Battle of the Sierra Guadalupe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Sierra Guadalupe
Part of the Spanish Civil War
Date 17–31 August 1936 Location Area around Guadalupe, Trujillo and Navalmoral de la Mata in NE Extremadura, Spain Result Nationalist victory
Belligerents
Spanish Republic Air Squadron "Spain"	Nationalist rebels
Commanders and leaders
Maj. Gen. José Riquelme y López-Bago André Malraux	Lt. Col. Juan Yagüe Lt. Col. Carlos Asensio Lt. Col. Antonio Castejón Lt. Col. Heliodoro Rolando de Tella
Strength
9,000 soldiers and militia 5–7 aircraft	4,000 regulares
Casualties and losses
high	low

The Battle of the Sierra Guadalupe, also called the Tagus Campaign, was an important fight during the early Spanish Civil War. It happened in August 1936 in central Spain. The Nationalist army, led by General Juan Yagüe, quickly moved through the Sierra de Guadalupe Mountains. They crossed the Tagus River, took over several towns, and defeated the Republican forces. This battle was part of their push towards Madrid.

Why the Battle Happened

On August 14, 1936, the city of Badajoz fell to the Nationalists. This victory cut off the Republican side from Portugal. The Nationalist leader, General Francisco Franco, wanted to capture Madrid, the capital city. Madrid was hundreds of miles northeast, across the wide Tagus River.

General Yagüe's Army of Africa was known for its fast movements. They continued their march north without stopping. Their goal was to reach Madrid, moving through the hills and valleys that protected the city.

To defend Madrid from the south, the Republic sent General José Riquelme y López-Bago. His force was called the "Army of Extremadura". It had about 9,000 militia members. Many of these soldiers were moved quickly from other battle areas. Their condition was not very good in the Tagus River valley.

The Battle Begins

The government militias were brave, but they lacked proper training and equipment. They struggled against the well-trained Spanish Foreign Legion and the fierce Moroccan Regulares (shock troops). Many Republican soldiers left their units. They also refused to dig trenches to defend their positions.

Because of this, the Nationalists were able to move faster and surround the Republican forces. This forced the Republicans to keep retreating.

Key Moments of the Battle

General Riquelme's forces included 2,000 Anarchists. These groups sometimes refused to follow his orders. They launched attacks that were not very effective in the San Vicente hills.

On August 17, Major Heli Rolando de Tella y Cantos led his troops to Trujillo. They then crossed the Tagus River at Almaraz. A few days later, on August 21, Major Antonio Castejón Espinosa captured Guadalupe.

At Medellín, a part of Colonel Carlos Asensio Cabanillas's column was attacked by Republican aircraft. These planes were led by André Malraux. However, overall, the Republican resistance was not very strong.

By August 27, all three Nationalist columns had gathered at Navalmoral de la Mata. From this location, the Nationalists launched the first air raids on Madrid during the war.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Sierra Guadalupe para niños

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