Battle of the Segre facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Segre
Part of the Spanish Civil War
Bunker at Bellpuig, Urgell
Date 4 April 1938 – 3 January 1939 Location Near the Segre and Noguera Pallaresa River banks, Catalonia Result Nationalist victory
Belligerents
Spanish Republic	Nationalist Spain
Commanders and leaders
Hernández Saravia Juan Perea Francisco Galán Gregorio Jover Enrique Líster	Fidel Dávila Arrondo José Solchaga José Moscardó Agustín Muñoz Grandes
Strength
Levantine Army ca. 18,000 troops	Northern Army ca. 1,800 troops
Casualties and losses
high	high

The Battle of Segre was a long series of fights that happened along the Segre River in Spain. These battles took place during the Spanish Civil War, from April 4, 1938, to January 3, 1939. They started after one side, the Nationalists, broke through the lines of the other side, the Spanish Republican Army, in an area called Aragon.

Even though this battle is not always talked about much in history books, it was one of the longest battles of the entire Civil War.

Why the Segre River Was So Important

After losing ground in Aragon, the Spanish Republic needed to stop the Nationalist armies from moving further east. The Segre River became a very important defensive line for them. It was crucial not only to halt the enemy's advance but also to protect vital hydroelectric dams. These dams, located in the Pre-Pyrenees mountains, provided electricity and were very important for the Republic. If they fell into Nationalist hands, it would be a huge loss.

What Happened During the Battle

Starting in April 1938, there were constant battles along the Segre Front. This was a long line of defensive positions and forts built by the Republican forces. For most of 1938, both sides launched many attacks and counterattacks. There were also many smaller fights, called skirmishes, along the river.

A large number of soldiers and a lot of equipment were sent to this front. The Republican forces, especially their Eastern Army, worked hard to hold this line. They managed to defend the Segre River until early January 1939. At that point, the pressure from the Nationalist forces became too strong. It was no longer possible for the Republic to keep fighting there.

A Photographer's View

A famous photographer named Robert Capa took pictures during this battle. He photographed the Spanish Republican Navy Marines from a group called the 151 Brigada Mixta. These brave soldiers fought in the Battle of Segre.

See Also

In Spanish: Batalla del Segre para niños