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Battle of Irún
Part of the Spanish Civil War
Republican forces during the Battle of Irún.jpg
Armed civilians from the Republican side during the battle
Date August 19 – September 5, 1936
Location
Gipuzkoa, Spain
Result Nationalist victory
Belligerents
Spain Spanish Republic Francoist Spain Nationalists
Commanders and leaders
Spain Antonio Ortega
Spain Manuel Cristóbal Errandonea
Spain Manuel Margarida Valdes		 Francoist Spain Emilio Mola
Francoist Spain Lt. Colonel Alfonso Beorlegui Canet  †
Francoist Spain Rafael García Valiño
Strength
Over 2,000–3,000 Over 2,000
A battery of 155 mm guns
Some Ju 52 bombers
Some tanks Panzer Mark I
Casualties and losses
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The Battle of Irún was a very important fight during the Spanish Civil War. It happened as part of the Campaign of Gipuzkoa. In this battle, the Nationalist Army took control of the city of Irún.

This victory was a big deal because it cut off the northern parts of Spain, like Gipuzkoa, Biscay, Santander, and Asturias. These areas could no longer get weapons and help from France.

What Happened Before the Battle?

Irún is a city on the northwest coast of Spain. It's located right between the French border and the city of San Sebastian.

In July, a region called Navarre was taken over by a group called the Requetés. These were traditionalist fighters who supported the Carlists. After they took over, there were harsh actions against many civilians.

In early August, two colonels, Jose Solchaga Zala and Alfonso Beorlegui, led many Requetés from Navarre towards Irún. They were following orders from General Mola.

Colonel Beorlegui's group was smaller, but they had strong weapons. They had large artillery guns, German light tanks, and Junkers Ju 52 bombers. They also had 700 soldiers from the Spanish Foreign Legion and some Italian aircraft.

These planes bombed Irún and Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía) every day. They also dropped flyers that warned of terrible events if the towns didn't surrender.

About 3,000 Republicans defended the town. This group included workers from the CNT, miners from Asturias, Basque nationalists, and French volunteers. However, they didn't have many good weapons and weren't well-trained for fighting.

The Battle Itself

On August 11, Nationalist ships like the España and Almirante Cervera fired cannons at Irún.

The main fighting happened on a ridge called Puntza, south of the town. The most intense part of the battle was at the San Marcial convent. Asturian miners and other fighters defended it. When they ran out of bullets, they even threw dynamite and rocks.

France had closed its border with Spain on August 8. This meant the Republican side couldn't get more ammunition or supplies.

When the Republicans finally left the town, some fighters set parts of it on fire. They did this to destroy anything that might help the Nationalists.

On the Nationalist side, Colonel Beorlegui was shot by a sniper when he entered the town. He didn't get his wound treated and later died from an infection.

As the Nationalist forces entered Irún, many civilians and fighters quickly fled. They crossed the Bidasoa river into France to find safety.

After taking Irún, the Nationalist groups moved west towards San Sebastián. They only faced resistance at Fort San Marcos, which was halfway there.

See also

  • Kasilda Hernáez
  • Felix Likiniano
  • List of Spanish Nationalist military equipment of the Spanish Civil War
  • List of Spanish Republican military equipment of the Spanish Civil War

Images for kids

  • Republican forces during the Battle of Irún

    Armed civilians from the Republican side during the battle

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