Camilo Alonso Vega facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Camilo Alonso Vega
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| Birth name | Camilo Alonso Vega |
| Nickname(s) | Don Camulo |
| Born | 29 May 1899 Ferrol, Spain |
| Died | 1 July 1971 (aged 72) Madrid, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Spain (1904–1932) Spanish Republic (1931–1936) Nationalist Spain |
| Years of service | 1907–1959 |
| Rank | Lieutenant general Captain general (ad honorem; 1969) |
| Commands held | Brigade (1937–8) Division (1938–9). |
| Battles/wars | Spanish Civil War |
Camilo Alonso Vega (born May 29, 1889 – died July 1, 1971) was an important Spanish military officer and government minister. He played a key role in Spain's history during the 20th century.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Camilo Alonso Vega was born in Ferrol, Spain. He was a childhood friend of Francisco Franco, who later became Spain's leader. Alonso Vega joined the military and became a Captain. He served in the Spanish Foreign Legion, a special army unit. He fought in the Rif War, a conflict in North Africa.
Rising Through the Ranks
During his early career, he was in charge of a machinegun company. His skills on the battlefield helped him advance quickly. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1935. By December 1936, he became a full Colonel.
Role in the Spanish Civil War
In July 1936, a major conflict began in Spain. Camilo Alonso Vega supported the military uprising that started the Spanish Civil War. He helped take control of Vitoria, an important city.
Key Battles and Commands
- In December 1936, he defended the town of Villarreal against attacks.
- By March 1937, he was given command of the 4th Brigade. This brigade was part of a larger division led by Emilio Mola.
- He led his brigade in several major battles. These included the Biscay Campaign and the Battle of Brunete in July 1937.
- He also fought in the Battle of Santander in August.
- During the Aragon Offensive, his forces took the town of Vinaròs. This action split the Republican-held areas in half.
- Later, he led a division in the intense Battle of the Ebro. This was one of the largest battles of the war.
Years in Francoist Spain
After the Spanish Civil War ended, Camilo Alonso Vega continued to serve in important roles. Spain was then led by Francisco Franco.
Government Positions
- In January 1940, he became the Sub-Secretary of the Ministry of the Army. This role involved overseeing various military facilities.
- From 1943 to 1955, he was the head of the Civil Guard. This is Spain's national police force.
- He then served as the Minister of the Interior from 1956 to 1969. This position is like a minister of security and public administration.
- Even after retiring from the military in 1959, he remained the Minister of the Interior.
Later Challenges
As Minister, he sometimes disagreed with other government officials. He opposed a new law about the press proposed by Manuel Fraga Iribarne. He also dealt with student protests at universities. Because of his firm approach, students gave him the nickname Don Camulo. This name combined his first name with the Spanish word for "mule."
See also
In Spanish: Camilo Alonso Vega para niños
