had considerably enriched his knowledge, acquiring a clear cut and well defined personality. His behavior and dedication soon placed him in an outstanding position among his fellow students, obtaining high distinctions by the end of the year.

By the middle of 1860 he was once again embarked on board the "Esmeralda", that together with the steamships "Independencia", "Maipú", and "Maule" sailed to Quintero, under the command of Rear Admiral Robert Winthrop Simpson, to perform firing exercises, several maneuvers and other actions proper of a Warfare Navy. In this third year of studies, Arturo Prat had already controlled his initial shyness and progressed positively. Thus, on July 1861, while rendering his final theoretical tests he obtained the first place among his fellow students, graduating with the rank of Midshipman --free of examination.

Ultima Modificación: Lunes 30 de Abril de 2001