Battle of Minorca (1939) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Menorca
Part of the Spanish Civil War
Balearic islands. Menorca in blue
Date 7–9 February 1939 Location Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain Result Nationalist victory Surrender of the Republican garrison. Evacuation of Republican soldiers and civilians by the British heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire Nationalist occupation of Menorca.
Belligerents
Spanish Republic	Nationalist Spain Fifth Column
Commanders and leaders
Adm. Luis González de Ubieta Marcelino Rodríguez   †	Cpt. Fernando Sartorius y Díaz de Mendoza Col. Alfonso Useleti Maj. Pedro Pons Lt. Juan Thomas  (WIA)
Strength
1 brigade	3 battalions

The Battle of Menorca was a short but important event during the Spanish Civil War. It happened on the island of Menorca between February 7 and 9, 1939. This battle marked the end of Republican control over the Balearic Islands.

Why Menorca Was Important

The Spanish Civil War was nearing its end in early 1939. The Nationalist forces, led by Francisco Franco, had won many battles. They had just taken control of Catalonia, a large region in Spain.

This left the island of Menorca isolated. It was the only Balearic island still held by the Republican government. Nationalist ships had blocked the sea around Menorca. This meant no supplies or help could reach the island.

The British government got involved to help end the fighting on Menorca. They talked with Franco. He promised that Italian troops, who were helping the Nationalists, would leave the Balearic Islands after the war. Because of this, the British agreed to help arrange the surrender of the Republican soldiers on Menorca.

What Happened on Menorca?

The British Arrive

On February 7, 1939, a British warship called HMS Devonshire arrived in Mahón harbor. Mahón was the main port on Menorca. On board the ship was a Nationalist representative named Fernando Sartorius.

Sartorius met with Admiral Luis González de Ubieta. He was the top Republican military commander on Menorca. Sartorius told him that Nationalist forces would take over the island the next day, February 8. However, Republican soldiers and supporters could leave the island safely.

Fighting Breaks Out

On the same day, February 7, trouble started on Menorca. Three groups of Republican soldiers, led by an officer named Juan Thomas, rebelled. Thomas was part of a secret group called the Fifth Column. This group secretly helped the Nationalist side.

These rebel soldiers took control of Ciutadella, another important town. They also killed the Republican commander there, Marcelino Rodríguez.

A group of loyal Republican troops came from Mahón to stop the rebels. They fought a short battle and defeated the rebel soldiers. They then surrounded Ciutadella.

The Surrender and Evacuation

Even though they had won the small fight, the Republican officers knew that fighting the Nationalists was hopeless. They asked for a safe way to leave the island and go to mainland Spain.

The British warship Devonshire helped arrange the surrender of Menorca to the Nationalists. On February 8, Italian and Spanish Nationalist planes bombed Mahón.

Later that day, the Devonshire sailed to Marseille, France. It carried 452 Republican refugees to safety. On February 9, Nationalist soldiers landed at Ciutadella. The remaining Republican troops on Menorca surrendered.

What Happened Next?

The fall of Menorca was a big blow to the Republican side. Many Republican officers in other parts of Spain felt that they could no longer win the war. They started to think about making a deal with the Nationalists. This event played a part in the final stages of the Spanish Civil War.

See also

In Spanish: Rendición de Menorca para niños

• List of Spanish Republican military equipment of the Spanish Civil War
• List of Spanish Nationalist military equipment of the Spanish Civil War
• Aviazione Legionaria