Juan Ibarrola facts for kids

Juan Ibarrola Orueta (born in Llodio, Álava in 1900 – died in 1976) was a Spanish military leader. He fought for the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. He was a captain in the Civil Guard, which is a police force in Spain. Unlike many other officers, he chose to support the Republic when the Nationalist uprising began.

Before the Civil War, Juan Ibarrola was a medical instructor. He also took part in the Rif War in Morocco. When the uprising started in July 1936, he was a Civil Guard captain in Bilbao. He led a group of soldiers to try and remove the rebels from the Álava province, but they were not successful.

Ibarrola was a Catholic, which was unusual for someone in the Republican Army. However, he was also a Basque, and many Basques generally supported the Republic.

Military Career

Early Service

Juan Ibarrola had experience in the military before the Spanish Civil War. He served as a captain in the Civil Guard. His early career included service during the Rif War. This was a conflict in Morocco.

Spanish Civil War

When the Spanish Civil War began in 1936, Juan Ibarrola sided with the Republic. He fought in the northern parts of Spain. He was a skilled leader. Because of his abilities, he was promoted during the war.

Commanding Divisions

Ibarrola was given command of the 50th Division. This meant he was in charge of a large group of soldiers. Later, he commanded the XI Army Corps. This was an even larger military unit. He led these troops during important battles. One of these was the Battle of Teruel.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Ibarrola para niños