Fernando Condés facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Condés Romero
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| Born | 1906 Lavadores, Spain |
| Died | 23 July 1936 Somosierra, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Spain Second Spanish Republic |
| Service/ |
Guardia Civil |
| Battles/wars |
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Fernando Condés Romero (born 1906 in Lavadores, Vigo – died July 23, 1936 in Somosierra) was a Spanish military officer. He served in the Civil Guard.
Condés was connected with the PSOE. He helped train socialist youth groups. He was also involved in the incident where a right-wing politician, José Calvo Sotelo, was taken from his home and later died. This event happened just before the Spanish Civil War began.
Contents
Fernando Condés's Life Story
Early Years and Military Career
Fernando Condés followed in his father's footsteps by joining the military. His father was an infantry commander. Condés was sent to the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco, a region involved in conflict. There, he met José del Castillo Sáenz de Tejada.
In 1928, Condés joined the Civil Guard. While stationed in Madrid, he met Margarita Nelken, a politician from Badajoz. They became good friends. Nelken introduced him to Amaro del Rosal, a leader of the UGT. Through del Rosal, he met Francisco Largo Caballero, another important political figure.
Life During the Second Spanish Republic
Fernando Condés was a member of the PSOE, a socialist party. Like his friends Lieutenant Castillo and Captain Faraudo, he took part in a political uprising in October 1934. This event was organized by socialist groups. Condés faced consequences for his actions, including being removed from his position and spending time in prison.
When the Popular Front won the elections in February 1936, Condés received a pardon. He was allowed to return to the Civil Guard and was promoted to captain. However, he was placed on "forced availability," meaning he couldn't fully return to active duty because of his past involvement in the 1934 events.
After leaving prison, he joined the Republican Anti-Fascist Military Union (UMRA) with del Castillo and Faraudo. He also became an instructor for "La Motorizada." This was a youth group made up of young socialists in Madrid. They often served as escorts for important political figures like Indalecio Prieto. Lieutenant Castillo also helped train this group.
Key Events Leading to the Civil War
On May 7, Captain Faraudo was killed by gunmen. This event deeply affected his friends and socialist groups. On July 12, Lieutenant Castillo was also killed by unknown attackers.
That morning, Condés and other members of "La Motorizada," including Luis Cuenca, gathered at a police barracks. They were very upset and many called for revenge for these killings.
A group, including Condés, left in a truck. They had lists of people to arrest. Using Condés's Civil Guard identification, they entered the home of José Calvo Sotelo, a right-wing politician. They asked him to come with them to the General Directorate of Security. Calvo Sotelo was hesitant but agreed after seeing Condés's ID.
During the journey, Luis Cuenca, who was sitting behind Calvo Sotelo, shot him. The group then took Calvo Sotelo's body to a cemetery.
Later that morning, Condés went to the PSOE headquarters. He told a party leader, Juan Simeón Vidarte, what had happened. Condés said he had only intended to take Calvo Sotelo as a hostage, not for him to be killed. Vidarte was very upset by the news. Condés was later questioned by the police.
Role in the Spanish Civil War
Just a few days later, the military uprising that started the Spanish Civil War began. Condés took part in the attack on the Montaña Barracks. He was then made the technical director of "La Motorizada."
Fernando Condés fought in Somosierra alongside Luis Cuenca. He died in combat there, very early in the Civil War.
Remembering Fernando Condés
During the Civil War, a barracks for the Popular Militia in Cartagena was named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando Condés para niños
