Battle of Mérida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Mérida |
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| Part of the Spanish Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Second Spanish Republic |
 Nationalist rebels |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Cpt. Carlos Rodríguez Medina | Lt. Col. Carlos Asensio Lt. Col. Heli Rolando de Tella |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2,000 militia and assault guards | 1,000 regulars | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 250 | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Mérida was an important fight during the Spanish Civil War. It happened in August 1936 near the historic town of Mérida.
In this battle, the Nationalist forces fought against the Republican militia. The Nationalists won, taking control of Mérida. This victory helped them surround and capture the nearby city of Badajoz a few days later.
Nationalist Army Moves Forward
The Nationalist army was led by Colonel Carlos Asensio. It gathered in Seville and received help from German and Italian advisors. On August 2, the army started moving north quickly in trucks. This fast attack was like a "Blitzkrieg," meaning a very speedy military advance. Another group, led by Major Antonio Castejón, followed on August 3.
Asensio's troops moved fast, breaking through strong Republican defenses. On August 7, they captured the village of Almendralejo after a tough fight. Both sides suffered many losses. The Republicans then pulled back to Mérida. The Nationalists waited for Castejón's group to arrive.
The Battle for Mérida
On August 10, the Republican militia tried to stop the Nationalists again. They set up defenses along the Guadiana River, south of Mérida. Nationalist forces included soldiers from the Spanish Foreign Legion and Moroccan Regulares.
Before the attack, Nationalist artillery and planes heavily bombed Mérida. The Nationalist rebels then attacked the city from three sides. One group tried to cross the Guadiana River from the south. Another group entered the city from the east. A third group crossed the Puente Romano, an ancient Roman bridge.
The first group had trouble crossing the river at first. But the group attacking from the east managed to get into the city. Meanwhile, Colonel Asensio's group pushed forward and captured the Roman bridge. They then crossed the river and took control of Mérida. The Republican militia retreated to avoid being trapped.
After the city was taken, General Juan Yagüe arrived to lead the Nationalist army. The Nationalist troops took harsh actions against some people in the city.
Yagüe then moved his main forces west towards Badajoz, leaving some soldiers under Major Heli Tella to hold Mérida. On August 11, the Republican militia returned with many Asaltos (Assault Guards) and Guardia Civil from Madrid. They attacked Mérida but were defeated by Tella's experienced soldiers. Meanwhile, Yagüe's main force successfully captured Badajoz.
What Happened Next
After taking Mérida and Badajoz, the Nationalists connected their northern and southern territories. This meant the Republican government lost control of the border with Portugal. The Nationalists then took severe actions in the areas they had conquered.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Mérida para niños
- List of Spanish Nationalist military equipment of the Spanish Civil War
- List of Spanish Republican military equipment of the Spanish Civil War
- White Terror (Spain)
